Converting from UGF to Bio-wheel

[tpl7370]

Since joining this forum I have read nothing but great things about the bio-wheel filtration and how out-dated the UGF method is... So I am converting my 10 gallon. My question is whether I should remove the UGF, leave it running, or disconnect the air lines and leave it.

I am scared to disconnect the air and just leave it because I cannot imagine the water underneath the gravel doing anything beneficial without any kind of flow.

I need opinions and advice!

Thanks,
Philip

 

[knutty]

Bio wheels offer amazing biological filtration. Hands down. They work best when joined with a mechanical filter, which units have since they are already pumping water through the unit. With that said. ...Nitrifying bacteria best multiply and reside in areas where they 1) have something to cling on to 2) have water 3) have fresh sources of O2. This makes the bio wheel perfect, IMHO. The UGF is by no means that outdated. The UGF offers a nice layer of sheltered water for bacteria to multiply and using either powerheads or air, creates current to circulate the water and help pull waste and debris through the gravel to keep the tank appearance more attractive. I think you will find that the bio wheel offers much better buffering capacity through large water changes, sever substrate cleaning / swapping, and general hands-on activities. Where the UGF falls short is that it traps a LOT of junk down there, and has no place to send it. My thoughts would be to get that UGF out, clean the tank very well, keep the gravel ( so you dont have to cycle), and try to keep as much original water as possible. If at all possible, get the bio wheel and let it run with the UGF for a few days to get the bacteria colony started in the wheel. Then toss the UGF. I would not let the UGF stay in there without cleaning it, and if you have to clean under it, might as well get rid of it. These, of course, are just my thoughts. Enjoy the new filter- i think your fish will.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I agree, running the new filter at the same time for a while is a good idea, and once you have the power filter running for a couple of weeks you can remove the ugf. Be prepared for a mess though, depending how long the ugf has been running. That's why they are outdated, they built up so much sludge underthem that can't be cleaned without tearing the tank apart.

 

[tpl7370]

I am going to run the ugf with the bio-wheel for probably a week. Is this ample time for the bacteria to colonize?

I also amgoing to use the bio-wheel from the 10 gallon to cycle my 55 gallon. How long would I have to leave that wheel in there or could I just leave that wheel in the 55 and put a new wheel in the 10? I know most of the bacteria lives on the wheel, but is there some in the water, sides of tank, or gravel?

When I do remove the ugf from the 10 am planning on moving all the gravel to one side and romove one side, clean and then the other leaving as much water as possible. Sound good?

Philip

 

[knutty]

i would think a week in the tank with the ugf and teh bio wheel is ample time to colonize the bio wheel. IMHO it takes a long time to cycle a tank ebcause you have to get the bacteria present and multiplying. in an already established aquarium, filters pick up the bacteria fast. a week should do. that is all i had mine on for when i went frmo fluval to magnum filters. i think your plan to take the filter to the 55 is great. you out to be fine moving it over and using a new filter. as for cleaning the ugf. moving the gravel sounds like a good plan, but it more than likely wont work too well. it is such a mess. here is a timeline i think would work fine...


add the new filter w/ bio wheel ---wait 10 days--clean out the tank really well + UGF ---wait another 10 days---move filter to the 55 gallon and put a new one in the 10--- get a few fish that you want to keep that are hardy for cycling, you might only get a very small cycle, like a day or two in the 55 gallon.

1) try to keep 50% of the original water in the 10
2) keep the gravel, keep it in the water bucket with water while cleaning

when I did a total revamp on my 55 gallin, all i had that was original was 20 gallons of water and the bio wheel. i saw a small ammonia spike for abouta day. tiny. minute. no nitrite spike. the bio wheel is a miracle, but keep it wet and DO NOT CLEAN IT. i think u have a good plan. keep us posted!

 

[tpl7370]

Thanks Knutty, you gave me a brilliant idea! I think I am going to let the wheel run in the 10 gallon for about ten days like you said and have the filter going in the other tank in the mean time. Then swap wheels between my 55 and 10 gallon and move my danios and plecos to the 55 while I take care of the cleaning mess in the 10 gallon. I am definately going to keep the gravel wet, but I think I will do a partial water change.

The bio-wheel I bought is HOB power filter that has three stages:
1) mechanical filtration to screen out dirt and debris
2) chemical filtration to remove dissolved organic components
3) biological filtration to eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrite on contact

I don't think I would ever feel the need to clean the wheel because the other two filters should keep the debris from getting to it.

Email said they shipped, can't wait for them to arrive!

Thanks again,
Philip