10 Best Filtration Tips!

[@BenOchart]

For more fish keeping tips, check out these playlists: For "Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here: @t For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here: @t For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here: @t For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here: @t For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here: @t My Top 10 most popular videos of all time: @t

[@ericrobertson4965]

I feel like the only people who gave you a thumbs down are people who don't have the attention span to sit through a 19 minute video. Love your content, sir! Was on the fence about Sunsun filters. You have converted me.

[@BenOchart]

We moved into a 30 second attention span world, LOL! Thank you Eric for hanging in there with me.

[@jodymarty3179]

Once again. Awesome video. I would just add one more for new fish keepers. #11. When buying a filter cut the numbers in half that are on the box. If its says it's for a 100 gallon tank then it's good for a 50 gallon. If it says 100 gph then it actually moves 50 gph. Keep the great vids rolling Ben.

[@BenOchart]

Jody Marty That tip is spot on Jody.

[@whateverwhenever_9987]

I am under filtering on all my tanks then.

[@TeamSukiyo]

I can’t even find any filter big enough for my relatively small 450 liter (118? gallon) aquarium

[@jodymarty3179]

@@TeamSukiyo i have 2 fx6 filters on my 220 discus tank and its perfect. Been running for about 5 years. So 1 fx6 should be ok for your 118

[@TeamSukiyo]

@@jodymarty3179 My concern about the FX6 is that it doesn’t contain as much filter media as the Eheim pro3 2080, which I am also considering, though it has a lower flowrate than the FX6. I have turtles in my aquarium, so I need a strong filter, and I’m kinda debating between what’s most important; flowrate or filter media.

[@CichlidBros]

Great tips! #6 is an especially good one, as that gets overlooked so often when people clean their filters. Thanks for sharing!

[@Germa57]

Great advice 👍 you seriously are awsome

[@montellanojavelosa6249]

Ben ochart is arguably one of the best, if not, the best fish keeper on KZbin. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise with the rest of us

[@simonpatel6397]

Thank you so much for all the info! I'm about 6 months into the hobby. 75 gallon tank. Lake Malawi Chiclids. I have gained a plethora of knowledge from your videos. Just subbed.

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Simon

[@SUPERMAN-pn7dm]

you just like saying the word plethora, right??

[@simonpatel6397]

No Superman. I rarely use that word. But tha nks!

[@migueleespinosa2632]

I have been following your channel for months now. Your Haps are getting huge, especially love the eye biter (he owns the right side of the tank)!!! They look great. Excellent summary. On my 120g with two FX6s, I point the output in opposite direction, one towards the surface and the other the mid/bottom. I also added a hang on the back (tidal 110) for water polishing (Carbon, Puregen, fine pads) and waterfall effect. Overkill filtering to the max...LOL. Overstocked, combination of Peacocks, mbunas (always breeding), Thropheous, clown loaches, dinos and Monos all doing great with crystal clear water. PS: I was thinking of going with huge prefilters for the FX6 but have to much Hardscape to make that practical in the tank and it would be bulky in-line. For my "next" tank I will plan better...lol. If (when) I go with a sump, I may try to use an unpowered FX6 as a prefilter (in-line) for the sump. Do you think that is possible?

[@BenOchart]

Miguel E Espinosa I would love to see your set up. I imagine the FX-6 could work just like an external sump pump. It would be an interesting application.

[@yardbomber9099]

Hiya Ben! Gotta luv the best tips segments. I hope there's more segments following! There's always valuable information that someone will find that will save their fish! And that Salsa music intro is the best!! Wepaa!!

[@BenOchart]

Yardbomber What topic would you like to see covered in the best tips?

[@islamkoretum530]

Thanks for this great shortcut

[@jacklaporte472]

Great advice for sure. Thanks Mr Ben!

[@BenOchart]

You're welcome Jack.

[@thegiftlady1]

Great vid. Clear. Concise. Thorough. Great job. 😊

[@BenOchart]

Thank you very much!

[@GSP-76]

Hey Ben...Sorry that I haven't been able to watch the livestreams lately...but I am hoping my Saturdays will free up by the end of the month so that I can join them! Ben, great points on filtration...you should look into those 50 micron filter rolls. I used to use them in my Sunsuns and they worked great.

[@BenOchart]

Gurvinder Parmar Do you have a link on those filters? I appreciate you catching the replays GP!

[@Robert-tg9tx]

Hi Ben, the egg crate sponge is great idea! Iam using biohome media for biological filtration and i have no chemical media. Should i place egg crate after biohome or before biohome? Thanks!

[@BenOchart]

Before is better imo. Runs cleaner water over your biohome so it is less likely to clog

[@jayfuller3709]

Have you ever heard of an AquaPet Canister filter?? I have one from a long time ago. Just found it getting ready to set up my 29 gallon tank.

[@BenOchart]

No, never heard of it

[@SUPERMAN-pn7dm]

amazing tips and advance warnings,, thanks

[@jamesgreen9372]

Thank you very much. As a novice, I appreciate these tip! Jim

[@BenOchart]

I hope it encourages you to continue to grow in the hobby.

[@brianhahn3296]

Live stream was great Ben thank you for informing us and all the knowledge, I see you’re back to 10 tips lol, and the salsa, great stuff

[@BenOchart]

Brian Hahn I used to be called “Mr. Ten Tips” by a fellow fish keeper 😂🤣😂

[@mjhobbies6078]

Hi ben.. I choose 20 gallon overflow under sump to my 65 gallon tank as my filtration over canister because in my place sump is more cheaper than cannister including the power consumption. .what can you say about my set up since you told in your other blog that you prefer cannister filter over undersump in a tank under 100 gallon?

[@kaylahall8993]

Awesome video very informative!!!

[@danielbarrett6026]

I bought a second canister filter for my aquarium. What would be the best way to set up the intakes and outputs of both canisters? What configuration would be most effective? It is an Mbuna tank with 90 pounds of rocks that run the length of the tank about a foot high. It looks like the FX6 has a larger input than the one on the Fluval 406. First, since there is more of an open area in the rocks (where you can see well through the rocks) closer to the center (about one-third the length of the tank), would it make sense to put the largest input there in order to pull the most volume of water through one side of the tank to the other (depth of tank) and the smaller input further to the outside of the tank where the area it is a little more obstructed? Second, the output on the FX6 is quite a bit larger than the one on the 406. Since it will have the greatest amount of flow, would it be best to locate that output closer to the outside wall of the tank and the smaller output inside of that or the other way around?

[@edwardtomaszewski78]

Great Video Mr Ben Sorry I missed your Livestream.. Filtration is one of my favorite things to do in the Hobby.... I have a Question Do you know of a Intake sponge cover... So Let's say bigger fish or Turtles won't tear apart and eat intake sponge... I know Eheim Makes one But looking for one's that will fit Different Filters like Fluval, SunSun or Cascade... & Thank you for your time... 👍👍👍🐟🐠🐡🦈

[@BenOchart]

I think of two options. First, buy a big coarse filter from Aquarium Co Op, Swiss Tropicals, eBay or wherever and DIY. Second option would be to check with someone like the CoOp and see if they have the exact size you need. I had to modify the extra large sponge from the CoOp to fit the Fluval FX6 intake with a piece of house. Also, have you considered inserting sponge material inside the intake? Probably a very coarse one that you rinse every week to avoid clogging.

[@edwardtomaszewski78]

Thank you Mr Ben for taking the time to answer my question... And yes I'll try Aquarium Co-Op... I have a DIY messed up cover on it right now... But thank you for everything.

[@richardmaloney5566]

I love the filtration videos.

[@mikefisher4834]

New subscriber This is the video I’ve watched from you I knew most of this but I always freshen up on my knowledge💯🐠❤️🔥

[@BenOchart]

Mike Fisher Thank you Mike!

[@CaptainNemo49]

The small grass area on the left.............. is that from elite cichlids or did you take apart one of their plant pieces? I have some of their plants, but would like some small just above the sands grass look !! Thanks for the vids

[@BenOchart]

CaptainNemo49 That was from Universal Rocks in Texas.

[@tanyamurray9662]

Where do you purchase your egg crate sponges

[@BenOchart]

Hello Tanya, I get them on eBay where they are usually listed as "pond sponges". I buy big squares and cut them into the shapes I need. They pretty much last forever.

[@tanyamurray9662]

@@BenOchart thank you so much!!

[@romcapprotti7477]

I love your show I think you do a great job informing us peoples just getting into the Hobby. I’ve got an off topic question about a fish and what you think I just bought a sulfur head peacock what do you think of them I love the yellow stripe going down his entire back thanks and take care

[@BenOchart]

Romono Capprotti One of my absolute favorite fish! At 3 or 4” the colors go crazy!

[@romcapprotti7477]

Ben Ochart thank Ben I have him my Quarantine tank I learned a hard lesson by not putting new fish in there cost me about $300 I won’t make that mistake again the dreaded case of ich You know what they say live and learn

[@BuckWezr]

Really living those electric blue Haplochromis!!!!

[@NothingButStardust]

Thank you for these tips!

[@ZEBULON181]

Say where do you get the egg crate sponges and is it something that isn't specifically labeled for aquariums?

[@BenOchart]

Search "Pond Filters" on ebay. That's usually where I find them. They last practically forever.

[@sandypandys]

i have the marineland 400 HOB and i am not sure of direction flow id like to apply the #2 tip and i am unsure of order of sponges media and pinky floss?

[@BenOchart]

Sandy, get me a link to the filter and I'll take a look

[@sandypandys]

@@BenOchart there is a spray bar on the wheels so im not sure of water flow FYI it is on my 75 gallon tank www.marineland.com/products/filtration-and-water-circulation/emperor-filter.aspx

[@KpopAllDay]

Thanks for this! Maybe more videos about sumps 🤞yaaaay!

[@BenOchart]

Kpop All Day You read my mind. I’m putting out a sump update on the next week

[@sidneywhite749]

I have a sunsun, how does the water go to the bottom first?

[@alioop7693]

How do you get your output pieces pointed up to break surface tension? Is this a special piece I need to order? Mine is not adjustable this way. I use the Aquatop CF400-uv which I guess is the same as sun-sun. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[@carlheller6648]

Keep up the awesome video's and loving the shirt. Have you seen the new marineland pro filters coming out?

[@BenOchart]

Carl Heller Thank you and no I haven’t. I will keep an eye out for them.

[@littlevillagepythons9636]

I was wondering I have a 29 gallon with a hob filter and when I do water changes do I fill the the filter back up with water from my python? Because if I don’t the pump runs for ever to fill filter back up. Don’t want to burn the filter up. Thanks

[@BenOchart]

Krak3n Jr fill the HOB with tank water before starting. Your Python from the tap might kill off the beneficial bacteria living in your HOB

[@BrianMax]

I like using an undergravel filter as a pre-filter for my canister.

[@BenOchart]

That's a real interesting application. Is you tank planted?

[@ebinom8112]

Great video! Thanks for the tips. I believe you skipped tip no.8 :)

[@jamesh4966]

I find using a whole House Replacement Filter on the intake of my Fluval, filters out a tremendous amount. Fits perfectly on the end of the hose where the strainer is. $8.00 on Amazon. Will filter 10,000-20,000 gal before replacement.

[@alexsaquatics7620]

Thanks 👍

[@moutaintopfish1597]

Nice information make most of my own filters

[@mypeeps333]

Ben I have to use a sponge filter do you have any tips , For using sponge filter ??????

[@BenOchart]

My Peep's Tell me more about your set up and the type of sponge (in a filter, a bubbling sponge?) and I’ll help if I can.

[@TheTravellingDuck]

Hello from the UK. I have a freshwater community tank with fish and shrimp. All good and ammonia cycling quickly. Then for some reason the cycle crashed and it is now behaving like no bacteria at all so using high dose prime in the water or ammolock and purigen in the filter with daily water changes. Any clue why it crashed? And idea how to restart the cycle? I’m pouring in 3 different types of bacteria (no used filter material available to me) but still no nitrates or nitrates. Help!

[@BenOchart]

Janine The Purigen isn’t doing anything for the cycle, so I’d remove that for now and add it back in later. Keep it moist and it will be fine. You might have done to big of a water change. Some suggest to not do any water changes when trying to cycle. Just let the ammonia spike which will feed the emerging bacteria so they can then produce nitrites. Then, when you have nitrates do your first water change. In the meantime products like Fritz Turbo Start it Seachem Stability can help. There are some hardy fish that can also help. Check with your LFS on what’s available. This is a good video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hojSmnaneNt9mdE

[@1domcouk]

Hi Ben. Happy New Year from the UK! i'm setting up a new 65gallon tank and would like to use biohome ultra filter media. If I use purigen or a similar chemical media as well, will this affect the nitrogen uptake cycle? The purigen would be placed at the very end of my filter. Any advice you have would be much appreciated.

[@1domcouk]

Sorry. I will of course not be using purigen until after the tank is fully cycled. It's just afterwards that I am concerned about.

[@sidneywhite749]

Ben I am new to cichlids and bought some at walmart. Can you help identifying them?

[@michael-ev5fk]

Hello Ben 😊 Do you have a discount code for Elite Cichlids? I'm ready to order some plants. Thanks for all your work you do. Michael

[@BenOchart]

michael evert Yes, use benO for 10% 😀👍🏻

[@michael-ev5fk]

@@BenOchart Thank you sir , I'm placing an order now. Love your tanks, your channel, sense of humor, intellect and just being a Gentleman.

[@cat_family369]

Hey my friend I need ur help.. Please tell me recently itch came in my tank I removed it by Water changes and by heat treatment.but My one 6" borlyei hap has both eyes infection coz of that he getting slow and other fishes bulling him and other are attacked on him .i didn't take risk to remove him out of tank coz in that condition he can't bear stressed feeling but he wants to rest somewhere in tank but I've mixed Malawi tank other fishes are not accepting him to their places so I tricked for him I made cage for him that's why he getting rest and turn on heater to 30 degrees itch rid and some salt putting in my tank I want ask you how much time he'll take to recover... And doing 20% waterchanes is better for him I appreciate my hap coz he fighting for being better plaese tell me eye infection and little bit White part of body how much time ll take to recove and when I sepearte him with cage other cichlids can't reach him he getting relaxed. And damaged part of my fish looking like cotton I gues that damaged by other fish getting cure what is sign of that and what should I do for him.....and how much time will take to perfectly recovery. Please your advice is valuable for me thanks.....

[@BenOchart]

Without video/pictures it's hard to tell. Might be rot or fungus which would need to be treated with medicine. Add 10% and one additional water change per week. Fresh water is the best. When you vacuum be sure to get under decor since that's where poop and detritus build up and bacteria will live there.

[@howtofamilywithlove]

We need a detailed update of all the fish and tanks! And future ideas! :-)

[@BenOchart]

Kyle O'Brien Good idea for a future video Kyle

[@stevetaylor7443]

Love your fake plants. Just visited elite cichlids online. Needless to say, I am now $80 lighter. Great videos and advice. I wait for the notifications bell to come again.

[@BenOchart]

Elite makes a great product for those of us that can't keep or don't want live plants. Thanks for hitting that notification bell, much appreciated.

[@alimilq]

Thanks again!

[@DeVyPoRtEr09]

When it comes to cleaning up the media that houses the biological filtration, what is your opinion on rinsing it off with well water? Thank you, love your videos!

[@BenOchart]

Untreated well water should be safe. I usually use tank water because I’ve always lived in areas with treated water.

[@russellturner579]

I have 125 Ben with fx6 and large sponge filter and I order that epertmatic u put ur tank wat size or kind do u suggest hang on back for back up i love here from u

[@hauntedsoul1000]

I loved your live stream

[@BenOchart]

jayrock Thank you jayrock. It’s frustrating when there’s a glitch but I’ll keep working at it 😀👍🏻

[@shaun9107]

Sorted

[@disciplethepoet]

What I've learned on your channel You put your filter in. You take detritus out. You put a powerhead in. And shake the water all about. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That what it's all about.

[@stevejernigan4371]

There is one thing that many don't take into account with flow rates on the pumps in filters and that is "head pressure". Which is how high it has to pump the water to get it back to the tank. Most of the time they just give the flow rate at a head pressure of 0 feet and most likely with no media in the filter as well. It would be most helpful if the manufacturers would at least provide a flow curve(GPH versus head height) on the outside of the box to give us a better idea of how much water it would pump for an aquarists setup. These are curves because this is not a simple linear relationship.

[@car77777]

Hi Ben! I’m in Winnetka, ca. I would love to check out your setups personally! Let me know if that’s possible!

[@BenOchart]

Carlos Mac let me know if your ever around Arcadia and if the schedules line up we can set up a visit

[@scottbacker9491]

Even with the glitch live stream was great 👍

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Scott. I appreciate the encouragement!

[@ZEBULON181]

Ok Ben, keep up the good work and stay fishy.

[@paulhowell8661]

I believe that the Fluval 206,306,406 water flows like your Sussun from the bottom up

[@BenOchart]

Paul Howell Cool, I haven’t used those, only the FX series. Thanks!

[@peapodamoose]

I will never understand people with big tanks using canisters and not sumps. Once I set up my first sump I converted all my tanks to sumps. Way easier to maintain , your tank isn’t cluttered with equipment, much more room for mechanical, biological, chemical filtration and a whole lot less time consuming as far as maintenance . My water parameters have never been better and I spend more time enjoying my tanks then working on them.

[@BenOchart]

Brian D GREAT points Brian and I agree!

[@gardian1701]

I'd love a sump but my 100 gallon comes with a stand that's divided into three narrow cupboards that only just fit a sunsun704 in each!

[@phamminhthao1023]

Sump is the best

[@BenOchart]

Pham Minh Thao It’s the king of filtration systems for sure

[@steverogers4031]

I've never cared for canister filters. Call me old school but I prefer undergravel filters in conjunction with powerhead filters. In my opinion, undergravel filters really help maintain consistency in water parameters as well as reducing maintenance.

[@BenOchart]

Just curious, are you running planted tanks?

[@regimengonzalez8667]

Have you ever used coffee filters in a canister ??🤔

[@BenOchart]

Regimen Gonzalez LOL, no, but a sump filter sock would make a great coffee filter 😂🤣😂

[@regimengonzalez8667]

🤣

[@SsDiBoi]

Ssh their a secret 4 my kids n u cant take the credit🤣

[@GCS-gt2sg]

If youvwant to succeed on the hobby You should learn about sumps

[@BenOchart]

Ultimately, for those who want to get into bigger set-ups, they are going to want a sump. I love mine.

[@michaelharrity9795]

I need a filter for my 55gal wich one

[@BenOchart]

If you're going to use an airstone, you can use a canister, like a Fluval FX-5. If you're going to use an airstone or powerhead for surface tension breakup, then I suggest a hang on back. Many to choose from and many price points. Easy to work on and do a good job adding oxygen to the tank.

[@davidvaughan3771]

Do people really watch this and not know what this guy is talking about? Wow

[@BenOchart]

What do you mean David?