External canister filter set up, nitrogen cycle and what happens in a filter - by Pondguru

[@pondguru]

Click 'READ MORE' for full video desciption and important links - watch in HD. Biohome filter media and upgrade kits here: www.filterpro.co.uk New version of the filter in this video: geni.us/P7ZC4 Decent external filters: geni.us/2LnO 2.3 litre booster filter for externals: geni.us/2bj1 1.2 litre booster filter for externals: geni.us/1pBh Frozen food: geni.us/LNA8 (select type - loads to choose from) If you want to know anything about what should be happening inside an external filter watch this video. I show you how to set up an external filter and explain every step of the way what is happening inside that part of the filter. There is an explanation on the difference between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, why you need them both and how your filter will support them if set up properly. The media I use in this video is Biohome Ultimate - the best media available for external filters. Biohome filter media supports both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria so is able to process ammonia, nitrite AND nitrate. The gel filter starter balls speed up the development of a bacterial colony on / in filter media by slowly releasing live bacteria as they dissolve over a 1-2 week period. For a full Q&A video on Biohome filter media click here: goo.gl/yMKxDa Thanks for watching and check out my other videos on my channel. Subscribe for more. Bulk order enquiries to [e-mail] **PLEASE NOTE I HAVE CLOSED TYNE VALLEY AQUATICS AND NOW SELL FILTER MEDIA FROM HOME. COLLECTING MEDIA IS NO PROBLEM JUST GIVE ME A RING OR EMAIL. My phone number 07772848730 My email address [e-mail]

[@kerriannjonesparker]

Pondguru Outdoors just wanted to know how to buy media little sticks ty :)

[@kerriannjonesparker]

iam in Australia forgot to say ...lol

[@pondguru]

The AU supplier is linked on the FilterPro website www.filterpro.co.uk If you click the AU flag at the top of any page you will go straight to their site and they should have all types in stock. Regards, Richard

[@jessicacarrasco4892]

Pondguru do you have a media kit were I can order it in the Cali? your viedo was very helpful. I'm new to the fish world. And just got my canister I would love to do a upgrade.

[@sherryvinson7496]

U.S. supplier details please and what's the name of the large media for pond trickle tower ? Thank you and love your videos.

[@papaann4]

Best Filter advice I have seen, Top class.

[@richardgould7564]

just an update have used the set up for a year os so now. have had great results, water very clear, nitrate and nitrite test very low to non existence. the only thing I've had to buy is replacement filter but probably don't need to change as often as I do. water again is very clear and have been asked how I keep it so clean . I would highly recommend this because of the quality of the filtration it provides and secondly the cost saving, in the year I've bought the conversion kits and a set of foams estimated around £80 for the year and still going strong. cheers Richard been great product.

[@pondguru]

+Richard Gould Rear Richard, That is awesome to hear and thanks for the great feedback on the upgrade kit. Yes the fine pad needs replacing periodically and the coarse and medium foams may need replacing after 12-24 months but the media will last a good 6-10 years at high efficiency in a well set up filter. I have come across two major filter manufacturers lately who advise changing the biological filter media every 6 months which is pure insanity from a filter and water health point of view as it can take a good 6 months to build up a decent population of anaerobic bacteria responsible for reducing nitrate. Regards, Richard

[@Prawnchowmein]

I absolutely love your videos, the way you explain things is just great. I recieved the bio media I ordered from your Ebay shop for my new chiclid tank (Big Thanks). Please can you give your professional advise on uv sterilisers will they harm the good bacteria in the media? also how about using carbon to reduce odours and also using ammonia remover like Fluval Zeo Carbon in an established tank with an external filter

[@pondguru]

+Prawnchowmein Thanks for the order and I'm glad your initial impressions of the media are good. UV filters are generally not needed unless you have a number of tanks linked to the same filter but as long as you leave it turned off for a couple of weeks when establishing a filter it will not prevent the filter developing properly. Carbon should ideally be the last thing the water hits before returning to the tank and is a good product to use when you need to remove colour from bogwood or residual fish treatments. With regard to ammonia remover you should not need to use that if the filter is a suitable size for the tank and set up with a suitable amount of good media as the filter will process all the ammonia and nitrite. If enough biohome is used (usually a minimum of 1kg per 100 litres for a normal community tank) you should see a reduction in nitrates too (normally after 4-6 months).

[@Prawnchowmein]

Ok mate, thanks for the quick reply, advice taken, I watched your video about utilising the space at the bottom of an external filter. I didn't realise my Fluval filter had a big enough gap for 1kg of extra media so ill be buying more to fill this void and one more compartment instead of using ammonia media, and enough for another bigger tank I'm starting, Ive learnt so much watching your videos. It's surprising how many people keep fish with minimal knowledge, well thats was me before your videos. thanks so much you are definitely going to heaven for sharing your knowledge.

[@pondguru]

+Prawnchowmein No worries, I love making videos with any sort of educational content. Yes there should be no need for any ammonia remover if the filter is of suitable size and set up properly with good media as the filter media (bacteria in and on media) should process all the ammonia and nitrite and in many cases reduce the nitrite too.

[@Prawnchowmein]

Top man, Thanks, my Chiclids said thank you too.

[@pc-cichlids4077]

My fish are the proof that this setup and midia do really work wonders.Biohome user for 3 years now and very very very pleased with the results.Thank you Mr Richard .

[@pondguru]

Great to hear that they're doing well. Biohome is amazing stuff and its a great feeling to be helping fish and fish keepers all over the world.

[@Mr07061]

Hi Richard. So, had to publicly share my results as I can't quite believe it; Aqua One aquis 1250, with 3kg of biohome ultimate setup as per video on a 140 litre freshwater tropical tank. Also got 1 big air driven rock filter and a small air driven rock filter with biogravel as per one of your other videos. The only deviation i made was I didn't use the noodles at the bottom of the canister. Instead I got very corse foam with my filter so stuck that at the bottom. The tank cycled within 4 weeks, fully! Didn't add any fish until 6 week point just to be safe but by that point Nitrates started to fall. Now with 19 (mostly nano breeds) fish, without any chemical filtration my Nitrates are untraceable! It didn't take months either. As soon as the nitrates started to fall, they were untraceable within a week! All the while, pH staying 100% stable. Thank you for the videos, selling awesome stuff and the superb advice.

[@Mr07061]

I too intend on doing a video with my findings as I have previously discussed with you. But you'll be the first to know about that because I intend on carpet bombing your name/products throughout the production. If I can be any help, let me know. I'd be delighted. Regards T

[@pondguru]

That would be good to see and likewise let me know if you need anything for it.

[@irishzx9r]

very good this is really helpfull

[@pondguru]

+Richard Gould I can't reply to your comment for some reason but those are might impressive results. There are quite a few people reporting a reduction in the nitrate very quickly and for the life of me I can't think why that happens so quickly as I always thought anaerobic bacteria took a good 4-6 months to establish well - even on biohome. I think the combination of foams in correct place, best media and the gel balls all combine to do an outstanding job. It really irks me when I see people on youtube showing how to set up externals and they are just following manufacturer instructions, generally finishing with 'you need to do regular water changes to keep nitrate down, or add this stuff (usually nitrazorb, purigen etc.) regularly to keep on top of pollutants'. Load of balls. I'm sure that your filter will continue to perform well for many years to come.

[@soogimohrle3343]

I use Tetra Balance Balls, they reduce nitrate. It really works well with Bio Home Ultra.

[@blitzmedia2016]

were do i get them foams from

[@x-izzy-x]

blitz amazon

[@ivarwb4115]

Earlier this year you posted a video about how to set up a canister filter, with coarse and fine filter mats before the biological filter media. I set up my Eheim filter according to your advice, and my overstocked, overfed 100 litre tank has since then worked perfectly. No problems with any of the N's (nitrite/nitrate/ammonia), shining bright water, healthy fish and healthy plants. And best of all - no need to do water changes every week or month. Just a quick rinsing of the filter media every second month or so. Christmas Greetings from a happy aquarist :-)

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. That's how it should be as far as water quality goes so I'm glad it's all going well. Best wishes for 2015

[@pondguru]

+Ben Morgan Yes it is all about biohome but when you want to make a video about the best possible way to set up a filter there really aren't any other options. I wouldn't feel right recommending anything else knowing that biohome exists.

[@pondguru]

***** Yes you can do that no worries but I would personally go for sponges in the bottom tray and get the rest of the trays filled up with media as that's what sorts the water out and keeps it healthy.

[@Wanzer84]

Pondguru hello guru, can you tell me how to setup the media in a jbl crystalprofi e 1501...thx

[@pondguru]

Hendro Kusumo Leave the coarse filter foam in top of filter and set trays up the same as the filter in this video as the water flows from bottom tray to top tray.

[@luketune727]

Tyne valley may be down but will never be out with Richard making the difference cheers pond guru for your info effort and time you gave to everyone else one top dude that iv never met

[@pondguru]

I don't mind not having a shop as now I'm not throwing tens of thousands of pounds at something just to keep it going, lol There will be a new filtration video coming this weekend so look out for that one - really enjoyed doing it. Glad you enjoy the videos, man.

[@TheEimaj]

Why dont the filter manufactures do the same as you no your stuff save the hassell.

[@pondguru]

+jamie forrest I honestly don't know but there is definitely a trend among manufacturers to get plenty of follow on sales and by having inefficient filters they are sure to get good sales on treatments and remedies to things which should never have been a problem. I don't think any of them put the fish or fish keeper first.

[@bxkid7]

because they there to take your money.

[@universalcichlids9313]

Just got my 4kg Bag today for my Sunsun HW-304b & AC70 Hob....Have a 4 month old 55gal with 28 Africans all around 3" long. Levels are almost always 0 but wanted to get something to help as they grow until I need to upgrade tanks...Thanks for all your tips! I enjoy my daily lessons at the Pond Guru Academy...lol

[@universalcichlids9313]

You guys hype over filtering...hopefully the 2 filters and media will be suffice for years to come.

[@pondguru]

That sounds like a sensible amount of filtration and 4kg should ensure that nitrates remain low. Remember to change the media (new for old) over a period of weeks if upgrading a filter on a mature tank and the transition should be smooth. Great to see filtration considered as it really does make a difference to the lives of fish.

[@universalcichlids9313]

+Pondguru Outdoors yes the aqua clear 70 is still on too with the old grimy junk inside. Lol

[@kandakumar4376]

does not reduce nitrate , tested for 6 months sorry.

[@rogerforhan7682]

Biohome doesn't claim to reduce Nitrate. As Anaerobic bacteria settles in the core of the media, it prevents it from being created as the end-product of Nitrobacter. The water should settle out somewhere between "undetectable" and 5ppm of nitrate.

[@kandakumar4376]

clearly states it reduces nitrate on ebay. like i said did not effect my nitrate level after 8 months use, even swopped it out and went with good old fluval rings. (less clogging up now)

[@pondguru]

kanda kumar It depends how much you used for the aquarium. If you are only using 500g in a 200 litre tank it is on a hiding to nothing and if you were having problems with the filter media clogging there must have been issues with the mechanical filtration. Just searched my records against your name and I can't find an order under your name. How much did you buy and what size is the tank? Feel free to send me pictures and details of your set up to [e-mail] as there shouldn't have been noticeable clogging and if an appropriate amount of media was used there should have been some change in nitrate levels if the filter was running correctly.

[@kandakumar4376]

Pondguru no bio media eats or reduces nitrates, (advertised well) kept fish for 20 years i know how to set filter.

[@pondguru]

The anaerobic bacteria that this media supports will reduce the nitrate as proven by the nation of people who are now using it for that very purpose. When did you order the media, how much did you order and what size is your tank? As I mentioned before I can't find record of getting an order from you.

[@alphamassage]

I placed an order with Pondguru. Brilliant quick service and correspondence. Will definitely use again.

[@pondguru]

+Lee Leyland Great to hear - glad you're pleased, man.

[@bjarkesoegaard]

Just a simple - Thank you for all your good work and for this "Pimp your external canister filter". In January I did two Eheim (2075 and 2080) "your way". I got the Biohome Ultra from the danish dealer. After 2 month there isn't noticeable drop in presure, but today i just had to look inside the 2075 - and the water around the Biohome Ultra media was crystal clear - awesome. :-)

[@pondguru]

+Bjarke Søgaard Very good and I'm glad you're please with the performance - happy fishkeeping.

[@APudgyTeddyBear]

Just bought a new 300l tank and got basically the same filter with it, luckily I bought some extra bio home from you before I moved to Australia which will allow me to fill up the 2 baskets when I make the switch, and great idea for the bottom of the filter, was thinking it was a waste of space.

[@pondguru]

Glad you enjoyed the video, man and best of luck living in AU - I was planning to move out there (or NZ) but my crappy work situation kept me here and its a bit too late now.

[@richardgould7564]

Have just done first water test after swapping over and using the EXTERNAL FILTER UPGRADE KIT - 3Kg MEDIA, FOAMS AND 50+ FREE BACTERIA BALLS bought off ebay, System only been fully swapped over for 2 days, started swapping 3 weeks ago following changing gravel to sand, Best results I've ever had Nitrite 0.1 Nitrate 0 clear test Phosphate 0 clear test Ammonia 0 Great results also asked local aquatic store and they have not heard about it may give then a stick or two and pass on your details. Great kit and economical if it preforms as describe will see again in a month or so.

[@jeffc3878]

Thanks! for the great tips. I got a Marineland C-360 and used your tips to set it up for my future 50/55g tank. My setup: -Bottom tray will be the stock coarse foam - will be adding finer foam later above it -2nd tray above foam: stock rings to use as a prefilter since they are too smooth to the touch for good bio media -3rd tray I have the stock black plastic bio balls (May change them to bio max or other good bio media if budget allows) -4th tray (top) I have 1.5kg of Fluval Biomax rings. Each tray in the C-360 can hold max 1.5 kgs (3 boxes of 500g Fluval Biomax) I would like to try Biohome; however, Canada does not have them. Shipping from USA is expensive, so I went with Fluval Biomax.

[@pondguru]

+Jeff C There is a supplier in Canada: www.angelfins.ca

[@jeffc3878]

+Pondguru Outdoors Thanks, just ordered 5kg of ultra for my two C-360

[@iRoNiiC_H3R0]

i really do approve of this setup as i have seen a big difference with how fast particles in the water get cleared up. there have been three occasions when i have had my water got cloudy due to particles in the water (e.g. adding new substrate, putting biohome media in the filter) and in less than a few hours it just clears up. with my older setups it would take around 3 days to clear the water.

[@stephenlmoody]

I replaced all my media 2xcanister filters for a 40 gallon and 55 gallon tank, also two hob filters (aqueon power filter 55/75) with the biohome. With the power filters I basically put biohome media in between the filter cartridge and the bioholsters and threw some of the bacteria balls in the filter and it works like a charm!

[@pondguru]

Stephen Moody Groovy - glad you're pleased and glad the fish are happy too.

[@darrylmartinbarnes3216]

Hello from Buffalo New York USA. I can’t believe watch your videos to gain knowledge on how to set up canister filters. I have sub and almost are you going to go to this unit that you were walking along just now. I have a product made by Topfin CF100. I had the same problem with the bottom of the canister..

[@kornsteven8935]

I know this video is quite old but I have just ordered some pond foam and also some bio home ultimate from you your great at explaining stuff keep doing what your doing!

[@joesimo11]

Awesome.. just got a Fluval 106 for my little 60L tank. Thanks to this vid I got some biohome ultra and foams for an upgrade from new. Thanks for such an informative video.

[@pondguru]

No worries and thanks for watching and appreciating the video.

[@MyMiniMovieMagic]

Got my biohome ultimate media the other day and just added it to my filter. After watching your video, I adjusted my XP Rena Xl to mimic your setup here! Funny thing is I went to a mom n pop fish store the other week and the lady liked me so much she gave me a free old fluval. the fluval wasn't of much use but it came with ceramic rings I was able to rinse and use at the base of my filter! Top Tray: Biohome Ultimate Media and Starter Balls 2nd Tray: Filstar Media Stars already established in my tank 3rd Tray - 3 types of pads as instructed Bottom Tray: Ceramic Rings I have a 40g breeder tank housing a single 3.5 inch Stripeneck Musk Turtle who I've had for 3 years, I really only have to do massive cleanings once every six months and it's awesome. Ive heard turtles are extremely tolerant of nitrates, is this true? What would you suggest for partial water changes once the Ultimate has established itself? Thanks for all the knowledge you bring to the community!

[@pondguru]

+MyMiniMovieMagic Sounds good to me - yes the turtles are very tolerant to poor water quality but obviously much happier in good quality water which can take 2x or 3x the filtration of a fish tank as they are very messy.

[@BobCindyL]

Thanks for the information. We have a Jebao filter on our fish tank and kept losing fish. Until we stopped doing water changes....now we let it evaporate at least 1/3 and then replace that water with water we have at the ready (has been in jugs for 24 to 48 hours. ) We also ended up with snails that came with some plants, but, instead of getting rid of them, we got two snails that eat them. We have a steady amount that keep the substrate moving but mot an overwhelming amount. Since these two changes to the tank, only two of our old fish have died and everyone is healthy, playful and happy. No more constant deaths. I keep reading bad reviews for the Jebao but I guess we got lucky. Now,,,,we also have a turtle tank, about 70 gallons. We do much the same with their tank, except I am constantly cleaning it. This tank has an Eheim Pro 3 which the reviews said was a good one. We have had nothing but trouble with the stupid thing. Extremely hard to start (prime) after I clean it or the power goes out. Now, the water flow isn't strong at all. Cleaned out every part including the impellor and the tubes to no avail. As I was doing this, I discovered a part that was not put together properly at the factory and was able to slide it together successfully and, with a triumphant gleem in my eye, figured I had solved the entire problem. Yeah, right...it started rather easily, so I was hopeful still,,,then discovered the waterflow still sucked (no pun intended). After more than two years, I have had it. We have even had knowledgeable people in to work with it to no avail. Can you reccomend a good filter for our turtle tank? I know that we should get one rated for at least double the size of our tank, and knowing that we are going to have to get a larger one in the not to distant future (Sophia is the size of a supper plate and Athena is about half her size plus there is a plecho about the same size as Sophia and they are all inseperable). Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. We are in Canada. Thanks for your time.

[@WisdomInBits]

Hello +Pondguru Outdoors, I have 2 Fluval 306 canister filters for my 90 gallon tank. I have been spending a lot of money on buying fluval filter media. Thank you so much for sharing this video and helping me save money 😊. I hope I can do the same thing to my Fluvals. The only difference i see is that they don't have that space at the bottom as the filter in this video.

[@pondguru]

+Rahul Sudhakaran Don't worry if there is no space under the trays of those filters as the main foams are down the sides of the filter anyway. Having extra media under the bottom tray wouldn't do much good as far as settling out solids as they should get mostly caught by the side foams.

[@shadow01uk]

I like it all good explained really simple for beginners, but would you not put any carbon any where in your canister?

[@Ndahveeds78]

I just got my order of media and I can't wait to set up my tank. My question is, I've seen many reviews about not adding dechlorinators during the cycle phase due to not killing the good bacteria. But if you don't the chlorine will kill it. Which product can I use that will not kill my bacteria balls. Thanks!Nicole

[@karenmeyers553]

Thanks for getting back to me, made a mistake it’s a 303 but I think I’ll go for three trays bio media as it’s pretty well stocked with plants and tropical fish. Can you have too much media? 🤷‍♀️

[@pondguru]

You can never have too much media and the 303 is the 1400 lph filter which will hold 1.5kg of biohome ultimate per tray.

[@markharris1195]

I purchased from you with great results your filter medium 3years ago does it degrade over years

[@pondguru]

Like any porous sintered glass or ceramic media it will wear eventually but should stay actively supporting bacteria for many years.

[@debrapearson4629]

Enjoyed your video. My biofilter input swirls and there is a 6 inch void below. I have been vacuuming out this 2-3 inches of sludge that collects there twice a year. After watching your video I wonder if this is where the anaerobic activity takes place to complete the nitrogen cycle? Is cleaning this counterproductive to the cycle or just good maintenance? FB koi groups think there should be no place in the pond for anaerobic bacteria. They think water changes are the solution to high nitrates. I learned from you today that anaerobic bacteria has an important function.

[@topgunbass]

thanks for the video. I've set my canister the same way. One question I have is do you replace the white pad and just wash out the rest of the pads in tank water when it's gunked up. Thanks

[@pondguru]

Yes and yes, just make sure that you wash out the filter parts in tank water you have drained off into a bucket, not in the tank. I had one guy complain that his water was always cloudy for days after filter maintenance and he was actually washing out foams and media in his tank, lol

[@BenOchart]

Followed your advice and pimped out the two Sunsun 302s I'm using with my 60 gal cichlid tank. Initial tests came in noticeably better than before. Thanks!

[@pondguru]

As time goes by you should notice the nitrate coming down - Biohome is an incredible media.

[@TheBearwolfpelt]

thank you for all the work you put in making these videos. I've used a canister filter for about 10 years, and after seeing your vids, reconfigured the contents. the effect is amazing, its like the filter became supercharged. first off the force of the water coming through increased perhaps doubled? i had no idea about the differences in the filter media either, i thought it was al just mechanical to catch the tank debris. 5 star detail in your content. thanks a million.

[@pondguru]

+stephen shillitoe That's no worries, man. It really shouldn't make a huge difference to the flow but having the foams and pad set up in the correct order does help the muck to settle in a sensible manner so there will be no one foam taking all the dirt and clogging quickly. Glad you enjoy the videos - for the last couple of months I have been compiling notes on lots of aquatic questions to include in a mega knowledge dump video which I hope will provide plenty of information of a whole range of subjects as there is so much regurgitated nonsense on KZbin. I just want people to think about their filter as it really is the heart and lungs of the aquarium system and I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to develop a media which really boosts the biological action in any filter.

[@johnb7566]

Unbelievably great video. I have an Eheim pro 4 250 canister. Can that filter be pimped? Its internal structure looks a big more complex than the one in your video. Makes me kinda wish I had the same one you do.

[@pondguru]

Yes, only difference is that the Pro 4 has a 'pre-filter' tray in the top which water hits before going to bottom of filter and rising up through trays. Therefore just leave the pre-filter tray as it is, set up bottom tray with coarse, medium and fine foams then have good filter media in remaining tray. I do not have the tray sizes recorded for the 250 but the 350 takes approx. 1.5kg of biohome ultimate per tray. Looks like the 250 is just a 2 tray (not including 'pre-filter' tray) version of the 350 and if that is the case 1.5kg would see you good for a normal community tank up to 150 litres (full cycle filtration, reduction in nitrate).

[@DebTim]

Hi PG.. How can I pimp my HOB filter? I will be cleaning my canister in the next week or so.. I'm excited to do it this way. I have all your points in my Cichlid journal.

[@pondguru]

Really the order of foams and media will not change with any filter but upgrading a HOB can be more problematic since they are often developed to rely on a cartridge system. I'd say just go with decent foams followed by as much good media as you can fit in there and you won't go far wrong.

[@DebTim]

Good That's what I've done. Thanks

[@Jadefox2716]

Amazing video, but will this work for any brand canister filter

[@pondguru]

Yes, water should always hit media foams first then pad then media (then chemical media if you use it). Some filter trays work a different way (top to bottom e.g. FX4,5,6 from fluval) but as long as they are set up properly they will work hard on water quality.

[@gcujimmy]

Thanks for a very informative video. One question,what if I want to do this to my filter, which incidentally is the same as the one in the vid, While I have fish in my tank is it possible by using mature media e.g. the ceramic rings already in the filter? I don't want to completely recycle my system.

[@pondguru]

gcujimmy Yes if you are upgrading the filter with proper media and foams in correct place you can swap foams to correct place right away and swap out old media for new over the course of a month (25% each week). That way you shouldn't notice a drop in filter performance and once you get it set up properly the new media will last for years as it will b properly protected from becoming clogged.

[@zelboake1516]

Hi, great video very impressed with the biological filter system. I am setting up my first large tank and I have an Eden 521 external filter. Do you know it?. If so am I able to do something Similar with it?.

[@pondguru]

zel boake Doesn't look like that filter will be a good one to get working properly as the water travels through it in a really strange way but replacing the ceramic rings with biohome would make it more efficient. It would need a fine foam or pad over the media to keep it clean though.

[@Amb3r1981]

Hi Pondguru Outdoors.. if I want to put activated carbon on the canister which tray should I put it? or is it okay to make the last tray as activated carbon then coarse foam then biohome media Thank you so much for all the information..Your videos are very informative and helpful..

[@pondguru]

You would set up the filter as per this video but any chemical filtration (e.g. carbon /charcoal) would go on top of top tray as that is the cleanest point of the filter. That would allow it to go longer before it clogs up and becomes ineffective but you may still only get 4-5 weeks of useful life from it. In a properly set up filter you should not need carbon or charcoal unless you need to draw in colour from bogwood or residual fish treatments as the media will be controlling ammonia, nitrite (and in the case of biohome at around 1kg per 100 litres, nitrate too).

[@Amb3r1981]

Thank you so much Pondguru Outdoors..

[@Icealote]

Thanks for such an informative video. New to canisters, how would I set up the four trays for the Aqua One Nautilus 2700UV? I'm lost with how the water flows. Is it in the same order in the video or opposite?

[@pondguru]

+Icealote I can't find any stripped down images on google search but as the pump is in top and pipe goes through trays I would say 99% that it works just like the one in this video. If the pump was on bottom it would work opposite way (like FX5 /6). The 2700 looks huge. Bottom tray would be for foams then remaining 3 trays would be for media so feel free to send tray dimensions to [e-mail] and I ill work out how much media will fit in there no worries.

[@Icealote]

Thanks for the reply, I've ordered the unit so it won't arrive till next week or so to find out. All I know is that the dimensions of the unit is 32L x 32W x 49H I think. I've ordered your foams and have gotten the 3kg biohomes ultimate from the Australian supplier. Hope it's okay to contact you again when it arrives.

[@pondguru]

+Icealote Sorry just seen this now - my comments are still kooky on youtube. Yes n worries feel free to ask me anything and my email address is [e-mail]

[@russgiles7617]

Very informative video. I have already set up my filter how you recomend but only useing standard ceramic media with the plastic ball at the bottom then foams then media could i just swap out the media. Would this cause it have a mini cycle? Thank you.

[@pondguru]

Russ Giles If you swapped out around 25% of your old media each week after 1 month you would have 100% new media and you wouldn't notice a change since the biohome matures extremely quickly.Glad you enjoyed the video, man.

[@russgiles7617]

+Pondguru. Thanks for the reply. Will place a order soon.

[@mmn0501]

Very useful tips on setting up my filter, it has done wonders for my 75 gallon Aquarium.

[@jetzabelsnachez3040]

I kind of did what you are saying, let's say I didn't have any money, just different foams and normal ceramic media I have bought before and not used it, until now. Thanks for this video, you help a lot. I just have a question, when you clean the filter, do you clean all the disgusting mug from the very bottom of the filter or do you just rinse the foams?

[@pondguru]

Best to remove the heavy muck too or it may just get disturbed and clog up your freshly cleaned foams. Glad you enjoyed the video as I like making the educational videos.

[@BrutalEntity]

Well I've recently bought an external filter and after watching this video I'll be setting it up your way. Bought some coarse, medium and fine foam (with dimples) and Biohome mini ultra from yourself. Looking forward to the results this produces. I did buy 1kg of Biohome mini ultra but I'm sure I'll need more as I'm sure it won't fill 2 baskets.

[@pondguru]

No worries - all sounds good to me and I'm glad to be of service.

[@BrutalEntity]

+Pondguru Outdoors just another question. My external filter has a built in uv lamp and is it worth running this along with the biohome media or not?

[@pondguru]

Yes using a UV is fine but often not necessary unless you have multiple tanks running from one filter. Just make sure you leave the UV turned off for about 2-3 weeks when setting up a new filter to allow good bacteria to flow through the system and establish it properly.

[@BrutalEntity]

Thanks for your advice. Filter is now set up the "correct" way and running smoothly. Just experimenting in whether to use the spray bar or not. Any views on that? I have water spangles (Salvinia minima) floating on top of the water and with the spray bar they get moved around .

[@pondguru]

They will get moved around with the other outlet too but won't get 'rained on'. Generally that plant comes from calm water so it may be worth either having the spray bar at or just under the water surface or going with the other outlet just under the surface. They will still move about but if too much water gets on the leaves (from a spray bar) they can rot.

[@garthv3]

I brought one of these filter but the series 2 version and it has a lot of bypass I set it up as U did in this video so I added a hw603 and fill that up with machinal only and the aquaone all with biological and Presto working great now

[@garthv3]

No bypass now and now my bio doesn't get filthy with all the fine muck

[@pondguru]

Sounds good to me - groovy.

[@TheRageTage]

hi i just bought the filter upgrade kit received it today. i have a fluval 306 and when i set it up i have quite a lot of media left. not to sure what to do with it :) but great shipping and great product.

[@pondguru]

+Witz End Groovy - thanks very much. Yes unless you go with media in all 3 trays you will have at least 1kg left if you got the 3kg kit for the 306.

[@denisguimont308]

Hi Pond guru great videos...I have a question or need your feedback, would putting Bio-Home media under the substrate in an under gravel filter setup, help in the bacteria creation...thanks for your advise

[@pondguru]

+Darren Becker Thanks very much - great to have viewers who understand and appreciate proper filtration methods.

[@FaenumVena]

this stuff looks amazing, how much do you charge for postage for a 1k bag though? website doesn't say

[@pondguru]

+Faenum The postage depends on which country you are in. If it is UK then postage for 1kg is £3.99. If you're not in UK simply add to basket and check delivery to your country in checkout. You don't have to check out and can just empty out the basket.

[@ArrieColca]

Could you help me set up my Aqueon 300 canister filter? Upgraded from over the tank filter to a canister. Never had a problem with clear aquarium water until now. Pretty convinced I am not doing something correctly;-(.

[@TheBitterBeard]

Can't say enough how much I've appreciated your videos and information you provide. I've found you ebay store and sent a few questions about batching together for shipping. I'm excited to get back into the hobby, the information you have put out and the K1 media for fluidized filters really simplify how to have consistent great water quality at an amazing price.

[@pondguru]

+TheBitterBeard Yes good filtration shouldn't cost heaps of money and once it is set up it should run for years. I think I have answered your question via ebay. Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@TheBitterBeard]

Yep thanks for the quick response!

[@marcusu6559]

all kidding aside, your videos rock, so much good Information Im learning every day. I just loaded my Oase Bio 600 with your BioHome like 10 Minutes ago

[@pondguru]

I'm glad you find the videos useful as I put them out to help. Proper filtration (full cycle) is strangely something which other channels either don't cover or completely misunderstand / misrepresent. Best of luck with your tank - as long as your filter is running on a tank which is of suitable size and stock for the filter and media you should get naturally lower nitrate. Just avoid using any water conditioner which messes with the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (e.g. prime) since that will starve the bacteria.

[@VegaChastain]

Great video! I think I may even add the Biohome to my aquaponics setup. About what size tank would this filter support? Thanks!

[@pondguru]

I'm not sure how effective it would be in an aquaponics system given the nitrate reducing properties and I don't have any reports regarding that unfortunately. The filter in this video set up the way it is would be fine or up to 400 litres, maybe more - depends on stocking and feeding.

[@jaimecraig4293]

BioHome may inadvertantly remove nitrates from an aquaponics setup. Nitrate removal is the Holy Grail in an aquarium setting, but is counterproductive for aquaponics. You don't want your bio media to remove/breakdown nitrates in aquaponics. Nitrates are plant nutrition. Leave the nitrates in so the plants you grow will flourish. Pondguru does sell a version of BioHome that is less porous and does not promote de-nitrifying bacteria growth. Perhaps Pondguru can elaborate on that version.

[@pondguru]

Jaime Craig Best forms of biohome for nitrate reduction are the ultimate and ultra (small and large varieties of each) although all biohome will reduce nitrate to varying degrees. Best media for hydroponics would be plastic (e.g K1 or Hel-x) in a moving bed filter as it only converts ammonia and nitrite and produces masses of nitrate.

[@lostdud]

I'm sure you've covered this before- There is a big emphasis on coarse, medium and fine mechanical filtering. In a 'common' system, it is just one big coarse filter. It is my assumption that they do this to prevent any significant pump damage caused by a lack of flow from a finer filter being clogged overtime. Obviously a true hobbyist that has 'modded' their filter wouldn't let it clog (hopefully anyway) but from an "oops, I forgot to check the filter and now the pump is damaged since there is no pressure bypass" point of view, it really depends on the end user. I wouldn't say there is anything 'wrong' with the original system, it's very well rounded reliable setup for the average person (notice person, not hobbyist haha!). But like you said, efficiency is the point in your videos, which is why I watch them! If I may add- Perhaps adding a low pressure water gauge before & after the filtration would be beneficial. Just looking at that pump setup, a quick 'drill and tap' on each hose base and a couple gauges to calculate say, a 5 psi drop would be perfect. Hell- incorporate a 'dummy' light and you could reinvent those things.

[@pondguru]

+Nathan Herron Yes the single coarse foam is very common in internal filters where the emphasis is on high turnover rate and catching the dirt second, third or fourth time round - any restriction on the inlet could strain the pump so coarse foam is the way forward for long service life. Not too good from a water clarity or health point of view though. An external offers much greater contact area for the foams and when using the profile cut foams the contact area is much greater than flat foams. Therefore they will go much longer before they are clogged. I like the idea of a simple pressure gauge on the outlet or even on the top of the external filter which could maybe move from OK to Caution to Clean Me as its not always easy to tell from the water output how efficient the filter is working - a 100 litre per hour drop in output may go unnoticed. Glad you enjoyed the video, can see where I'm coming from with the ideas on filtration and thanks for watching.

[@GreatWaveDC]

Richard, Excellent video. Answers most of the questions people have about the media and canister filters.

[@tpir3844]

Great info. I have a planted tank. I understand that live plants utilize nitrates. If I use biohome ultimate and remove the nitrates, will my plants miss the nitrates?

[@pondguru]

+T Pir The growth is not affected since the nitrate is converted to soluble nitrogen which is easily assimilated by the plants.

[@tpir3844]

Great., and how long does the media last in a fluval 206 canister filter before they need to be replaced? I'm thinking of using 1.5kg of biohome ultimate. Does the extra added red stuff eventually go away? My tank is already cycled. Should I go with the non red type?

[@msprofessr]

Thank you for sharing. Where can I get the jell media (little black balls that release beneficial bacterial) you mentioned in your video?

[@pondguru]

Glad you enjoyed the video. With regard to the gel balls I sell them on my website: www.filterpro.co.uk or just search for 'gel filter starter balls' on ebay or amazon.

[@michelleseath6751]

I feel very lucky to stumble on your videos as I am about to get into the fish keeping hobby. Been doing lots of research before jumping in to the hobby. Thanks for brill videos. :)

[@pondguru]

+Michelle Seath No worries - I love making any videos which have some sort of educational content so thanks for watching and appreciating them.

[@zelboake1516]

Thanks I will certainly do that. Can I put the bacteria gels in the water?.

[@pondguru]

zel boake Yes they can go anywhere. Best in direct contact with media or foams though.

[@RiffDevin]

I can tell you the biohome maxi is working very well in my beer keg! I'll be doing a video for you in due course.

[@pondguru]

Groovy, I only got round to listing that media the other day, lol

[@kevinbrislawn5918]

good instruction on the set up! i do not have the bio balls but i have a lot of extra ceramic media for the top half that came with my Hydor external filter , which by the way is a very nice filter..the power is amazing for my 72 gal. tank. let you know how my nitrates come down since you convinced me!

[@pondguru]

No worries - yes with the right amount of biohome (around 1kg per 100 litres) your nitrates should tumble down to near zero so look forward to that happening - groovy.

[@magpiemale]

A Question... does pressure filters do a cycle like the oase filtoclear ? Or do you need more to get the ammonia, nitrate, nitrite cycle.

[@GPVlog]

I ordered this exact upgrade here in the U.S from the supplier you suggested. I do have one question. I have a brand new tank with no fish. After I have the filter setup how long should I wait before adding a couple hardy fish? Does the cycle move along faster with a few fish? Is it too hard on the fish? I plan to get a couple of Danios to start off and get the tank cycled. Thanks for the great video!

[@pondguru]

GPVlog Leave it a week or so then trickle fish in weekly. The gel balls will iron out any ammonia spikes so fish shouldn't even know there is ammonia or nitrite there as media establishes very quickly to process it once gel balls have seeded media. Cycle won't necessarily be faster with fish against fishless cycle but certainly safe to do when you are using good media and proper live bacteria. Thanks for watching and appreciating the video.

[@GPVlog]

Thank you very much for the info. You are very helpful in this area.

[@pondguru]

GPVlog No worries.

[@richardmallicoat5561]

Just wondering what you do if you have 4 trays instead of 3 in your canister, thanks for your time.

[@pondguru]

Richard Mallicoat You would generally use 1kg of biohome media per 100 litres to see a good reduction in nitrates but more is better. I would always go with one tray foams and 3 media but you could go 2 and 2 if the extra bio media was not required. That would cut maintenance time way down as long as foams were in correct order.

[@lilmatty11]

Great video. Any ones reviews on the Jbl e901 external filters please and could this b done to that as it has a pre filter set up on it.

[@pondguru]

+Matthew Dj Yes just set up the same and leave pre-filter in as extra mechanical filtration.

[@mrbigmel3]

I love watching your videos , having kept aquariums for over 30 years i know your advice is 100 % correct .....plus i,ve learned plenty as well watching ;0) For anyone who doubts that this type of media reduces Nitrate ...(it does) you have to take into account the amount of NitAtes you are putting back into the tank via water changes , check your water source . My Nitrate is low from the tap around 20 ppm and when using this type of media i can maintain low Nitrate equal or lower than my tap water but it takes time for the bacteria to establish and it happens when your aquarium is fully mature which imho is at least 6 months . Thanks for another good video to watch

[@pondguru]

Glad you enjoy the videos, man. One thing I forgot to mention in this video is the fact that you need a certain amount of biohome to have a noticeable effect on the nitrate (around 1kg per 100 litres) and if you've got standard media in the filters too that will be producing nitrates, counteracting what the biohome is trying to do.

[@mrbigmel3]

Thanks Richard Going to order some bio home for my xmas prezzie my wife is paying ..win win ! ;0)

[@pondguru]

Noxious Rooster One thing my wife would never buy is anything associated with my hobbies, lol You're a lucky guy.

[@jericho2877]

Hi pond guru! can you please recommend a air pump for a 100ltr tropical aquarium, I have a interpet AV3 air pump airvolution at the moment but it keeps on rattleing , are the tetra aps 200 or 300 any good

[@mohammedshafi6284]

Very good video... but if the media isn't in that order is it ok to change it round. I've got a Tetratec 1200 and my bottom tray has the ceramic rings (noobles) then I've got my useless plastic balls then my final tray with a coarse sponge and the fine sponge..?

[@pondguru]

The Tetra filters are easily the worst offenders when it comes to setting the filters up all wrong, lol Yes change it to the correct order but leave the biological media in the re for 2-3 weeks if you are adding new media (e.g. biohome) to one or more of the trays to make sure there is still some biological activity happening and to reduce chance of filter 'lag' in a mature system.

[@mohammedshafi6284]

Thanks for your help... I've just emailed you back.

[@mohammedshafi6284]

Thanks for that speedy reply, i'll change over the sponges leave the fine one as it's recently been changed... And put new bio in one tray and leave one with noodles in... for a couple of months then change that over too. Thanks for your help... actually I'm gonna be getting a new tank and filter it's gonna be around 600 litres.... I was thinking of a FX5/6 I was gonna run both filters. Will that be ok fish wise, Oscars, Tinfoils, Panagasguis, Redtail Catfish, Fully grown Redtail Black Shark.

[@pondguru]

Mohammed Shafi Yes I would run both filters for that tank given the size of the fish you will have in the big tank.

[@zoddsonofthor5576]

Love the videos very helpful all the filters i have ever bought were set up the wrong way. Was wondering if you have ever used the poret foam with the biohome seems like those two together would be perfect

[@pondguru]

Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos, man. Looks like good foam and I like the ripple effect on the red version. I see that's made in NZ which would kill any chance of getting it cheaply in Europe unfortunately. The pond foams I used in this video are quite cheap and do a great job.

[@jept760]

Thank You Pondguru! I've done this earlier with my new Sunsun HW303, and hoping for the Best! Super Thanks again, from Philippines.

[@pondguru]

+jeffrey tapar Sounds good to me - happy fish keeping.

[@ChadGelano]

Hi Jeff, did you have any problem getting the Biohome to your door or did you have to get it from customs?

[@kimduffy1820]

Hi Richard. I've been using the biohome ultimate for a while. When does it need replacing; every six months, part or all. My biohome is now 10 months old and has been working beautifully. Thanks

[@pondguru]

Kim Duffy It should last a good 6-10 years at high efficiency so don't worry about replacing it for a few years yet. Glad you're impressed with it as it is awesome stuff.

[@kimduffy1820]

+Pondguru Outdoors Hi Richard. Thanks. I've just set up a tank for my mum, who is 81, and she's as mad about fish as I am. I've used this media in her tank and she's very pleased.

[@pondguru]

+Kim Duffy I'm sure the fish are pleased too, lol

[@richardgould7564]

Wish I had done a test before swapping over, not done one for a while but never had such low readings alway had results that ask for water change, do that a few times and levels drop but not to the levels I got yesterday. Again great results considering all new filter material fitted over 3 weeks.

[@GodsSmile]

THANKYOU !!! we have kept fish a long time, and to find your advice on this is such a blessing

[@pondguru]

No worries, glad you found it useful.

[@fernboy3]

awesome video my friend, i have a question i have the penn plax cascade 1500 it comes with 5 stage i do mechanical filtration on the bottom like you did and then carbon and then the biological filtration on top is that correct? or should i stop using carbon? i heard its make the water clear

[@vincehope176]

Just bought the All pond solutions EF1400 UV Filter, I have taken all your advise on ceramic rings in the bottom. 3 Different sponges, course, medium and fine, bought some of your Biohome media, for second basket, I have some ceramic rings and Activated carbon left, do I need carbon on my top layer in my African Chiclid tank, or should I just add purigen.Your help in this matter would be appreciated

[@pondguru]

The ideal scenario would be to have the foams and fine pad in the bottom tray with biological media in 2 trays above. If you have the 1400 filter it should take 1.5kg of either bohom mini ultra or biohome ultimate per tray (2 best types for external filters) so you can get a maximum of 3kg in there. I think you ordered 500g of the biohome standard which will still work as a filter media but is more dense, and smaller than the 2 types mentioned above. You'd probably still have room for 3kg of the more porous types as the biohome standard will fill in gaps between the larger media. There are notes about filtration and how much media is required to deliver full cycle filtration (reduction in nitrate) for different types of stocking densities here: filterpro.co.uk/qa-24-w.asp and a properly sized filter will easily hold enough to make that happen without the need for chemical filtration unless it is required to draw in residual fish treatments or colour from bogwood (which won't be an issue with African cichlids as the water needs to be hard and high pH) Feel free to ring any time 9-5 weekdays on 07772848730 Regards, Richard

[@wendyballester2900]

Just ordered this stuff, quick delivery! I have an APS external filter and an aquamanta filter - which way should I place the media ? - thanks

[@pondguru]

They work exactly the same way as the filter in this video so just set up the same with foams in bottom and media in trays above it and it will run efficiently. You'll only need to use about 1/5 of the balls so store the rest in a sealed container or bag until you need them (maybe after filter maintenance)

[@wendyballester2900]

Thank you

[@marksmith566]

Hi Richard, been using your canister filter setup for quite a while now and very happy with it, In my first tray (bottom) I'm using Jap (koi) matting, medium foam then fine foam instead of the floss and have had no problems. I clean my filter every fortnight and do a 20% water change on my 300L tank every week mostly to vacuum the floor etc. Does this look OK? my wife thinks I shouldn't be cleaning so often but I do like a clean tank! just a shame I can't have plants as my Bristlenose Plecs shreds everything I put in lol

[@pondguru]

If you've got the other trays filled with biohome the tank should only need 10% water change every couple of weeks as after 4-6 months the anaerobic bacteria should kick in and reduce nitrate (which is the main reason we do water changes). In a 300 litre tank you would need around 3kg to process the nitrate from a normal community tank and around 5kg for a heavily stocked malawi tank or predator tank.

[@waynerobinson878]

great video im having problems now with my fluvial 406 which for past few days has been spitting out micro bubbles.ive checked it and everything seems fine im looking at getting new filter but dont want to spend lot on money on 1.which 1 would you recommend for a 240 ltr?i use your biohome media which i bought from you on eBay which i must say he the best out there.

[@pondguru]

Thanks for appreciating the filter media. If you've got a 240 litre tank then you should be looking for a filter 'for up to 500 litres' as a minimum if you have a general community tank and one 'for up to 600 litres' or more if you have a heavier stock. You'd always halve the 'up to' figure on a filter as the 'up to' figure is a fully planted tank with a few small fish. Most will promise way more than they deliver. The All Pond Solutions filters are as good as any and really cheap geni.us/2LnO The stuff in them is crap but that's where they save manufacturing costs - once it is set up properly they will hold a lot of media and do a great job. Depending on your stock you'd need either a 1400 or a 2000. Assuming the bottom tray is used for foams the 1400 will hold 3kg of biohome (ultimate or mini ultra) and the 2000 will hold 5kg. Hope that helps.

[@ab79381]

dear Richard, here is how I put media in my canister filter from bottom to top: ceramic rings, activated carbon, sponge, biohome, biohome...is the order good?

[@pondguru]

+Aboud Bakkour If the water flows from bottom to top as it does in most externals that is just about right but the carbon should really be the very last thing the water hits before leaving the tank as it clogs super quick and needs to operate in very clean water to be effective.

[@cellardoorpaul]

Fab video. I've been running a fluval 406 for about three months and set it up along these lines. Would love to see some thoughts on maintenance schedules, how often do you clean/replace media and your thoughts on the likes of purigen? Also any thoughts on preserving the bacteria in the case of a powercut, had one the other night and I think it's done a big chunk of damage to my filters efficiency. Water quality has been all over the place since, I think it's basically cycling again?

[@pondguru]

The great thing about the biohome is that it is so porous it takes days to dry out so if there is a power cut just drain water from filter and the media will hold the bacteria for a few days without problems. Purigen should not be needed and as far as maintenance goes it is just a case of as and when necessary The media should last 6-10 years in a well set up filter and the only thing that needs replacing regularly is the fine white pad when clogged as it can't be cleaned.

[@reidsmith3002]

it is well known that biohome is the best bio media. being on a budget however (across the pond), I have been thinking about gradually replacing the bio-balls in my canister with pumice. is this safe? if so; do you think it would be beneficial, or a waste of time? thanks

[@pondguru]

I'm not sure what pumice would do but as it is volcanic I wouldn't expect it to raise pH. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who has used pumice so I'm not much help there.

[@paulchippington7498]

Great video just ordered the 3kg upgrade pack. My FX6 comes with two media bags I should use these in middle and bottom baskets to prevent ultimate from damaging impeller or surge valve?? Is that correct??? Chip

[@pondguru]

+Paul Chippington I sent a n email or reply to ebay message regarding the FX filters, no worries. Foams in top, media in trays below for that one as it works top top bottom.

[@210richy]

Thank you have blocked of some of the holes and now it seams loads better love ur set up for the external filter had clowdy water befor I got it with in an hour of setting it up with your filter kit n media it was crystal clear thank you

[@pondguru]

All sounds good to me thanks for the positive feedback.

[@stebbz36]

just ordered some course and medium foam from you mate, i have fine foam, gonna set up my filters as this video suggests, hopefully my water gets a bit clearer, my filters also contain biohome and purigen, any advice on clearer water would be great, i have malawi, and they constantly sift the sand, pulling up the debri, which makes my water a little cloudy

[@pondguru]

+stebbz36 Thanks for the order. It will go out on Monday. With the foams in the correct place the media should be able to work well on the quality of water and the foams and fine pad will keep it clear. Purigen is to remove staining and chemicals from water and not to clear suspended solids. Carbon will do the same job and is much cheaper (plus it does not starve / kill bacteria or mess up the bacterial balance in media). See notes on chemical filtration and general filtration here: filterpro.co.uk/qa-24-w.asp

[@stebbz36]

great thankyou

[@MaryEllis-q2o]

Hi, spoke to you years ago! Great advice! Looking for small ext filter and what hose? Hate when this green stiff stuff. Wan easy now. Any advice.????? Thanks.

[@pondguru]

It's been so long since I had my shop that I don't know what's available in the way of hose now unfortunately.

[@MaryEllis-q2o]

@@pondguru thanks anyway. Found something!

[@CH-ho5vr]

Could you please tell me how to set up a Fluval FX6 External Filter. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[@pondguru]

+C Homer The trays flow from top to bottom and you have good foams around the trays so really all you need is a fine mat on top of top tray then media below that and in remaining two trays. Each tray should hold approx. 1.5kg of biohome mini ultra or biohome ultimate.

[@clarence3037]

Hello, how often should I do a water change and how much water should I change at one time? I have a 80 Litre tank and a Fluval 406 canister filter. Thanks a lot.

[@pondguru]

You should only be doing around 10%-15% a week as long as the filter is set up properly and your tank isn't overstocked.

[@craigwoodhull3028]

Woody's Discus What Do you think about sand on the bottom ? Before the sponges of course, or . half sand and the rest ceramic media (just leaving out the plastic balls). My Bio Home ultimate is waiting for the third tray for my 2217. Thank you in advance, Woody

[@pondguru]

Sand in the bottom of the filter? It will be sucked into the foams and quickly clog them unfortunately.

[@craigwoodhull3028]

Thank you Richard !!! Received my third "divider" today. Will set up tomorrow A.M. as you show. Will use two fine pads as eheim only gives course, fine , and a carbon pad. Oh yes , BioHome ultimate !!!! Woody

[@gushodge937]

Brilliant info Richard... can u tell me please , what would be the correct set up for the eheim pro 4 600 ? As usual the white fine sponge came in the top part of the filter, should they be in the bottom tray as with most cannister filters ? And also, do u think the media that comes with the filter is sufficient? Many thanks, I'm off to watch one of ure pond building videos... 🐟🐠

[@pondguru]

Apart from the 'pre-filter' tray which should be left as it is just set it up the same as this video with the coarse, medium and fine pads in bottom tray then media in trays above that. Often the eheim filters will come with a plastic mechanical media in bottom tray which wastes a lot of space so its best to use foams and fine pad there. Some of the eheim media is decent, some is not so good and as far as full cycle filtration goes I can only advise on the biohome ultimate in a canister since we know it could take anywhere from 1kg per 100 litres (normally stocked tropical tank) to 1.5kg-2kg per 100 litres for a heavily stocked tank (e.g. cichlids, predatory fish, goldfish etc.) to achieve a full cycle (reduction in nitrate).

[@gushodge937]

Pondguru.. thanks for that Richard..appreciate the swift reply ... I'm sure there's 4 trays in the cannister, so 3 available for the media ?

[@pondguru]

Yes that is correct.

[@gushodge937]

Pondguru. Thanks Richard, will be in touch imminently to get an order to u... do u sell/ deliver the foams that you use on ure videos ? Cheers...

[@pondguru]

Yes I do them on my website www.filterpro.co.uk (links in video description and pinned comment on most of my filter videos).

[@ConspiracyLA27]

How would you do this setup with a Penn plax Cascade 1000 it doesn't have the gap under the first tray should I put the rings under the foam in the first tray?

[@typhoontom1]

Richard, I bought 3 kg of Biohome ultimate from you about 1 year ago and it was great. It did exactly what you said!!!!! I have just sent you an e-mail asking for some more advice. Cheers

[@pondguru]

Tom Luk Haven't got an email through yet - my email is [e-mail]'m away for a while so may be a delay in answering. If there are loads of questions in there just phone [phone]

[@rbo350]

PG...thanks for the vid. I will use this info. for my internal filter, first skim the surface then the mechanical filtration then the Biological media then to the powerhead............thanks

[@pondguru]

Yes that order sounds right and I'm glad you enjoyed the video - thanks for watching.

[@hamsack981]

the view from that window is very nice. it's super green there.

[@pondguru]

Yes my garden has a whole host of nice colours and shades of green in it. It's just starting to look good now after a long winter.

[@busterperriss]

Pimped my filter tonight thanks for instructions. looking forward to nitrates falling from 40 ppm will monitor for next 4 to 6 months.

[@pondguru]

+Paul Perriss Awesome - keep me informed how it goes. Some people report nitrate falling in 2-3 months but that is rare. With the appropriate amount of biohome it does generally take the 4-6 months.

[@busterperriss]

Will do thanks. Love all your videos on aquariums and ponds.

[@denisepollitt1021]

Paul Perriss . Hi, it's been a year. Did your nitrates fall?

[@pandaphil]

Always enjoy watching your videos. Any chance you might consider pimping a HOB filter? I'm setting up a 75 gal with an Aquaclear 110 and a 70 and would enjoy any tips on maxing out their filtering ability.

[@emsieesf3046]

Hey there, I love your videos! After taking over tank maintenance with zero tank experience I took a dirty unhealthy aquarium and made it worse on accident! I have learned a lot of what not to do from personal experience and I have been reading and watching you tube learning now what to do to fix this mess Ive created. A lot of things I can do an internet search and find a plenty of good info, but since Ive got a couple questions that are a bit technical to my specific situation i would love to hear your advise on a couple of things as you seem very knowledgable. I Love the way you describe things, you make it really easy to understand, and I think you are a great aquarist to follow, you also seem to enjoy giving advice :) Anyway when I took over this 46 gallon freshwater aquarium I changed the wheel on the power filter, did a huge water change, changed the substrate from one gravel to another (no under gravel filter-which i had never heard of at the time) washed off all the decor in tap water and bought a bunch of new fish. Obviously, this totally killed my bio filter! I have lost quite a few fish and after doing the water sampling and adding quick start I have finally started to get the water quality to be pretty good but then I got hit with an ich infestation! I have been using the heat and salt treatment for 4 days now and i believe its working! No white spots, doing 20% daily water changes with heat up to 84 and 1tbsp salt per 5 gallons. What Im planning to do next and this is where Id like your input whether I am on the right track... Im planning to change from gravel to sand.... But since I'm just getting the ich out of there I figured I should wait to put the sand in... I took out about 30% of the gravel today because i thought I should not take it out all at once. Im unsure if this will upset my biofilter which is definitely something id like to avoid. Now I thought Id take out a lot of the ich by getting rid of the gravel and since Im switching to sand anyway, I figured I will take a bit of gravel out each day and then after a week or so after turning the temp down to normal 78F I will add some freshly rinsed sand as the new substrate. I also want to switch from the emperor 400 power filter to a canister filter. Thats actually how i came across this video and now I'm super excited to set it up your style and with the biohome bacteria. When should I do this? A week after ich is gone ? is it Ok to do at the same time as when i add the new sand substrate? Im also going to be completely replanting. Im not sure how the ich interacts with plants. Do they like the plants? Should I just take them out now? This outbreak is making the transition a bit complicated. I thought I should probably hold off on replanting till after the new filter is running smoothly so that I'm not making too many changes at once but now with this ich outbreak I'm wondering if its better to just toss them now. I will end this here as i could probably think of a million questions to ask. Thanks for your time! -Michelle from San Francisco

[@pondguru]

Dear Michelle, The ich is most likely from poor water conditions from the HOB filter - how does it test with regard to ammonia and nitrite? You can set up an external filter to run any time as long as you leave the existing filter running for 3-4 weeks then remove the old filter. Just make sure to get an external filter which is big enough for the tank so for a 46 gallon tank you will need a filter which will 'treat up to 100 gallons' as a minimum (you would always halve the 'up to' amount for a normal aquarium). I would leave the planting for 2-3 weeks after changing to sand to give the system a chance to settle down and treat the tank with a proper ich treatment as salt may only kill off the adult parasite making the fish look OK but vulnerable to another attack. The ich parasite lives on and in everything in the tank and filter so removing the gravel may help but the parasite really needs to be killed first so I would give it at least a week of treatment with an ich specific treatment then change the gravel out for sand. Hope that helps and the biohome is available from www.greatwaveeng.com in the US. Regards, Richard

[@ciscothelight]

Great video..I have a canester filter (Fluval 305) that came with a complimentary bag of carbon and biological media...is it safe to get rid of the carbon and replace it with more biological media?..Because i thought Carbon was used to help get crystal clear water

[@pondguru]

+ciscothelight Carbon does draw in colour from bogwood or treatments but if you're not treating the tank and don't have bogwood staining you want rid of the space in the filter is much better used for good filter media. Almost all external filters will come with carbon as it is cheap and used to mask the fact that the supplied media is not controlling ammonia and nitrite. The carbon has a useful life of 4-8 weeks and does draw in ammonia and nitrite but needs regularly replacing before it releases the chemicals it has drawn in back into tank. It lasts longest in last stage of filter where water is cleanest. The biohome should last 6-10 years in a well set up filter.