Best Filter Media - EVER!!!

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  • Опубліковано 16 вер 2018
  • There are many choices for filter media. Some are inexpensive and are very expensive. Some argue that pot scrubbers and lava rock do just as good a job as the more expensive alternatives. While others will only use the most expensive options like Biohome Ultimate, Seachem Matrix and MarinePure. Well here are the results of an informal survey conducted at the Ben O'Cichlid Facebook group page where I asked the members to select one type of filter media that they cannot live without and that will always be in their filters.
    Please share any thoughts you have on this subject in the comments below. Be a part of "The Convo Gang" because on this channel, "We all learn from each other!"
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    **Here are some links to products that I've used and recommend**
    (You get a great deal by using these links and help to support the channel because Amazon gives me a small percentage without it impacting your cost one cent, thanks!)
    Lighting: amzn.to/3ekMfa4
    Filters: SunSun 302-B (265 gph): amzn.to/2Y6Ylhy
    SunSun 704-B (525 gph with UV): amzn.to/2YFbHjV
    SunSun HW 3000 (793 with UV): amzn.to/3hCm54W
    Filter pads for all SunSun filters: amzn.to/30Ieg7E
    Cut your own filter pads: amzn.to/2zD6SiP
    Pinky filter floss: amzn.to/30QLNMS
    SunSun Pre-Filter (goes over intake): amzn.to/3fv6aU1
    Flexible hose cleaning brush: amzn.to/2N5x8p7
    SunSun Pre-Filter (In-Line Canister): amzn.to/2UQ79WX
    SunSun Canister O-Ring replacement: amzn.to/2BhU7uf
    SunSun UV 9W replacement bulb: amzn.to/2N0eoHB
    Suggested Bio Media that I use in my canisters:
    Biohome Ultimate: amzn.to/3e8Cs70
    MarinePure: amzn.to/37z9UB7
    CNZ sponge filled bio-balls: amzn.to/3e7aitd
    Pumice stone: amzn.to/2Y6vk5t
    Crushed coral/aragonite: amzn.to/2N6DYKM
    Chemical Filtration I've Used with Good Results:
    Seachem Purigen: amzn.to/3hCygyG
    Seachem Matrix Carbon: amzn.to/2Y6sOft
    Mesh bags: amzn.to/2AJb4hj
    Other items:
    Suggested substrate (aragonite): amzn.to/2N6DYKM
    My favorite LED lights: amzn.to/2N0YrRd
    Inexpensive Powerheads: amzn.to/2N5dTMu
    Better quality Powerhead (Hydor): amzn.to/37y8pTT
    Heaters I use:
    Eheim: amzn.to/3e2PByp
    Cobalt Neo Therm: amzn.to/2N5eFZU
    API (Black Plastic Shielded): amzn.to/3e8HujY
    Recommended Meds to have on hand:
    Fritz Maracyn 2: amzn.to/2UJRqJ1
    API Furan 2: amzn.to/2N10iWb
    API General Cure: amzn.to/3ejsFLe
    Kordon Ick Attack: amzn.to/37A2iOF
    Seachem Metroplex: amzn.to/2N5g9TY
    Seachem Garlic Guard: amzn.to/2N3W549
    Seachem Focus: amzn.to/2Ax8yef
    Water Treatment Products I Use & Recommend:
    Seachem Prime: amzn.to/37xa1gD
    Seachem Safe: amzn.to/3d7Tscn
    Seachem Lake Salt: amzn.to/30PeQ3A
    Seachem Pristine: amzn.to/3ejvEDq
    Seachem Clarity: amzn.to/2CdDCA4
    Aquarium Quick Start Products I Recommend:
    Seachem Stability: amzn.to/3e2SgYS
    Fritz Turbo Start: amzn.to/3d7UXr1
    Dr. Tim's One and Only: amzn.to/2CdEFju
    **For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists**
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    ua-cam.com/users/playlist?list...
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    ua-cam.com/users/playlist?list...
    For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here:
    ua-cam.com/users/playlist?list...
    For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here:
    ua-cam.com/users/playlist?list...
    For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here:
    ua-cam.com/users/playlist?list...
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  • Домашні улюбленці та дикі тварини

КОМЕНТАРІ • 184

  • @soggyfries4347
    @soggyfries4347 5 років тому +6

    Polyfill will also make your subwoofers sound better too. ..... so bonus points!

  • @stevesaquatics165
    @stevesaquatics165 5 років тому +5

    Ben, all your hard work is paying off. Your fish look fantastic. I'm very impressed with the colors on your fish. it shows how healthy they are

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      thank you Steve, I appreciate the kind words.

  • @jasonbeauge9425
    @jasonbeauge9425 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the info i have a small pond ourdoor with a homemade filter ive been slowly putting together so im using sponge, poly fill, and lava rock in stages hoping to keep it clean with limited maintenance

  • @jamesnorwood4084
    @jamesnorwood4084 4 роки тому +2

    Poly works, but if your water is still cloudy you probably have other water issues. It is only good as a water "polisher".

  • @Canadianalladventures
    @Canadianalladventures 3 роки тому +1

    I used matrix in my seachum 75 does great job I'm switching to hydo canister 350 look amazing hope it works excited I that filter floss is better haha thank you for info great video be safe love this channel

  • @pondguru
    @pondguru 5 років тому +36

    Ultimately mechanical filtration is more important than anything else as it offers mechanical benefits (making water clear) and biological benefits (supporting bacteria) so if you can only choose one it has to be something which would be classed as mechanical. Without mechanical media before it good biological media will be less efficient through clogging so the two really go together.
    With regard to good biological filter media the lava rock (scoria) often championed by people on UA-cam is a great DIY media but the vast majority of its surface area is external with the internal structure being largely sealed bubbles so while its good for aerobic bacteria you'll not see a full cycle develop when using it (due to the inability to support anaerobic bacteria) causing high nitrates and water changes, water changes, water changes to reduce the nitrate. Judging a piece of lava by how it looks on the outside is literally like judging a book by the cover.
    I hope it is OK to post a link to a very important video here - I made this to show what media looks like INSIDE at a decent magnification using a microscope and it covers scoria, pumice, cheap chinese media, ceramic and biohome (and others) and also has useful notes on surface area, accessibility and suitability for bacteria: ua-cam.com/video/QTtAUYR67Eg/v-deo.html

    • @magzire
      @magzire 5 років тому +5

      Excellent point on needing at least two types of media.

    • @aussbasstony9763
      @aussbasstony9763 5 років тому +6

      Pondguru I love watching your videos and living in Australia I did look for a supplier of your product, but sadly I found it out of my price range. I’m subbed to your channel and have learnt so so much from the Pimp my filter section I Thankyou emencely.
      Stay well👍

    • @hookedm
      @hookedm 5 років тому +1

      dont forget that Purigen , Prime, or any other additive that claims to "detoxify" nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia does not allow BioHome Ultimate to reach its full cycle.

    • @pondguru
      @pondguru 5 років тому +3

      Bang on there - It's not just biohome that is affected by those chemicals which have the 'starving' effect on bacteria. It really affects any media which has the potential to support both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Most people using those chemicals will never notice a negative effect since they use ceramic rings and pot scrubbers and have no chance of a full cycle anyway, lol

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +3

      Hello Richard and thank you for stopping by. Your input is always welcomed. Did you see the biohome review by Aquarium Adventures? The biohome reduced nitrates to a point where his plants started to suffer a bit. Pretty good review. You can see it here: ua-cam.com/video/eZM5Lu6p2k0/v-deo.html
      You points are well taken. Thanks for the view and comments.

  • @toycarfoushboy
    @toycarfoushboy 5 років тому +5

    Yeah I was definitely thinking filter floss straight off the bat. Used the others over time, but always have had floss. Great video and topic! PEACE ✌️

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Hey toycar! Floss is a great water polisher. Thanks for watching and commenting.

  • @WhiteCloud746
    @WhiteCloud746 4 роки тому +2

    Thanks Ben, great video. You have a very engaging style across your channel.

  • @nitehawkpearl8304
    @nitehawkpearl8304 5 років тому +3

    I have about 10 pounds of biohome ultimates and super biogravel and they work very well and my tank keeps under the level of nitrates like 5ppm. gotta love it man.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      That's a GREAT result!

  • @beachmb
    @beachmb 5 років тому +1

    New to the hobby here, thanks for all the great videos!!

  • @paulone65
    @paulone65 5 років тому +2

    Bio home and Chemi pure blue, i been using them for years,with great success

  • @justinrvarga7236
    @justinrvarga7236 5 років тому +4

    Poly fill is amazing. I added it to my grow out/emergency tank sponge filters. Added marine pure into it and that polyfill. Polishes the water amazingly 👌❤️

    • @justinrvarga7236
      @justinrvarga7236 5 років тому

      My next cannister filter clean I’m getting rid of those sponges and putting in the polyfill also.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +2

      You can use them both. I used to put the poly-fil as the last thing the water touches before returning to the tank. Gave me crystal clear polished water.

  • @johnfadds6089
    @johnfadds6089 2 роки тому +2

    Pot scrubbers are the best media. Amazing surface area without clogging up, best flow rate.

  • @ultimatefishkeeping
    @ultimatefishkeeping 5 років тому +2

    Awesome video Ben.
    I hope you are well.
    I use Bio Hoops for the Aquariums, I have always have had positive experience with this product.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Thank you UFS. What are Bio "Hoops"???

    • @ultimatefishkeeping
      @ultimatefishkeeping 5 років тому

      Sorry my bad. It's, Sera Siporax Bio filter medium.
      I just call them Bio Hoops for a more abbreviated way of saying it.
      Growing up I used to call them Hoola Hoops, Laugh out Loud.

  • @Lumpydog
    @Lumpydog 5 років тому +3

    My go to filter media setup is generic filter sponge and lava rock. I use this in the tank, in a HOB or in a canister filter. Crazy cheap and wicked effective. Just my two cents. Cheers.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Thank you for watching and sharing your two cents. If that is working, then it's a very effective and economical way to go.

  • @efrainscichlids9038
    @efrainscichlids9038 5 років тому +2

    Great video Ben, I will like to add to my Canisters Bio home Ultimate

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      I've had good results with it. Among high-end media products it really is the real deal. I also have MarinePure in my 302 canisters and it's starting to fall apart. Not the Biohome, it's still rock solid and going strong after several years.

  • @HalfManHalfCichlid
    @HalfManHalfCichlid 5 років тому +1

    Put aside the marketing hype such as with biohome. The perfect media is both mechanical and biological. Foam should be at the top of the list, for me personally the high quality Poret foam that comes in different porosity. In addition, it has tremendous dirt holding capacity, and you squeeze, rinse and reuse. Nothing to throw away and add to our environmental worries. Been in the hobby 55 years, and believe me, this is one of the best kept secrets.

    • @rantsandreviews
      @rantsandreviews 5 років тому

      So your recommendation is that a very good foam such as Poret (great stuff! I get mine from Swiss Tropicals) is sufficient for biological filtration with no other bio media being necessary at all? I'm not arguing I am just trying to clearly understand your recommendation.

    • @HalfManHalfCichlid
      @HalfManHalfCichlid 5 років тому +1

      Yes, the European's have been using it this way for years in Hamburg matten filters. Many commercial breeders only use foam filter units in their tanks too.

    • @rantsandreviews
      @rantsandreviews 5 років тому

      Thanks for the reply. Just watched your new video. Good stuff!

  • @marthanewsome6375
    @marthanewsome6375 4 роки тому +1

    I'm a 100% scoria lava rock girl. I love the stuff.

  • @AquaPeet
    @AquaPeet 5 років тому +1

    Just an idea popped into my mind; find a thin, meshed plastic screen and cut it to exactly fit the media tray, to keep inbetween the polyfil and sponge and keep them nicely seperated...

  • @Sam-wj2gu
    @Sam-wj2gu 5 років тому

    Hi Ben, I have a heavy duty sponge maybe 4 1/2 inches thick from my last monster canister filter. Should I use this in my sunsun 704b or just use the polyfil sheets that came with it? Or both? Also I have some smaller ceramic rings leftover from that filter. Can I use them also?

  • @edwardsdeacon
    @edwardsdeacon 5 років тому +2

    For biological filtration I prefer Biohome but it simply is not practical cost wise when your running several tanks/aquarium.
    Next is Seachem matrix which is just Pumice which is over priced and with poor quality control issues. Every batch I bought was at roughly 1/4 gravel, glass or stones I couldn’t identify. So expanded clay pellets which can be bought from amazon can be used as a Biohome substitute and bulk pumice can be purchased from a company Hess Pumice Products. Regular lava rock ( red or black ) for landscape applications should be used for landscape applications because it simply dose t have the service area necessary or available to house both types of beneficial bacteria.
    For mechanical filtration I believe that Polyfil is hands down simply the best for polishing the water.

  • @michael-ev5fk
    @michael-ev5fk 5 років тому +3

    Looks like all the top 5 are excellent choices for media. I'm going with the lava rock for a new 6' 200g set up. Very porous, very inexpensive and easy to find. I can buy a 5 gal bucket full of lava rock for less than $10 at my local landscaping supply business.
    Thank you for the video Ben. It's interesting to know what others are using.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      The cost makes a strong argument for lava rock. Plus it can be broken up and tossed into an HOB or larger pieces can be used in sumps and canister baskets.
      Thank you for tuning in Michael, much appreciated.

    • @Urjfhskioeuwjd
      @Urjfhskioeuwjd 9 місяців тому +1

      Poly-Fil, Purigen, Chemi-Pure Blue, and Marine Pure don’t remove green water algae or brown tannins long term. The only all-in-one filter media which does that, plus polishes the water, cleans out detritus, removes odors, lowers ammonia, phosphates, chlorine, nitrites, nitrates, etc. - is Marineland’s Zeolite Blend. Too many things to list as far as its capabilities, and it’s amazingly cheap.

  • @henrystyle4879
    @henrystyle4879 5 років тому

    Can you used poly fil or is it a 1 time use thing?

  • @paulcox4369
    @paulcox4369 5 років тому

    Wow, you do raise some very interesting topics! I like simple answers but not possible here. If tank is barely bottom with little surface area for benificial bacteria it would have to be a good amount of lava rock or if l felt rich biohome, no good having polished water if you are looking at dead fish. If tank has substrate & a good amount of decor, rocks maybe lava rock, wood etc then filter is mainly providing water movement & oxygenation, so definitely polyfill. Paul UK

  • @andrevanlooy1012
    @andrevanlooy1012 4 роки тому

    Ben, I have a lot of small lavarock in the back of my cichlids-aquarium, behind and under bigger stones... I have a 1,5m 500l aquarium, do I need a lot of of other biological stuff in my filter ?

  • @MrCastroFPS
    @MrCastroFPS 5 років тому

    Hey Ben, i would love your opinion on my canister set up video I just posted. Do you have any recommendations as of how I set it up? Thank you, love your videos, they are very informative for people like me that just joined the hobby

  • @joet6494
    @joet6494 5 років тому +2

    I use Seachem matrix with my fx 4and6 they work great for bio media aslo use carbon and Purigen for chemical and mechanical i use pinky filter floss and the sponges that are in the fx canisters. All together great water for the fishies.✌😊

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Hello Joe! Yes, that is some good stuff to put into your FX 4 & 6. How often do you replace the carbon (it can get exhausted) and do your recharge the purigen or just replace it?

  • @ACAquatics
    @ACAquatics 5 років тому +1

    All fine choices but new to the game and proving to be a excellent choice in my fish room is Cobalt Aquatics line of filter media and chemical media. Thanks for sharing and as always...Do what you do if it works for you.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      I met one of the founders of cobalt at the annual American Cichlid Association meeting. Seemed like a good guy. Which cobalt products are you currently using?

    • @ACAquatics
      @ACAquatics 5 років тому

      @@BenOchart we had Les Wilson come to our fish club and give a presentation on fish nutrition. Super nice guy. I'm currently using Cobalt Aquatics Total Freshwater and in a couple tanks I've added some additional Total Softener. I've been trying to breed the L183 pleco and they require very clean and soft water (0 GH) so after talking to Les he suggested that I try these products and they work!! My water parameters in a 29 with 3 adult pleco pair are perfect since using Cobalt Aquatics Total Freshwater and my GH is finally at 0. My plecos are happy and successfully breeding and that makes me happy.

  • @davidbuuurns9904
    @davidbuuurns9904 4 роки тому

    How does poly fill breakdown the ammonia/nitrites ??

  • @vitocasola4309
    @vitocasola4309 3 роки тому +1

    Very informative! There was no mention of carbon, what are your thoughts on this? Thank you! Just subbed.

  • @sdghtjsdcgs
    @sdghtjsdcgs Рік тому

    I started just using lava rock for scaping and partial substrate. Don't even bother with putting a comparatively tiny amount in the filter anymore. With all the plants I don't even do water changes to remove nitrates, they're never at a detectable level. I'll still do changes with remineralized RODI water to keep my water where I want it. If I was keeping trashy fish like cichlids, I wouldn't even do that.

  • @V4zz33
    @V4zz33 5 років тому +1

    For me it's Biohome Ultimate. Bit overfeeding and letting the plants to overgrow and my tank was able to handle adding after 1 week of running 75+after 5 weeks of running 100+ after 6 weeks of running 18+ after 10 weeks of running 85 tetras/other nanos to my 150gallon tank without any of water parameter spikes. Granted, I got loads of plants and good quality and a lot of it substrate, so it is more likely to the combination of of all those factors that the whole fish tank is doing well.
    You can click on my name to see my tank.

  • @OriginalMindTrick
    @OriginalMindTrick Рік тому +1

    Different media has different uses. Mechanical, biological, and chemical.
    If I only got to choose one type of media it would be sponges. Not ideal to only have that stuff in your filter but it would probably do a good job keeping nitrite and ammonium down and the tank clean. In a planted tank where nitrates aren't an issue, it would be a good choice though together with some purigen

  • @gedheaton1415
    @gedheaton1415 4 роки тому

    Guys Polyfil is only just available in UK so at what stage in the filteration process do I use it,after the pre-wash sponges and before Matrix.
    Sorry if its a bone question,Im new to the hobby.
    Cheers

  • @VK4VO
    @VK4VO 5 років тому

    I don't use anything here except for some filter mat on my intakes. All my tanks run anoxic filters, that's a whole new subject.I have 7 discus in a 120g and w/c every 3 weeks.

  • @PowerSlug100
    @PowerSlug100 4 роки тому

    A python hose. Provided you don't have ammonia or nitrite/nitrate in your tap water. You don't need a filter if you do enough water changes

  • @vannakkeo7453
    @vannakkeo7453 4 роки тому +1

    I just replaced my sponge filter to an Eheim Classic 250 yesterday just so I can use Seachem Matrix. I bought 1 liter of Matrix. It says 1 liter of Matrix can treat up to 200 gallons of water. I have a 45 gallon freshwater. I poured in half of the Matrix bottle ( 1/2 bottle can treat 100 gallons ) but my tank is 45 gallons. Is that good or bad?

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  4 роки тому +1

      Well, how heavily stocked is your tank? You're going to get the amount of beneficial bacteria that your bio-load can support. But that being said, better too much than not enough. The important thing is that you left that sponge filter in there for a few weeks so that the matrix could start to get some good bacterial growth.

  • @nozr1383
    @nozr1383 5 років тому +2

    Only been in the addiction for a little over a year so there are a lot of them i haven't tried yet, but want to. Right now I have lava rock in all of my tanks.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      So many choices, but if you are going with something that is working for you, why change, right?

    • @nozr1383
      @nozr1383 5 років тому

      @@BenOchart yep

  • @Random_Things1001
    @Random_Things1001 5 років тому +1

    I am getting my first canister filter. In your opinion ben, what is the "best" media or setup i should do? I believe there are 3 levels on the canister. Thanks

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Know which way the water flows and start with a coarse, then medium, then fine sponge. Next put some bio media in there. If you're on a budget use broken up lava rock, pumice, pan scrubbies or sponge filled bio-balls. If you have dough, go with Bio-home ultimate or Marine Pure Cermedia. In the final basket (the last one the water hits before returning to the tank) use Seachem Purigen or, if you don't want chemical filtration, throw some floss in there (pinky or inexpensive batting from Walmart, untreated). That will give you excellent water quality. If you have a foggy tank at first, don't worry, that's normal. Purigen will help with "new tank syndrome" or products like Seachem Clarity, but it will clear up on it's own eventually.

  • @mikefrost1312
    @mikefrost1312 Рік тому +1

    If I could only use ONE media.. poly is cool because it'll give u good, clear water BUT, it gets clogged up quickly & needs to be replaced.. I'd likely just rely on the natural cycle 🤷 load the tanks with a good deep sand substrate, plant every inch of it & then I'd have an overhead filter loaded with bio media or lava rock. Media will take care of ammonia, IF the plants don't pull it directly out of the water first.. fish can feed off algaes, Ditritus worms & plants for the most part & the entire tank just takes care of itself..

  • @vmann19781126
    @vmann19781126 4 роки тому +1

    Poly fill or lava rock

  • @aquariumhacksbymarcus5653
    @aquariumhacksbymarcus5653 2 роки тому +1

    I know this is old five come to find out the best of all is plastic pot scrubbers and this is coming from someone who has been in in the aquarium hobby for about 28 years and use every single biomedia except for the so-called bio homes

  • @MELODYMUNRO
    @MELODYMUNRO 5 років тому +2

    Sponge - because it lasts a very long time. My next choice would be scoria (lava rock).

  • @johnm4875
    @johnm4875 5 років тому +1

    Biohome - use in all 4 of my tanks

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Using it in both of the canisters (2 SunSun 302-b's) that have been filtering my 60 gal grow-out tank for several years with great results. Thanks for watching and commenting.

  • @richardportelli1983
    @richardportelli1983 5 років тому +1

    Polyfill and biohome ultimate!

  • @pilocereus2
    @pilocereus2 3 роки тому

    old duvets and pillows i have used for 30 years well cleaned are sound but my bed is a bit spartan best of all is from suites jj stewart from paisley

  • @othersv9758
    @othersv9758 2 роки тому

    I use Eheim Media, and I think it is the best,,

  • @patrickwilliams711
    @patrickwilliams711 2 роки тому

    Pj aqua maintenance
    I love marine pure are fantastic

  • @kingkato21
    @kingkato21 5 років тому

    Ben, I am going to be making a DIY overhead sump or zero pressure overhead canister like what Aquarium Co-op made. I will be using either polyfil & a sponge or a combo roll. What is the best media for a heavy bio load community 75g tank (swordtails, neon tetras and guppies)? Is pumice safe, I heard it was matrix. I've read of people sitting a 20g tall sump on top a 75 gallon so I got an 18 G tote.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Garden grow stones / pumice is a good media and so is lava rock. The pumice comes in small pieces. With the lava rock you hammer it into small chucks. Both work well and are inexpensive.

  • @matthewmoorecichlids2323
    @matthewmoorecichlids2323 5 років тому +1

    Polyfil and lava rock for sure!!!

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Hey Matt, thanks for stopping by. Both of those are good choices.

  • @litoloco4fish
    @litoloco4fish 5 років тому +3

    Ben I didn’t know you listened to salsa!!!! Awesome man

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      Soy Puerto Ricano y tengo salsa in la sangre! Gracias Lito.

    • @litoloco4fish
      @litoloco4fish 5 років тому

      Ben Ochart que bonito!!!!

  • @dennisruedel
    @dennisruedel 5 років тому +1

    I would use Growstones or Pond Matrix, a little larger version of Matrix.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Hello Dennis, Some argue that growstones/pumice is the exact same thing as Pond Matrix. I've seen Seachem's response where they express concern over where common garden grow stones could possibly be sourced from a contaminated area and how much care they put into making sure that their product is fish safe. I have been using garden pumise for a few years and never ran into a problem.
      Thanks for stopping by, always appreciated.

  • @blitzedpeacockbassfishing984
    @blitzedpeacockbassfishing984 5 років тому +1

    Can you use lava rock in a canister filter?? Sunsun 304b here

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      Absolutely. Break it up, rinse it and you're good to go.

  • @dansufor5856
    @dansufor5856 5 років тому

    How long does it take lava rock to mature from new to fully cycled?

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Not sure I understand the question but I think you're asking about beneficial bacteria maturing on lava rock? In a canister filter? I would suspect about as long as it takes for a tank to get through the ammonia - nitrite - nitrate cycle ... a month to six weeks would be my best guess (but other factors would need to be taken into consideration like how much stock, feeding, filtration, water changes, were quick starters like Seachem Stability used, etc.).

  • @aussbasstony9763
    @aussbasstony9763 5 років тому +3

    Great topic Ben and again I will add this is from and Australian point of view I can source Seachem matrix in I Kilo bags not in the fancy plastic rubs for $20 Aussy and this is a great price for a product which does seem to work and many pieces of it are small enough to fit in any size filter. Would love some of the Pondguru Bio Balls to try which I see him pack into places I didn’t think could help my fish. Polyfill again I’m sure it’s good but for the price in my town, no thanks. Clean water, maintaining and loveing my tank I use the cheap Polly filter woll from where ever and Dacron from a foam whole sale place. My water is clear and clean👍
    Love Purigen and the 100 gram bags are cheap and easy to handle.
    Keep up the great work

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Hello Jacky down under! Price is an important consideration. It sounds like you've been able to get the most out of what is available at a good price.
      Thanks for watching!

  • @Colin_Robinson_EV
    @Colin_Robinson_EV 5 років тому

    For south american chiclids:
    230g tank/FX6/30g sump:
    (super healthy water/ glass clear)
    Seachem Purigen,
    Seachem Matrix,
    Chemipure Elite,
    Biohome,
    Fluval rings,
    Polyfil,

  • @jamesnorwood4084
    @jamesnorwood4084 4 роки тому

    Power-head, water bottle and Pollyfill. Can't be beat for water polishing. I use a small amount separated from intake with pop-sickle bag netting and let it run for 15 minutes after my morning maintenance. Which consists of siphoning bare bottom 20 long and removing 20% of the water daily. Refill with fresh H2O and check nitrates. Usually in the 10-15 ppm range. Once a week a 40-50% water change and sponge filter squeeze out. Add a small amount of bene. bac. by way of insurance. I have 2 medium rocks well seasoned and a large piece of Malaysian hardwood in the 20 long bare bottom tank. Wood helps with PH issues and softens water. Gold nugget Pleco dines on it as well. Mine is a community tank that's slightly overstocked. I siphon poop morning, noon and night; hoping not to swallow any lol. Feed rotating selection of nutritious foods once daily in reasonable amount. Pleco receives wafers and occasional yellow squash. I realize that everyone is different and likewise have different approaches to fish keeping. It has taken years for me to finally get it right and I must admit that my approach has been gleaned from the advice given from various youtube aquarists such as yourself. And I thank you all for your invaluable advice. N.B. you noted quite rightly in one episode that nitrate being at the end of the cycle if in the red zone indicates issues back through the line. Too much uneaten food or perhaps not enough or frequent enough water changes. That information, to me, is as much a gold nugget as the gold spots on my Pleco's backside. I live by my nitrate kit.

  • @lindashansen2561
    @lindashansen2561 5 років тому +4

    I use Biohome

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Me too, in my 60 gal grow out and biohome biogravel "balls" in my sump. Thanks for watching Linda.

  • @bharathreddy971
    @bharathreddy971 2 роки тому

    Sir may I know which are the best media for a non planted tank?

    • @bharathreddy971
      @bharathreddy971 2 роки тому

      And what type of lava rock or lava stone to use exactly! And can I mix it up with Eheim substrat pro which I originally got with eheim canisters as the quantity is less as of now! Can I do that?

  • @gamingfishguy3546
    @gamingfishguy3546 5 років тому +5

    Biohome, indeed!

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      It's good stuff for sure!

  • @rpimjada1549
    @rpimjada1549 4 роки тому

    A purely polyfil filter will be clogged in short time. I'd go for Lava Rock in 3 grades. Very small (pepper size), small (pea size) and medium (penny size). Placed in three compartments you have all filtering stages - mechanical (pepper size), biological (pea sized immmersed) and wet-dry (penny size).

  • @Chris29909
    @Chris29909 5 років тому

    My choice would be Chemipure Elite,

  • @GSP-76
    @GSP-76 5 років тому +8

    For long term survivability, biological is most important...so biohome would be best.

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      ...with an occasional tank water rinse to keep it from clogging and to knock off the dead bacteria. Of course, ideally, some pre-filters would be in place protecting that media from big chunks of detritus. Thanks for watching and commenting GP.

    • @GSP-76
      @GSP-76 5 років тому

      @@BenOchart Yes, absolutely...a prefilter would be key to protect the bio media...water in the wild is never crystal clear so things that keep water looking nice are just luxuries... keeping ammonia and nitrites down is the key ...also biohome ultimate is one of the very few bio media's that can and will reduce nitrates because it successfully houses anaerobic bacteria...so essentially you would have a fully self sustaining system.

  • @rantsandreviews
    @rantsandreviews 5 років тому +10

    Is this a trick question? You know you absolutely have to remove the crud before it gets to the bio media so there is no "one" media that does it all. You could use the best bio media in the world but as soon as the pores in the media clog you might as well just have marbles. My choice at an absolute minimum would be polyfil in the form of quilt batting plus BioHome. I like both Chemi Pure and Purigen as chemical medias to be used when necessary but neither product is designed to be used alone. They have very little bio capacity and absolutely no mechanical capacity. The ideal set up will use 2 to 3 layers of sponge/foams in varying densities from coarse to fine > quilt batting> bio media> chemical as needed. Great topic Ben!

    • @marthanewsome6375
      @marthanewsome6375 4 роки тому

      I have to disagree. In my pond, I have a huge DIY filter I made and the only thing in it is scoria, lava rock and the water is crystal clear all the time. I give it a good clean every 6 months and 2 weekly water changes. I never have to scrub the water through filter wool (polyfil) or anything ever. All my tanks in my house run on canisters full of scoria too and their canisters get a two monthly rinse out and weekly water changes. They are also crystal clear. The only problem with scoria is the red dust and it needs to be rinsed thoroughly before use or you will have red water for a while, but even when some is left it clears up in a day or so with no problem. Besides it being so good at filtering it's so cheap and so much more affordable than other biological filtration. It is also natural and can be added to the garden after use or even dumped without harming the environment at all. Polyfil can't claim that can it? I use some course sponges for the intakes, to stop babies getting sucked up. For clear water all it takes is water changes and time for the beneficial bacterial to build up. It seems to me you would be throwing out a lot of that with your Polyfil. I also use very few chemicals, as these too are bad for the environment. Only use meds in small quarantine tanks and then run the discarded water through activated carbon before disposing of it on the grass in my garden. Nature isn't a chemical experiment and if you visit any freshwater systems that run through old lava fields, the water is always crystal clear. If it works for nature it can work for anyone. SImple is always the best and my discus, goldfish and the rest of fish can agree with that.

  • @traderpete007
    @traderpete007 2 роки тому

    Polyfill seems like a water polisher and not a bio media like the rest. Seems like it should have its own category.

  • @romcapprotti7477
    @romcapprotti7477 4 роки тому +1

    I use lava rock But I have a question how often should You rinse it off and I’m sure you would rinse it off and tank water

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  4 роки тому +2

      Whenever I service the filters I rinse the media (a few dips and shakes in tank water) and that seems to do the job.

    • @romcapprotti7477
      @romcapprotti7477 4 роки тому

      Ben Ochart thank you sir

  • @benmillns8976
    @benmillns8976 5 років тому +3

    Would Matrix not come under the banner of lava rock given that it's just pumice?

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +2

      Excellent point Ben and in Purigen's marketing they admit it but go on to say that it is tested to ensure that it is fish safe. I use garden pumice and it has not created any problems with my fish. But you're right, lava rock, pumice, matrix, pond matrix, probably all the same except for the marketing and packaging.

  • @kristophervogt7925
    @kristophervogt7925 5 років тому +1

    Marine pure my favorite

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      That's a high quality product for sure! Very popular in the salt water community but not as visible (and affordable) among the fresh water folk. I've been using a combination of MarinePure and Biohome Ultimate in my 60 gal. grow-out tank for years and it continues to do a great job. Thank you for tuning in and commenting.

  • @kurtschnepf9452
    @kurtschnepf9452 5 років тому

    Angel hair was used in filters back in 50's thru early 70's it would cut your hands if handled.

    • @annmuni7239
      @annmuni7239 3 роки тому

      Angel hair is fiberglass!

    • @sandrocatracchia7811
      @sandrocatracchia7811 2 роки тому

      And fishes gills if it escaped into the water... Terrible stuff!

  • @Samkhan-lw7ek
    @Samkhan-lw7ek 5 років тому

    When I am changing my water
    My one cichlid fish goes to die..!!
    Why this happen please give answer
    I am from India

    • @gohyisen346
      @gohyisen346 4 роки тому

      Possible cause:
      1)chlorine in water used
      2)too much water is changed>water temperate change drastically

  • @luvmywetpets
    @luvmywetpets 5 років тому +2

    B en.. little known but absolute best is The best is Marine Pure! Poly-filter, Chemi pure blue,

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Hello! I've had MarinePure running in my 60 gal (2) SunSun 302 canisters for years. Very good stuff indeed (but off the radar and out of the price range of most freshwater folk, but certainly very popular in the salt water community). I've also come across an interesting product called Xport Bio Bricks by Brightwell Aquatics. Might be comparable to the MarinePure.
      Thanks for watching and commenting and I hope that your community tank is going well.

  • @mattbatcher802
    @mattbatcher802 2 роки тому

    Roots is my number one. You can't beat mycorhizae

  • @juliorivera870
    @juliorivera870 2 роки тому

    The zombies will eat my fish, I won't need a filter

  • @dtmdanthaman7305
    @dtmdanthaman7305 5 років тому +1

    Love the fish, but zombies? Fish are on their own... lol

  • @caseyjp1
    @caseyjp1 5 років тому

    plain ol' lavarock. Cheap, and will work even if there is an apocalypse. :-D

  • @MateyGardelOriental
    @MateyGardelOriental 4 роки тому

    Lava rock.Period...worst case scenario...plastic caps with a few holes...

  • @jzaquatics3670
    @jzaquatics3670 5 років тому

    Biohome or poret foam

  • @stevebennett1858
    @stevebennett1858 5 років тому +4

    Biohome

  • @nath9233
    @nath9233 Рік тому

    What about sponge? I've never seen a filter ever without sponge

  • @jzaquatics3670
    @jzaquatics3670 5 років тому

    Biomome or poret foam

  • @shawnpaul9544
    @shawnpaul9544 5 років тому +1

    Biohome ultimate!

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому +1

      Using it in both of the canisters (2 SunSun 302-b's) that have been filtering my 60 gal grow-out tank for several years with great results. Thanks for watching and commenting.

    • @shawnpaul9544
      @shawnpaul9544 5 років тому

      @@BenOchart I've been using it for about a year now in my sunsun 302b too and in my tidal 110.

  • @waynetodd6740
    @waynetodd6740 5 років тому

    Biohome all the way

  • @flemmingj1965
    @flemmingj1965 Рік тому

    poly-fill and lova rock

  • @cichlidguru1163
    @cichlidguru1163 5 років тому

    In my believing .I wouldn't buy to expensive media for canister since most of the canister got lot of bypass in them and that make media clogged quickly

  • @sandrocatracchia7811
    @sandrocatracchia7811 2 роки тому

    Matrix and Pumice are the exact same thing... Lava rocks are not pumice by any means of the word!...Also I must add that Purigen and Matrix are two completely different products that perform two completely different functions... In actuality Purigen is used to replace Carbon and better at removing organic compounds in the water including medications! ...

  • @erick6102
    @erick6102 5 років тому +2

    Gym socks!

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Just not my sons, LOL!

  • @ZEBULON181
    @ZEBULON181 4 роки тому +3

    Has anyone ever used API bio stars absolutely amazing. Stay fishy.

  • @EdMcCornhole
    @EdMcCornhole 5 років тому

    I've had a twin marineland bio wheel hang on back, african cichlids in a 50 gallon. I only use polyfill and sponge foam media. It gets really brown and dirty. I rinse it in same water in bucket.The bio turning wheel pads are the bio filtration. NEVER CHANGE THEM.The sand bed is bio filtration. I have not lost any fish for years! Always active . I do maybe 1 month 20 % water change. Plus i had two big parotts in with them. Just moved em to another tank. No need for anal fishkeeping. But i do want to start using lava rock for media. To try it out.

  • @dsa122161
    @dsa122161 5 років тому

    Lava rocks

  • @1959Berre
    @1959Berre 5 років тому

    Expanded clay pellets in a trickle filter

  • @mycojaneshaman
    @mycojaneshaman 4 роки тому +1

    ummm...in a zombie apocalypse, i would take whatever media i can get....

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  4 роки тому +1

      In a zombie apocalypse media would be the last thing on our minds, LOL!

  • @waltervandeleuv1811
    @waltervandeleuv1811 Рік тому +1

    Lavarock

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  Рік тому

      You can make a strong case for lava rock (and pumice which is just another type of lava rock and the what Seachem Matrix is all about)

  • @MateyGardelOriental
    @MateyGardelOriental 3 роки тому

    if there is a zombie apocalypse..i would eat my fish first.But if not..i will use lava rock

  • @nonsensevlogs1996
    @nonsensevlogs1996 5 років тому

    Media: Cotton balls

  • @TheGnthreman
    @TheGnthreman 5 років тому

    Bio media =bio Home pond guru
    Filter media =different foam media followed by poly fill.

  • @ianjames8794
    @ianjames8794 3 роки тому +1

    Alphagrog

  • @bobyates6513
    @bobyates6513 5 років тому

    Sponges and poly fil in every tank and every filter

    • @BenOchart
      @BenOchart  5 років тому

      Not a bad combo, the sponges do grow a lot of BB

  • @bobbysauer7826
    @bobbysauer7826 2 роки тому

    matrix is totally little pumice stones

  • @amaurisalvarez3270
    @amaurisalvarez3270 2 роки тому

    Pot 🧽 scrubber

  • @richardsouza4177
    @richardsouza4177 5 років тому

    Spounges personally