Top Tips To Improve Your Filters Performance! Aquarium Filter Maintenance!

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🛒 Links to popular products we use:
Seachem Tidal Filters: bit.ly/3fjkjXF
Sicce Shark ADV Internal Filter: bit.ly/390JuKn
Fritz Guard: bit.ly/3csfNUR
Fritz Complete: bit.ly/3spgtQi
Fritz Dark Water: bit.ly/3sx49gQ
Fritz Betta Guard: bit.ly/3svhExw
Aquarium Salt: bit.ly/3svcIsz
Algae Remover: bit.ly/3sx8nVR
Plant Fertilizer: bit.ly/31lwGKy
General Cure: bit.ly/2PcjXr1
Paracleanse: bit.ly/2NXlqkm
Maracyn: bit.ly/31n8dVh
Ick Medication: bit.ly/3fkZZoS 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Get all the extra benefits by becoming a channel member. / @kgtropicals
Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!
keepfishkeepin...
🛒 Links to popular products we use:
Seachem Tidal Filters: bit.ly/3fjkjXF
Sicce Shark ADV Internal Filter: bit.ly/390JuKn
Fritz Guard: bit.ly/3csfNUR
Fritz Complete: bit.ly/3spgtQi
Fritz Dark Water: bit.ly/3sx49gQ
Fritz Betta Guard: bit.ly/3svhExw
Aquarium Salt: bit.ly/3svcIsz
Algae Remover: bit.ly/3sx8nVR
Plant Fertilizer: bit.ly/31lwGKy
General Cure: bit.ly/2PcjXr1
Paracleanse: bit.ly/2NXlqkm
Maracyn: bit.ly/31n8dVh
Ick Medication: bit.ly/3fkZZoS

[@KGTropicals]

🛒*Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!* keepfishkeeping.com

[@amithnalla5804]

Big fan can u give me heart!

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

Nice cheers to all :)

[@newstoyou2086]

Hey I just got a betta fish I got it in warm water it has loads of space but it only stays in 2 corners of the tank the side with the heater and the side where the filter is btw the side with the heater has loads of bubbles is that why it's in the corners

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

@@newstoyou2086 In case im not wrong your aquarium tank water is it stabilized? or is your water still new?

[@newstoyou2086]

@@WorldAquariumSingapore I used tetra safe start bactira it said you can put the fish in after I used it but I let it run in the waterfore about half a day then I got the fish earlier

[@savannamm]

I used a qtip to clean out my aquaclear one. It had a super thick build up layer in the pump that wouldn't rinse off

[@Backblast72]

The reason you don't want to run regular carbon in a planted aquarium is because it will remove all the minerals and nutrients that your plants need to be healthy. Plants need Micro and Macro nutrients. There is a carbon which can be ran in a planted aquarium; its called Chemi-pure Green and its made for planted aquariums. I use this on my planted tank and it works great.

[@napoleonhardin7954]

I agree, Brother. It’s also only necessary for removing smells, cloudy water, medications, toxins, etc. in fresh water aquariums. Water changes and maintenance helps as well. 😁

[@McconneIIRet]

Excellent video. Going to be getting a 10-20 gallon betta tank soon, so I've been binging on your content and trying to figure out how to be a good fish keeper. This video gave me exactly what I needed to know in regards to the Tidal.

[@cadence1086]

Lisa, u and Bubbles inspired me to rescue 4 bettas in rlly bad conditions at my lfs, they r doing so much better, ty

[@MacHamish]

An intake sponge makes a huge diffrence. Just wrap a bit of filter sponge around the intake and use a plastic hair elastic to keep it on. Rinse and squeeze it out with left over aquarium water during water changes.

[@icegypsy99]

Love my tidal. I have added a polishing pad. occasionally I'll add floss, or purigen. I would add that there is only so much you can put in the basket before it starts to bypass the media. At least with the tidal. I find if I go much above that lip where the basket widens, the blue thing will pop up. When you look in that little reservoir will be full.

[@jaydeef5187]

I drilled like 75 more holes in the bottom of my basket in my 110 and it helped a lot but still have some bypass.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

@@jaydeef5187 the "bypass" is a Design Feature of the Tidal line. The bypass continues to provide Water Circulation and Oxygenation for the Tank.

[@ivandragomiloff2356]

I have three of these filters, the 55 and two 75s, they are truly great. Had the since they came out, 3 plus years and they are still going strong. Broke a piece on one filter, Seachem replaced the part after an email to them, without cost. They even sent me some fish food to try as well. Great company to deal with.

[@stevemiller8239]

I have watched many of your videos, but this is by for one of THE most important. Thank you!

[@ACSchoenwald]

This is awesome advice, I have been sharing this info with all my friends that have aquariums and I get nothing but praise from them two weeks later. I think this is one of the best hacks ALL aquarists should know.

[@alexkostel3777]

I ordered the tidal 55 from you guys and it's going to arrive tomorrow. I can't wait! Thank you both so much for all the info you give us.

[@brian-Nxcir]

how was the filter ? still alive to this day? planning on getting one

[@alexkostel3777]

@@brian-Nxcir Yep its going strong and I just added a polishing pad to it.

[@kevingrant4911]

You Guys should do a top ten on the best decoration for 55 gallons and above by the way I’m a new subscriber your my new favorite youtuber and I watched almost all your videos I’m 13 I’ve been fish keeping since I was 9 and right now I have a 5 gallon and a 55 gallon and a 30 gallon and You have helped me out a lot

[@FezCaliph]

55 likes for 55 gallons

[@RandB_Aquatics]

going to add another like sorry

[@suzielee2522]

I had this filter referred to me and so far I’m loving it! I’ve watched a few reviews on it but you’re the first to actually take apart the impeller which I love! Because that’s the part I was most curious about which everyone else just disregards. There is nothing too simple and you cover everything. Well done!

[@97judge]

John- this was an extremely helpful video!! Especially since I use a Tidal 75 filter. I look forward to putting many of your tips to good use!!

[@MegaMaddydog]

Great products. I am ordering. Thank you for giving this info. As always, you and Lisa are so helpful. 😊

[@SandwichMan1764]

Love me some KG in the morning with my cup of Joe!

[@fishandfloral]

I have a canister filter on my 125g but I like to use a HOB when I want to run Purigen or carbon. It’s just easier to get to it to remove, rather than breaking into the canister.

[@whitneynilan1257]

Love your text overs.. PUMP! 🤣

[@flip034]

Probably one of the most informative videos from you. Great job 👏

[@eues803]

Very good a lot of alternatives, that a lot of person's don't know 👍👍👍

[@caroleinwv]

I love Tidal filters and going forward I will buy them from you!

[@ronweldon5892]

I put the extra biomedia that came with my sponge filter in a little media bag in between my two pad filters in my over the back filter. A bag of crushed coral in front of the final pad. I think now I'll add some foam before the first pad.

[@JesusRojas1998]

what would be better overall for clean tank and good bacteria growth? the method with poly fill and the bio max or just loading the filter with sponges? also, what about the carbon layer to remove toxins? im new to the fish hobby x.x also, wouldn't adding the sponge to the intake at the bottom, prevent from picking up large debris like fish food / poop?

[@Matagot90]

I have two of these filters. Thanks for posting this.

[@LittleMissSteffi]

Also I love your tank to your right I love all the colors 💕

[@WLHS]

Terrific video thanks. Being a novice, I wasn’t sure if I was going in right direction. Your video showed me that the backup filters I use in my tanks have the same sized rappeller so they must all do about the same quantities. I have a charcoal filter with cubes of the foam and batting you showed us. I change the foam regularly or just rinse it through with treated/aquarium water. I actually purchased a big pack of sponges 🧽 , I am thinking of lining the bottom of a tank with the foam before I add the rocks, decorations, pebbles and gravels which hold lots of crud in itself but I’m thinking a 4 inch layer of foam with absorb and hold ammonia waste for longer periods.

[@tonynguyen4355]

You are the best, so awesome Sir! Thank you so much For those wonderful knowledges Sir. I am truly appreciated you with it. Best of luck and good Health!

[@mikecollins3793]

I just bought the tidal 55. You sold me on it John!!! Looks like a great filter.

[@fintasticaquatics8071]

Good tips 👍 I also think sponge is underrated when it comes to surface area

[@Chris-nn3vu]

True

[@kevinsheng8775]

Still it gives more surface area

[@turtleman190]

Is sponge underrated or is surface area overrated

[@christiangibson7285]

When getting started a few years back I bought the tetra whisper HOB I got tired of buying the filter cartridges for it. After watching aquarium co-op video on upgrading filters I found out the aquaclear sponge filter fit perfectly in my filter.

[@kathymurphy1588]

I did the same after the Aquarium Co-op excellent vid! I love aqua clear sponges and use them in all my filters - doesn't matter what brand of filter you own!

[@dennisronquillo9494]

thanks for the tips. your videos are great.

[@troytorgerson3977]

I have used purigen on my tank. The pouch worked until it broke. Time to replace. Amazing stuff

[@mrek2068]

Great video as always.

[@TBizzell68]

Thanks! This is just what I was looking for!

[@Barb5001]

BTW the Aqueon clogged filter LED only blinks with a clogged filter if you have the batteries installed in the correct polarity, + And - indicators are on the battery holder... you may need magnification to see those indicators.

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

Second :D and filter is the lifeline for fishes and all in tank, what type of filter do you have now in your tank?:D

[@johnbell1859]

Great show,very thorough thanks. 🇬🇧

[@BlandDeuce]

Aquarium Coop towel! LOL another great video thanks...

[@SusanMonk-nx2qv]

I know this is an older video, but I do want to add that the surface skimmer is deadly for fry and baby shrimp and there is no way to stop the flow into the skimmer. Need a model that doesn’t have this.

[@hezurog5346]

Its my understanding that the Tidal 75 moves 350 gallons per hour on full flow. For a stocked goldfish tank should I have it on full?

[@darrendelmonaco2249]

Purigen is exhausted and can't be recharged when it stops going back to white if it stays reddish brown after bleaching it's throw away time, I've recharged one around 12 times in nearly 2 years in a highly stocked African tank

[@jonsanchez7926]

Just ordered one from your site hope it’s worth all the hype.

[@cameronbeveridge9603]

Ordered the 55 on your advice. Sounds great looking forward to trying it

[@d3115uxor]

love the "pump" overlays, but calling it motor is actually correct. the full assembly with housing makes it a pump

[@darthanubis4204]

Well the motor would just be the part that makes it spin, with the fan and tube it's a pump.

[@d3115uxor]

@@darthanubis4204 thats exactly what i said lol

[@spencerjames477]

Never in my life has my crafting hobby helped me with my fish keeping hobby until today 💀 I have a whole bag of polyfil in the garage and I’ve been trying to find other things to filter my tanks with for week

[@KGcichlids]

Great advice and tips John!

[@sqrley]

Please reply... the blue 'n white type... do you put the blue side up or the white 'cottony' side up? Thanks in advance

[@theberkshiresmatreasurehun5337]

My favorite filter I run the 55 on 20 gallon reef tank and I use purigen and filter floss and the matrix best filter ever

[@Krom1hell]

Cleaned my 2 filters today :)).... in the morning

[@shawnquaintance1480]

I’ve got a couple tidal 110’s I have a Marineland sponge filter on the intake then 2 of the blue ones 2 white polishing pads then about 2 inches of polyfil then 2 purigen and filled it the rest of the way with matrix. Seems to work pretty good so far! The combination of sponges and medias is endless!🤣

[@kenjiro2676]

14:00 I plan on adding coarse sponges at the bottom(75%), fine sponge(15%), then polyfil(10%).

[@larrylaird3576]

You have some good information, but you go on and on just rambling other than that I like your videos.

[@HiLiKuSss]

An American Aquarium Products filter max works wonders for hob intakes, they use the American made sponges from ATI, buy American when you can.

[@AndyP126]

The impeller shafts on Aquaclear filters are replaceable. You can grab it with a pair of pliers and pull it out of the pump. Put a new one in and push down on it with a piece of wood till you feel it pop into place. I replace mine once a year.

[@tomsmith5456]

I’ve been running that filter for a while now and have found no need to add any other media at all it just keeps my tank crystal clear ...Sometimes it’s easy to get bypass if you add to much, but I suppose that’s the same with any filter..The intake sponge is the best thing you can add in my opinion that really is an improvement and less maintenance on cleaning the whole filter , but yes yes experiment its fun .

[@alexandradavis315]

You should design a Puritan filter 4 sponge filters

[@onestopmouse7464]

Great video as always ! THANKS!

[@chlimo]

I have a kit filter, and I had the cartridge but with was starting to come apart, so I put a coarse sponge with it until I just left the sponge and I put poly fill as well. And also have the pre-filter, because even at its lowest setting its still strong for my betta, but now its better. Today after like 6 months I finally cleaned the pump, I didnt know how. But there was gunk but not too bad. Now its gonna work even better 😁

[@elephantsarefriends3314]

Thank you so much! I am new to HOB filters. I have a 10 gallon betta tank, and have not been that satisfied with the sponge filter I was using. I just got a tidal 35 for his tank, and I can't wait to get it set up. Your video was extremely helpful.

[@adamwindsor3268]

Note for all: Make sure you RINSE the Purigen before throwing it in! I made that mistake, and for about a week my tank look liked I filled it with cow juice!!

[@debojyotipal4543]

Thank you very much for this:)

[@boanoah6362]

Carbon in a planted tank just filters out a dumptruck load of tiny particulates and nutrients, it doesn't do anything to fish or shrimp since they're getting that from their food. Plants though thrive with nutrients in your water, so what most people recommend doing is soaking your carbon in plant food so it gets filled with the good stuff. Then while it filters your aquarium the water is constantly passing through the carbon and the plant nutrients within taking some with it and keeping more from getting pulled out by the carbon. It's really just not neccessary since carbon has a minimal benefit to the filtration and is better served sprinkled in the substrate (after being loaded with plant juices) since rooting plants will THRIVE.

[@rrjohn5]

My issue... I do this with my Tidal 55, and the little float button stays popped up even right after cleaning it. I wonder if I have toooo many sponges. I use what it came with plus pinky floss plus matrix, plus ceramic rings plus carbon on top. Too much?🤷‍♀️

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

Way TOO Much stuff in the Basket! Seachem Tidal Filters are designed to "bypass" when "Dirty Media" restricts the Flow to continue to Circulate and Oxygenate the Water. Overstuffing the Basket creates too much Backpressure and prevents water flow Through the Media, so Instant Bypass.

[@redbeardeddragon3405]

The things you say buddy LOL is why I watch this channel

[@samuelhicks9552]

Literally just stuffed my Top Fin 55 filter with sponges, filter floss and bio media. Don't even put cartridges in.

[@garyjacobson4707]

This website is helping me out in the fish lobby so much that I,m considering raising certain breeds

[@debkleinschmidt4490]

When doing maintenance is to only clean one or two of the sponges each time. This leaves 2 or so that still have bacteria.

[@shaughnmarieturner9128]

We need access to your freaking site in CANADA!!!!!! PLEASE 🥰 🇨🇦

[@PaulErfishfish]

Tidal are not as good as advertised in my opinion, especially it’s surface skimmer and it’s basket has a big hole with too much bypass, so I sold it after 3 months; I still prefer the “old” aquaclear.

[@johnmarks227]

Old reliable

[@GoNuckingFuts]

I swapped out a top fin HOB filter for a tidal 35. What a difference.

[@DougBerz]

What is the name of the blue sheet you are talking about in 14:40 minutes into this video?

[@feefifofum04]

I opened this and then watched it as I was cleaning the impeller on my bettas filter. 😂

[@ferlosaquatics4522]

Wow I’m actually first lol

[@amithnalla5804]

Nah im first lol

[@ferlosaquatics4522]

Lol

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

@@ferlosaquatics4522 there are 3x first comments ;D but im second commentor and there are 2x 2nd i think ;D

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

John, You're great, but maintencing is not a word...lol!! Excellent tutorial.

[@dolphinliam888]

What are your thoughts on running a pre filter with sponges in series before the canister filter?

[@urag3hard]

This makes me want to do a mega layered filter. From bottom to top: Purigen Sponge Bio media Sponge Polishing pads

[@johnmarks227]

If you don't have a sponge to put over the intake, you can tie one of your bio bags(empty) to it. I did it this way on several of mine, and it works great(but not with tiny babies). It will keep the sand and debris from the impeller though.

[@glenncol]

Hey KGtropicals, please forgive me if not correct, by adding more filter floss, foam, or whatever to the inlet or internal of the filter than came with the unit could/can affect the flow rate of the pump with it needed to pull and push through more dense items than standard? Purigen is AWESOME stuff, i have an FX6 as the main filter on my tank and ran a 206 as a polisher, with purigen , carbon and filter floss and the water was like glass

[@jessemendoza4182]

Do you put the poly-fil before or after the sponge

[@catwomanva]

The polyfill will be in the layer after the sponge, so after the water flows through the sponge it would go through the polyfill. If you had it first, the polyfill would quickly get clogged with larger debris. If it's after the sponge, it will collect smaller particles and be more of a polishing pad for your water.

[@jessemendoza4182]

CatWomanVA Thank you!!!

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

Jesse, the Rule of Thumb is Coarse, Medium, Fine. I have a 55 Tidal. Blue Sponge in first, then a thin layer of Floss about a 1/2 inch thick, then my mesh Bag of Matrix on top. I can rinse the Floss two or three times before I replace it. I turn my 55 down to Minimum Flow at Feeding Time and then return to Normal Flow Rate a few minutes later. This greatly reduces the amount of uneaten Food removed before the Fish can get to it.

[@RobertHoffner]

So if you can sell Title 110 how much would you charge for 1 but I’m gonna need 2 anyway ?

[@rajbirsingh5577]

Ive tried everything but tidals have major bypass issues. Design flaw

[@fd4340]

If you have to replace that impeller on a marineland 350, you might as well buy a new filter, it costs about the same

[@charlesdulinsky2317]

What filter would you recommend for a 56 gallon column my only worry with the tidal is the intake tube doesn't seem that long

[@johnmanis9482]

So I just got Tidal 55 for my 29 gal. But my intake strainer is 5 inches from the bottom. Will that be ok or should try find another intake tube. Love your content.

[@BobMossNanoTanks]

We're on the same wavelength haha. I have a video on hotrodding filters dropping tomorrow

[@ryankursehuston]

I run a prefilter sponge, 2 sponges, filter floss, matrix, and the pothos in both my Tidal 110s on a heavy stocked goldfish 75 gallon and they do great. Crystal clear water and I can go more then a week between water changes.

[@jaydeef5187]

I dont know how you can go more than 3 days without bypass with all that in the filter cause I dont use all that and I cant. I even drilled about 100 more holes in the bottom of the basket for better flow which helped greatly but still get bypass after 3 days and I'm running a sponge and 2 20gal in tank filters in the back corners for water flow more or less.

[@ryankursehuston]

7 fancy. I clean the media in tank water during water changes and rinse out anything in the basket and my filters do great 🤷‍♂️ never had any bypass issues.

[@ryankursehuston]

Also a certain percentage of by pass should be expected the basket isn’t air tight. With any hang on back you will have a small percentage. I run both filter wide open so as many times as my water gets turned over per hour that bypass water will get filtered.

[@ryankursehuston]

@@jaydeef5187 I would use some type of intake pre filter sponge if your media is getting clogged too fast.

[@dhiyaesmail1297]

@@ryankursehuston YOU STILL RUNNING IT ON YOUR 75 I HAVE 8 FANCIES WITH 2 TIDAL 110S ON 75

[@joeader6046]

Can you put some polyfill in the uplift tube of an undergravel filter using powerheads to polish the water

[@tiffanyf5880]

What is your recommendation for switching out filter media for a newly established tank. I have a aqueon led pro 75... Should I do 1 cartridge removal at a time to keep up the bacteria that's there? And how long do I let that run before I do the other side.

[@2tardi]

I’m sorry, if have just heard blablabla while I was completely fascinated by your Cichlids behind you😻

[@Jp-gc6bh]

I just got the 110 tidal a few days ago.. amazing filter!

[@shorty1]

I’m calling your manager you mentioned drugs in the thumbnail smh

[@susanosman3643]

Hi, I recently subscribed to your videos. WOW- your videos are so informative, humorous, and fun! I just learned to find you. NOT too smart concerning internet + phone.

[@jaimeluis7434]

Man. Tried to order from your site. But Puerto Rico is not listed.

[@chrispipe7842]

Great video. Just getting back into the hobby after a 20 year “break” picked up a tidal 75 filter and wondering what your ideal basket setup would be for a 55 Gal freshwater peaceful community tank. Also does the 1inch max size per gallon of water rule still hold true? Setting this tank up for my 7 and 11 year old daughters and hoping for a positive start out the gate. Thank you so much

[@florencetheunicorn]

What is your opinion on the use of lava rock, either as a decoration or in the filter?

[@julsrealdeal6962]

Lava rock is pretty good

[@johnmarks227]

Never used it myself, but a lot of people love it.

[@jjg6872]

love your vids i have 55 gallon tank would you recommend two tidal 55 or one 110 for the tank I've always done two filter on it so just wondering thanks

[@braddeem4998]

If you're using sponges do you not have to run carbon?

[@brandondmatthews]

Is it possible to mount a tidal 75 on the side of the tank and use a wave maker for pushing the flow to the filter? This would be on a 75 gallon mbuna tank.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

Mounted on a sidewall, make sure to keep the lower edge of the Return Ramp UNDER the Surface of the Water. This will have the Filter act as a "Wave Maker" and greatly improves Circulation of the Tank Water and provides your best Oxygenation.

[@brandondmatthews]

@@apaulmcdonough2170 awesome. Thank you.

[@mau5lover2000]

I wouldn't put a fine sponge in a Hob and the reason why is because when I tried it in my penguin 350 the water was overflowing almost out of the filter because the water had a harder time getting through the fine sponge so I just use coarse sponge

[@AdelardRen]

I've always wondered if there was a difference between polyfill, and filter floss. Finally, an answer.

[@st8pl8guy]

The only difference is cost of "filter floss" at your local fish shop vs cost of polyfill in the crafts section at Walmart.

[@Ann__333]

What oder does the media go into the filter? Why? Does it matter? Sponge, floss, biological, then chemical? Sponge, biological, chemical then floss??