1. Aquarium Filter Products
  2. sku: 16429298563911813
  3. MARINELAND PF170B

MARINELAND PF170B Bio Wheel

Pf170b Marineland Bio-wheel

( Brand: Marineland ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: PF170B ), ( Type: Bio Wheel ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Water Type: All Water Types ), ( Max Head: Penguin ), ( Filter Location: Internal )

Review MARINELAND Bio wheel

The **Marineland PF170B Bio-Wheel** is a high-performance, self-contained protein skimmer designed to elevate the efficiency and clarity of your aquarium s water quality, making it an indispensable tool for both saltwater and freshwater enthusiasts seeking pristine conditions for their marine or planted tanks. Engineered with Marineland s signature precision, this advanced bio-wheel skimmer operates on a closed-loop system, where a rotating wheel submerged in the sump draws in water, exposes it to air via a high-surface-area foam wheel, and then returns the water to the tank after removing dissolved organic waste, proteins, and other impurities. The PF170B s robust 170-watt motor delivers powerful suction, ensuring optimal skimming performance even in larger systems, while its compact yet durable design allows for seamless integration into existing setups. The skimmer s modular construction features a transparent acrylic chamber, providing clear visibility into the skimming process and easy access for maintenance, such as cleaning the foam wheel or replacing the disposable foam pads. Its adjustable airflow control dial enables users to fine-tune the skimming intensity, balancing efficiency with energy consumption to suit the specific demands of their aquarium. The PF170B also incorporates a built-in pre-filter sponge, which acts as a secondary barrier to trap larger debris before it reaches the skimming wheel, further enhancing water clarity and reducing the frequency of manual cleaning. Ideal for aquariums ranging from 100 to 300 gallons, this skimmer excels in maintaining stable water parameters, reducing harmful nitrates and phosphates, and promoting the health of corals, fish, and live plants by minimizing the buildup of organic waste. With its combination of reliability, ease of use, and proven effectiveness, the Marineland PF170B Bio-Wheel stands as a cornerstone of modern aquarium filtration, offering both hobbyists and professionals a dependable solution for achieving crystal-clear, biologically balanced water.

**Pros and Cons of buying a Marineland PF170B Bio-Wheel**

The Marineland PF170B Bio-Wheel is a popular choice for aquarium filtration, particularly for planted tanks and reef systems. Below is a detailed breakdown of its advantages and disadvantages.

### **Pros**

1. **Efficient Filtration** The Bio-Wheel combines mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration in one unit. The rotating wheel traps debris while providing a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow, improving water quality without relying solely on a canister filter.

2. **Space-Saving Design** Unlike traditional canister filters, the Bio-Wheel mounts directly on the tank, freeing up space inside the cabinet. This is especially useful for smaller setups or tanks with limited room.

3. **Low Maintenance** The wheel s design reduces the need for frequent media changes. The biological filter media (the wheel itself) can last for months or even years with proper care, while the mechanical pre-filter can be rinsed periodically.

4. **Quiet Operation** Many users report that the PF170B runs more quietly than larger canister filters, making it suitable for home aquariums where noise is a concern.

5. **Versatility** Works well in a variety of setups, including planted tanks, freshwater aquariums, and small reef systems. It can be used as a primary filter or as a supplement to an existing filtration system.

6. **Energy Efficiency** The motor is relatively low-power, which means it consumes less electricity compared to some high-flow canister filters.

7. **Easy Installation** The unit mounts directly to the tank with minimal tools required. The setup process is straightforward, and it can be integrated into an existing system with relative ease.

8. **Reduces Water Changes** By improving biological filtration, the Bio-Wheel helps maintain stable water parameters, potentially reducing the frequency of water changes.

9. **Durable Construction** The housing is made of sturdy plastic, and the wheel itself is designed to withstand regular use without frequent replacements.

10. **Positive Feedback from Users** Many aquarists praise the PF170B for its reliability and effectiveness, particularly in smaller to medium-sized tanks (up to around 170 liters, though some use it in larger setups with adjustments).

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### **Cons**

1. **Limited Flow Rate** The PF170B is not designed for high-flow applications. It provides moderate filtration (around 100-150 liters per hour), which may be insufficient for very large tanks or heavily stocked systems. Users with high-bioload tanks may need to supplement it with another filter.

2. **Not Ideal for Very Small Tanks** While it can work in tanks as small as 50 liters, some users find that the flow rate is too strong for nano tanks, leading to poor water circulation or excessive agitation.

3. **Requires Regular Cleaning** Although maintenance is low, the pre-filter sponge and wheel must be cleaned periodically to prevent clogging and maintain efficiency. Neglecting this can lead to reduced performance.

4. **Limited Chemical Filtration** Unlike canister filters with activated carbon or other chemical media, the PF170B relies primarily on biological filtration. For tanks requiring heavy chemical filtration (e.g., dye removal or odor control), additional media may be needed.

5. **Potential for Clogging** If the pre-filter is not cleaned regularly, debris can accumulate, reducing water flow and forcing the motor to work harder. This can shorten the lifespan of the pump.

6. **Not Suitable for All Tank Types** While it works well in planted tanks and reefs, it may not be the best choice for very high-bioload systems (e.g., large community tanks with many bottom-dwelling fish) without additional filtration.

7. **Replacement Parts** Over time, the wheel or motor may wear out and require replacement. While Marineland offers parts, they may not always be readily available, and some users report difficulty finding compatible replacements.

8. **Flow Direction Limitations** The PF170B is designed to be mounted on the side of the tank, which may not be ideal for all tank setups. Some users prefer top-mounted or internal filters for better flow control.

9. **Learning Curve for Optimal Use** New users may need to experiment with the placement of the intake and outflow to achieve the best circulation and filtration. Poor placement can lead to dead spots or inefficient filtration.

10. **Price Relative to Alternatives** While the PF170B is reasonably priced, some users may find that for larger tanks or high-bioload systems, a canister filter or sump system offers better overall performance at a similar cost.

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### **Conclusion**

The Marineland PF170B Bio-Wheel is a solid choice for aquarists looking for a compact, low-maintenance filtration solution, particularly for smaller to medium-sized planted tanks or reef systems. Its strengths lie in its space-saving design, efficient biological filtration, and quiet operation. However, it is not ideal for high-bioload tanks, very small nano setups, or systems requiring heavy chemical filtration. Users should carefully consider their tank size, stocking levels, and filtration needs before purchasing.

If you have a tank between 50 and 170 liters with moderate stocking and want a simple, effective filter that reduces maintenance, the PF170B is a worthwhile investment. For larger or more demanding setups, pairing it with another filter or opting for a canister filter may be more appropriate.

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### **Recommendation**

**Buy the Marineland PF170B Bio-Wheel if:**

- You have a tank between 50 and 170 liters (though some use it in larger tanks with adjustments).

- You prioritize space-saving and low-maintenance filtration.

- Your tank is planted, a reef system, or has moderate stocking levels.

- You want to reduce the frequency of water changes by improving biological filtration.

- You prefer a quiet filter that doesn t take up much cabinet space.

**Avoid the Marineland PF170B Bio-Wheel if:**

- You have a very high-bioload tank (e.g., heavily stocked community tanks or large species).

- Your tank is very small (under 50 liters) and requires gentle flow.

- You need heavy chemical filtration (e.g., for dye removal or strong odor control).

- You prefer top-mounted or internal filters for better flow control.

- You are on a tight budget and can find a more powerful canister filter at a similar price.

For most users, the PF170B strikes a good balance between simplicity and effectiveness, making it a recommended choice for the right setup. Always test the flow rate and placement in your specific tank to ensure optimal performance.

Details:

Marineland Bio-Wheel PF170B.

part #: pf170b price

  • $13.99

specifications aquariumfilterer:

  • brand: Marineland
  • mpn: Pf170b
  • type: Bio Wheel
  • unit type: Unit
  • water type: All Water Types
  • max head: Penguin
  • filter location: Internal

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  • policy: No Returns

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  • carrier: USPS
  • transit: 4-11 Days
  • class: Expedited
  • type: Fixed
  • cost: $10.00
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  • # reviews: 0
  • city: West Warwick, Rhode Island
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offer aquariumfilterer:

  • availability: In Stock
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  • quantity: 1
  • started: April 7, 2026
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general aquariumfilterer:

  • condition: New
  • Pet Supplies > Fish Aquariums > Filters
type: bio wheel, unit type: unit, water type: all water types, max head: penguin, filter location: internal,
category: pet supplies > fish aquariums > filters, sku: 16429298563911813,
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  • New. Offer #1 priced at $13.99 + $7.99 shipping estimate = $21.98* total. Marineland Bio-Wheel .+$7.99 shipping

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