Pimp My Filter #39 - Aqua One Maxi 103F Internal Filter

103F out of production?
Maxi 104F (Ebay UK / EU): ebay.to/2XzUz0K
Maxi 104F (Amazon UK): geni.us/p5mzLfA
Foams and Biogravel: www.filterpro.co.uk
(FilterPro site has links to suppliers in other countries)
Biohome Ultimate on Amazon UK: geni.us/GDV8oLd
Biogravel on Amazon UK: geni.us/o98PP
There are certainly better internal filters available but for raw horsepower the Aqua One filters deliver plenty of flow. Unfortunately there isn't much scope to upgrade them to take biological filter media so they are pretty much a mechanical filter and flow generator.
One of these filters is OK if you have a tank with decent sized fish which like a strong flow and if you are doing the main filtering job with a suitably sized, well set up filter.
Running costs for this range of filters couldn't be described as 'eco' so unless you can pick one up half price it may be worth going for something else instead for long term use.
There is almost no chance of achieving a full cycle with this filter due to the lack of capacity for biological media - this is really one to delivery good flow and some extra mechanical benefit for larger tanks.
WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE?
If someone tells you the aquarium nitrogen cycle ends with the production of nitrate that is incorrect - please read on
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat.
Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.
This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity - If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on:
[e-mail]
07772848730 (Richard)
Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win.
The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible:
Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un
Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c
Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF
How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh
Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj
This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study.
We all are on a long path of learning.........
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INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2KAk1fx
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7
If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching.
See you next time.
Pondguru

[@pondguru]

103F out of production?

[@amandah2866]

This is a great video. I like that you explain how the filter actually works as well as how to pimp it. The little review is very helpful as well. Plus it's nice to see a video that talks in litres rather than gallons. Though I still wish I could find an Aussie fish channel.

[@kerryoneill1210]

Thank you - I have the 102F version and it's good to new how to arrange the media.

[@waikarimoana]

Good day Richard,

[@Fishaholic]

Great video mate, always fun to watch pimping filters. Great description of the video, so informative and detailed.

[@Gabor.P.]

Another good one Richard and I loved the boo-boo at the end ! lol.

[@veneshpillay2988]

Thank god this one did not cost you a arm and a leg in bio media. I bought biohome over year ago, I am achieve full cycle on my tank. To add to that basic things to keep in mind is dont over stock and dont over feed. Thanks Richard.

[@anovemberstar]

And THANK YOU. I'd already grabbed a carbon pouch to modify what I knew would be useless due to the sponges it came with, but after seeing your video, I put, in very bottom -the empty space - FILTER wool, then a piece of the sponge it came with. Next level up - filter wool and then carbon pouch behind it. Top level - medium sponge, and some of the bio ball thingies you used,.wirh another thin layer of medium sponge. I'll see how the filter wool goes, if it's too dense I'll swap it out for course sponge.It's for a 65L tank I'm vying. Hopefully will be able to work well enough to have 4 peppered corridoras, and a dozen be one / embers (then I'll have room in my 165L to add 4 more black phantom tetras 😍😍

[@mch2058]

Brilliant video, very helpful, thank you

[@JamesTHEKOIwhisperer123]

Great video as allways 👍👌

[@50shadesofgreen]

awesome info !! another excellent pimp my filter video

[@puppyloveee-jn6ck]

I had one of these and it actually melted the plastic and welded the power head to the filter compartment.

[@cartouchator]

I bought the horizon aqua one 130 tank kit, and although the tank , cabinet, lights and heater are really good, it comes with the horrible bulky 104f filter.

[@TheKrisTurner]

Your Aussy dealer is garbage mate, been waiting 3 weeks for my order from them and cant get hold of them on where it is. Have placed another order through you direct instead. Looking forward to receiving the Biohome Ultimate! Love the videos! Keep them coming!

[@Populiervogel]

Hahaha, found this recently in the attic, must be something of 20 years old, indeed a strong motor but never understood the filter system, hard to clean this filter.

[@kayo1019]

I use polyester Insulation in my Pump, it works much better than any of the sponges and keeps the water cleaner for much much longer 👍

[@anovemberstar]

Funny you mention exactly what is say a on the box, that it can do up to 100la BUT, in the INSTRUCTIONS, the sneaky a'holes have written, page 10, QUOTE "in most cases the larger models have 2 sponges but in most cases these models should only be used as a SECONDARY FILTER (my emphasis, they weren't helpful enough to put that in caps) to help with existing filtration or as extra water flow" 😈😈😈. SERIOUSLY WTAF - that should be ON RHE OUTSIDE OF THE F'ING BOX

[@johnathanoliver1771]

I trimmed the propeller that slows the flow down

[@MyTinyBalcony]

In this case, would you add a thicker bed of decent gravel to the bottom of the tank to provide even more space?

[@sidahou6765]

I liked man its even better then the original😂