Comments on: 8. Review of Aquarium Filters

By: David Bogert

David Bogert — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:19:59 +0000

In reply to aerman.

In reply to aerman …….. A single 10 watt powerhead will handle a 12″ by 16″ undergravel.

By: aerman

aerman — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:45:59 +0000

Dave, one last question period. I know you recommend a 5 W powerhead. I have some 10 W units. Do you think a single 10 W unit would be sufficient for a 12“ x 16“ under gravel filter plate?

By: David Bogert

David Bogert — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:57:42 +0000

In reply to Phoenixsw.

In reply to phoenixsw ………….just stick with the 2 XL sponges and Seachem HOB

By: Phoenixsw

Phoenixsw — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:48:47 +0000

In reply to David Bogert.

That’s ok, I can return them and get the money back since they are still in the boxes. I’m just glad I checked before I put them in the tank! Would a canister filter be a better route to take, or just stick with the 2 XL sponges and Seachem HOB? I’ve heard all of the horror stories of canisters leaking and not lasting for very long, but I’m looking for the best option with the area I have available.
Thanks for your help! I do appreciate the info you provide.

By: David Bogert

David Bogert — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:32:35 +0000

In reply to Phoenixsw.

In reply to Phoenixsw …….. I’m afraid you wasted a few bucks there. Because of a lack of flow through these small moving bed filters don’t work very well. Sorry.

By: Phoenixsw

Phoenixsw — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:03:12 +0000

Hi Dave,
I have a question about a filter. I have a 75 gallon tank with 2 sponge filters (extra large for 125-150 gallon) and a Seachem Tidal 110 stuffed with pot scrubbers. I don’t have the space under the tank stand to do a sump, so I was looking on Amazon and found: Fluidized Moving Bed Filter Bubble Bio Media Reactor for Aquarium Fish Tank with Air Stone and Sponge Filter https://a.co/d/bMzD7dQDo you think it would be a good addition to my tank? I ordered 2 of them, but don’t want to put them in the tank until I’m sure they will be beneficial. And if I did add them, should I remove the HOB and just go with the 2 sponge filters and 2 fluidized moving bed filters?I have multiple tanks and am now in the process of changing numerous things thanks to your fantastic info. I only wish I would have found it 2 years ago when I started!
Thank you!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:50:10 +0000

I would love to hear what you think about using a air lift system on a large scale say 500 or a 1000gallon aquarium is there anything that would be different on the design at that scale

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 19:15:23 +0000

In reply to arepus.

arepus …… No, In 99% of all aquarium filters nitrogen is removed as nitrate in the form of water changes and plant harvesting. Removing it in the form of biofilm (assimilatory denitrification) is possible but difficult.

By: arepus

arepus — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:30:26 +0000

After a few years of knowing your site and a few occasional conversations, I have begun to have doubts about some of the statements. Today I would like to question the statement “Replacing the Filter Media is a Big SCAM”. Business and truth are different words, no one argues, but what if regular removal of filter media is the easiest and most powerful way to remove nitrogen incorporated in biofilm proteins in the media?

By: Annemarie Cox

Annemarie Cox — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 02:42:51 +0000

Hi, I’ve really enjoyed making my way through your site. I’ve been in the hobby for 30 years. Lots of trial and error!

Anyway, long story short, my Dad left me a gift in his will and I’m having my dream tank built. Early retirement gift to myself a 84lx24deep and 16 high. I’ll be consolidating my 75 and 55 planted tanks into this beauty,

So I started looking at what I know, and what I don’t and wanted to be sure about. Found your site and love it!

I started with UGF, in college in 1980. That 20 G L survived for many years of neglect. Some scrappy low light plants and fish. I was clueless but that filter worked!

I was getting worried reading all the “can’t have plants with UGF@ but you and a few others reassured me. I’ll transplant my swords in pots and see how all the other plants do. I’ll be moving a lot of my current substraight into the new tank and capping it with STS that has been “charged”. The UGF will have a good kick start, while I’ll run my current HOB s and gradually shift the workload to the UGF.

I looked into the research you cited for ammonia and cycling. It makes sense…all those fish in cycles that worked for folks with “deadly” levels…it WASNT THE PRIME!! LOL. Found several other folks that posted their own research showing no effect in ammonia….

Anyway thanks for all the great info and research citations. I like fact checking, a skill more folks in our country could use in todays world!