AWESOME Trickle / Shower Filter for Aquarium - by Pondguru

Hit 'SHOW MORE' for description, links and videos - Watch in HD.
Link to the filter (Ebay): goo.gl/xwiAEg
Link to filter (Amazon UK): geni.us/oLvMSrF
Link to filter (Amazon US): geni.us/0cPE9
Link to pump: goo.gl/yFV8KH
Link to 50 litre clear box (60cm): geni.us/WZg8h
Link to 2 x 110 litre clear boxes (61cm): geni.us/wG5dU2
(both of the above boxes are within the tank size the filter will fit - 59cm to 70cm)
Biohome filter media and foams: www.filterpro.c...
Biohome & white pumice filter media (Ebay): goo.gl/AgG9qD
Red 'lava rock' pumice: geni.us/daKf8n1
Alfagrog: geni.us/Xkf9
In this video I show an excellent shower filter for an aquarium - are DIY aquarium filters dead?
At under £20 delivered for the 9 tray version (as shown here) this represents incredible value and exceptional filtration when filled with good quality media. Super-easy to set up and perfect for fish breeders, fry rearing tank, anyone with a fish house and also for pubs and bars who keep crayfish / lobsters as part of their menu.
I forgot to mention in the video that this would also be suitable for marine systems too - use the new Biohome Ultimate Marine media which has added trace elements specific to the needs of marine bacteria or for a DIY option try the white pumice.
The reason I recommend that the white pumice is only used for high pH loving fish (Malawis, Tanganyikans, livebearers, goldfish, koi, marine) is that the white pumice has a specific pH of around 8.0 and will help to buffer water and mineralise it for those species.
Also, if you're worried about the small holes in the spray bar clogging up you can easily add a block of coarse foam on the pump inlet to prevent that happening - it would also give fry a feeding station if you were growing on fish in your tank.
Are you adding a trickle filter to above the sump of a marine tank?
Marine version of biohome ultimate here: goo.gl/cNsZvt
This video has a run down of exactly how a shower filter works, shows options for filter media, a ramble about moving bed filters and also has other filtraton related information too.
Check out the links below for the filter, pump, media and also to videos which contain useful information about filtration and fish keeping.
USEFUL VIDEOS:
Stainless steel koi shower filter: goo.gl/MPkUgr
DIY pond shower filter: goo.gl/CLrcc0
Moving bed filters 101: goo.gl/u18ViI
Biohome Q&A: goo.gl/FEpiaR
Filtration & nitrogen cycle: goo.gl/UHoynR
Correct way to set up a canister filter: goo.gl/Io9lWU
'Invisible' aquarium filter: goo.gl/hfcqJ9
Aquarium tips and advice playlist: goo.gl/0eB2te
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn
JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7
Music by Stellardrone
creativecommon...
www.last.fm/mus...
If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching.
See you next time.
Pondguru

[@pondguru]

Hit 'SHOW MORE' for full description, links and videos - Watch in HD. Link to the filter (Ebay): goo.gl/xwiAEg Link to filter (Amazon UK): geni.us/oLvMSrF Link to filter (Amazon US): geni.us/0cPE9 Link to pump: goo.gl/yFV8KH Link to 50 litre clear box (60cm): geni.us/WZg8h Link to 2 x 110 litre clear boxes (61cm): geni.us/wG5dU2 (both of the above boxes are within the tank size the filter will fit - 59cm to 70cm) Biohome filter media and foams: www.filterpro.co.uk Biohome & white pumice filter media (Ebay): goo.gl/AgG9qD Red 'lava rock' pumice: geni.us/daKf8n1 Alfagrog: geni.us/Xkf9 In this video I show an excellent shower filter for an aquarium - are DIY aquarium filters dead? At under £20 delivered for the 9 tray version (as shown here) this represents incredible value and exceptional filtration when filled with good quality media. Super-easy to set up and perfect for fish breeders, fry rearing tank, anyone with a fish house and also for pubs and bars who keep crayfish / lobsters as part of their menu. I forgot to mention in the video that this would also be suitable for marine systems too - use the new Biohome Ultimate Marine media which has added trace elements specific to the needs of marine bacteria or for a DIY option try the white pumice. The reason I recommend that the white pumice is only used for high pH loving fish (Malawis, Tanganyikans, livebearers, goldfish, koi, marine) is that the white pumice has a specific pH of around 8.0 and will help to buffer water and mineralise it for those species. Also, if you're worried about the small holes in the spray bar clogging up you can easily add a block of coarse foam on the pump inlet to prevent that happening - it would also give fry a feeding station if you were growing on fish in your tank. Are you adding a trickle filter to above the sump of a marine tank? Marine version of biohome ultimate here: goo.gl/cNsZvt This video has a run down of exactly how a shower filter works, shows options for filter media, a ramble about moving bed filters and also has other filtraton related information too. Check out the links below for the filter, pump, media and also to videos which contain useful information about filtration and fish keeping. USEFUL VIDEOS: Stainless steel koi shower filter: goo.gl/MPkUgr DIY pond shower filter: goo.gl/CLrcc0 Moving bed filters 101: goo.gl/u18ViI Biohome Q&A: goo.gl/FEpiaR Filtration & nitrogen cycle: goo.gl/UHoynR Correct way to set up a canister filter: goo.gl/Io9lWU 'Invisible' aquarium filter: goo.gl/hfcqJ9 Aquarium tips and advice playlist: goo.gl/0eB2te FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24 Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 Music by Stellardrone creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ www.last.fm/music/Stellardrone If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects. Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru

[@Gaby83]

hmm, the price just shot to 35 GBP, therefore it has become to expensive for it's own good, can make a better one for cheaper with what I've learned from your videos...media, filters and pump included ! Thank you mate !

[@pondguru]

There are numerous sellers so maybe some of the other ones have them at good prices? That's the problem with the stuff coming from China as the price can swing wildly from day to day with no real reason.

[@ynotski9]

As Richard said there are at least 10 suppliers on Ebay, most are doing the 9 tray for under £30, put Aquarium Filter Trickle External Upper Fish Tank Rain Filters into Ebay's search.

[@ursanbear]

Sadly, no longer available on Amazon.com. Ebay only.

[@nitehawkpearl8304]

@Larry M you really should give it a try, It saves me alot of time to change the water. My nitrate is always less then 5ppm.

[@1959Berre]

No filter is more safe and reliable than a trickle filter. You can build it yourself, cheap as dirt, with ordinary PVC parts and planters you can buy in any garden center. There is nothing complicated about them. Fill them up with a couple of pounds of volcanic rock or expanded clay pellets and some filter wool, and there you go.

[@MeinnameistDreck]

I decided to try the Biohome Ultimate media after watching your videos. I bought 3 kg of it for an Eheim 2217 filter and it has been installed for a week. I'm sure the biological filtration hasn't established itself yet, but already the water in the tank is much clearer. Maybe it's because of the addition of a second, more powerful filter, but I'm already happy! Cheers!

[@pondguru]

Thanks for your comment. It would normally take 2-3 weeks for the aerobic bacteria (responsible for processing the ammonia and nitrite) to develop and 4-6 months for the anaerobic bacteria (responsible for reducing nitrate) to establish. I'm sure that the addition of a good sized filter has more to do with the clarity than the choice of media but the water will also be much healthier too and that will be down to the media. That should continue to improve and result in the reduction in nitrate as long as you have a suitable sized filter with plenty of media for the size of tank and stock / feeding. There is a guide to how much media is needed for different stocking situations (if you want to see the full cycle filtration associated with reduction nitrate) here: filterpro.co.uk/qa-24-w.asp

[@IceColdBold]

Made one for my cousins pond which was pea like pea soup. We tried all sorts to get it clear so i made a cheap one from tubs in b&m that were 2 for £3 so i spent £6 all together. 2 weeks later was still pea green but clearing slightly and could just make out the outlines of the koi. then all of a sudden, literally overnight, the whole pond went crystal clear as if by magic. Only using lava rock and pea gravel as the media. Amazing

[@pondguru]

It probably has as much to do with boosting oxygen levels as it does with the choice of media but that news is great to hear. Shower filters are very easy to make and are super effective.

[@jerfle7787]

I bought this clear version. They also come in a tinted version. I would recommend the tinted version as the clear can be a pain to clean when algae starts growing.

[@sparkyjones560]

Speaking as a person with a wet dry filter that functions similarly. this type of system is great for converting ammonia and nitrite to nitrate, and extremely effective at oxygenating water, to a fault, it pushes out CO2 for O2. in a pond, this would work great due to the surface area and the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere above it. , on an aquarium it's not good for plants at all. And no, you aren't getting zero nitrates with fish and waste in there, in fact, trickle filters are nitrate factories, due to the heavy oxygenation of the water and the bacteria colony size that sets up shop in the filter. But this is where the fault is on a small size aquarium, you can't get an anoxic zone for denitrifiers in the filter, you more than likely have an anoxic zone in your pond. But in a filter the denitrifying bacteria will move to the oxygen and take the easy O2 instead of breaking nitrates. I know this because I use a wet dry for 30 years. There's some new products every year based on old tech, polishing a turd to make a buck. 100% this on a tank is going to push out CO2, and it's going to crank out nitrates. I agree though it does work fine on a pond. And you know, I can't trust you if you want to claim this type of filtration will run zero nitrate, it's clearly not true. At best anaerobic denitrifiers can only function at about 30% rate of all nitrates being broken, because of how the process works and how they will every time go for the O2 directly, Just like plants will go for ammonia directly, it's the easier way to get what they need. they have to be in an oxygen starved environment for them to want to take nitrates and break them into Nitrogen and Oxygen to take the Oxygen to survive, they also don't grow in colony size like you would expect, as nitrate breakers, it's not about reproduction, it's about survival. I appreciate the video, there is a clear benefit on the pond, but your pond is doing the denitrification, not the filter. Anyone with a wet/dry filter has been down this road and knows the downsides to trickle filtration, I would be interested to see an update on you with this system on an aquarium with fish, or an update 6 years later on how the pond is doing.

[@ethanlin9925]

Here in Singapore, we've had these design of filter for years now. Almost everyone with 4-6 feet tanks use them. We mix all kinds of media in them, we can purchase new trays and stack them up as tall as we want. I think it's made by Mr. Aqua, I might be wrong though. Check it out!

[@pondguru]

That information doesn't surprise me as you guys always seem to have a good idea of what makes proper filtration. Here in the West we seem to be wrapped up in brand name fanboy behaviour and it really is to the detriment of the hobby. I'll search for Mr. Aqua - thanks very much.

[@dickhead9023]

mine turned up last night .loading it up now .hopefully pump for well too .can't wait .going to be sponges .2kg alphagrog and 2kg biohome in a ranchu tank

[@pardeepgill688]

just got mine, and love it. Have also planted mine up with hydrocotyle species to help hide it once it all grows in.

[@pondguru]

Sounds awesome, man.

[@TheJohn316uk]

I love watching these videos as ive always kept tropical fish for years but not had one since we last decorated the living room but your making me want to get another one now lol cheers rich john :)

[@pondguru]

No worries, man. I have been banned from keeping fish in the house as my wife saw the progression of ponds into a lake and realised that same pattern would happen with fish tanks. Probably for the best as I'd have one you could swim about in, lol

[@Flyingmushroomman]

This actually been a very popular filter design in asia for decades. I have no idea why they aren't popular in America or in Europe.

[@pondguru]

Yes it's one of those things that just never really caught on over here - probably because manufacturers realise that people can easily make their own.

[@Flyingmushroomman]

Pondguru hope it catches on though. I'm using a 6 ft 15 tray system and it's quite a beast. Each tray can hold 3-5 kg of media. The only problem with this kind of filter is if your aquarium dosent have a brace around the top perimeter of the tank and supporting piece of glass in the middle running from tonback for support.

[@pondguru]

Yes if it is relying on the sides of the tank supporting all that weight it is a concern but that is a mighty filter - groovy.

[@Fishaholic]

Very nice filtration mate, really efficient and can hold alot of bio media 👍

[@AQUAPROS]

Awesome filter! Glad to see an aquarium vid from ya Richard! :D

[@pondguru]

Yes its definitely a great one and the price is crazy low too.

[@joshsancho7931]

I got one of these thanks to this vid. I really want to make a simple and relatively aesthetically pleasing DIY aquarium/aquaponic setup and this makes it so simple. Really top notch kit.

[@pondguru]

Glad you enjoy the video and yes, this filter offers lots of filtration capacity and saves the hassle (and expense) of making a DIY version.

[@MELODYMUNRO]

Just bought one of these ...it has been running for three days..and I am really happy with it....I am going to buy a couple more...and was extremely well packed like pondguru said....well worth the $$$...I bought a powerhead (1600Litre) to go with it and the water is crystal clear...I have polyfilter in top row and lava rock and noodles in next two rows.

[@pondguru]

All sounds good to me and I will be interested to see if you get any nitrate reduction from those media types after 4-6 months since they are mostly going to support anaerobic bacteria - I know some people do get the full cycle from trickle filters where they're using rings and / or lava rock (the reddish colored one) but the flow is extremely slow in those situations.

[@gm836]

MELODY MUNRO won't the live bacteria die if power goes off as the bio media will dry off?

[@gavinpowell8538]

I totally agree that this way of filtration is one of the best. The only down side I can see to this type of filtration is in a power outage and if you have no back up power then the media could dry up within a few hours killing off all that fantastic bacteria which would mean you'd be back to cycling your tank all over again. Would you agree?

[@pondguru]

Any filter will suffer when the pump goes off but how long the bacteria survives depends on the quality of media as the water retention will dictate how long bacteria survives when the water flow stops. As the pumice and biohome takes a very long time to dry out (many days in an English summer) the bacteria does not die off as quick as you may think. Once it starts getting on towards a week then the media may well be just about dry and bacteria will be mostly dead. On plastic it will only have a few hours before the whole colony dies. In a traditional filter (full of water) it goes anaerobic very quickly and the water turns nasty after only a day or so but a shower filter will last much longer without the associated problems (when good media is used).

[@Thir7een]

Can't believe how the price of these has shot up, your looking around £60 for this model now.

[@greasysteve9105]

I have seen some of these with plastic bottom trays for £19 on ebay

[@Thir7een]

@@greasysteve9105 Yeah they are nothing like the filter in the video.

[@greasysteve9105]

@@Thir7een they are exactly the same just the tray at the bottom is plastic. There called eco trickle filters or something like that

[@Thir7een]

@@greasysteve9105 The ones under £20 are just one single black box on a plastic tray, nothing like these which are 6,9,12,15 or 18 boxes on an adjustable metal frame with clear boxes. If you have found this exact filter for £19 please send me the link because I will be buying all of them.

[@markcopley7366]

nice to see you back pondie

[@pondguru]

I've never been anywhere and that's part of the problem, lol I've been super busy with work but have more aquarium related videos planned, including a give away coming this week.

[@lifebidesign]

These filters have been around for a long time surprised that you recently found it.

[@pondguru]

In Asia they have been used for years but over here they are only recently appearing (about 20 years too late...)

[@jeffcurrier6039]

Great detailed video! I’m definitely going to purchase this system for my 40 gallon saltwater set up. My question is, would I need a protein skimmer if I have excellent filtration like this?

[@Das_Tipples]

FishRFun column aquariums have a very similar 2 level shower filter fitted, but there’s no overflow. They also come with plastic ball media with no foam in, which is crazy. I must admit though these are the dogs bollocks in filtration.

[@grahamjeffries]

You need to market this as unavailable anywhere

[@scottybhoy8375]

all ponds seem legit got a big canister for my 600 ltr oscar tank and it kicks ass had a fluval fx5 and it was an amazing filter but the power head burned out and the replacement cost more than the all ponds filter that was the same size was a no brainer really thinking of supplementing the all ponds canister with a custom build internal tank sump or a corner love you're videos m8 loads of info and love for our wet sleeved hobby

[@pondguru]

I'm glad you enjoy the videos and the APS filters are indeed excellent value for the money. The 2000 is only £65 on Amazon with free delivery: geni.us/2LnO and it holds as much media as the FX6 (5kg of biohome ultimate). 2 of them for a 600 litre oscar tank would have a good chance of achieving full cycle filtration (reduction in nitrate)

[@Trrondee]

how about a rack, where all the trays are standing free from the construction, so when the mechanical filtration looks like it needs cleaning (because of the transparent trays). you simply just take it out, its a standalone box that can be removed. this most likely exist i think, but damn that would make life easy i think. unless the open air in and around it would make it work less effectively?

[@MeinnameistDreck]

I just saw these on Ebay. They are already sold out of the clear housing filter, which is what I wanted. These look great!

[@pondguru]

I'm sure they will be in stock soon so if you hang on a week or two they should be back in stock.

[@gassmark]

I purchased a clear one (was lucky enough to be in time before they sold out) and this video doesn't do the filter enough justice. Just an awesome filter and a good vid. BTW; if it wasn't for this video I wouldn't have ever heard of this filter. Now it replaces my SunSun canister filter. Works great.

[@pondguru]

Awesome, it's great to hear that you appreciate this filter as it is indeed really good for the cost of it. Yes the clear one is the coolest.

[@pfccgroup1515]

Hi... wonderful insight as always .... Power outrage, media will go dry and bacteria will die fast. Is there a ready made sump in the market that meets ur approval And which can fit below the aquarium with standing water over the bio media, preferably with oxygen bubbles going over it ( battery operated ) ? Could u pl guide . Thanks

[@willowwoodknives]

I used to work at Neil Hardy Aquatica about 12 years ago (worked there for 13 years) they used to run loads of trickle towers on there main coldwater and tropical systems,they were about 6ft + tall x 3ft x 3ft,cant remember what media we used (may have been clays balls) but they used to work very well.

[@pondguru]

I visited Neil Hardy about 15 years ago so may have sen you there. They had a great set up and the room for all the cardinal tetras was awesome.

[@willowwoodknives]

Probably was there,I used to work in the quarentine room most of the time .I remember the cardinal tetra room,one of the last times I was in there the float switch on a pump blew up and the steel ball shot out like a bullitt and wacked me in the leg(good job it hit me and not one of the tanks,Ha Ha)

[@pondguru]

Now that sounds dangerous. I never knew they could blow like that, lol One of the things I miss about having a shop was dealing with some of the suppliers and customers. Now I lock myself away like a hermit working from home and it is much less personal unless someone phones up (which I encourage) to get advice.

[@bobb2494]

So the first layer is coarse sponge to catch large muck and stop it clogging up other stages. But if large muck is coming wouldn't it clog up the pump first?

[@BenOchart]

I’ve set up a large wet dry trickle. If you have the final product I’ll be happy to do a video and include in my system 😀😉

[@pondguru]

Dear Ben, Do you mean the shower media we developed for pond showers? If so then Don from Greatwave Engineering (the US distributor of Biohome) has some. He gets a slightly different colored media and calls it 'super gravel' but it should be the same as the shower media I sell here. It would make much more sense for Don to send it out to you as it would arrive faster, save on international shipping and it's about time he sent media out to guys on KZbin since it always seems to be me giving it away, lol Send me an email with your delivery details, phone number and the type or size of shower / compartment you need to fill and I will get in touch with Don for you no problem as you do a good job with your channel. I'm not interested in giving media to channels based on their popularity, just how helpful they are so you're well covered there. Regards, Richard [e-mail]

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Richard. I will jump right on it!

[@isaacchong562]

Excellent point made about the restaurant part. Many times we see sick and ailing animals inside restaurant aquariums!

[@stingrayyyyyy]

It would be great if you sell a complete set up. Like the one you are displaying.

[@pondguru]

Yes that would be cool but I'm just happy to explain what the filter does and give people the links.

[@thedaily1701]

Is there enough "held" water the say middle or bottom compartment to hold freshwater clams in sand to filter?

[@chico0969]

Hello sir! Can you please suggest a pump strong enough for a trickle filter with 18 boxes . I’m using filter in a 75 gallon tank .

[@booneyinc9515]

richard is the geordie version of the DIY king

[@pondguru]

On the DIY filter subject I will be making a nation more of those videos as so many of the old ones which were taken up by the big aquarium channels are not very good videos and I was terrible in front of a camera when I made them. I'll be re-shooting most of those older ideas plus making loads more as we're currently building a studio in my new shed which will allow me to film day or night. Next video I upload will have news on some of the ideas I have for those aquarium / filtration videos including some great ways to help viewers and offer some really nice give aways to people who enjoy watching the videos.

[@ogard85]

Can someone share a link where you can buy this now on ebay, aliexpress or similar? How to even search for them? I treid "trickle", "shower" etc but no luck

[@waiyanpaing6612]

In this filter media are not sink so how bacteria can born?

[@sparkymark68]

Well that's interesting at an astonishingly good price Richard. I may make something similar for my pond. Cheers again.

[@pondguru]

I did a video about a DIY filter for a pond here so that may be of use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZbcoHd4bpaDqZY Its only a matter of time before a pond company realises that a ready made tiered shower system can be made cheaply from plastic and puts them into production I reckon (or hope) as they work great for ponds.

[@DarkDestroyer81pgm]

I'd love to use this on my tank, can't seem to find em now though. Anyone have a link?

[@jean-lucchessher7065]

That filter looks mint nut for what id use it for it would block in 30 minutes but my tank is a turtle tank but the filter I have dose wo turtles and they seem canny happy

[@pondguru]

You could easily add block of coarse foam on the pump inlet to prevent the spray bar from clogging - forgot to mention that in the video but have added the information to teh video description and pinned comment.

[@jeremytripp5492]

I'm disappointed. That BOYU pump isn't available in United States.

[@MrHarjeet11]

Comparing with overhead sump filter with it.. which one will be best...???? As size and surface area of both can be increased..

[@adventureswithsteve2981]

UK Amazon link broken, EBay Link broken, Amazon US currently unavailable, I would love to have one of these

[@pondguru]

Unfortunately I can't keep on top of all the links in the various videos - on ebay and amazon they come and go so links may be active in the future. Someone told me the other day that they have bought one from Alibaba recently and it arrived no problem. That's a site I haven't used but they seem to be reputable from what people tell me.

[@Garymayo]

..........................I'll share something I found through trial and error years ago with this type of system. The final drop back to the tank can be in one inch tubes feeding an under gravel filter (s). This turns under gravel filters into reverse flow under gravel filters. As the water travels down the tube (s) it takes with it air bubbles that build up under the gravel, and pops out in erratic here and there blasts of air pockets that feed oxygen to the gravel and clean it. The air going backwards down the tubes looks amazing. ........................

[@pondguru]

It has been a good few years since I heard anyone mention reverse flow under gravel filters but that is a good point. As long as the tank wasn't tropical fish (99% of them are happier on sand) a reverse flow UGF could be integrated with an overhead shower no problem.

[@51inches]

THANK YOU PONDGURU FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS.....YOU WERE A TREMENDOUS HELP....YOUR THE BEST....DANIEL VENDITTI

[@pondguru]

No problem, any time

[@themadrobot]

my tomato garden does a marvelous job of filtering my aquarium they love the nitrates and I get free tomato's. I haven't changed the water in months though the plants take the same volume as the tank

[@pondguru]

That sounds like a very good system and you can't get more natural than that.

[@themadrobot]

Pondguru Outdoors its rather a shame that the best filtering plants die through winter, though in your case you would need a small orchard I'd think

[@themadrobot]

Pondguru Outdoors its rather a shame that the best filtering plants die through winter, though in your case you would need a small orchard I'd think

[@pondguru]

Yup, I reckon so, lol

[@edwardsdeacon]

🤔 attach on of the trickle filter to a small canister filter like a Sunsun using the canister filter as a prefilter filled with different ppl foams and a polishing pad. Then fill the trickle filter with Biohome and there should never be a issue in your tank related to filtration.

[@cousineddy3819]

Just purchased based on your recommendation. Hopefully it works well. It was definitely well packaged!

[@pondguru]

Yes the packaging is incredible for a low cost item - I'm very impressed with this.

[@Kenney9120]

A video that advertised wet dry sumps suggested that a system without it is risky and delicate, but he was advertising a wet dry sump so I would expect to hear him tout it. I know the wet dry system is superior but how much stress would you put on having it vs just a large supply of submerged media such as Biohome in a properly set up canister or small sump?

[@pondguru]

A properly set up filter of a suitable size will work properly to reduce ammonia, nitrite and nitrate no matter what type of filter it is so I wouldn't worry if you do not have a wet/dry filter. When the biohome mini ultra or ultimate are used at a sensible amount in a well set up canister it is quite easy to achieve full cycle filtration (reduction in nitrate) and while that process may be more efficient in a trickle filter the choice of media and how the filter is set up is way more important than the type of filter used.

[@ianroughley1933]

Great vid as always, as you pointed out tho this could not sit in the front room lol. I would however like to see that filter broken down to a side by side system instead of stacked...so 3 trays next to each other spanning an aquarium. So one compartment could over flow into the next and the flow being controlled so it's still a trickle filter....would that be possible I wonder? That way it could be put on display tanks with minimal visual impact.

[@pondguru]

The 12 tray and 18 tray versions are still only 3 trays high and span longer tanks but are all fed from a suitable length spray bar. It is extremely quiet.

[@ladyt1866]

how much does it weigh and how would one utilize this for glass aquarium

[@floydsfishes2856]

good review Richard! isn't it just a smaller version of what's on your pond? thanks for sharing

[@pondguru]

Yes it is and up to now I had never seen one available, hence the video.

[@troll2878]

Does anyone know where to buy these from currently in the uk? Everywhere i've looked is out of stock

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

19:95 delivered you say ,I just checked and they want 40 quid to ship one to Norway ..its good but I am not going to pay that much ..I will DIY it :D

[@pondguru]

As the link is to a UK based seller there will obviously be added costs associated with shipping to different countries but £40 is excessive, maybe nearer £25 is more realistic with an international courier.

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

Yeah its to much which is a shame because it looks a cracking filter otherwise :)

[@bioguppy2]

Thank you so much Sir!

[@Bedheaduk]

Anyone know if this filter is still available?

[@mickealm93]

Would you recommend I get your"*FRESHWATER* EXTERNAL FILTER UPGRADE KIT- 3Kg MEDIA, FOAMS + FILTER START BALLS" for this filter? I already have high PH so i wont need anything that makes it higher.

[@sj2900]

I am using this tickle filter but I ran into an issue. Lots of bubbles coming out from output. Any suggestions to get rid of those bubbles.

[@pondguru]

If there are bubbles on the water surface then there may be too much protein in the water (from fish food). If you try a small skimmer like the one in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIbTe5mAiaqreLM It skims all the oils and protein from the water surface and helps to keep the surface layer healthy. Usually if much of the food going into the tank is dried food you can get problems with protein causing the surface layer of water to thicken which results in bubbles which take an age to pop. Bubbles should pop in under a second when the surface layer of water is thin enough (and healthy)

[@neilspiring1498]

I watched a video of yours the other day on Eheim canister filter setup . I just purchased a 100 gal tank and it has Eheim pro 2 . The reading I have done indicates this filter is no longer made . I had tanks over 16 years ago but life took me away from them BUT now ready to give it another try. Thinking about goldfish in this tank . Any types and ideas will be appreciated .

[@pondguru]

As long as you go for a filter which promises to treat 'up to' twice the volume of your tank, or maybe even 3x the volume of the tank if you have goldfish and set it up properly it should hold enough media to properly filter the water. e.g. for a 100 gallon (US?) tank you'd be looking for a filter which is for 'up to' 200 gallons (for a normal community tank) or 'up to' 300 gallons for a 100 gallon goldfish tank. That is because goldfish are very polluting fish. Above figures are based on using the biohome ultimate and the end goal being full cycle filtration, reduction in nitrate (proper filtration).

[@gm836]

You are a treat to watch. Very interesting and informative.

[@pondguru]

Glad you enjoyed the video - thanks for watching.

[@51inches]

DEAR PONDGURU; THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING PART OF MY QUESTION. I ALSO WANTED TO KNOW DO YOU THINK IF I WAS TO GET 2-15 CANNISTER FILTERS.. WOULD THIS TAKE CARE OF MY 125 US GALLON FISH TANK....THANK YOU VERY MUCH.....

[@pondguru]

I think I answered this on another video? It depends on the stock but 125 gallons is around 475 litres. 2 x 15 tray filters will easily hold enough media for a heavily stocked 475 litre tank.

[@gm836]

Do Goldfish require hard or soft water? I’ve heard somewhere that they can live in both.

[@DaveNyce1977]

Pondguru would hooking up the outlet of my marineland magniflow 360 canister to the inlet of this filter (larger 18 compartment version) work? My current set up for 60 gallon: Sunsun hw-603 pre filter (just foams) Marineland Magniflow 360 (all trays biohome ultimate) Hydor 300w inline heater Sera Flora CO2 Reactor I'm concerned my GPH will be diminished to low for my tank size.

[@ShadyPanda]

How is it you get 0 nitrate with this compared to similar types of filter units?

[@andygold]

First thing that comes to mind for me is the weight of this system with media installed. How can one determine the safe amount of weight that a tank can handle before the plastic frame or glass fails? I don't know what a system like this weighs, but it gives me pause for concern.!!!

[@pondguru]

Fully filled the one in this video was only about 4kg which is easily held by a suitable sized tank. As the water only showers through it the total weight is not made up of much water.

[@shloimiorbach6572]

Beautiful video.

[@sandylaurent2732]

BRILLIANT MY DEAR WATSON BRILLIANT

[@abuanwp]

The issue with this setup is that power interruption would make the bacteria go byebye.

[@threestaronesun]

What pump are you using?

[@ronaldcalcagno9674]

Awesome genius if you ask. Concepts in filter systems are sort of intimidating. Fantastic.show

[@pondguru]

It is a really simple filter to set up and maintain, plus it will outperform any hang on back filter and many of the larger external canister filters.

[@epierce8864]

Instead of using a pump could I attach the input of the shower filter to an external cannister filter? I was thinking of loading up my Ehiem 2217 with filter foam and then attaching it to the shower filter. I would set up the shower filter like you did in your video. Thanks for the great video. Would this work ?

[@pondguru]

That sounds like a great plan although you may need to regulate the flow into the shower filter with an inline tap since most canister filters have a fairly high flow rate.

[@DebTim]

Hi Richard .. that's pretty cool.

[@bonsiatreesseedsandplantsf4812]

It's a good filter cud I remove the top lid and stack them so it was 6 high and 18 across.love yes video very educational

[@pondguru]

I suppose that is possible but it would be best to buy one the correct size for the tank. I'm not sure you would find one which was 18 across as that would be very long to suspend over a tank - for a tank of that size you'd be better off with a large sump?

[@degan9403]

I'll buy this for my future 125 gallon aquarium. I'm sick of my canister filter and cleaning it. This seems so easy to just lift the filter floss and put down a new one. How do I size this for a 125 gallon or even a 180 gallon? I love your bio home ultimate

[@pondguru]

The link has different options for the shower filter (9 tray, 12 tray and 18 tray) and they are suitable for different lengths of tanks. It would be a matter of measuring your tank and selecting the suitable filter. Each tray will take approx. 800g of biohome ultimate or around 1kg of biogravel - each will work very well. As far as how much media is needed to complete the nitrogen cycle (reduce nitrates) there is a guide here as well as other useful information: filterpro.co.uk/qa-24-w.asp

[@Jstroman221]

Awesome Share! Definitely going to pick one if not two up. What would you recommend in a canister filter? Coarse, Fine, the. just bio media with nothing else before it returns? And your reasoning as to why it is more effective?

[@pondguru]

This video goes into great detail about the workings if a canister and what happens in the different zones: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqSknoZ6aNyJmMk and there is also useful information here: filterpro.co.uk/qa-24-w.asp Feel free to ring me any time 9-5 weekdays on 07772848730 as phone is always on then no worries.

[@marksmith566]

Looks great but wouldn't the tiny holes in the spray bars get blocked regularly has there's no pre-filtering? amazing value though :)

[@pondguru]

It would be very easy to add a block of coarse foam on the pump inlet - thanks for drawing my attention to that and I will add the information to the video description.

[@taryndeclyn1474]

Richard - which would you recommend for a marine fish only system with this exact shower filter- BioHome Ulitmate Marine or BioHome Shower filter media?

[@laglaglaglaglag]

Using that pump, how did you connect it to the inlet tube? I ordered one of these and the same pump yet cannot connect the pump to the inlet pipe. Did you use another connector mate? The singular rubber connector that came with the filter is being used to connect the inlet pipe to the Y piece. This means the inlet pipe cannot connect to the pump without another adaptor.

[@pondguru]

I used the rubbery adaptor to fit the pump to the vertical pipe and the vertical pipe slotted straight into the Y piece. The rubber connector shouldn't be needed for the Y piece as the vertical pipe fits in there nicely.

[@laglaglaglaglag]

Ah yes I see I had a mare moment with it. Was using the wrong plastic pipe as had some already. Cheers Richard. Did you bother with the plumbers tape? I will be cutting down the PVC pipe soon to size. Thinking PVC cutters or hacksaw, what do you advise?

[@pondguru]

I didn't use the plumbers tape but it was nice for them to include it. I used a junior hacksaw to cut the PVC pipe as I thought it may chatter if I use a knife.

[@orangecrushz28]

love it n would love to have a cool filter like that

[@matthewhalliday8193]

Shalom how are you have the price for the trickle filters gone up I can not find them for about £20 can you give me the links to everything I need like filter material ect.

[@pondguru]

All the relevant links are in the video description and in the pinned comment - if you are watching on a mobile phone you will need to click to see the description and comments.

[@neville4992]

Hi, are this trickle filter need a UV sterilizer ?

[@jdofishtank6018]

Hey buddy, I somehow lost all the Biohome Ultimate media I bought a while back, I'm going to get some more, my question is how can I jump start it? I have my 40 gal breeder set up with convicts and my sunsun canister filter running with lava rock as bio media, should I just put the biohome in one of trays along with the lava rock?

[@pondguru]

Yes if you just add it in with the mature media it will quickly set up with bacteria so no worries there. Media will always mature faster in a mature system compared to a new set up.

[@jdofishtank6018]

Great thanks, I just ordered twice as much as I did last time, I need some in my daughter's tank also.

[@pondguru]

You can never have too much filtration - don't lose this lot of media, lol

[@bernarddussault2365]

is it noisy ? . if less than an aquaclear . I'm byuing !

[@Garymayo]

One concern I have is Gnats. Does this wet dry system breed Gnats? If it is not 100% water tight, I could see this turning into a high rise Motel 6 for bugs. I had a sump filter no longer made called a TidePool II that fit under an aquarium, that worked much the same as this. It was a buggy nightmare. It also splashed water all over the place.

[@pondguru]

This one has no way of leaking unless pipes come loose as it has overflows built into the structure and insects should not get into it bu I know what you mean about filters which are accessible - my outdoor shower filter is crawling with bugs.

[@architorture04]

What pump would you recommend for purchase from Amazon US? Thanks.

[@pondguru]

The one in this video was 750 litres per hour (approx. 197 US gallons) per hour. There must not be one on Amazon.com from the same manufacturer or the link would have taken you there (I pay to have multiple countries covered by the same link so anyone who clicks will be directed to the nearest Amazon site). Basically you would be looking for a pump of the same design which pumps around 200 US gallons per hour for a filter the same size as the one in the video.

[@Richard63984]

Hi can i use purigen in the last tray as a chemical filtration?

[@kalawai2000]

I'm so happy to see this video. What a brilliant filter! Where can I find the powerhead and biological filter material here in US?

[@pondguru]

Not sure where you will find the powerhead although the link in video description and pinned comment should be worldwide if possible. The media would be from Greatwave engineering (website) or from Happyfishonline (ebay.com)

[@kalawai2000]

I really enjoy listening to you speak... you could read a restaurant menu to us and it be more interesting.

[@kalawai2000]

Thank you for the video btw.. I was considering a sump with all the bells and whistles...the price of this filter on the video is incredible and not expensive at all. I’m considering using this for Discus which are sensitive to nitrate.

[@pondguru]

Yes there are a few people I have known used it for discus and water quality is perfect. Like all filters the choice of media is critical for water quality so as long as you don't fill it with plastic balls it should work very well.

[@kalawai2000]

I won’t be using plastic balls at all. I have been paying attention to the videos.

[@ManicMindTrick]

I contacted the guy who import pumice for garden and pond filter use and he said it had a neutral PH and wouldn't effect the water chemistry much as it's inert.

[@pondguru]

I'm sure there are many people who import many types and grades of pumice but the white pumice which is used for water purification has a relatively high pH and mineralises the water - that makes it great for hard water fish but not good for 90% of tropical fish which prefer soft water from S. America / Asia.

[@ManicMindTrick]

Where is your source for high PH of pumice?

[@pondguru]

When I ordered the first 500kg I requested an analysis (composition) report which listed all the elements present in the pumice and also the specific pH which was 8.0 - that is why it is used for water treatment facilities in areas of low pH (e.g. peaty water in Scotland highlands) to buffer the pH up and mineralise the soft water. There are all sorts of volcanic rocks which could be classed as pumice and generally the darker it is the lower the pH. If you have neutral or low pH species in the tank it is best to go with a form of volcanic rock called 'scoria' which is commonly used in BBQ and is what many people in the US use as a DIY filter media as it does not have a high specific pH. Generally the lighter the pumice is in colour the higher the pH will be so the stuff I get is 8.0 (almost pure white) but lesser quality pumice which contains grey or black rocks (e.g. seachem 'matrix') may have an average pH of nearer 7.5 which most sellers would class as 'inert' since most aquariums end up around 7.5 due to the choice of substrate generally being gravel which tends to set the pH at 7.5 / 7.6. Hope that makes sense - not all pumice has the same composition and so not all will have the same specific pH. Therefore your source of pumice may well be classed as 'inert'.

[@worddunlap]

Examine the surface of pea gravel (untreated) with a large magnifier. It has plenty of surface area that is near perfect for growing bacteria. It's also damn near indestructible.

[@dillontandt]

I've seen this type of filter in my country, Singapore for many many years

[@pondguru]

Yes there are a few people who have said they have been using overhead shower filters in the far East for many years - you guys are definitely on top of proper filtration out there and its sad companies over here seem more focused on making useless hang on back and internal filters with replaceable cartridges so they get plenty of after sales income. You guys don't mess about like that and I appreciate your love and understanding of the hobby.

[@kye88]

I like this unit. Ive seen them on ebay. however while you have one, could you tell me the size of the compartments as they look quiet small.

[@pondguru]

Each compartment is 160mm x 120mm x 70mm high - most of that space is available for media and you can get around 600g biohome ultimate or 800g biogravel (both shown in the video) in each compartment.

[@LowTechTank]

thank you for doing this video! nice to see a new type of filter bridging the pond with the aquarium. As always your information about filtration was the real gem. I learned about pumas being a filtration media suitable for live bearers and ciclids. And i have used your media for my tanks and really love the stuff. BioHome Rock!!!!

[@pondguru]

Great to hear, man and yes this filter is a really good one. Not very aesthetically pleasing for most people but I love to see the filtration process happening.

[@LowTechTank]

i think it is very mesmerizing watching the water flow through its cycle of filtration. being able to watch it helps me understand how it works and in turn will make us better fish keepers. thank you for sharing your knowledge with us

[@pondguru]

No worries, man and it is indeed great to be able to see the filtration process happening - that is what drew me to this filter initially.

[@SCHRUBBE1966]

yeah I have 2 of them.. there for sale on amazon now to

[@MrWhitewolf02usa]

I have a old 20 gallon tank that was converted to a hangover sump pump looking to maximize it with media. Do you have a video on sump pump media

[@pondguru]

Any of the videos I did on pond shower filters will have media suitable for sumps and the most suitable types would either be biohome ultra or maxi ultimate as they are the largest sizes we do but any type of biohome will work. We make it bigger / smaller for different sized filters but essentially it is all very similar with tweaks made to porosity and structure to be suited to a higher / lower flow rate and different water pressures in the different size filters. The largest types of biohome (ultra / maxi ultimate) are the most porous so best suited to a low water pressure environment like a sump.

[@51inches]

HELLO MR PONDGURU; I ALWAYS LOOK AT YOUR VIDEOS AND CONSIDER YOU AN AUTHORITY IN FILTRATION. I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE 1 OR 2 OF THESE STACKABLES. I HAVE A 125 GALLON ACRYLIC CLEAR FOR LIFE TANK. THERE ARE A FEW CUTOUTS ON THE TOP OF THE TANK. I THINK I COULD GET IT TO WORK. I HAVE AFRICAN CICHLIDS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A SUBMERSIBLE PUMP. HOW MANY GALLONS PER HOUR SHOULD I BUY IN ORDER FOR THIS SYSTEM TO GIVE ME PRISTINE WATER...I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ADVISE YOU CAN GIVE ME IN THIS MATTER.....I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS FILTER. I WOULD LOVE TO GET RID OF MY FLUVAL FX6. I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS FILTER SINCE I BOUGHT IT....THANK YOU DANIEL VENDITTI.........ALSO HOW MANY TRAYS DO YOU THINK I SHOULD GET????

[@pondguru]

The pump I used here was only around 750 litres per hour and this was a 9 tray system. The choice of filter would be governed by the length or width of the tank and although the filter will extend to cover slightly longer or shorter tanks you'd pick the filter based on your tank measurements. If you have a 125 gallon I'm assuming that is US gallons and not UK gallons? so it equates to around 475 litres. You'd use up to 2kg of biohome ultimate per 100 litres for african cichlids so that works out as up to 10kg for the tank to see full cycle filtration (reduction in nitrate).

[@darrylwolfe7359]

Is trickle filter the best type of filter?

[@BarrettAgentAdventures]

Hi is there any place in Thailand I can get Biohome?

[@MrKirby1984]

i just ordered one of these and just wanted to know can i swap everything from my canister filter into this and just use this right out of the box. i have biohome in the canister and its been going for 3 years. thanks for the vids from Minnesota

[@pondguru]

Yes that should work fine as you'll still be using the same foams and media, just in a new container. Best of luck with the swap.

[@DramaticAquatics]

wow awesome video man!!!

[@flipendo2754]

It looks amazing!!

[@pondguru]

Yes its a great one.

[@AndreasC23]

That dig at Matrix tho, haha.

[@pondguru]

What?I was only talking about pumice....oh...right...I see what you mean, lol