[aquasalt]

Taking out the Biowheel seemed to resolve the problem. It kind of bugs me that I can't run it with the wheel. Do you think I should return it? Are you guys sure I can run the tank without (remember this is a QT and is bare bottom)?

[plecosword]

I accually heard the Bio wheels are bad in saltwater.
youll be better of without them even with bare bottom.

[Dr. Clyde]

In MOP you can't beat the Emperor 400 biowheel for $40

[plecosword]

Powerfilters are for freshwater!, skimmers dont work well in freshwater so people use powerfilters and canisters. But I do agree with you seger, thats a nice powerfilter!

[pogodzib]

Yes, the Emperor filters are better than the Penguin filters, but the Emperor costs more and they are both good filters. No, the bio wheel doesn't need to be installed. In fact, up until about 8-10 years ago, bio wheels were uncommon. I'm not convinced that bio wheels actually do any good in a q-tank that you constantly take up and put down or use chemicals for treatment often.

With that said, you may want to consider exchanging it for another one since your doesn't seem to be functioning correctly. That way, if you do want to add the bio wheel in the future, you can.