juwel filter upgrade

This video is about juwel filter upgrade. The Juwel Bio filter works well, but is expensive over time replacing sponge filters. I have seen a video on rearranging the filters and it imoressed me and made sense, also replacing some sponge filters with Bio media, in the form of ceramic rings but different sorts are available, the idea being to increase the surface area to grow bacteria in your filter housing.

[@jeremyrichards1085]

From what I have learnt the basic thing is to set up the top for mechanical filtration and the bottom for your bio-media. Unless you have something like a manta ray in your tank the bottom will more than adequately deal with ammonia and nitrites. The top, set it up for coarse filtration through to fine and then flush it out under pressure, perhaps a hose outside, every few days. Works for me.

[@weltonsouza]

Hi. I just watched your video and at least in the video you are putting the plastic holder in the wrong position. Basically you are blocking the water flow in the bottom portion. Simply rotate 90 degrees and you are good to go! I know the video is old, but I seen people doing the and maybe this will help someone.

[@dnhman1]

BOYES! love it

[@sleepytasmr]

You don't have to replace your filters, you can go years without replacing them. You also don't need activated carbon.

[@steveh3483]

true, but you use carbon if you have added medication after a few days its good to take out the residues. Fine/polishing filters also dont last long.

[@brizeeuk]

Yes ì agree...better not too..my filter is doing brilliant with loads of bacteria doing a great job I'm my tank

[@Boss-zo4lw]

In my bottom backet i have 3 cages off the Juwel media, its actually 6, i open them and add two lots into one so lots of media there! The top basket i use sponge i purchased online, its not as thick so can add more! this gives me room to add one of the cages under the sponges, can be for any media i wish or need.

[@Luukuu]

Enjoying your aquarium videos Steve! How's your tank doing nowadays? Could you do an update video about it? 😊

[@steveh3483]

Thank you, I changed it for a 240L and the filter was set up the same, unfortunately I dont have it anymore, but the filter was certainly successful.

[@neilvee451]

How not to do it..

[@lynnelwick6492]

Hi is the waddin from boyes safe as ive been using it for ages thanks

[@royster3345]

Would you not improve lower basket flow turning it by 90 degree's, although the sides of the holder has holes in, it will retrict flow a little. I also tried putting in a similar lower media, ran for a year, didn't work any better, gone back to two coarse sponges in the lower section.

[@steveh3483]

it is trial and error. The idea is not necessarily to get the best flow.

[@lukeborg9523]

Hi Steve, would you need to change the bio media after sometime, like you do with the sponges or no?

[@steveh3483]

No, not really. you would be gettign rid of all the good bacteria you built up. Its not a mechanical filter.

[@lukeborg9523]

Thanks for the reply, what about the upper sponges you left, do you change/replace them less now with the upgraded filter setup?@@steveh3483

[@pete2sash]

Hi Steve... thanks for the info. Hows the tanks doing since the upgrade?

[@steveh3483]

Peter Newton hi peter, it’s going really well, nitrites are zero nitrates under control with water changes but minimal.

[@pete2sash]

@@steveh3483 appreciate the message ... quite a simple process, I've not been unhappy with the existing filter, mine has ran well for past year and water quality has been consistent, but longer term I was considering an external filter for ease of maintenance. However, for little money I'm going to give this a try I think . Thanks again. Peter.

[@pete2sash]

Hi, and all the best of the season... So, how has the aquarium been for you? I upgraded my Rio to a 240 litre and have added netted ceramic media, its literally just been put in today and filled with water .

[@susannadimartino8311]

Hi Peter. My juwel filter is causing me problems. The water is supposed to be sucked onto the little grooves on the housing and the pump inside should suck it up and expel it out into the tank? However this is not happening as the water going in is slower than than being pumped out so the pump just gets dry and makes a noise. The only way I can get a flow is if the pump passes the water back into the housing not into the main tank. At a loss what to do as tank is not being oxygenated enough as no splashing. Any tips please. Many thanks.

[@pete2sash]

@@susannadimartino8311 first is your water level right? Even if it's slightly below the recommended level the pump gets noisy and could play up. Second, make sure the impeller is free from any debris , when you take it out ensure it fits together snug . Next I'd check your media, make sure it's not over clogged especially the white pad you change the most.. you can always check the pump is working noiselessly and ok by removing all the filter for a test run. Hope this helps a little?

[@andym209]

Do you clean them bio bag's still them or don't you touch them just swill the sponges once a week cheers

[@steveh3483]

No, you dont clean the Bio bags, you need the bacteria in there to convert the nitrites and nitrates.

[@garethjones9754]

Steve, don't they add a fire retardant to upholstery wadding? Is this not bad for the fish?

[@steveh3483]

you could be right? I didnt know about this, good point. Will try to find out, but been ok so far and used about 5 lots.

[@mrvera1970]

It’s on the sponge ? You squeeze the sponge . Plus juwel filters are crap. . You need both hard and sponge .

[@davidengelstein1359]

Where can I buy the big piece of foam?

[@steveh3483]

Hi David. It is upholstery foam from Boyes. Just make sure it is not containing any chemicals, but a quick rinse should be ok

[@EuroGupper]

Patrick Stewart vibes 🫡

[@andym209]

Do you clean monthly or weekly

[@steveh3483]

Be guided by the tank really, you could get away with either. Do water checks and viisuals really. Depends on how many and what fish you have.

[@andym209]

Ive got 6 foot tank saltwater my 2 fluval u4 run it I do 110 litres water changes every week and inputting in this filter as well well to help out thanks for the fast reply awesome video

[@stevel9173]

Hi Steve. Just come across this video. Looks as though you have been watching the videos from Richard at “Pondguru”. I agree with you, what he has to say in his “pimp-my-filter” videos makes a lot of sense. I am in the process of following his instructions on my own Jewel 120 Lido aquarium. I have set up the upper half in a similar way to you with cheap wadding as a fine filter. I think it is safe and chemical free. I don’t bother with the carbon sponge, I see it as an unnecessary expense !! In the lower section of the filter I am changing the old Jewel filters for the “biohome” gravel as recommended & sold by Richard. This is much finer, and I should be able to get 3 bags in. I am replacing the old media over a 3 week period so as to avoid throwing out all the good bacteria in one go. My tap water has 40ppm nitrate in it so zero nitrate will be hard to achieve, but am hoping this new set up helps keep it as low as possible. Everything is fine at the moment. Thanks for a helpful video. Good luck with the aquarium.

[@steveh3483]

Thank you, you are correct carbon is only needed to take out chemicals and medication. If you have live plants that will lower the nitrate level.

[@lolavanenburg1647]

I also changed my corner juwel vision 450 tank filter from Pondguru’s advice..along with my Fluval 407 canister filter 👍🏼

[@endurodlapoczatkujacych4504]

How's this tank doing today? What do you think about Juwel Bio? Would it be hard to take it out?

[@steveh3483]

Its an expensive product, if you watch pond guru you dont need it.