How to Make an Excellent Moving Bed Filter

[@pondguru]

Sounds groovy. It is a very good media and provided the water is flowing over it, it will do a great job of processing waste. Glad you're pleased with it.

[@rcruz2008]

Mr. Richard, Thank you! Thank you soo much for your advise. Once i have everything up and running I will post a video with your ideas. Thank you again for being a great.

[@pondguru]

The Fluval Biomax is a standard ceramic media so won't move as a moving bed filter would. It still should act well as a standard filter though it may not remove ammonia and nitrite as quickly as a moving bed. It will most likely take 4-6 weeks to work really well and this is based on the set up time of the bacteria which builds quicker on ceramic media than plastic media. Adding gel bacteria balls in the filter does speed up development coinsiderably.

[@pondguru]

This is one of the best filters I have come up with so far, glad you enjoyed the video. As copied by 'the king of DIY' - but he copied a very old video of one of my first designs (and passed it off as his own invention - lol). His video has had over 54,000 views and this hasn't reached 3,000 yet. Go figure that one out? The world is a crazy place but no doubt he'll copy this one too and get thousands of views from that also. Ha ha.

[@lukejohnson7105]

well sod him - I'm going to share it too all my fish groups i run online to help you out! Corydora Traders Uk on facebook buddy, Yorkshire bristlenose and a few others ;)

[@pondguru]

Yup, thats about it. Lke all filters, it needs to run 24/7 to keep bacteria levels high and allow the filter to process waste properly.

[@pondguru]

Very hot water easily removes the sticky muck from the side and multiple clean-outs for the inside will ensure all that stuff goes too. Just fill with hot water and shake vigorously, empty out and repeat until smell has gone and you're happy it's clean.

[@markcato]

Thanks Pond Guru, my bio motion filter media arrived and filter is now up and running!

[@pondguru]

Some people have used a moving bed filter on the outlet of a powerhead pump. Not sure how that worked out for them but I can't see why it wouldn't work. If you did want to go with a seperate filter then an upscaled version of the one in the video would be no worries. For a 240 litre tank I would go for at least 1 litre Biomotion or 2 litres Hel-x or 3 litres K1 for the media with a decent sized sponge as prefilter although you could retain the one you have on the powerhead instead.

[@Allister12212012]

I think this is the best DIY filter I have seen on YT in the last 2 years .. great work...

[@FishtanksandpondsUk]

Another excellent, common sense video. Please keep them coming.

[@pondguru]

This is probably the best one I've come up with, thanks for appreciating.

[@hybrid2003]

Thanks, I already bought some K1 for a DIY project sometime ago (still have not used it). But now this new Biomotion media has my attention. I might have to re-think my sump design.

[@pondguru]

As ut is in this video it will not suck up fry but if you make it with an exposed foam (as in 'Best moving bed filter ever' video) it will have the added bonus of allowing access to the foam for the fry to feed from.

[@pondguru]

Groovy. I am currently working on a commercial design which uses the Biomotion and although my first prototype has not worked to plan I now know exactly what to do to for the next one so all being well I will get that made very soon and have it tested. The idea is to show a couple of filter designs at Interzoo in Germany next year but I need to get cracking if they are going to get made professionally so they don't look like plastic containers siliconed together, lol.

[@pondguru]

If air is being pushed in and is coming out of the top (with water) then water will be drawn in through the bottom to replace the displaced air and water from inside the filter. If you have some anti-parasite treatment and a syringe / pipette you can squeeze some out below the filter and the blue colour should be drawn up into the filter and spat out the top. That will prove that water is flowing correctly.

[@pondguru]

If you have the correct fitting on the outlet of the fluval 3 an air line will fit into it allowing air to be dragged in and spat out of the filter. The filter in this video is completely separate from the fluval and simply runs by air being supplied by an air pump.

[@pondguru]

The quality and clarity of the water would suggest that it does a great job, yes.

[@pondguru]

Not sure if enough draw would be created through larger pipe and big air stone may slow incoming flow down but I can't say for sure. Just experiment and learn. That's the beauty of DIY projects.

[@catfromok]

Excellent video! My bosami rainbow fish surprised me w' 8 babies a couple of nights ago. I currently have them in an old 3 gallon betta tank.with air stone & a 25 watt heater. Both the frye & the tank are so tiny that I'm afraid a conventional filter would be the end of them. Your homemade filter is the perfect solution. Thanks so much.

[@pondguru]

The biomotion acts just the same as plastic media, yes. Definitely best to have sponge then air injection then the media as you say (just like in this video). The ratio of media doesn't really matter but I would have personally gone for all Biomotion as it is the most efficient media by a long way.

[@pondguru]

No problem at all, man. I do have an awesome filter in the works which I am talking to a manufacturer about so hopefully that one will be coming to KZbin (and shops) soon.

[@deanbean4606]

you are a legend dude,thanks for all of your helpfull videos.greetings from greece! :)

[@khoi83]

I just did a bed filter myself for my 260 l tank, with fluval biomax and foam, it looks good and I think it will work well! thanks for having inspired me! my question: how long does the bio filter need to start to work well ? how long do the bacteria need to develop in the filter?

[@pondguru]

The media will never need changing although the ceramic media will eventually wear away (over a long time) if it is crashing together. Thats part of the reason why I have a gentle action in the biomotion filter. Plastic can clatter as hard as it wants and it won't wear in a filter.

[@pondguru]

Good afternoon, Mike. That saved me a phone call. I've just got finished early and was going to ring you to check on this as it serms strange since there hasn't been any other reports of pH rise. We have some of the latest batch in our amazonian tank filters at the shop and water still fine.

[@pondguru]

You can mix up the media no worries. There are a few people coming round to teh idea that they can improve the efficiency of their koi filters (e.g. Nexus) by adding Biomotion to the moving bed part.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Will do. Thanks for watching and appreciating.

[@pondguru]

BIOHOME FILTER MEDIA, FILTER UPGRADE KITS AND FOAMS HERE: www.filterpro.co.uk From the guy who started the aquarium moving bed filter movement.....how to make an aquarium filter - a very easy and cheap moving bed filter - possibly the best DIY moving bed filter on KZbin so far. Please click 'like' to get this video promoted on KZbin - this filter and media is awesome and so simple to make. The bottle used is a Tesco shower gel bottle. Imagine a fish house with dozens of tanks, all with small moving bed filters - powered from one decent air pump. Groovy. The filter in this video uses 'Biomotion' media which is ceramic and has an internal honeycomb structure to provide a massive surface area for bacterial colonisation so allows the filter to be much smaller than standard internal filters. **PLEASE NOTE I HAVE CLOSED TYNE VALLEY AQUATICS AND NOW SELL MEDIA FROM HOME ONLINE. COLLECTING MEDIA IS NO PROBLEM JUST RING OR EMAIL ANY TIME.** My phone number 07772848730 My email address [e-mail]

[@arncj18]

good day, i was thinking of using the siporax ceramic stuff in one of these. would it work? plus as a designer i think this shower bottle choice is absolutely fantastic, it would look the tits in an aquarium

[@arncj18]

also heard this kind of filters not so good with planted setups. Maybe i'll just stick to my sponges than

[@pondguru]

The size of bottle will relate to the volume of water it needs to treat so it's all down to whoever is making the filter for any given tank really.

[@pondguru]

Hope it all goes well. Great for delivering excellent water quality. The performance of moving bed filters seem to be doubted only by 'experts' on forums who have not tried them. Same with the peat balls I sell on ebay. Depressing really.

[@markcato]

Sounds good! The filter already looks great in the tank, I did change the t-piece for an air stone as I had one spare, and the bubbles go everywhere. I'm sure you will crack the design, these things are all about trial and error aren't they. I do quite like the filter being clear so you can see the media.

[@turkeyfeathers1987]

You say it kills the less strong bacteria so only the best are left, does this mean it will take a little longer for bacteria to build up in this type of filter? I'm very interested in making one of these for a number of reasons: 1. It looks like it would be very safe for small fry, 2. I think it would be relatively cheap to do (and fun!) and 3. it actually looks a lot nicer than a black humming box in the tank! Great video.

[@pondguru]

I just used a very sharp stanley / craft knife but it was a tricky shape to cut out.

[@dickhead8775]

Would heating the knife in a flame make it easier to cut the plastic? Brilliant video, by the way - very clearly explained.

[@pondguru]

Not familiar with seachem matrix but unless it has neutral buoyancy it won't work as a moving bed filter but will still function as a normal filter driven by air. I don't sell these filters online but have plans for that in the future if i ever get time to develop the idea and source manufacturers.

[@Jonebee7771]

Yet again! Your home made filter!! Fantastic! When i get my new tank i might use that idea, and get in contact for that media! Keep it comin, love yer stuff!!! J from liverpool/leeds

[@pondguru]

If you're going to use K1, I'd go for Hel-x as it has 40% more surface area per litre. Two half litre Hel-x or two one litre with K1, choice is yours really. Both would benefit from a foam pre-filter to catch the suspended muck in the water (mechanical filtration) and the moving bed would act to support the biological (bacteria) side of the filtration.

[@pondguru]

Not sure what you mean by other end of the pipe? I assume that you mean the end which goes to the air pump. The filter is air driven.

[@pondguru]

I used a piece cut from a large block but you could use any type of sponge.

[@pondguru]

If you already have a filter and it is working fine there is no real need to add another unless you want to. Some filters don't have carbon in and the tanks are fine.

[@pondguru]

There is a reasonable amount of surface area on alfagrog but a moving bed supports more vigorous bacteria so its just a matter of personal taste really. For a static bed I would always look to get the maximum amount of surface area in there so would go for biohome filter media but again that is just personal taste.

[@TheRossiboy]

Great little design, very simple but very effective. I'll have to give it a proper try this summer with goldfish fry (hopefully). The only thing preventing me from using this in my room is the noise from the airpump, maybe I'll have a look into whisper air pumps. Thanks for the vid :)

[@STANNY8]

I'm about to make one of these filters, I received the media quickly after ordering it from you. Great service, thanks. What is the best way to clean the bottle to ensure it is safe for the fish and remove the adhesive from the side of the bottle?

[@pondguru]

The muck is trapped in the foam just like a normal filter but the moving bed does a much more efficient job of removing the ammonia and nitrite since it supports a very vigorous strain of bacteria which rapidly processes waste.

[@STANNY8]

Thanks for your help my filter is now complete and has been maturing in my tank for a few days. Could you please watch my very short video of it in action and just comment as to whether it looks like it should be affective or not. Thanks again!

[@pondguru]

A pump to run 2 of these filters only needs to be around 100 litres per hour. You'll need to control each pipe to guarantee similar air flow as air will always go to easiest exit.

[@pondguru]

This one was only a 60 or 70 litre per hour air pump. I suppose that equates to one litre of air for every litre of tank water if this type of filter is the only one in the tank? Never made that connection but that would seem like a sensible guide.

[@pondguru]

I would go for one at each end personally but its down to personal choice really.

[@pondguru]

Possibly, yes. It's worth a go.

[@STANNY8]

Thanks for the rapid reply, and keep the videos coming, they're top quality!

[@pondguru]

This filter does not rely on high flow but to test flow just inject water dye (e.g. parasite treatment containing malachite) where water is sucked in. You chould see it taken in and come out the top. Alternately you can just wait a week or so then remove the foam and examine how much muck has been attracted to the foam.

[@pondguru]

The moving bed process allows much more vigorous type of bacteria to live on media and therefore processes much more ammonia / nitrite much quicker than static bed filters.

[@pondguru]

The filter media doesn't make any noticeable noise and really the only noise is from the air bubbles breaking the surface.

[@khoi83]

I do really like the bio-motion bed filter balls you sell, BUT I live in Canada and the shipping is unfortunately too high (10 £ = 16 $)! so I have to use alternative bio filter media. thanks for your answers and good continuation with your inspiring products!

[@pondguru]

Very good.I'm glad you're pleased with how its going.

[@ritafield382]

your the coolest guy. Love all your videos. watch em every nite. thanks so much. so informative.

[@pondguru]

Every night? I'm surprised I don't give you nightmares, lol Glad you enjoy the videos as I love making them - just wish I got more time for making videos.

[@pondguru]

Patenting anything now is just about pointless which is why I upload videos of new ideas to KZbin as it has the upload date as proof of idea date. I've got a great idea for a small filter which can be used to condition the water as well as effectively filter it. It also allows for a DIY element by having interchangeable sections but I haven't found suitable containers for this idea yet.

[@japalekhin]

yeah by the looks of what you're up to, you've probably been doing something that made your hands dirty. i get it. i liked you're video btw, and i forgot to say how good your instructions were.

[@pondguru]

The holes in the bottom of the filter. As air is forced in, it rises up and escapes from the top. The water is drawn up through the bottom of the filter to replace the air and water which is driven out of thr top.

[@aldoolittle2929]

made one of these; my first diy filter. I used coral shards as substrate because i figured they have a large surface area due to all the pores. We had a tank in the basement that was horrid, but i spent all of today saving it and it looks amazing right now as a tank that has just been started. Love all of these filter ideas. Will be sure to try out more ^_^

[@pondguru]

Sasha Doolittle Sounds good but remember that coral will raise the pH and as long as you have fish which like that (most livebearers) that will be fine.

[@shadowssenator]

Could you make tutorials on how to breed some fish?I really enjoy your vids.Cheers!

[@2227burn]

Thank you and how strong of an air pump do you need?

[@pondguru]

Yes, although remember that it will float so needs to be in some container to prevent it floating away.

[@pondguru]

Yes, wash in tank water you have drained off during maintenance whenever they need cleaning. Two of these filters would do your tank filtration, yes.

[@pondguru]

That is great. Glad it is working as intended.

[@pondguru]

No worries. I do intend doing one explaining the processes involved in filtration and the benefits of a moving bed filter. On my long list of 'to-do's' - lol

[@williamhalter9876]

William from Lewisville Texas. I ordered some of the ceramic media, about 3 weeks ago, it arrived really fast, thanks for that. and thanks for your videos they're very good. I made a filter like yours using a hair gel bottle, its pretty good size, its in a 26 gallon bowfront tank, there's about 20 angels in there and the waters crystal clear. I made a screen catch thing under the hanging filter in another tank, put some media in it, it has water flowing over... what do ya think?

[@markharris2942]

That is a great idea, Red cherry shrimp, here I come. Great video mate.

[@pondguru]

+Mark Harris The one in this video link is much more suitable for shrimps ad it provides a huge feeding station for them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqTGdoelpJyjlc0

[@markharris2942]

Thanks mate. I'll have a look at this now. I've got a small tank sitting there empty and winking at me.

[@pondguru]

+Mark Harris No worries and best of luck setting it up.

[@pondguru]

I know a guy who has a shop sysyem with koi and other pond fish which is 500 gallons and he only uses 5 litres in the end chamber of a small milti bay filter. Water is crystal clear with zero ammonia and nitrite. I tend to say that: 1 litre K1 will handle approx. 100 litres (heavily stocked aquarium) 1 litre Hel-x will do 150 litres (heavily stocked aquarium) 1 litres Biomotion will do 500 litres (heavily stocked aquarium) These are very conservative estimates though.

[@pondguru]

Filter media supports bacteria which consume ammonia and nitrite. Foams strain out suspended solids and carbon absorbs smells but only stays active for 6-8 weeks thats why it needs replacing regularly.

[@pondguru]

The one I have designed for Interzoo has much more mass market appeal so that is the plan.

[@pondguru]

I'd just been making peat balls and they take some scrubbing to get all the peat out.

[@ghtyn]

i am starting up again with my rio 125. I have watched most of your tank videos and i will be using sand and peatballs for the first time in my tropical set up. some questions can i use two of these moving bed filters as my sole filtration system ?(i have removed the rio internal filter). And am i right in thinking you remove the foam and wash it in tank water ,and if yes how often,Thanks for great informative vids.

[@foresightbewithyou6766]

nice video built one of these in each of my tanks, keep up the good work. i used a plastic clear drink bottle with flat 4 clip lid much easier.

[@pondguru]

Yes would be no worries.

[@pondguru]

The media will only need replacing if it wears away wich shouldn't be for a very long time. The guy who makes it has had 5 litres running in a koi filter for around 6 months with minimal wear. The clay on the outside is meant to wear off quite quickly to help with water conditioning.

[@reneepagan2244]

I made this for my tank. Works great. Prize # 1

[@pondguru]

Yes, no problem.

[@pondguru]

Should be no problem but remember to add plenty of starter bacteria for a few weeks as the K1 does take a while to mature.

[@pondguru]

The original containers are in there and some of the tanks have discus and fancy plecs in. No adverse effects. I've seen no reports of adverse effects on any of my videos or while looking at reports of moving beds on the net either.

[@lindasamsig7015]

Another brilliant video thank you so much

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Thanks for watching and appreciating the video. As copied by the king of DIY himself (well, he copied an older video - this filter is loads better).

[@pondguru]

No worries. Thanks for watching and appreciating.

[@pondguru]

Often for fry tanks you need to oversize the filter as you may be feeding high protein food 3-4 times a day depending on species. If you have a suitable container, anything is possible, no worries.

[@SENTOSGIRL]

Great Video love the idea for the filter, looks so easy too, Thanks for sharing this great idea

[@mtourgus]

The media used in horticulture is called hydroton and its made of fired clay, Biomotion is sintered glass which because of its huge surface area is regarded the best filter material for use aquatics, this one floats and is purpose developed for use in aquaculture moving bed systems..

[@pondguru]

No worries. Thanks for watching.

[@stingrayyyyyy]

I bought this media from you and it is the best. Works great in penguin filters. Looking forward in trying your other medias.

[@pondguru]

Groovy - they are all based on the same materials but each is suited better to different types of filters.

[@maryannwiggins9611]

Love your videos. If have a small container similar to the one in your video could I use it in a 3.5 gal tank. How do you maintain such a filter. Thank you

[@pondguru]

lol - No worries, man. Thanks for watching.

[@STANNY8]

Thanks again for the reply. I'll give that a try.

[@pondguru]

It is a very strange situation,man. There is a reply from the guy who manufactures the media in the comments below 'mtourgus' confirming that this is the first instance of the media being blamed for pH rise.

[@kosherpenguin]

Good to know it's quiet.

[@pondguru]

Depends largely on what species and numbers.

[@DWAquatics]

How would you suggest mixing up the media mate? I'd be using a large 2ltr bottle, Would it be best having the sponge, then T piece on top for the airline, then some bio motion then finally some k1 or hell-x? Also mate does the bio-motion float and move about like k1 does? As I don't think the filter would be at its greatest effect if the bio-motion was crashing into the k1 all the time, what do you think? Thanks a lot mate and sorry for all the questions haha

[@DWAquatics]

Hi mate, Great video! Would i be able to mix some bio-motion media with my k1 media at all? Or would it be best to run 2 seperate filters for it?

[@whickerfy]

Hey mate, great stuff with the diy videos. I've got two quick question for you. Can you use this filter on it's own? or does it have to be in addition with another (e.g. sponge, canister, sump) filter? (this is for a 240L tank). Also, I'm using a power head with a sponge as a filter at the moment. Could i attach the outlet of the power head to a moving bed filter? (instead of an airline)

[@pondguru]

Yes.

[@rcruz2008]

Hey whats up, I love your videos. I would like to put something like this in a larger aquarium (180 Gallons) How big do you think the bottle needs to be and How much media.