Apologies for the accusatory tone of the video title but the fact is over 95% of people who watch this video will have high nitrates in an under-filtered aquarium or pond.
Don't believe me? Then please watch the video since I have tried to cram in as much useful information about filters and biological processes as possible in the run time which is close to 35 minutes.
Bear in mind that the figures given in the video for recommended media amounts is based on Biohome ultimate in a properly set up filter and achieving FULL CYCLE FILTRATION so they are based on the filter working at best efficiency. With less effective types of filter media you could need way more to get near full cycle filtration and most will never achieve that no matter how much you use.
Media choice is critical as it needs to support a good balance of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to process Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrite for the full cycle (low flow rate is not needed for Biohome to be effective so that is a bonus).
For the people out there who have achieved full cycle filtration and now enjoy a healthy system with happy fish I'd love to see your comments posted on this video - feel free to link to any videos of your tanks too.
Only FULL CYCLE FILTRATION is successful filtration.
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US Gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
TIME STAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
01:45 Misleading information
02:48 Explaining the proper Nitrogen cycle (full cycle)
04:40 Sizing a filter properly (for full cycle filtration)
07:58 Some examples of aquarium filters true capacity
12:42 Booster filter
14:00 How long a full cycle should take
16:01 How to set up a canister filter for full cycle filtration
22:33 Carbon / chemical media placement in a filter
24:18 Placement of 'polishing pad'
26:10 Notes on cleaning the filter
27:46 Chemical filtration problems / effects on bacteria and nitrate levels
31:01 Biohome, cheap media and summary
GEAR LINKS:
Biohome, foams etc. http://www.filterpro.co.uk
APS 2000 filter: http://geni.us/2LnO
SunSun 304B (UV version) US: http://geni.us/iINgHik
EF2 2.3 litre Booster filter: http://geni.us/2bj1
SunSun HW-603 2.3 litre booster filter (US): http://geni.us/QA3w
Eheim pre-filter: http://geni.us/oP1GW6h (not shown in video)
USEFUL VIDEOS:
Looking inside filter media: https://goo.gl/NCJ2oP
Wheelie bin shower filter: https://goo.gl/xd7YVe
Aquarium / filtration playlist: https://goo.gl/QiiCWZ
Pond construction playlist: https://goo.gl/cRVwn2
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: https://goo.gl/jMaBWy
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder http://geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: http://geni.us/4OL
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: http://geni.us/1pmn
JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: http://geni.us/e09e
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) http://geni.us/dee24
Zomei Z666 tripod: http://geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: http://geni.us/87f7
If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching.
See you next time.
Pondguru