Bio-Wheel and Water Changes

725 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by AF_medic, Jan 24, 2011

B&K

Discussion Starter · Jan 21, 2011

I recently added a Penguin 350 to my 55 gallon to work in conjunction with my Mangnum 350. While doing water changes, it is impossible to avoid having to shut the Penguin down. My question is how long the bio-wheels can stop turning before the bacteria start to die? My assumption is that as long as the wheels are damp they will be ok. Is this correct?

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jeaninel

· #2 · Jan 21, 2011

I have the Penguin 350's and I always turn them off during water changes with no adverse affect. My water changes only take about 15 minutes on my 55's. Yes, as long as the wheels are damp they're fine.

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Cromak

· #3 · Jan 21, 2011

I run two penguin 350's and i never shut them off even when they stop spinning, call it lazy but i haven't had a problem YET.. :lol: it probably would be smart on my part to shut them off when the water level gets below them during my changes.. I would agree though, as long as the wheels stay wet they should be fine.

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Glaneon

· #4 · Jan 21, 2011

My Penguin 280 gets really cranky when I do a water change and don't shut it off. The impeller goes nuts.

You could definitely damage your filter by running it dry.

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bpman25

· #5 · Jan 21, 2011

I live in the northeast where the threat of losing power due to a winter storm is very real so I have done a bit of research on this. The bacteria living on your bio-wheel can live for 2-3 hours without being supplied oxygen.

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Glaneon

· #6 · Jan 21, 2011

I recently began setting up a 35 gallon and wanted to use the Emp 280 on it, however, it was going to take me a while. So I dropped the biowheel in the 20 gallon and let it sit while I setup everything on the 35. I figure as long as the wheel stayed wet, we're good.

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JimA

· #7 · Jan 21, 2011

I find the more I stop and start my HOBs the louder they get, I honestly can't stand HOBs even though I currently have 2 on 1 tank. Once I get this new tank up and running I will run a canister only prolly a FX5

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B&K

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 22, 2011

Thank you, everyone. I appreciate the confirmation that the bacteria will be fine. Makes me feel better.

JimA: Advantages and disadvantages to both, in my opinion.

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JimA

· #9 · Jan 22, 2011

B&K said:
Thank you, everyone. I appreciate the confirmation that the bacteria will be fine. Makes me feel better.

JimA: Advantages and disadvantages to both, in my opinion.

Yes I agree, I just have never had a HOB that stays quiet so I have lost my faith in them for the most part.

I am going to use one on the new tank to help establish it though. :thumb:

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A Sneaky Fatman

· #10 · Jan 23, 2011

I just float my wheels in the tank if I am doing any kind of extensive cleaning.

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AF_medic

· #11 · Jan 24, 2011

I usually float the wheels in the tank I am going to do more than a quick water change. And I agree with the other comments about how loud the HOB filters get. The longer I own mine, the louder they seem to get. Not enough to really bug me yet.

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