BIO-Wheel Trouble

[drobbins27]

I bought a new Penguin 170 filter with BIO-Wheel for my 29g. The wheels movment is very irregular and it seems like it isnt even moving. Is this normal?
If not, any ideas to why this is happening

 

[Bol]

I had irregular movement with mine when I first set it up -- for about a week. But, it never actually stopped for more than a fraction of a second. Marineland basically says "if it moves at all, it's ok. Don't worry much about the speed".

If it does stop, I'd start looking at the usual culprit -- something stuck in/built up on the ends of the spindle.

 

[jams.alaskan]

Hi drobins,
I have one that I think the caseing may be warped or something because it never seemed to let the "wheel" spin no matter how many I tried. Sooooooooooo I placed two paperclips (one on each end) to lift the spindle ends up by the width of the wire of the clip. Spins like a dream, never stops (which kills the bacteria if it stayes stopped long enough to dry out) This has been working for months! No problems and all is well.

ALASKA

Hope you get my description - if not let me know and I'll have another try.

 

[drobbins27]

Thanks Alaskan...seems like your my guardian angel today

 

[jams.alaskan]

No way - did you try it? Did it work for you and was that the problem? I put up with mine doing nothing for so long............... Let me know.

ALASKA

 

[modernhamlet]

Not that this helps, but I have a Penguin 170 on my 29g and it spins at a steady, leisurely 12-15 rotations per minute.

Did you find any obstruction or warping in the wheel housing?

 

[Adrinal]

If it is new and it doesn't spin, taking it back may be an option.
check its fittings esp on the main unit, perhaps there is some factory plastic there still?

Jams has a great idea. get the paperclips with the plastic coating and kind of watch for rust at the end of it. There are all plastic ones too, though I dont know if they will work.


Oh, does it spin if you hold it on each end and give it a manual twirl? If not, the rod id probably bent.