Thanks, Dr. Novak for mentioning my tank and all. I hope more folks out there would give your system a try, I'm a believer that the BCB bags did something to my tank and improved things for the discus. Just a note for all you discus keepers out there, first the water out of the tap is very hard here in San Antonio, TX, I don't us RO water for water changes, and we all know for discus to breed and eggs to hatch requires softer water. The last spawn the eggs hatched and went to wriggles for a couple of days before the parents eat them. I'm just so happy with this tank and will not change a thing. Sorry for all you non believers out there in the hobby and I'm proof the axonic filtration has made a very big impact on my tank! Thanks a million Dr. Novak....
When I had my Discus in Chicago the water is also very hard. The same as in Florida the water is extremely hard. I was told by another hobbyist to show your videos.
Hi Roland, I set a completaly new 130 gal tank with a bunch of BCB baskets in a sump. There are 8 discus, each 15 cm (however they are not mature yet to spawn), 12 Corydoras Sterbai and there are also 3 couples of German Rams in the tank. The tank has been running with fish for three months now, I am feeding realy heavily an I am not using RO water. My tap water TDS is 400 ppm - so it is a very hard water. I introduced 6 young German rams 4 weeks ago. All three pairs lay eggs every cca 10 days - all right, that was a surprise for me enough, but I couldn´t believe my eyes when I saw the parents with their fry a few days ago and they´ve been doing fine since that! Still I cannot believe that it was possible, as I was told from a reputable breeder and professional, that the eggs of amazon fish must be fertilised in a very soft water, otherwise the sperm can not penetrate the surface of the egg. Maybe I am saying it just as a laymen and not completaly correct, but I am realy astonished and am looking forward to the time when the tank and my discus are realy mature. ...So many thanks for sharing, it is a big support and assurance - as it takes a little bit of courrage to swim against the main stream :) Kind regards from Europe and thank you Dr. Novak for all the valuable information - you are a real inspiration!
Hi Kevin. . . I am currently soaking my kitty litter in liquid iron solution in batches and my plenum is under construction as we speak ! Finally giving my new setup everything you have taught me so far ! Looking forward to seeing results . Thanks . John .
@Christina Morris Hello. Seems I don't get notified when people comment on my comment ! Sorry for the delay in replying... I've made my own solution up , it's so much cheaper that anything you can buy pre made in the shops... its from a box of garden granules that are intended for the garden " Chempak Sequestered Iron With Magnesium And Manganese 250g " it's so easy to makeup , just add one scoop ( about 25g ) into 1 ( one ) litre of distilled or deionised water and then dose at 1 ml per nett 100 litres of aquarium water per day ! ( it's ok to miss a dose , but NOT OK TO DOUBLE DOSE ! ) ...W A R N I N G ... liquid iron should not be overdosed as this can cause early fish death ! I use less rather than more as it's safer . I've experimented to learn this the hard way ! It's perfectly fine in the correct dose ( a bit like paracetamol ! ) I notice that manufacturers don't make it clear that overdose can be fatal ! One pack of 250g is enough for 10 litres of neat solution ! ( at 1 ml per day ( per 100l ) from one pack , it's enough for 10000 doses ! Or approx 27 years worth for about £8 uk price from ebay . Any questions please leave a comment . Yes it really works and makes a massive impact right away and your plants will boom and I wouldn't be without it . I also use 1 ml per day of liquid carbon , which also works . I'm excited to be finally able to grow aquatic plants , after years of failing . Good luck . John . 🐠.
@Laura Sutton hi Laura , sorry for later reply... I've given my new setup everything I've got to make it work ! If it fails it's not for the want of trying ! I'm hoping for the best . I've watched every video and taken all that information and applied it to my plenum using 1 inch under gravel filter plates etc . Will be upset if it doesn't work after all my effort and expense . Ultimately I have a slow moving under gravel filter if all fails . Thanks for your comment . Good luck if you try it . John . 🐠.
@@johnbfrommanchesterengland4580 thank you so much for taking the time to do this for me...and the information packed inside. no worry about the time it took. I appreciate your answering. do you feel like elaborating on the liquid carbon? thank you
Thank you Dr Novak for clarifying the kitty litter and it’s consistency! I also have over 20 Discus that haven’t even paired for many years. Great info!
For the first month I wrapped my BCB Bags in quilt batting because if the dust. They were added to my aquarium with my older goldfish, for just the first month.
Hello dr Novak. You can actually fry clumping cat litter but you need fire furnace. Baking at 500C or more until it starts glow red will turn clumping litter into nonclumping one. Done this myself.
Thank you for thoroughly explaining the anoxic nitrification system that you've developed. I recently watched your interview with Pecktec and was fascinated by the physical and chemical processes. I'm interested in applying it to a DIY aquaponics system for lettuce. I've seen your planted aquariums and it got me wondering you thought it might be a suitable growing media. It's much cheaper than leca pellets at the very least. Thank you for your time and expertise.
This answers the question I had about mushy kitty litter. I baked the kitty liter and used it when I made up some bcb ‘s and put plants in them to set inside my aquarium. The kitty litter got mushy. Thanks for clarifying this 👍
Hi Lara. I’m wondering if you can help me please? What is the difference between mushy and clumping? I can’t buy the good kitty litter here in Australia so I baked Bentonite clay. I think it must’ve been sodium bentonite not calcium bentonite because it went thicker. I noticed no difference though when it was mixed with water. Both baked and unbaked were thicker but not like potters clay. I don’t know whether to use this clay or not in the BCB baskets. It’s frustrating because the bag only says 100% natural clay.
Yes, it is. If it is pure iron, no problem. It will begin to rush and release the iron into the water. This is an old trick they used to use in aquariums over 100 years ago.
I am growing algae on all sides of my aquarium for my goldfish to nibble on. On Purpose. I am only wiping the front viewing panel. It is getting a beautiful green.
Helloo Dr. Novak .. big fan of your work. I do have questions. Instead of "Special Kitty litter " can I use Seachem Flourite black ( which is another porus clay ) and instead of Laterite can we use Seachem Flourite RED ( which i believe has good amount of laterite like compound) ? The reason of asking this question is simply Laterite & special kitty is not wildly available. But both seachem products mentioned above are. HEnce i wanted to check more available options .
So do bcb baskets lower the ph or make water softer? My ph is already 6.2 , kh is 1, gh is 3. Nitrates always climb fast. If the bcb will help combat that great! If the effect the affore mentioned not great for me.
So far after a few months of using Oil Dri it still stays firm and only some of it turns dark. After rescaping my tank without any water change ( only removing some water from the tank) only around less than 10 ppm for my nitrate and nitrite. Than I did around 40 L water change.
Going on 4 weeks for my bcb baskets in my goldfish ponds and can’t wait for them to finally seed 🤞🏽🤞🏽 reaches 60ppm over the week if I don’t water change every couple of days. Love your videos and look forward to new ones 🥰
Wow! I stumbled across this while researching filtration systems for my African Cichlid tank... and I just happen to work for Oil-Dri. A little info in the differences in Oil-Dri clays and getting the correct clay for for the Anoxic filter. First, Special Kitty is a product that uses attapulgite clay that is mined in south GA, the color is light tan/gray. To keep it simple for this post, all the clay processed there is baked to a certain degree to drive the moisture out. For coarse cat litter such as Special Kitty, the clay does not need to be baked long enough to drive "all" of the moisture out. This is why it will break down and get muddy when soaked in water. However, Oil-Dri Premium Absorbent is a product that is baked longer and dried out to less than 1% moisture. This changes the structure of the clay to where it will not break down and get muddy. This is the product that will be best used for Anoxic filter as described in this video. This brings up the second point... Oil-Dri Premium Absorbent is also processed in California and Mississippi facilities. In MS, the mineral is montmorillinite and is a harder granule that is darker in color (reddish/brown). Based on the video, it sounds like it could also work for this filter. However, Oil-Dri premium from CA may not work, as it will break down and not stay a hard granule. So if you live out west, you may not get the desired results. Hope this helps!
i had a dozen shubunkin goldfish i got from a feeder fish tank, and i kept them in a 20 long about 30 years ago. they were like little puppy dogs, so beautiful, and chased me as i walked past. i think i returned them to the shop after they got too big. i didn't realize they were a difficult fish, but you made me think of them and perhaps i'll try another tank again. what i do remember was how personable they were.
Shubunkins and comets do not fit in that category of "hard goldfish" to keep. I'm talking about your hybrids more so than I am your long body goldfish.
Thank you so much for answering my questions ... I already soaked the kitty litter in iron and i put it in my aquarium now my aquarium is pink red ... I need to do some water changes 😃
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums yes i did about 3 times but i ended up eventually doin 2 consecutive water changes and now i see the color like humane pink ... Very light ... I think i used too much iron basically
My Safe T Sorb was turning to mush but it was coming through the UGF, through the uplift, and dirtying up the tank. There would be brown dust all over the glass. I'm going to reset with kitty litter. I'm debating on putting a layer of gravel on the filter plate before adding the kitty litter.
The cat litter should not be directly on the ugf plate. Think of it as a samich: from bottom to top: Plenum Ugf plate 2" of substrate 1 or 2" cat litter and laterite mix 1 or 2" substrate (you will see this). Roughly total depth of 4 to 5" of material. I give approx depths because it will vary based on the nominal size of substrate you are using. If its very small like sand, you can be on the lower end, and larger substrate might be a little deeper. You want the clay/laterite "sandwiched" between protective layers of substrate. If using sand, putting window screen (not the metal kind) on top of the ugf will keep sand from slipping through. And screen on top of the cat litter layer before placing the final sand can help stop digging fish from damaging the litter layer.
Dr Novak, a couple squestion about the iron: I thought it was just to help get the bacteria started? Is it necessary to add iron as the system ages too? What would happen if it is setup with no iron at all?
If you have plants in the aquarium, any plants that are live iron is the most essential element for that plant then comes the other elements such as magnesium etc. etc.
Hi Dr. Novak, Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all the fish hobbyist and after watching hours of your video and reading lots of comment.(Subscribed!) I'm going to try out the BCB method, However in my country it is very hard to get oil dri, kitty litter (non clumping ones). If I may ask, what would be a good substitute? I've seen people suggesting hydroton & akadama size between 1mm-4mm.
What about Iron supliment pills? I was thinking could crush the tablets and put them in the center of the basket. I believe they are just iron and talc
I mention your system everywhere amd anywhere I can , so many people are resistant to believe it’s true or even give it a try , I have no idea why more are not open to the possibility that this system actually works . What have u got to loose to try a couple of bags or baskets if the plenum is to much to change everything unless you know it works .
I Love your videos... I wonder if my water lettuce and duckweed is just taking the place of algae in the process of my tank. Like the the algae issues I was fighting became much easier when I introduced the the fast growing plants, I regularly have to remove handfuls of the plants to keep the water surface about 50% open so light can reach the bottom of the tank...
I asked the Doc about using iron ore because I drive past the mines and its everywhere, they build roads gardens with it he said give it a go so 2 of my tanks and my pond are using it all good so far one tank with discus
Hi Dr. Novak. I'm currently testing your anoxic filtration system on a 100L blackwater biotope. Plenum: 5kg of smectite clay (baked 280C/5hrs), 1kg laterite, flourite red for capping, flourite black sand for borders and further capping and black humate as active substrate. Also, I've added a truly strong dried leaf extract that I made out of cattappa, banana and jack fruit, water was completely dark, but to my amazement, 24hrs later it turned out crystal clear, no tannins whatsoever, even purigen would have taken a few days to remove that amount of tannins, "...removing insults" is obviously an understatement lol. So to keep backwater conditions I would need to use flourite red instead of smectite clay (or drastically reduce the amount clay) and use clay with the bcb bags? Thank you for sharing your research.
Hi Kevin love your scholarly work. Have you applied these methodologies in a marine aquarium? If so it would be great to hear of your experiences….thanks…Scott
Thank you Mr. Novak. How many BCB Bags should be good enough to make for 130gallons tank with 11 Discus in it and a 65 gallons sump.. and where is better to place them in the sump in the beginning of the sump filtration stage or at the end by the return pump?
Those variables you may need to find out by hit and trial. A 30cmx30cmx20cm BCB is good enough to take care of bioload of an adult KOI (2-3 foot long 24x7 hogging fish). Go for biggest possible BCB OR maximum BCB bags you can. The best place to put them is in the chamber right after mechanical filtration. Mechanical>BCB>chemical (Carbon) > return to aquarium. 65g SUMP should be able to hold a lot of bags for sure.
Been taking care of my daughters Betta for 7 months now and did not know about Anoxic Filtration or bother with water testing till 7 weeks ago. I put the Plenum and BCB to use, am now 4-5 weeks in and I see water conditions are alot more stable, ammonia n nitrites were always higher than nitrates were and green algae would cover the glass, plants die and white slime on plant leaves in a couple of weeks. The tanks with these issues got a clean about 2 weeks ago and look as if the algae is finding it hard to form, plants are growing and no signs yet of white algae since, their water test show 0,0,5 (21l) and 0,0,10 (65l) which was 2 days ago, 21l has had about 4@30% water changes since and 65l has had 2@30% last one done 2 weeks ago. I do not know if these results are from the Plenum but have suspicion the BCBs have something to do with the 0 reading of ammonia and nitrites. Everythings working alot better now and not as much maintenance is needed and fish look happier than ever. Awaiting till the nitrates drop and will start saving for a Phosphate test kit. If you read this Kevin, thanks for your time in doing so and your efforts in making this system become more known!
Been feeding alot more than usual for 4 days now purposely to see nitrate increase and today test results were 0 nitrates, I think it's time for the Phosphate test kit. Clumped bubbles have formed around plants leaves at surface and surface looks like an oil slick.. supposed signs of phosphates?
Hi Dr. Novak, when using the Special kitty litter to make a BCB, should i sift the fine particle out, or use it as is?...will it matter if i sift fine particles out ?
🤔🤔🤔I been in this hobby on and off since the mid-late 80’s and currently been running tanks since 1998/1999. I’m currently running 10 tanks with two on standby. I use Biohome in trickle filters in my large cichlid tanks. And I use H.O.B’s and canisters on all my other tanks. Over roughly two years I’ve purchased $300 + of Biohome 👎🏽. I also use Pumice in additional trickle filters. I purchased the Biohome because I thought I needed it to help filter my tanks housing my larger new world cichlids due to the Pond Gurus claims of the stuff having allowing a complete biological cycle as well as cichlids having the propensity to relocate substrate to their liking so a plenum would be utterly useless. My question are : 1) With this being the case would the cat litter have the same effect if it’s used in a trickle filter or would that be too much water movement for the clay ? 2) When the Biohome wears out what would be a good replacement filter media to use in the trickle filters? 3) Sense the kitty litter/ clay will simply turn into mush how exactly does it allow water to pass through the clay to enter the chamber/ the void of the plenum ? I tried the “ Father fish method “ and in each tank the sand turned black and smelled like sewage. All the plants and fish died and in some tanks a slimy algae started to grow. That was truly a waist of time and money.
Hi Kevin, thoughts on Plenums in saltwater aquariums?? Have you carried out any research into this and the best methods for long term success?? Any thoughts on the product called Miracle mud that is available for marine and freshwater?? Many thanks
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums have you done a TH-cam video on setting up a marine plenum?? I have looked at your lists, all seem to be freshwater?? Would you still use kitty litter, etc, in marine or just sand based?? Thanks again for your advice
Hi Dr.Novak, On December 2021, I put BCB baskets in my sump, 22cm x 30cm x10cm , 3 of them, the tank water clear almost overnight and since then my Discus has been spawning on regular basis, although none of the eggs hatched because I dont have the time and interest to breed discus. Now I am going to set up a FOWLR saltwater tank, marine angelfish is also one of my fishkeeping obsession. Do you recommend I go with BCB only, Plenum only, or both ?
It's funny how many hobbyist have said they're using a BCB or an Anoxic filter that now say either Discus or spawning for them when they didn't before.
They are 2 types of bentonite clay that is used for kitty litter but apparently only one is used in Australia. We can’t get calcium bentonite anymore which doesn’t clump and then there is sodium bentonite which does clump. All the cat/kitty litter that I’ve found is the sodium bentonite. I’m trying to find attapulgite clay that supposedly doesn’t clump. I’ve contacted the manufacturer of Fussy Cat Attapulgite Cat Litter to ask if it does clump and they have to put it to their tech team. I’m waiting for a reply.
Hi Doc, I'm just about to setup a 200lt + 60lt sump aquarium for fancy gold fish. I would very much like to implement your Anoxic Filtration System. In the sump l already have 3kg of alfa frog but lots of room for baskets. I can get Laderit in this country (uk) but getting hold of the right unsented kitty litter isn't easy. I do have expanded clay pebbles that are used in aquaponics, could I use them as they are inert and baked already. Regards Nick
Iv watched all your clips and Iv sent many messages and I just can’t get an answer to my question, can I ues zeolite baked cat litter??????????? Woolworths ? I can’t get bentonite backed in west Australia, please yes or no is fine
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums thanks for reply I’m sorry I was sounding frustrated but I really have watched all your clips and I can’t find anything on zeolite in particular just a yes or no and I’ll get a T-shirt I promise
90 gallon planted tank co2 injection, 10 discus 24 cory catfish, I just started with bcb basket been a month time, 2 of my young discus became a pair, starting to lay eggs, but I guess the male is to young he's eating the eggs, so I move them into a 20 gallons, and now another young pair is paring up in my 90 gallon. Hmmmmm?
Sometimes the Discus feel threatened, they will eat their eggs if there's other Discus are around. That's why they usually keep a pair separately in their own aquarium.
I thought only sodium bentonite clay clumped but not calcium bentonite. Now I’m really confused. I can’t seem to get baked calcium bentonite anyway despite contacting the mine managing director at Watheroo Minesite in WA. It’s the only place in Australia that mines calcium bentonite.
Dr. Novak, I am interested in nano tanks. Do you know how small a BCB can be and be effective? If I understand correctly there needs to be some thickness in order to have a core where the correct O2 level will exist. On three to five gallon tank, I would be looking at a BCB that would be golf balls size in an HOB. Do you think that could be effective? Thanks,
sure I think it would help but I would put a plenum...without an uplift tube covered in weed block fabric then the other cat litter then soil then at leas an inch of sand on top and leave the filtration the same or use sponge in it so you can just rinse it out when it gets clogged
ok Doc, what about lasagna method (say 3 inches) 1" florite (high porosity & CEC rate), 1" eco complete (high porosity & CEC rate), then finally one 1" of fluval strautum (volcanic ash based substrate). I use the stratum just to get plants started and for those with shallow roots. plus it's just nice to plant into. Question: with this hi level CEC material shouldn't I be able to create a full nitrogen cycle in this more shallow substrate bed? I started with tap water @ 7.3 ph and 14 TDS (yes really) 24, 48 & 72 hrs later I'm at 6.5, 77 TDS and still zero ammonia, nitrates, nitrites. is this a complete cycle? What am I missing? please advise
If you use enough clay you don't need to cycle the tank. Clay will not allow any ammonia spikes. I move my mbuans from tank to tank (I tend to mod my tanks a bit) and I don't bother cycling tanks anymore. Clay eats up ammonium quickly. I know people won't believe it. When I was starting out with BCBs.. while doing a fishless cycle I used a bit too much of 25% strength ammonia. 8ppm ammonia was wiped out to 0 in 48 hours and I just found this out by chance, doing a random test, could not believe it.
with water changes , dont over sell the need to do that amount, do over sell the difficultly. i have 8 discus in a 90 and i do 2 water change once a week including the sand. if you are breeding discus 3 or 4 a week. discus are NOT that difficult
I want to watch your videos so bad but I can’t take how you go on and on, marking the same point 7-8 times before moving on. Please keep the videos coming but edit down. This video should have been any longer than 5 min.
Thanks, Dr. Novak for mentioning my tank and all. I hope more folks out there would give your system a try, I'm a believer that the BCB bags did something to my tank and improved things for the discus. Just a note for all you discus keepers out there, first the water out of the tap is very hard here in San Antonio, TX, I don't us RO water for water changes, and we all know for discus to breed and eggs to hatch requires softer water. The last spawn the eggs hatched and went to wriggles for a couple of days before the parents eat them. I'm just so happy with this tank and will not change a thing. Sorry for all you non believers out there in the hobby and I'm proof the axonic filtration has made a very big impact on my tank! Thanks a million Dr. Novak....
When I had my Discus in Chicago the water is also very hard. The same as in Florida the water is extremely hard. I was told by another hobbyist to show your videos.
Very happy for you Roland!
Hi Roland, I set a completaly new 130 gal tank with a bunch of BCB baskets in a sump. There are 8 discus, each 15 cm (however they are not mature yet to spawn), 12 Corydoras Sterbai and there are also 3 couples of German Rams in the tank. The tank has been running with fish for three months now, I am feeding realy heavily an I am not using RO water. My tap water TDS is 400 ppm - so it is a very hard water. I introduced 6 young German rams 4 weeks ago. All three pairs lay eggs every cca 10 days - all right, that was a surprise for me enough, but I couldn´t believe my eyes when I saw the parents with their fry a few days ago and they´ve been doing fine since that! Still I cannot believe that it was possible, as I was told from a reputable breeder and professional, that the eggs of amazon fish must be fertilised in a very soft water, otherwise the sperm can not penetrate the surface of the egg. Maybe I am saying it just as a laymen and not completaly correct, but I am realy astonished and am looking forward to the time when the tank and my discus are realy mature. ...So many thanks for sharing, it is a big support and assurance - as it takes a little bit of courrage to swim against the main stream :) Kind regards from Europe and thank you Dr. Novak for all the valuable information - you are a real inspiration!
Thanks sharing your knowledge to us
Well I just wasted my time checking my BCB in my canister after 3 months, no mess , no clog, thanks doc
Hi Kevin. . . I am currently soaking my kitty litter in liquid iron solution in batches and my plenum is under construction as we speak ! Finally giving my new setup everything you have taught me so far ! Looking forward to seeing results . Thanks . John .
what liquid iron solution did you use?
john b keep us updated as the tank progresses.
@Christina Morris Hello. Seems I don't get notified when people comment on my comment ! Sorry for the delay in replying... I've made my own solution up , it's so much cheaper that anything you can buy pre made in the shops... its from a box of garden granules that are intended for the garden " Chempak Sequestered Iron With Magnesium And Manganese 250g " it's so easy to makeup , just add one scoop ( about 25g ) into 1 ( one ) litre of distilled or deionised water and then dose at 1 ml per nett 100 litres of aquarium water per day ! ( it's ok to miss a dose , but NOT OK TO DOUBLE DOSE ! ) ...W A R N I N G ... liquid iron should not be overdosed as this can cause early fish death ! I use less rather than more as it's safer . I've experimented to learn this the hard way ! It's perfectly fine in the correct dose ( a bit like paracetamol ! ) I notice that manufacturers don't make it clear that overdose can be fatal ! One pack of 250g is enough for 10 litres of neat solution ! ( at 1 ml per day ( per 100l ) from one pack , it's enough for 10000 doses ! Or approx 27 years worth for about £8 uk price from ebay . Any questions please leave a comment . Yes it really works and makes a massive impact right away and your plants will boom and I wouldn't be without it . I also use 1 ml per day of liquid carbon , which also works . I'm excited to be finally able to grow aquatic plants , after years of failing . Good luck . John . 🐠.
@Laura Sutton hi Laura , sorry for later reply... I've given my new setup everything I've got to make it work ! If it fails it's not for the want of trying ! I'm hoping for the best . I've watched every video and taken all that information and applied it to my plenum using 1 inch under gravel filter plates etc . Will be upset if it doesn't work after all my effort and expense . Ultimately I have a slow moving under gravel filter if all fails . Thanks for your comment . Good luck if you try it . John . 🐠.
@@johnbfrommanchesterengland4580 thank you so much for taking the time to do this for me...and the information packed inside. no worry about the time it took. I appreciate your answering.
do you feel like elaborating on the liquid carbon? thank you
Thank you Dr Novak for clarifying the kitty litter and it’s consistency! I also have over 20 Discus that haven’t even paired for many years. Great info!
Thank you for your work. This is the best method . From death cage to the real life supporting system.
Not pushing anything Kevin. Just enjoying, great informative videos of yours.
Glad to hear it
Thanks for clarifying the mush/muddy problem
No problem!
I see why you put Roland's video in the Description. 😁 🐟
Can you use kitty litter with a plenum? I had planned to do this before you said that I kitty litter turns to mush.
For the first month I wrapped my BCB Bags in quilt batting because if the dust. They were added to my aquarium with my older goldfish, for just the first month.
Hello dr Novak. You can actually fry clumping cat litter but you need fire furnace. Baking at 500C or more until it starts glow red will turn clumping litter into nonclumping one. Done this myself.
Great info, thank you very much.
Clarification of ❓s Excellent Info
Your cryptocoryne are beautiful and has a nice shine on them.
Thanks for the insight into the zero nitrates levels.
That's the same tank that has the 28,000 luminous lights on it and still no algae growth on the plants.
Awesome
Thank you for thoroughly explaining the anoxic nitrification system that you've developed. I recently watched your interview with Pecktec and was fascinated by the physical and chemical processes. I'm interested in applying it to a DIY aquaponics system for lettuce. I've seen your planted aquariums and it got me wondering you thought it might be a suitable growing media. It's much cheaper than leca pellets at the very least. Thank you for your time and expertise.
This answers the question I had about mushy kitty litter. I baked the kitty liter and used it when I made up some bcb ‘s and put plants in them to set inside my aquarium. The kitty litter got mushy. Thanks for clarifying this 👍
Hi Lara. I’m wondering if you can help me please? What is the difference between mushy and clumping? I can’t buy the good kitty litter here in Australia so I baked Bentonite clay. I think it must’ve been sodium bentonite not calcium bentonite because it went thicker. I noticed no difference though when it was mixed with water. Both baked and unbaked were thicker but not like potters clay. I don’t know whether to use this clay or not in the BCB baskets. It’s frustrating because the bag only says 100% natural clay.
Dr. Novak, is it possible to use something like an Iron Nail ?
Yes, it is. If it is pure iron, no problem. It will begin to rush and release the iron into the water. This is an old trick they used to use in aquariums over 100 years ago.
YAY finally an answer! Thank you for this.
I am growing algae on all sides of my aquarium for my goldfish to nibble on. On Purpose. I am only wiping the front viewing panel. It is getting a beautiful green.
It is great for them.
It's a really positive thing to do for the health of your fish for sure :)
Helloo Dr. Novak .. big fan of your work. I do have questions. Instead of "Special Kitty litter " can I use Seachem Flourite black ( which is another porus clay ) and instead of Laterite can we use Seachem Flourite RED ( which i believe has good amount of laterite like compound) ? The reason of asking this question is simply Laterite & special kitty is not wildly available. But both seachem products mentioned above are. HEnce i wanted to check more available options .
I am just using Flourite red from now on
So do bcb baskets lower the ph or make water softer? My ph is already 6.2 , kh is 1, gh is 3. Nitrates always climb fast. If the bcb will help combat that great! If the effect the affore mentioned not great for me.
So far after a few months of using Oil Dri it still stays firm and only some of it turns dark. After rescaping my tank without any water change ( only removing some water from the tank) only around less than 10 ppm for my nitrate and nitrite. Than I did around 40 L water change.
Thank you! Very good video!
Thank you too!
Is it fine to use zeolite instead of kitty litter? I have got a lot of pure zeolite available. Thank you so much 🤗
Yes you can. Here in the United States, though it's kind of expensive compared to kitty litter.
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums thank you so so much for the answer
Thanks for motivational video.
Most welcome
Going on 4 weeks for my bcb baskets in my goldfish ponds and can’t wait for them to finally seed 🤞🏽🤞🏽 reaches 60ppm over the week if I don’t water change every couple of days. Love your videos and look forward to new ones 🥰
Hey check this out:
th-cam.com/video/gU-yPmViOvc/w-d-xo.html
by Guppies Stories.
He has a pond like yours (just saw small clip of your pond)
Wow! I stumbled across this while researching filtration systems for my African Cichlid tank... and I just happen to work for Oil-Dri. A little info in the differences in Oil-Dri clays and getting the correct clay for for the Anoxic filter. First, Special Kitty is a product that uses attapulgite clay that is mined in south GA, the color is light tan/gray. To keep it simple for this post, all the clay processed there is baked to a certain degree to drive the moisture out. For coarse cat litter such as Special Kitty, the clay does not need to be baked long enough to drive "all" of the moisture out. This is why it will break down and get muddy when soaked in water. However, Oil-Dri Premium Absorbent is a product that is baked longer and dried out to less than 1% moisture. This changes the structure of the clay to where it will not break down and get muddy. This is the product that will be best used for Anoxic filter as described in this video. This brings up the second point... Oil-Dri Premium Absorbent is also processed in California and Mississippi facilities. In MS, the mineral is montmorillinite and is a harder granule that is darker in color (reddish/brown). Based on the video, it sounds like it could also work for this filter. However, Oil-Dri premium from CA may not work, as it will break down and not stay a hard granule. So if you live out west, you may not get the desired results. Hope this helps!
Thanks, this is great information. Can you send me photos of the Oil-Dri bags?
drklnovak@gmail.com
i had a dozen shubunkin goldfish i got from a feeder fish tank, and i kept them in a 20 long about 30 years ago. they were like little puppy dogs, so beautiful, and chased me as i walked past. i think i returned them to the shop after they got too big. i didn't realize they were a difficult fish, but you made me think of them and perhaps i'll try another tank again. what i do remember was how personable they were.
Shubunkins and comets do not fit in that category of "hard goldfish" to keep. I'm talking about your hybrids more so than I am your long body goldfish.
Thank you so much for answering my questions ... I already soaked the kitty litter in iron and i put it in my aquarium now my aquarium is pink red ... I need to do some water changes 😃
Did you rinse the bags before you put them in the aquarium?
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums yes i did about 3 times but i ended up eventually doin 2 consecutive water changes and now i see the color like humane pink ... Very light ... I think i used too much iron basically
Let the filter run for 2 days.
If only I could find laterite these days...sigh.
Im goin to make bcmb soon for a filter booster and see what its like
My Safe T Sorb was turning to mush but it was coming through the UGF, through the uplift, and dirtying up the tank. There would be brown dust all over the glass.
I'm going to reset with kitty litter. I'm debating on putting a layer of gravel on the filter plate before adding the kitty litter.
you can use weed block from home depot it is black fabric...it does NOT rot...
How long did you run your filter? Water usually clears up in less than 1 day.
The cat litter should not be directly on the ugf plate.
Think of it as a samich: from bottom to top:
Plenum
Ugf plate
2" of substrate
1 or 2" cat litter and laterite mix
1 or 2" substrate (you will see this).
Roughly total depth of 4 to 5" of material. I give approx depths because it will vary based on the nominal size of substrate you are using. If its very small like sand, you can be on the lower end, and larger substrate might be a little deeper.
You want the clay/laterite "sandwiched" between protective layers of substrate.
If using sand, putting window screen (not the metal kind) on top of the ugf will keep sand from slipping through. And screen on top of the cat litter layer before placing the final sand can help stop digging fish from damaging the litter layer.
Dr Novak, a couple squestion about the iron: I thought it was just to help get the bacteria started? Is it necessary to add iron as the system ages too? What would happen if it is setup with no iron at all?
If you have plants in the aquarium, any plants that are live iron is the most essential element for that plant then comes the other elements such as magnesium etc. etc.
Very informative Thank you!
Hi Dr. Novak, Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all the fish hobbyist and after watching hours of your video and reading lots of comment.(Subscribed!) I'm going to try out the BCB method, However in my country it is very hard to get oil dri, kitty litter (non clumping ones). If I may ask, what would be a good substitute? I've seen people suggesting hydroton & akadama size between 1mm-4mm.
In my latest video I do show some substitutes.
What about Iron supliment pills? I was thinking could crush the tablets and put them in the center of the basket. I believe they are just iron and talc
if water doesn't flow through it, where does the anoxic bacteria in the middle of the bcb get their carbohydrates, tks sir
Hi there, thank you for your help,
Can you please advise if iron oxide(Fe2O3) would be a good choice as the Iron side of the mix?
Thanks
yes it will work too.
I mention your system everywhere amd anywhere I can , so many people are resistant to believe it’s true or even give it a try , I have no idea why more are not open to the possibility that this system actually works . What have u got to loose to try a couple of bags or baskets if the plenum is to much to change everything unless you know it works .
I Love your videos... I wonder if my water lettuce and duckweed is just taking the place of algae in the process of my tank. Like the the algae issues I was fighting became much easier when I introduced the the fast growing plants, I regularly have to remove handfuls of the plants to keep the water surface about 50% open so light can reach the bottom of the tank...
Most likely
What is in a bcb bags how do you make them bcb bags 🤷 can you put them in the tank I don’t have a sump ✌️🇨🇦🙏
Yes, that is how it works. Yes, a Plenum will act as an anoxic filter in fluids move at the right velocity through the substrate.
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums thanks for your time and your teachings 👍✌️🇨🇦
Hi Dr Novak, wouldn’t Zeolite be the same as kitty litter
YES, it is. They use it in other countries were kitty litter is not available, let's say for example Thailand.
Hello Did you see a reduction in nitrate once you increased the flow on the goldfish tank?
On another subject on laterite alternatives. Can rusty iron objects like bolts [ nails can be a hazard ] in the bcb be used?
Doc has mentioned it can be used but then he also stated iron nails are not really made of 100% iron these days.
I asked the Doc about using iron ore because I drive past the mines and its everywhere, they build roads gardens with it he said give it a go so 2 of my tanks and my pond are using it all good so far one tank with discus
Hi Dr. Novak. I'm currently testing your anoxic filtration system on a 100L blackwater biotope. Plenum: 5kg of smectite clay (baked 280C/5hrs), 1kg laterite, flourite red for capping, flourite black sand for borders and further capping and black humate as active substrate.
Also, I've added a truly strong dried leaf extract that I made out of cattappa, banana and jack fruit, water was completely dark, but to my amazement, 24hrs later it turned out crystal clear, no tannins whatsoever, even purigen would have taken a few days to remove that amount of tannins, "...removing insults" is obviously an understatement lol.
So to keep backwater conditions I would need to use flourite red instead of smectite clay (or drastically reduce the amount clay) and use clay with the bcb bags?
Thank you for sharing your research.
Hi Kevin love your scholarly work. Have you applied these methodologies in a marine aquarium? If so it would be great to hear of your experiences….thanks…Scott
Thank you Mr. Novak. How many BCB Bags should be good enough to make for 130gallons tank with 11 Discus in it and a 65 gallons sump.. and where is better to place them in the sump in the beginning of the sump filtration stage or at the end by the return pump?
Those variables you may need to find out by hit and trial. A 30cmx30cmx20cm BCB is good enough to take care of bioload of an adult KOI (2-3 foot long 24x7 hogging fish). Go for biggest possible BCB OR maximum BCB bags you can. The best place to put them is in the chamber right after mechanical filtration. Mechanical>BCB>chemical (Carbon) > return to aquarium. 65g SUMP should be able to hold a lot of bags for sure.
Been taking care of my daughters Betta for 7 months now and did not know about Anoxic Filtration or bother with water testing till 7 weeks ago. I put the Plenum and BCB to use, am now 4-5 weeks in and I see water conditions are alot more stable, ammonia n nitrites were always higher than nitrates were and green algae would cover the glass, plants die and white slime on plant leaves in a couple of weeks. The tanks with these issues got a clean about 2 weeks ago and look as if the algae is finding it hard to form, plants are growing and no signs yet of white algae since, their water test show 0,0,5 (21l) and 0,0,10 (65l) which was 2 days ago, 21l has had about 4@30% water changes since and 65l has had 2@30% last one done 2 weeks ago. I do not know if these results are from the Plenum but have suspicion the BCBs have something to do with the 0 reading of ammonia and nitrites. Everythings working alot better now and not as much maintenance is needed and fish look happier than ever. Awaiting till the nitrates drop and will start saving for a Phosphate test kit. If you read this Kevin, thanks for your time in doing so and your efforts in making this system become more known!
Been feeding alot more than usual for 4 days now purposely to see nitrate increase and today test results were 0 nitrates, I think it's time for the Phosphate test kit. Clumped bubbles have formed around plants leaves at surface and surface looks like an oil slick.. supposed signs of phosphates?
Thx doc! Yes you said my name right lol.
Hi Dr. Novak, when using the Special kitty litter to make a BCB, should i sift the fine particle out, or use it as is?...will it matter if i sift fine particles out ?
where do you get good quaity mesh bags
/
I ordered mine off of Amazon. In fact in my video I even show the bags that I use the name and where I got them off of Amazon.
🤔🤔🤔I been in this hobby on and off since the mid-late 80’s and currently been running tanks since 1998/1999. I’m currently running 10 tanks with two on standby. I use Biohome in trickle filters in my large cichlid tanks. And I use H.O.B’s and canisters on all my other tanks.
Over roughly two years I’ve purchased $300 + of Biohome 👎🏽. I also use Pumice in additional trickle filters.
I purchased the Biohome because I thought I needed it to help filter my tanks housing my larger new world cichlids due to the Pond Gurus claims of the stuff having allowing a complete biological cycle as well as cichlids having the propensity to relocate substrate to their liking so a plenum would be utterly useless.
My question are :
1) With this being the case would the cat litter have the same effect if it’s used in a trickle filter or would that be too much water movement for the clay ?
2) When the Biohome wears out what would be a good replacement filter media to use in the trickle filters?
3) Sense the kitty litter/ clay will simply turn into mush how exactly does it allow water to pass through the clay to enter the chamber/ the void of the plenum ?
I tried the “ Father fish method “ and in each tank the sand turned black and smelled like sewage. All the plants and fish died and in some tanks a slimy algae started to grow. That was truly a waist of time and money.
Hi Kevin, thoughts on Plenums in saltwater aquariums?? Have you carried out any research into this and the best methods for long term success?? Any thoughts on the product called Miracle mud that is available for marine and freshwater?? Many thanks
Miracle mud has been around a long time and I used it back in the 80s and really I wasn't impressed with it. That's my thoughts on miracle mud.
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums have you done a TH-cam video on setting up a marine plenum?? I have looked at your lists, all seem to be freshwater?? Would you still use kitty litter, etc, in marine or just sand based?? Thanks again for your advice
Hi Dr.Novak, On December 2021, I put BCB baskets in my sump, 22cm x 30cm x10cm , 3 of them, the tank water clear almost overnight and since then my Discus has been spawning on regular basis, although none of the eggs hatched because I dont have the time and interest to breed discus.
Now I am going to set up a FOWLR saltwater tank, marine angelfish is also one of my fishkeeping obsession. Do you recommend I go with BCB only, Plenum only, or both ?
It's funny how many hobbyist have said they're using a BCB or an Anoxic filter that now say either Discus or spawning for them when they didn't before.
Both will be best. Doc recommends plenum out of the two.
can u talk about the kitty precisely what ingridient can and cant be use? so i can find the right one
thanks
plain clay cat litter with no additives [like scent]
thanks
BAKED/CALCINED CLAY
They are 2 types of bentonite clay that is used for kitty litter but apparently only one is used in Australia. We can’t get calcium bentonite anymore which doesn’t clump and then there is sodium bentonite which does clump. All the cat/kitty litter that I’ve found is the sodium bentonite. I’m trying to find attapulgite clay that supposedly doesn’t clump. I’ve contacted the manufacturer of Fussy Cat Attapulgite Cat Litter to ask if it does clump and they have to put it to their tech team. I’m waiting for a reply.
Did you find a suitable kitty litter yet? If you did I’d really appreciate you sharing it. Thank you.
Hi Doc, I'm just about to setup a 200lt + 60lt sump aquarium for fancy gold fish. I would very much like to implement your Anoxic Filtration System. In the sump l already have 3kg of alfa frog but lots of room for baskets. I can get Laderit in this country (uk) but getting hold of the right unsented kitty litter isn't easy. I do have expanded clay pebbles that are used in aquaponics, could I use them as they are inert and baked already.
Regards Nick
The Laterite is for an iron source do you have another way of obtaining such?
Iv watched all your clips and Iv sent many messages and I just can’t get an answer to my question, can I ues zeolite baked cat litter??????????? Woolworths ? I can’t get bentonite backed in west Australia, please yes or no is fine
This is all been answered 1000 times before. Even my videos answer your questions.
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums thanks for reply I’m sorry I was sounding frustrated but I really have watched all your clips and I can’t find anything on zeolite in particular just a yes or no and I’ll get a T-shirt I promise
@@benogrady3328 what did you end up using Ben?
Bcb helps my discus spawn.
Isn't that amazing, I get tons of emails from people saying the same thing.
90 gallon planted tank co2 injection, 10 discus 24 cory catfish, I just started with bcb basket been a month time, 2 of my young discus became a pair, starting to lay eggs, but I guess the male is to young he's eating the eggs, so I move them into a 20 gallons, and now another young pair is paring up in my 90 gallon. Hmmmmm?
Sometimes the Discus feel threatened, they will eat their eggs if there's other Discus are around. That's why they usually keep a pair separately in their own aquarium.
Wow.
What about a kernel of steel wool?
I think I would stay away from steel wall I've never heard of anyone using it. You don't know if anything would be toxic in the metals that are using.
The 2 sec silence at 18:03 is epic hehehe
hello can we use Bentonite clay?
Bentonite clays create clumping cat litter and it cannot be used because of that.
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums in my place its harder to find the clay kitty litter that unscented (natural) than the laterite hehe
I thought only sodium bentonite clay clumped but not calcium bentonite. Now I’m really confused. I can’t seem to get baked calcium bentonite anyway despite contacting the mine managing director at Watheroo Minesite in WA. It’s the only place in Australia that mines calcium bentonite.
Dr. Novak, I am interested in nano tanks. Do you know how small a BCB can be and be effective? If I understand correctly there needs to be some thickness in order to have a core where the correct O2 level will exist. On three to five gallon tank, I would be looking at a BCB that would be golf balls size in an HOB. Do you think that could be effective? Thanks,
It will be easier to use thick substrate/plenum/baked clay/laterite. Where will you put the BCB in a nano tank? Small BCBS tend to be less effective.
sure I think it would help but I would put a plenum...without an uplift tube covered in weed block fabric then the other cat litter then soil then at leas an inch of sand on top and leave the filtration the same or use sponge in it so you can just rinse it out when it gets clogged
ok Doc, what about lasagna method (say 3 inches) 1" florite (high porosity & CEC rate), 1" eco complete (high porosity & CEC rate), then finally one 1" of fluval strautum (volcanic ash based substrate). I use the stratum just to get plants started and for those with shallow roots. plus it's just nice to plant into.
Question: with this hi level CEC material shouldn't I be able to create a full nitrogen cycle in this more shallow substrate bed? I started with tap water @ 7.3 ph and 14 TDS (yes really) 24, 48 & 72 hrs later I'm at 6.5, 77 TDS and still zero ammonia, nitrates, nitrites. is this a complete cycle? What am I missing? please advise
If you use enough clay you don't need to cycle the tank. Clay will not allow any ammonia spikes. I move my mbuans from tank to tank (I tend to mod my tanks a bit) and I don't bother cycling tanks anymore. Clay eats up ammonium quickly. I know people won't believe it. When I was starting out with BCBs.. while doing a fishless cycle I used a bit too much of 25% strength ammonia. 8ppm ammonia was wiped out to 0 in 48 hours and I just found this out by chance, doing a random test, could not believe it.
What bags do you recommend for a BCB? thanks
The discus owner being talked about in this video used Seachem bags.
Hey Dr. Novak, what part of Florida are you in? I’m over in the Bradenton/Sarasota area.
Kississimmee
Update on the tank today: th-cam.com/video/lCjVJB7-DeM/w-d-xo.html
with water changes , dont over sell the need to do that amount, do over sell the difficultly. i have 8 discus in a 90 and i do 2 water change once a week including the sand. if you are breeding discus 3 or 4 a week. discus are NOT that difficult
Many discuss breeders don't have this opinion.
Let me guess. It start with a B and ended with a Home? Lol
Haahahahah that's the first thing that came to my mind.
I want to watch your videos so bad but I can’t take how you go on and on, marking the same point 7-8 times before moving on. Please keep the videos coming but edit down. This video should have been any longer than 5 min.
Sorry I'm not one of those TH-camrs that make five min. commercial videos.
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums the lack of commercialism is what draws me to you videos. That’s great and gives you credibility. Just edit.
Well I just wasted my time checking my BCB in my canister after 3 months, no mess , no clog, thanks doc
haha don't worry. You now know :)