Anything wrong with Emperor filter with

[joecon]

the dual bio wheels? I bought this before I knew anything about LR etc... I'd hate to get rid of this after spending $$$$$ Are there any benefits to using this for biological filtration?

[scubadude]

the dual bio wheels? I bought this before I knew anything about LR etc... I'd hate to get rid of this after spending $$$$$ Are there any benefits to using this for biological filtration?

Theres really nothing wrong with these the first month or so but after time they develop detritus, and can even act as an algae turf scrubber but will eventually be a nitrate buildup and unless you clean one at a time alternating then they will release nitrates after time back into your tank. If you have good flow, a good skimmer, and a good amount of LR then you really dont need a biowheel(s), its known as mechanical filtration and natural filtration (LR with the use of a skimmer) is a much more effecient approach. Im not real familiar with the emperors design but maybe you could ditch the biowheels and make it a small fuge? or put some LR rubble in there?

[ksfireman]

I too would advise against using a mechanical filter system on a tank. I however do have an Emporer 400 on my 55g FOWLR, but I just use it for added water flow. I have removed the filter media and the bio wheels as they do tend to build up with nitrates.


Bradd

[Crosby87]

I just added my old Emperor 400 with filter and bio wheels to my tank. It seems to be working well, but after reading this post, I guess I'll have to ditch the bio wheels sooner or later because of the nitrate build up.

After ditching the bio wheels, would it be alright to run the filter pads, and put some live rock rubble in the media baskets? Thanks in advance.

[Reefland]

The amount of liverock in the basket probably wouldn't add any benefit and yes you could run the filter pads (if cleaned frequently). However for the added equipment in the tank/on the tank, I personally would find another place for some filter floss and add a power head if your concerned about loosing circulation.