Is it an Under Gravel Filter or Plenum; or is it a Dirt Magnet or Bio Sponge Filter?

[@snlfan2609]

When I first heard you use the term plenum, I googled the definition in an effort to better understand exactly what you were talking about and guess what -- the definition is exactly what you've said: a void or space. Most of the references pointed to plenum in air conditioning industry, and I began to understand that the "plenum" isn't the "thing" that you built out of plates. The space underneath the plates is the plenum. Adding bioballs or some other sort of similar material helps to develop a very robust environment for bacteria to grow in that space or void .... and that's where the magical chemistry pieces happen. 😊 So glad I found your channel!

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

You're absolutely right it's the space underneath the plate.

[@jodymaley3674]

Hair curlers, takes me back to the old days of little clear box filters, this little kid tried mom's curler papers to replace expensive batting

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

I am 76 and I am still learning. That is why I like your station. Very well explained.

[@andrewarnott2428]

So true and for the record I love undergravel filter. I thought a plenum was about the void and slower then usual flow. Thank you for your videos

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

Very clear, Dr. Novak. Very good explanation.

[@reneesnugent3358]

I'm so happy that you clarified the plenum. I was going to start a 20 gallon aquarium for angelfish. I'm having a difficult time keeping them well. I've seen your videos with cutting the tube and adding kitty litter and other things. Should I put the other stuff? I'm trying to figure out how to do this with plants. I'm new with this plenum. Could you please recommend how to set it up?? I'd really appreciate it!!

[@wolfeyeraven]

Working in Computer Electronics I have to explain to people all the time that a "Touch Screen" is really 2 separate things. It is a Video Display with a Touch panel "Digitizer" ( which is a USB device ) Overlayed on it. I think the same goes here, an Anoxic system consists of a Filter plate with a VOID (or Plenum ) under it.

[@gnarlytubeage]

I am a Karen and I approve this video

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

ALLLL Right! Thanks.

[@1markymark1]

My Dad was a furnace man, it was a plenum, not an under coil filter 😊

[@jay-remedy-plz]

Sponges, including the Dirt Magnet have no regard for the material getting trapped. Clever Marketers. That’s a positive and not a negative for fish-keeping.

[@q.d.mcgraw]

"Dirt Magnet" is probably a registered trademark although we do usually call cotton swabs q-tips and copy machines xerox machines and tissues kleenex.

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

Could be a generic name being used or a synonym right?

[@eugeniovazquez7444]

Hi Doc , I use the tubing the same one you showed and you did correct me on this a few years ago back , Doc , right I don’t know if people want to except the knowledge you offer or just be stubborn

[@rd946]

What's to prevent filling your tubular undergravel filter with BCB media instead of just a void? Would it be effective?

[@steverees1936]

many are doing that to grow benneficial bacteria. Those plastic pot scrubbers are a cheap and very effective product to use for that 🙂

[@aryah1513]

Whaddup doc? I've been in the hobby for years and just heard of a plenum recently because of Aquarium Co Op name dropping you. I think people are unaware of the anoxic bacteria if they're telling you it's the same thing as an undergravel filter. To be frank the 1st time I saw you explain it... I was thinking "why is he calling an undergravel filter a plenum?" and started to space out. Then I heard you talking about charged-this-and-that and it piqued my interest and I kept listening to realize a plenum isn't an ordinary undergravel filter... it's a very specific type. Also Karen is someone who complains about petty things.

[@bryanprather783]

I think it's human nature to unnecessarily over complicate things, especially in our hobby. You have provided an uncomplicated way to allow nature to due the work without relying on expensive or even fads that imply things that in the end, just aren't meant for the result that most hobbyists want to achieve.

[@steverees1936]

There will always be pedantic people in the world. My questions are if I use two uplift stacks on the gravel filter/ Plenum system (one either end of a 5 foot tank) and have powerheads attached, what flow rate is suitable and how high do the tubes need to be? The other question is could I also use a sump tank in conjunction with the plenum system? Thanks for sharing youre knowledge. :-)

[@RcBlade]

Dr. What's your thoughts on the 5000k cheap flood lights compared to your ge ultra bright bulbs? The flood lights are waterproof and cheaper compared to the ge ultrabright plus metal dome. I'm really curious on your thoughts. Thanks!

[@snlfan2609]

I do have a plenum-related question .... recently, one of my bubble stones worked its way back up out of the tube (suction cup failed to hold it in place) and I'm pretty sure my juvenile bristlenose pleco went down the tube and may now be down in the plenum underneath all that soil and kitty litter and gravel. Have you had this happen (losing a fish in there)? And do you have suggestions for how to get him back out?

[@gk9417]

It’s doesn’t really matter lol ✌️🙏🇨🇦

[@pacae911]

LOOLLL

[@andrescott2794]

I used to have a 55g tank with a underwear fder I like them way better than all the other one they make now I touched thay did not make them any more I like to get me 1