Hang on back filter or Biowheel for reef tank

[ReefWhatYouSow]

I know that there are much better ways to filter a reef tank, but I have been running a 20 gallon reef tank on a HOB filter (Aqueon 75) for a few months and I know that every time I change the filters nitrites, ammonia, etc are released.

The bio-wheel makes a lot of sense for a freshwater tank but still isn't appropriate for a reef tank either. It does have some possible pluses, such as neutralizing spikes.

I was given a biowheel and was wondering if it would be better to use than the HOB filter (Aqueon 75)?

Thanks!

 

[installman]

Why not run both and change out the media alternating weeks. That should help prevent spikes.

 

[viper12775]

I ran an eclipse hood on my first reef tank the biowheel worked OK for the time but that was 12 years ago why not get a hob fuge

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

Honestly didn't know what kind to get and didn't want to spend more money. Already have these items. Unless you know of a good value one or I can turn mine into one.

Also, if I do a HOB fuge then do I need a HOB skimmer too?

 

[viper12775]

you can buy a hob like the CPR that has a skimmer built on I believe in always running a skimmer but that's just me and aquatraders has cheap hob fuge skimmers but I've never owned one

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

After doing some more research it seems that lost people out a HOB skimmer as more important that a HOB Refugium. I'm thinking about just adding the skimmer to the tank with the HOB filters I already have and then Seeing how much it changes my parameters. Depending on the outcome I will go from there. Thoughts?

Any recommendations?