To filter or not to filter

[newfishguy]

I have a bio-wheel and recently turned it off because I heard the carbon could make the cycyle take longer. I don't know if I should continue to use the bio-wheel filter after the tank cycles or just take it out and use nothing. I am getting some more lr and will have 15 lbs of lr and 20 lbs of aragalive sand in a 15 gallon tank. Any thoughts? I'm not going to use a skimmer on such a small tank.

 

[1journeyman]

I'd use a skimmer on any size tank.
No thoughts on your other filtration, though, sorry. Never used it myself.

 

[blemmy_guy]

Actually the Bio wheel part is beneficial, its just the Carbon filter cartridges that may slow it down. I use all three filters on my 70 gal. On my 125 i just use wet/dry and skimmer. The activated carbon doesnt last too long anyway. And the bio/wheels are just that. They grow Bacteria that is beneficial to your tank. thats why once you turn them on,its best to leave them on. Anyway you go will work. Just depends on what your comfortable with. Goodluck
Todd

 

[newfishguy]

Thats the problem. I'm not sure what I am confortable with. Bio-wheel, skimmer, canister, none.

I guess it doesn't matter.
Originally Posted by Blemmy_Guy
Actually the Bio wheel part is beneficial, its just the Carbon filter cartridges that may slow it down. I use all three filters on my 70 gal. On my 125 i just use wet/dry and skimmer. The activated carbon doesnt last too long anyway. And the bio/wheels are just that. They grow Bacteria that is beneficial to your tank. thats why once you turn them on,its best to leave them on. Anyway you go will work. Just depends on what your comfortable with. Goodluck
Todd

 

[blemmy_guy]

Well the Skimmer is a definate! Go with it for sure. But you also need some type filter for detriouse type stuff. So i went with wet/dry in my bigger tank , because there made to handle bigger loads biologically. And it has a built in Skimmer. Anyway Goodluck! ill talk at ya soon
todd

 

[lion_crazz]

Well like everyone said, a skimmer is a deifnite. I would also use the hang-on even when you are done cycling the tank. You do not want to use the carbon when you are cycling though.

 

[newfishguy]

yeah. I know. I was using this bio-wheel when cycling. I turned it off a week ago. I have a skimmer for my large tank (not yet setup). This tank is kinda my starter tank.
Originally Posted by lion_crazz
Well like everyone said, a skimmer is a deifnite. I would also use the hang-on even when you are done cycling the tank. You do not want to use the carbon when you are cycling though.

 

[1journeyman]

Skimmer is a must. That's the only form of filtration I use on my tank. (that and a 20 gallon refugium)
I checked out cannister filters, but I just aren't convinced that they clean up enough water to justify the expense and maintenance.