HOW TO: DIY aquarium filter media

[@ZXVLAD]

In Mexico the normal biological media are really spensive(like 2 o 3 times their cost in USA) so most of the mexican aquariums have lava rock( called tezontle here), but there volcanic rock in gardening stores that have a smaller grain size like half inch or less , sorry for my bad english.

[@teenmami]

Mark Zxvlad ps entonses Steff j canal aca en KZbin es millonaria checkea sus videos de como cuida a sus aquariums oh alomejor lol se aorra en comprar un filtro lo usa ai y tu Ingles muy bueno perdon por mi español

[@unknownuser1357]

Mark Zxvlad yet they come from USA

[@cadepope4093]

No, your English is great :)

[@joannab7299]

now off to find the correct sizing for tanks lol! I'm going to have to buy your book once I'm out on my own and I can do whatever I want with my tanks! :)

[@durt20]

XD I love how Canadians say Barbecue..

[@clown454]

Same lol

[@mvhemp]

Everything really 😂😩😩🤌❤

[@clown454]

@@mvhemp woah chill😉

[@aarondavies8486]

Because they speak better English than yanks

[@foo5805]

The king of DIY you are awesome. I followed many of your videos. I built a DIY cascade filter for my aquarium that works perfect. I was moving some bio-media form a old filter to this new one and notice that my bio filter media was wearing out after 8 months

[@622wesc]

After 5 years you still using lava rock? Need to do a video " i still use this"

[@MrRvbrown]

Yes for sure all I use anymore.

[@Justthemow]

eric wesche you can look up pumice stone it’s the exact same stuff the big media guys sell your for like 100% mark up or more

[@johnmartinez4943]

@@MrRvbrown how's your coast to coast weir doing sir? One of the most impressive overflows I've seen.

[@raisinmydog]

Some of these ideas are really great. I can't wait to make my filter more eFISHient

[@erick6102]

Suggested future topic: starting nitrogen cycle in a new tank. Not many have started more new tanks than you Joey, can you cover what works best for you, pitfalls to watch for, etc?

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

I’m no Joey, but the recipe is fairly simple when I set up a completely new tank and don’t have access to pre-established biological media: pH of 7-7.5, heater set to 76 degrees (or whatever you’ll keep your fish at), Dr Tim’s One and Only, and an ammonia source (fish food or the little bottles of it Dr Tim sells). Just keep testing until nitrates go to zero and nitrites appear, do a water change then start adding fish. Typically takes a week to ten days.

[@bens4801]

@@bigbowlowrong4694 You got it the other way around. It should be Ammonia > Nitrites > Nitrates (When nitrates show up and nitrites go 0, you have completed cycling your tank)

[@Tigerworksinc]

Saved me $200 or so. Thanks so much

[@CreepyMonkeyHeadGame]

Joey I've been looking four videos on lava rock to see if it's safe for saltwater unfortunately I couldn't find it from anybody else so that's what I get with you and hoping the common will answer my question because I have not found any of this information

[@princed47130]

How do you feel about old-school charcoal filters? When I was a kid, aquarium kits came with a corner air bubble filter with room for charcoal and fiber filling as well as an under-gravel filter with air stones. I haven't seen either in a number of years.

[@MegaLuke998]

Lava rock is all I use in my filters, I find there's more surface area the most ceramic rings

[@anonymark12]

does it affect water ph like pumice?

[@ericlind6581]

Luke Andrews Salt water too?

[@josemontalvo4532]

Sweet tutorial on filter media. Enjoyed watching! Thank you for sharing!

[@dksfollies4772]

Very informative video . Learned a lot . Thank you

[@TheGmoney11111]

I have to call you robotic Joey you. I feel like I watched you grow over the past 10 years

[@iian_]

New to the hobby and was wondering instead of having the cartridges being replaced in the "hang on the back filter" using a mix of polyester and lava rocks. Assuming i could get it to flow properly with the pump it came with how long before i would need to change the polyester. Also would i need to rinse the lava rocks weekly/monthly?

[@alilruthlessify]

Great video but can you tell me if you have a video with the pros and cons of using each type of filter. I have three turtles in a 75 very tall tank and im not sure its gonna work out for them but can you explain the uses of a trickle filter?? These guys produce lots of waste. I currently have two canister filters and a wisper 20i i shoved all the wat to the bottom and turned into a in tank filer.

[@JuanRamirez-re7po]

I love your videos but I keep getting more and more confused ha ha. You explain everything great but I want to set up my tank in the office (36 gallon bowfront) but don’t know what type of filter to use. What do you recommend?

[@haseebshafqat5700]

please make videos on hav8ng cryatal clear water and choosing wood for driftwood

[@MirIsAwesome]

will the little plastic scrub sponge thingys work fully submerged too? (like in a plastic bottle with an air pump)

[@amymcdonnell5084]

Miranda Pelletier yeah they will there is multiple videos that he made on using it that way as well.

[@partyonman1959]

I was told to be careful with lava rock as it's sometimes stored outdoors can be sprayed with herbacides. Boil before using.

[@NavySar-rn3nu]

...

[@partyonman1959]

before it's bagged it's stored in large piles outside in holding yards.

[@NavySar-rn3nu]

of course its been outside at some point, its good practice to clean any natural object before putting it in your tank.

[@mab9987]

awesome, you always have the answers to my questions, thanks a lot!!!

[@tednguyen4771]

How do you promote anaerobic bacteria in your sump filter and which media is the best to use for that?

[@worldwolf9909]

You covered Mechanical and biological, but what about chemical media ? Or if you run enough biological you won't need chemical..

[@trentonjohnson9481]

Is this for saltwater too????

[@danielherrera1208]

hey Joey I was wondering if you ever tried sea sponge as a filter media or what you thought about using it

[@Repphibians]

Hey Joey. I'm also from ns and I was wondering where you buy you're materials ( wood,tubing and such) thanks a lot!

[@Mikael-gg3uq]

Wow. there's something about how you did this video making it more lively than the previous videos.

[@majorbrighton]

Maybe because his always talking as if on a long distance call?

[@thingwhatever]

Do the plastic pot scrubbies float⁉️

[@MrRvbrown]

Where can I join the lava rock fan club? Been using lava rock for a long time love the stuff beats that snake oil doggie do they say is the best $ for $ and pound for pound!! Thanks for bringing this to light!!

[@JoseFlores-nz9yt]

Is bbq lava rock and gardening lava rock the same?? People keep telling me they are treated differently and not to use bbq one

[@MrRvbrown]

@@JoseFlores-nz9yt as far as I know they are pretty much the same. I've only used landscaping lava rock and is cheaper

[@CDPMATH]

Lava rock vs eheim substrat Which one is better? Thank you for the response.

[@cassullivan1375]

Would lava rock and sponges work for a turtle? I plan on making a diy filter and I’m not sure what filter media to use

[@GameOnwithMJ]

What's the media he uses in his rays tank?

[@simonlaura]

what pump would I need for a 90 gallon tank to have a good flow rate?

[@brandtsavoy6123]

Been using pumice or Lava rocks thats sanded down using my Drexel for my aquariums. That and a busted and sanded down terracotta pots works awesome too

[@Pseudomonas38362]

how about hydro Clay pebbles for plaats?

[@Pray4Mojo1]

I use it. It's called hydroton. You need to use media bags for it though because it takes a long time to sink, sometimes never. It can raise pH is you don't rinse it well.

[@whitetrashandhellbound6905]

I agree, I saw a Video with you and Gold Fish girl lol sorry, forget her name... But, you mentioned the "Biggest Mistake or Learning Curve" for you was your Nitrogen cycle... I would like to see a video of you explaining the cycle, or all cycles. I think it would be appreciated by all beginners. Thanks Joey, as always this video was a huge help.

[@23Kairos]

Joe M. Jenny

[@fireborn..]

Who else watching in 2023.

[@outfittersoutdoors]

Hi guys I built this with lava and it work great

[@joseguerrero4716]

You think you would be able to make the discus breeding video? Thanks a lot.

[@luminoustrail7640]

+Jose Guerrero Minutes ago I was thinking the same! I'm curious to know how he bred their beautiful and healthy discus!

[@andrewfields8556]

Man... I have lava rock in my biological filter and it keeps putting off dirt and soot. No matter how much I clean it. I have to keep changing the water. Anyone else struggle with this water cloudiness when it comes to lava rock.

[@LRODIASTUDIOS]

Can I use media in my Eshopps 75? Lava rock? Thank you!

[@kimcyrusmabalot8229]

Joey can i Ask if Coal is a Good Idea as an Filter Media?

[@petestockus1082]

Can you use bricks for bio media?

[@mannyfigueroaofficial]

Thank you for posting this video Joey! I have 5 tanks running; finally got quilt batting and lava rock for all filters. Since then my water is CRYSTAL clear, parameter levels are perfect, and I no longer waste money on filter cartridges. For less than $10 I have 3 months worth filter media for ALL of my setups. You're a lifesaver!

[@melvang353]

I'm planning on doing this too. Like the video Is it a bottle with lava rock inside and sponge on the outside ? Just wanna make sure it's like that. Thanks!

[@aussiejjdude3066]

Had a thought... Could (with some DIY) a sand waterfall become a fluidized media bed? If so, wow. One of the first media(s) out there that has a function and can look pretty.

[@jamesbryan1285]

It can also be purchased crushed into pieces about a 1/4" size. Garden supply places can order.

[@stanandrewski9923]

if I have a multi-layer canister filter(cascade1000) Which basket would the lava rock go into? I have three and they filter from bottom up? Is charcoal lava rock the same as lava rock? Lastly what else would you recommend in the other baskets? or just all lave rock?

[@damemelusine4879]

Thank you Joey for telling us about lava rock, mine is working great and even grew denitrifying bacteria!

[@lavendertown3479]

Can the lava rock filter keep my tank water clear

[@DirtySinusoid]

Does the bacteria just magically colonize whatever inert media is used? Or is that needed? I heard anything inert can be used from bottle caps to rocks so long as it's actually inert non organic material. Avoiding soloable material/mineral forms and reagents that would effect pH and stuff like most metals.

[@robertcarlosllenarizas7987]

Can i ask you if i use lava rocks in filter media bag then placed underneath aquarium substrate... is it feasible... and will be placed on the aquarium & will be covered by the aqua soil or substrate... hope to hear from you about this... thank you very much...

[@EKKoSYKESMusic]

Dude sounds like he’s from Ontario 🤔 out for a rip are ya bud? Lol

[@nkgolan]

hi pls can you tell me what size of submersible pump i need for 25000 liter fish pond . I'm using trickle filter tnx in advance

[@justinwells1043]

I dont know if somebody is pouring milk in my tank... But do 75% water changes once a week... And that's bacterial filtration, even though I hate to admit it, the only clear water aquariums are those that have 3 small fish in a 100 gallon

[@thekingofdiy]

Cycling issue. Stop cleaning the filtration so much.Water change only for the first 10 weeks or so. Dont touch the filter unless its to rinse the mechanical portion.

[@travischristensen6310]

I don't have lava rocks, but I have bricks. Can I crush them up for filter media? Seems porous enough to be effective...

[@antoniovieira1832]

Do you have a diy for the sand filter ?

[@adrianpaolo3586]

+Antonio Vieira he has one check on his channel

[@antoniovieira1832]

ok thanks guys

[@williamblackmore1003]

Such a young Joey. Thank you for such great ideas all the time. I love watching the old videos.

[@dreamfishde9362]

Hey Joey, where can I buy your shirts? I really want one of this :) Greetz from Germany

[@Underdog72B]

Anyone using in a reef tank ? Lot's of posts on forums saying not to for some reason they can't remember or they read it somewhere but don't know where. LOL

[@simonkrystosek7122]

Lava rock....BRILLIANT! Thanks!

[@asifali007]

red lava rocks cost way more than black ones

[@MauriceMccomie]

Very good alternatives Joey, I think every aquarist I know have used these at one point or the other.

[@darrylwolfe7359]

Is it really true that you have to wash the ceramic rings and Carbon before putting on filter?

[@codyy729]

Old joey Before everything

[@lisademayo8589]

and same question for the colorful scrubbies? safe for a reef tank? the colors are safe? no chemicals?

[@joebarker9462]

Can a loofah be used in a marine fowlr sump as a mechanical filter the corse sponge at lfs is expensive and they never have it in stock

[@haitham.mohamed]

Great video sir . Thank you million times 👍🏽

[@lisademayo8589]

hey King? is the lava rock safe for a reef tank? is there any additives? why am i nervous?. lol

[@edchoi2428]

Where do you buy that very porous easily pour through black foam?

[@problemaquarium]

Commenting for your stats :) love from newfoundland canada

[@richietanchuanhoe]

THANKS MAN! i learnt a lot. keep up the great work!

[@claudia.r8608]

www.bunnings.com.au/dalson-3kg-volcanic-rock_p3173371 this is the rocks I speak of

[@411aquatictrust8]

3 words for you, "THAT IS AWESOME!!!!"

[@JamilKhan-hk1wl]

The only media i use is bio ball that i got for free and bio sponge

[@ferim4829]

Wait...pardon me if I sound dumb...but what is the filter media in a hang-on-the-back filter? Is it the filter cartridge?

[@catboybubs]

Mèng Xiǎng it is a cartridge

[@gatorray9125]

What do you mean by "polishing the water"?

[@tafftastic]

Plastic bio balls are utter rubbish and over priced.

[@moome1649]

Hi Joey,Long time subscriber. I need your honest opinion with straws for BIO media? What do you think and do they work similar to the medias that you have shown in this video?

[@Mindshaker2012]

Hey Joey I got ceramic rings for my aquarium canister filter and they seem to be producing dust in the water it looks like tiny white particles is it normal and how do I get rid of it thanks and I did wash the media before putting it in the filter.

[@Garethaxz]

+Mine Shaker Yeah they slowly dust away into nothing, just put/move already existing filter-floss/batting after the ceramic media and it should filter most of it out, otherwise don't worry about it.

[@unknownuser1357]

Don’t plastic breaks apart over the years in water?

[@beej1254]

I personally use lava rock in my sump for biological filtration. I actually bought a 5lb bag when I setup my sump, rinsed the rocks well then put them in. My tank is close to a year old now with no problems.

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

Lava rock is my go to substrate for trickle filters. And makes a great bulk for under your substrate/ gravel so you need less of expensive substrate like Flourite / Eco-Complete to make those hills and valleys..

[@victor7260]

Is it ok if my lava rock red color is fading black

[@AGUILAR3]

For the last 3 years, I'm been running 2 5 tray canisters with 1 mechanical and 4 lava rock filled trays in each.

[@rohitwaghmare3265]

Can we use laterite stone instead of lawa rock??

[@stevegee8010]

Would alfagrog be comparable to lava rock?

[@AdamCanFly]

I used to use pot scrubbers for my 180 gallon tank. They worked great!

[@Vynzent]

Can this stuff effectively replace both bio-balls and those little cylinders/white-tubeshape-things? Also, if I use those little scrubber-sponge things does that mean I don't need to buy those annoying flat white mesh/floss pads? I would appreciate the feedback, I am just getting ready to move my turtle from a 20-gallon with a weak filter into a 60-gallon tank with a cannister. I am on a budget, and would like to not have to buy the special media or meshes for the filter :)

[@ruthven78]

have you thought of cut to fit plastic air furnace filter? lasts a long time, can be reused by rinsing if it gets gunked up

[@wink48]

How about a video showing how to keep some extra oem cycled (cartridge, bio bags, etc) filter media ready-to-go in a small spare aquarium? or why I should NOT do so?

[@justinrvarga7236]

Seachem and marine pure are total rip offs and too expensive. I’m using clay pellets or left over eheim balls. Work great and very affordable. I will try some lava rock when I get my sump ready very soon. Will mix it in with my clay pellets. Great video Joey

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I'm changing to carbonless and I'm using Seachem matrix and Purigen, I have Goldfish so I need to take precautions. What's your opinion? So far half of my filters since I have double filtration again bare in mind I have Goldfish. Please advise so far so good and is been 3 months.

[@AOnecookingTips]

Nic video brother 🙏🇮🇳

[@MrOutlawnative]

Cichlid nez drop in and watch ur video and I hit the like button. 394

[@GilbertGarcia_ojoartstudios]

LAAHVA rock. AHHdult. Hehehehe Awesome video, thanks for the info.

[@ccortez392]

Um that axe is gonna get very dull

[@altaf.ibrahim]

can i use micro fibre that cums from a pilow. for bio filter insted of polythene

[@bbf0ab08cb44becfec]

comes*

[@BraddaMarlon]

So lava rock would be good for a reef tank

[@MrArnthax]

Hi Joey! Writing from Chile! I had a question, what do you think about carbon media for fresh water tanks? I've noticed that many filters in the market include this feature, but i'm not sure how it works or if it is useful/beneficial at all. Ps: Your videos are amazing and very helpful! Thanks a lot!

[@jordilizaola8304]

can you use this in marina s10 filter