[Auto-Post] Weekly Question Thread! Ask /r/aquariums anything you want to know about the hobby!

I have a Penguin biowheel 350 and a Penguin biowheel 200. I'm just wondering, do I need to do anything special for these?

No you do not. They come with absolutely everything you need. They are very simple and straightforward to operate. The only part you 'buy and replace' is obviously the media cartridge, of which your 150 unit should have two slots, and your 350 unit should have four slots. You only need one slot occupied in each unit at a time, but obviously two is exponentially better.

I highly suggest you buy your replacement catrridges on Amazon, or else make your own. These are where I buy mine (I own two biowheels) and its been the cheapest for me.

I read some places where people were saying it's vital to put a foam cover on the filter intakes.

Depends entirely on what fish you have. Got a list? The 'output' waterfall type deal is nearly vertical and narrow like a pencil, so only small tube like fish can get up there (RIP KUHLI LOACH #7). The input is covered by a pretty tight grate.

Of course if its baby shrimp or fry we're talking then yea, you'll need to cover it with something.

In my opinion, there is a 90% chance you do not require anything at all to cover the input/output. But if you do, just grab some nylon pantyhose and cover it up. When you do this, however, be sure to watch out that the pantyhose does not wick the water up and dribble it on your counter...

However, other places were saying pool filter sand is heavy enough that it won't get in to the filters.

When dealing with sand and these filters, just keep it OFF anytime you stir it up, pour it in, arrange decorations etc. Normal tank operation isn't going to kick up enough sand to hurt it.

Plus, having a foam cover greatly reduces flow, which I obviously don't want, and wouldn't allow larger pieces of waste to be taken in.

It may also stop your biowheel from turning, which is not ideal.

The Penguins have 3 pieces on the intake, so I can move them up higher, but I'm thinking having them lower is better, no?

I would leave it as low as possible in the tank.

/r/Aquariums Thread Parent