bio wheel - worth it or no?

[mistermikev]

well, thinking about upgrading and setting up a qt tank. I was considering a bio wheel filter. I know live rock is the best bio filter, but it wouldn't hurt to have some extra insurance. I have also been thinking about a fluval 204 I've seen for $40. In the qt tank, a bio filter won't be needed, but if I'm upgrading I will move the filter from my 46 to qt and setup a new filter on my 46 - mostly using it for carbon. I guess the fluval will be better for carbon, but would consider a bio wheel if it really does make a good bio filter as well. Please don't bother telling me to set up a sump... for now that is not realistic... I live above my landlord in an apt. Just wondering about the comparitive value of these two filters.

[leebca]

Obviously the QT won't have a substrate or live rock in it. As far as QT filtration, anything more than a (one or two) sponge filter is unnecessary.

For the display system: If you put in a biological filter on top of the live rock, your biological filter bacteria will be competing with the live rock bacteria. This competition usually results in an overall increase in nitrates, because the live rock doesn't get a chance to make all the nitrates near the places where it will be converted to nitrogen (denitrification). A FOWLR overstocked aquarium, however, significantly benefits by the addition of an extra biological filter.

For filter choices, it is usually a matter of which one you think is easier to maintain and clean, since that'll have to be done routinely. I find the Fluval as a mechanical filter most advantageous in these considerations.

[mistermikev]

good advice. thanks. Makes me think fluval is the way to go. I don't have a lot of live rock in that tank as it is but will be adding more. AFA qt - I will be demoting my wisper to that tank... yeah - obviously live rock and qt and copper or hypo don't mix! Just wondering what would be best for my smaller tank... sounds like a fluval. Using one on my 75 now and love it for carbon. Pretty easy to clean too.
thanks
mv