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Re: Removing biological filtration
Stephen,
I have almost the exact setup you describe, except that my filter "was"
an Emporer 400, which has two biowheels. I removed that filter almost
four months ago now and have had no problems. You don't say what your
fish load is, but if it isn't high you should be OK. I have 30
Cardinals, 2 Angelfish, 2 SAE, 5 Otocinclus, and 3 red platys that do a
fine job as surface skimmers! I would probably still monitor your water
for a while just to be safe, and your CO2 rate will need to be monitored
closely at first too. I was able to drop mine from about 150 bubbles
per minute to about 30, to maintain a pH of 6.8.
Good luck!
Mike
> Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 09:32:11 -0500
> From: Stephen Boulet <stepheb at comm_mot.com>
> Subject: Removing biological filtration
>
> After reading some of the comments on this mailing list, I'm considering removing
> most all (artificial) biological filtration.
>
> Right now in my 55 gallon tank I have a bio-wheel pro (two biowheels, a powerhead,
> and a sponge prefilter). This is very efficient at getting the ammonia out.
>
> I also have fast growing plants, CO2 regulated at about 20 ppm , and 2x55 W compact
> flourescents, and dose with KNO3, K2SO4, and TMG.
>
> I'm thinking about removing the biowheels. I have some concerns about this:
>
> 1) will the plants be able to keep the ammonia at a level safe for the fish?
>
> 2) is there a potential for ammonia swings during the 14 hours or so that the
> lights are off?
>
> - -- Stephen