Eco-wheel thoughts

[Adrianvh]

hey guys...........more questions I'm affraid.

Been reading up on these Aquatic Engineers - Eco-Wheel Aquarium Filtration Device.
and the theory sounds good. I know traditional bio wheels are nitrate producers but this is different.
Anybody using one?
Any thoughts?

[Ninong]

That's an ATS (algae turf scrubber) system. It's been around for several years. A few people have used it.

You might want to inquire about the price before you get too excited. It's rather pricey.

[salt-rookie]

Live rock is a smarter and more solid solution to filtration, that and a good skimmer and regular water changes!

[Adrianvh]

I understand that LR, refug, skimmer are what has worked for a long time, all be it somewhat equipment/power/maintainance intensive.
But ask your self this, what happens in real life. For ages we dissmissed NSL as alge produccing. Hell bio ball trickle systems where all the rage when I started. As we have progressed I have noted the processes become more natural and replicating nature. In my thoughts refuge, DSB, skimmer and ecowheel would be very close to replicating nature.
These things use 1 air pump to drive a whole system, the return is a surging wave, gass exchange is huge, and live sea water is as benificial as live rock IMHO.
Am I missing any vital points?

I have been considering an external ATS setup that gets full sun exposure as a filtration source for some time. similar to what koi ponds can use. But this seams like a great idea.
Any ideas on cost?

[Ninong]

Any ideas on cost?

First of all, is it available in Australia?

I remember a thread on another board from five or six years ago. This was an American hobbyist who set up a tank close to yours in size with an Eco-wheel filtration system. At that time, I believe he paid more than US$3,500.00 for it. He ran that tank for a few years but when he upgraded to a larger system, he chose to abandon the Eco-wheel filtration system. It's now in his garage. He purchased all new equipment for his new tank and, for whatever reasons, decided he did not want to use the Eco-wheel this time in spite of how much money he invested in it.

I'll see if I can find that thread for you and post a link.

[Ninong]

Here is a link to a thread on another board started in June 2006 where this American hobbyist shows pictures of his Eco-wheel system and then explains that he is starting over WITHOUT the Eco-wheel for his new and improved system.

Here is a link to his previous thread from October 2003 (it's an 18-page thread), where he discusses the Eco-wheel system that he is setting up.

[Ninong]

I have seen an ATS system in action at the home of a hobbyist in Baton Rouge (36 miles away). It's an interesting concept. It's noisy -- at least hers was -- and it's labor intensive.

It's still an interesting concept and the surge effect is cute.

[Adrianvh]

Thanks ninong, excellent threads!
Considering the price and maintenance I think I give it a miss. I will still run a ATS tray system undertank, washed by a pivoting bucket to alter air/water contact time. Good concept but it seams a few issues still needed to be sorted out.