Pimp My Filter #9 - Aqua One Aquastyle 980 Trickle Filter

[@marktaylor4277]

I recently bought a second-hand AquaStyle 850, same as the 980 but without the smaller middle tray. I put an Eheim pre-filter in place of the inlet strainer which takes care of coarse filtration and helps protect the pump a bit. In the trays I put medium foam then a layer of fine and finally BioHome Ultimate neatly arranged in the bottom to maximise the space. Also, I put a single layer of BioHome Ultimate around the outlet port, again not wanting to waste any space. Cycling is progressing nicely & the filtration working well. Enjoying watching the Pimp My Filter series.

[@pondguru]

Sounds like it is well pimped up - groovy. I like the overhead filters as they are easy to access and can be very effective.

[@runerafell4480]

Really looking forward to the mega pond filter build !

[@mollyeverglade3655]

I have a similar but not identical (it's not a shower filter) set up on my 50L snail tank and I quite like it. It's extremely simple - looks like it's made out of a tupperware container and a pump - but it's very easy to customise and clean and gets good flow. Sometimes the simplest things work the best!

[@pondguru]

Yes it doesn't have to be anything fancy to be effective, that's for sure - as long as you have mechanical and biological in the right order and use good quality media it's all good.

[@1959Berre]

I built a trickle filter 30 years ago. Grab a pvc planter (3ft) in a garden center. Drill many small holes in bottom. Drill one hole in end side for water inlet tube. Fill planter with coarse filter medium (volcanic rock, expanded clay pellets). Put filter wool on top of filter medium . Drill holes in tube the lengt of the planter, one inch apart and put it on top of filter wool. Connect pump. Done.

[@SC-hk6ui]

That is a wonderful video Guru. I'm just looking at one of these tanks. For my smaller tanks I am quite happy to use kitchen sponges these days. I have kept tanks for about 20 years, and over that time I have realised that a sponge is a sponge and other bio-active elements like the substrate, planting, circulation and chemical loading are far more important. So I would say that the best sponge filters are ones that go brown and do not stink - that indicates a good oxygenated environment and the right kind of microbes.

[@pondguru]

If you have enough biological activity going on in the filter then there should be very little or no smell from it no matter if it is just foams or if it has foams and 'proper' media - it's the ammonia which tends to smell. You wouldn't believe the smell coming from some of the filters I have been sent so far, lol

[@melissathompson9700]

Just got a second hand aqua one 850 when I rescued some goldfish and I’m planning to use it for my dojo loaches, it came with some crappy internal filters and the overhead bit is completely empty! After watching this I’ve decided to buy the bits to make this work again :) love your channel so much I check it for every single filter I get 🤣

[@freepress8451]

Another one of those video's I wished I watched first, after owning a Boyu and an all ponds solutions tank (one that didn't arrive damaged), both with trickle filters I removed for an external

[@richardportelli1983]

You should also put a foam pre filter onto the intake tube.

[@pondguru]

Yes, if the intake had been supplied I would have demonstrated that as it offers a great way to keep the heavy muck out of the top filter and extend main filter maintenance times. I suppose I really should have mentioned it....lol

[@calumbrobertson]

Hi Pondguru. Thank you for your videos. I followed your advice on all my filters and the rests are amazing! Ive just purchased a new 300L with overhead filter and was thinking how am I goimg to make this work, but as usual i just checked your channel and BOOM! Cant wait to start my new project. Thanks for all you're videos!

[@timbo2clark823]

Love that chopper for cutt8ng the mediq

[@DENMONKEY]

Finally someone pointing out that having the fine filter first just doesn't make sense and defeats the purpose

[@randomuser4310]

fancy seeing you here. from another pajero lover

[@johnproudlock2900]

Done this a little while ago with my aqua one 620 getting inspiration from earlier filter videos by your self 👍

[@carl1964carl]

Would you have the link for that video?

[@deathcamthemagnificent3122]

I would also like a good filter setup for the aqua one 620

[@andrewevans77]

I think the 620 is easier to do properly than this one because the spray bar doesn't go all the way along (I have a 620T). Three layers of foam under the spray bar (coarse on top, then medium, then fine on the bottom). Then fill the second chamber with the ceramic rings it comes with.

[@MARKSAQUATICS]

Another fine upgrade my man. 👍😀

[@pondguru]

Groovy, thanks man.

[@rbo350]

PG...By the way that filter reminds me of a filter I saw on KZbin made from a long rectangular flower pot just add a pump and spray bar and media and Bob's your uncle...lol

[@pondguru]

Yes shower filters can be made from just about anything and are one of the simplest to make and maintain.

[@timcollins3772]

Thanks for the advise, just bought a tank with the hood filter, didn't bother setting it up used external gonna give this one a try know

[@MrBozack]

I owned this filter a few years ago. It filtered well and had a massive pump. However there's a couple of major flaws that mean this filter needs more maintenance than external filtration. 1) The pump goes before the filter. All the junk would get jammed in the impeller. 2) The said junk would block the holes in the spray bar.

[@pondguru]

Yes that can be an issue but a coarse sponge over the intake pipe will cure that problem.

[@randomuser4310]

@@pondguru any ideas for sponges that fit ?

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@randomuser4310 (my other channel) I just cut foams down from the 11" x 17" foams I sell on the website (link in video description) but you can use any other foam or pads to filter out the muck no problem.

[@randomuser4310]

@@ThousandYardStare thanks. i got another question, i recently bought an aqua one 980t and the top of the stand has a little water damage. the wood has indents on the sides from the weight of the tank. I was wondering if a leveling pad and some ply wood over the top would help. im very new. i know its a bit hard to tell not having photos lmao

[@pondguru]

@@randomuser4310 That would work but a metal sheet would probably be better - plywood tends to swell up if it gets wet. It's fine as a temporary measure or if it never gets wet.

[@terencemckee9860]

Wow really glad you did this filter as I have a similar one the 620t now I can improve it thank you

[@pondguru]

Awesome stuff and I'm glad it helped.

[@zaink7037]

Hey Terence, how are you finding the 620T tank? I might pick one up soon

[@terencemckee9860]

Love it great tank

[@zaink7037]

That's good to hear. How's the filter system? Is it quiet, easy to access? I think the aquastyle range is now discontinued however I found place which have a few left so might try to get it as there's nowhere else I can find it

[@terencemckee9860]

Very easy access and very quiet good led lights

[@fishrrelaxing9361]

Would love to see you pimp one of the zoomed filters. They are 3 chamber and what seems to be full bypass. I’ve tried so many ways to setup my tutrleclean 511 and no mater what I do nothing really seems to make much difference. Fare as I can tell there really is no dedicated flow path inside the canisters. I think it would present you a pretty good challenge in trying to figure out.

[@pondguru]

I'll take a look at any filter I get sent, no worries although I have turned a few internal filters down since they are just foam with no scope for improvement.

[@lnkrishnan]

Yeah - my earlier tank had this kind of on-top filtration setup. Too bad I didn't know of your method then :( The only problem I feel with this kind of filtration is, the pipe that's delivering the dirty water to the filtration boxes showers the water through a very small portal onto a very small area of the pads, and hence, it appears to me that the filtration area of the pads is not used fully.

[@eisenklad]

one can always modify these kind of filters into sump styled filters. all you need is polyester sheets and silicone. i modified my 50 cm "trickle" filter into an overhead sump by segmenting it into 3 chambers.with a 4th baffle just before the drain hole. i have like 500 grams of simple ceramic rings. and its a lightly stocked tank for quarantine purposes

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

Im thinking Its possible to combine this with an external filter easily. Just connect the output of your external filter on the spraybar of this shower filter. Since the water is allready filtered once you dont need any pads and you can fill the trays completly with media and/or carbon. So when you need more filtration capacity and have this shower filter laying around, and cant afford a bigger cannister filter or dont want two cannisters running together you can expand capacity this way.

[@kingkhan3373]

Hi I have a same tank but I’m using 1600LPH internal filter but doesn’t clean the water I can see the west in the tank any idea for me

[@annabelstephenson4715]

where can i buy these items from, for the aquaone 620t that i have just bought please?

[@spart361]

Yeay! I have that Aquarium and filter :) thanks for the tips!

[@pondguru]

No worries and I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@maxextz]

Really enjoy your videos. I've just bought some of your bio gravel, I've never used it before but does it need to be cleaned out like the filter media or would that wash away the bacteria living there?

[@jennycole748]

I know this was a few years ago, but recently got a boyu 230litre with the hood filter. Its doesnt appear very wet up there? I thought the spaces would need to have a fair amount of water to keep good bacteria alive? It just trickles through..

[@billa464]

Hi guru, i have a 4 feet moulded aquarium but i see the filter area is over flowing water is that normal ?

[@guitarslinger359]

could make a smaller one with a plastic rain gutter and pvc piping and some plastic gutter end caps.

[@pondguru]

Yes that would work and square gutter would be way better than round gutter. In the UK most of our gutters are round and finding decent sized square guttering can be quite a task.

[@stevesaquatics165]

Another excellent filter video keep them coming

[@dawndixon1585]

Hi Richard, over the moon with me filter mind thank u so much, ☺ hope it gives some people an idea how to set these aqua ones filters up..even on the smaller ones lol, once again thank u, it was a privileg to pop to your place to pick me filter up as your land & pond is beautiful & the view is out of this world, or and not forgetting your lovely cat lol p's hope your wife liked the pictures to of your hobbies u love to do 😃 good video.

[@stevegarrett8673]

Dawn Dixon this is a fantastic video so glad you sent it in. Ive been using the bio home ultimate for a good few months now in my aqua one 850 an it's been great but after watching the video I may now have to invest in the gravel and the medium pads also. And thank you pond guru for the insight on how to pimp my filter

[@pondguru]

Dear Dawn, That is no problem and it was good to have the opportunity to do this filter since so many people don't rate them. Yes she remarked on the pictures and I think that when we do up the cabin overlooking the pond they will be hung in there. Regards, Richard

[@pondguru]

The biogravel fits in better but you can easily get enough ultimate in there and it will do the same job. I used biogravel here to show that it makes a good shower media and that it has uses beyond small containers in internal filters and as a substrate in biorbs.

[@stevegarrett8673]

Pondguru I've seen the bio orb was wondering could you use the bio gravel on a larger tank say for a planted aquarium substrate ?

[@dawndixon1585]

Steve Garrett pleased u liked the video what Richard done on me filter, hope it has given u some ideas on how to better these built in filters, i use the bio home ultimate in my UFO tank that has a built in filter to & i love that media to as i have no issues with my fish at all, if u need any of that media filter what richard put in my aqua one filter he is ya man to get it off, pleased it helped u in any body els with these tanks.

[@LucyDeDe]

Hi there, I have the next tank down from this it AR 850.. Which has 2 compartments instead of 3.. But basically the same.. As the one you show.. With a little ingenuity could I change this into a sump.. Either 2 compartments or 4 compartments..

[@glynnburnage6890]

Hi there the problem I have is I’m running two eheim 1500xl’s I have black blue then eheim bio filter medium then last filter wool a carbon in one of them now.as never told when buy snail killer that carbon stops it working a same for a lot of meds.problem have you can’t find filters that can cut to fit because of the size of them.a to buy the ones that fit from eheim is a joke on the cost.a running two.running a 1000ltr tank with all the normal tropical fish neon tetras lemon tetras bristle noses peppered Corey’s guppy’s a some other fish as well as discus.there around 200 fish in tank.have two filters as clean one a leave other as when clean you know what waste get with discus so no way you can clean filters in the filter tub they in never get all dirt out. Any ideas on where get filter pads 15” by 15” say and not cost the earth. Just setting up another tank for my angles so can move them into aquaone 850 tank.as tank in cabinet made out off veneered chipboard why the stuff is shit when then edge starts to peel back then the chipboard swells up.that tank will go in shed for the baby fish what to do with the eheim unit running that tank as would suck baby’s up going run it on foam air filters.hopefully hear from you all the best to you. One other thing you know what led would get to bottom of my big tank it 3foot a hard trying get plants to last with lights have a flueval phone controls unit top of the line from setting up.regards Glynn

[@pondguru]

Apologies for the late reply - your comment was held by Google so I've just found it now. I'm not sure exactly what you're asking but I will give it a go: With regard to LED lighting that's something I know very little about other than that the cheaper lighting will be nowhere near bright or varied enough to allow for any plant growth other than 'easy care' varieties but when you're spending big bucks on a named unit you'd expect the chances of keeping more difficult plants alive, assuming that they have enough nutrients and are good quality well rooted plants when they are bought. Foams over the common standard size of 11" x 17" are generally much more expensive and if you're looking for something 15" x 15" you'd probably need to go for a size of 17" x 23" or 18" x 24" as those are the next most common sizes for pre-cut pond foams available in sets. Ring me any time on 07772848730 assuming that you're in the UK.

[@meyou805]

Wish I knew where to get this type of foam in New Zealand

[@faketoothtommy]

if you find out let me know :)

[@kiwi-girods2684]

I saw it as a mattress topper foam at the warehouse, it was pink tho. But Ill buy it

[@meyou805]

Hmm, could be on to something there. I know the type you're meaning.

[@meyou805]

@@faketoothtommy Be good huh?! B G mentioned the foam mattress topper ...?

[@neillgardner3369]

Hey, I'm about to purchase a 2nd hand ar980 and will be replacing the filter media... Like how have done in the video. I'm trying to use a calculator to determine fish stock level, using this website (below). Is there a filter that you would suggest from the drop down menu to select, as it doesn't have the ar980 filter? I can't find anything online other than people who have sacked off the original filter with an external. Cheers :)

[@mscott8876]

Where do I buy the blue pad material pl?

[@pondguru]

Most sellers of pond equipment will have the foams in the UK but they are normally only available as a set of 3 or 4. I have them on my website (foams page): www.filterpro.co.uk

[@karlhurst10]

Hi, great videos mate! I'm going to pimp my 980 & 620 but down here in NZ we can only get the mini biohome ultimate, which you intended to use at the start but then went for the gravel...which we don't have available here. Just curious why you decidede to change the media choice and presumably I'll be sweet with tbe ultimate in any case? Was it just about getting more media into the space for more filtration? Cheers

[@pondguru]

Yes it was just to get more media in there but loads of people use different media with the biohome ultimate being very popular for overhead trickle filters so whatever media you use from the range will be fine.

[@лёхаильин-э2т]

Всё просто и с умом

[@video3ish]

Champion lad..owe you a pint

[@pondguru]

No worries, I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@stevesmith6022]

Hi pondguru could you please show me how to pimp my fresh water sump without using a filter sock I’m already using biohome ultimate biological meadium thank you...

[@PaNdeM0niuM]

I don't think it's sufficient filtration. the powerhead for the 980/980t is the SAME powerhead for the 850. the 980 trickle filter should technically have higher flow rate, but it's the same as the 850. I added an aquaone canister filter for supplementary filtration.

[@C8Kid]

Hey Pond Guru , I just pimp my FluVal 406 canister filter. So I did this a week ago from today Friday 6/8/2018 (fish less cycle) I add some Dr. Tim's Ammonia Chloride Solution to start it off I set the canister up bio-rings in a bag and coarse filter side tray, 1st bottom tray black medium filter, 2nd tray polish filter, 3rd and 4th tray Bio-home media and gel bacteria balls. How long for the Bacteria to take effect. What you think?

[@pondguru]

That sounds fine apart from the bottom tray as there is enough space to get the black pad and a fine pad in there which will free up the tray above for media - the more media you have in the filter the healthier the water will be. If you are doing a fishless cycle you will be able to plot the development of the bacteria by the test results of ammonia and nitrite (for first stage - aerobic) and nitrate (for last stage - anaerobic). You should see ammonia and nitrite come back down to zero in 2-3 weeks when using the biohome in a filter but the anaerobic stage responsible for reducing nitrate can take 4-6 months. It would be considered safe for stocking when ammonia and nitrite hit zero. If you have enough media to achieve a full cycle you should see nitrate reduced naturally in 4-6 months although some people report that effect after 2-3 months - every tank is different.

[@C8Kid]

OK Guru this I will do and get back too you.

[@damofoxo]

Hi Pal, love your videos. Have you any affiliation with All Pond Solutions. Was looking to buy some of their filters just seeing what your opinion on them was. Thanks

[@pondguru]

I don't have any affiliation with any of the filter manufacturers but the APS ones are OK and although they are toward the budget end they certainly seem better than Tetra canisters and many of the cheaper ones too. Like most things the lifespan will be largely down to how they are treated and reviews of any filters will always have a few where people have snapped fittings, leaking seals etc. etc. but the strangest thing I have seen is when online arguments break out with people arguing that APS or SunSun are the best when they are exactly the same filter.

[@crazycressy7986]

Cool mod ,love the Cheech and Chong ,wish they did a long version of the desert song ;)

[@marcusbraun7606]

CrazyCressy7 meeeeeeeee and my old ladyyyyyyyyyy......

[@crazycressy7986]

Marcus Braun no the first bit he played .desert music man 😂😂💨💨

[@captainwin6333]

Would it not be a nitrate factory since the concentration of oxygen in air is much higher than it is in water? It's 21% of air and I've read it's something like 1% or less in water (depending on temperature and other factors like the number of fish/aerobic bacteria, surface agitation). Add to that, in water, the oxygen is even more depleted as it slowly goes further into the submerged biological media due to the aerobic bacteria using the available oxygen as is first enters the biomedia whereas in a trickle filter, water is splashing over media meaning it's also in contact with air for periods. It would be interesting to see two tanks, side by side, one with an external canister filter the other with a trickle filter, both containing the same amount of biomedia and a controlled amount of food added to the tank every day just to see how both performed. Bulk Reef Supply (mob from the USA) have a KZbin channel where they have little controlled tests like these on various bits of kit but they've never done the one I just suggested. It would be interesting to see the results.

[@pondguru]

The key to nitrate reduction isn't really the type of filter (unless flow is slowed down to create anaerobic conditions) but it is the choice of media. With the right media you will have small pockets of anaerobic activity inside it regardless of flow or water oxygen content.

[@lnkrishnan]

Richard - what did you mean by "put carbon in the middle one" at about 8:55 into the video? Are you saying put carbon beneath the medium foam in the middle comparment?

[@pondguru]

The lady who sent me the filter has a big bag of carbon in the filter which had not been used. It fit perfectly into the middle part of the filter so all I was saying is that if anyone wanted to used the carbon bag then it could go there but to be fair it could go in any of the trays as water hits them all together.

[@cretzinikusor6858]

How to setup jbl cristal profi i100?

[@cosmicnights]

I have an aqua ode 900. Similar tray but drip only covers half the tray. I want to pimp it! How?

[@kyehills1382]

the Aqua Mode 900 takes the same filter system as the Aquastyle 620. I have both Aquariums, In my Aquamode i ended up buying a spray bar that is suited for the AR850 cut it to length and placed in filter, The spray bar now covers the entire filter system for a more even distribution of water. you could do that same as seen in the video or could use other media. matrix would work well as Bio media as its smaller in size than the Aqua One Noodles. You can fit more in the system, also use media bags as it helps with maintenance as you get crap that builds up under the plastic grate.

[@claudiosmith7736]

Hi is these filters available and how much does it cost

[@armanduval.83]

Pond guru, I have a question; considering the fact I'm not paying 100 USD for a pound of that bio-home, my options are acquaclear sponges and/or ceramic bio-rings. So far, I ve been running one of those rain filters on acquaclear sponges and a layer of polyfill with very good results, do you think I should consider replace the sponges with bio rings only covered by a layer of polyfill?

[@stoneysscapes7544]

😂

[@brandonfarrugia9721]

Bio gravel in every tray or just in the last one ? Thanks

[@blink1821986]

Can you do a led light upgrade I have a aqua grande 120, by aquaone so it’s a 4ft tank with 3 t8 fluorescent lights it’s a very low light tank as this 980 is so ever since leds have become cheap enough I thought of putting them in the light fixture instead of the T8’s

[@kyehills1382]

what length of bulb does your AquaGrande take? if it's standard bulbs AQUA ONE bring out T8 LED tubes in 2ft 3ft and 4ft. they incorporate the 5730 led chips which are 0.5W each so they have some punch, will def be ok for low to medium light plants. all you need to do is remove the starters

[@alfiehowie4652]

Av recently just done my aqua one zone 28 with your biogravel with a corse foam and fine pad.Your videos have helped me out so much just wish a had seen them sooner.Can u do the fluval 305.Just got the roma 240 yesterday the filter has so much wasted space 👍

[@pondguru]

I have someone sending me a 306 which is practically the same and I have already done one on the 206 which needs to be edited down. Next video in this series is the biggie.....FX6

[@alfiehowie4652]

Ok Cheers Richard loven your work

[@neilsmith4903]

Its my 306 hes doing cant wait to see how its goes

[@rbo350]

PG...that reminds me of the shower filter on your pond, I would put a heater in one of those trays, does anaerobic bacteria grow better in bioGravel or BioHome Ultimate?

[@pondguru]

The only problem there is that water does not stay in the trays and if the pump failed the heater would overheat and break quickly. Per piece the biohome ultimate would be better at supporting anaerobic bacteria but since the biogravel packs in quite tightly it effectively creates anaerobic pockets of water between the pieces of media so you get kind of a double effect which helps to work toward the full cycle. There are some people who believe it is more effective than the biohome ultimate because of the way it is used but I don't have enough feedback on that to confirm it.

[@S2yay]

What would be a the most cost effective media for this filter in Australia? just the aqua one noodles? i was also looking into small pumice pebbles used for horticulture but wasn't too sure on that either.

[@kyehills1382]

I use seachem Matrix in my systems as it never has to be replaced and it's smaller than the noodles.

[@charliesong709]

Hi Pond Guru, love your videos, how many kilos/grams of Biogravel did you use here? Can you recommend how much to buy for a Aqua One AR620 trickle filter?

[@marcusbraun7606]

Just got one for a nano. Try to pimp an Aquaclear filter.

[@whyme4476]

Do you ever need to rinse/clean the bio gravel? Or do you not touch it and just clean/replace sponges?

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

Never clean it. You lose all bacteria. All you need to do is when there is to much mud in the filter. Is take the trays out. Take a bucket of water from your tank. And wash off the mud a bit. Never 100% Just enough so the water can flow through the media again. Dont let the media dry out, dont use soap and watch out with chlorine. You lose your colony of baceteria when you make a mistake and you got to go through the whole cycling process again.

[@antmbdl]

Nice tips!

[@arthurcarlson2855]

Love your content thank you.

[@guraur7170]

When must change biogravel

[@johnbowering1428]

You dont have to change biogravel just rinse in old water from your tank when you do a water change.

[@richardk6196]

Have a question. Although I've been keeping aquariums a long time, I've never been much of a DIY guy. I'm kind of thinking outside the box now, but this question might be noob level. I have a Jebo R-790, that has a very similar filter built into the hood/top of tank. Because it is smaller, it doesn't have much depth to it. On this unit you have the big white "tray holder". What about drilling holes into the bottom of it to create a true trickle or rain effect into the tank. On mine the water seems to collect fairly high up and I was thinking this might give it more of a wet/dry feature. Or would multiple dripping holes going into the aquarium cause issues? Thanks for your time.

[@pondguru]

I would be worried about splashing water if I drilled the base out of an overhead filter. The Boyu overhead filters are really poor and offer hardly any space for foams and fine pad. For that tank it would be way better to run the overhead as a mechanical filter and install a canister filter for the main filter work.

[@richardk6196]

Thank you so much for responding and saving me from ruining the unit. Actually I agreed to purchase an Eheim 2227 Wet Dry yesterday. I'll use the overhead on the Jebo (the aquarium is 48 gallons) for the mechanical and the Eheim for the biological. I appreciate your time.

[@siantasticx9850]

Where can I buy bio gravel from please

[@magzire]

its literally advertised all over this video lol. the link is even on his wall behind him

[@MarkusBurrer]

Can you make a video how to pimp an Eheim AquaBall and Biopower filter? These are common filters here in the stores and I think they need to be pimped

[@pondguru]

I haven't had one of those filters sent so far unfortunately but they look like simple foam filters and foams where water travels through into a central pipe are not usually good to do anything with.

[@MarkusBurrer]

That's the AquaBall. The Biopower doesn't has a central pipe. He only sucks the water at the bottom. The Biopower comes with Eheim Substrat media, but there is only a simple sponge in the bottom tray. I don't think this filter is really efficient because the muck will cloak the bio media quickly. I built my own internal filter based on your idea. I use a rectengular air tube (5x10cm) and I filled it with over 400 gramms sera biopur, than a coarse sponge, a fine sponge (30PPI) and a fine filterpad. On top of that I have about 180 gramms of Eheim Substrate pro. I hope, that the sera biopur will hold back most of the muck to keep the sponge filters clean.

[@pondguru]

That sounds good to me and I really need to take a look at every filter available if possible - I have every intention of just letting this series run ad infinitum so eventually I hope to get through them all. So I should be really looking to make a video on the Biopower over the Aquaball, got it, thanks.

[@MarkusBurrer]

Probably I want to make aquarium videos by myself (in german) and maybe I want to make some filter pimping videos. Would it be ok for you if I use the "pimp my filter" slogan?

[@pondguru]

Sure, man - go for it. The internet needs way more videos on filters so feel free to make them and use the 'Pimp my filter' title no problem.

[@CapelOwl]

Richard I use your Biohome Ultimate media its great, but has anyone tried EXXODUS-NITRYX media?

[@pondguru]

I would love to hear from people who have used that as I was appalled at how crumbly it was when I took a look at a recent show.Many reviews out there say it only lasts 1-2 months before turning into mush but they may have improved the mix since then.

[@zaink7037]

Hey pondguru, been seeing your videos for years now. I'm planning on getting a aqua one aquastyle 620T which comes with the same filter set up. Would you say these filter set ups are good? I also think they have discontinued the aquastyle range as this tank I'm looking at is not available online so have to look for a store which have left overs

[@pondguru]

Yes I think they are very good when set up with a decent amount of media and foams in correct place as they offer a really great filtering capacity hidden in the hood.

[@kyehills1382]

What country do you live in? Australia still have this range available. however the UK does have different styles Aquarium as well.

[@zaink7037]

Kye Hills I'm in the UK. I'd say I got lucky and found this place which had the tank on display and had 2 in storage. I saw the manufactured date and it was 2017 so was kind of happy as it showed it was sitting there for only a year. I also decided to get the cabinet with it. Again would say I was lucky as they had a few which had black doors beach wood frame and only one left with white doors dark oak frame which was the one I wanted. Maintenance parts are easy to get online but the aquarium and cabinets I don't think you can find new anymore online

[@kyehills1382]

Zain K Im in Aus and we still have the Aquastyles but we don't have the cabinet colour combos we just have gloss white or gloss black. Spare parts are easily available online as well. I checked the UK site and I couldn't seem them so its a possibility they have discontinued them. I also noticed that the UK has Newer models with the curved glass which isn't available in aus go figure.

[@zaink7037]

@@kyehills1382 I find that strange. Aqua one is an Australian brand from what I know so find it odd to how they'd sell a tank in the UK and not in their own country. Could be down to popularity or might just be exclusive to the UK

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Sorry, but if I sent you a video could you give me your advice please? I took the motor off of my fx5 as it totally conked out, I removed and cleaned the impeller put it back and it came on but was running fast then slow and loud as hell. I took it out and lubed it but still no luck. What I want to know is it likely to be a new impeller job or a new motor? Thanks in advance.

[@pondguru]

It sounds like a new impeller is needed as the design of the FX filters won't trap air in the pump making any noise. Due to the cost of a new pump it's worth trying an impeller first if you can't see any deformity of the pump body (which would indicate that the pump was faulty)

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Pondguru thanks. I'm not sure it's worth fixing, nearly £50 for the impeller, over £100 for the pump, I can get another brand new aps 2000lph for £75 lol

[@pondguru]

I've never understood the price of replacement pumps as you can get a pond pump with similar output with a cage around it and fountain attachments for a fraction of the price of a replacement pump for a canister filter like this - over £100 for the pump is crazy.

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Pondguru would it be a case of bolting it on? If you sell them I'll buy one lol. Thanks 👍🏻

[@pondguru]

I think it needs to be a specific Fluval pump due to the positioning of the seals unfortunately.

[@carrasquel1978]

Pimp my filter Thats so good , lol

[@marcusbraun7606]

Didn't know, that those overhead sumps can be buyed ready. Very easy to build them - better. Better would be - water flows in from one side and goes out at the other side. Shower all boxes the same time is not good. And when using sintered glass rings - sera Siporax is the best.

[@pondguru]

Showering all boxes at the same time is not a problem since you still get good mechanical and biological filtration. Siporax is a good media but the huge hole through the middle of it spoils the chances of supporting a useful amount of anaerobic bacteria inside the media. However if you have a very slow flow through a siporax filter then that can help it support a better balance of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (by de-oxygenating the water to promote anaerobic conditions)

[@spidy278]

Hellish Underwater Adventures.........well you have to go to Asia to buy this one, Very popular there, easily to be FINDED (LOL)

[@zaink7037]

Some of the model's spray bars only sprinkle water on the first column of the hood so that column builds up with water and then the water flows into the next column. Only problem I would say with these are make sure the end is clear as sponges could get stuck there causing an overflow and leak out

[@duppy666.]

Did you see the last king of DIY stream when he basically called you a rip off merchant! When someone asked him about biohome, and he said if you wanna pay that much for sand from someone who doesn't even own aquariums.

[@pondguru]

I didn't see it but it is a bit of a sad situation. I have very little space in my home for owning aquariums but when I had the shop (for the last 20 years) we had up to 100 of them, all individually filtered plus the pond fish / pond construction work for 20+ years too. I've kept just about every freshwater fish under the sun so if I was being a dong about it I'd say there are a few people who have some catching up to do, lol However, I'd rather just say that I am bemused by the constant hate I get from a few of the larger channels but I am beginning to understand why. If I was constantly getting asked about someone else and products I had no experience of on my channel it would get a bit wearing so I guess these guys are just sick of hearing about Biohome or having people questioning their filter set ups - but even that is a bit silly since there are always multiple ways to achieve the same goal. I guess the old saying is right - you can't please everyone, lol I still wish the best of luck to Joey and other channels who are currently bad-mouthing myself and Biohome as I'd rather concentrate on getting useful information out there for the viewers I have since they are a good core of people who can think for themselves - the last thing I would want is thousands of people asking me about other channels in the comment section of my videos as it should be there for free sharing of information and experiences. Maybe Bill and Ted said it more concisely when they said "Be excellent to each other"....

[@duppy666.]

Pondguru I just thought it was disrespectful, and I was a little shocked that he was so rude about you, but all I can go on is my own experience and biohome ultimate has worked the best for my tanks and I've used eheim and seachem matrix etc. All the best m8.

[@pondguru]

It doesn't shock or surprise me - I think the problem is when some folks get into a position of power they don't always use it properly but people who have actually used biohome it will know it works very well and having a few people pour scorn on myself or any particular product ultimately makes no difference since there will always be those who seek to help others and those who seek to help themselves. Really my only responsibility and loyalty is to fishkeepers and the fish they keep as the last thing I want to see is fish in a poorly filtered tank - I had 20+ years of seeing that from some of the people who used to come into the shop and it was a crushing experience so having the opportunity to be involved in something which makes a genuine difference to fish health and eases the maintenance for the fish keeper is a dream come true. Maybe that is part of the problem some other channels have with me - it could be jealousy but who knows? - some are earning crazy money from KZbin and many would say that I should be jealous of them but nothing could be further from my mind - keeping the channel as a hobby since day 1 has allowed me to continually enjoy it since there is no pressure and none of the greed-trap of money or the ego-trap of fame which tempts and ultimately conquers so many people in any sort of business. All the side stories and made up nonsense people insist on coming up with is really of no concern as it just ends up looking bad on them which is a real shame when they should be figures of some authority within the hobby who are looked up to. I'll just keep plodding on helping people and balls to the rest of it. I could go all new-age at this point and get into karma, decision crossroads and health of the spirit but that would be taking it too far, lol

[@alkatraz706]

Pondguru i think some bad bacteria got in to joey's head.. It's basically taking cheapshots out of you...considering he got a hell lot of donations from his fans by sobbing in his videos and what they got? An ugly large ass tank they are too invested to criticize.. He's just a performer at this point.. I lost my respect for the guy disrespecting you. atleast ur being honest about the product u are selling..I'm a big fan back then and I'm a bigger fan now..

[@pondguru]

He asks people for donations at this point in his KZbin channel? Whaaaaaat? The channel will be earning insane money just from the views and ad money. Joey's early videos were really good and genuinely helped people getting into the hobby so you have to respect him for that but I have to admit that I haven't watched for a while now since I tend to really like watching the smaller channels who are simply seeking to freely share their learned knowledge with anyone who views their channel - fair enough they may not have the polish and performance but for me it's all about a channel being genuine and helpful. I'm currently trying to think of a way to use my reasonable presence on KZbin to promote smaller channels who produce helpful videos but haven't come up with anything solid yet. One of my favorites is Marks Aquatics: kzbin.info/door/M6aaUP_Z0XPuzr32KCXfIQ I have spoken to him loads of times on the phone and I'm very confident that he will not change when the channel starts earning noticeable income as he makes videos purely for the love of the hobby and to help people - he's a really nice guy so check him out if you haven't seen him already. I'm glad you enjoy the videos and there will be a nation more of the 'pimp my filter' series to come as I already have another 6 shot, 2 ready for upload and 3 filters here to film this week some time. Aaaaaarrrgghh....I need more time, lol

[@JustMyFish]

Overhead filters are excellent it's just a shame they're ugly this is why people don't use them I use one I made myself out of hey window box I have plants growing in mine carbon and filter floss and the plants are in their pots perfect trust me.

[@pondguru]

Sounds good to me - I saw a guy make one many years ago in a tropical fish magazine (way back when people still bought magazines, lol) and always thought it was a good idea.

[@JustMyFish]

Pondguru yep although I only use it as a water polisher the plants remove nitrates they're just house plants still in their pots but my nitrates are always below 5 PPM and the most they go up to is 25 PPM. If I skip water change.

[@JustMyFish]

Pondguru where are you in Newcastle I was born in Blakelaw do you know it do you know the princes housing plan the big white flats there that's where I was born I still have family in Newcastle but I've lived in Birmingham most of my life I now live in Worcester will be visiting soon do you still have your shop.

[@pondguru]

I closed my shop a few years ago and now work out of a large cabin from home online - you're welcome to swing round if you're in the area. I'm not familiar with Blakelaw although we have been all over the town to my son's various football matches. Your comment didn't come through as a notification so feel free to ring any time on 07772848730

[@JustMyFish]

Pondguru that's cool thanks man.

[@JediSuPhu]

Hmmm now that I'm building an 85 gallon stock tank pond, a shower filter may be in its future. :D

[@runerafell4480]

The camera should be mountet higher so we can se what is inside them 😎 just 15 -20 cm higher