How to set up an external canister filter for aquarium by Pondguru

BIOHOME FILTER MEDIA, FILTER UPGRADE KITS AND FOAMS HERE: www.filterpro.co.uk
Decent external filters: geni.us/2LnO
2.3 litre booster filter for externals: geni.us/2bj1
1.2 litre booster filter for externals: geni.us/1pBh
This video shows how to set up an external filter for an aquarium using simply 3 grades of foams and great quality filter media........With the bewildering array of filter media available for sale and manufacturers trying to outdo each other with pointless technical jargon designed to confuse the beginner and enthuse the armchair 'expert' I decided it was time to once again make filtration simple and understandable.
Filtration is at its most basic level a 2 stage process:
1 - Mechanical Filtration. The water passes through a series of foams or screens, each one finer than the last until it is visibly clean with no (or very few) suspended solids.
2 - Biological Filtration. The 'clean' water flows over and through media which can be plastic, ceramic or sintered glass. The best types of media are high quality sintered glass and ceramic (although there is a nation of poor quality ceramic media for sale from China). The media supports beneficial aerobic bacteria which consumes ammonia and nitrite, producing nitrate as an end product which is used up by plants or exchanged with the atmosphere. The very best media (e.g. Biohome) also supports anaerobic bacteria which will reduce the amount of nitrate providing a more complete filtering process.
More surface area = more bacterial colonisation. Common sense.
Foams and media to be positioned as follows (in order of contact first to last by water): Coarse, Medium, Fine foams followed by media. Yes, it is that simple.
Many manufacturers will advise the incorrect placement of media and foam pads; possibly for no other reason than to sell more replacement media? but if the media is well protected from muck by good foams then it will last many times longer.
No doubt there will be some ass clowns who cuss this video up and insist on having filters with digital readouts and the latest branded media but too often the idea of filtration is over worked to the point of stupidity - a case of the 'Emperors new clothes'.
A filter is only as efficient as the media it uses and all too often manufacturers will sell cheap external filters which will filter no more than a small foam internal filter due to the media inside them being cheap ineffective crap. Rip out the guts of the cheap filters and replace them with decent layered foams and good quality media and your cheap filter is capable of outperforming the most expensive range of filters.
I am using 3kg of BIOHOME *MINI* ULTRA in this video. It is a sintered glass media which has been made to my specifications by the manufacturer of other Biohome media. Unbelievably good stuff.
*NOW AVAILABLE - BIOHOME ULTIMATE - It has exactly the same structure of mini ultra but also has the added trace elements of Biohome Plus. This combination easily makes it the best filter media you can buy.
For quality filter media supplied Worldwide click the link below and contact me for bulk orders on [e-mail] or 07772848730
BIOHOME FILTER MEDIA, FILTER UPGRADE KITS AND FOAMS HERE: www.filterpro.co.uk
**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.**

[@pondguru]

BIOHOME FILTER MEDIA, FILTER UPGRADE KITS AND FOAMS HERE: www.filterpro.co.uk Decent external filters: geni.us/2LnO 2.3 litre booster filter for externals: geni.us/2bj1 1.2 litre booster filter for externals: geni.us/1pBh This video shows how to set up an external filter for an aquarium using simply 3 grades of foams and great quality filter media........With the bewildering array of filter media available for sale and manufacturers trying to outdo each other with pointless technical jargon designed to confuse the beginner and enthuse the armchair 'expert' I decided it was time to once again make filtration simple and understandable. Filtration is at its most basic level a 2 stage process: 1 - Mechanical Filtration. The water passes through a series of foams or screens, each one finer than the last until it is visibly clean with no (or very few) suspended solids. 2 - Biological Filtration. The 'clean' water flows over and through media which can be plastic, ceramic or sintered glass. The best types of media are high quality sintered glass and ceramic (although there is a nation of poor quality ceramic media for sale from China). The media supports beneficial aerobic bacteria which consumes ammonia and nitrite, producing nitrate as an end product which is used up by plants or exchanged with the atmosphere. The very best media (e.g. Biohome) also supports anaerobic bacteria which will reduce the amount of nitrate providing a more complete filtering process. More surface area = more bacterial colonisation. Common sense. Foams and media to be positioned as follows (in order of contact first to last by water): Coarse, Medium, Fine foams followed by media. Yes, it is that simple. Many manufacturers will advise the incorrect placement of media and foam pads; possibly for no other reason than to sell more replacement media? but if the media is well protected from muck by good foams then it will last many times longer. No doubt there will be some ass clowns who cuss this video up and insist on having filters with digital readouts and the latest branded media but too often the idea of filtration is over worked to the point of stupidity - a case of the 'Emperors new clothes'. A filter is only as efficient as the media it uses and all too often manufacturers will sell cheap external filters which will filter no more than a small foam internal filter due to the media inside them being cheap ineffective crap. Rip out the guts of the cheap filters and replace them with decent layered foams and good quality media and your cheap filter is capable of outperforming the most expensive range of filters. I am using 3kg of BIOHOME *MINI* ULTRA in this video. It is a sintered glass media which has been made to my specifications by the manufacturer of other Biohome media. Unbelievably good stuff. *NOW AVAILABLE - BIOHOME ULTIMATE - It has exactly the same structure of mini ultra but also has the added trace elements of Biohome Plus. This combination easily makes it the best filter media you can buy. For quality filter media supplied Worldwide click the link below and contact me for bulk orders on [e-mail] or 07772848730 BIOHOME FILTER MEDIA, FILTER UPGRADE KITS AND FOAMS HERE: www.filterpro.co.uk **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.**

[@fasios4335]

Pondguru Outdoors rg

[@msprofessr]

Pondguru Outdoors thx for sharing. Excellent advise! Merry Christmas!!

[@pondguru]

Merry christmas to you too and a happy new year

[@hellbound113]

Can you do a similar set up video for the eheim Professional 4 filter? I'd appreciate it so much

[@pondguru]

The set up is exactly the same except the pro3 and pro4 have a shallow tray in the top which is a 'pre-filter' tray which the water hits before heading down to the bottom and rising up through the trays and through the centre of the pre-filter tray. Therefore just leave the pre-filter tray as it is since it acts as an extra coarse sponge. Water will still go coarse, coarse, medium then fine before it rises up through the media.

[@ADUAquascaping]

Great example. The way you configured the filter is exactly how all of my Eheim filters came brand new. Whomever owned it previously may have configured it that way. I use the classic series and have now adopted this configuration for all of my canister filters.

[@pondguru]

Yes, it is the obvious way to set up your externals but it always amazes me how many self professed 'experts' just set them up exactly how they come from the manufacturer then wonder why they have to keep adding all sorts of chemicals to keep the water right, lol

[@robinescott]

Hi too who, Ever reads this comment. I'm so impressed with this basic hands on advice and very understandable talk. A very hands on man with no airs or graces and willing to help us dummy's of this fish enjoyment...Thank you for your share of knowledge. Robin

[@pondguru]

btw, bummer about Jeff Hanneman dying. Slayer were one of my favorite bands back in the day. Reign in blood is probably my most played album ever. 10 tracks and 28 minutes of raging perfection.

[@hkja99]

🤘

[@edwinbarreto58]

Finally, a practical and working counsel on how to set up media on a canister. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you!

[@johnredorn]

Your videos are loaded with information thanks for sharing

[@pondguru]

No worries, glad you appreciate my efforts and best wishes for 2015.

[@johnredorn]

Happy new year to you as well. Keep up the good work.

[@tommypadgett8808]

After having a canister filter running for two years the wrong way I watched this video and changed my media and foams this way. Huge difference in water conditions and cleans the water way better than the recommended setup on the box. Thank you so much for improving my filter and aquarium.

[@pondguru]

Tommy Padgett No worries. It's really common sense to set up the filter so that all the mechanical cleaning is done before the biological but it baffles me why none of the manufacturers do that, lol. Glad your filter is working properly now.

[@allycapone101]

This is brilliant and thank you!! There are so many contradicting instructions all over the Internet but this makes perfect sense! I changed my filter yesterday from the way it was sent from the manufacturer to your way and the water is 100% so much better looking! Great video.

[@pondguru]

No worries and I'm glad you found the video useful as I put the videos out to help. It's amazing how many channels on KZbin still rail against this obvious and sensible set up but I suppose that's the state of 'social media' now. The fact is that every sewerage works and water treatment plant uses the same set up for their filters - If that way of filtering has been working for the last 200+ years then I reckon it's good - I'm just surprised (and disappointed) that some manufacturers don't follow common sense.

[@pondguru]

+Ranchu Goldfish The media would need to go into filter bags for easy removal but that would be fine.

[@mygap7016]

Hello pondguru wanto ask you a question about filter media am useing 3 stange mechanical biological and chemical if i change the place biological with chemical first would go mechanival after chemical and last stange buological would it be allright?

[@pondguru]

mygap Ideally the order should be: Mechanical - coarse, medium and fine foam Biological - Good quality media Chemical - Whatever you have Chemical filter media is not needed in 99% of filters set up properly with good media.

[@mygap7016]

Pondguru yes i got just like said mechanical after biohome ultra mini :) and last is a carbon just what i think if i change mecjanical with chemical it will be diferent?

[@pondguru]

mygap Yes a carbon needs to be in very clean water as it clogs up so quickly. It will be the difference between it lasting a few days or 7-8 weeks.

[@abbyents6654]

Pondguru Hello Richard what about fx5 do i have to do as same as you have done that Eheim or and what about the bag of carbon?

[@kg2nc]

I been using your setup on my canister filter for over a year now and the bio media is as clean as the day I put it in. I just rinse the Bio Media with aquarium water and that's it. So I just want to say thank's man.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Glad it is going great for you. It still shocks me how many people have their externals set up to ruin their media, lol

[@pondguru]

+Joel Kim Not really as anything fine enough to get through the coarse, medium and fine foams will simply be caught second time around. Last thing you want is the fine particles held in the media chamber clogging up the media and reducing efficiency.

[@pondguru]

+Mr.b External filters are generally very quiet and the main noise will be from water entering the tank via the spray bar.

[@kierankay100]

+Pondguru Outdoors great answer and yeh if there is any noise generated thats loud enough to hear from these you may have air in your pump depends really and also if there is a quite hum im guessing you have it underneath the tank on wood or whatever its on you can reduce the resonance with a rubber pad or a sheet of thin foam thing is you will get many different answers on the internet by hobbyists and everyone has there own setup and opinion on things i just think its a research and learn thing you will never get the write answer about stuff like at the start saying ceramic media is less than useless well it isnt its good in a fresh water tank and its a sort of substitute if you dont have live rock

[@beating2]

+Pondguru Outdoors I have some cheap filter and its the other way arround. I guess its just a design. The 2x bio media is great idea ill try adding more bio.

[@linkssz1699]

i have 2 yellow belly sliders and they are very messy, i have an allpond 1000L an per hr filter in abt a 300l tank, it has 3 chambers, bottom has ceramic the middle has premium carbon and the top has bio balls. If i have ceramic rings in the bottom trey, and the 3 foams you used in the midlle trey and the same media you used in the top trey will it srop my nitrate levels building up so high, after 2 days they can hit 80ppm+.

[@pondguru]

+Link SSZ (Nintendian) Sounds like the filter is way too small for that tank. Ideally you want layered foams in bottom tray and media in 2 trays above that but according to my records the trays for the 1000 will only hold approx. 1kg biohome mini ultra / ultimate per tray so that's only 2kg for the 2 trays. Ideally you would use 1kg per 100 litres to achieve full cycle filtration for a normal tropical community tank but for heavy polluters like turtles you may need twice as much (the equivalent of 3 of the 1000 filters - 6kg in total). If that is the only filter you have on the tank it has no chance of making the water good no matter how you configure the inside unfortunately.

[@VineethLp]

This is the first time i am getting the correct knowledge of filtration setup. Thank you for the valuable information.

[@pondguru]

rec0n117 With regard to chemical filtration it really needs to go right at the top so it is the last thing the water hits before it leaves the filter.

[@Kai-dg9ev]

You didn't have any activated carbon/zeolite. Should I go the way of you and exclude those from my canister filter and use the now free space for more biological media? Thanks.

[@pondguru]

Bob Faith Carbon can still be used if you want to lock up any colouration from bogwood, almond leaves or peat balls but it is often used by filter manufacturers to mask the fact that the filter is not working properly (due mostly to crappy media) hence the need to replace regularly when it is full of the pollution the filter should have processed. Similar story with zeolite. If you have a filter which is correctly set up with quality media and is big enough for the size of the tank you should not need carbon or zeolite and your water changes will be less frequent due to the increased efficiency of the filter. In short, yes after the mechanical filtration has removed all the suspended dirt from water try to get as much biological media in there as possible to process the ammonia, nitrite and (in the case of biohome) nitrate too.

[@Kai-dg9ev]

This is what I read on Eheim website. Tip: Only use adsorptive (zeolites and carbon) filter media for a few weeks, as the harmful substances are only attached and can loosen after some time and be reintroduced into the water. At the very least they should be changed regularly. Normally adsorptive filtration is only necessary during aquarium set-up or after treatments with medications. Thanks for the tip mate. btw, which canister filter would you recommend? Fluval or Eheim? I live in Australia and these appear to be the two most filter popular (or at least widely sold) brands. Hopefully you can get a distributor into Australia one day cause I really want the Biohome media *sigh. I don't mind using my ceramic rings but they ain't very good for anaerobic bacteria colonisation. The shipping cost to Oz is insane!!! Thanks for the help.

[@pondguru]

Bob Faith Yes shipping is very prohibitive to AU from UK and nobody seems willing to take the plunge with regard to distribution which is a shame as I regularly get asked about a supplier for that region. That description from Eheim seems fair and those additives really are just to remove excess chemicals from tap water and treatments. Once your filter is mature and processing all the waste you shouldn't need them except for maybe after a course of treatment to quickly remove it. I would personally go for Eheim filters but they are very expensive. Ultimately it is more important to have the correct filter set up internally as that will dictate how well the filter functions with regard to waste processing and an expensive filter set up badly will never outperform a cheap filter set up properly with good media.

[@Kai-dg9ev]

Pondguru Ok I have just taken the plunge and purchase Biohome Ultimate. Sure the delivery fee (to Aus) cost more than the actual product itself and many people will think I'm crazy, but it'll mean that I'll never have to buy carbon/zeolite ever again so hopefully I'll save some money in the long run. I really don't like having to change the carbon/zeolite every month or so.

[@gabem6148]

Whenever I'm searching for aquarium info (which is often conflicting/outdated), you put my mind at ease with your knowledge and innovation. I really appreciate you sharing it with the rest of us. Thank you for this, and all of your other very informative videos!

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Glad you enjoy the videos. I really should get some more aquatic ones made.

[@kyokohitsuji]

Absolutely love you! haha! No Nonsense, no selling expensive products we don't need, no faffing around job done. Plus i could listen to your accent for hours tellin me stories haha. I'm going to be constructing a new tank to be built into the alcove in my livingroom and will be purchasing my first canister filter, so this vid helped a ton! Thanks pet!!

[@nicobmy]

Thank you ... I follow all your advice and step... it not only save my money to get a new canister... I just invested on biohome. Work like a magic .... thank you so much.

[@jamescorrover6627]

I would just like to say that we struggled with constant water changes, spiking nitrites and ammonia levels, messy gravel etc until I found this video on how to set up a canister filter correctly. We ordered the eheim mech media and set up the canister filter with all media exactly as you indicated and to date we've been running 0 readings on ammonia, nitrites with only 10 to 15 % water changes weekly or every 10 days. Thanks very much!

[@pondguru]

James Corrover Groovy - sounds good to me. Glad you're pleased with how the filter is performing.

[@pondguru]

Nice one, man. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos.

[@benw1307]

I like your vids, to the point and not waffling on. Speeding up boring bits is much appreciated too. Keep it up.

[@pondguru]

+Ben W Glad you enjoyed the video. Some people would argue that my voice is so boring the whole video should speeded up, lol

[@daredevildeanbodom]

Mr.Guru, you are sir by far is the best man out here on youtube who actually makes sense of what he says when it comes to aqua life, and I have learned a lot from you so from the bottom of my heart, a BIG THANK YOU!

[@pondguru]

Anas Salameh Glad you appreciate the videos as I love making them. It bugs me when self proclaimed 'experts' on here make videos on how to set up external filters and simply go through the manufacturers instructions then their viewers fall over themselves to praise them. I much prefer to throw out new ideas and get them out there for viewers to think about what happens in their filters and aquariums.Although I have closed down my shop I will still be making filtration videos and have a couple in the works now.There will be a mega give away coming up very soon too when I get nearer 50K subscribers. Actually there will be 3 give aways for the 3 main topics on my channel: Aquatics, metal detecting and outdoor hobbies so look out for them. Any active subscribers can enter so I think I will do a video showing what is on offer this week if I get time to shoot it so look out for that. I love giving stuff away, lol

[@daredevildeanbodom]

Pondguru I really appreciate that you have put all the media parts on Ebay , currently I dont trust the manufacturer's assortment in my canister filter. I'll spread the word for you out there, you deserve our support :)

[@pondguru]

Anas Salameh No worries, I would much rather have a smaller view number and have more informed viewers than be the biggest channel out there for aquatics or detecting and have brain dead sheep following me - it's great to have people watching the videos who appreciate new ideas, will develop them further and question parts of what I'm doing to improve our over all understanding.

[@pondguru]

I've never really seen the need for UV units in aquariums although they may reduce the parasite problems associated with multi tank systems. Glad you are pleased with the media, man.

[@pondguru]

No worries, I'm glad you found it of use and will now have a more efficient filter.

[@simonmcardell6868]

I did have quite high nitrate levels in my tank that required weekly water changes. Brought an external filter filled it with bio home mini and bio home ultimate with 3 stage mechanical filtration at the base. Took pondguru advice and stuck some in the empty space at the bottom of the filter and have had perfect water for 2 months now.thanks.ps clean out every month. 2 pearl guramis 2 balloon mollys 10 neons 4 xl zebras 3 Chinese suckers.17 gal.

[@pondguru]

lol. I appreciate for the compliment. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos.

[@growjunkieradio]

This is my filter too, the 2028 and i've used exactly the same materials and set it up exactly the same way too! 11/2/2023. Looking forward to seeing if I can achieve a full cycle in the coming months. Thanks @Pondguru for all your time and effort in producing these videos!

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) No worries and I'm glad you found the video useful. As long as you've got plenty of media for the stocking situation you should achieve a full cycle. There is a guide on the Q&A of the FilterPro site with hints and tips about filtration, bacteria etc.

[@growjunkieradio]

@@ThousandYardStare Also would like to add, the company Biohome, from the Netherlands is an asset to your company! Extremely fast service and very informative.

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@growjunkieradio Nice one - it is always great to hear when a company does well and I've had similar reports about the NL distributor. I think it is Nils who runs that one and although I've only communicated with him in the initial stages of him setting the business up he seems like a really nice and knowledgeable guy.

[@growjunkieradio]

​@@ThousandYardStareI know you already know regarding being able to achieve a full cycle but there are some doubters! Just want to let everyone know 4.5 months later, I have achieved zero nitrates! GoodVibes

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@growjunkieradio (my other channel) That is great to hear and it's just about the right time scale for the anaerobic bacteria to fully develop. Thanks for the report.

[@pondguru]

I will give the clickable annotation a go. That sounds sensible. I already have the channel icon showing on all my videos (including this one) but don't go with the featured video as it looks too cluttered when it shows too. I have had a channel intro for ages on my channel. Just did one specifically for metal detecting which I will be putting on the start of all my detecting videos if I can get time to go detecting. Thanks for watching, man.

[@mikeywilliams2465]

Thanks PondGuru you're the best. just received my media and installed in my fx6! within hours Ive noticed a difference..cheers mate

[@pondguru]

+mikey williams Groovy, it will mature fast and give great water quality no worries there.

[@MrVinodbhatia]

Your video was such an inspiration. Today I cleaned up my dophin 1300 canister filter on my 70 g tank. I had got it from someone. I had not noticed anything as it was from an established tank (I got it with the tank and the stock in it). When I opened it up today all media was all over the place as so absolutely wrongly stacked. The filter is strong and cycles at 2300 L per hour which is great. So I stripped it completely. I removed the polyster filling which was so mucky and was in most of the 4 trays. I put the bio ceramic rings in the aquarium water in a bucket. I washed all the trays & I got the gunk out of the filter and washed it thoroughly. I put in ceramic rings at the bottom 2" gap which appeared in my canister filter too. Then I filled the first tray with coarse then medium & then fine sponges. I had to cut these out as your video showed. Then in the second tray from bottom I put in new bio balls. Then in the third tray from bottom I added the same ceramic rings which had all the beneficial bacteria in them from the filter. In the top last tray I added two bags of activated carbon as I had a new seasoned drift wood which was still giving out tannins. I washed the impeller and filled the filter with clean aquarium water. I have now plugged it in & the flow is great. I didnt get a chance to clean the input and output hoses today. Maybe next time. Thanks for your video which was a great help. One question how often do I clean the canister filter ? Thanks again

[@pondguru]

How often the filter needs cleaning really depends on the fish stock, feeding and how much waste is generated in the tank. Usually it is best to check every month but if you find it to be clean after a month extend the cleaning to 6 weeks. If you are using carbon it will need replacing every 7-8 weeks so a maintenance schedule of once every 8 weeks would be the longest the filter could go without being opened up (to change carbon).

[@MrVinodbhatia]

Thankyou

[@MsJimbo1960]

I bought a load of biohome ultra and it is excellent,Rich really knows his stuff...

[@pondguru]

It's an awesome media no doubt about that and I appreciate the positive feedback on it. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos.

[@gipsyrom]

Filters I have are of different sizes. 2080 have around 12L media originally substrat pro. I want to use on the bottom layer foam like in your video. Many aquarist using pre-filter in the suction inlet but any they your option suit me best and is logic. I've seen most of your videos and I love it. You are real aquapond guru .-) Wish you all best

[@pondguru]

Unfortunately I couldn't do that since fluval seem intent on giving internet only businesses crazy discounts and making independent fish shops pay through the nose for their stuff so we don't stock them. I'm not a fan of HOB filters so we only stock the occasional small one unfortunately. The media and how the filter is set up is ultimately more important than the type or make of filter so good to hear you are going to be giving the Biohome media a try. Mini ultra and ultimate are most popular.

[@pondguru]

Sounds like a good plan. It is really good media.

[@brianholbrook4159]

This video was wonderfully informative. Showed me foam all belongs at bottom. thanks!!

[@pondguru]

It would be a good experiment indeed. One I do not have time for since my only aquariums are at the shop and they have a high turnover of fish so its not the best place to do such a test. Would be interesting to find out the answer to that though.

[@karenamurray62]

I could watch you all day long... Learn more from you than from any other way x Keep them coming x

[@kayteerosee]

While searching for better filter media I stumbled across your channel.. I have an Eheim filter and while cleaning it out I always noticed how much muck and particles were always inside the media. I never really thought my eheim was working up to snuff. While watching this video I had a dumb blonde moment and was like well yeah that makes sense if there is no foam in the bottom to filter the particles they will be stuck to the media. I will be changing around the set up of my filter thanks to this video and adding biohome as soon as I get it. Thanks for doing such a fantastic job I will be watching more of your videos😬😬😬😬

[@pondguru]

No worries and I'm glad you've taken something useful from the videos. I have lots of aquarium / filtration ones planned which I am shooting this month for release from end of September until the end of the year - 10 planned so far and they will each cover numerous different (but related) topics.

[@pondguru]

Like the best open pore ceramic media, sintered glass will break down over time but you should still get a few years out of it. After 2-3 years the internal structure of the media will be packed out and need replacing anyway. not sure if you ordered the ultra or mini ultra as there has been so much going out lately but they are both very good media. Protect with layers of good foam filtration and any media will last longer.

[@blacklt104]

you've helped the clarity of my tanks a lot ,thanks for all the advice

[@pondguru]

No worries, glad you found the video useful.

[@Backblast72]

I have actually followed your advice on my canister filter (a Marineland Magniflow 360) and it works great. I did go ahead and bought some of the bio home media and have been measuring my water parameters over the past five months; and just like you said my Nitrates did go down tremendously. I have a planted aquarium and thus use the E.I method of fertilizing my plants with Thrive liquid fertilizer. It works great and my plants are nice and green and lush. But the only problem with it my Nitrates would be through the roof with it. In my tank they went from 110ppm to about 15ppm in about five months. Great product and it works great. Thank your for your advice.

[@labae8728]

woahh how are they now?

[@elizabethwagner2190]

Thank you Ben Ochart sent me this recommendation. Very informative. My new canister has been seriously under performing. Great explanation, very easily understood.

[@SEMMO1972]

Very new to this hobby (tropical fresh fish) but man i learnt more stuff in a few days from PONDGURU than any other place, thanks for pure gold infomation, its guys like you make the world spin man keep it up :)

[@pondguru]

Thanks for appreciating my efforts, man. I always like to share information freely and there should be some interesting filtration projects coming in 2015 so I'm excited to see how they are received by viewers.

[@pondguru]

The principles of having the progressively finer foam followed by media holds true for all filters, yes.

[@pondguru]

No worries. That is very clear indeed. Nice one, man.

[@CoriolisAffectment]

Ah ha! Even though we've had goldfish for a very long time it's only in the last few years that we've had an external canister filter. For the life of me I had this suspicion that the foams should work in concert -- that's only common sense -- but it's only now, since we just purchased a new unit where the manufacturer claims one should have the fine foam just before the water returns to the tank that I decided to look further into the situation and am very pleased to see your video. Thanks!

[@jfritz9703]

Absolutely brilliant!! Always stuck to type previously but all change now.

[@pondguru]

Sounds like a decent plan. As I've not done that myself I can't say it would work but it would be good to find out.

[@roxyqueen5076]

Hello Mr.GURU...I do the way that you do it buitI always add one tray of one small bag of activated carbon and one small bag of zeolite in one tray..I have 4 trays ..I find hat my tanks are very clear and they do not smell and I have no algae blooms..My tanks have been very clean and I have less cleanings...Thanks for your video..oh my question is why dont you use the carbon and zeolite? To each his own but I really find that this really works for me. thanks for all of your videos..they are very professional and I just love all of them!! BTW...I have 2 sun sun 304B canister filters and they have been running now for 3 years non stop and I am very pleased with this product which I only paid like $60 bucks for each..

[@paganorcaluva]

Fantastic video mate. I'm setting up a 320 litre tropical community tank in a couple months, so I'm researching canister filters beforehand. This video is super informative & exactly what I was looking for. Now I've found a supplier for the filter media in Australia, so am all set. 😀

[@pondguru]

Awesome stuff and I'm glad you found the video useful - thanks for watching.

[@christopherashcraft9984]

Thank you for the tutorial on how to set up a canister filter, and for turning me on to Biohome Ultimate.

[@pondguru]

No problem, it is a great feeling to help people (and fish) all over the world.

[@ultrafloss492]

Thanks very much Pondguru! I'm going to pick up my first pot/cannister filter tomorrow and now I know what to do buy and remove. :D

[@pondguru]

No worries - glad you enjoy the video and it is great to hear that you're going to set your filter up properly.

[@wichidcichlid8368]

pond guru ! cheers from Pensacola, FLORIDA!! thanks for the info, very helpful!

[@pondguru]

No worries, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@vjzaico]

WOO HOO !! just got my package in the mail yesterday of Biohome Ultimate Media & Filter Starter Balls cant wait do to my water change and filter media tonight

[@pondguru]

Groovy - glad it arrived safely.

[@tamitng]

OMG. No wonder I can't keep my water clean! Thank You so much! 🍀

[@mynewhaircut]

Wow this stuff is awesome. I never have seen the colors pop on the fish so much.

[@d19375]

Your videos are amazingly informative with zero fluff... subscribed after watching the second one. Thanks for your channel sir!

[@pondguru]

No worries. I tend just to make videos off the top of my head then sort it all out in the editing process, lol Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos,

[@fishville62]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. I've been using a prefilter sponge on my filter intakes for quite some time and it saves me some maintenance on my canisters I think I just needed some reassurance that I was doing the right thing again thank you so much and have a great New Year

[@Antoineduval159]

Great information, and very well presented..... he is a friendly guy, and I just love the northern accent

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) I'm glad you found the video(s) useful - thanks for watching.

[@pondguru]

Same thing is true of all types of filter. If you are using good porous media it needs to be protected by graded foam. Coarse, medium then fine foam before the water hits the media. If the filter foams and media are fully submerged or wet/dry the need for good mechanical filtration prior to media is still the same. Hope that clarifies.

[@pondguru]

Unless you go for a media which supports anaerobic bacteria and or plant many more plants, I'd usually suggest water changes but when nitrate is high coming out of the tap you would need to use a product like Nitrazorb from API. The biohome media actively reduces nitrate once the anaerobic bacteria has colonised deep within the media but will not eliminate it completely.

[@religionkills1476]

I have used your setup in my Tetra EX 1200 plus now for two years now and I get fantastic water readings. I mix with the BioHome a few Tetra BalanceBalls as food for the bactreia. Water change every 6 month! Thank you very much.

[@pondguru]

I will check that out. They sent me a trade price list the other day so I will find that and weigh up the cost against usefulness. Thanks for the heads up, man.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. The mini ultra is an awesome media.

[@Odannyb0i]

getting a canister soon and this is the most informative video ive seen! Subbed.

[@pondguru]

I'm glad you found the video useful - thanks for watching.

[@julianuzunski5785]

Thank you very much. This is one of the best videos for media arrangement and filter basics. Great job!

[@pondguru]

Julian Uzunski No worries, glad you enjoyed the video. The later one has more information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqSknoZ6aNyJmMk

[@pondguru]

Yes, you can leave the pre filter in the top of the filter then add the graded foams (including the fine sponge) to the bottom tray and scrap the hard ceramic tubes. Filter will be much more efficient and your media will be protected from clogging quickly.

[@pondguru]

It is very popular with most manufacturers but I've never really been one of it's biggest fans. Most important thing in a filter is the good quality biological media.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Thanks for watching and appreciating.

[@chaosdecides]

If have the Eheim 2217. Glad I watched the video so I can get the foam sorted out before I set up the tank and prime the filter!

[@pondguru]

Definitely best to get the filter set up right before using it as that way the media won't get clogged by having the foams in the wrong place. Glad to be of service.

[@brianzambotti4510]

Just an amazing video! I'm addicted to watching these videos.

[@Beursblik]

Awesome video, hehe, made always the mistake to put the fine filters on the top, glad to see your video, means a lot for me, it is really logical everything you say, first fine, then the media. Thanks a lot.

[@pondguru]

Everybody does the fine pad / filter on top method but when you look at the logic of filtration it just doesn't make sense. Thanks for seeing the light, lol

[@pauloratm]

Really good advise. Have done the wrong way for a long time. Thanks for this fine video!

[@pondguru]

No worries, any time.

[@keithyify]

wow i did this to my eheim 2213 and got the bio min media from you to it fantastic media my water is sparkling big big thank to u man

[@pondguru]

That is the claims made by the distributor in Singapore. I tend to say replace the media in your external with biohome and if the filter was coping before it will do a much better job with the biohome. The amount of water any media will filter is very variable as it depends on fish stock, quality of mechanical filtration prior to media contact, flow rate, type of filter etc. it cannot accurately be quantified as far as I'm concerned.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos.

[@pondguru]

The two most popular ones I sell are biohome mini ultra and biohome ultimate. The ultimate is a new filter media which is exactly the same structure as the mini ultra but has added trace elements which are essential for bacteria. It honestly is the best media you can buy.

[@pondguru]

It has very little surface area per volume and filtration in an external filter is all about having a protected filter media which has maximum available surface area per volume so that the bacterial colony is as big as possible in there.

[@toastopia1]

thanks for that video! i have watched allot of different ones and i like how you are to the point and explain everything!

[@pondguru]

No worries, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jillmudd3224]

Just about to set my all pond solutions 2000EF using this method it really does make sense. I found bio home a bit expensive so instead I’m using Alfagrog as a cheaper alternative. Wish me luck! Jill North Yorkshire

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) I'm glad you found the video useful. As Alfagrog is minimally porous you're unlikely to get any sort of nitrate reduction in that highly oxygenated flow from the 2000EF but I recommend Alfagrog daily for a normal set up - it's great for supporting aerobic activity which will easily ensure that you have 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite. Alfagrog is way better than 99% of the ceramic rings out there and certainly better than low quality dense pumice sold as 'matrix' so it's a great choice if you're not willing to try for a full cycle with the Biohome. Best of luck with the tank - as long as you commit to performing decent water changes (25%+) every week the nitrates won't be a problem when using the Alfagrog. As long as you avoid using conditioners which will bind / detoxify / remove the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate the bacteria living in the filter will be able to achieve a full population no problem.

[@AdamFPV]

Another top quality video. I'm going to sort my filter out as we speak. Thanks again for your knowledge.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Glad to be of service. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos.

[@pondguru]

Not sure if you are asking for advice on the best way to set up your filter but that is what this video is about. The plastic bio balls may as well be thrown out as they just waste space. The foams need to go in the correct order and be followed by good quality biological media. That's about it really.

[@ed878]

Very helpful thank you Just set up my first filter and thought something was wrong and it was, Chinese instruction a say the bio should be at the bottom! Glad I'm on track now Cheers

[@Darenrizla]

I'm new to fish keeping and you my friend are a legend, thankyou so much for all the information you share

[@pondguru]

+daren barling No worries, any time. I get great pleasure from making videos with an educational content.

[@Darenrizla]

+Pondguru Outdoors hi Richard, I've finally got round to ordering my upgrade kit from yourself thankyou for that it's to upgrade my fluval 306 on my 240 litre tank,I also brought a 2.3 litre booster filter from all pond solutions, now I need abit of advise shall I use the booster as a pre filter with the upgraded foams or shall I use my 306 as the pre filter predominantly mechanical filtration and then use my biohome media in my booster after the 306 on return to the tank,which method do you think will be best,value your feedback very much,still haven't got my tank set up,just want everything to be just so before I start,then I will be doing a fishless cycle for however long it takes before I introduce fish,thanks

[@pondguru]

+daren barling It may be worth making the 306 into the mechanical filter as it already has some foams in it down the side which can't really be swapped out for more media. Maybe have the top tray as media and then use the rest of the media in the booster sandwiched between 2 coarse foams? I don't really think it matters which one you use for the mechanical / biological as long as the mechanical is done before the biological. If you're doing a fishless cycle using the biohome it should take 2-3 weeks for the ammonia and nitrite to spike and then hit zero. The nitrate could take 4-6 months to come way down but fish are OK with that. Thanks for the order, man. Feel free to contact me any time [e-mail]

[@Darenrizla]

+Pondguru Outdoors excellent thanks for that Richard

[@RezidentZombie]

I just ordered the biohome media. Your video was very helpful. I have been doing lots of water changes and still have ammonia readings that I can't get under control. I hope this helps.

[@pondguru]

As long as you have a sensible amount for the size of tank and stock there is no reason why it wouldn't work very well but feel free to contact me any time with any questions. [e-mail] Regards, Richard

[@pondguru]

The fine particle matting is basically a more compressed form of filter floss which can be cut to size. When you use the fine pad you do not need filter floss. If you want to use floss, not fine pad it goes in place of fine pad above the medium and coarse sponges (as shown in the video). The worst place to use it is above the media as it allows all the fine muck into the filter media, blocking it up and reducing the effectiveness of the filter (as explained in video) Thanks for watching.

[@jaimecraig4293]

This is advice so logical and clearly efficient that it may just start a profound revolution. Thank goodness these aquarium product manufacturers are not large multi-national corporations that guard their revenue streams with drastic measures. We'd probably see a sudden stoppage of these videos being produced if they were. You would quickly receive cease and desist letters, followed by strange men in black suits at your shop, your phone would suddenly stop working, they might even decide to "off" you like they did with the guy that created the diesel engine. But thanks for the healthy advice and wisdom. I am setting up an aquarium for the first time. It is a brood tank for Tilapia. Hopefully, come Spring, I will have bread some fingerlings for my aquaponics system where I will also apply the same principles to the aquaponics filtration. Just want to say, I am really lucky I found your videos.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. Glad you enjoy the videos and I recently did an updated version of this video with much more information in. Here it is: EXTERNAL FILTER SET UP, NITROGEN CYCLE AND WHAT HAPPENS IN A FILTER

[@pondguru]

I'm not familiar with all the eheim range but if they are near the size of the filter in this video I used best part of 3kg biohome mini ultra. If it was biohome plus then it would be nearer 4kg. The mini ultra is simply awesome stuff.

[@pondguru]

No worries and best of luck with your fish keeping.

[@wds525]

Thank you, I bought the EKO+ 100 and though it only has 2 baskets, this was very, very helpful.

[@pondguru]

No worries and best of luck with the tank.

[@pondguru]

You would need a liner to be 21' x 24' and that allows for 1' overlap on all sides. I'd go with 1mm firestone rubber - I use that on all my jobs. It is laid over good quality polyester underlay to protect it. With regard to pump and filter it depends on budget but I always go for Oase pumps for the 5 year guarantee and low running costs. There are so many filters on the market it will depend on the fish stock but I'd size it for koi.

[@lacenlethr]

thank you for the helpful info for setting up my external filter. You made my fish very happy.

[@pondguru]

No worries, I think only 6 'dislikes' from close to 50,000 views says it was well worth doing this video as most canister filters do not work as they should when bought. Glad the fish are happy too. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos.

[@benjaminpontnack2615]

Thank you. Finally a video that give real useful information.

[@pondguru]

No worries, the later version is better as it explains more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqSknoZ6aNyJmMk

[@Gearoid120]

I have same media as you used in the video. But I have the sponge on top wirh 2 trays of the great boi media on the bottom. Water never really gets clear. Look foword to trying it out. Great videos as always.

[@kg2nc]

I just check the nitrates of my tank and its between 5-10ppm and it was 40+ppm. So this setup is definitely doing something. I put the foam & media in the order you suggested on your video. It's been less then a week. Would love to get the media you use but I can't right now. Thanks again

[@keenie2985]

Finally got my external filter going, only it has only 2 baskets in it (Eheim 2224) but I am excited to finally have a proper filter going compared to the crappy Fluval U4 I had in it. Set it up the same way you did in this video :)

[@pondguru]

Awesome - sounds good to me and I wish you the best of luck. Sorting the filter out is a huge step to keeping the fish happy and healthy.

[@keenie2985]

Yeah I will lett this run with the U4 for a month, then I will remove the u4 I think (more room for plants) ;) you have any tips/solution for green spot algae on glass and covering my plants?

[@kathyromero269]

Thank you for sharing this! So hard for newbs to figure it out alone!

[@keithreynolds279]

Thanks for the very helpful video on filter order in canister. Have just ordered Ultimate Bio Home for my APS filter.

[@pondguru]

Sounds good to me - APS externals are good filters and great filters once they are set up properly.

[@JohnLinder]

I am rolling a Cascade 1000 on an Oceanlife 30gal reef nano. I know overkill right. I set my media up as you described and my water quality is perfect. Thank you for the tips and I subbed. I will be rolling out a Pacifica led light set on my Red Sea soon 40gal, and look forward to watching more of your videos in the future. Thanks brother.

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. I always like to go overboard on the filtration and I'm glad your water quality is great.

[@natalielindsay2303]

Thanks so much Pondguru! I just got rid of an overhead filter (which came with my tank) and set up a canister filter as per your advice. What a difference! My canister filter has only 2 trays so I put the (uselesss) ceramic noodles on the bottom of the canister, 3 grades of sponge in the bottom basket (as well as some of my old sponges) and really good bio filter media in the top basket with a layer of filter wool on top for that extra "polish". An hour after turning the filter on the water is crystal clear and my tank looks amazing. Thank you so much for your video. Just one question though, how often should I clean out the canister filter? I have goldfish which I know are messy.

[@pondguru]

+Natalie Lindsay Sounds good to me - definitely makes a difference to water quality and clarity to have the filter set up with good internals.

[@kevinfisher104]

Long overdue Richard, I look forward to seeing them.

[@MrKeithHoward]

I couldn't agree more with your advice on how to set up the filtration process. I've used the same principle for external canisters and sumps and always noticed how much more efficient the biological filtration system works and increases the lifespan of the media material of your choice. The only downside IMHO is that one has to be more on-top of basic maintenance as the pads at the bottom tend to get clogged up quicker and slow flow rates. However its worth the extra effort.

[@pondguru]

It really shouldn't make any difference to how often a filter needs cleaning as you've got the same stuff in there, just in a different order but maybe it does, lol Main thing is that the muck is kept in the bottom of the filter and away from the media so it works efficiently. Glad you appreciate the idea, man and thanks for watching and appreciating the videos.

[@MrKeithHoward]

fair comment, thanks for your prompt reply & a big hello from the Rock of Gibraltar :-D

[@MrKeithHoward]

:-D