Amazon Affiliate Link for Filter Floss: amzn.to/2XifyVl Amazon Affiliate Link for Filter Sponge (buy the thickness that suits your needs): amzn.to/2ypDJXc Want to learn more about aquarium filtration? Check out this playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL79yWtqvNd3VElXizfsGaZ1K_qVgFLx13.html Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Great info! I've always wondered if washing a filter cartridge would kill beneficial bacteria, now I know. What about intake sponges? Are they a good investment or unnecessary?
Buying! Question - I have 37 gal "starter" aquarium from PetSmart and it came with what I believe is an API hang on the back filter. In the filter there is what I believe is a charcoal bag with a hard plastic screen in front of it...should i retain the hard plastic porous screen when ditching the charcoal bag for your two suggested items? Thanks!
Got tired of replacing the filter for my HOB during water changes and decided to upgrade mine using a the TopFin Pro 30 gallon media kit. Cut it to size and so far so good! Waters crystal clear, and I doubt I’ll have to purchase any new media for awhile since I only have a 10g tank! Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoy you and wife’s videos. How you go into great detail. On why you do something how. And if there is other Alternatives. Keep up the great work.
Boy this is a change me giving the Professor a tip in one of my hang on back filters I use Sera Crystal Clear,it looks like little tennis balls when new. You can rinse and use indefinitely. After a little while they (don’t know a better way to say) dirty up and look kind of like moss balls. Drop them around different parts of new tank seeds tank very fast. Mentioned it to Sera both last Aquatic Experience when I met you. Yes you have to buy once but still using first ones,rinse and put back. It is my favorite way of starting a new tank. You and the wife have a great day stay safe!
This is a fantastic video, came back to it to send someone the link for it... very helpful tips to help get the best performance and save money! This video spurred me to buy a bag of filter floss a few months ago and it's fantastic. Cheap, easy, and I can usually rinse it out once or twice before replacing which would be really difficult with the floss stuck onto a cartridge.
Thank you for this information. I have taken your advice and I am very happy with the results. The aquarium water appears clearer in all 3 of my tanks. You are a genius!
Totally agree plus I dont like all the plastic used in those new filters not good for the enviroment at all they really need to rethink that and get back to basics I have been using the same as you with no issue for years.
JustinL614 Not so much for the fish but it’s very wasteful as they need replacing monthly etc so definitely not good for the environment and ending up on the rubbish tip 😡
I'm a fan of poly-fill. I have submersible filters and in the compartments (which are very roomy) I stack coarse sponge/poly-fill/coarse sponge. The sponge closet to the impeller is just to make sure none of the poly-fill stands get sucked into it. What I like about poly-fill is I can adjust based on need - pack in more if it's a tank that generates a lot of debris, or pack it light if not. I have planted tanks and some of my fish and burrowing snails kick up quite a bit of the aquasoil and at times can make a real mess of the filter. I can wash the poly-fill many times before I need to replace it, and a 5 lb bag of poly-fill is very cost effective and almost literally lasts forever - well, at least for me, I only have 6 tanks,... :)
You, your wife and like two other youtube fish guys help me out so much but I’m still learning, wish you guys had away I could get some of them big fish tanks for cheap lol
The flos can be cleaned as well. Untill it starts comming apart very sitiuation is different but I clean mine about 10/12 times before renewal is needed. But I just have 3 filters going. If you run dozens it starts taking time.
Yes I totally agree I saw a similar video by aquarium co op and ever since then this is how I rig all my hobs it saves soo much money and really makes a huge improvement I have a penguin 350 with ceramic media on the bottom of both compartments fluval zeo carb on top of that and then coarse sponge before the water returns to the tank. I used to have coarse and medium but the medium clogged up fast and the filter was over flowing like mad so I just have the coarse sponge but I also have the fluval fx6 which is super packed with media and sponges so I have no worries lol.
Hello PTA. Thank you for your helpful videos. What is your opinion on beneficial bacteria (in bottles)? Is it necessary to add some at every water change, in other words weekly? That is also quite expensive. Thanks for your time and expertise.
This is what I do when I buy a filter with cartridges: - cartridges go straight in a box with "backup media" in case of an emergency. - I cut and fit sponges from a big sheet. Less expensive than buying already customized sponges. - Heaps of bio-media (biomax, lavarock,....) - Filter floss. - A pre-filter (sponge) on the intake tube. That's all you need to have excellent filtration.
@@khydo yep all can go in HOB. You usually want the foam,then floss, then media. My Marineland Penguin HOB hated any kind of rock media in it for the bio wheel to work right so its full of sponges that get rinsed in tank water on water changes. I see why some dislike the Penguin because of the bio wheel not spinning properly sometimes. I think I found the problem it actually spins itself out of shape. For some reason it wasn't designed to fit together snugly and the fix is to take it off the filter and push it back together so it spins true.. I actually prefer a bunch of sponges in the filter now it moves a lot more water than it did with sponge and bio rock combo.The wheel doesn't seem to jam up as much with the increased flow too. I have an Aquaclear / Hagen too that I bought first but it cost around $33 on Amazon vs Marineland at around $12.
@@khydo The Hagen filter returns water to the tank at a steep angle too which disturbs the whole tank. I had to shove it to one side of the tank and put stuff under / around it but the current still drives the fish away from that side of the tank. Maybe another kind of fish would enjoy this but my Black Tetras hate it. I plan on growing a bunch of Hornwort and floating it by that filter, if that doesn't work I guess I'll just yank that filter out xD
Amazing content as always...I do exactly how you described...however when my filter floss gets dirty I rinse it thoroughly and use it again, I am using the same one for many months now...Should I change the floss or it’s ok use it many times after thoroughly cleaning its gunk...
Awesome video. A trusted source as always! Quick question: I noticed you said you rinse the sponge off in tap water and the exposure to chlorine would be limited and wouldn’t affect the good bacteria. That is great as I can’t stand having to pull out tank water just to clean filter media. A simple task can become a chore in this way. Was wondering, after putting the sponge back in, do you recommend adding dechlorinator (such as Prime) or is that not necessary? Thanks!
We do just because we are also doing water changes at the same time. If I weren't doing the water changes I probably wouldn't bother. The minute the sponge filter goes back into the tank the chlorine left in the sponge filter becomes highly diluted.
Great video again! I am worried about certain polyfiber bags containing fire retardant chemicals , that is why I am worried about buying it from big box stores
Really think im gonna atart doing this. So the sponge you use, would you prefer fine since it should absorb more than course would? I would set it up just like you with the white stuff behind it?
been debating on switch out my small filter for a custom like this. Those are so small and expensive. This looks way easier. I need a bigger one for my hex tank tho mine seems too small do fit rings and sponges.
i have just a sponge in my hob filters, ive been looking into what else i can add. so far im planning to add bio rings and filter floss! ive had them running without the replacable cartridges and just a sponge a month after setting them all up. so its been about 6 months now. water quality isnt bad or anything but i want better!
When you have to add medication to the tank what media, if any do you need to remove while medicating your tank ??! Also how about a video on adding let’s say ICK meds to a large tank (showing us what media you remove, adjusting the temperature, water changes , feeding while medicating, etc. until the ick has been treated. that’ll be wicked helpful! 🙏 thx
Jason, you are amazing, so knowledgeable! Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge. Just one suggestion that would be helpful for me, if you could talk a little slower. Can't keep up with that amazing brain!! 🤔
Help for a rookie with a 10 gallon fish tank with plants: pleas and thank you! What piece should go in the little spot towards the bottom of a small HOB filter? Sponge or floss?
I generally go from coarse to fine. So sponge would be the first thing the water encounters and fine floss last. Any bio media would be placed after the floss.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks for the timely response ! I suppose I’m just trying to figure out how that would work vertically then. I’ve got an Aqueon HOB for ten gallon. Probably a base model.... trying not to invest too much until my son shows some significant interest in the hobby. So the carbon cartridge just slides I. One spot vertically and then there’s a tiny carbon rectangle thing that is put horizontally in the bottom area. I’m trying to ditch the carbon....
New guy hear....prepping a 20 gallon tank....im not doing a mechanical filter, just an air stone and another filter hooked up to the air line. Will I be ok? Going to start with maybe 2 fish. Have added 2 live plants.
I use them on some of my tanks and like them. They are a bit of a pain to clean, but save on media in the filter because the intake sponge gets clogged first.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics I saw a tip on some Amazon review. Use a plastic bag or container around the sponge and remove while the filter is running to keep all the stuff from flying. Pretty cool idea. I guess you could also suck the stuff off the sponge a bit when you siphon out water too.
This is the method I use in my hob, my issue I think is with hard water and I have a constant algae bloom. I've tried everything and still have it. I just wanted Crystal clear aquarium 😂
Love your videos. Question.. so i can replace my aquarium (topfin 8 gal) filter carteidge with simply the filter floss? D i need to add any other component?
I have the Top Fin Silentstream HOB filters from petsmart, do you know if I should place sponges and filter floss vertically or place them in horizontally like in the aquaclear filters?
So i have this hob filter that i am planning on filling with bio rings. I am doing this because i will be installing a canister filter to take care of the mechanical filtration. Is this a good idea? To completely convert a hob filter into a bio only hob filter by completely filling it with bio rings? Or should I just completely remove my hob and let the canister filter do the job. Keep in mind i have plenty of bio rings so that is not a issue.
Before watching.. I just use fine sponge like a humidifier filter sort of and then I just squeeze them out like a sponge filter at water changes and then when it is time to change I run an extra one in front of the old one and then next water change throw out the old
I'm a fan of filter packs , but when you change them will it affect the beneficial bacteria in the filter or will what's accumulated on the sides be enough?
I just switched to the 8d 8 layer sponge filter pad that you can find on eBay for my hob filter media .It's cheap, and I got a lot for my money, and it said you can use it up to 200 times .do you ever use them?
I generally use whatever the filter comes with. I just started swapping out some of the media with sponges to save myself some money but didn't think to incorporate the filter floss too, so thanks for that. Another question I have is, in your opinion, how long is the shelf life for the activated carbon as a rule? Once it's no longer doing the job it's designed to do, could I cut the bag open and replace it with filter floss to try and extend the life of the floss or would the bag defeat the purpose of the floss?
It's hard to determine how long the carbon lasts because it depends on bioload and tank maintenance. I haven't found I need to put the floss in a bag. I just cut it out and it always manages to stay in the correct position. :-)
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks! I set mine up with sponge and filter floss after removing their cartridge then I put bio rings on top, but now I am wondering if it is just hitting the bio rings and going straight out. Wish I could send a short video of it to you.
I just ordered a filter sponge. Do I need the filter floss? I'm asking because on another video they said they only use the sponge, and I want to do what's best for my fish. I have a 10 gallon TopFin aquarium that was a kit.
But what are you using for the chemical filtration? The hob will be the only filter I run. Where do I get the chemical from if I only use sponge and floss?
hi again, just watched this video, i pack a aqua clear 70 with sponge on bottom, blue bonded pad, filter wool, good size bag seachem matrix (flat wise but thick) across the filter wool, chemi pure blue on top of the matrix... are you saying i could do away with the chemi blue and my tank will look the same, clear and polished look? i noticed a lot of you youtubers don't use carbon, purigen or chemi blue.. jay wilson, being one that does use chemi blue.. thinking can i remove the chemi blue and just add more filter wool and keep the same water look? i am thinking of getting a Penn-Plax Cascade 600 Fully Submersible Internal Filter, using filter wool or poly fill and the matrix from the AC 70 only, your thought, please.. *S btw, i changed my tank over to all multi's.. i love that 50 gallon lowboy tank you have.. it's like you have your own piece of Lake Tanyanika in your home.. well done *S
I have an aqua clear 30 stocked with the default comes-with-the-box media including the sponge filter, the activated carbon filter and on top is the biomax. Personally, I like using bio filters because it never hurts to have extra surface for beneficial bacteria. Anyway, I am a bit skeptical of the carbon filter though. Yes, I have driftwood but not really against tannins. I am wondering if I should remove the carbon filter, add an extra sponge filter, a sheet of filter floss and top it with biomax to get the most out of my filtration.
My marineland C filters i rince them with my garden hose one time a week. This makes them almost new. I can do it 3 times max before the filter clogs the next day
Dumb question. I use a tetra whisper 20-40 gallon hob filter on my tank. Can I customize my tank using this method as I have my goldfish in the tank with this filter? Also do I throw out the course biomedia sponge that sits in a plastic grid in front of the filter cartridge or just put in where the cartridge would sit instead and put the filter floss in the holder. I know the sponges get rinsed out when dirty but does the filter floss or do you discard when it gets gunky? TIA for the help and clarification.
Tanins are driving me crazy!! I have 32g with one sponge filter (just like the ones in the video here). Live plants, about 20 fish. I change the water 75% and it's clear, then within a day it's brown again. The tank has been set up for about 2 months. Taking the driftwood out would be an undesired solution. I've read that charcoal can help with the tanins. Anytime know if that is true? Also best filter to add to aquarium if I go with charcoal?
You mention not to put a fine filter over bio media because it destroys the biomes??? When I put Purigen in my hob aquaclear filter I usually put that on top. Is this wrong???
Usually the bio media/filter bag is on top and the water has already passed through the sponge media and filter floss. That will keep the biomedia from clogging.
I commonly put matrix in my backpack filters at the bottom. I am unaware of the bio film killing the beneficial bacteria. Would a nitrate spike be evidence of that beneficial bacteria dying?
Good question. It's not biofilm that kills microbes - that is actually produced by microbes. It's all the fish waste and other forms of detritus that can cover the surface of filter media that suffocates the microbes. You probably won't notice a big difference because the microbes in an established tank will grow to compensate.
Good question. I usually put the colorful side as the last side that gets the water flow, but I don't think I have ever seen a big difference either way. :-)
How would I switch from a cartridge that came with the filter to a sponge and floss setup safely? In terms of ensuring the beneficial bacteria are transferred.
Prime Time Aquatics , I was curious. There are enough humans out for everything to have been tried more than once With the quarantine, I can see a aquarist deciding to make enough to stock up for months. 😉
I cannot find an HoB for my 40b with a 1 1/4 inch lip. Can't use a canister because the SO is too worried about them leaking and I don't want to modify this tank. I've spent hours looking for a dependable Hob but keep coming up empty.
I'm not sure it would be very helpful given the differences in water parameters. My guess is you would lose a substantial amount of the beneficial microbes due to the differences in water parameters.
Man I have 12 fish tanks 5gal to 55gal. Every one has 2 hob filters on them. Top fin, Aqueon, marine land, aqua clear, and tidal. What or where would you recommend I shop for sponge 30=40 ppi?
Noob Q: why do the filter cartridges have carbon stones in them? And why don't you include them in your diy setup? Is that to address the chemical filtration you spoke of at the beginning?
Not really needed in a planted tank, which I think all or most of their tanks are, plus it neutralizes some of the liquid fertilizers you add for plants... I've seen mixed comments on how much the carbon limits the fertilizer though.
@@PrimeTimeAquaticsthanks for replying... I now have a follow up question: I have a fluval spec V that came with carbon so I put it in when I set it up, but now I'm going to take it out...because it might be adding to my plant woes, battles that I have just chalked up to New Aquarium Syndrome. Anyway, would you suggest putting more of the filter media in there, or maybe some floss instead? It already has the course sponge...
@@meether369 I usually only add carbon into the filtration system when I start up a fresh new tank (or after medicating the tank, which I luckily never had to do thus far). The reason behind this is because I use rainwater in all my fish tanks, and the carbon filters out any chemicals that might be in there. After 48 hours I remove it, and replace it with either biomedia or an extra sponge and let the cycling really begin. When I do waterchanges (or top off the water) with the rainwater, I fill up a container with the water, fill up a big ol' canister filter with just carbon and polyfil and let it clean the water for 24-48 hours. Or I just let it run 24/7 and refill that container each time with fresh rainwater. Really depends on my mood and how lazy I am. LOL Usually after about 2 months I'll replace the carbon (I buy it in big bags, which won't clean out my pockets). PS: I remineralize the rainwater (GH/PH+), of course, but only after I removed the carbon. Same thing for adding beneficial bacteria: I only add them after I removed the carbon. :) Cheers.
Maybe, but I just do what I want. More so because people right now are looking for ways to save money right now. I covered this partially a few years ago too.
I should change my name to The Skeptical Aquarist, or something similar. I'm in complete agreement with you in rinsing sponges etc under tap water. The internet's rife with people warning about "crashing" one's biome by washing it out of the filter sponge. I'm pretty sure if you were able to total up the surface area of a sponge and compare with the surface area of everything in an aquarium, it'd be just a small fraction and the bacteria community wouldn't even blink at the loss from the sponge. Now, on the subject of pH and CO2....
Amazon Affiliate Link for Filter Floss: amzn.to/2XifyVl
Amazon Affiliate Link for Filter Sponge (buy the thickness that suits your needs): amzn.to/2ypDJXc
Want to learn more about aquarium filtration? Check out this playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL79yWtqvNd3VElXizfsGaZ1K_qVgFLx13.html
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Great info! I've always wondered if washing a filter cartridge would kill beneficial bacteria, now I know.
What about intake sponges? Are they a good investment or unnecessary?
Why doesn't anyone use the stones itself to filter anymore?
Buying! Question - I have 37 gal "starter" aquarium from PetSmart and it came with what I believe is an API hang on the back filter. In the filter there is what I believe is a charcoal bag with a hard plastic screen in front of it...should i retain the hard plastic porous screen when ditching the charcoal bag for your two suggested items?
Thanks!
That Media can start to rack up...thanks for the good choices Jason 👍👍 Fish looking awesome btw!!
Thank you!
This is a great video. You have proven to me that you don’t need to go to extremes to keep a tank healthy and looking great. 👍🏼
Thank you! Lots of ways to save money and still have a tank look good. :-)
Thanks for banging out so many videos while we’re stuck in our houses.
Appreciate you watching. :-)
Agreed :D
Got tired of replacing the filter for my HOB during water changes and decided to upgrade mine using a the TopFin Pro 30 gallon media kit. Cut it to size and so far so good! Waters crystal clear, and I doubt I’ll have to purchase any new media for awhile since I only have a 10g tank! Thanks for sharing!
I did the same thing just bought a 30 for my small top fin and a 50 for my aqueon
I really enjoy you and wife’s videos. How you go into great detail. On why you do something how. And if there is other Alternatives. Keep up the great work.
Thank you!
Boy this is a change me giving the Professor a tip in one of my hang on back filters I use Sera Crystal Clear,it looks like little tennis balls when new. You can rinse and use indefinitely. After a little while they (don’t know a better way to say) dirty up and look kind of like moss balls. Drop them around different parts of new tank seeds tank very fast. Mentioned it to Sera both last Aquatic Experience when I met you. Yes you have to buy once but still using first ones,rinse and put back. It is my favorite way of starting a new tank. You and the wife have a great day stay safe!
Thanks for sharing! Cool idea.
This is a fantastic video, came back to it to send someone the link for it... very helpful tips to help get the best performance and save money! This video spurred me to buy a bag of filter floss a few months ago and it's fantastic. Cheap, easy, and I can usually rinse it out once or twice before replacing which would be really difficult with the floss stuck onto a cartridge.
Good to hear! :-)
Your channel is GOLD. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you for this information. I have taken your advice and I am very happy with the results. The aquarium water appears clearer in all 3 of my tanks. You are a genius!
Glad it’s working for you!
Totally agree plus I dont like all the plastic used in those new filters not good for the enviroment at all they really need to rethink that and get back to basics I have been using the same as you with no issue for years.
Are they bad for the fish?
JustinL614 Not so much for the fish but it’s very wasteful as they need replacing monthly etc so definitely not good for the environment and ending up on the rubbish tip 😡
I'm a fan of poly-fill. I have submersible filters and in the compartments (which are very roomy) I stack coarse sponge/poly-fill/coarse sponge. The sponge closet to the impeller is just to make sure none of the poly-fill stands get sucked into it. What I like about poly-fill is I can adjust based on need - pack in more if it's a tank that generates a lot of debris, or pack it light if not. I have planted tanks and some of my fish and burrowing snails kick up quite a bit of the aquasoil and at times can make a real mess of the filter. I can wash the poly-fill many times before I need to replace it, and a 5 lb bag of poly-fill is very cost effective and almost literally lasts forever - well, at least for me, I only have 6 tanks,... :)
All good ideas!
I usually rinse the sponge with the tank water. But its good to know I can simply rinse it off with tap water and place it back. Thanks for the info!
Can you treat your water and leave these in? Or do you need to take them out?
This channel has saved my fish and my wallet many times over.
Good to hear!
You, your wife and like two other youtube fish guys help me out so much but I’m still learning, wish you guys had away I could get some of them big fish tanks for cheap lol
Thank you so much!
Thank you😀👍
Love your content, great voice and straight to the point.
My favourite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you! :-)
I second that @Charlotte W
The flos can be cleaned as well. Untill it starts comming apart very sitiuation is different but I clean mine about 10/12 times before renewal is needed. But I just have 3 filters going. If you run dozens it starts taking time.
U poop poop pppppp
this just helped me out. had my filter pad and polisher in backwards 🙄 thanks for this easy breezy dope tutorial man 👍🏾
Great advice I've just started the fish hobby life and have been learning a lot
Thanks for watching!
Yes I totally agree I saw a similar video by aquarium co op and ever since then this is how I rig all my hobs it saves soo much money and really makes a huge improvement I have a penguin 350 with ceramic media on the bottom of both compartments fluval zeo carb on top of that and then coarse sponge before the water returns to the tank. I used to have coarse and medium but the medium clogged up fast and the filter was over flowing like mad so I just have the coarse sponge but I also have the fluval fx6 which is super packed with media and sponges so I have no worries lol.
The ceramic media is supposed to be the very last thing you put in your filter. If it's the first thing it will clog up very quick.
I use similar type sponges in my HOBs. Such a money saver.
Hello PTA. Thank you for your helpful videos. What is your opinion on beneficial bacteria (in bottles)? Is it necessary to add some at every water change, in other words weekly? That is also quite expensive. Thanks for your time and expertise.
The bacteria is only needed when setting up a new tank. Once it is cycled it is no longer necessary!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you!
Ty....Great information
A toothbrush has always been enough to clean my sponge even when it’s thick with gunk.
This is what I do when I buy a filter with cartridges:
- cartridges go straight in a box with "backup media" in case of an emergency.
- I cut and fit sponges from a big sheet. Less expensive than buying already customized sponges.
- Heaps of bio-media (biomax, lavarock,....)
- Filter floss.
- A pre-filter (sponge) on the intake tube.
That's all you need to have excellent filtration.
@@khydo yep all can go in HOB. You usually want the foam,then floss, then media. My Marineland Penguin HOB hated any kind of rock media in it for the bio wheel to work right so its full of sponges that get rinsed in tank water on water changes. I see why some dislike the Penguin because of the bio wheel not spinning properly sometimes. I think I found the problem it actually spins itself out of shape. For some reason it wasn't designed to fit together snugly and the fix is to take it off the filter and push it back together so it spins true.. I actually prefer a bunch of sponges in the filter now it moves a lot more water than it did with sponge and bio rock combo.The wheel doesn't seem to jam up as much with the increased flow too. I have an Aquaclear / Hagen too that I bought first but it cost around $33 on Amazon vs Marineland at around $12.
@@khydo The Hagen filter returns water to the tank at a steep angle too which disturbs the whole tank. I had to shove it to one side of the tank and put stuff under / around it but the current still drives the fish away from that side of the tank. Maybe another kind of fish would enjoy this but my Black Tetras hate it. I plan on growing a bunch of Hornwort and floating it by that filter, if that doesn't work I guess I'll just yank that filter out xD
Amazing content as always...I do exactly how you described...however when my filter floss gets dirty I rinse it thoroughly and use it again, I am using the same one for many months now...Should I change the floss or it’s ok use it many times after thoroughly cleaning its gunk...
I use both of these. They work great!! Glad you are sharing!! 😊😊😊
Good to hear!
Awesome video. A trusted source as always! Quick question: I noticed you said you rinse the sponge off in tap water and the exposure to chlorine would be limited and wouldn’t affect the good bacteria. That is great as I can’t stand having to pull out tank water just to clean filter media. A simple task can become a chore in this way. Was wondering, after putting the sponge back in, do you recommend adding dechlorinator (such as Prime) or is that not necessary? Thanks!
We do just because we are also doing water changes at the same time. If I weren't doing the water changes I probably wouldn't bother. The minute the sponge filter goes back into the tank the chlorine left in the sponge filter becomes highly diluted.
Great video. Thank you
Great video again! I am worried about certain polyfiber bags containing fire retardant chemicals , that is why I am worried about buying it from big box stores
I think people have had good luck doing that, but it the stuff on Amazon is cheap enough for me. :-)
Really think im gonna atart doing this. So the sponge you use, would you prefer fine since it should absorb more than course would? I would set it up just like you with the white stuff behind it?
That is correct!
been debating on switch out my small filter for a custom like this. Those are so small and expensive. This looks way easier. I need a bigger one for my hex tank tho mine seems too small do fit rings and sponges.
Such a good video
i have just a sponge in my hob filters, ive been looking into what else i can add. so far im planning to add bio rings and filter floss! ive had them running without the replacable cartridges and just a sponge a month after setting them all up. so its been about 6 months now. water quality isnt bad or anything but i want better!
AH! i figured it out! You remind me of Steve Zahn! And thanks for the info!
haha I like Steve too :)
This video was so helpful and a actually what I needed. Is it necessary to add carbon in your filter? If so, where? Thank you!!
We don’t use carbon.
Love your channel
Thank you!
When you have to add medication to the tank what media, if any do you need to remove while medicating your tank ??! Also how about a video on adding let’s say ICK meds to a large tank (showing us what media you remove, adjusting the temperature, water changes , feeding while medicating, etc. until the ick has been treated. that’ll be wicked helpful! 🙏 thx
I have an ich treatment video out there - very detailed. I would only remove carbon.
Jason, you are amazing, so knowledgeable! Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge. Just one suggestion that would be helpful for me, if you could talk a little slower. Can't keep up with that amazing brain!! 🤔
Haha, I'll try. :-)
More good advice, great channel to learn from 🤓
Help for a rookie with a 10 gallon fish tank with plants: pleas and thank you! What piece should go in the little spot towards the bottom of a small HOB filter? Sponge or floss?
I generally go from coarse to fine. So sponge would be the first thing the water encounters and fine floss last. Any bio media would be placed after the floss.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks for the timely response ! I suppose I’m just trying to figure out how that would work vertically then. I’ve got an Aqueon HOB for ten gallon. Probably a base model.... trying not to invest too much until my son shows some significant interest in the hobby. So the carbon cartridge just slides I. One spot vertically and then there’s a tiny carbon rectangle thing that is put horizontally in the bottom area. I’m trying to ditch the carbon....
New guy hear....prepping a 20 gallon tank....im not doing a mechanical filter, just an air stone and another filter hooked up to the air line. Will I be ok? Going to start with maybe 2 fish. Have added 2 live plants.
I think so as long as you have beneficial bacteria. My planted 50 gallon lowboy is essentially just running a single airstore right now.
Great vid buddy, love the channel tons of info
Thank you!
Jason, May I ask your thoughts on putting round sponges over the intake tube screen. Thank you.
I use them on some of my tanks and like them. They are a bit of a pain to clean, but save on media in the filter because the intake sponge gets clogged first.
@ZTNVideos Thanks guys. Tough finding a less dense sponge. Any suggestions where to buy?
@@PrimeTimeAquatics I saw a tip on some Amazon review. Use a plastic bag or container around the sponge and remove while the filter is running to keep all the stuff from flying. Pretty cool idea. I guess you could also suck the stuff off the sponge a bit when you siphon out water too.
Thanks bud 🤜🏻🤛🏻
This is the method I use in my hob, my issue I think is with hard water and I have a constant algae bloom. I've tried everything and still have it. I just wanted Crystal clear aquarium 😂
Love your videos.
Question.. so i can replace my aquarium (topfin 8 gal) filter carteidge with simply the filter floss? D i need to add any other component?
Thank you! Yes, you can just use filter floss.
I have one question: how long does it take for bacteria to colonize new sponge filter in an already cycled tank? Thanks.
Give it about 4-6 weeks
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks 👍
I have the Top Fin Silentstream HOB filters from petsmart, do you know if I should place sponges and filter floss vertically or place them in horizontally like in the aquaclear filters?
I haven't used that filter, but most filter (except Seachem and Aquaclear) usually are designed for vertical placement.
So i have this hob filter that i am planning on filling with bio rings. I am doing this because i will be installing a canister filter to take care of the mechanical filtration. Is this a good idea? To completely convert a hob filter into a bio only hob filter by completely filling it with bio rings? Or should I just completely remove my hob and let the canister filter do the job. Keep in mind i have plenty of bio rings so that is not a issue.
Very useful and helpful video as always. Thank you🙏 love your tanks 😍👍👌
Thank you!
Before watching.. I just use fine sponge like a humidifier filter sort of and then I just squeeze them out like a sponge filter at water changes and then when it is time to change I run an extra one in front of the old one and then next water change throw out the old
Basically what you used for the filter floss. I keep saying I am going to add a large grain sponge but I haven't yet
But I also run sponge filters in all my tanks also
I'm a fan of filter packs , but when you change them will it affect the beneficial bacteria in the filter or will what's accumulated on the sides be enough?
Good question - in an established tank the microbes in the tank and on the filter compartment itself should be enough.
I just switched to the 8d 8 layer sponge filter pad that you can find on eBay for my hob filter media .It's cheap, and I got a lot for my money, and it said you can use it up to 200 times .do you ever use them?
I haven't used it, but I have filter sponge that has lasted years too!
I generally use whatever the filter comes with. I just started swapping out some of the media with sponges to save myself some money but didn't think to incorporate the filter floss too, so thanks for that. Another question I have is, in your opinion, how long is the shelf life for the activated carbon as a rule? Once it's no longer doing the job it's designed to do, could I cut the bag open and replace it with filter floss to try and extend the life of the floss or would the bag defeat the purpose of the floss?
It's hard to determine how long the carbon lasts because it depends on bioload and tank maintenance. I haven't found I need to put the floss in a bag. I just cut it out and it always manages to stay in the correct position. :-)
Hi Jason! Can I put the filter sponge and filter floss vertically like a cartridge?
For sure!
Always good and interesting videos! Well explained 👍🏼😀
Thank you!
So do we not need the carbon that comes inside the original packaging for the acqueon filter cartridge ?
Nope!
Nice video! I am currently trying to think of a way to overhaul my Aqueon 20... Do you have a video on that or something similar?
For HOB filters we basically add a piece of sponge and filter floss. Works well for both biological and mechanical filtration.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks! I set mine up with sponge and filter floss after removing their cartridge then I put bio rings on top, but now I am wondering if it is just hitting the bio rings and going straight out. Wish I could send a short video of it to you.
Nice video friend❤️👍
Great content, awesome beard.
I just ordered a filter sponge. Do I need the filter floss? I'm asking because on another video they said they only use the sponge, and I want to do what's best for my fish. I have a 10 gallon TopFin aquarium that was a kit.
I mostly use HOB filters. I use a combination of sponge and filter floss in the compartment.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you so much!
But what are you using for the chemical filtration? The hob will be the only filter I run. Where do I get the chemical from if I only use sponge and floss?
Nothing. I haven’t used it in many years in any tank. Find it unnecessary.
hi again, just watched this video, i pack a aqua clear 70 with sponge on bottom, blue bonded pad, filter wool, good size bag seachem matrix (flat wise but thick) across the filter wool, chemi pure blue on top of the matrix... are you saying i could do away with the chemi blue and my tank will look the same, clear and polished look? i noticed a lot of you youtubers don't use carbon, purigen or chemi blue.. jay wilson, being one that does use chemi blue.. thinking can i remove the chemi blue and just add more filter wool and keep the same water look?
i am thinking of getting a Penn-Plax Cascade 600 Fully Submersible Internal Filter, using filter wool or poly fill and the matrix from the AC 70 only, your thought, please.. *S
btw, i changed my tank over to all multi's.. i love that 50 gallon lowboy tank you have.. it's like you have your own piece of Lake Tanyanika in your home.. well done *S
Ya, I don’t use the stuff at all.
Thank you for sharing!
Found cut to fit u media carbon infused on clearance at petsmart for 50% off, looking for some tips on that
Should I be putting my bio balls or ceramic rings in my canister filter in the last stage the water hits? I currently have them in middle.
That's what I would do.
I have an aqua clear 30 stocked with the default comes-with-the-box media including the sponge filter, the activated carbon filter and on top is the biomax. Personally, I like using bio filters because it never hurts to have extra surface for beneficial bacteria. Anyway, I am a bit skeptical of the carbon filter though. Yes, I have driftwood but not really against tannins. I am wondering if I should remove the carbon filter, add an extra sponge filter, a sheet of filter floss and top it with biomax to get the most out of my filtration.
My marineland C filters i rince them with my garden hose one time a week. This makes them almost new. I can do it 3 times max before the filter clogs the next day
We used to rinse them out multiple times as well!
Hi I have OceanFree Slim Hang on Filter, it is quite slim, i am not sure how to dunk all the customized media and sponge. hmmm
Dumb question. I use a tetra whisper 20-40 gallon hob filter on my tank. Can I customize my tank using this method as I have my goldfish in the tank with this filter? Also do I throw out the course biomedia sponge that sits in a plastic grid in front of the filter cartridge or just put in where the cartridge would sit instead and put the filter floss in the holder. I know the sponges get rinsed out when dirty but does the filter floss or do you discard when it gets gunky? TIA for the help and clarification.
Good question - we usually rinse out any sponge and replace the filter floss once it gets dirty. You could certainly do that with your tank.
I have a stock of the carbon filters that came with my HOB filter. I just bought a biosponge. Do I insert it in front or in back of the carbon filter?
I would make the carbon the last thing the water touches before it leave the filter.
Tanins are driving me crazy!! I have 32g with one sponge filter (just like the ones in the video here). Live plants, about 20 fish. I change the water 75% and it's clear, then within a day it's brown again. The tank has been set up for about 2 months. Taking the driftwood out would be an undesired solution. I've read that charcoal can help with the tanins. Anytime know if that is true? Also best filter to add to aquarium if I go with charcoal?
Enjoy the tannins while they're still there. :-) Water changes will eventually make them go away.
The filter floss doesnt like to stay put tho. And if i make it thicker, it slows the flow. Any suggestions?
I usually wedge it or you could place a filter bag filled with biomedia on top?
You mention not to put a fine filter over bio media because it destroys the biomes??? When I put Purigen in my hob aquaclear filter I usually put that on top. Is this wrong???
Usually the bio media/filter bag is on top and the water has already passed through the sponge media and filter floss. That will keep the biomedia from clogging.
I commonly put matrix in my backpack filters at the bottom. I am unaware of the bio film killing the beneficial bacteria. Would a nitrate spike be evidence of that beneficial bacteria dying?
Good question. It's not biofilm that kills microbes - that is actually produced by microbes. It's all the fish waste and other forms of detritus that can cover the surface of filter media that suffocates the microbes. You probably won't notice a big difference because the microbes in an established tank will grow to compensate.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you
Trying to figure out how to put my sponges and bio media in my HBL-701...
it keeps slowing the flow of water...
If I put ceramic rings in my hob filter should I put them in bag on top or bottom
You answer tks
Nice!
With the emperor 450, can you stack from the bottom up like you do the aqua clear? Where does the chemical filtration sit in the filter?
Generally media is stacked front to back. You can put chemical either in the center area or nearest the return.
I will try to make some
I bought the filter floss you linked but the back of it is green, does it matter what way it faces?
Good question. I usually put the colorful side as the last side that gets the water flow, but I don't think I have ever seen a big difference either way. :-)
How would I switch from a cartridge that came with the filter to a sponge and floss setup safely? In terms of ensuring the beneficial bacteria are transferred.
If the tank has been cycled for more than a month or two I just switch out the media and don't worry about it.
somebodys been watching pondguru.
Thanks for the education and money saving tips.
Have you heard of aquarists making their own disposable filter packs to slip in?
Sure it can be done using filter bags, but I have found this works just as well.
Prime Time Aquatics , I was curious. There are enough humans out for everything to have been tried more than once With the quarantine, I can see a aquarist deciding to make enough to stock up for months. 😉
I cannot find an HoB for my 40b with a 1 1/4 inch lip.
Can't use a canister because the SO is too worried about them leaking and I don't want to modify this tank.
I've spent hours looking for a dependable Hob but keep coming up empty.
I wonder if you will have to go much larger to get it to fit over the rim? Maybe look at a Seachem Tidal 75 or larger Marineland PRO series?
Can I use the filter media which is currently being used in marine tank for the fresh water tank?
I'm not sure it would be very helpful given the differences in water parameters. My guess is you would lose a substantial amount of the beneficial microbes due to the differences in water parameters.
I have a small 5 gallon that I'm trying to improve, will this work for a relatively small filter?
It sure will!
Man I have 12 fish tanks 5gal to 55gal. Every one has 2 hob filters on them. Top fin, Aqueon, marine land, aqua clear, and tidal. What or where would you recommend I shop for sponge 30=40 ppi?
Check Flip Aquatics. They usually have pre-filters in stock.
@Prime Time Aquatics thank you
no charcoal? ive never heard of not using it for filtration
I never use it. :-)
In the 150, what is the Geophagus with the nice trailing fins??? Thanks
That is Geophagus altifrons.
How do they compare to the Satanoperca jurupari??
im having major deja vu. didn't he make a video on this before?
A long time ago, but I wanted to update it with media placement.
Yes man i just got HOB filter and the cartrides are almost or in some cases more expensive...😭😭😭😭
Noob Q: why do the filter cartridges have carbon stones in them? And why don't you include them in your diy setup? Is that to address the chemical filtration you spoke of at the beginning?
Not really needed in a planted tank, which I think all or most of their tanks are, plus it neutralizes some of the liquid fertilizers you add for plants... I've seen mixed comments on how much the carbon limits the fertilizer though.
The carbon does reduce the odor of the tank, but so does just doing your water changes regularly
Great Question! I don't find it necessary. I haven't run carbon in any of my tanks in many years. :-)
@@PrimeTimeAquaticsthanks for replying... I now have a follow up question: I have a fluval spec V that came with carbon so I put it in when I set it up, but now I'm going to take it out...because it might be adding to my plant woes, battles that I have just chalked up to New Aquarium Syndrome.
Anyway, would you suggest putting more of the filter media in there, or maybe some floss instead? It already has the course sponge...
@@meether369 I usually only add carbon into the filtration system when I start up a fresh new tank (or after medicating the tank, which I luckily never had to do thus far). The reason behind this is because I use rainwater in all my fish tanks, and the carbon filters out any chemicals that might be in there. After 48 hours I remove it, and replace it with either biomedia or an extra sponge and let the cycling really begin. When I do waterchanges (or top off the water) with the rainwater, I fill up a container with the water, fill up a big ol' canister filter with just carbon and polyfil and let it clean the water for 24-48 hours. Or I just let it run 24/7 and refill that container each time with fresh rainwater. Really depends on my mood and how lazy I am. LOL Usually after about 2 months I'll replace the carbon (I buy it in big bags, which won't clean out my pockets).
PS: I remineralize the rainwater (GH/PH+), of course, but only after I removed the carbon. Same thing for adding beneficial bacteria: I only add them after I removed the carbon. :)
Cheers.
Didn't Cory cover this year's ago?
Maybe, but I just do what I want. More so because people right now are looking for ways to save money right now. I covered this partially a few years ago too.
I didn’t even know you’re supposed to change the filter media I’ve just been once or twice a week getting the hose and spraying it clean
That can work for a while too!
4 feet 18 tall 18 trench what's the good one filter to tank
Ideally for a 4ft tank I like two HOB filters like a couple Marineland Pro 275s or Seachem 55s?
I should change my name to The Skeptical Aquarist, or something similar.
I'm in complete agreement with you in rinsing sponges etc under tap water. The internet's rife with people warning about "crashing" one's biome by washing it out of the filter sponge. I'm pretty sure if you were able to total up the surface area of a sponge and compare with the surface area of everything in an aquarium, it'd be just a small fraction and the bacteria community wouldn't even blink at the loss from the sponge.
Now, on the subject of pH and CO2....
Very true!
I have a 20 gal with hob filter 190 gph and a sponge filter....but still there is a dead spot that poops collect there
Do I really need to have carbon filter media in my tank?
Not at all. I haven't run carbon in many years.