Protein Skimmer Question

[fordman460]

If I have an appropriate sized protein skimmer can I get rif of my Emperor 400 and biowheels. The reason I ask is as I was reading along in the forums I read that you could get rid of the biowheels with a skimmer. But I wasnt clear on if I could get rid of the whole filter assembly or not. Thank you.

[BubbaWPB]

If you have appropriate biological filtration (such as live rock - about 1 pound per gallon) you can get rid of the biowheel and replace it with the skimmer. Biowheels filter the water, but also provide a substrate for nitrifying bacteria to live on.

[fordman460]

Right now I have 40 Lbs of live rock and 60 Lbs of live sand and a coralife super skimmer in addition to the biowheel. The skimmer has been up and running for a little over an hour and its already got some light brown crud in the collection cup. I know there are better skimmers out there but this one fit my budget at this time. I needed it bad because I am battling a massive attack of green slime. In the very near future I am ordering another 50 Lbs of LR so after that cures I may just use the biowheel for the QT. Thank you for the knowledge Bubba youre a great help.

[dexteraddison]

if your set is relatively new, less 9-18 mo's, keep the biowheel. they both offer different value. why do you want to remove it?

[fordman460]

Actually my setup is new (~4 months). I dont really WANT to get rid of the biowheel I was just reading, trying to learn some things and found something that led me to believe that I could remove it. Although it would work well in the QT tank I think.

[Reefland]

I would get rid of it and use it on the Q-Tank. The mechanical filters require a lot of maintenance and as long as you have a good skimmer and lots of liverock, they don't really add any additional benefit.

[fordman460]

Thank you.