No, I don't use the Bio wheel as it doesn't fit. Since I have the protein skimmer, emp 400 etc etc. No room left. When I upgrade later next year to a 125 gallon, I'll use the bio wheel. The Emp 400's Biowheels and the
LR are doing all the biological filtering. I have the magnum setup with nitrate and phospate sponge, also the extra cartridges in the emp contain the nitrate sponge stuff. No I'm not using
RO/
DI water. I just treat the water to neaturalize the chlorine and other chemicals. I have yet to invest in a
RO unit...since this whole hobby is taking quite a toll on my bank account. The Ammonia, Nitrites are at 0.
PH is 8.3, Nitrates are at a 15-20ppm. It has a little calcium and I haven't tested for phosphates. However, I am having a slight algae problem. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I had lost power a few days ago due to hurricane isabel an the tank didn't have power for about 3 days. The water was dirty so I did a 20% water change and put in the water polishing cartridge into the magnum when power returned. But I do have a slight algae problem. I have this dark green algae covering the
LR. It's pretty much like a flat except has tiny hairs sticking off and moving in the current. THe substrate does too. However the glass doesn't have algae on it at all.