Is Bio Home Worth It? - Many May Disagree

[@TheNuclearsunday]

I've been using biohome for years... It lasted years without breaking down. It is just how u introduce the bacteria, ive been using microbelift special blend for my beacteria...... No problem restartin a full cycle within 2weeks slightly lesser after storage for a year or 2 without problem.

[@mr.dpfaquariums4560]

Kev, I agree with your opinion on the Bio- home media. I have done my own experiments with the media. At first like I filled both my Fx6 filters, yes 2 filters on my 220 gal aquarium with Bio home for exactly 6 months with zero results. My nitrates remained at 40 - 50 ppm with a weekly 50% water change during that 6 month period.which were around the same results I getting before I switched to the Bio- home media which was ( Seachem Matrix Media) 30-40 ppm. I was informed that I didn't used enough of the Bio- home media to get the full cycle. So I put 3 sunsun 304B filters on the 220gal aquarium which tripled the amount of bio-home media I had originally.6:mouths later guess what! My nitrates were still 40-50 ppm weekly. I spent a whole lot of money for zero results.I get better results currently by using plain old lava rock I brought from Walmart 20 lbs bags for $12 ( 20-30 ppm.)😀 As a fish hobbyist we want the best for our wet pets. I wouldn't be complaining if the media performed as advertised. I don't want other hobbyist to go through what I did by spending a obscene amount of money on a product that does not work!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup, thats exactly why I decided to post my rant on the bio home. I made a video a while back on my results of the bio-home not working either and I got a lot of similar responses about "not using enough" But I got way more responses from people that made the same mistake I did of spending all that money on bio-home, and using a ton of it, with no reduction in nitrates. Hopefully we can help people avoid the costly mistake you and I and many others have made with bio-home.

[@JJDTC]

I use fluval biomax on my fx6. Put it upright. Use fine sponge filters and some polyfill on top. I use this method for beneficial bacteria what's getting stucked on my biohome but most for a good output flow. If I use a lot of sponges everything gets sticky and my fx doesn't have a good output flow anymore really fast. Now the only thing i have to do is fill up a bucket, squeeze the fine sponges a few times and fill it up with some new poly fill. Sometimes i only have to replace the polyfill. Once in a time i clean the biomax careful. Flow rate is always at the max, so i know my filter is always working good. For the nitrates i have no idea, it doesn't matter anyways for me because of the 50% water change twice a week. But I know we can trust you on your word, because I got almost everything from you in this hobby, and you never had it wrong. 👊🏻

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks for the trust bro, I wouldn't steer you wrong! That's the other issue I have with bio home...even if it did work in reducing nitrates, so what, guys like us still want to do frequent water changes because we understand the benefits of fresh clean mineral rich water for our guys! 😁 💪

[@GaZaGaMer1876]

Kave im on ur side with this one

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, Glad to hear it!

[@ZMAN181]

You must give props to your barber. Always looking CLEAN 👌 😎

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣 Thanks! I'll let him know you approve as well! 😁💪

[@aquaticsal6524]

I can't agree more I've been using 2kg of bio home media for about 4 years no reduction in nitrates what so ever apart from my water changes

[@KaveManAquatics]

Sadly its the truth most of us have experienced. Thanks for the feedback!

[@dp-r.est.8995]

Lol thank you, biohome was on my list of things to buy. Now off! Appreciate it!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Glad I could help!

[@rahimkhakee7750]

Yup! Rather spend the money on something that’s worth it, …like more Fish

[@KaveManAquatics]

Absolutely!!

[@aryaanhassan3059]

Saw this in the live stream but still here for the great content😄😄

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! 😁💪

[@HotPockets88]

Thats why I'm subscribed boss man. Appreciate your honesty. Love your channel bro

[@KaveManAquatics]

My Pleasure, will always give it to you guys straight 💪

[@omarbjn89]

I really appreciate your honesty! The first vedio i watched on your channel was the bio home test one. I believe there are a number of aquatic KZbinrs who know this fact but preferred not to share it with us as they don't want to get to the point where they have heating discussions or clashes. That's not good. People need to learn from these channels! It is very brave you're telling us your findings about this product. This is also a challenge to the claim. In conclusion: if someone disagree he can run an accurate/scientific test on a laboratory and then share it with us on a video showing day by day result. Big thank you Kaveman

[@KaveManAquatics]

Exactly! Thats a great idea for anyone that says biohome has worked for them. Thank you!

[@SW-kw7dr]

Thank you for the follow up. I am a newbie and after watching the video of you filling up the FX6 with Bio-Home I was about to purchase some then I came across this video and will be getting pot scrubbers or just using the rings. Much appreciation to your honest review and up to you but you may want to pull down the first video incase newbie's like me just watch the one and don't do anymore research. Thanks again for saving me money.

[@peterbdavies]

I agree with everything you said. I had 6Kg of Biohome. Yes I did get a reduction in nitrates but it was a lot of hassle. Yes I had to have that much, yes I had to have it running for at least 6 months and yes I had to use something other than Prime. But the biggest hassle was the stuff disintegrated and my tank was always cloudy. I now just have 2 externals filled with sponges and a little bit of alfragrog and the tank seems fine. And I now have 6Kg of very expensive Biohome in a bag in the garage and not sure what to do with it!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome feedback, thank you for that! I have about 5lbs in a bag in my closet with the same problem as yourself lol

[@peterbdavies]

@@KaveManAquatics I am in the UK so I don't do lbs! 🤣 My 6Kgs is about 13lbs to you and I had it for a 240 litre tank. So for your massive tank, which I think is about 800 litres to me, you didn't have anything like enough biohome. I think you would have needed about 18lbs. It is not worth it. Your scrubbers are better value!

[@KaveManAquatics]

It was more like 33lbs I “needed” for my over stocked tank…almost 3 FX6 worth on a 75….just ridiculous 🤣

[@dougmottert2258]

you have the help channel i have seen Thanks for all your help

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks, My pleasure 😁

[@TJ-ht3jb]

I tried for over two years with a canister filter packed with Biohome media . Pre-filter, normal flow, low flow, very low flow (drip flow). No noticible nitrate reduction. PS I did make a DIY algae scrubber utilizing an old HOB filter with an Led light and a plastic mesh to allow the Algae to attach to. It did reduce the nitrates. Far less expensive than biohome .

[@KaveManAquatics]

Unfortunately many have had those same results! Thanks for sharing!

[@khaldrogo8559]

Mate always enjoy and find your clips very informative 👍👍. Great to see someone saying it, as it is. Keep up the awesome work.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@makimomoo]

I have not restarted my 450 litre Juwel as yet and was considering biohome after watching pondguru's video's. I plan to get a new Fx-6 and also use the internal filter that came with the juwel. Pondguru advises 1 kg biohome per 100 litres for a normal loading. For african cichilds he recommends about 1 kg per 50 litres. So, it works out to be very expensive. Probably going to settle for Seachem or standard rings and maximise the fx-6 with these and use the internal filter for carbon and other chemical processing. Will stock with about 30-40 juveniles. I will add a UV filter for algae. I will add a second fx-6 as the fish grow. Thanks for your videos. Very much appreciated. Subscribed.

[@ObiTonyKenobi]

I have two 20 gallon tanks, one had been running BioHome Ultimate in a Fluval 207 for over a year, the second tank was using an Oase Biomaster 250 and I replaced the K1 media that comes with it with BioHome. Both tanks had algae issues regardless of weekly water changes and fertilizing dosing. Then I came across website that showed that pot scrubbers, K1 media, and 20 and 30 psi sponges have way more surface area than BioHome or the other hyped up media - Matrix. Well Oase already comes with the sponges so after 5 months of disappointment I decided to get the K1 media and replace the BioHome with it. It has now been a month and a half. the water is CRYSTAL CLEAR. My fish are floating and the algae is basically gone. This is the clearest water I have ever had. Had to redo my 49 gallon tank and decided to keep all the media in the Oase 600 after what I saw happen to my 20 with the Oase media. The one with Biohome... still has algae issues and trouble keeping the water clean even though it has been running now with Biohome for over an year and a half.... The Biohome's new home is the garbage can

[@danm8004]

You're using visible algae as a metric for your water parameters? How about a water test? You could just be running high on phosphate due to your local supply. Incidentally fish and other animals love algae, it's beneficial to the ecosystem.

[@joec2174]

Use marine pure media balls! Holds up and it gives great surface are. The bricks also work.

[@juggernautreptiles]

💯 facts right here! I have 2 407 hooked up to a 65 gallon, with 3 trays in each filled to the brim with biohome plus. Running a few months now and my nitrates won’t go under 20 ppm, and they get higher after every feeding.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Unfortunately many have these same results.

[@johnfadds6089]

This is golden. Now I really have to watch the whole livestream recording, there's probably more good stuff where this came from.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Absolutely, much more! 😁 Glad you enjoyed this tiny chunk 💪

[@chiefy915]

good video, I will stick with Matrix and K1, everything else seem like rip-offs or barely better than lava rock.

[@mathlmnb]

Ok. I was not sure about contributing with this comment but here I go. First of all, I like this channel the same way I like Pondguru's. I would have added the same comment if he had said something analogous. It is not my intention to be rude. I would like very much for Mr. Kevin to reply to my points, if he has the time, of course. I do not think this is a fair or objective critique of the Bio Home products. I think that a fair and objective critique can be made (for example you mention some pretty rigorous experiments you read about), but yours is not. I do not come here as some kind of Bio Home apologist but rather as someone who disagrees with the methodology of an experimental setup. -The Pondguru has said many times (I actually think he tends to repeat this a lot, maybe more than he should, and I can append at least one video when he explicitly says it) that practically all media in the market will get you zero ammonia and zero nitrites. He had said that if you want that and only that (you have no strong intentions of getting a full cycle), you should not bother with the Bio Home products. Instead get something cheap and plastic, like bio balls. Those will more likely be enough for your needs. I would say that your experience with pot scrubbers supports his point. -I think you cannot claim that a given product did not work for you if you did not use it as it was intended to be used (within reasonable margins). The Pondguru says also pretty often that if you want to get a full cycle (O ammonia, 0 nitrite,s and 0 nitrates) you must have at least a certain amount of Bio Home in your tank (and I know that you know all of this, but I have to add it for consistency). In your case, you have an overly stocked tank and if you want the full cycle you have to go with 2 kg per 100 liters of water. According to my estimations, you did not fulfill even half of the recommended amount (reasonable margins, as I said before). So, your experiment does not even allow you to conclude that the Bio Home is not robust. I would say that it is not an excuse to point out that you are not fulfilling the requirements for the product to work. Just as it is not an excuse for a medical doctor to point out that you are not getting better most likely because you are not taking the prescriptions as you should. It is a whole lot of Bio Home (and it is very expensive!, I agree) but the Pondguru is not guaranteeing the full cycle if you do not stay within reasonable margins from that. -Finally, as far as I can tell (please correct me if I am wrong), pot scrubbers are not getting you the full cycle you intended to get with the Bio Home either. But the results you are so far getting with them, and the results you got while using the insufficient amount of Bio Home you had are both predicted by the Pondguru. Again, and please do not take this badly, I do not try to be rude.

[@jordantrujillo293]

I just use sponge as my bio media, with hang on the backs. Plenty happy they work great, I’d love to get an FX4 or FX6 but with my 75 gallon and 90 gallon I feel it’s overkill. I get crystal clear water doing 80% changes once a week(per your advice) and change the filter floss every two weeks(pre sponge filters help a ton). So I haven’t seen an need to run giant canisters until I step up to maybe a 210 lol

[@KaveManAquatics]

If you're happy with your tank and everything working/looking good then you're right, no need to change anything. Save the upgrade for the tank upgrade 😁

[@jordantrujillo293]

@@KaveManAquatics that’s a great idea!

[@richardclark7258]

FX4 perfect for 75 gallon

[@vicflo0791]

I've had biohome ultra literally crumble in my fingers when I went to clean my filter after 2 months ... I switched over to fluval biomax and honestly that stuff is great my nitrate level went down from 20PPM to 10PPM after only 2½ months (it takes time) but I also have live plants in my aquarium so that's got a lot to do with it but that biohome is not worth the money ... I have 2 Fluval 407's on my 120g planted tank ...

[@frankiefingerz8047]

It doesnt work for everybody for whatever reason but it did work for me i had my nitrates goin up to 40 ppm after using biohome it never goes over 10 ppm now & i have 2 canister filters eheim pro 3&4

[@KaveManAquatics]

Cool, how many plants do you have in your tank?

[@frankiefingerz8047]

Zero

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@frankiefingerz8047 Would you consider hooking up with me on a live stream to discuss your tank and setup? Do some water tests live to help the community in understanding more about bio home?

[@frankiefingerz8047]

Uh yea sure that would b cool

[@davidhess3320]

Old video but i do like this video. heres my take on 1kg (2.2lbs)bio-home plus after a year. 10gallon tank, heavily planted, over stocked, sunsun hw603b canister filter w/sunsun hw602 pre filter canister. Prior to bio-home media, my nitrates always went over 40ppms sometimes close to 60ish ppm and the tank had a smell to it... I did have occasional spikes once in a while. After using the bio home for a year to date, i noticed my nitrates being more consistent and never going over 40ppms, no smells or spikes ever. Overall water quality is clear and consistent for me. Like you said it does take a while for the bacteria to grow. Its great media but i didnt experience the huge claims of nitrate reduction as claimed but is was significant enough for me to feel comfortable. May order more bio home or might try lava rocks again in my pre filter since they did a hell of a job on my oscar tank. I wish everyone that had negative feedback of bio home had the feedback i had. Trial and error and we tend to go towards what works for us.

[@craigbroderick8935]

You need to do a live debate with the Pond Guru on this topic... That would be interesting to watch

[@KaveManAquatics]

I bet it would lol

[@steveconnolly8078]

I use biohome I've had it in a tank were I didn't have enough off it in my tank and I had no reduction in nitrate in my current tank I have just over double wot I need and I definitely have a reduction in nitrate so I would probably never use it unless I'm using double the amount it suggests but it its bloody expensive

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes, super expensive. After doing the math for my overstocked 75 gallon I would need 3 FX6 packed Full for the "recommended" amount....crazy!

[@hakman239]

You need 1.5 - 2kg per 100ltrs if your tank is heavy stocked

[@dedetreek8893]

Pot scrubbers?? Wouldn't have thought of that. I didnt notice any reduction in nitrate levels (40.0) in my 400 litre tank with a few south american cichlids. Its packed with biohome in two external filters (1 fx6 and 1 fx4). My second 400 litre tank has two jebao filters packed with alfagrog (cheap stuff) with over stocked african cichlids. Nitrate level is very low (10.0). If I choose to try the pot scrubber approach, i'll replace one external filter at a time. I am just shocked they are as (if not more) efficient as all these expensive biomedia. LET's GO !!! I like the caveman's catch phrase. lool

[@juniorlovell2833]

You ain't never gotta apologise for doing your own research and seeing next to no real results especially for the price I've looked at some of the pricey things to but my inner tri state kid comes out like yo there has to be a cheaper solid alternative 😉😂😂😂 keep up the great work and content

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, appreciate that! I had my doubts too, coming from the tri state myself, lol But I had to test and find out for myself so I can inform you guys not to make my same mistake 😁

[@juniorlovell2833]

@@KaveManAquatics exactly just like when my cousin thought he could breed flowerhorns imported from over seas and 900 later on a so called srd breeding pair took to fish guy and was told they where chemically castrated

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣

[@walkerjim78]

Been running biohome for almost 2yrs. The 2yrs prior, nitrates at 20-40ppm. Now 5-10ppm. I do have the recommend amout in 2 hydor 600s. 125 gallon tank. 16 African cichlids, 3 clown loaches. 2 catfish. Set both filters up pond guru style. No filter floss. Just sponge in bottom basket, coarse, med, fine. 11kg of biohome. The best thing, in my opinion is service of canister. Only every 12-16weeks. No floss backing up flow. I do think the core of biohome is where the bacteria can thrive with low oxygen. I do my weekly water changes 40-50%. After water charge 0-5ppm nitrates, then settels at around 10ppm by next week. Feel like you can miss a week of water changes with no concerns. I like the biohome. Worth the money...not sure. But no illness and stable tank, happy fish.

[@robgill131]

I've just bought £47 of biohome ultimate after watching PONDGURU! so i am hoping it works like he said. I ve got a 65 gallon gallon tank with African cichlids and at the moment alls ok. I will come back and let you know how it goes once i changed to biohome filtering.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Congrats on your success, how many plants do you have in your tank? Do you use Prime as a dechlorinator? Do you use chemical media?

[@walkerjim78]

I dont have live plants. I do use prime. No chemical filtration. Used to use chemi pure blue and filter floss. Was a hard thang for me to quit both. Saving money and water is clear. I did notice after about 1yr of not using chemical filtration, my nitrates started to come down.

[@SG-Cichlids]

For anaerobic conditions you need 0 oxygen present. For anoxic conditions you want very low oxygen conditions which is what you really want. You are a 💯 percent right though. With water flowing through your biomedia you will never get it to reduce nitrate.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Totally agree, appreciate the feedback!

[@aquadise1007]

It is a great video. Thank you for spankly sharing your experience with biohome.

[@jaki1979]

Thanks for the video because I was about to buy some, keep up the good work

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! 💪

[@brianhahn3296]

Great channel buddy that’s why I’m subscribed and great info, people take things too literally, keep up the great vids and info, it’s your opinion and mucho appreciated

[@KaveManAquatics]

Appreciate that Brian! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FishTankMonsters]

Don’t be sorry broski for your opinion I agree I ran bio media my self in a 220 gallon tank same thing you did but in 3 fx6s on that tank I still needed to do my monthly water changes to stay below the 20 ppm in nitrates I have swapped over to seachem matrix and I do not over feed using jumbo carnisticks I now have my nitrates down to about 10-15 ppm nitrates and water changes about every 5 weeks love the video as always bro keep it up and god bless you and your family and thank you for your service god bless

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro, I appreciate that feedback! Keeping Nitrates down to 10-15 is awesome!

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

When ceramic, abrasive type media break down they have a tendency to get into and destroy magnetic drive pumps and impellers. This Biohome "grit" will quickly wear down the internal pump parts. Once I experienced this, I converted to sponges and pot scrubbies which have no abrasives.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thats a great point!!

[@mattphillips6714]

I fully agree with your point about grit from abrasive media.. for this very reason is why I don’t use Matrix from seachem, this is a pumice stone product which in time breaks down and forms sand in the bottom of the canister.. I use and will continue to use BioMax from Fluval, it’s made from sintered glass and doesn’t break down and form sand or debris of any kind. Hope this information helps someone

[@ecastro9301]

Interesting 🤔

[@cannibus78]

Good stuff brother always!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Appreciate it!

[@everydayaquariums1624]

Wish I'd have seen this before buying my maxspect biosphere lol, great info as always though bro 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro, glad I could help

[@djones2154]

Big Kev, I've always used Lava rocks and pot scubbers. Never got on the Biohome craze. Also use purigen.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Perfect setup! 💪

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

I took mine out after I started finding deposits of it inside the tank. Made zero difference to the water. A lot of this media is unnecessary.

[@ericharvey4902]

Kave you're right! I have 2 Fluval 207 on a heavy stock 40 breeder. 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite but the best I can get nitrates is 20ppm. I'm going on month 7 using it. 20ppm is not bad but it's not zero nitrates. I'm going to keep using it until the new year

[@KaveManAquatics]

Good luck bro, please let me know your results 👍

[@stevo987]

How did you get on?

[@KaveManAquatics]

🐟 Want to learn how to keep your very own African Cichlids? It's not as hard as you think, JOIN ME FOR A FREE WEBINAR TRAINING! 😊🐟 Register Here - event.webinarjam.com/channel/KaveMan-Aquatics

[@gk9417]

lol I just bought $300 of biohome never installed it yet on my new tank 🙏 Hey once you buy it you have to use it now 🙏 I’m hoping it will work on my hob filters on low speed 🤷🏼‍♂️✌️🙏🇨🇦

[@KaveManAquatics]

It will definitely work cycling your tank, no problems there. But you won’t get the Nitrate reduction it claims it can do. I’d love to hear your experience though after a few months of using it.

[@elizabethm.4283]

Thank you for sharing all of your hard work knowledge. Can you please share what cellphone glass mount you use?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Cellphone glass mount?

[@cstatum1]

I know seachem denitrate says that it only functions as aerobic if the flow rate is over 100 gallons per hour.

[@arthurgiannakis2156]

I've used Seachem Matrix bio media in two separate tank systems (12 years in one tank, 9 years in the second) both in slow flow canister filters and the conclusions are as follows. Biohome, Matrix, deNitrate (whatever you want to call it, it's all the same stuff) actually work well as straight up bio media. I'm happy with its performance as just normal bio media. They remove nitrates as well as my sponge filter does in my 3rd tank. Think about it. My recommendation: Use it because it's good straight up bio media. Don't buy it on the premise that in and of itself it will vastly reduce the nitrates in your tank, it won't. Additionally, don't spend more money buying MORE of it because you've been told 'you aren't using enough to combat nitrates' or believe people that tell you have to use for 12 / 18 / 24 / (insert whatever time period you want here) before you will see results. It's all spin that costs you more money and time and it's not like you can return it and get both of your time and money back, and will just remain in your system anyway. I'll leave you to contemplate that.

[@AroEnthusiast]

Thanks for sharing

[@KaveManAquatics]

My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. 😊 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@TinoushGTR]

I saw the price and was like: yep, getting lava stones.

[@KaveManAquatics]

🤣🤣

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Thanks Kev. I am fighting nitrate as we speak. I was doing once a week water changes and everything. I couldn't get my nitrate under 40ppm for nothing. Now to learn that it may be because of the bio-media that I am using. I just changed one of my canisters from bio home to matrix and will be changing the other one next month.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Matrix can help with reducing nitrates but remember it can take 4-6 months for growth of anaerobic bacteria, so be patient and dont clean your filters during this time period. Only change out your filter floss and chemical media every 30-45 days if you use it.

[@markpaulson1346]

Just out of curiosity, have you tested your nitrate levels out of the faucet? They might be high from the very beginning.

[@njbaquatics4827]

100% correct what you’ve just said. The claim that it’s super pour us to the point where it draws water in like a sponge which it does. In that sense it’s a great product but because of that there will be no low oxygen environment it’s impossible. The mind boggles as to why people would even not try and argue the toss. Plus the bacteria were looking for is an anaerobic it’s anoxic low oxygen environment not no oxygen environment anaerobic bacteria turn nitrate into ammonia which is obviously not what we want. Low oxygen environment creates bacteria that turns nitrates into nitrogen gas which then just gases off. Which is the very process they use in the sewage treatment plants. The only person I know of talking about it being used as it should be is Dr Kevin Novak. Who is very interesting but he waffles a lot so if you can and all that part of it he’s a very interesting guy but prepare yourself

[@KaveManAquatics]

anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate to nitrogen gas, they dont convert nitrate to ammonia. A few people keep quoting this Dr guy and it seems very coocky to me...I will have to check him out to find out why he is giving this incorrect information.

[@njbaquatics4827]

It’s not incorrect what you’re saying is. But it’s a common misconception. The bacteria created in a anoxic zone creates nitrogen gas. Not anaerobic bacteria. And I would check him out if I was you he will change the way you think about the entire system backed up with science not hearsay

[@albertoiglesias3074]

I have been using lava rocks for more than 7 months and my level of ammonia and nitrite have kept in 0 but last Sunday I did my regular weekly water change but I forgot to turn my fx6 back on so next day at night I realized it therefore quickly I put in on test the water and disaster ammonia at 0.50 as well as the nitrite i did a quick 30% water change and add more bacteria jajaja today i will test it again jajaja this is crazy , by the way thanks a lot i have learned a lot due to your videos that's why I'm subscribed.

[@KaveManAquatics]

oh man, hopefully you were able to save your guys from that spike. In the future if something like that happens quickly dose your tank with prime to detoxify the ammonia and nitrite while you get things back under control.

[@albertoiglesias3074]

@@KaveManAquatics great advise.

[@adambuthead]

Commented on the original test video, still running biohome still zero nitrate nitrite and ammonia My cichlids are very happy. Been nearly a year now had no issues at all.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Congrats Adam, how many plants do you have in your tank?

[@raysander5159]

Boom……mic dropped

[@rahimkhakee7750]

On point!

[@KaveManAquatics]

[@aryaanhassan3059]

It might work in a custom sump design for it... But still it's too much cost and work

[@KaveManAquatics]

Agreed and agreed

[@mannyc.4298]

Good enough for me! Great Rant!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thanks bro 😁

[@Steve0272.]

If you don't use the recommended amount what is the point in testing ? , that's like saying i didn't use recommended dose of dechlorinator and it didn't dechlorinate my water , I'm curious if the manufacturer has test results available online and what was the test conditions , iv heard cannisters have to high a flow rate for certain bacteria not sure if that's true or not though

[@KaveManAquatics]

Like I stated, maybe you missed it, many have claimed bio home to work with much less than the recommended amount. Further more, the recommended amount for an overstocked African Cichlid tank is nearly 3 PACKED FX6’s. Which is even more ridiculous then cost of biohome itself.

[@Steve0272.]

@@KaveManAquatics no i didn't miss the bit about some people say you can use less , I would have started with the recommended amount from manufacturers to see if that worked first before deviating but I guess that's just me , totally agree it's feckin expensive stuff , at a guess that's roughly 18kg / 34lbs of biohome media for a heavy stocked cichlid tank that's ridiculous if that's the case. I just run alot of cheap media in mine seems to work ok 🤞 , good vids and quality tanks 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@Steve0272. yup, you got it…that’s why I didn’t even want to try the recommended amount. Even if it did work I wouldn’t put that on my tank. I’m sticking with my super cheap Pot Scrubbers for the win 😁

[@nayanmistry4641]

Hi Kev, I hope you're well. Great video. What bio media would you recommend to help reduce nitrate as well as doing water changes. I hope you can help. Thanks 👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Since this video, I ran another test on Seachem Matrix and it turned out very well. Check this out - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8OrfNdgfTRnPIFSkG0MshTQ

[@nayanmistry4641]

@@KaveManAquatics cheers, I will take a look

[@Anytyme06]

Water changes or plants is how I get rid of nitrates. Imo it's the most reliable way.

[@KaveManAquatics]

100% Agree!

[@Mapantz1]

Not for everyone, especially not for me. My tap water has circa 60ppm of Nitrate. Water changes increase the level of Nitrate in my aquarium. That aside, people who don't keep fish that require little to no Nitrate are worrying over nothing. 60 - 80ppm of Nitrate in a planted tank, or a community tank isn't problematic. It's not harmful to most easy-to-keep fish species, and it won't cause algae- far too many myths surrounding Nitrate and algae. However, I have been doing an experiment.. I want to turn my plants (some of them) a deep red colour. One of the main factors in achieving that, is little to no Nitrate. The only way I could manage that was to use C3 resin. It WILL remove high Nitrate within a few days.

[@Anytyme06]

@@Mapantz1 that's terrible and unsanitary. You are an exception tho. Most people don't have to deal with that.

[@Mapantz1]

@@Anytyme06 Unsanitary? What are you on about? Rural areas are likely to have high Nitrate in tap water, it's completely normal.

[@Anytyme06]

@@Mapantz1 no it isn't normal. The maximum contaminated level is 10ppm which is set by the EPA. You're 6-8 times over that. That is enough to cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants 6 months and younger.

[@carlheller6648]

I do love watching pondgru but I know It was over price. I like using Pumie Scouring Stick and lava rock.

[@KaveManAquatics]

2 much better options there 👍

[@stepsfan87]

I also fell for their marketing for biogravel, it did not reduce nitrates…

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup, agreed!

[@Jearper]

When I first started fish keeping 4 years ago I got bamboozled by the biohome ultimate craze I spent probably anywhere from $100 to $200 on that stuff. When I upgraded to my 180gal and wanted more biological media I did a mix of lava rocks and pumice rock and the old biohome ultimate. I have 0 issues with ammonia and nitrites. As far as nitrates go, you need plants or water change there's no way to achieve 0 nitrate if you're not doing water changes or won't use natural plants.

[@KaveManAquatics]

100% agree! And I was one of those that got bamboozled as well, so you're not alone! Hopefully this video can help new comers into the hobby from making the same mistake we did 💪

[@SG-Cichlids]

That isn't true. You can reduce nitrate without using water change or plants. Plants barely do anything. You have to build what had been coined a BCB Basket. If you don't believe me or want to learn about it. You can make one yourself. Watch Dr. Kevin Novac. He teaches his to do it the science behind it and has all the data to back it up. Smart dude

[@Jearper]

@@SG-Cichlids I guess my experience is very different than yours on my 180gal ever since I added 4 pothos to my tank when I test for nitrates my api test kit shows 0 nitrates prior to adding the plants I averaged about 20-40PPM depending on how long I would wait before water changes. So far from the Dr. Novak videos it seems that you will need a sump to even attempt one of those anoxic filters people who have canister filters don't have that option. I would never encourage newer hobbyists to go into anoxic filters instead of water changes. Natural plants and water changes will always be my go to methods to reliably remove nitrates.

[@SG-Cichlids]

No sump required. One of his videos shows how to convert a canister filter into the bsb filter. Also be shows you how to use an under gravel filter to accomplish the same thing. Don't quote me on this but from what I understand the plants don't use the nitrate but use the ammonia which is why you see the reduction. What the bsb does or the plenum/under gravel filter does is the same thing water treatment plants do. The bacteria that grow in the anoxic conditions take the oxygen from the nitrate which converts it and it gasses off the top of the tank like co2.

[@SG-Cichlids]

One last thing. It also removes phosphates which will prevent alge.

[@draconisdragonheart4248]

Great video! This information is important for people trying to care for their fish.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com

[@robbarry7036]

I have biohome ultimate in my fx6. For me, it has reduced and stabilised my nitrates compared to 5 year old alfagrog. Guess I’ve been lucky.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Congrats Rob, How many plants do you have in your tank?

[@robbarry7036]

@@KaveManAquatics I have no plants, I have african cichlids and dragon stone and that's it. I've seen videos and articles backing up what you have said and the same saying it's the real deal, I don't think it justifies the price but I must've been lucky 🤷‍♂️

[@KaveManAquatics]

Would you consider hooking up with me, doing a live stream together to discuss your tank and your set up with the biohome. We can run some tests on your water parameters on camera. This would be a great help to the community in understanding more about bio home and those that have had success with 0 nitrates.

[@robbarry7036]

@@KaveManAquatics I'll be happy to email you photos/videos. My face isn't made for any kind of screen. I'm happy to watch stuff, uncomfortable with being the thing to watch.

[@KaveManAquatics]

@@robbarry7036 No worries, I understand. Congrats on your success.

[@patrickscerra8149]

Flawless....

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you my man!!

[@MarijkeWillemsen990]

Thank you for your video. I think if the aerobic bacteria who need oxygen lives the best in the cannister and the anaerobic bacteria grow not well in the cannister because they don’t want the oxygen in the filter. Then perhaps it is good use to use black aquasoil under your gravel? Its very good for plants but they always say it’s bad because it’s an anaerobic zone with very poor oxygen. Could it be the best place to grow anaerobic bacteria? Much better and cheaper than biohome also…

[@-Gunnarsson-]

the question is did you use them in a dedicated canister with very slow flow ? like 30gph? thats probably the only way to grow anerobic bacteria.

[@roystevenson1297]

hey kev great video hey what's ur option about using lava rock for filter media

[@KaveManAquatics]

Lava rock is awesome bio- media 👍

[@roystevenson1297]

@@KaveManAquatics yah yah can you give very small idea how lol right quick I appreciate

[@272roby]

I remember very well that in one of your past videos you stated that you used Bio Home for only 4 months. How can you make a judgment if you haven't even tested them properly? A filter that has been mature for several months and with even more common biological materials, if PROPERLY TREATED, begins to eat nitrates. I've known this for at least 30 years, an old aquarist told me AND IT'S TRUE! Try to redo the test and try to put your hands in those filters as little as possible, which only cause damage. You received your LIKE and COMMENT on your channel, I hope it made your day better. Ciao dall'Italia.

[@KaveManAquatics]

You need to do a little more homework on me if you’re going to act like you know how I did my test.

[@Xprodigy9]

Great video, but my question is how is this any different from Seachem Matrix saying they can reduce nitrates if it's impossible to create an anaerobic environment in a canister filter?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Bio-home will reduce nitrates in a canister, but the problem is you need a ton of it! More than your filter can hold. So you need multiple filters. Matrix works with much less, enough that your 1 filter can hold. This has been my experience with my own tanks.

[@neonclouds9295]

Great video Kevin!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! I think you were still on the live stream during this rant! lol

[@neonclouds9295]

@@KaveManAquatics I definitely was

[@11thgenerationcorolla57]

Im not an expert here 😬 just experimenting as well, Maybe try 2-3 inch of substrate and put those biohome under gravel 🤔

[@KaveManAquatics]

That could definitely work…

[@AnoopKumar-iu2tb]

Hi Kev. Same here using bio home with high Nitrate readings. The only thing that work in bringing the nitrate slightly down was the API Nitrozorb, but downside is recharging it every 5 days. By the way is pot scrubber good to increase anaerobic bacteria or just the normal ones.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Unfortunately many have same results with bio-home! Pot scrubbers wont grow anaerobic bacteria, especially in a canister. But they do great at your regular nitrifying bacteria we need to keep our tanks cycled 👍 Check out my video on the Pot scrubbers - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ2uh5Rmpt-drck

[@AnoopKumar-iu2tb]

@@KaveManAquatics Thanks. Cheers Bro

[@tripshobbies2810]

Worked like a bomb in my marine tanks where water changes aren't that easy. Crossed over to fresh water after moving a country and I am damn certain its going to work too. Just need to use it properly.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Good luck with that, take your plants out while being so certain its the biohome working for you.

[@tripshobbies2810]

1 year later. 4 tanks and all 4 have 0 N0³. You just have to undrrstand anaerobic bacteria. They need organic carbons for nutrition. They breath using N0³. Just like nitrification bacteria needs magnisium and phosphorus or phosphate for nutrition. Using anything that removes organics starves the bacteria. Like chemi pure and purgen. They dont die off instantly, they just go dormant because they have no nutrition. Once they get organic carbons again they spring back to working within a week or 2. And for some reason using prime greatly disrupts the N0³ reduction. Also if you doing big water changes like 80% water changes, you gotta leave the filters off for 10min so the water is completely dechloronated or it disrupts the anaerobic bacteria. I'm down to 1 40% water change a month in my tanks and they crystal clear. Also only clean filter sponges every 6 months. When you better understand baceria and their requirements this stuffs easy as pie 👌

[@aquariumhacksbymarcus5653]

Sure bio homes work well in a planted tank that sucked up all the nitrates oh yes so does matrix marinepure pot scrubbies and anything else as long as you got plenty of aquarium plants in there that's doing the nitrate reduction LOL great video

[@KaveManAquatics]

Exactly! 😊

[@wadelawson4165]

This is what i am talking about bru… true honesty in the hobby, keep it 100 always…..

[@KaveManAquatics]

Thank you bro! Will do, always 😁💪

[@yowandbm]

I was thinking of seeding small amount of aquarium water with bacteria and placing biological media in it, maybe adding some fish food in it. After one day or more in a jar incubating next to my heat radiator I plan to stick that media deep into the aquarium substrate on few places and also some in the filter. That should work, what do you think?

[@KaveManAquatics]

Bacteria doesnt grow in the water column. You'll need to add seeded media, not seeded water. Also bacteria need oxygen.

[@yunkemoreno2309]

Keep it 💯 👌 Congrats on the channel. Eventually you will need more tank's. Good luck with that if you're are married 😉

[@KaveManAquatics]

lol Thanks!

[@FishFace2216]

Well said 👏 glad someone is highlighting this particular marketing scam

[@johnmaude5065]

I’ve been using the pot scubbies in my FX4 and Fluval 407 for about 3 months now and very happy, the FX4 is on a tank also running a FX6 that’s still got conventional bio media in it

[@KaveManAquatics]

Awesome to hear it! Glad its working well for you!! Slowly but surely more people will begin to realize you dont need all that expensive stuff 😁

[@faizfirdaus855]

What kind of filteration system did you use for 180gal tank? Can you show all your filteration system in a video. I got plan to buy 180gal tank.

[@nicholaschristou]

Hi mate great channel! Need some advise I’m new to keeping a tropical tank. I have a fluval 407 filter and I have in the filter purchased the biohome ultimate filer media. But I can’t seam to get my nitrite down instead of being blue it’s deep purple. So I watch one of your other videos and I have purchased seachem matrix to go in the filter. Now I will keep the biohome ultimate in there and put this in a couple of bags and place in the bottom case in the filter? Can I have your advise me as your the man 😄 thanks nick

[@KaveManAquatics]

Your tank hasnt cycled yet. follow the advice in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3TYoqyilsaeaac

[@arthurpellett9256]

I use biohome media it’s a great media but it won’t grow anaerobic bacteria at normal flow rates

[@KaveManAquatics]

Completely agree with that statement! 👍

[@mariobronze-ob9ws]

I think the reason that she don’t go for the biohome which it works it’s because your a Seachem guy

[@KaveManAquatics]

Since you know so much, check the date on this video and the date of when I became a "Seachem guy" 🤡

[@michaelknight8235]

Thanks for the content. Did u just stop using BIO and why? Since you already had the bio.. do the scrubbies work bet overall? Thanks 👊🏽

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yup, I tossed the bio-home. It reduces the flow in the fx6 because you have to pack so much of it in there (for it not to work anyway) I switched over to Pot Scrubbers and never looked back! Make sure to check out the pot scrubbers video!

[@alfredvara1385]

Pot scrubbers and lava rock 😁👍

[@KaveManAquatics]

Yes Sirr!!

[@njbaquatics4827]

Expanded Clay pebbles are a very good budget friendly option for bio media. You need to spend a bit of time cleaning it but it’s very efficient

[@ronaldlittle9041]

You're 2 cents Kav Is like $10 I agree with everything you just said I tried bio home myself because you tried it I've been using it for over a year And I still have high nitrates I do 80% weekly water changes on all 3 of my tanks in order to bring them down I use nothing but tank water to clean my filter things Never use tap water But I still used by bio home In my filters Because it seems like it works But not as good as they say Keep fishing dude

[@iPhone4SEman]

Why would anyone depend on media to get rid of nitrate I would mainly depend on plants for that

[@KaveManAquatics]

Not all tanks can have plants.

[@Hartwig870]

If you want zero nitrates just throw a pothos in somewhere, or go heavily planted. I mean, a plant can just uptake ammonia skipping the whole process.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Some people don’t like planted tanks. Some people keep fish that eat plants, some people keep fish that uproot plants, some people keep fish in hard, high PH, brackish water that many plants can’t survive in…..point being, all tanks are not the same.

[@garybeattie2403]

Off subject a bit kev but could you give me a site for large background pictures please. I live in nz and can't find anything. Tank is 140 gallon 70in x 20in. Thankyou

[@DeepikaAditya]

I have 4 litres of Matrix and removed it all and replaced it with pot scrubbers a year back. Set up new AquaEL Ultramax 2000 and am using foam on all trays.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Nice, The Pot Scrubbers are gonna do very well for you! 😊

[@DeepikaAditya]

@@KaveManAquatics I wasted so much money feeling stupid. I have been using powerhead internal filters with foam for years and don’t know how I fell for the snake oil called filter media. Thanks to David Bogert’s webpage I realised I am doing something stupid.

[@awilderireland]

There is no data backing up their claims. They're just that. Claims.

[@stephenhammond1656]

No it's meant to reduce nitrites, not nitrates. I have not changed my water for five years, in a standard 4 foot tank, with 300 bristle nose, and 400 guppys. Never clean the gravel, never change the water, I have 0 nitrite, and 0 ammonia, I have high nitrate, but it does not effect the fish they are happy and breeding.High nitrates are good for plants also.

[@KaveManAquatics]

You should never have any nitrite in your tank, regardless of the media you use. Bio-home is advertised as NITRATE reducing. Stating that you have high nitrate is exactly my point. It does not reduce nitrate as advertised. So no need to spend as much as bio-home cost when a .99 cent pot scrubber can accomplish the same. - kzbin.info/aero/PLP5OXTIIDO8MN8NdRvlfuvcNkS8GUbAdt

[@lezterlezter]

Present kev, from 🇵🇭

[@KaveManAquatics]

Hello there!

[@lezterlezter]

@@KaveManAquatics do you have an idea why the 1st chamber of the overhead sump is overflowing?

[@Roland2307]

Dude I got issues. I have a 125 stocked with some big boys. Some stunning fish. I have 2 mbuna “rustys” have come down with some fungus or something? Never seen anything like it. None of the other fish are showing signs of having the fungus but something is definitely up with all of them? I don’t know if I should pull the 2 rustys out and dose them in a hospital tank or dose the whole tank. My water is testing perfect.

[@KaveManAquatics]

At this point, medicate that entire tank. It's just safer

[@Roland2307]

@@KaveManAquatics How long do I need to treat for? I’m using the Hikari ick-x I bought from Aquarium Co Op. hopefully it’s the right stuff? One of my Star Sapphire’s is swimming vertically nose down. Hope he bounces back! Raised him and his brother from fry and he’s the better looking one out of the two. My once stunning Dragon Blood looks all faded out they’re barely eating. This sucks.

[@stevesracingbits]

So how's does seachem matrix work then if what your saying about the oxygen levels in a canister filter? You have basically said the opposite in one of your newer videos about seachem matrix, if it's impossible how does it work?

[@KaveManAquatics]

I’ve always believed a canister could never be the right environment for anaerobic bacteria. The Matrix proved me wrong because it worked in my canister. It’s pretty simple to understand that the bio-home didn’t work for reasons other than being in a canister. There are many factors involved in successfully growing anaerobic bacteria. With time and more experience I learned that the canister isn’t one of them.

[@CurieBohr]

The bacteria that eats nitrates dies in oxygen. High flow oxygenated water cannot grow the required bacteria. Anaerobic and aerobic bacteria are not equal. You called it. I ordered biohome ultimate before I knew better. I’ve also ordered fluval bio-fx. I’m going to run the biohome ultimate in one fx6 and bio-fx in the other for now.

[@KaveManAquatics]

Good luck bro! Let me know of your results!

[@marknestorovich1175]

Wait I just watched another video where you said Matrix does help with Nitrates. I am confused. Love your videos but you have me confused on this one.