If you’re having trouble achieving crystal clear aquarium water, I can help! Download my Free ebook with the best tips and advice - KaveManAquatics.com/Free-Ebook
Got a question. I have a fx4 and found the quick clear pads and they say they are fx4 compatible which is good however the max clean pad says fx5/fx6 is there a reason they don’t have the fx4 on the list or should I leave this filter off in this application?
So I have south american puffers and today I finally caved in an bought a fx6. I will definitely be setting it up like you showed in your vids. In the past thanks to you my 406 has been providing crystal clear water. Thank you
Man Kave... You're breaking my bank with all this information. I keep buying new supplies to give my fish the best home possible. Keep up the information.
You’re a game changer bro.. my tank has gone from ok to beautiful thanks to you. My water quality is amazing now after I have set up my FX4 the way to did your FX6 with Bio Home Ultimate and Chemical-pure Blues . God bless always keep it up. You’re the best!
@@KaveManAquatics I know this is a year old but I just got a small canister filter for my 75 gal & it has no trays or baskets, I watched both your videos on this & was wondering if you could answer this for me, I see that when I opened the canister for the 1st time of running it for a month that most the muck was on the top. I have like 15-20 small zebra & Leopard danios with 6 albino Corie's, the plant's that's in the tank is java ferns amazon swords jungle Val & a tiger lotus along with some other odd & end plant's. Being most the muck was on the top is that where I would put the filter floss & where would I put the ceramic bio rings in the filter the pump is at the very bottom, sorry for the long comment I've been frauded off face book so y-t is all I have.
I just opened my old fish hobby supplies tote. I will be starting my new job soon. Thank goodness to my past self, I will be saving money 🙏 Al the memories and knowledge are coming back 😤
Awesome 😎 Boy that’s a great Video Kev, I’m Impressed with the Knowledge and tips that you Bring to the Hobby , I’m Loving the Course and I usually don’t do the Facebook but I’m gonna get into the Facebook page for more information about the hobby, Hall of Fame Brother. 😎😎😎🎏🎏
Thank you my bro! Glad you enjoyed the video and the course! And I know you'll get great enjoyment from the group as well. Not only finding help, but just a great fish keeper community sharing stories and pictures of fish and tank setups...just a great group of people!
I was about to get rid off my fx6s just simply because of the maintenance was way to much work. Going to try this set up when you do a follow up to it . Great video Kev thanks mate.
I use to use pot scrubbers in my koi pond filter back In the day. The pond was outdoor and over 3000 gallons. I also had UV and my water was always crystal clear and no nitrites nitrates or ammonia.
Good all around tips...I also suggest hitting your local Dollar Store to save even more $$$ on pot scrubbers and other items that can be used in the hobby. One suggestion I can add is using a sticky label either on the cannister itself, or hang a small clipboard with a plastic sheet as the paper. Use a waterproof marker to keep track of the date you performed any service on the tank/filters, Gravel cleaning/water changes, etc. etc. This way you never have to say "damn..when did i last change out my filter media...i think it's been about a month,,, ".
Lava rock works great, very cheap. I have 2 bare tanks a 50g & 60g.4goldfish in the 60g 2 in the 50g and use lava rock in the filters w/ sponges,topped with quilt batting. Has worked for years, after 2 weeks still 0 nitrates. Really. Rocks must be well rinsed. Can't wait to see pot scrubby results, thank you!
Volume for volume, lava rock is inferior to foam or pot scrubbers at biological filtration. Even with the porous surface, the water travels only on the outside of the individual rock, while utilizing the whole volume of the foam/sponge media uniformly. Not to mention those outside pores on the rock clog up fast by ever growing bacteria, rendering them useless.
Tip I've learned with my canister since they don't have on/off switches.. I bought wifi plugs for my Fx4, lights, co2. So I can control/set time schedules all from my phone. Works great for feeding time. I use Merkury wifi plugs from Walmart 8$. Fits multiple on a power strip perfectly.🤘🏼
I use those too and theyre connected to my alexa...So I say "Alexa water change" and the wavemaker, heaters, and filters turn off 😊 Its on my list of videos to make 💪
This is an interesting idea. I run a reef tank and I can tell you I am way overboard on my biological filtration. I probably have 100 lbs of reef rock in the tank. In the sump I have a Brightwell Xport brick and a bunch of marine pure cubes. This is only an 80 gallon system. Obviously pot scrubbers wouldn’t work for me since salt destroys everything, but it is an option for my wife’s new freshwater tank she’s setting up. Looking forward to the results!
I’m so glad I’m in your email list! That’s why I’m here and learned a new great tip. Just order the poly fil as you recommended. Thanks Kev!! Greetings from Colombia❤️❤️
Top tray, black Fluval pads and polyfill. Middle tray, lava rock. Bottom tray, chemi pure blue and crushed coral. My Eheim pro 3 focuses more on bio and mechanical.
I chucked out all my biohome. In both my fluval 407 and FX6 I have filled the baskets with 30ppi foams cut to size. Crystal clear water and perfect water parameters. Nitrates are pretty well contained too rarely exceeding 20ppm.
Informative, clear, and interesting! Your videos are some of the best in the hobby. Easy to understand. Great quality in video and audio. Appreciate this! ❤️👌
That was a good video 👍 I think expensive media like biohome is not necessary too. You can use anything so long as it has decent surface area and is inert. And like you said lots of the surface area is in the tank itself, especially if you have lots of decorations. Lots of good info in this video 🙂
Biohome is aimed at lowering the nitrate levels, due to supposedly enabling the anaerobic bacteria to flourish deep inside. The aerobic bacteria that uses nitrite grows pretty much everywhere. I love how KaveMan had the smart way of putting the sponges on top of the bio media.
You need more than surface area to lower nitrates which is the claim good biological media can do and for that, you need very slow-moving areas in the media that can host de-nitrifying bacteria. That's why something like filter floss even though it has good surface area never could do the work of good biological media.
Correct. In terms of anaerobic bacteria...I really wouldnt stop water changing anyway, even if I did have plenty or nitrate reducing bacteria...so its a cool trade off for me 😁
Definitely gonna try this set up in my FX4 (mechanical, chemical then bio) Switched from the way its recommended (mechanical, bio then chemical) cause it make sense what you're saying. I usually just watch and like your videos but after watching this video I'm now a subscriber to your channel. Love your videos bro very informative 👌. Can't wait to see the results of the scrubbie experiment.!!
hey kev love your videos btw. i have a quick question, is there a reason why u have the fluval ceramic rings mixed with the red bio home media?? Is there something beneficial about the hollowed out ceramic rings? please lmk... thanks again for all your help.
I really like that setup. It looks a lot cleaner & definitely easier to maintain. I might have to give it a try once you’re done with your test run. Good looking out brother!
@KaveManAquatics ive got a couple canisters and i just bought a bag of garden red lava rock from lowes, it was like 40-50lbs for like $8-$12. Very porus and seems to work fine, a lot of the bio media seems excessively overpriced.
This is an awesome channel, always full of educational and straight to the point information delivered by a fish keeper who has most probably forgotten more than others know. Always a 5 ⭐️ delivery. Would be interesting to see what the tests show after a month or two running the fx6 with the pot scrubbers Kev before you change the other.
Thank you bro! I appreciate that positive feedback. Maybe that’s a good Idea to throw in that video as well. That way I make it into a 3 part series 😁 Thanks for the idea 💪
Plus, my top basket has the black sponges for mechanical that they came with. So do you prefer those blue and white sponges that you used in yours instead of the black ones they came with? And, I didn't know you had a Facebook group. I'll definitely be joining. Thank you man for the vidoes.
Im.about to upgrade from a tank.mount to a canister. A little hesitant this video made the choice super easy. It don't look at all as scary as it sounds. Thank you
Thanks so so much my water is more crystal clear than ever! Since I been watching your video my 75 is on point👌!!! My new wave makers are awesome... I always been using Prime but I never used Stability and I want to start . How much do I use for my 75 gallon tank? Yes you are a game changer!!
Glad you're enjoying the channel and finding it helpful! 😊 You dont need to use Stability consistently, only in specific situations. Check this out - th-cam.com/video/dfxs8MDlWV8/w-d-xo.html
Lava rock and coral pieces work great as filter media in African Cichlid tanks...ALSO... you can rinse out and Re-Charge your Chemi-Pure 2-3 times before it becomes inert. Just rinse under the tap until clear, then place/submerge in a strong salt water solution overnite. (12-24 hours) Rinse again for 1 minute under the tap, and now it's ready to use for another month. This will save you ALOT of $$$ each year ...
Thank you for sharing. I’m going to try this. I did a water change Friday. 120g established tank on fx6. Got the algae bloom to stop but my nitrates are too high. It’s lightly cloudy.
The FX6 is a great filter don’t get me wrong, but it’s nowhere near as good as the SunSun HW-304B UV canister filter. This filter based on online research (it’s the top #1 for best canister filter in 2021), and from my own personal experiences, it is literally the best canister filter out there that you can get. Nothing can compete with this filter. I have an FX6 also on a 185 gallon Oscar tank that I have set up in my basement and it just doesn’t compete. Go get this Sun Sun filter and you won’t be disappointed trust me.
Great video. Nice to see someone offer quantitative parameters for N byproducts. It also looks like you planned and outlined your delivery, rather than just making it up as you went along. Thanks. Subscribed.
I stopped using any kind of chemical media literally decades ago other than carbon and I only use that if I am removing meds or tannins. After 40 years in the hobby I finally figured out that it was basically just a money suck, just like all of the boutique bio medias. You are one of very few experienced hobbyists that still use and recommend chemical media. In this old video you even recommend changing it monthly. Do you still do that? I am not hating on you at all...it's an honest question. BTW...we have been doing pot scrubbers since they changed from metal to plastic in the early 80's. They work great. Thanks for the videos...
Thanks for sharing your experience with me bro, I know many people that have also stopped using chemical media. But, I've literally seen a difference in my tanks when I use it and when I dont. I still use Purigen and change it out every 30-45 days, even though my tanks stay pretty crystal clear, I use it because I can tell it bumps the clarity up even more, just by a bit. For someone that doesnt have it all dialed in the way my tanks are, Purigen will prob be a bigger difference for them. I stopped using activated carbon only because of its links to HITT disease, even though I know thats not really confirmed. I've found that Purigen results in similar clarity so I go that route instead.
@@KaveManAquatics Thanks for the reply. That's what is great about our hobby! We have different paths to the same result and neither is wrong. Have a great day!
my nitrates are insanely high. Great video. You really have me thinking. I have one tank with 3 cannisters. Im gonna turn one of the 3 into a mechanical reactor....add chemipure and zeolite etc
That would be great! When I used to have 3 canisters on my 210, my 3rd canister was exactly that, a polishing canister with only mechanical and chemical. That way I only had to pop that one open monthly while the other 2 could go 4-6 months without touching.
I've used just plain old gravel in my canister filter before... Worked great. I like biomedia but I would never throw it out and then buy more. Just rinse a reuse...
I've got a discount code for Snake river Cichlids as well for your next order 😁 Join my Facebook group for more discount codes facbook.com/groups/kavemanaquatics
@@KaveManAquatics wish I knew that yesterday haha! but i just joined! I appreciate you and your channel very much! Very informative and straight to the point. Theres nothing else like this channel. Keep it up brother! 💯
I havent confirmed its effectiveness yet...But I can say this was recorded almost 2 weeks ago and I havent seen any spike in ammonia or nitrite! So its lookin good so far 😁
Cool video 👍🏽 always good information. I really only suggest expensive bio media when we have limited space to work with or unless you're trying to go overkill lol like me.
Hey Kev, Im another new fan of yours, I watch your videos for at least 1 hour each day of the week. You seem to answer most of my questions, so keep up the excellent work. I sent you a question yesterday but I don't remember what video I asked the question on, so I will ask again. Im in the process of buying a new 125-gallon tank. My question is, can 2 FX2 filters handle the job of keeping a 125-tank clean? I can also get 2 FX4 filters for $ 20.00 more than the FX2s, which would handle the job. So what would you do if you could get the FX4s for an extra ? 20.00 dollars, or would the FX4 be too much? Thanks for all your videos, keep it up. Dave..
I’ve just started following your channel and have been very impressed on you knowledge video quality in your progression for when you first started I know this topic is a little old but I’m currently setting up my second 125 gallon tank running it off of two FX4 and wanted to know why not just add the pot scrubbers on top of the bio wouldn’t that penetrate better than eliminating it
You could do either or. If you didnt want to spend money on any bio, you could fill it entirely with sponges. Or you could use the bio that came with the filter as well. I wanted to see how well nothing but just sponge would work to prove that it was capable. 😁
Well an update on my 75 gallon tank that I set up two weeks ago using pot scrubbers in my fx6. My tank is fully cycled and have crystal clear water, I have had no problems and the pot scrubbers do work as intended. Using them is a way better option that going out and spending a lot of money on expensive biomedia. I mentioned this in the Facebook group as well. If it wasn't for this video I would have been spending a lot more money on expensive stuff in the local pet store
Awesome to hear your tank is doing well with the pot scrubbers. My 210 is also still doing very well! So glad I was able to help you save some money! 😊 I'll have a 6 month update on the pot scrubbers coming soon...spoiler alert, its going to be all good! lol
You have helped me a lot with my aquarium cleaning, certain things were almost 1 year over due 😬😬😬. It's the lead best and most transparent it's ever been.
Everything can be for treatment maximal if you have money .. I always care my fish because my fish my friend in room . Cichlid fish so prety ,beautiful and mystic . I think afrika must happy for big natural wonderfull in there .. i am so interest for your treatment use sachem etc . But so exspensive i am usually use salt and some treatment in my country for cichlid . Love you sir ...
Hey Kev, great video. I’ve been watching your multiple FX6 canister filter setup videos and I’m getting confused. What do you recommend for an initial setup? Seems like this particular setup is for an established tank that has the beneficial bacteria already established. I have a 125gal tank I am about to setup for the first time this weekend with the fx6. My plan is to fill the bottom tray with chemo pure and crushed coral, middle and top trays with bio media. With the black pad on the top tray. This setup is following one of your videos. Do you still recommended this setup for the first time?
My 2 cents from watching his vids is that yes he's changed his set up several times over time but I don't think there's a set up for a new tank, then have to re arrange and set up another way fir a more established tank. I'm gonna upgrade to a 75g this yr and I think I will set it up best as possible as he has shown but I think only difference in a mature tank is that the beneficial bacteria will have been balanced and established at that point. But the order of things or tge pads and chemical media you use doesn't have to change at that point, unless you decide to get creative and try something else.
Dude great video. I'm tempted to buy that fx6 now. By the way is there a reason why you use use this brand of chemicals for prepping your tanks? The prime and stability? In your opinion how does it compare to the brand API? I actually purchased all API brand chemicals right before i discovered your ch and now I'm wondering if I should dump them and use what you use.
I just believe that Seachem has a better variety than API. Especially for my African Cichlids. So I kind of Started with them and they worked so well I just stuck with it. API is a good brand as well, I just prefer Seachem. Especially when it comes to Prime and Stability. Geeze...you think they would sponsor me already right? LOL!
I would normally say wait, lol But Its been over a month and I just did it again to my second FX6 and still everything looking good...so have at it! lol 🤣
Hi Kave man ive just got an fx6 for a 240l I know it's abit too much but they say you can never have too much filtration! I was just wondering if you'd put a video on how to control the outlet for agitation If its to much how to turn it down etc thankyou
Fantastic, informative and great precise delivery. Can you connect two FX6 in parallel. That way you only have one intake and one output in the take. One tank would be totally biomedia and next tank all chemical. What do you think.
This theory has been discussed many times but many dont do it because you'll lose the turn over rate that 2 filters give you. If 1 FX6 provides say, 400GPH (With media inside) 2 will turn your tank over at 800 GPH. Combining them in parrallel will not produce 800 GPH turn over rate.
@@KaveManAquatics Good point. Should have mentioned 125g African C tank. Was thinking of crystal clear water. First tank bio the second tank chemical would give perfect water & less tubing in tank.
Here's another good reason...You dont need an entire FX6 with chemical. That's overkill. But 2 fx6's worth of bio-media is MUCH better than 1. Here's an idea for you, add a 3rd filter, either a small canister or an HOB for polishing. Nothing but fine mechanical media and chemical. Watch this - th-cam.com/video/fgug3v6DtJs/w-d-xo.html
What do you think is better to oxygenate my water change water I’ve got pumps that sit on the bottom of my 55 gallon barrel then it’s piped up and out of the barrel and then 90s back down to splash the surface or would it be better to just let the pump run without the pipe and agitate the surface
I love watching your Channel. I have a 40 gallon tank with 2 red eared sliders. I'm using an FX4 on it. I want to upgrade my filter but I haven't made up my mind regarding which technique I want to use. Yours in this video or Pond Guru's. In His video he fills each tray with just bio media and the polishing pad up top. What technique do you think is most beneficial for my turtles and the filter?
He fills the whole thing with bio media because supposedly you need a whole bunch of bio-home for it to work properly. I dont believe in biohome. It's just very expensive media that does the same as these very cheap pot scrubbers. But thats just my opinion. Many will agree and disagree with me.
Are you using 2 bags of chemipure blue because its more effective on the tank or because of the size of the tank? I used one bag of chemipure blue and a bag of purigen in my top tray for my 75 gallon tank i think that should be ok.
Do you still run this setup and will it be fine to run same setup with freshwater, if not do you have any recommendations to get the most out of the fx6. Thanks
A few months ago I bought a 210 gallon about a year old. It came with 4 FX6's. I'm thinking of doing 2 filters that have chemical media like yours, but how would you recommend I set up the 3rd FX6?
If you’re having trouble achieving crystal clear aquarium water, I can help!
Download my Free ebook with the best tips and advice - KaveManAquatics.com/Free-Ebook
No more sponge filter? Haven’t seen one in your tank in a while or am I missing it? Keep it up the good work!
Got a question. I have a fx4 and found the quick clear pads and they say they are fx4 compatible which is good however the max clean pad says fx5/fx6 is there a reason they don’t have the fx4 on the list or should I leave this filter off in this application?
So I have south american puffers and today I finally caved in an bought a fx6. I will definitely be setting it up like you showed in your vids. In the past thanks to you my 406 has been providing crystal clear water. Thank you
Glad I could help! Congrats on the new beast! 😊
Man Kave... You're breaking my bank with all this information. I keep buying new supplies to give my fish the best home possible. Keep up the information.
Sorry, not sorry! 🤣🤣 Glad to know your fish are in good hands 👍
You’re a game changer bro.. my tank has gone from ok to beautiful thanks to you. My water quality is amazing now after I have set up my FX4 the way to did your FX6 with Bio Home Ultimate and Chemical-pure Blues . God bless always keep it up. You’re the best!
Awesome! Glad I could help! 😊💪
@@KaveManAquatics I know this is a year old
but I just got a small canister filter for my 75 gal
& it has no trays or baskets, I watched both your
videos on this & was wondering if you could
answer this for me, I see that when I opened
the canister for the 1st time of running it for
a month that most the muck was on the top.
I have like 15-20 small zebra & Leopard danios
with 6 albino Corie's, the plant's that's in the tank
is java ferns amazon swords jungle Val & a tiger
lotus along with some other odd & end plant's.
Being most the muck was on the top is that
where I would put the filter floss & where would
I put the ceramic bio rings in the filter the pump
is at the very bottom, sorry for the long comment
I've been frauded off face book so y-t is all I have.
I just opened my old fish hobby supplies tote. I will be starting my new job soon. Thank goodness to my past self, I will be saving money 🙏 Al the memories and knowledge are coming back 😤
Welcome back! 😁💪
Awesome 😎 Boy that’s a great Video Kev, I’m Impressed with the Knowledge and tips that you Bring to the Hobby , I’m Loving the Course and I usually don’t do the Facebook but I’m gonna get into the Facebook page for more information about the hobby, Hall of Fame Brother. 😎😎😎🎏🎏
Thank you my bro! Glad you enjoyed the video and the course! And I know you'll get great enjoyment from the group as well. Not only finding help, but just a great fish keeper community sharing stories and pictures of fish and tank setups...just a great group of people!
I was about to get rid off my fx6s just simply because of the maintenance was way to much work. Going to try this set up when you do a follow up to it . Great video Kev thanks mate.
Yea hold off a few more months until I can confirm this 😊
Glad I could help!
I use to use pot scrubbers in my koi pond filter back In the day. The pond was outdoor and over 3000 gallons. I also had UV and my water was always crystal clear and no nitrites nitrates or ammonia.
Good all around tips...I also suggest hitting your local Dollar Store to save even more $$$ on pot scrubbers and other items that can be used in the hobby. One suggestion I can add is using a sticky label either on the cannister itself, or hang a small clipboard with a plastic sheet as the paper. Use a waterproof marker to keep track of the date you performed any service on the tank/filters, Gravel cleaning/water changes, etc. etc. This way you never have to say "damn..when did i last change out my filter media...i think it's been about a month,,, ".
Lava rock works great, very cheap. I have 2 bare tanks a 50g & 60g.4goldfish in the 60g 2 in the 50g and use lava rock in the filters w/ sponges,topped with quilt batting. Has worked for years, after 2 weeks still 0 nitrates. Really. Rocks must be well rinsed. Can't wait to see pot scrubby results, thank you!
Yes Lava rock is another great, cheap bio-media 👍Thanks for sharing
Volume for volume, lava rock is inferior to foam or pot scrubbers at biological filtration. Even with the porous surface, the water travels only on the outside of the individual rock, while utilizing the whole volume of the foam/sponge media uniformly.
Not to mention those outside pores on the rock clog up fast by ever growing bacteria, rendering them useless.
Tip I've learned with my canister since they don't have on/off switches.. I bought wifi plugs for my Fx4, lights, co2. So I can control/set time schedules all from my phone. Works great for feeding time. I use Merkury wifi plugs from Walmart 8$. Fits multiple on a power strip perfectly.🤘🏼
I use those too and theyre connected to my alexa...So I say "Alexa water change" and the wavemaker, heaters, and filters turn off 😊 Its on my list of videos to make 💪
Nice
I have a reef tank (lots of equipment) and run two Kasa Smart Strips. They are amazing and under 50 bucks for 6 controllable plugs.
Without a doubt, my fav channel for learning about my new tank with African cichlids. Great work as always!
Awesome, thank you!
Salute to the Marine in the picture
Thank you Sir! That’s me 20 years ago!
@@KaveManAquatics thank you for your service. Even happier I’m subbed now.
Nope
@@KaveManAquatics semper fi devil dog 💪👊
Kev, love seeing you keeping it real man. Keep rocking!
Thank you bro! 😁💪
Got pot scrubbers in my fx6 also. Best cheapest media ever
Agreed! 😁
This is an interesting idea. I run a reef tank and I can tell you I am way overboard on my biological filtration. I probably have 100 lbs of reef rock in the tank. In the sump I have a Brightwell Xport brick and a bunch of marine pure cubes. This is only an 80 gallon system. Obviously pot scrubbers wouldn’t work for me since salt destroys everything, but it is an option for my wife’s new freshwater tank she’s setting up. Looking forward to the results!
If you have a planted tank expensive biological media is not only a waste of money it could be counterproductive as plants want nitrate to grow.
I’m so glad I’m in your email list!
That’s why I’m here and learned a new great tip.
Just order the poly fil as you recommended.
Thanks Kev!! Greetings from Colombia❤️❤️
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! 😁
Top tray, black Fluval pads and polyfill. Middle tray, lava rock. Bottom tray, chemi pure blue and crushed coral. My Eheim pro 3 focuses more on bio and mechanical.
I chucked out all my biohome. In both my fluval 407 and FX6 I have filled the baskets with 30ppi foams cut to size. Crystal clear water and perfect water parameters. Nitrates are pretty well contained too rarely exceeding 20ppm.
That’s what I’m talking about right there!!! 😁💪💪💪
Can you send a link to the foam ?
Informative, clear, and interesting! Your videos are some of the best in the hobby. Easy to understand. Great quality in video and audio. Appreciate this! ❤️👌
Thanks 👍 Glad you're enjoying the channel!
Your work is appreciated my friend wow❤️👍😊Love from India🇮🇳
Thank you so much 😀
That was a good video 👍
I think expensive media like biohome is not necessary too. You can use anything so long as it has decent surface area and is inert.
And like you said lots of the surface area is in the tank itself, especially if you have lots of decorations. Lots of good info in this video 🙂
Thank you bro! Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful! 😊💪
Biohome is aimed at lowering the nitrate levels, due to supposedly enabling the anaerobic bacteria to flourish deep inside. The aerobic bacteria that uses nitrite grows pretty much everywhere.
I love how KaveMan had the smart way of putting the sponges on top of the bio media.
You need more than surface area to lower nitrates which is the claim good biological media can do and for that, you need very slow-moving areas in the media that can host de-nitrifying bacteria. That's why something like filter floss even though it has good surface area never could do the work of good biological media.
You are the best brother because of you my tank is running perfect
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
In terms of static media, it's the best in surface area. Good for Ammonia, Nitrite, but 0 anaerobic bacteria.
Correct. In terms of anaerobic bacteria...I really wouldnt stop water changing anyway, even if I did have plenty or nitrate reducing bacteria...so its a cool trade off for me 😁
Definitely gonna try this set up in my FX4 (mechanical, chemical then bio) Switched from the way its recommended (mechanical, bio then chemical) cause it make sense what you're saying. I usually just watch and like your videos but after watching this video I'm now a subscriber to your channel. Love your videos bro very informative 👌. Can't wait to see the results of the scrubbie experiment.!!
Awesome! Glad you found the video helpful and thanks for the sub!
hey kev love your videos btw. i have a quick question, is there a reason why u have the fluval ceramic rings mixed with the red bio home media?? Is there something beneficial about the hollowed out ceramic rings? please lmk... thanks again for all your help.
I use those scrubs in my pond filter! Works real well.
I been using cheap dollar store sponges for years never had a problem lol they are great
Totally agree! 😊💪
I really like that setup. It looks a lot cleaner & definitely easier to maintain. I might have to give it a try once you’re done with your test run. Good looking out brother!
I agree! Cant wait to make the update video for you guys!
Thnx for the pot scrubbiez. The companies probably wanna put a hit on yah. But they work really good!
lol, Yea, I've heard they've gone up in price too...I wonder why 🤣
Thanks I'm learning so much watching your videos
Glad to hear it! 😊💪
@KaveManAquatics ive got a couple canisters and i just bought a bag of garden red lava rock from lowes, it was like 40-50lbs for like $8-$12.
Very porus and seems to work fine, a lot of the bio media seems excessively overpriced.
This is an awesome channel, always full of educational and straight to the point information delivered by a fish keeper who has most probably forgotten more than others know. Always a 5 ⭐️ delivery.
Would be interesting to see what the tests show after a month or two running the fx6 with the pot scrubbers Kev before you change the other.
Thank you bro! I appreciate that positive feedback. Maybe that’s a good Idea to throw in that video as well. That way I make it into a 3 part series 😁 Thanks for the idea 💪
@@KaveManAquatics looking forward to the uploads on the results.
Plus, my top basket has the black sponges for mechanical that they came with. So do you prefer those blue and white sponges that you used in yours instead of the black ones they came with? And, I didn't know you had a Facebook group. I'll definitely be joining. Thank you man for the vidoes.
Just set mine up with all the chemical up top thanks to you and Jeff
Awesome! 😊💪
Im.about to upgrade from a tank.mount to a canister. A little hesitant this video made the choice super easy. It don't look at all as scary as it sounds. Thank you
It's really not! You can do it!
Awesome video as usual, video quality has improved substantially. Thank you for serving our country and citizens.
Thank you bro! And I appreciate that you noticed. I’m trying to improve my skills with every video! 😁💪
Again a nice video👍. Love the Facebookgroup very much. And yeah Jeff always has great advice aswell🙌👍
Great to hear!
Thanks so so much my water is more crystal clear than ever! Since I been watching your video my 75 is on point👌!!! My new wave makers are awesome... I always been using Prime but I never used Stability and I want to start . How much do I use for my 75 gallon tank? Yes you are a game changer!!
Glad you're enjoying the channel and finding it helpful! 😊 You dont need to use Stability consistently, only in specific situations. Check this out - th-cam.com/video/dfxs8MDlWV8/w-d-xo.html
Lava rock and coral pieces work great as filter media in African Cichlid tanks...ALSO... you can rinse out and Re-Charge your Chemi-Pure 2-3 times before it becomes inert. Just rinse under the tap until clear, then place/submerge in a strong salt water solution overnite. (12-24 hours) Rinse again for 1 minute under the tap, and now it's ready to use for another month. This will save you ALOT of $$$ each year ...
Taking it to the next level ....... Respect!
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
Great vid Kev, that's an awesome setup. Thank you sharing your experience to help step up the fish game.
My pleasure bro! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Yea im definitely copying that fluval pad and chemical media on top tray strategy😂
Glad I could help! 😊💪
Thank you for sharing. I’m going to try this. I did a water change Friday. 120g established tank on fx6. Got the algae bloom to stop but my nitrates are too high. It’s lightly cloudy.
Thanks!
WOW, Thank you!! 😁 Sorry I didnt notice this sooner. I appreciate your support! 💪
Damn Kev!!! Thanks for the hook up again brotha!!
My Pleasure!
The FX6 is a great filter don’t get me wrong, but it’s nowhere near as good as the SunSun HW-304B UV canister filter. This filter based on online research (it’s the top #1 for best canister filter in 2021), and from my own personal experiences, it is literally the best canister filter out there that you can get. Nothing can compete with this filter. I have an FX6 also on a 185 gallon Oscar tank that I have set up in my basement and it just doesn’t compete. Go get this Sun Sun filter and you won’t be disappointed trust me.
Thanks for your opinion...even though many would disagree with you.
Your tanks look great so do the fish
I’m a smaller guy but still but yours is very vivid
Thank you! 😊
Great video. Nice to see someone offer quantitative parameters for N byproducts. It also looks like you planned and outlined your delivery, rather than just making it up as you went along. Thanks. Subscribed.
Not many notice that! Most are my videos are planned and organized but I also throw in the ocasional freestyle. Glad you enjoyed this! 😁
I stopped using any kind of chemical media literally decades ago other than carbon and I only use that if I am removing meds or tannins. After 40 years in the hobby I finally figured out that it was basically just a money suck, just like all of the boutique bio medias. You are one of very few experienced hobbyists that still use and recommend chemical media. In this old video you even recommend changing it monthly. Do you still do that? I am not hating on you at all...it's an honest question. BTW...we have been doing pot scrubbers since they changed from metal to plastic in the early 80's. They work great. Thanks for the videos...
Thanks for sharing your experience with me bro, I know many people that have also stopped using chemical media.
But, I've literally seen a difference in my tanks when I use it and when I dont. I still use Purigen and change it out every 30-45 days, even though my tanks stay pretty crystal clear, I use it because I can tell it bumps the clarity up even more, just by a bit. For someone that doesnt have it all dialed in the way my tanks are, Purigen will prob be a bigger difference for them.
I stopped using activated carbon only because of its links to HITT disease, even though I know thats not really confirmed. I've found that Purigen results in similar clarity so I go that route instead.
@@KaveManAquatics Thanks for the reply. That's what is great about our hobby! We have different paths to the same result and neither is wrong. Have a great day!
@@rantsandreviews Totally agree 💪
my nitrates are insanely high. Great video. You really have me thinking. I have one tank with 3 cannisters. Im gonna turn one of the 3 into a mechanical reactor....add chemipure and zeolite etc
That would be great! When I used to have 3 canisters on my 210, my 3rd canister was exactly that, a polishing canister with only mechanical and chemical. That way I only had to pop that one open monthly while the other 2 could go 4-6 months without touching.
My water is crystal clear and I don't use polishing media. 30ppi foam is the finest I have and I takes many months to clog
Video is on point kev!
Thank you bro! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@KaveManAquatics I'm o.c.d though I thought you could have stacked the pads on top of each other rather than lay flat
I've used just plain old gravel in my canister filter before... Worked great. I like biomedia but I would never throw it out and then buy more. Just rinse a reuse...
Agreed, bio-media should never be replaced.
Hey man, you should make a video on how you quarantine fish once you get them in and what meds you use! Also a video on how to treat ich!
Quarantine new fish right now, that video will be out next week 😁
@@KaveManAquatics appreciate the quick reply! i just ordered new fish off SRC, and would love to see that video, especially for these expensive fish!
I've got a discount code for Snake river Cichlids as well for your next order 😁 Join my Facebook group for more discount codes facbook.com/groups/kavemanaquatics
@@KaveManAquatics wish I knew that yesterday haha! but i just joined! I appreciate you and your channel very much! Very informative and straight to the point. Theres nothing else like this channel. Keep it up brother! 💯
Another very informative video Kev, hats off to you. Top job 👏
Glad you enjoyed it 😁
This is a great video so simple and so helpful..Great job man 👍👍👍👍
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
I’m running a FX 6 and a FX 4 on my 6 x 2 x 2, I think I’ll try this on the FX 4, thanks for the idea 👍
I havent confirmed its effectiveness yet...But I can say this was recorded almost 2 weeks ago and I havent seen any spike in ammonia or nitrite! So its lookin good so far 😁
Cool video 👍🏽 always good information. I really only suggest expensive bio media when we have limited space to work with or unless you're trying to go overkill lol like me.
LOVE your videos! Can I use filtered drinking water to clean my media without damaging my bacteria?
Your videos are fantastic!! Thank you for your work!
My pleasure! Glad you're enjoying them 😊
Great info. Pot scrubbers are definitely the way to go.
I have them in my Eheim 2260
Yup, so far my tank is doing great with them 👍
Absolutely love your videos! Such useful information
Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying them! 😁
Hey Kev, Im another new fan of yours, I watch your videos for at least 1 hour each day of the week. You seem to answer most of my questions, so keep up the excellent work. I sent you a question yesterday but I don't remember what video I asked the question on, so I will ask again. Im in the process of buying a new 125-gallon tank. My question is, can 2 FX2 filters handle the job of keeping a 125-tank clean? I can also get 2 FX4 filters for $ 20.00 more than the FX2s, which would handle the job. So what would you do if you could get the FX4s for an extra ? 20.00 dollars, or would the FX4 be too much? Thanks for all your videos, keep it up. Dave..
I’ve just started following your channel and have been very impressed on you knowledge video quality in your progression for when you first started I know this topic is a little old but I’m currently setting up my second 125 gallon tank running it off of two FX4 and wanted to know why not just add the pot scrubbers on top of the bio wouldn’t that penetrate better than eliminating it
You could do either or. If you didnt want to spend money on any bio, you could fill it entirely with sponges. Or you could use the bio that came with the filter as well. I wanted to see how well nothing but just sponge would work to prove that it was capable. 😁
Was it? By the way I’m in NC from New York also New Rochelle!!
Absolutely, I used nothing but sponges for over a year! Checkout the series - th-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8MN8NdRvlfuvcNkS8GUbAdt.html
Boss I am cringing at the water dripping 😄 probably need a basin under. Great vid by the way. Cheers
You and me both!
Well an update on my 75 gallon tank that I set up two weeks ago using pot scrubbers in my fx6. My tank is fully cycled and have crystal clear water, I have had no problems and the pot scrubbers do work as intended. Using them is a way better option that going out and spending a lot of money on expensive biomedia. I mentioned this in the Facebook group as well. If it wasn't for this video I would have been spending a lot more money on expensive stuff in the local pet store
Awesome to hear your tank is doing well with the pot scrubbers. My 210 is also still doing very well! So glad I was able to help you save some money! 😊 I'll have a 6 month update on the pot scrubbers coming soon...spoiler alert, its going to be all good! lol
Been using scrubbies for a few years now. You will be happy.
So far so good! 😊
Sales after this video 📈
🤣 I hope so bro!
Great video I’ll be trying that biohome media for sure
Does it matter what size media you use
Kevin what is the best size biohome media to use in a canister filter or does it even mater
keep up the great work big guy!!
Thanks bro! Will do!
I hit the like button just because u sacrificed perfectly good biohome just to experiment for ur audience lol 🤙🏻
I’ve done a few more experiments for the audience as well, surf around the channel 😊
Absolutely this is my first video I've seen of urs I'll be sure to subscribe
Awesome advice!!
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for your great videos.
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
great stuff my friend
keep it up
Thanks, will do!
Your a legend. Thanks again,
Thank you! 😁💪
Just got the fx6 its great
Awesome! You're gonna love it!
You have helped me a lot with my aquarium cleaning, certain things were almost 1 year over due 😬😬😬. It's the lead best and most transparent it's ever been.
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Everything can be for treatment maximal if you have money ..
I always care my fish because my fish my friend in room . Cichlid fish so prety ,beautiful and mystic . I think afrika must happy for big natural wonderfull in there .. i am so interest for your treatment use sachem etc . But so exspensive i am usually use salt and some treatment in my country for cichlid . Love you sir ...
Thank you bro, yes salt is a great treatment! And thank you for joint and supporting the channel!! 😁💪
Nice to see your videos back in my subscription feed, seems TH-cam didn't push your last few ones to me...
I missed a few uploads due to my course. Have been working on completing that. Now that it’s done I’ll be able to get back to regular uploads 😁
Hey Kev, great video. I’ve been watching your multiple FX6 canister filter setup videos and I’m getting confused. What do you recommend for an initial setup?
Seems like this particular setup is for an established tank that has the beneficial bacteria already established.
I have a 125gal tank I am about to setup for the first time this weekend with the fx6. My plan is to fill the bottom tray with chemo pure and crushed coral, middle and top trays with bio media. With the black pad on the top tray.
This setup is following one of your videos. Do you still recommended this setup for the first time?
My 2 cents from watching his vids is that yes he's changed his set up several times over time but I don't think there's a set up for a new tank, then have to re arrange and set up another way fir a more established tank. I'm gonna upgrade to a 75g this yr and I think I will set it up best as possible as he has shown but I think only difference in a mature tank is that the beneficial bacteria will have been balanced and established at that point. But the order of things or tge pads and chemical media you use doesn't have to change at that point, unless you decide to get creative and try something else.
great video kev... a question how often are you replacing the chemipure blue and the purigen pack?
Thanks bro, I replace all chemical media monthly
Thanks for the info enjoyed the video
Glad it was helpful!
Great job on explaining everything 💯✊🏽
Thank you bro! Glad you enjoyed it 😁
Instead if polyfil, you cannuse quilt batting. Can get soooo much and it is already pressed into a mat.
Dude great video. I'm tempted to buy that fx6 now. By the way is there a reason why you use use this brand of chemicals for prepping your tanks? The prime and stability? In your opinion how does it compare to the brand API? I actually purchased all API brand chemicals right before i discovered your ch and now I'm wondering if I should dump them and use what you use.
I just believe that Seachem has a better variety than API. Especially for my African Cichlids. So I kind of Started with them and they worked so well I just stuck with it. API is a good brand as well, I just prefer Seachem. Especially when it comes to Prime and Stability. Geeze...you think they would sponsor me already right? LOL!
Im going to do this right now!
I would normally say wait, lol But Its been over a month and I just did it again to my second FX6 and still everything looking good...so have at it! lol 🤣
Love your videos. Which canister would u recommend for a 55 tank. Marineland or fluval.
I have a biased opinion because I love my Fluval Canisters lol Go with the Fluval 407 and you cant go wrong!
@@KaveManAquatics thank u
Hi Kave man ive just got an fx6 for a 240l I know it's abit too much but they say you can never have too much filtration! I was just wondering if you'd put a video on how to control the outlet for agitation If its to much how to turn it down etc thankyou
Fantastic, informative and great precise delivery. Can you connect two FX6 in parallel. That way you only have one intake and one output in the take. One tank would be totally biomedia and next tank all chemical. What do you think.
This theory has been discussed many times but many dont do it because you'll lose the turn over rate that 2 filters give you. If 1 FX6 provides say, 400GPH (With media inside) 2 will turn your tank over at 800 GPH. Combining them in parrallel will not produce 800 GPH turn over rate.
@@KaveManAquatics
Good point. Should have mentioned 125g African C tank. Was thinking of crystal clear water. First tank bio the second tank chemical would give perfect water & less tubing in tank.
Here's another good reason...You dont need an entire FX6 with chemical. That's overkill. But 2 fx6's worth of bio-media is MUCH better than 1.
Here's an idea for you, add a 3rd filter, either a small canister or an HOB for polishing. Nothing but fine mechanical media and chemical.
Watch this - th-cam.com/video/fgug3v6DtJs/w-d-xo.html
What do you think is better to oxygenate my water change water I’ve got pumps that sit on the bottom of my 55 gallon barrel then it’s piped up and out of the barrel and then 90s back down to splash the surface or would it be better to just let the pump run without the pipe and agitate the surface
Tanks look awesome. What percentage of blue, white do you have your Current light set at?
Blue red and white at 100, green at 5
Hey 👋 how's everything going on your new tank everyone still doing great
Yes Sir, everyone growing at an awesome rate! Will have an update video on them coming soon 😁
@@KaveManAquatics good to hear be looking forward to the update
I love watching your Channel. I have a 40 gallon tank with 2 red eared sliders. I'm using an FX4 on it. I want to upgrade my filter but I haven't made up my mind regarding which technique I want to use. Yours in this video or Pond Guru's. In His video he fills each tray with just bio media and the polishing pad up top. What technique do you think is most beneficial for my turtles and the filter?
He fills the whole thing with bio media because supposedly you need a whole bunch of bio-home for it to work properly. I dont believe in biohome. It's just very expensive media that does the same as these very cheap pot scrubbers. But thats just my opinion. Many will agree and disagree with me.
@@KaveManAquatics okay cool. Thank's for getting back to me. I truly appreciate the feedback and all the videos.
Hey kaveman, my friend is wanting to do the keeping african cichlids course. When is it going to be available again?
Are you using 2 bags of chemipure blue because its more effective on the tank or because of the size of the tank? I used one bag of chemipure blue and a bag of purigen in my top tray for my 75 gallon tank i think that should be ok.
The amount you need is based on your water volume. It's labeled on the bottle. I use 2 because its 210 gallon tank
Do you still run this setup and will it be fine to run same setup with freshwater, if not do you have any recommendations to get the most out of the fx6. Thanks
Pot scrubbies and pumice rock from home depot ftw
Can I use Chemi Pure Blue and Purigen in my turtle tank? Thank you! Great Video as always!
Yes, absolutely
Scrubbie that tank water Kev! Very intrested to see how this works.
Yea me too! Cant wait to get part 2 out to you guys!
Please wait at least 3 months for the media to got properly established. Do not clean unless flow drops.
A few months ago I bought a 210 gallon about a year old. It came with 4 FX6's. I'm thinking of doing 2 filters that have chemical media like yours, but how would you recommend I set up the 3rd FX6?