Emperor 400 question

[phishy]

OK, I know there is no such thing as stupid questions...but this may be close.
I just got my new Emporer 400 and took it out of the box and started playing with it. I noticed that ther are 2 "baskets" for filter media and 4 slots to put them in. I figured out that the Carbon Filters that come with the Emperor go in the two empty slots and the two "baskets" go in the other two.
What do I put in the baskets? Are there additional things I need to buy for these? Do I put them in with the carbon filters? I have read the instructions and checked out the website and can't find an answer to these questions.
Additionally, the manual says to keep the carbon filters in the whole time, but I have read here that they only need to be in for a few days a month. Does that mean these carbon filters will last me a full year (only using them 2 days a month)?
Finally, do I run the bio-wheels during cycling to start the build-up or is it alright to start them up after the cycle is complete?
Thanks...

 

[aarone]

Not a stupid question at all. The baskets allow you to run additional media, such as carbon granules. You can probably put phosphate sponge in there as well. Run the biowheels the whole time you cycle, they might increase the process a little bit.
aaron

 

[oregonbud]

I have an emporer 400 as well - I run carbon in the baskets 24/7, that I replace monthly. The blue pads I leave in at all times, and rinse them in my old saltwater once a month, I replace them at the 2-3 month mark depending on how bad they look.
Running the biowheels is a good idea, they basically try to acheive the same type of biofiltration that occurs with LR and LS.
On that same note, if after your cycle you notice that no matter what you do your nitrate levels seem to never drop, one possible cause could be the biowheels, I personally have not had any problems with them, but have read several posts and talked to various other people in the hobby that believe the biowheels can be a nitrate trap. Just something for you to be aware of if you run into a never dropping nitrate issue.
HTH
OB

 

[cincyreefer]

phosphate sponge is good and so is the fluval biomax filter media... definitely keep the biowheels running and they shouldn't contribute to nitrates much unless you dont keep the filter cartridge (with the blue floss on it) clean.

 

[sandman12]

So thats what those baskets r for..... I never thought about it i will have to get some carbon , what about bio balls?

 

[aarone]

it is pointless to use bioballs in those. The whole pont of bio balls/bio wheels is to allow air to come into contact with the media, aiding in the nitrogen cycle.
aaron

 

[squidd]

You won't need or don't want bio balls in conjunction with the bio wheel system.
The bio wheels themselves rotating in and out of the water provide the surface area for the bacteria to live on as well as an oxygen rich envrioment to thrive in.
They also have the added advantage of "not" collecting excess organic material (because of their self cleaning action) and will not become nitrAte traps.
Bioballs as well as CC bed provide surface area for bacteria to grow and convert ammonia to nitrIte to nitrAte (the whole purpose for biological filtration) but they by their very nature collect excess organic material and become nitrAte factory/trap.
Unless they are cleaned on a regular basis.

 

[ty_05_f]

i do the same as oregonbud by leaving the blue pad in there and putting carbon in the box. Only i have an emporer 280