Aeration & BioWheel 170

[Becca]

I've not had a tank without an airstone before! In fact, until about 2 days ago, I had a bubble wall in my 29-Tall. In redoing the Aquascape and changing the filter from a Whisper Power Filter to a BioWheel 170 (which filters up to a 50-Gal tank), we took out the bubble wall. The theory is that the BioWheel will provide enough surface agitation to not need the airstone/bubble wall.

Can anyone else tell me if I'm correct in my assumption or not? I've not noticed the fish gasping for air... I've only got 3 African Cichlids, an Eel and a Pleco in the tank right now, but should be adding 2-3 more fish (2 Catfish and possibly 1 more Cichlid) on Tuesday. If I should add an airstone, I'll pick one up while I'm out tomorrow.

 

[Teelie]

You should be fine with the surface agitation from that and would only need a bubble wall or bubble stone for decorative purposes or making a current with the wall.

 

[heyimeugene]

I agree with Teelie, you should be fine with the Biowheel 170. I have the 125 Penguin in a 29 tall with out any air stones... been good for a few months now with 3 Guramis, 2 guppys, 1 red tail shark, 2 zebra danios and a few shrimp...

The bio-wheel filter seems to make alot of surface agitation so no worries.

But because of the noise (trickeling water) and I only have a biowheel 125GPH on my 29 gal, I'm moving to the Hagen Aqua Clear 300gph, I heard only good things about it.. hope its quiter then my Penguin!!

 

[Becca]

Actually, I love the trickling water effect. Plus - withing having the tank in the front room, I can move the fountain into my bedroom. I find the sound of trickling water to be rather relaxing. B)

 

[heyimeugene]

It was soothing for the first few weeks.. but on "those" days where everything just makes me upset (moody person here beware!) I can't enjoy starring at my fish with that noise lol...

<-- wierd

Besides 125GPH isn't enough filtration for my 29 gal , gives me another reason to shell out a lil more money for a bigger filter and feel better about my self haha

 

[Becca]

LOL - I get those too - about once a month...but probably for a different reason than you do.