[TexasTanker]

I just purchased a Bio Wheel filter for a new set up. It is a 350 model. It seems very loud. Lots of bubbling and burbling (if that's a word) noises. Is there a mod I can make to it to quiet that down without adversely affecting its performance? Should I have more water in the tank, (it is currently 1/4 inch below the output) or less?

I've refilled it twice to be certain. I'm running it with redundant filters (2 instead of 4), could that be causing the noise? Once it's filtered for a couple days I'll drop down to 2. It is a used tank and while I've cleaned it well, I'm covering bases until I'm confident that it is fish safe.

** a side question, the cross bar in the center is preventing me from placing the filter in the center. I was debating on putting a T on the intake so I can be sure to cover as much of the tank as possible. Or will the 350 be sufficient for the 55 gallons? Is there another trick that might work? This is my first big tank.

 

[JohnnyD44]

Hey Tanker and Welcome to TFK!!!

before I made the switch to a planted tank, I ran two Penguin 350's on my 55G, which was more than enough filtration for that size tank, one will be ok, but two never hurts....

i never had a problem with it making some kind of bubbling or "blurbling" noise....does it sound like the noise is coming from inside the filter housing?? The amount of blue pads in there should not be causing the noise...

does the noise start right away when you turn on the filter?? if so, this is normal for a few seconds until the filter fills itself up with water to being filtration. you can help your filter out a little bit by filling the housing unit with water first...if it continues for more than 20 seconds, something isn't right...

 

[TexasTanker]

Yes, I think the noise is coming from where the wheels are turning the water over and it is striking the plastic shield, then gurgling out the output. That shield has a ramp that I suppose is there to direct the water, but it seems to be causing the noise.

I have emptied and refilled the filter a couple times, making sure to empty completely and fill completely. I'm gonna experiment with water levels next before I start making modifications to the filter. I guess I should clarify, the noise is that trickling waterfall sound, except it seems especially loud considering the water level is at the output. I can hear it all through my house.

 

[rsn48]

This from a site might help you:

"Make sure to clean the impeller regularly, also clean the area the impeller “nests” (impeller well) to prevent debris from stopping the impeller. If the impeller stops, check for carbon caught in this area and make sure impeller itself is not broken. The design of HOB (power Filters) tends to allow carbon, or other grit such as rock, gravel, even particles of volcanic rock or other media to get caught in the impeller well between the impeller magnet and well wall. A “buzzing” noise is a tell tale sign of this problem. All filter media, cartridges, carbon, volcanic rock, etc should always be rinsed to prevent this. Removal of this debris, is generally quite simple, often a back flush with water while turning the filter upside down will clear out the problem debris; if not removal of the motor unit with the impeller and physically removing the impeller and cleaning out the debris will remedy the problem (please note, the Penguin motor is built in, so you have to remove the impeller from the top to service this filter).

The impeller should be to turn 359 degrees before locking, if the impeller spins freely or not at all, it is broken.
Clean filter intakes with a foxtail brush to prevent build up that will slow the filter (a sponge pre-filter helps prevent this).

For bio wheels, make sure the Teflon ends on the bio wheel axle are clean and have no build ups of calcium, you can replace these with Teflon tape in a pinch. Also make sure the bio wheel assembly is not to tight, simply remove the bio wheel and gently stretch the assembly apart so the wheel can spin more freely."

 

[TexasTanker]

Thank you!!! I actually fixed it quite inadvertently. Apparently, the plastic housing has to sit JUST SO, in order to send water out quietly. The plexi top I designed and put on a few minutes ago was a little snug. I hemmed and hawed on how I could have measured and cut on the wrong side of the line and complained to the dog and cat that I'd have to file it down... only to realize I wasn't complaining over the sound of very loud water. Snug it shall stay.

 

[JohnnyD44]

glad you were able to figure it out!!!