Canister Cleaning & Filter Media Tips

#canisterfilter
#cleaningcanisterfilter
#sunsuncanisterfilter
I'm cleaning my canister filter and upgrading the media. Here are some tips you might find useful.
I'm always learning, always evolving in the hobby and here I share some tips that might help. Some I've learned the hard (expensive) way and some through research at sites like www.cichlid-forum.com or at Facebook group pages.
If you have a question, please ask in the comments below or come on over to the Facebook group page, "Ben O'Cichlid". I can also be reached at: [e-mail].
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***
Here are some links to products I've used and recommend:
(You get a great deal by using these links and help the channel:
Filters:
SunSun 302-B (265 gph): amzn.to/2Y6Ylhy
SunSun 704-B (525 gph with UV): amzn.to/2YFbHjV
SunSun HW 3000 (793 with UV): amzn.to/3hCm54W
Filter pads for all SunSun filters: amzn.to/30Ieg7E
Cut your own filter pads: amzn.to/2zD6SiP
SunSun Pre-Filter (goes over intake): amzn.to/3fv6aU1
Flexible hose cleaning brush: amzn.to/2N5x8p7
SunSun Pre-Filter (In-Line Canister): amzn.to/2UQ79WX
SunSun Canister O-Ring replacement: amzn.to/2BhU7uf
SunSun UV 9W replacement bulb: amzn.to/2N0eoHB
Suggested Bio Media that I use in my canisters:
Biohome Ultimate: amzn.to/3e8Cs70
MarinePure: amzn.to/37z9UB7
CNZ sponge filled bio-balls: amzn.to/3e7aitd
Pumice stone: amzn.to/2Y6vk5t
Crushed coral/aragonite: amzn.to/2N6DYKM
Chemical Filtration I've Used with Good Results:
Seachem Purigen: amzn.to/3hCygyG
Seachem Matrix Carbon: amzn.to/2Y6sOft
Mesh bags: amzn.to/2AJb4hj
Fluval FX-6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/30KhPu1
Other items:
Suggested substrate (aragonite): amzn.to/2N6DYKM
My favorite LED lights: amzn.to/2N0YrRd
Inexpensive Powerheads: amzn.to/2N5dTMu
Better quality Powerhead (Hydor): amzn.to/37y8pTT
Heaters I use:
Eheim: amzn.to/3e2PByp
Cobalt Neo Therm: amzn.to/2N5eFZU
API (Black Plastic Shielded): amzn.to/3e8HujY
Recommended Meds to have on hand:
Fritz Maracyn 2: amzn.to/2UJRqJ1
API Furan 2: amzn.to/2N10iWb
API General Cure: amzn.to/3ejsFLe
Kordon Ick Attack: amzn.to/37A2iOF
Seachem Metroplex: amzn.to/2N5g9TY
Seachem Garlic Guard: amzn.to/2N3W549
Seachem Focus: amzn.to/2Ax8yef
Water Treatment Products I Use & Recommend:
Seachem Prime: amzn.to/37xa1gD
Seachem Safe: amzn.to/3d7Tscn
Seachem Lake Salt: amzn.to/30PeQ3A
Seachem Pristine: amzn.to/3ejvEDq
Seachem Clarity: amzn.to/2CdDCA4
Aquarium Quick Start Products I Recommend:
Seachem Stability: amzn.to/3e2SgYS
Fritz Turbo Start: amzn.to/3d7UXr1
Dr. Tim's One and Only: amzn.to/2CdEFju
For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists:
For "My Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here:
• "Best Fish Keeping Tip...
For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here:
• Fluval FX Canister Fil...
For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here:
• SunSun Canister Filter...
For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here:
• Water Change, Maintain...
For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here:
• Aquarium Canister Filt...
My Top 10 most popular videos of all time:
• Most Popular Videos wi...
I'm also on Instagram: "ben.o.cichlid"
**Never forget: YOU ROCK!!!**

[@BenOchart]

Want more tips and tricks to care for your fish? Check out these playlists! Best Fish Keeping Tips Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4 Lowering and Controlling Nitrates Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoD-pzZaHgtIFqurG9HZn2zz Every Live Stream is Here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoApHjaPfc6rdr7oipfEbZ-k The Water Change Tips & Tricks Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD SunSun Canister Filter Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg Fluval Canister Filter Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD

[@cannacostaplaysdaily]

got any sites to get replacment handles for the sunsun 304b

[@lachlanhoberg5236]

Watching 5 years later and still helped me out heaps, thank you!

[@BenOchart]

Love comments like this. Thank you😀👍🏻

[@anestaciarobinson7095]

Thank you! You're the first person that does the actual disconnect method clearly on camera so I can see. Everyone else begins with them in there bathroom or something lol. This is my first canister filter I'm college and don't want to destroy the filter so I like to see videos confirming read instructions. Thanks again!!!

[@BenOchart]

You are welcome and I hope it helps.

[@anestaciarobinson7095]

and now I'll never have to prime unless I'm doing a deep cleaning yayyyyy

[@Travelwith_AdrienneLinda]

Thanks for the tip on filling the canstier filter than putting the motor back on. Been fighting with my filter for over 3 hours.

[@pugman404]

filling the void in the bottom of the canister filter and refilling the canister filter with water before turning it on are some of the best tips I've seen thanks Ben.

[@BenOchart]

pugman404 Thank you pugman, I hope it helps.

[@yessyestrada2768]

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this!, I am buying all the media you used and clean my canister filter for the 1st time, you made it seem so easy and had great tips, THANK YOU for the help! :)

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Yessy. I'm glad the video helped.

[@Wannabe-rockstar-fan]

I agree with the crowd, this was extremely helpful and took away anxiety about the mess it would cause. Thanks so much for taking the time to make the video. I have no more room for excuses, going to clean it now!

[@BaByCaKeZ106]

I love your personality!! And thanks so much for the tips and tricks!

[@mmleesun]

I was dreading the thought OF cleaning My canister filter. Thanks for all the tips! You made it SO EASY!!! 👍🏻👏

[@kennethlyons4081]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I am about to use a canister filter for my first time (SunSun 402B). Your well done video with tips just made my life much easier and reduced my beginner anxiety. All the best!

[@BenOchart]

Kenneth Lyons That's exactly why I make these videos and I hope it helps (and I appreciate the kind words! :-)

[@moeytja]

I second Kenneth! Thx to Ben for makin this video, as i am about to use for first time too!

[@josephargentiero5964]

Thank you, thank you and thank you again. This was probably the most informative KZbin aquarium tidbit I’ve ever watched thank you sir thank you.

[@clownfishhatchery8115]

Thank you for the video. I just started using canister filters on my saltwater tanks and so far I am very happy with the results. These are great for tank setups when you convert a freshwater to a saltwater tank but don't want to drill holes and use a sump. Almost all my tanks were freshwater, so was using rigged sumps with pumps and gravity and hang-ons until I discovered canister filters. Really takes the work out of it all. There were no instruction on how to turn the unit off and clean without making a mess so I searched youtube and found your video, which taught me everything I needed to know. It was great of you to take the time to share your knowledge. Thanks again.

[@BenOchart]

Clownfish Hatchery I'm very glad to hear that you found this useful.

[@dbrew02]

Thanks a bunch Ben! I'm new to canister filters just got my first one and your videos are teaching me so much!!

[@BenOchart]

Great to hear!

[@CoreyHecker]

gotta love the sunsun filters! Great filter media video!

[@BenOchart]

+Corey Hecker Thanks Corey!

[@Karmakazeez]

This was extremely helpful! I have a current usa serene aquarium and couldn't find anything about the canister filter. I was so confused with the order of this specific model but it all makes sense now! Thank you!

[@BenOchart]

You’re welcome😀👍🏻

[@mason2260]

this video is awesome! super informational and has helped me improve not only the cleaning process of my canister filter the well being of my fish even now in 2018! I am just getting into serious Aquarium builds this year and this helped me take some steps in the right direction!

[@BenOchart]

I am very glad to hear that it has helped!

[@palmbeachcitizen]

Your friend, the PondGuru, makes mention in one of his videos that Purigen should be added last (at the top) of a Sun Sun filter, as chemical filtration should always be last. #1 Mechanical, #2 Biological and then #3 Chemical filtration. Otherwise, great video. Very much enjoyed it.

[@BenOchart]

Water flows from bottom to top then back to the tank in a SunSun ... so my chemical is always the last thing to touch the water (unless I toss in a final water polish like floss which is not being counted on for beneficial bacteria). On another subject, some folks are reporting that the removal of chemical products like Purigen and ChemiPure is helping the biohome media to get into a full nitrogen cycle (develop aerobic bacteria. Have you heard anything about that?

[@thefishkid7615]

Wassup Ben? Great video you really wen into depth with this 1 we appreciate you

[@ryanstrauss6575]

Brilliant idea about the light!!

[@brianzambotti4510]

Well done Ben! I'm deciding between the fluval 06 series and this particular unit.

[@juanfr9jd]

thanks for the great info. after watching your video I brought a 304 for my tank and it's working great. It's also very quite

[@BenOchart]

Awesome. Can't beat the value and quality of a SunSun. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@serjio2359]

I just want to say thank you for the video. I just set up my new tank today with your methods in my canister.

[@BenOchart]

You're welcome. Let me know how it turns out. Post a video or come to my Facebook page "ben.o.cichlid" and post a picture :)

[@richardmaloney5566]

I never get tired of filter videos.

[@burlisaquarien7568]

One of the best videos about canister filters I ever seen on KZbin. I rarely give a thumb up, but in this case I did. Great job

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Das, very nice of you.

[@jc49fishniner4lif7]

thank you so much for this video I just bought one 302 and it was very,very helpful ,,👌👏👏👏

[@BenOchart]

Love my two 302s. They've been running quiet and strong for over two years.

[@jeffpeterson1879]

Thank YOU for posting this video sir. I need to do my first clean out on my first canister filter and to be honest, I'm really nervous about doing something wrong and killing my fish. But you made that really simple, and I feel much more at ease about it now.

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Jeff. I watched a lot of videos and was still a little shaky during my first canister cleaning. Since having done this video I've started putting the Seachem Purigen at the top, so the water hits it last before returning to the tank. In order, water returns to the tank from the canister, bottom to top: mechanical (sponges coarse-medium-fine-polyfill floss) so gunk can't get to and clog my bb (beneficial bacteria) media, then bb media, then Purigen and back to the tank. Good luck and I'm happy I could be of help.

[@HeatherHeart95]

Holy crap. I’ve been putting my media in the wrong order 🤦🏼‍♀️ thank you for this vid!

[@BenOchart]

I hope it helps. Also check out the "Pimp my Filter" series from PondGuru. He might have a video for your exact model.

[@Emeri666]

Me too!

[@BisforBunnys]

Hey thanks so much for the video ! I'm somewhat of a novice although I've owned aquariums for years. This time I'm trying to do it the right way. I just cleaned my sunsun 302 and did what you said and it needed NO priming whatsoever. Thanks again 🐠😁

[@BenOchart]

Yes! it works. I hate having to hold down or pump that blue button. Thanks for watching!

[@jc49fishniner4lif7]

Very good job Ben I also have mine like that but on the very bottom I have the sponch and 5 layers of that Pinckney floss and is working like a champ 👍 thanks for sharing like always great, great video

[@BenOchart]

If it's working ... don't change a thing. Thanks for watching George.

[@jessicacarrasco4892]

Thanks for the good advice. I got the same canister. The first time I cleaned mine I did not know about the switch were the hoses are about closing them. I flooded the place lol..Your viedo helped alot.

[@BenOchart]

Sorry about the flood Jessica. I'm glad that you found my video helpful and I appreciate you commenting.

[@johnleemarshall7825]

I am a new aquarium enthusiast. Last week infact lol. I have a cannister filter. I wasnt sure how too clean it. Now i know. Mine is a different make to yours but i guess they are all basically the same with varying strength. Mine is a 400 efx model to filter 190 english litres. Thank you for putting this video up.

[@BenOchart]

Hello John, I hope it helped and welcome to this awesome hobby.

[@carolinbrown1075]

Thank you so very much. I've been looking at over a dozen videos, you're the first person to tell me what I wanted to know, that I do the hose's first then unplug it. Thank you, finely someone with a brain.😊 And yes I agree with you, everyone else makes it look like it's hard to prime. I did what you said, it's fast and easy, thanks again. Any chance of you showing how to clean the hose's and impeller? Or do you already have a video for that? Thanks

[@BenOchart]

You're welcome. I'm glad that worked for you.

[@nolangietzen4668]

Thank you ill be ready to go when i get mine

[@rosiecook476]

Thank you this video was extremely helpful

[@GnomishUprising]

your Tank looks awsome , great vid i have the same filter will try these tips thanks

[@BenOchart]

+GnomishUprising Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@ianbatchelor1854]

another great video Ben I do exactly the same. 2 tips when refilling the filter I have a permanent marker pen on water level.Also when you turn on filter just put a net over the outlet that goes in to tank it catches the crap that goes in when first turned on. keep up the great videos you do.

[@BenOchart]

+Ian Batchelor Great tip, that first surge of water can be messy. Thanks!

[@eisvogel8099]

Great tips...like you I shut down the waterflow before disconnecting the powerplug. To fill up the canister comes in handy...it drove me nuts to get my jbl primed..Pondguru has great ideas too...and a nice accent, lol

[@patitasandiego4240]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL TANK!!!!

[@Phonseka78]

The purigen should be placed in the last basket, if we see. One of purigen's main actions is to eliminate ammonia and nitrite ... if they are removed, or diminished at a stage before they pass through nitrifying bacteria, they are left without "food" to establish a strong bacterial community. It's my opinion. Besides, thank you very much for your very informative videos.

[@BenOchart]

Water travels up the baskets when returning to the tank in a SunSun, so if you mean the top basket, then we are on the same page.

[@Phonseka78]

Ben Ochart, yes, we are on the same page !!! 😊 When I say in the last basket, I mean the direction of the water in each filter. For example, I have an FX6, and the direction is from top to bottom, so I put it in the bottom basket, which is the last one, in the sunsun, I don’t know, but if it is from the bottom up, it will be in the first.

[@MsArtemis01]

Very simple video and easy to follow. I might get a second canister on my 55g tank. Overkill but nothing but the best. :)

[@BenOchart]

Thank you for watching and commenting. No such thing as "overkill" when it comes to crystal clear water :)

[@markhaunert5029]

Great info. Need to get a big house plant for that great fertilizer that got poured down the sink 🤗

[@BenOchart]

Down the sink in the video ... but usually I will use it on some pots on the porch. Thanks for watching!

[@mikehowell7271]

excellent video. I also have same filter , and have my media same way.. these are great filters .

[@BenOchart]

+Mike Howell Thanks for watching. Yes, I love the SunSun's...can't beat the price.

[@chloe800xxx]

Educational vid, and well explained. helpful thanks :0)

[@BenOchart]

You are welcome!

[@pfccgroup1515]

Hi Ben .... Great content and knowledge as always. If I am permitted to try n dare give a veteran like u some tips, it will go as follows. Pl guide me if it's incorrect in any manner: 1) I would place another medium pad on the sun sun 's top tray bottom section. Over which another fine pad. 2) over which would place the chemical media. Y? The continuing dust u mentioned in the bio media N similar would be trapped by the top tray fine pad, hence safeguarding the motor. The top basket medium foam will have the duty to perhaps partially arrest the settling down of the cluster-accumulations in the top basket fine media, onto the pores of the bio media below. Lastly, A temporary micro sock or similar over the out hose into the acquarium can collect the debri which comes in upon restart. Then removed. Ur chemical should also last longer coz of these arrangements. With ur twin sun sun in place, the additional foams mentioned would not cause any undue strain on ur filters. Best Rusi

[@Xavier_915]

I got the HW303B in order right now to go with my new 75 gallon I'm buying next week... Thanks for the great info sir!

[@BenOchart]

+SergioVasquez CichlidGuy915 You are welcome. It should give you years of trouble free filtering. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Sunspot2077]

yeah i need that light, good suggestion

[@47Viggen]

Thanks for video. No BS nice how to. Thinking about getting one for a 20g planted I'm going to start up in a couple weeks.

[@BenOchart]

+47Viggen Thanks for watching. I highly recommend SunSun canisters for any kind of tank. The price and large media trays provide a lot of flexibility.

[@Fake_stork]

Nice video made me switch to a canister filter

[@BenOchart]

Love canisters and I appreciate you trusting my advice. Thanks!

[@willman43]

Good stuff. I have my Sunsun setup similarly. Coarse medium fine on bottom also. Middle I use chemi pure elite though and top tray is Seachem matrix.

[@BenOchart]

+Cichlid MadMan I've heard great things about both Chei Pure and Seachem. Thanks for watching.

[@Frog-oc1gv]

Simple instructions. Thanks!

[@BenOchart]

You're welcome Frog. Thanks for watching.

[@stephencowley6226]

Great video I've only had my setup for about 2 months, really new to all this, I am cleaning my canister filter over the weekend, great input to cleaning it thankyou. How often do you need to clean these filters?.

[@EliPop]

Thanks for the video and tips, I am going to try to run this canister for a 50 gallon saltwater aquarium.

[@BenOchart]

They are good in both salt and fresh water. Let me know how it goes and thank you for watching.

[@wadej347]

Good video some really useful info.

[@BenOchart]

+wadej347 Thanks!

[@brandonhunte2281]

Very informative! Nice vid!

[@BenOchart]

Glad you liked it!

[@koolpapabell1]

Well done

[@The1Jedi]

Great setup man. I personally have filled my last two section of the canister with just biological. Chemical isn't need unless there an unbalance of water colour or odor. But hey everyone got there own ways great job!

[@BenOchart]

Thanks Andy. I appreciate you stopping by.

[@jerryebner7582]

Thanks for the video even it being 3 years old I just figured what I am doing wrong with my Eheim Canister

[@BenOchart]

I'm glad it helped Jerry!

[@markcopley7366]

pondguru isthe most sensible down to earth person on fish keeping

[@BenOchart]

Agree. He seems to have shifted more into other projects recently, like metal detecting, but his early canister videos were awesome.

[@ivoryqueen7000]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@BenOchart]

You're welcome IQ. Thanks for watching.

[@willman43]

Looking good. I took your advice and got rid of my hob filters. I now run a Sunsun 303b (370gph) and a Sunsun 304b (525gph) on my 75 gallon.

[@BenOchart]

+Cichlid MadMan You'll be happy with your nitrate reading once those canisters get established. My next upgrade will be the waffle foam that provides more surface area to catch detritus. The canisters are also sooo quiet, love 'em.

[@willman43]

+Ben Ochart Correction, I now run 2 304b (525gph) on my 75 gallon tank. The 303b (370gph) went to my sons Oscar tank.

[@BenOchart]

525ghp is a lot of water movement. The fish must love it. Be well.

[@KayakKingdom]

Nice vid. I have a similar setup with 2 sun sun 304Bs on a 120 gallon 5 ft predator tank. Similar setup with the media and well. 1. 4 different sponges on bottom (coarse to fine) 2. Bio balls 3. Seachem matrix. 4. Bio rings. I think I'm gonna do away with the bio balls and replace with biohome as well. Maybe chuck the balls at the bottom to divert flow like you have.

[@eileenjarvis1213]

Thank you for this video I got one of these at Christmas time and set it up and I need to clean it and this was a great demonstration but what's in the little bag is that the same as carbon

[@BenOchart]

In some ways yes. It's Seachem Purigen which absorbs things you don't want in the tank, like carbon does. Unlike carbon, which you should throw away after a few months, Purigen can be "recharged" like 8 or 10 times, so it goes along way. Many however are not using either and seeing good results.

[@BellaviaSigns]

So Helpful Ty

[@rogmarcot8800]

Great video

[@staths77]

As to the priming of that filter, I had issues with priming, what I do now is similar to your self, the problem I believe is that if the outlet to your tank is below the water level in the tank then you will have priming issues, so, when filling the tank after a water change I fill to just below the outlet about 30mm or so, turn on the filter and hey! no priming issues or air noise. Fill to above the outlet and all is well. I use a spray bar.

[@dariogheller]

pond guru rocks and so does Ben

[@BenOchart]

You're including me in with a VIP in the hobby ... thank you! 😉

[@sandypandys]

very good information thank you

[@BenOchart]

I'm glad you found it helpful Sandy

[@StuEvans]

Not sure about if any other people do this but I put my fish net over the outflow before I switch on. It stops all the particles clouding the water

[@lawrencecastiglia2838]

Yep, I do the same thing been doing it for years.

[@travisgraham8378]

Thanks for the video!

[@BenOchart]

You are welcome. I hope it helps.

[@burlisaquarien7568]

Two reasons why I clean my sponges in tap water: 1. I don't care about the few bacteria in the sponges. Sponges are only mechanical filters and should do this job as long as possible. Poorly cleaned sponges tend to clog quick. 2. And more important reason: tap water in Germany is not chlorinated. I also use pure tap water for water changes without any treatments

[@BenOchart]

Both good points!

[@QCCHRIS77]

Good setup nice tank!!

[@BenOchart]

+Christian Cayer Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@ganeshtopare2625]

Thank you so much sir.

[@BenOchart]

You are very welcome.

[@Hey_POW]

hello Ben, have taken ur Advice and purchased few more African cichlids for my 5 ft Aquarium. and bought all those stuff watch video you recommend me to watch. Etc..... my Aquarium water is so clear like urs. I do all you told me to do. fishes seems so happy. but I will be adding more Fish soon need at least 15 more.

[@BenOchart]

I'm very happy that you are having success and I totally understand the desire for more fish. If you haven't already, watch my video "Cichlids are Crack" and have a laugh.

[@Hey_POW]

thank you alot. gonna make a video and share link with you soon

[@BenOchart]

Please let me know when you do so I can see your new tank set up.

[@AKAquatics]

Good video Ben as far as placement of the purigen typically chemical filtration is the last step I personally run the sun sun 404b's as well as other models I leave just enough room in the top tray for a large bag of purigen otherwise same setup and I don't use the rings in the bottom but it appears both ways works great I would just suggest using purigen in the top bin.

[@BenOchart]

Thanks, makes sense.

[@willman43]

Whatever works for you. Should go from bottom to top. Mechanical, chemical, and then biomedia. You want your biomedia to be touched by the cleanest water possible before returning to tank. Pond guru explains it best.

[@BenOchart]

Cichlid MadMan Agree.

[@yehoshuacirt8645]

In my experience tap water, at least mine which has chlorine but no chlorine, has no negative effect that I can see. I feel free to wash sponges thoroughly. And if required, I would wash bio medium also.

[@electricwater83]

Nice video 👍 🎉You now officially have 101 subscribers 🎉

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. I subbed you back.

[@BenOchart]

+electric water and, BTW, I love that OB on your banner, he is nuts beautiful.

[@electricwater83]

Ben Ochart thanks he's the boss hense,Why I have them beautiful colors!

[@carrasquel1978]

Perfect

[@ommie1119]

thanks really appreciate the info

[@BenOchart]

U R welcome.

[@Quitedonyt]

Curious to see an update to how you now setup your canister and clean it. I think i seen a post from an earlier comment that you said you now are using purigen at the top. I would definitely say I hear at the top is where you should have the purigen/ chemi pure blue or chemi pure elite. I am also interested to know if you have any knowledge on seachem matrix, i hear tons if people using that (maybe instead of the biohome). Do yu think the cheaper pillow stuffing or sponge stuff would work as good as the polly-fill? Thanks as always and I really enjoy your voice during your videos, you make it sound so easy and do nit over complicate things. I think I confuse peopld or make it harder for people to understand what I am saying. Excited to see a newer video on the canister cleaning/water change!!! Thanks again Ben!

[@BenOchart]

+Troy Hodapp I am not familiar with the matrix, blue and elite seachem products. What I've seen on KZbin are all positive comments on those products. Seachem seems like a real legit company, so you probably can't go wrong using their stuff, if used as recommended. The floss I'm using now is crib batting fiber fill which I cut to fit the canister baskets. You've inspired me to film a "Canister Tips 2.0" video that includes a water change. Look for it in a month to six weeks since my canisters are pretty clean right now. Thanks for watching, subscribing and commenting.

[@yankos_]

Good to see you credit the PondGuru!!! Congratulations!!! :-)

[@yankos_]

+byankos Rinse new Biohome in tank water.... love your style!!! Pre-priming of the canister... a man after my own heart!!! I do this with my cars then doing an oil change... :-)

[@BenOchart]

+byankos thank you, yes, PondGuru helped me understand how canisters work and how to use them correctly. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@ganeshtopare2625]

Hey, you r great and nice trick from priming

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Ganesh, I appreciate the kind words.

[@paulsampugnaro6919]

nice job I have 3 sunsun 404-b for sbout s year and they work like i just bought them. I also use ultimate bio-home good stuff.

[@BenOchart]

Paul Sampugnaro Thank you Paul. Have you heard that you need one kilo on Biohome Ultimate for every 15 gallons of tank. They claim this will create anaerobic bacteria that will reduce nitrates. I just found this out. Thanks for watching.

[@RSP190166]

I do everything as you do but one. I connect my hose's straight onto the filter and let gravity fill the filter with water, once full i plug in and turn on. Never had a problem this way. Iv never filled filler before placing motor on. I find this way it cleans the pipes a little to.

[@BenOchart]

Good tip Ricky!

[@RSP190166]

@@BenOchart Thank you. I didn't expect a reply. Keep up the great video's

[@toddhayslett8269]

love the homer buckets......lol.... home depot is the aquarists best friend....

[@BenOchart]

That's no lie! Thanks for watching and commenting Todd.

[@albertramsay847]

Nice job. I never use the primer on my sunsun, I don't think it works very well. It also fills to tank up with tiny bits of gunk. but for the price of them I can't complain too much.

[@BenOchart]

Albert Ramsay I agree on both points. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@veneshpillay3635]

Hi there, enjoy you videos. Purigen and prime kills anaerobic bacteria , most people don't pick this up as they do weekly water changes and only get to 2/3 of the nitrogen cycle. Sun sun the best value for money.

[@BenOchart]

I checked this with Seachem and it is not true. Here is there reply in full: Seachem Support 10286 (Seachem Laboratories)Feb 28, 09:57 AST Hello Ben,Thank you for following up! Purigen should not harm the beneficial bacteria colonies (aerobic or anaerobic) in the tank. I believe this rumor stems from the fact that Purigen removes organic material from the tank which ultimately breaks down into ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to "feed" the bacteria. In any tank, there is always enough organic material being produced that there will be some in excess. Purigen helps take care of the excess which actually eases the load on the biological filter.As long as you have environments in your filter that are lower in oxygen (places with low flow rate, media with large internal surface area), the anaerobic bacteria will be able to grow!I hope this helps!Thank you,Seachem Support 10286

[@user-ii1ei9gw8t]

hey ben great video got a question for u: why did u remove the purigen bag from the top tray and put it in the bottom tray on top of the polyfil??

[@jimkihn1475]

Just set my 72 gal. Bow front up & bought the 4 stage SunSun with ultra violet light ,, it pumps quite a bit of water. Is the light a needed option or just now & then ? TY for being so in-depth on video. I already put stuff in bottom for water flow& did lights first day, big help. My question is why no charcoal in filter ? Thought it was a necessity ? Your tank looks great.

[@MarioMartinez-xb8mb]

Man started with you and then Pondguru. Just order my Sun Sun and the media for my 55 gal Cichlid tank to go with my HOB. Thanks for the info brother. Do I really need to purchase the live bacteria when before I operate my canister?

[@BenOchart]

You can add something like API Quick Start and/or add substrate that comes with good bacteria, like CaribSea Eco-Complete. I think the best thing one can do is to get a hold of grungy used wet filter media from an established tank and put it in your filter, it will speed up cycling your tank, making it safe to add fish. Good luck and thank you for watching and commenting.

[@TheBrownJesus69]

very nice tank

[@BenOchart]

Thank you!

[@garykerswell1222]

I'm so glad I went on to KZbin and found your video thanks for advice

[@BenOchart]

Love to hear that, thanks Gary!

[@srf6161]

Great video.....does the purigen effect the biohome?

[@ismaeloswald.6054]

Very informative, thank you.especy for me novice.

[@BenOchart]

You are welcome

[@joebritten2574]

I’ve noticed with 2 of my sunsuns that the prime button sticks

[@tukokitkat]

hi great video how often you clean the tank as I have AQUA MANTA EFX 200 AFTER i CLEANED THE TANK ABOUT 2 DAY LATER START BECOME FOGY AND SMELLT THANJKS

[@willparsons32]

I dunno but for some strange reason, watching someone ELSE maintain their canister filter seems to be rather theropedic!! However, if I may suggest two simple suggestions for your canister filter(s)and power bar.... Firstly; get yourself a plastic container to sit your canisters into. Although you may have alot of confidence in your canisters rubber O-rings, I just like that extra margin of safety. Secondly; Lift that electrical plug-in at least 4" up off the floor. Again, you're probably a real safety minded fish keeper but an wet hand or a few drops of stray water is not something electricity usually forgives.

[@BenOchart]

This is an older video and @great minds do think alike”🤣 Check this out: 10 Ways I *PREVENT DISASTER* in My Fish Room! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJjYZKxoj6uNj8k

[@Samt1958]

Hey Ben great video! Where did you get those lights from? Thanks

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. Any hardware store, or even Amazon / eBay would carry. They come in all shapes and sizes with velcro tape backing.

[@Hey_POW]

thanks mate

[@BenOchart]

You're welcome

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Pondguru has to be the most knowledgable person I know on filters/media I know of

[@BenOchart]

I believe that he invented the Biohome product line, right?

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Ben Ochart I'm not sure, it definitely seems that way lol