Pimp My Filter #82 - Sicce Space Eko 200+ Canister Filter

[@pondguru]

Sicce Space Eko+ 200 Canister Filter: geni.us/cIsS9Ht Filter Kits, Foams, Biohome, Biogravel etc: www.filterpro.co.uk (FilterPro site has links to Biohome suppliers in other countries) Eheim Mech: geni.us/lXrB7 (useful for under trays in filters which work bottom to top) Eheim Substrat Pro: geni.us/98euQaB (decent alternative to Biogravel). This is a well made filter which has a respectable amount of space inside and even if you choose not to upgrade the filter it is great value. The Sicce Space Eko+ filter will fit up to 2kg (4 lbs) of Biohome Plus in the top 2 trays making it suitable for a normally stocked tank of up to 200 litres (52 US gallons) or a heavily stocked tanks of up to 100 litres (26 US gallons) assuming you want to achieve a full cycle (natural reduction in Nitrate). Seachem / Sicce HOB 110 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZbac6pjft6SqcU Seachem / Sicce HOB 35 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHuWgJ6PqdSeZrM VERY IMPORTANT: *Avoid using water conditioners which claim to bind / remove / detoxify ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as it will have a pronounced starving effect on the bacteria. When bacteria is starved the population will be low as it grows in line with the available 'food'. A normal conditioner will allow the bacteria to fully populate the whole system and take away the 'need' to add more bacteria after maintenance / water change. Most people get conned into regularly using bacteria additives and that is simply to mask the side effects from a damaging conditioner and a failing filter. A normal conditioner like Tapsafe, Aquasafe, API Stress Coat etc. is all you need when a tank is properly set up, a filter is suitably sized (and properly set up) and Nature is allowed to so what Nature does.* See below for notes on how much media is recommended for different stocking scenarios. The Q&A page of the FilterPro site has extensive notes on recommended treatments and how filtration works. Follow me on Odysee: odysee.com/$/invite/@PondGuru:0 Contact me on 07772848730 / [e-mail] *******(I don't do texts)******* Don't "eat ze bugs" - grow your own food and create a new system ....... you can check out my efforts to create a new system to navigate Agenda 2030 on my Thousand Yard Stare channel: kzbin.info/door/1pgJBGQrUfCUAhk63U5u5A The following videos will be useful for learning more about filtration and filter media: 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 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 filter media 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. Remember to use a water conditioner which does not bind / detoxify ammonia, nitrite or nitrate as that type of conditioner will severely limit bacteria numbers by starving the bacteria of 'food'. 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'.....you'll spend less money on treatments too......basically the filter is the foundation of a successful aquarium. 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 We all are on a long path of learning......... RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/

[@joshwalker5419]

I cannot get enough of these pond filtration system videos

[@wyzemann]

I anxiously await the next🤓.

[@leeduggan7316]

I've had this filter for around 12 months now and it's one of the best small cannister filters I've owned. Super easy to maintain and has good flow for my 150ltr planted tank.

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Spot on - thanks for the feedback on the filter.

[@Jaywil07]

We appreciate your support!

[@Jaywil07]

Pond Guru - This is Italian yes and it is pronounced SEE-Chay. We have been making products since 1973 and family-owned. Reach out if you ever need anything. Thanks again. jay from SICCE.

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other account) Dear Jay, Aaaarrgghhhh.... I'm bummed out that it's pronounced like that as I am a Latin scholar and I was so sure it was See-kay like the ancient language pronunciation as double CC was always a hard 'KK' (luckily it was not 3 K's or I'd get cancelled, lol) ' - I thought only people in the US said SEE-Chay . Either way I am genuinely impressed with the filters so I'd happily feature any of them on the channel and then give them away to fish keepers who watch the channel. I never financially benefit from the channel so I don't charge anything for featuring any products (and I generally give them away) so if you want me to do any review / give away videos feel free to contact me at [e-mail] with anything you want to send out and have reviewed then given away. Best of luck with the channel. Regards, Richard

[@mikesolomon3544]

Having run this filter for a few weeks now I'm delighted with it One of the reasons I bought it was that sicce pumps are quiet, this is absolutely silent Such a nice change from my allpondsolutions filter that has a constant buzz Thanks Richard

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Nice one - thanks for the feedback on the filter. It's always great to hear from people who run this exact filter - best of luck with the tank.

[@Jaywil07]

Than kyou so much for your support

[@olivierpelland1027]

As always, thank you for taking the time to make that video. It's a different but indeed interesting setup for the trays, no worries about bypass.

[@isabelfrancoeur1387]

I have this one almost 2 years now. Still works great and don't have to prime it after disconnecting the hoses

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Good one, I'm glad the filter is working well for you.

[@Jaywil07]

Amazing love hearing it!

[@Andrew-fr3bp]

If it's under $90usd I would definitely buy this. You mentioned the Hydor Professional series of canisters. It was the Volvo of canister filters before they stopped making them. I have the 600 model which you reviewed a few years ago and you gave it excellent reviews. Good to see you compare the Sicce with the old Hydro Professional canisters. Look foward to more of your content this year, especially some backyard DIY pond builds !!!

[@bobsmith2177]

Thanks Richard, I’m running all my canister’s on your media kits eheim and fx6 Love the stuff I will give you a buzz about filling my sump aswell 👍🏻

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) No worries, any time is good.

[@one_final_cast6161]

I'm happy with my canisters an fx6 and a aqua one nautilus 2700. But I can't get enough of these reviews.

[@wyzemann]

Thank You for clarifying the main reason canister filters lose flow. If I'm not mistaken, Eheim or someone else warned that their fine filter might cause the notorious flow restriction in their beloved Classic filters. Your highly recommended series makes us all understand one of the best ways to set up filters. To be honest, I still prefer chemical filtration alongside your method, and I've not regretted it.

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Yes, I 'm always amazed when I see people saying that the media slows the flow down when it's pretty obvious that's caused by a clogged fine pad, lol.

[@Liz-M]

Thanks Richard. 👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@AQUAGUYUK]

5:14 reminds me of the Eheim ecco pro set up must admit the internal filter shark and pro are rubbish but this looks ok i do wish filter makers would consider clear plastic that way we could see whats going on love the locking and handles ,,,i always use biohome media and in the many years found it fantastic and to be honest a filter is only as good as the media i wonder if bihome plus which is the smaller version a believe i actually love it even in my fluval u series great content love your vids

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) 100% - The Biohome media is most definitely the most important thing in any filter - any filter can be made more efficient with good media. You're right by stating that the filter is only as good as its media. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos I upload.

[@brianhaig1971]

Great video been waiting onbyou getting your hands on one

[@stephen-truthseeker]

Actually looks a good filter.

[@DanijelaN.]

Great channel

[@marcianpetrescu]

Hello dear Richard. I hope that in short time somebody will send you for pimping the new canister filter from Aquael - the beast HYPERMAX 4500 ! Can't wait to see your reaction and to listen to your thoughts about it ! 👍😉🙂

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) I've not head of that one but it sounds like something off Star Trek.

[@marcianpetrescu]

@@ThousandYardStare kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZeZeoOwlJyrkKs

[@pondguru]

Not sure what happened to the link you sent but thanks for that. I may have deleted the comment by mistake. The Hypermax 4500 looks awesome. This was your link for anyone who's interested in checking out the 4500 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZeZeoOwlJyrkKs

[@marcianpetrescu]

@@pondguru this is my original post. This seems to be from a big aquaristic exhibition. The part about the new Aquael Hypermax 4500 starts around 02:36 ... and they are presenting a possible more complex model, with built in heater !!! 🙂😉👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHzZl2aQnrpjpKM

[@marcianpetrescu]

@@pondguru more details here... despite the fact is in polish... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKK3i4qJd5uYjrs

[@VTangnes]

I love your videos, they are very entertaining and informative! 😄 If you haven't already done one yet, could you possibly do a 'pimp my filter' for the Fluval Flex 57 Liter? 🙏🏼 I really want to improve the filtration on my 3 Flex tanks, however, om not really sure how I should do it ☺️

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) I have one of those tanks here and am intending to make a video on it but the filter is a decent size and easily upgraded. The first section just needs vertical foams and the second (middle) chamber is where the media goes. You can easily get over a kilo of media in the middle section in small mesh bags - most people use Biogravel for that. There are acrylic inserts available for this filter from third party manufacturers but they are quite expensive.

[@stephen-truthseeker]

Pond Guru's famous fine pads 😆

[@vascor2]

I am seriously considering buying a filter from this series for my 54 liter planted aquarium. On the website they say it has flow control option, which makes me wonder if I should not buy the 200 version that appears in the video, instead of the 100 that is recommended for the size of my aquarium, being that the 200 has one more basket for media. Would such a reduction in flow cause problems with the pump? Which option would be better for me? In another aquarium with the same size that I have I use an eheim 250 without flow reduction. Thanks for the great content you make!

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Using a filter which is larger than the recommended size is no problem and you'd have to clean it less frequently than using a smaller filter so I'd say go for the bigger filter every time. Restricting the flow makes very little difference to the pump and won't reduce the lifespan of the filter as long as it's not throttled back to a trickle.

[@vascor2]

@@ThousandYardStare thank you!

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@vascor2 No worries and best of luck with the tank.

[@Imaginary_ham]

Keen to hear your thoughts on the netlea no.2v filter!

[@aquanox9277]

good looking filter about what you said about using these with a wavemaker if your wanting to do that combo i wouidnt be doing it in any tank thats under 180littres as iv got the smallst wave maker you can buy in my 125littre tank and its far to powerfull even on low it blows my plants n fish about its a newawave 1900 you do also get a small 1600lph one but they dont make that anymore so the only ways id use the canister wouid be on a 50 to 80ltr tank on its own due to low flow or a 180ltr tank with a small wave maker or better yet 2 on a 200ltr i use an eheim experence 250 and jbl cristal profi on my 125ltr both canisters work perfact and there so quick n easy to clean the trays in both are squre not wide n fit perfactly into a 10liitre bucket i can clean a canister n have in back running in 10 to 15mins

[@alexandre.campos]

According to other tutorials I´ve seen the indication is: (1) Course pad (mechanical filtration) (2) Finer pad (mechanical filtration) (3) Purigen (chemical filtration) (4) Matrix (bacteria - biological filtration) But it seems that your advice would rather be: (1) Course pad (mechanical filtration) (2) Finer pad (mechanical filtration) (3) Matrix (bacteria - biological filtration) (4) Purigen (chemical filtration) Am I correct? That being said, what would be your advice to pimp a Sicce Space Eko 100+ Canister Filter? (which has only 2 baskets) Thank you for your help and the best for your channel!

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) It is important to have the chemical filtration last - especially when it is as harsh as 'purigen' as it draws in a nation of trace elements and 'food' the bacteria needs to complete the biological filtration processes. 'Matrix' is just a low quality dense pumice sold as something special by a company which operates to a very pharmaceutical business template. Some of their products for plants are great but their major products (matrix / prime / safe) are not since they cause side effects which need to be 'cured' with more of their products. Pumice is OK as a filter media but when it is low quality and too dense you may as well use gravel from a path. Most people don't understand the filtration process of how bacteria work so it's no wonder you've seen videos where people set the filters up arse end first - the majority of KZbin 'creators'' don't create anything and simply do a google search for their information, lol

[@alexandre.campos]

​@@ThousandYardStare Your considerations make total sense my friend! So, in order to send my Matrix to trash, which alternative would you suggest? Also, since the Space Eko 100+ has 2 baskets, I suppose the correct setup would be: a) Bottom of the cannister (under the baskets) - ceramic rings included in the package (as much as possible) b) Lower basket - course pad (level 1) + polishing pad (level 2) {the Eko 100 doesn´t include the less course pad that comes with Eko 200 and 300) c) Upper basket - full of biological media and then Purigen bag* on top of it Would you agree with this setup? Again, thank you very much for your guidance 😊 * I´m depending on Purigen since it does an excelent job removing the water brownish tint of the tannins released by the driftwood...

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@alexandre.campos Yes that sounds sensible although keep an eye on the filter performance as far as the Nitrate goes - purigen draws in a nation of trace elements which can have a starving effect on bacteria. It's nowhere near as damaging a prime which effectively ensures that the filter operates at a much reduced bacteria population (through starvation) but should be used sparingly.

[@AQUAGUYUK]

Bollox lol just got the ultimate small lol sry gonna use it in an internal filter love the vids quality as usual shame canisters are not clear

[@awilderireland]

I must look at the bigger 300 version and see some vids re use/noise etc. I was going to get two Aquael Ultramax 2000's. I would lose the pre-filter if I went for the Sicce. But these are dirt cheap. I have plenty of Substrat Pro from previous set-up's. Too good to be true?? I will get Googling. 🙂 Edit: Just saw their Whale filters also dirt cheap. Even more Googling!

[@mikesolomon3544]

Mine is totally silent

[@awilderireland]

@@mikesolomon3544 Good to hear. Or not to hear. 🙂

[@skelatonman]

300 is the same exact size and dimensions as the 200 but with a stronger pump

[@awilderireland]

@@skelatonman Many thanks. I just saw a good price on the Aquael I will prob get those. But they all seem good value. Especially compared to Eheim!

[@judyallinson1281]

Richard what is the best filter you have seen

[@seifertan534]

Hi, since both whale and space eko was spoken about in your videos. Which would u recommend?

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Probably the space eko but I don't run any of these filters since they are sent to me by viewers. I'm assuming they are both reasonably quiet. As long as a filter is the right size for the tank and stock they're all pretty much the same but with different features and shapes. It's really only when you get to the Eheim of Fluval filters that the quality is noticeably better than mid-range filters.

[@seifertan534]

@@ThousandYardStarethanks for the reply. I just notice your message. I will give space Eko a go then 😊 cheers.

[@phantomflyer6705]

Hi I find your videos on the filter very interesting I have a fluval 306 external filter and the nob on the pump handle has broken of is there any thing I can do to fix it just set it up the way you set it up on your video thanks

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Unless you can fix it with super glue you may have to buy a spare part. I'm not sure which bit is broken so super glue may be no good if the fitting is under stress.

[@cal30m1]

Any chance you can do a quick “pimp my filter” on the Eheim 150? All the videos on it seem to go against your system. I was going to use it on my 20 gallon tropical; is it enough to handle a 20?

[@pondguru]

I haven't had the opportunity to examine a 150 but as long as it is set up correctly and with good media to should easily handle a 20 (US?) gallon tank. Eheim usually goes with the fine pad last which is pure nonsense - all that does is concentrate the fine muck into the media compartments, prematurely clogging the media and reducing the efficiency of the filtration. The water should be cleaned before it hits the biological filtration. That's the way it works in every sewage plant and every water treatment plant in any country. Mechanical to Biological to Chemical. I've no idea why aquarium filtration manufacturers set things up in such a retarded manner but it may have something to do with getting some after sale potential for the filter - some of them recommend replacing the biological media every 6 months which is ridiculous.

[@SquiddysAquaticts]

I've got a 60" freshwater sump that's needing"BLINGED"up,,,,can I send you it??😉✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kriztu]

Can you please do Sicce Shark Pro 900. Thank you.

[@pondguru]

That video is being edited now and will be out in the next few days. It is a decent filter which desperately needs more powerful magnets.

[@kriztu]

@@pondguru thank you. Looking forward to seeing it. Keep up the awesome job! ❤️

[@victornassar6634]

Do you need to add water conditioner to remove the heavy metals and chlorine from tap water or does the filtration canister does all that? What can you advise me?

[@smaloneytuba85]

Unless you're using a fancy RO system, or you let your tap water age before putting it in (like in some sort of holding tank for the Chlorine to evaporate) you'll need to add something to make the water safe. Richard recommends only using tap water conditioners that do NOT bind ammonia, etc. as that will essentially starve the bacteria you're trying so hard to grow! I use StressCoat+ from API, but all the manufacturers will have something like that. Just make sure you don't use conditioners that bind NH3, NO2, or NO3. If you need to get rid of those, change your water.

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@smaloneytuba85 (my other channel) Thanks for that - I just came to answer but you've done it for me. That's much appreicted.

[@btw4447]

Hey would Hydroton hydroponic clay balls work as a biofilter? I have a lot of them left over and considering sticking some in my canister filter I'm buying that only comes with sponges. Thanks.

[@pondguru]

They will work to some degree but the vast majority of the internal structure is sealed and unavailable so they're not ideal. Also, many of them will float due to all the sealed bubbles inside them. It's a good DIY media if the only other options are gravel or hard ceramic rings but other than that it's well down the list.

[@btw4447]

@@pondguru Thanks for the response. I just realized I bought the wrong canister that doesn't come with the pump, so I bought another one. So I could just fill up one canister with a ton of dedicated cheap biomedia like lava rock I can get locally and run the filters in series.

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@btw4447 That will be no problem as it's just the same as running a booster filter with media instead of foams.

[@andrewelliott1939]

I would pay good money to hear Latin spoken in your accent!!😂😆😂

[@mikesolomon3544]

After having this filter for 10 months I wouldn't recommend it The flow rate is not good and for some reason it gets clogged up very quickly

[@pondguru]

Thanks for the report - it's a shame the filter isn't living up to what you expect from it.

[@quietspacearts]

can you use biogravel in larger mesh bags in the containers?

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Yes, that would work no problem - fill in the gaps between the mesh bag(s) with other media.

[@krystianszelag7382]

Please try aquael hypermax filter- new flag filter from Aquael!!!

[@SquiddysAquaticts]

The filter is cheap like your mic🤣 Love your vids man🙏✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@pondguru]

Aaaarrgggh, the mic is on a £600 video camera which usually works perfectly but for some reason was freaking out every time there was a loud noise. I'll use my other camera next time as I think this camera doesn't like the cold, lol

[@SquiddysAquaticts]

@@pondguru 🤣 I'm just messing with ya🤣✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@pondguru]

@@SquiddysAquaticts No worries, man - I noticed the dip in audio quality numerous times when editing this video as I didn't have the external mic plugged into it.

[@AquaNoxLTD]

Sicce make good filters there pumps are ment to be one of the best just after eheims pumps

[@rustyfan89]

I went to an all boys catholic high school I had to have two years of Latin myself

[@pondguru]

If I'd realized how important Latin and Ancient History was to the nonsense agendas going on today I'd have concentrated way more than I did at school.

[@dixsusu]

In romanian its pronounced ce . Not che . Sicce means dry . A corsican word .

[@neonskyline1]

Why am I not subscribed to you?

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) KZbin has been randomly unsubscribing most of the people who subscribed to the PondGuru channel for 3+ years now. It's very frustrating. Anyway, how (and where) are you these days brother?

[@nightowl760]

Italian isn't Latin my friend.

[@animedreamnetwork245]

Well since most of its language comes from Latin. It’s not far off.

[@AltarenGalil]

​@@animedreamnetwork245 it might not be far off but the example in the video is incorrect. In italian every time the letter c is followed by i or e the c is pronounced as ch in check or church.

[@danm8004]

Cappuccino.

[@hangdogdaddy38]

The clips remind me of the Rena Filstar XP line of canister filters.

[@f_youtubecensorshipf_nazis]

it's the old fluval design that's my 403 inside basically