"HDH" wrote in message .net...
Hi All,
Just set up a new 55 gallon and planning to make it a light- to
moderately-planted tank, without CO2. I currently have an Emperor 400 on it
that is making more noise than it should, and I am going to return it,

BioWheel filters take a good 3-4 weeks to break in.
You might be experiencing a waterfall/splatter effect now to go with
your strong current.

To reduce that effect, fill the tank as high as possible. The
additional water will prevent the water from falling as far, thus
reducing the turbulence and the splatter noise.

You can also try reducing the amount of water intake. I wrapped a
piece of velcro around the intake tube which raised the tube a quarter
inch or so.

Once broken in, the biowheel will become water logged, spin much
slower, cause less turbulence, and drip very little to make splatter.
At that time you can remove the velcro if the current is too slow.