Fish Tank Filtration: How Much Do You Need?

[@LRBaquatics]

Thanks for the shout out! Recently I have been getting rid of my airstones and sponge filters and have just been running the air line only or no air with no other filtration at all. I have alot of them with no equipment or anything thriving as show tank quality with clear water and some that are constant breeding tanks and great for raising fry. Some of these tanks dont even have plants in them or did and they died. Plus I only change the water every 2 weeks if that. Lol how do I get a way with it.... I really should make a video on it. You would think with the oxygen it could be because the plants... I dont think thats the case especially at night. It has to have some sort of exchange from the surface or the need for oxygen is super low. For instance with no surface agitation and having biofilm across the whole top would really inhibit exchange from the surface which I have tanks of and the fish breed out in these tanks. I could write a whole book on this so Im gonna stop here but we should def. talk about it more some time. A tour of my fish room would really give you a great idea of whats really going on over here. You would dig it.

[@andygirone7442]

Awesome reach out LRB!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

L.R.Bretz's Aquatics Thanks for the summary man! Definitely want to get down there soon! I'll get a hold of you soon. 😃 I'm going to pin your comment so people can see what you're doing!

[@joeyroldan1658]

I would love to see more of these no tech tanks. I have kept several filterless tanks in the past, that would be a nightmare to the facebook fish groups, but it worked out.

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Would I dig it? Oh yeah :)

[@demekinhouse5497]

People kept aquariums without any filtration or aeration for decades before filters became practical. In some of the older aquarium books I have there are even recommendations that aeration need not be run continuously, and is better left to run at night anyway. If the tank has adequate surface area to support the exchange of gasses (ie. outgassing CO2 and absorbing oxygen) aeration is not necessary. The old rule of thumb was 24 square inches of surface area to 1" of fish.

[@KGTropicals]

Every time I watch one of your videos I end up saying "This is a video every fish keeper should watch". Well done Jason!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks John!

[@trailblazer_bos2511]

This is what I say as well John, right o chap, lol, I love Jason's vids because he is the Prof. and all of us aquarium hobbyists rely on Jason to work out the math and equations for how much of this or how much of that for how many of our fish in our tanks, You Rock Jason, keep up the great vids on educating us without asking for any funds, College is so expensive doesn't everyone agree ? LOL Rock On PTA Thank You Very Much.

[@DB-drdan]

@Chewy Ltd Yes, the Silent Giant with the life-time warranty! Where do I go now to have my Silent Giant serviced for free? Ha!

[@zacharyart5860]

yes'really

[@sovanjandas1848]

Thank u tooo.....your videos are just not only guide those are really episodes to enjoy..

[@josephdy3341]

Finally an aquarist that has no agenda to push, i laugh when people say they use 2 fx6 on a hundred gallon tank, when i can accomplice the same biological process with just a sponge filter with the same fish. great job

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Ya, we are actually working on reducing the filtration we have. I think the vast majority of tanks are greatly over-filtered. We've have a planted 50 gallon low boy with basically nothing but an airstone running for months - no issues.

[@jt9513]

This channel is what helped me in my first few months of getting into this hobby and I must say every word in this video is true. I have two 10 g planted tank with aqua soil, one operating over a year and one less than a year. One with internal filter and another with sponge filter no bio-media, no chemical filtration only a piece of sponge. No fish deaths, no algae but heavily planted tank which happened gradually. No co2 though i used to have it diy method but stopped it due imbalance it created. I have amano, red cherry shrimps, snails that help to keep tank clean. Loved this video every word is gold. Do not spend more on filtration. I also tested my tank once without water change for a month and had no issues!!!

[@nathanbacon3890]

This man is so underrated so helpful love your channel my man great explanation on the 3 filter categories helped me understand better than everyone else !

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you being here.

[@roughriderdave]

I didn't think I'd be up in the middle of the night watching Thanos talk about filters.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Funny how life works out. Haha

[@roughriderdave]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics btw, great video!👌

[@brrrbey]

This comment actually made me laugh, that’s great.

[@blackc1479]

😄😄😄 now i cant unsee it

[@johnfadds6089]

You're wrong, he's Keith Jardine.

[@Mandria73]

First time viewer of a PTA vid. Brilliant. Love to hear people being confident enough to post their opinions. Interesting and very informative. Look forward to viewing other vids on the channel.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you are here! Thank you!

[@Mandria73]

Glad to be here, I’ll be watching from afar! (UK 🇬🇧!)

[@MBBTigger1357]

Hi Jason and Joanna. I just recently got back in the fish hobby after being out for several months. My health took a heavy toll for the the worse not allowing me to properly care for my wet pets. Doing better now. Thankyou for this video. Respectfully, Marty Borst

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you are back!!

[@crystalrodriguez5329]

This video was so helpful. I’ve been so scared making the switch from hob to sponge filters but this just gave me the reassurance I needed!

[@MichaelBoltonsEntireCatalog]

Yeah, I've gone through the first years of fishkeeping...30 to 55 to 75, all kinds of filters and I've sold most of it now. Settled on a planted 20-long with a similar sponge as shown here, a Hydro II with adjustable air pump about a year ago. Works like a champ! Only have one Bristlenose, numerous Platies...water change every few weeks and sponge clean maybe every 4-6 weeks. No sicks, slowdowns or deaths. Folks, take it from this guy. You don't need a badass cannister with 2 Aquaclear 110s to make a tank clean and in working order. Just a little love and two-minute work here and there.

[@smashtoad]

At 11:00 I started smiling like an idiot, because a buddy of mine has been telling me this for years. I've always over-filtered, and your point is very well taken. I'm setting up a tank for a hairy puffer right now, and I'm glad I found your channel.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you watching!

[@tkaiser2086]

Sponge filters are great . They are my favorite. I keep Africans and flowerhorns. Sponges are my number 1 choice for filtration. Sponges keep my water perfect with weekly water changes consisting of 50% water changes. Great video

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They're certainly a great choice for your set-up! Sounds cool!

[@BenOchart]

Great points. I've been going in the direction of a "seasoned" tank with a deep substrate, making that the primary (stable) home for BB and using filters for polishing. Lots of moving parts and things to consider. Thanks!

[@henryrobison5507]

Who knew stone cold steve austin was so into fish tanks

[@webflys]

Wow - one of the best specific videos on this topic I’ve seen 🙏🏻 you’re great to watch too - thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@juanmico4085]

I've always wondered why over here in Europe everyone's so obsessed with massive canister filters. Like everything else is a toy you shouldn't even consider. All reasonable info about filtering seems to come from the US for some reason. Thanks for the video!

[@pondguru]

There is a lot of information which I don't agree with but you explained it well (e.g. the first half of the nitrogen cycle) so I subbed as the video came up as a related video on one of my own. I see you had a guy who has achieved a full cycle using biohome reporting the results in the comments below so if you want to give it a go just get in touch and I will get some sent from your nearest distributor, no pressure, no request to promote / feature on the channel - just try an appropriate amount on one or more of the tanks for 4-6 months and observe the results. If you want to report them at any time in videos that is no worries. As long as you're not murdering the bacteria (especially anaerobic) with treatments like prime or purigen which 'detoxify / bind' ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (starving bacteria) you should see the latter half of the nitrogen cycle (anaerobic) process the nitrate. Adding a source of liquid carbon (e.g. flourish excel) could see that full cycle time drop from 6 months to around 1 month as it seems to make a hell of a difference to bacterial development. Keeping ammonia and nitrite to zero is a very straightforward easy process and everything you said in the video about controlling those pollutants is spot on but that is only half a job, not a FULL cycle - I would like to help you achieve a proper full cycle so if you're interested feel free to contact me any time [e-mail] as I do like the way you explain information in the few videos I've watched recently. Would be great if you were explaining the full story regarding filtration and the nitrogen cycle as viewers would learn a lot from your good presentation manner. Regards, Richard

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I go into more detail on the nitrogen cycle in my the nitrogen cycle video (the only thing I really addressed here is nitrification), which I primarily made as a review tool for my microbiology and biology students. I am an associate professor of microbiology and biology. Yes, once I found out the person you were talking about was using biohome media it made sense that his nitrates were low. The vast majority of my fish room is run by sponge filters so using biohome media might be problematic. I am very hesitant to promote products that complete denitrification yet because I need to do some more work experimentally. Depending on the water source, many problems could arise if one were just looking at the nitrogen cycle as a barometer of healthy water. In other words, ammonia, nitrates, and nitrates could all be close to zero and other parameters could still be at dangerously high levels. I may be reaching out to you at some point though. : -)

[@Makeenosman]

After watching a ton of you videos, pond guru, especially on the nitrafication portion of the nitrogen cycle, I was wondering what your thoughts were. Thanks for leaving the comment!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Makeen Osman Photography I talk a lot about nitrification in my nitrogen cycle video, how lower ammonia, how to lower nitrites and how to lower nitrates. Do you have a specific question I can help with?

[@Makeenosman]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I was wondering if there is such a thing as too much NO3- to N2 conversion in a planted tank? I know this depends on how many plants and fish are stocked in a tank and how much filter media is being used, but assuming if there is an average stocked tank would the NO3- to N2 bacteria possibly be over efficient and thus kill the plants?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

@@Makeenosman There's a couple things going on in the process. Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate to either nitrite, some type of nitrogen-based acid or nitrogen gas. As you mentioned, they compete with plants for nitrate. In the typical set-up (filter with just sponges and floss and no specialty media), the microbes required for the anaerobic respiration of nitrate are most likely lacking in significant quantity and the plants are safe. With media that does allow for anaerobic respiration there is increased competition for nitrate, but I don't know if it impacts plant growth because I haven't studied it. Keep in mind many aquatic plants actually prefer ammonia-based compounds as a source of nitrogen, so they are already competing with nitrifying bacteria in that respect. Finally, I'm not sure I would use media that promotes anaerobic respiration of nitrate in a planted tank. However, I do see a potential advantage for unplanted tanks, like many African cichlid tanks or big South American cichlid tanks, where plants are not possible.

[@sovanjandas1848]

Sir i am from a rural village in India...your videoes through youtube help me to keep my fish healthy...thank you sir...thanks a lot

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@zacharyart5860]

Every time I watch one of your videos I end up saying "This is a video every fish keeper should watch".

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you watching!

[@KGTropicals]

How do I get one of those shirts! It's the last thing I need to make myself look as much like you as possible!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Haha! Send me a message with your size and color combo you want and Joanna can make it. : -)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Charles Hicks Thank you!

[@arthurschamne]

I am getting ready to set up a 40 gallon breeder for shell dwellers, I am considering running 2 of the medium AQQA powered sponge filters(don't want the noise of the bubbles). And the only reason for 2 is the additional chambers I want to put crushed coral for buffering and I realize that I will have to swap that out often to keep it working properly.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@horatioalvarez1824]

Excellent overview, professor. You covered all the major points with just enough information to keep it interesting and practical. Kudos!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching.

[@1959Berre]

You are absolutely correct about biological filtration. The efficiency of a biological medium usually is underestimated. 30 years ago I had a selfmade horizontal trickle filter made of a plastic planter 3 ft long, filled with nothing than expanded clay pellets and a layer of filter wool for mechanical filtration on top of that. The water was perfect, even when I had two serious Oscars, and you know what they can eat. You really don't need a high speed pump, a simple air lift is just fine. A steady supply of oxygen is the key to efficient biological filtration. A trickle filter guarantees plenty of oxygen in the filter medium. Besides, a trickle can never 'suffocate', like a sump, and create anaerobic conditions, since it simply drains all the water in case of a power-out or a pump malfunction, it is perfectly safe.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

All very good points!

[@ejfishes7610]

Jason your videos are always excellent, this may be one of your best. Great explanation & very informative!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! I appreciate you saying that. : -)

[@swannydeehosinpepper9655]

Hello Prime Time Aquatics.. I am just getting back into keeping fish.. I had to put that down a few years ago when my mother-in-law passed.. My wife and I moved into her house and I am now considering starting up a new tank.. By the way your Red Shoulder Severums or "Heros efasciatus" are absolutely beautiful.. I, very much, enjoyed your video "Severum Cichlid Care and Breeding: A Large Center Piece Fish!" on Feb. 2nd, 2019.. What I have done in the past is to use an under gravel filter.. I cap off all but one hole for the tube to go in.. I cut the length of the tube down a bit and put a powerhead on the tube.. The powerhead pulls the water through the gravel bed and up the tube.. When I do a water change I only go down a half of an inch into the gravel bed to remove the bad stuff while keeping the beneficial bacteria in the gravel bed.. Keeping Severums that can take the water flow and not get tired out.. Also, I can turn my powerhead down if need be.. What are your thoughts about that ??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That can work well! Glad you are back into the hobby!

[@shesellsfish]

Had to come back and watch this one. I can't believe it was only 3 years ago when Lucas went filterless, and thank you for encouraginv him to make videos about it. Wow...so many positive things have happened in the last 3 years. I'm so grateful that I've been along for the ride on all ya'lls aquatic adventures and journeys. 👍❤👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@61mab]

Love common sense discussions of serious issues about how to balance maintenance as per size, species and media. Kudos

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@jamescottle3418]

All your videos are just quality information...as a new person in fishkeeping i find the knowledge you share is not just whats considered correct by the internet perception, but from experience from yourself and others with the same passion....thats invaluable to a beginner.

[@jamescottle3418]

Have a small unrelated question Jason, have a 75 litre tank, with lots of natural plants, got 16 white clouds in it, and 10 cherry red shrimp...is only a few weeks old but doing well...do i have room to stock more...it runs about 22-23c and has a reasonabbly ok sponge filter (is an oase 85 tank)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Just makes sure you don't wind up with any ammonia or nitrite spikes over the next few weeks, then I think you could add a few more fish.

[@jamescottle3418]

thanks for that...am sticking to white clouds as i love them.....maybe another 5? Tanks 2 weeks old and ive been doing about 20-25% water changes daily....will cut back in a few weeks when tanks settled.....let me know if im doing anything drastically wrong in your opinion!

[@mackarof77]

Hello there! Well it depends on what is in your tank. Heavy planted(low demand amonia eater plants :)) aquarium works as filter itself, I had 60L tanks with guppies(live food for bigger monsters...), snails... with egeria densa, some xmass moss and duckweed, no algae... and small foam based inner filter only what i was doing was pouring water after evaporate and throwing out tons of duckweed every week... Everything were healthy :) BUT my main 200L aquarium runs with eheim pro4 600 and oase biomaster 600 together bcs heavystocked :) CHEERS!

[@shrisheel]

You mentioned submerged plants helping the NH3 cycle. A pathos would be very effective as well. Rachel has a video that showed it to be too effective. Foo the flowerhorn in his latest videonuses a sweet potato to help with the cycle as well.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For sure - we use pothos on a lot of our tanks!

[@_jurist]

You are totally correct. Every person out there who has, any type of canister filter, hang on the back filter needs to put sponge, just sponge in it. 45 ppi is a very good size. You’ll maintain good flow rate, and have massive surface area for the bacteria to grow on. And you’ll never have to buy another filter media. The sponges will last as long as you do.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I've found the same! Wait until you see the Lucas Bretz fish room tour that comes out soon. : -) Great filtration conversation!

[@_jurist]

Prime Time Aquatics I took inspiration, from Joey Mullin and made my own canister filter, except I made it out of acrylic. 16 x 12 x 12. Jabco 8000. And it has 11 x 12 x 12“ of sponge filter in it. Water is pristine, and I’ve had it over a year and I have yet to change it. And I could you shined a flashlight and look and see exactly what’s going on. I have a big bag of carbon in the bottom though also. I think the aquarium water stinks otherwise. And this thing is in my living room so I don’t want to smell it I just want to see it. I took all the other media out of my Sunsun 304B and just cut sponge to fit in the trays. I’ve got as much filtration as a probably 8 fx6’s and I didn’t spend over $350.

[@robertrosson1990]

Nice information.I have a 220 with a FX5 and a wet dry system the tank is 12 yrs established and is well planted my common placo is at least 10yrs old along with 4 angles 3 loacks 3 wart head gold fish and a 10 smaller fish.and so far the tank has done well along with doing 30% water changes every 3 or 4 months.My thing is if I start changing to different filter set ups is be concerned looking all the fish and looking the natural balance of the tank after all its been going well for at least 12yrs now.

[@zennoodle]

I need to go back and look at the other videos! There's so much good information here! I love the science behind everything and I think my new 55 gallon will be setup properly! Thanks Prime Time Aquatics!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Alex Lin thank you for being here!

[@andystokes8702]

I'd be interested in your views on what I am about to do. My next tank will have a combination of a canister filter and under gravel filtration but the under gravel will work in reverse, the water will flow from bottom to top. The intake for the canister filter will be in the tank a couple of inches above the gravel, the return from the canister will be fed into the 'uptake' pipe of the under gravel filter so that the water will flow under the gravel and permeate up through it. My rationale for this is that the advantage of the canister filter is that it is excellent at removing particles from the water column but, as you say, not so efficient as a biological filter once the filter media clogged. I intend to fill the canister with purely mechanical filtration media. Once the water has passed through the mechanical filter (the canister) the water returning should be clear of suspended material but will not have been 'treated' by any sort of biological material. The gravel bed will now act as the biological filter and the flow of water will be from the bottom up which negates the usual criticism of UG that they draw waste into them and eventually block or harbour huge amounts of mulm. By using this system the water flowing into the UG will be clear and the entire volume of the gravel will have water flowing through it so bacteria will be able to colonise the entire bed, not just the very top layer. It's just an idea at this point but I cannot see why this would not be the best of both worlds, a very efficient mechanical filter which is easy to clean and a biological filter which has a massive surface area. Anybody with any views, feel free to chip in.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

andy stokes While I have not personally tried this, the people I know who have liked it very much! If you do it I would love to hear how it's working for you!

[@jonstfrancis]

I used to have a sump at the back of my aquarium and before the water returned from the sump I forced it to flow bottom to top through a heap of gravel, pebbles and sintered glass, all topped with plants (in a glass encased corner), from there the water poured into the main aquarium. No idea if it did any good. By denitrifying are we talking about removing nitrates? My method now is large amounts of emergent plant growth. Also by creating flow in the tank, the water is forced through plants which enables bacteria to colonise the plant's surfaces and so reduce ammonia and nitrite; plants act as a filter themselves prior to removing nitrate. By the way, I also use canister filters, I feel the extra water (they hold water outside the aquarium), extra flow, surface movement as well as large amounts of surface area with sponges are all an advantage.

[@ZiggyBoyz]

Wow.. This is a 101 of fishtank filtration video that every fish keeper especially the beginner must watch. You have really dig into the knowledge and what to understand about filtration. Now I'm clear like the water in my fish tank 🤣 Well done !!! 👊😎👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@PastorJD]

Thank you for ALL your videos! I’ve probably have watched 40 of them in 2 weeks to learn more. Love the channel and asking for a t-shirt for Christmas 😊 So I have a 55 gallon tank with (2) 75Gallon HoB filters and it looks very clean. Versus my new 35 gallon I wanted to do something different. I decided to do (2) 20 gallon sponge filter. I’ve cycled it for 4 days and it is still cloudy without fish. Based on PTA I moved my dirty media from goldfish tank to cycle it better. But it is still foggy. Do I need to change one of my sponge filters for a HOB 20 gallon to make it clearer?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hard to say for sure. If there is particulate matter n the water a HOB with filter floss may help. If it’s just a little ammonia it will clear up on its own! Thanks for being here!

[@HobbyistFishkeeper]

I've always been a canister (internal & external) kinda guy but this is making me re-think. 1 big air pump with multiple sponges.... would cut down on power usage with less plugs! Thanks for this.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hobbyist Fishkeeper It's cut down on power usage a lot. However, sponges aren't as good as canisters and HOBs for mechanical filtration.

[@JB-yk1rh]

Awesome info! Just acquired a 100gallon tank, and am trying to figure out what I need to set it up properly. Thanks for the help and keep the vids coming!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad it helped!

[@jenbunker6511]

Love your videos ❤ Question I want to switch over my 125 chiclids tank to all sponge filters but I don't know how many to have ? Tank is over stalked for aggression

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I usually run three ATI Hydro 5's in my 125's. That being said, for tanks with cichlids I almost always have to run a HOB filter too because sponge filters aren't great at mechanical filtration.

[@Ashwellx]

29 gallon with 40 apple snails, dwarf gourami and 6 dwarf cory. I use a 50 gallon rated HOB aquaclear and a large dense sponge filter. I hope im not overdoing it but with so many snails, its hard to keep the water clean and smelling nice. Usually right after a feeding the smell is awful.

[@josephdy3341]

May i also add, i agree with the 4-6 time turnover rate, when buying a canister filter, i would recomend buying more than 4-6 times turnover rate, the reason manufacturer rate their canister without media, also we should count for headloss.

[@whateverwhenever_9987]

Great informative video Jason!! I recently noticed on my 125g, the top frame separated due to my ac 110 not level and the water weight. I put some aquarium silicone on to fill the gap. Trying to find a replacement top frame. A few online suppliers don't manufacture it or carry it due to the width being 18 1/2. Also I don't have an empty big tank to move the fish too. Had to pull my 2nd ac110 off the tank. Running sponge filters from aquarium co op. And the ac 110.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hope it works out ok!

[@whateverwhenever_9987]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you!! Me2

[@JasonsPlecosCichlids]

This is what I have always told everyone that asked, there is such thing as too much filtration. A lot of people think its cool to run 5 FX5s on their tank and even more and then post after post you always see no such thing as filtration when indeed there is. I run Matten filters on three 265s and a 170, used to run 2-3 FX5s on each tank, wish I knew about this many years ago. Matten filters are #1 in my eyes as they can be set up many different ways, hide equipment, be a nursery for fish, add additonal bio behind them and so much more. I run them on a single Alita 80, you can check out my channel and see what all I have stocked. When my new 1100 gallon is completed it will be run by 3 matten filters, 2 corner style and a half moon. And this is extremely easy to setup a backup, something you can't say for the other means of filtration.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Totally agree. I did a tour of Rick Borstein's fish room and he was running primarily matten filters and his tanks looked great!

[@errk25]

So many variables in this. I like the Aqua Clear HOB because you can turn down the flow. But if I had many tanks I would certainly go with just the sponge filter when I could. Much more affordable.Good video.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Ya, I think I'd have to add a power plant in my backyard to run HOBs on every tank. Haha

[@loveing49]

Thank you so very much I ordered these after seeing your video.I already had three aquariums set up and one filter went bad the pump just burned out.Thanks to this video I was able to use one of the sponge filters and save my fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's awesome to hear!

[@nwgambler6405]

Just found your channel. Awesome information! Thank you very much!!!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@MBBTigger1357]

Thanks for the video Jason. I have two 110 aquaclear h.o.b filters on my 90 gallon discus tank. I couldn’t be happier except for one thing. I need to keep the water topped off as high as the aquarium will allow to avoid a heavy current splashing into the tank putting stress on the discus. Too much filtration or wrong filters? I appreciate your response.🐟😀

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don't think you are doing anything wrong. That is just the angle of the filter return. My guess is the current is similar either way, but the noise might make it more obvious when the water level drops? The nice thing about those filters is you can adjust the water flow lower if that helps at all?

[@MBBTigger1357]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks Jason for the reminder that I can control the flow rate with my hang on the back filter. I completely forgot about that. You're awesome!

[@dreamkream3074]

Hi, when do you replace your sponge filter? I have a 10 gallon tank with a sponge filter and the sponge are some what wearing off, it is from my old 55 gallon tank. I am setting up just a my 10 gallon with sponge filter on a fluval adjustable air pump. Planning to put medium size black or gray gravel, some live plants and a slim or thinner root like drift wood. Would you also suggest I put a heater? I am planning to put either zeebra or gold line danios or tiger barbs. Would appreciate your suggestions, comments. Thanks! More power on your videos!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good questions - I would put a heater in any tank where I am keeping tropical fish and the tank won't naturally hit 78 degrees on its own. I replace sponge filters when the filter sags to the point where you can see the internal plastic piece. Once that happens the water is no longer traveling through the filter.

[@MegaKemper]

Been running a filter free tank for about six months now. Heavy on the plants and light on the livestock. So far ammonia and nitrite levels seem to be negligible, and the fish seem happy and healthy.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@bufaloguerreiro7573]

Could you tell me your setup? Number os plants, fishes and aquarium size?

[@jus4TrUtH]

Always great videos and info! What size sponge filter would be needed for my 3.5 gallon main tank with 4 Endlers? The 3.5 gallon came with its own filter. I just think that there should be a small boost of filtration quality use, with sponge filtration? What would I need for good filtration? Would I need the same sponge filtration system for my 3.5 gallon quarantine tank, also?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We have been using he Aquatop nano sponges for small tanks like that and they work well! I would put a sponge on a QT for sure!

[@jus4TrUtH]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you so much! Your videos are becoming my GO TO for just about everything "FISH!" You are AWESOME!

[@Osiris_Bennu]

Your video is spot on! You somehow explain a topic, which might take hours of forum trawling, in a matter of minutes....and it all makes sense! Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you Olga! Appreciate the comment. : -)

[@endoroboto]

My mom had a betta in a bowl and I thought I would hook it up with a sweet tank instead. I ended up buying a tank with an included hang-on back filter. I tried to explain to her the tank needed time to setup the bacteria, but she wanted to put the fish in the tank immediately. I wasn't able to deter her from that and about three days later when I was able to check up on it, slime/algae had taken over the tank entirely. The intake of the hang-on back filter that came with the tank had gotten clogged 100% by that slime. When those kinds of filters lose intake ability, they gain buoyancy and float. The air pump was still running almost entirely out of the water. This is another point in favor of sponge filters: the pump does not sit in the water itself like the hang-on back models do which can cause issues in power outages or clogs.

[@brent338]

I've always like hob's in dual mode for emergencies. Recently upgraded two ML350's to two AC110's on a 100gal live planted red dragon guppy tank. High end of flow for sure, but I want them to explode in numbers eventually. They seem to handle the current fine, it too much. Just sponge and ceramic bio balls, with some two tone filter floss in between... Crystal clear. Foam sponge prefilter a must, and adds to the 2-3lbs/per filter of ceramic for bacterial growth. Was gonna diy a sump, but I like this setup alot.

[@James_NatureAquatics]

Great video have to say this is a very unexplained topic. Planted tanks help so much with soaking up ammonia and nitrates as well. Why I have switched over to all planted tanks myself. Awesome breakdown!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Totally agree!

[@paulcox4369]

A very good topic, if you have a substrate, a reasonable amount of decor and are not overstocked your filter is probably only required to provide mechanical filtration & water movement. The big manufacturing names might not like you for pointing that out or some fish keepers who almost seem to enjoy bragging about how many FX6s they run.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It's a great marketing tool, but not necessary. haha

[@nannymcfees1328]

Sponges are god

[@tonyldrums3483]

I have a regular ten gallon tank currently with 3 male guppies. My filter is a Topfin Silentstream 10 HOB which says it goes up to 85 gph. The guppies seem to favor the side of the tank opposite the filter and seem struggle slightly when passing through the filter current. So my question is how low should i set the water flow? Im thinking of putting it half way so it will be around 42gph to lessen their struggle. Any thoughts? I also plan on adding another 3 male guppies eventually. Thanks ahead of time.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think that is a great idea!

[@rickrodriguez6675]

Jason I know that this review is a an older video, but wanted to say great way of explaining the pros & the cons, of different filtration methods. 👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you Rick! Appreciate the kind words.

[@chrisherrera228]

As a newb I'm lovin all this new info 🤘

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching.

[@heymissmiles]

Me too!! Soooo helpful.

[@jenniferlong5957]

I have overkill but I'm afraid to go any less. I have a 65 gallon with 17 full grown mbuna and four mbuna babies. I have a 60 gallon sponge, a 50 gallon HOB with only filter floss, and a Fluval FX6 done up Pond Guru Style. Im ashamed when you can get the same results so much easier! LOL I also do a 50% water change every week, and complete gravel vac once a month and my fish tank looks great and the fish are very healthy and growing. I guess Im just a scaredy-cat because I have so much money tied up in my fish. Anyway, I love your videos!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You have the filtration, might as well use it. : -) Look at it this way - if you start another tank you will have a filter cycled and ready to go!

[@Tubercollosal]

Love your channel, very insightful and straight to the point.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@NinjaSushi2]

Water changes are the best thing you can do followed by mechanic filtration. Physically removing the waste is the best plan I've learned.

[@08mario510]

Really starting to become a fan of yours man!!! Great video!! New subscriber and love the knowledge

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you being here! Thanks for watching

[@someone6429]

Your one of the only channel that has specific information about aquatics. I have a small uni project about a Barrier Reef solar powered sustainable water tank which will be made for educational and yarning purposed for the indigenous community in Australia. I'll be making my filtration a biological/aquaponics system which is part of the sustainability process. The tank will be 1500L and the whole system will be 6 tanks, plus the 7th for the aquaponics which will be made of reef plants and other specimens. My only question is that what flow rate should the filtration for the biological system be? From what I know a flow of 4x the volume of the tank must filter per hour but that's for the mechanical filtration, would you suggest a similar flow rate for the biological?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question - yes, the 4x flow rate should be sufficient for biological filtration as well. Thanks for being here!

[@someone6429]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks for your reply. How about water changes?? Do I also have to keep in mind that the water tanks need to have a water change of 20% of the total volume weekly?

[@redsev4484]

I keep biological filtration separate in the form of a 1.5L bottle filled with crushed lava rock with air flowing for it. This way it does not need to be re primed when the power goes out as sometimes I might be gone for up to a week this is essential. Mechanical filtration after this is literally optional. I find as long as I have a fair amount of plants and clean the gravel with water changes the water stays incredibly clear and water parameters phenomenal. This is a 55 gallon with 4 fire mouth ( not fully grown) 6 giant Danio, 6 Zebra Danio, 2 Plates and 3 Swordtail females. How do you like THAT combination😀

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I agree with you on the filtration aspect. I would love to hear updates on the mix you have in the 55 gallon. In my mind the only thing I see that might be an issue later are the platies, but the rest could work. I actually had white clouds in with T. maculipinnis (same genus as fire mouths) and never had an issue. : -)

[@paulaerasmus5527]

I'm setting up a new 300litre that will be barebottom, with 4 fancy baby goldfish. Filtration will be one canister filter that performs at 2600litres per hour (Dophin C1600 canister), then I have a small internal Filter that pulls 500ltrs per hour (Dophin TF500). I am wanting to put a sponge filter in the middle of the tank as I'm worried about that being a dead spot. I added good quality sponge material, Seachem Matrix and Ceramic rings as the media in the Canister. The internal one has sponge. The fish getting fed twice a day. Will this be enough filtration? I'm not a newbie. 11 months in. I'm moving them from a 65ltr to a 300ltr and I don't want to mess this up.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think you are in good shape. Make sure you use all the media from the old filter set-ups in the new filters to try and avoid ammonia and nitrite spikes as best you can. Good luck!

[@icegypsy99]

When I ran tanks as a kid back in the 70s / 80s, I mainly used undergravel filters. Getting back into it again sometime soon, so I've been doing a lot of research. Those undergravel filters were very common back in the day. Why are they not used today?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here, check this out. This might answer some of your questions. : -) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2PdkHSMh92Do5Y

[@daydreamhealthbeauty2070]

Hey there! Can you explain or do you have a video on how to add a new sponge filter to an already established tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Just chuck it in! : -)

[@theresegilbert5735]

gréât vidéo. should the sponges be cleaned once in a while or just allowed to accumulate bacteria?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I usually don't clean them the first 3-4 weeks they are in the tank. After that I generally clean them every week.

[@amandawitherspoon5225]

I have several 20 gallon tanks with cory catfish. I had the tanks set up with gravel, HOB filters, and a bubble stone. I recently ordered sponge filters from Aquarium Co-op. I switched over to sand and all live plants. The sponge filters are medium sized. I have 2 in each tank. Is that enough? My fish seem happy and healthy. I use a turkey baster to clean up any leftover food or poop on the sand surface every day. If I had enough money and lived in a place with strong flooring, I would become a catfish hoarder.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That should work well !

[@ryanlindo7489]

Awesome video Jason! I've learned alot and it changed my perspective towards what will be a proper filtration. Your straight forward explanation really help me understand the filtration concept. To be honest I am about to change my HOB filter with canister because they said it is the best filtration. But After watching your video I have decided to stick with my HOB instead. It is more than enough. I just need your advise regarding biological media. Which is better biological filter media between the two, coarse sponge filter or lava rock ring? Thank you in advance Jason and more power to your channel. Stay safe!

[@Hankxiong]

Straight to the point! Love the vids! Very informative, thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@Slash0mega]

i love sponge filters, even if you really don't need one they are cheep enough to be a wonderful redundancy.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They sure are!

[@swannydeehosinpepper9655]

What are your thoughts on using Zeolite ??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I generally don't use it, but I've seen it work.

[@NicB-Creations]

I have a small tank with 5 platys(3 juvenile, we bought 2 and the female turned out to be pregnant), some plants (sorry I don't know all the names), 1 japonica schrimp (he was in the bag with the 2 original platys, another freebee, lol) and a bunch of snails that came came in with the plants. I made sure to use a waterconditioner on the first fill up and ran the tank for a few days with a bacteria culture and the plants before introducing fish and I have a mechanical filter that kind of pours out above the waterlevel to agitate the surface and introduce oxigen. The tank is now running for 3 months with the fish in it. Never did any waterchanges, just topped up what evaporated once a week and cleaned the filter when needed. I had some algea at first but they totally cleared up after a while. So far the water is clear, fish look happy and healthy and the female gave birth to some fry again a few days ago and they seem to be doing fine. Not sure if I should do anything special as everything looks super healthy. I don't feel the need to do waterchanges as I see mentioned almost everywhere. Looks like a perfectly balanced self maintaining eco system. The only extra thing I've done once is add a tiny bit of waterconditioner because I figured maybe some chlorine could have gotten in with the tapwater top ups. I probably should look into measuring the waterquality just to be sure but I'm really happy with this little setup. It was actually a present for my 8 year old daughter but I'm really enjoying it too.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad to hear everything is working out well so far! What could happen over time is a build-up of minerals and other solutes. The plants may be managing the nitrogen levels right now, but it can't hurt to check and see if nitrate levels are at an acceptable level (around 20ppm or lower). If you find they are higher, small water changes may help keep that in check and reduce other solutes in the tank. Also, you may find periodic water changes help the plants by reintroducing minerals the plants have depleted from the water column.

[@NicB-Creations]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks for explaining, I never considered that the plants are depleting minerals. I'll get some watertest strips to get a better idea of how it's doing overall.

[@tulioalopez]

Thank you for the information, question I have an fx6 in a 75 gallons with cichlids? Is it to much to add another fx6? The reason is I have a few HOB and they gone bad. Im afraid that my fx6 in any moment it might need service.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, that would be a lot of flow.

[@rayricer1132]

I have a 55 gallon tank danios heavily stocked and moderately planted with a penguin 350 a topfin silentstream 75 and a large sponge filter . Also have a 5 gallon tank heavily planted mystery snail ghost shrimp and a dwarf leopard puffer with 1 small sponge filter and 1 medium sponge filter . Should I maybe remove some of the filtration on both tanks?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You certainly could if you wanted to cut back. Maybe remove the topfin or the sponge from the 55 gallon and one of the sponges form the 5 gallon?

[@rayricer1132]

Prime Time Aquatics thank you I purchased a 15 gallon today for breeding danios hopefully. I moved the medium sized sponge filter from the 5 gallon to the new 15 Gallon to hopefully help get it cycled properly before I try any breeding

[@rayricer1132]

Prime Time Aquatics thank you for the great content and for the great advice

[@skrapdaddy3533]

Hi Jason love the videos got a question I have a 29 gallon with five tetras and five hillstream loaches I have a couple of AquaClear filters that I want to put on here they hang on the back what else do you suggest probably to filter my aquarium keep the water clean but keep the nitrites and the ammonia down.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Once the tank is cycled usually one filter rated for the size tank is more than enough!

[@MrPhillipgraham]

Hey, really helpful videos many thanks. As someone who is in the UK, I can't seem to find any sponge filters or HOB type? We seem to have the external canister filters or in-tank filters?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Those are good too. :-)

[@LoukasKar]

Need advice! How many sponge filters would you use to a 65 gallon heavily planted with sand and 24 fish, 6 of them angels; is 1 large enough;

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I woiuld go with two sponge filter - size would be ATI Hydro III

[@drdurso3114]

Excellent, wonderful vid. THIS is the type of vid everyone should watch, I don't care how long he or she or whom has been in the hobby. Everything you said makes sense, stated in a way that makes sense to all. I'm a retired biomedical engineer. I'm testing overflows and sumps. Yes I'll use a sump. Why? Cuz i like screwing around. Especially with overflow testing. My bioload certainly won't require one. And I'm a fool to do this: 'single point failure points' almost always eventually lead to disaster. Just ask Boeing for example. They've elimited [most] of them. And yet... Sumps introduce a few; maybe a fatal one if you're depending on your sump to support an unrealistic bioload level for your now-composit system. My overflow [almost] cannot fail. I've got two return pumps, the spare one always in the sump and always plumbed and ready to flip the valve. Heck, even that isn't needed. Turn it on, it goes. House has generator. And still - a sump failure is guaranteed, given enough time. I just don't know how yet. lol. But due to my future bioload, I'm not gonna risk the health and happiness of my future fishies.. I just wanna screw around

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like a cool setup!

[@drdurso3114]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics 'Setup' is a stretch. It will be hopefully this winter! Right now I'm just screwing around. I just retired. It's my new job. lol

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

I like low tech fish tank setup and also with simple java ferns and other plants as well and o think external canister filter is great and easy to wash especially for big tanks with partial water changes weekly or more times depends on the type of fishes and just keep it simple and working tank

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

Cool tanks at your background if u can zoom into your tanks more will be perfect

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! We have a number of full fish room tours we've done in the past if you are interested in seeing more of our fish. : -)

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thannks and pls make more aquarium videos like this "D

[@ABM261-zi2gl]

I have a 40 gallon tank with four small gold fish, 6 white cloud minnows and 6 Kuhli loaches and 6 low light level small plants. How many sponge filters do you think i need to run? The tank is on my covered patio deck and gets no direct sun. I live in Northern California.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I might go with two - one on each end of the tank.

[@pointnozzleaway]

this is awesome info. what about cleaning the sponge filter , or do you ? I am doing my first tank, a 29 gallon. I'm trying to decide between the sponge filter or a back hanger. No large fish, and yes a few plants

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGXapual8Zjm7s

[@mealston1725]

Ok...water flow has always concerned me as you mentioned how the aquarium that is highly aggitated will induce stress on some fishes due to their struggle work live within a high current flow environment. I try to access a pump's advertised flow as a guideline where a given filter operates 'unrestricted'...and we know as time goes by, flow restriction will decrease as the filter media used begins to collect debris and eventually reach staturation. In my case, I wonder if I'm running too much filtration (gph), allow me to expand- I run 2 powerheads (450 and 650 gph simutaneously) on a 110 gallon setup...both powerheads use the medium sponge that are oem and I also wrap those sponges in recycled polyester strips cut to fit the diamter and lengths of these powerhead filter canisters. And together, as you point out, they do an absolute superb job of filtering and polishing, I receive compliments all the time. I also have very very little amount of fine pea gravel merely covering part of the tank floor. In my general guesswork on flowrates, lets assume the powerheads running with the poly sheets are pumping about 90% of their advertised flowrates (400/450 and 600/650)...by the fourth day, the polyester has done a great job of collecting any and all unwanted debris and TDS from the water, and they have turned from white to a dark mud by the end of say 8 days. My setup includes the following- 2 Koi angelfish 2 neon tetras 2 pair of yellow and blue GMO tetras 4 mickey mouse plats (down from 10) 6 green cory cats 3 danios 2 rasboras Ive been running this setup for about 3 months now. Ive lost some platies and neons..but cory cats lay eggs every week it seems almost and I have 2 baby cory cats. Hope to record a video soon of the setups I use and the media I employ. Thank you for your channel uploads. AllTheBest-

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

My guess is if anyone struggles in that environment it would be the angels and platys. If they look like they are struggling you could always redirect the flow or cut out the smaller power head and see how the fish behave?

[@FacelessRando]

Would a large sponge filter be sufficient for a 75 gallon tank housing a single Tiger Oscar? Or because of their "messy" nature, would a hang on back filter be the route to go?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would do a HOB. They stir up too much stuff for a sponge filter.

[@yourgonajah1172]

Hello there. Just a question I got 65 litres aquarium with only tow multifasciatus in it and I just got my hands on aquaclear 50 is that enough filtration? Look forward for an answer thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think that should work well!

[@ahmedhaj6837]

Hello, please clarify whether the internal filter of the aquarium should be placed near the surface or near the bottom. Best regards.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I like it closer to the surface to maximize surface agitation and gas exchange.

[@gasbike100mpg]

exactly the info i needed, I too have a pleco tank with lots of jeveniles............i reacth 40ppm nitrates at the one week mark.

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

It's always been my understanding that you want 10×(tank size)=GPH when using a Power Filter (HOB) and 5×(tank size)=GPH if you're using a sump or canister filter. Right or wrong, at least I could understand the math. What's the equation behind sponge filters where there is no flow rate? How do you know what size to buy? In addition to 2 small hyder wave makers, I'm running 3 Marineland 350 power filters, 2 Marineland 360 canister filters and 2 "Large" sponge filters from Aquarium Co-Op. Its overkill I know. Mostly for redundancy purposes for when I need to replace media or if one of the filters breaks down. The plan is to keep large south american/central american cichlids in my 210. Currently they're all tiny, so I'm basically throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. 2 Oscars 1 Jaguar 1 Severum 1 Jack Dempsey 2 convicts 1 salvini 1 black ghost knifefish 1 silver arowana 1 jaguar catfish 1 mango plecostamus 3 red hook silver dollars

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

By the way, great information. Love the video. I loved hearing you talk about what you're running on your 150 oscar+ tank too. Just proved to me how overkill I am on mine. I wish I had found this channel 45 years ago 😳🤔🤣

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Should be a nice tank. You may want to think about the silver arowana and ghost knife - I have a video coming out tomorrow that shows just how large those fish can get! You'll just have to keep an eye on the Oscars with the Jaguar and Jack Dempseys - sometimes the Oscars can get bullied by them. I actually have never used the 10x rate - usually a lot closer to 4x-5x with HOB and canister filters and never had an issue. I tend not to worry about the "flow rate" for sponge filters at all - it's more a function of the pump than the filter anyway.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I don't know if follow up questions are frowned upon but, if flow rate doesn't really matter, what purpose do the different sizes make and why make them, at least with the Aquarium Co-Op brand, stackable? I bought sponge filters for 4 of my 5 aquariums mostly based on esthetics, not necessarily functionality. I've never used them before and don't have any workable knowledge with/for them. I just see all the people who know what they're doing using them.

[@LSeymour]

Excellent info! Thanks for sharing it!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Lsey81 Thank you!

[@DAMITH250]

Nice video Jason 👍 When it comes to wet& dry filters and fully submerged media filters which is better? And out of those which filter will keep the Beneficial bacterial alive longer when a power failure or outage happens (the flow stops) ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Usually canisters will do the worst. Sponge filters are the best for that. HOB and internal canister filters somewhere in the middle.

[@Borogerst32697]

i have a question. i am going to purchase an over the back hanging filter for my 29 gallon. since the tank is so tall, do i have to search for a filter that has a long extension tube so that it sucks water from closer to the bottom where most waste is? also, do i need a bubbler of some sort to help with oxygenation? i intend to plant live plants to help but wondered if you think i need an air stone or such. thanks for such a great channel!!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You don’t need an air stone. I’ve found the Tidal 55, Marineland PRO 175 and Aquaclear 30 to all be more than adequate for a 29 gallon. Have fun!

[@2tardi]

I always recommend new fish keepers to start with a snail vase with a little spot light (the office one’s), sand and plants. No filtration. I’ve learnt lots with this method. I put potato’s, garlic, herbs etc on the surface of my aquariums as these plants consume the rest of nitrates. And my open aquariums look pretty decent (flowers).

[@vanschermerhorn7167]

I am setting up a new 6 ft. long tank . I believe you are right about biological filtration . I am going to have a community tank with plants . Oh by the way I am watching your video on How much filtration you need . Filtration also depends on the fish you have and plants do don't like fast moving water. . I figured it out I need 536 gph .Can you suggest filtration I need . My tank will have 135 gallons and 18 " high . Can you suggest the filtration I need and the lighting . I would appreciate your help .

[@toddtefft8827]

I have a 40 gallon tank. I'm looking to put some angle fish in there. And maybe a few other fish to go with them. I'll be using gravel and some natural looking decorations. What kind of filter should I go with?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

todd tefft It really depends on personal preference. HOB are easy to maintain, look better and do a better job of mechanical filtration. Sponge filters are super simple, also easy to maintain, cheap, but take up space inside the tank.

[@valdurio52]

Have to ask.. running 2 Seachems tidal 110’s and a large sponge filter on my Datnoid 150 gallon. 2 6 inch and 4 3-3.5 Datnoids no substrate or plants but lots of wood and large rocks. Water changes 25% weekly.. temp 82 and parimiters are good. I know as the Datnoids grow you can’t short cut on filtration. What do you think Jason. Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The dual Seachem Tidal 110s should be more than enough - they push a lot of water through the filter! Have fun!

[@valdurio52]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I worry that the intake tubes are weak on tidals and most intake is at top that’s why I use big sponge and it keeps water

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

I have a 20 gallon long tank with 6 glow in the Tetras and a small Albino pleco. I have a Aqueon internal power filter and a Powkoo corner sponge filter. My water always gets cloudy. I’ve tested the water. Everything is fine. Do I need another sponge filter and get rid of the Aqueon?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It sounds like you have plenty of filtration. If you are changing out the media after it get clogged, it might just be allowing the tank to stabilize too. Could be the food as well?

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

Prime Time Aquatics Effective yesterday I plan on reducing my feeding to once a day rather then twice.

[@mikef3300]

I have a sunsun 704b on my 6ft X 18 3/4 X 16 3/4 diy acrylic tank with the spray bar at one end and the intake at the other end. It is stocked with 14 albino cory, 2 albino bristle nose pleco and 8 platinum angelfish. It has large rock formations at either end and spider wood in the middle of the tank. It's planted with various species of val along with java fern anubias and some bolbitus fern. When I first set up the filter I was worried that it would be too much flow for these fish. The way that I installed the spray bar on the end of the tank instead of on the back pushes the water along the tanks 6ft length. All these fish are juveniles with the angels being the size of a quarter. Surprisingly they seem to love the flow. It's comical watching them swim into the current right in front of the spray bar. Seems like they are running on a treadmill for exercise. When they want a break they swim to the other side of the tank. I like the filter setup this way because the val flows to the side instead of folding towards the front of the tank and doesn't block the light from the other plants. I'm glad that the filter isn't more powerful then it is or I'm sure it would be too much but it seems that it's working out really well so far. Great video as always. Thanks for sharing

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like a great set-up! I think you did the filtration well. : -)

[@toddhenning6628]

Just took some of the first generation of bristlenose fry a out 2.5" before the LFS wants them..got $3.60 a piece for them!!! I'm not gonna lie I thought for sure I would only get $1.50..they had 5 super reds they had just gotten in so I bought all 5 of them....fingers crossed I get a pair or 2. $30 each for the super reds.and are about 2.5" long...good price you think? I live in Chesapeake va. Thanks for all your help Jason went and got some tubs today like u suggested...grow baby grow

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Wow you got a nice price for your BN plecos at $3.60 each. 😀

[@bobbygsproaquarium]

As always I love your videos! This one is very informative and simply down to the basics. Thanks Jason

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!