Hello are you still active? I’m setting up a tank like this with no sump. I hand fluval fx4 canister filter I want to place baskets in. Also layers of clay and fluorite red over a plenum
There was another fellow BCB user that I followed here on YT (Luke) that tried using a canister filter for the baskets. I haven't followed up with him lately so don't know the outcome; however, if you could regulate the water flow low enough to gently pass through the baskets, then I think it should have a measure of success.
dunno if you guys cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all of the new movies on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last few days :)
I made 2 bcb bags and stuck them in a modified Fluval 407 (cut the bottoms of 2 of the trays out). The bags are essentially supended between my mechanical sponges & a carbon basket. It is filtering a 90 gallon aquarium with 12 large adult angels, a 7" red shoulder severum, 4 hillstream loaches, 4 bristlenose plecos and 8 corydoras. Nitrates 0 using API test!
Hello. This video was done a long time ago. I hope I can still reach you. How often do you have to break the entire system down to clean and start back over again? How does it keep operating since it's just kitty litter? Thanks for the response.
Hi could you tell me is the material in that special kitty cat litter zeolite? I just watched your video and heard you mention that it is pure zeolite. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.👍
Salty Sphynx thanks for the reply.👍 does this type of filter need to be recharged then..or can it be left with no maintenance at all? We know zeolite will have to be recharged in normal applications. So how does actually work please..
@@cichlidsofthesoutheast.since19 Yes, It will need recharging with the laterite eventually. Dr Kevin Novak has many videos explaining the science behind it, and I think I remember him saying a liquid iron injection would recharge the BCBs - am sure timing will vary dependent on size, chemistry etc, but I think he injected his after 5 years.
Salty Sphynx...so was there any other way... apart from regular testing that will give any indication that these filters are exhausted and will need attention. I’m sorry for all the questions. But I’m interested in this and who better to ask than somebody who’s having very good results. Hope you don’t mind.
@@cichlidsofthesoutheast.since19 Don't mind at all. Yes, testing is going to be your best indicator - After 2 years, we're still getting zero readings on NO2- and NH3/NH4+, with NO3- ranging 5-20ppm tops (acceptable range). As an alternative filtration method, we've been very pleased with the BCBs - we do also have a sponge filter in the last chamber of our sump, which I think has been helpful as well. Our 29 gal tank has two sponge filters as primary filtration, with my little BCB "tacos" that I created under the plenum - it's just as healthy (if not healthier) than our 100 gal tank.
Thank you. kind of what I thought. but wanted to make sure. I will just have to turn off the pump to the sump before my BCB baskets are exposed to air, that will leave about 15 gal of water that in my 40 gal sump that I would other wise had taken out. it won't be hard to make that up sometime during the month since I do 35% water change two times a week on my discus tank. thanks again. Ken Evora
👍 That's basically what we do too. In my next video, I'll show how full our sump is and what happens when we turn off the pump so that you'll get a good idea of the water levels.
Maybe laterite comes from a country that no longer wishes to do business with the united states or has experienced upheaval...or ...something of that nature...maybe API just decided it wasn't worth selling as they were making no money off of it....just thoughts on where the laterite may have gone...
Hi love your video could you please tell me if I got the right one I have the special kitty fragrance free natural clay Nothing added kitty litter when I wash it. seems to turn to mush is it supposed to do that or is it supposed to stay more Gravel like I think I have the right one
There is a certain percentage of it that is "dusty" and then washes away when you wet it to rinse. But, the majority of it should remain intact in as much as it will seem like a gravelly, soil-like substance. If it is the red bag like depicted in the video (and is non-clumping, etc) it sounds like you have the right litter.
Thanks for the response I really appreciate it it does seem to be kind of muddy but it says the exact same thing on the bag so I’m assuming it’s the right stuff I did go ahead and make one and put it in my tank I hope it’s the right stuff I think it is
I don't know that the pH is significantly affected by the litter, particularly since there are so many other variables; i.e. the live plants, wood, sand (or gravel as in my little tank) But our pH runs a constant 6.0 to 6.2 in the large tank, and a bit higher (closer to 7 in the small tank).
He does. 😊 His differs slightly, in that instead of running the laterite layer vertically like I do, he runs it as a horizontal layer in the middle. The laterite is crucial to the science involved with the ammonia conversion. This link explains it well: www.mankysanke.co.uk/html/anoxic_filtration.html
Ours is still going strong after one year. You may want to check with Dr Kevin Novak, but I think I remember him saying that the iron (laterite) needs recharging at the 5 year mark. I'll try to find more info on that and post it here once I get confirmation.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 Thank you for your reply, I do not have a planted but is the zeolite and kitty litter the same? Still looking for the right kitty litter as the one I purchased became like cement! I purchased the clay and unscented one.
If it turned to cement, it sounds like the "clumping" variety. I know it's been difficult for folks to find the all natural, non-clumping, non-scented clay litter - our Walmart has been the only location to find it. I have seen discussion about zeolite being equal to the clay, and there might be someone in the Simply Discus discussion forum who has tried that, but I've not done so personally. The key is to find a pure clay medium and rinse it thoroughly.
Here's the link: www.walmart.com/ip/Special-Kitty-Natural-Clay-Cat-Litter-Unscented-25-lb/10293705 Not sure what the equivalent would be in the UK, but the key is to get an all natural, unscented, non-clumping clay litter. You might want to check on the Simply Discus site and check with some of the UK users on the discussion board. Once you acquire it, be sure to rinse it very thoroughly (until the water runs clear).
The media bags might be an option if the mesh size is comparable to that of a basket. I'd be hesitant to put a bag in a basket, as that might put a restriction on the effective amount of water flow through the anoxic material. I prefer the baskets as they're easy to stack & move around if necessary with minimal clouding of the water. You might want to ask Dr Novak's opinion on the bag/basket theory.
Unless you can somehow suspend the bag so as it doesn't touch the bottom you should good. The bag if kept the sump loosely might reduce overall efficiency of the bcb.
It doesn’t say if it is non clumping or not but it is the exact same bag you have in the video. I will try putting it in the basket then rinsing with a hose. Trying to pre rinse it before putting in the basket is a disaster. Lol
I have heard some speculate about using zeolite, but I've not heard any anecdotal testimony to the results. But understanding the science of the anoxic filtration, it is the combo of the clay (from the litter) and the laterite that makes it so effective. It might be worth going to Dr Kevin Novak's channel and asking if he has any suggestions, or checking the Simply Discus forum forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?130047-DIY-quot-Anoxic-Filtration-System-quot-eliminates-nitrates-Anyone-tried-this to see if anyone has had success.
Ok Thanks, I had 1 more question if you drain you sump for cleaning / water change or take your basket out of the water do you now have to wait another 45 to 60 days for this filter to restart?
We never drain our sump; we're extremely careful to mechanically filter our water (in the prefilter chamber) before it reaches the BCB chamber of the sump. With the anoxic filtration, our water changes average 35-50% total for the week (5 gallons a day to vacuum detritus, with the occasional 10 if necessary). If you ever find it necessary to drain the sump, I'd try to reserve as much water as possible to keep the baskets submerged - if the baskets are exposed to oxygen for any prolonged period of time, then it very well may take another 45-60 days to reactivate them.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 If they are taken out, it's the same as regular aerobic bacteria...the bacteria will start dying but it would take 6-10 hours for it all to die out. I am about to build these anoxic filters for my 240g tank with 40 gallon sump...how have they performed for you and what levels do your nitrates stay at now?
"In God we trust, everyone else bring data". If you are going to push this method, which has had many failures with advanced aquarists, please provide data supporting it working.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 the major issue with your tests is the fact that, like Dr. Novak, you have not eliminated the influence of living plants on consuming nitrates. Which is substantial, if not the entire affect you are experiencing in nitrate removal.
I agree that the plants greatly assist with the natural process. Our goal was to have a (relatively) easy to maintain, healthy, planted discus tank; and following Dr. Novak's method (with some improvisations), we have successfully achieved that goal. You might want to check out Shaun's Fish Tanks channel; he too is running anoxic filtration with minimal to no plants in some aquariums.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 I replicated Dr. Novak's pond experiments with my koi pond. Which he touts has zero nitrates. Heavily stocked (koi) 2000 gallon, zero nitrates, zero water changes for 8 years, no anoxic filter. Instead of the anoxic filter I had marginal plants in baskets. No anaerobic denitrification. I replicated this same approach with my 500 gallon aquarium with an aquaponic grow bed only, same thing, nitrates went down. several colleagues and I are scientists by background and all have tried and failed with the Novak method when plants are removed from the system.
Hello Mrs. Salty, first of all, thanks for your videos and also Dr. Kevin, allow me to make a question. How many baskets do you have in your fantastic discus tank, and what it's volume? Thanks and be safe.
I have heard some speculate about using zeolite, but I've not heard any anecdotal testimony to the results. But understanding the science of the anoxic filtration, it is the combo of the clay (from the litter) and the laterite that makes it so effective. It might be worth going to Dr Kevin Novak's channel and asking if he has any suggestions, or checking the Simply Discus forum to see if anyone has had success.
I bought the last four boxes to be found at a Petsmart in the Tampa Bay area. If you live near one, it might be worth checking an individual store in person to see if they have any left. Otherwise, there was someone who posted this link in the Simply Discus forum: www.wetworldeagan.com/gold.php Don't know of anyone who's tried it, but might be better than trying a substitute like Fluorite Red.
Salty Sphynx I’m using flourite red in my bcb but I haven’t been home in a couple of months to test the water quality. Currently doing a fifty percent WC once a month and I haven’t had any issues with the health of my fish. I have a 75 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump with one large BCB filter inside as well as a fluval fx4. Stalking is 3 blood parrots, 4 Madagascar rainbow fish, 4 dwarf blue rainbows, 2 Bolivian rams, 2 bristlenose ole is, and 2 corydoras. Once I get home in January I can test my water weekly to see when my nitrates start to rise and or stay stable. I’m also running a plenum system with a sand bed like Dr Novak explains in one of his videos.
That sounds like you're well on your way to success! Please keep me updated as to the efficacy of the fluorite red - am anxious to know if it is comparable to laterite.
Good information, can i substitute cat litter for zeolite?
Yes you can. OIl-Dri, Safe T-Sorb are best.
Hello are you still active? I’m setting up a tank like this with no sump. I hand fluval fx4 canister filter I want to place baskets in. Also layers of clay and fluorite red over a plenum
There was another fellow BCB user that I followed here on YT (Luke) that tried using a canister filter for the baskets. I haven't followed up with him lately so don't know the outcome; however, if you could regulate the water flow low enough to gently pass through the baskets, then I think it should have a measure of success.
dunno if you guys cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all of the new movies on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last few days :)
@Forest Ellis Definitely, I have been using Instaflixxer for since december myself :)
I made 2 bcb bags and stuck them in a modified Fluval 407 (cut the bottoms of 2 of the trays out). The bags are essentially supended between my mechanical sponges & a carbon basket. It is filtering a 90 gallon aquarium with 12 large adult angels, a 7" red shoulder severum, 4 hillstream loaches, 4 bristlenose plecos and 8 corydoras. Nitrates 0 using API test!
Hello. This video was done a long time ago. I hope I can still reach you. How often do you have to break the entire system down to clean and start back over again? How does it keep operating since it's just kitty litter? Thanks for the response.
Hi could you tell me is the material in that special kitty cat litter zeolite?
I just watched your video and heard you mention that it is pure zeolite. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.👍
Hi Dan, Yes I believe the clay in the litter is zeolite... the bag claims it's 100% clay (which should be zeolite). 👍🏽
Salty Sphynx thanks for the reply.👍 does this type of filter need to be recharged then..or can it be left with no maintenance at all? We know zeolite will have to be recharged in normal applications. So how does actually work please..
@@cichlidsofthesoutheast.since19 Yes, It will need recharging with the laterite eventually. Dr Kevin Novak has many videos explaining the science behind it, and I think I remember him saying a liquid iron injection would recharge the BCBs - am sure timing will vary dependent on size, chemistry etc, but I think he injected his after 5 years.
Salty Sphynx...so was there any other way... apart from regular testing that will give any indication that these filters are exhausted and will need attention. I’m sorry for all the questions. But I’m interested in this and who better to ask than somebody who’s having very good results. Hope you don’t mind.
@@cichlidsofthesoutheast.since19 Don't mind at all. Yes, testing is going to be your best indicator - After 2 years, we're still getting zero readings on NO2- and NH3/NH4+, with NO3- ranging 5-20ppm tops (acceptable range). As an alternative filtration method, we've been very pleased with the BCBs - we do also have a sponge filter in the last chamber of our sump, which I think has been helpful as well. Our 29 gal tank has two sponge filters as primary filtration, with my little BCB "tacos" that I created under the plenum - it's just as healthy (if not healthier) than our 100 gal tank.
Thank you. kind of what I thought. but wanted to make sure. I will just have to turn off the pump to the sump before my BCB baskets are exposed to air, that will leave about 15 gal of water that in my 40 gal sump that I would other wise had taken out. it won't be hard to make that up sometime during the month since I do 35% water change two times a week on my discus tank. thanks again. Ken Evora
👍 That's basically what we do too. In my next video, I'll show how full our sump is and what happens when we turn off the pump so that you'll get a good idea of the water levels.
Maybe laterite comes from a country that no longer wishes to do business with the united states or has experienced upheaval...or ...something of that nature...maybe API just decided it wasn't worth selling as they were making no money off of it....just thoughts on where the laterite may have gone...
Yep The Companies took all the Laterite from the huge deposits in Australia
The Conspiracy
Was a good video till that
Any update on your bcb performance? 😀
Hi love your video could you please tell me if I got the right one I have the special kitty fragrance free natural clay Nothing added kitty litter when I wash it. seems to turn to mush is it supposed to do that or is it supposed to stay more Gravel like I think I have the right one
There is a certain percentage of it that is "dusty" and then washes away when you wet it to rinse. But, the majority of it should remain intact in as much as it will seem like a gravelly, soil-like substance. If it is the red bag like depicted in the video (and is non-clumping, etc) it sounds like you have the right litter.
Thanks for the response I really appreciate it it does seem to be kind of muddy but it says the exact same thing on the bag so I’m assuming it’s the right stuff I did go ahead and make one and put it in my tank I hope it’s the right stuff I think it is
I is aged ago
Does using kitty litter drop your ph ?
I don't know that the pH is significantly affected by the litter, particularly since there are so many other variables; i.e. the live plants, wood, sand (or gravel as in my little tank) But our pH runs a constant 6.0 to 6.2 in the large tank, and a bit higher (closer to 7 in the small tank).
Maybe I missed something with Dr Novak ' s you tube video but I believe he didn't create a laterite core.
Please elaborate
He does. 😊 His differs slightly, in that instead of running the laterite layer vertically like I do, he runs it as a horizontal layer in the middle. The laterite is crucial to the science involved with the ammonia conversion. This link explains it well: www.mankysanke.co.uk/html/anoxic_filtration.html
@@saltysphynxmuse907 It's just to kickstart bacteria build up nothing else afair.
How long can you use the same cat litter and laterite for? Does it need to be recharged or washed very now and again?
Ours is still going strong after one year. You may want to check with Dr Kevin Novak, but I think I remember him saying that the iron (laterite) needs recharging at the 5 year mark. I'll try to find more info on that and post it here once I get confirmation.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 Thank you for your reply, I do not have a planted but is the zeolite and kitty litter the same? Still looking for the right kitty litter as the one I purchased became like cement! I purchased the clay and unscented one.
If it turned to cement, it sounds like the "clumping" variety. I know it's been difficult for folks to find the all natural, non-clumping, non-scented clay litter - our Walmart has been the only location to find it. I have seen discussion about zeolite being equal to the clay, and there might be someone in the Simply Discus discussion forum who has tried that, but I've not done so personally. The key is to find a pure clay medium and rinse it thoroughly.
Here's the link: www.walmart.com/ip/Special-Kitty-Natural-Clay-Cat-Litter-Unscented-25-lb/10293705 Not sure what the equivalent would be in the UK, but the key is to get an all natural, unscented, non-clumping clay litter. You might want to check on the Simply Discus site and check with some of the UK users on the discussion board. Once you acquire it, be sure to rinse it very thoroughly (until the water runs clear).
I was wondering if media bags can be use in place of the baskets? or if you can put the basket in a big media bag.
The media bags might be an option if the mesh size is comparable to that of a basket. I'd be hesitant to put a bag in a basket, as that might put a restriction on the effective amount of water flow through the anoxic material. I prefer the baskets as they're easy to stack & move around if necessary with minimal clouding of the water. You might want to ask Dr Novak's opinion on the bag/basket theory.
Unless you can somehow suspend the bag so as it doesn't touch the bottom you should good. The bag if kept the sump loosely might reduce overall efficiency of the bcb.
I used that same kitty litter and was unsuccessful. As soon as water hits it, it turns to oatmealy mush.
Was it the non-clumping variety? Also, I had to rinse it extremely thoroughly to weed out any "mushy" bits - the natural clay remained.
It doesn’t say if it is non clumping or not but it is the exact same bag you have in the video. I will try putting it in the basket then rinsing with a hose. Trying to pre rinse it before putting in the basket is a disaster. Lol
Hello, i have problem finding ground clay cat litter in my country.
Can i substitute it with zeolite sand?
I have heard some speculate about using zeolite, but I've not heard any anecdotal testimony to the results. But understanding the science of the anoxic filtration, it is the combo of the clay (from the litter) and the laterite that makes it so effective. It might be worth going to Dr Kevin Novak's channel and asking if he has any suggestions, or checking the Simply Discus forum forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?130047-DIY-quot-Anoxic-Filtration-System-quot-eliminates-nitrates-Anyone-tried-this to see if anyone has had success.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 okay.. thank you😆
Ok Thanks, I had 1 more question if you drain you sump for cleaning / water change or take your basket out of the water do you now have to wait another 45 to 60 days for this filter to restart?
We never drain our sump; we're extremely careful to mechanically filter our water (in the prefilter chamber) before it reaches the BCB chamber of the sump. With the anoxic filtration, our water changes average 35-50% total for the week (5 gallons a day to vacuum detritus, with the occasional 10 if necessary). If you ever find it necessary to drain the sump, I'd try to reserve as much water as possible to keep the baskets submerged - if the baskets are exposed to oxygen for any prolonged period of time, then it very well may take another 45-60 days to reactivate them.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 If they are taken out, it's the same as regular aerobic bacteria...the bacteria will start dying but it would take 6-10 hours for it all to die out. I am about to build these anoxic filters for my 240g tank with 40 gallon sump...how have they performed for you and what levels do your nitrates stay at now?
"In God we trust, everyone else bring data". If you are going to push this method, which has had many failures with advanced aquarists, please provide data supporting it working.
My channel is rife with a year's worth of videos that include supporting data. My next update will really bake your noodle.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 I hope so,
@@saltysphynxmuse907 the major issue with your tests is the fact that, like Dr. Novak, you have not eliminated the influence of living plants on consuming nitrates. Which is substantial, if not the entire affect you are experiencing in nitrate removal.
I agree that the plants greatly assist with the natural process. Our goal was to have a (relatively) easy to maintain, healthy, planted discus tank; and following Dr. Novak's method (with some improvisations), we have successfully achieved that goal. You might want to check out Shaun's Fish Tanks channel; he too is running anoxic filtration with minimal to no plants in some aquariums.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 I replicated Dr. Novak's pond experiments with my koi pond. Which he touts has zero nitrates. Heavily stocked (koi) 2000 gallon, zero nitrates, zero water changes for 8 years, no anoxic filter. Instead of the anoxic filter I had marginal plants in baskets. No anaerobic denitrification. I replicated this same approach with my 500 gallon aquarium with an aquaponic grow bed only, same thing, nitrates went down. several colleagues and I are scientists by background and all have tried and failed with the Novak method when plants are removed from the system.
Hello, where did you buy those small black baskets?
I bought my initial supply here: www.ponddeals.com/plant-basket-square-4-x-4/ and I have found the occasional good deal on ebay as well.
Hello Mrs. Salty, first of all, thanks for your videos and also Dr. Kevin, allow me to make a question. How many baskets do you have in your fantastic discus tank, and what it's volume? Thanks and be safe.
Do you know some kitty litter alternatives? Like just use zeolite from another source?
I have heard some speculate about using zeolite, but I've not heard any anecdotal testimony to the results. But understanding the science of the anoxic filtration, it is the combo of the clay (from the litter) and the laterite that makes it so effective. It might be worth going to Dr Kevin Novak's channel and asking if he has any suggestions, or checking the Simply Discus forum to see if anyone has had success.
@@saltysphynxmuse907 Right on thanks! Helpful video btw!
@@saltysphynxmuse907 Shaun's Fish Tanks used cat litter that had Zeolite not ground clay.
Where did you buy your laterite?
I bought the last four boxes to be found at a Petsmart in the Tampa Bay area. If you live near one, it might be worth checking an individual store in person to see if they have any left. Otherwise, there was someone who posted this link in the Simply Discus forum: www.wetworldeagan.com/gold.php Don't know of anyone who's tried it, but might be better than trying a substitute like Fluorite Red.
Salty Sphynx I’m using flourite red in my bcb but I haven’t been home in a couple of months to test the water quality. Currently doing a fifty percent WC once a month and I haven’t had any issues with the health of my fish. I have a 75 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump with one large BCB filter inside as well as a fluval fx4. Stalking is 3 blood parrots, 4 Madagascar rainbow fish, 4 dwarf blue rainbows, 2 Bolivian rams, 2 bristlenose ole is, and 2 corydoras. Once I get home in January I can test my water weekly to see when my nitrates start to rise and or stay stable. I’m also running a plenum system with a sand bed like Dr Novak explains in one of his videos.
That sounds like you're well on your way to success! Please keep me updated as to the efficacy of the fluorite red - am anxious to know if it is comparable to laterite.
Awesome!!
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