I removed the first bio-wheel from my dual HOB filter today. I'll be checking the ammonia every 4 hours to make sure I don't have a spike.
I've been running it without the filter media for a couple days. I've also eliminated all the other sponges from the system, except for one on the in-tank PH (which I clean daily).
If this goes well, I'll wait a day or two, and remove the 2nd bio-wheel. If _that_ goes well, I'll be able to remove the HOB for good.
For those of you following this effort, remember that my HOB Emperor 400 very badly collects food and other detrius in the back / bottom. Every time I turn it on or off, or add/remove filter media for cleaning, it spews all the crap out.
I've tried using a sponge, and even a thin layer of filter floss over the intake, but it prevents the filter from running right, apparently it can't handle much resistance on the intake.
I really think eliminating it will help any detrius settle to the substrate, or into my fuge, where my cleanup crew can get to it, rather than having it sitting and rotting in the back of the filter.
Wish me luck!
I've been running it without the filter media for a couple days. I've also eliminated all the other sponges from the system, except for one on the in-tank PH (which I clean daily).
If this goes well, I'll wait a day or two, and remove the 2nd bio-wheel. If _that_ goes well, I'll be able to remove the HOB for good.
For those of you following this effort, remember that my HOB Emperor 400 very badly collects food and other detrius in the back / bottom. Every time I turn it on or off, or add/remove filter media for cleaning, it spews all the crap out.
I've tried using a sponge, and even a thin layer of filter floss over the intake, but it prevents the filter from running right, apparently it can't handle much resistance on the intake.
I really think eliminating it will help any detrius settle to the substrate, or into my fuge, where my cleanup crew can get to it, rather than having it sitting and rotting in the back of the filter.
Wish me luck!