Check out the Latest in Aquarium Filtration

[spikekillifish]

Most of us have heard of the Bio-wheel. The "Eco-Wheel®" is a new filter that takes the concept of the wheel and aquaria to new levels.

Aquatic Engineers Inc. (AEI) has developed what they call the "most innovative and highly advanced aquatic life support system in the world".

Designed for both fresh or saltwater aquariums (particularily reef set-ups) these filters are "completely non-destructive to plankton and other organisms that comprise the lower echelon of the aquatic food chain. With these organisms left undisturbed, a complete eco-system can be achieved." The "Eco-Wheel®" acheives all this from the power of an air pump and even has built in skimmer.

Eco-Wheel®

 

[Somonas]

Interesting, however that product seems to be geared towards the saltwater crowd (plankton, algal turf scrubbing, skimming etc.)

 

[spikekillifish]

All these aspects can be applied to the FW aquarium with outstanding results. I like the fact that it runs off an airpump. I just wonder how much these babies co$t.

 

[tomanystraydogs]

How does an air pump move water?

 

[tomanystraydogs]

"I just wonder how much these babies co$t."

Must be a lot, since it appears to be a secret.

I did find a ng post from 2 years ago. The guy was quoted a 150 gallon system (tank, stand, eco-wheel, everything) for $4,000.

Ouch.

 

[catfishmike]

an air pump can move water the same way it does like on a ugf.

 

[tomanystraydogs]

But how does it move it out of a tank?

I wish I could see one of these up close.

 

[tomanystraydogs]

Diagram pic

I just found this.

Looks like the air pump runs inline with overflow pipe.

I would never have thought an air pump could move that amount of water.

I have a belt driven pump, strongest air pump I ever had. If I can find a replacement belt I will do some testing and see if I can duplicate how they pump water.

 

[tomanystraydogs]

Looks like part of the cost is the air pump. Its basically an air compressor like you find in your garage, just smaller and hopefully quieter. Linear air compressors like these cost around $500 by themselves.

 

[SoulFish]

if you can buy them without the air pump you could just stick a pump on it yourself and save that 500 dollars

 

[Carsloverjcl]

So the benefits of the Eco-Wheel are more towards the saltwater section. But what benefits does it have towards freshwater?

 

[tomanystraydogs]

Should be great in freshwater.

We have all seen marinelands bio-wheel. The wheels spins in and out of water, lots of bacteria grow and help with the cycle.

The eco-wheel has a wheel also, a much much larger wheel. The difference is it uses lighting to grow algae on the wheel. In effect, the wheel is a large planted tank.

Below that are bio-balls for the bacteria to populate and help with the cycle.

It pretty much a self contained bio filter and planted refugium.

 

[Jawz]

yeh but theres also the Tidepool Sumps made by marineland that have huge biowheels too and have bioballs and all the fancies. This is useful for tanks 100+

 

[tomanystraydogs]

The difference is the eco-wheel grows algae, the marineland wheels support bacteria.

Oh, and about $4,000.

 

[equinom]

I have quite a nice amount of algae growing in tanks with biowheels - and I didn't even have to try! It was easy - no problem doing it!

*laughingc

 

[Papillon]

Hi,

to resurect this thread for a minute, I have a queation.. Has anyone found out the exact cost of the eco-wheel.. I have looked at numerous sites and haven't found a "true" price....

I have e-mailed the manufacturers, no answer, I have phoned different companies that have them, no response... Weird. So this is my last resort!!

Thanks.

Marie

 

[catfishmike]

i have seen them sold in an add from an internet dealer once.if i remember corretly it was somerwhere around 450 dollars u.s.

 

[revengeishere]

Another overpriced gadget IMHO....I wouldnt even consider buying this thing....