Eco- Wheel filtration

[spynltap]

I am going to be setting up a new tank and I have been looking at the Eco-Wheel as a source of filtration. I am new to this hobby so I am still in the process of trying to learn and decipher the immense amount of information that is available.

Is anyone familiar with this system or currently using this system that could provide me additional info?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Len]

If you're planning on fish only, the Eco-Wheel is a suitable filtration system. However, if you're planning on a reef tank, I'd stick with the proven method of live rock and a good skimmer to serve as your filtration. In fact, even if you're going fish only, I'd recommend this route as well. These are far better biological filters then Eco-wheel, wet/drys, or other bio-media filtration .... and they provide great habitant for plants and animals alike.

 

[Len]

My apologies. I was thinking about a different (and similiar) filtration system.

The Eco-wheel is an innovative surge+algae scrubber+wet/dry filtration system. As such, it's my opinion these are not idea for reef tanks with stoney corals. I am not a fan of algae-based filtrations for reef aquariums based on past personal experience as well as experiences from fellow reefkeepers. Public aquariums that utilize algae scrubbers report poor success with coral husbandry. While the surging effect is definitely a big plus, the algae scrubber portion (and the wet/dry) is a big turn off for me.

A lot of the manufacturer's claims are somewhat misleading. This is by no means a protein skimmer, and I do not understand the idea of "selective protein skimming."

It is still my belief that a good skimmer-based system will yield the heathiest reef tank.

 

[ricky1414]

Hey Len, not to take his thread off topic, but can the algae in the scrubers go sexual?

 

[Len]

The algae used in algae scrubbers are the "hair" microalgae species and they rarely go sexual in those conditions.

 

[Anonymous]

Its quite a complex sistem, a good skimmer would do the job. Good luck.