You are very smart, I am so glad that I found you on RUclips because I am going to be moving and I can set up the aquarium with a Plenum after the move. Plus the anoxic filtration canister filter. You are thorough and you are an excellent teacher! I appreciate you so much. Your videos are amazing. Your knowledge is priceless🥰💯
I've heard a lot of bad reviews for the Aqueon tanks that are half off. They say between 4 months and 1 year, it will give out. I am hoping not, because I bought a 75 gallon one! I moved to Israel for 10 years and had to give away all my fish and reptiles. My mom put one of my 20 gallon longs outside and it sat there for 13 years. She said - do you want that? I said... maybe, yeah! I got it and it has no black frame around bottom or top (it sun rotted 100% and wasn't around anywhere!) its chipped in some areas, around the corners and the top rim. The silicone is falling off the outside of it and I haven't scraped it away yet. I tested it and it held water for a week without leaks. I brought it inside and put a viquarium in it with a bunch of rocks on one side and its holding up great. It's a lovely rimless tank for my baby turtle lol. Tanks were really cheap back then - they really went up over the years, plus I can't get the same animals and reptiles that I had before I moved out of the country. They are banned now!
I have an Aqueon tank and it's almost 2 years old. I do show in my video to be very careful about leveling the aquarium and what to use to level the aquarium so it's not on the bumpy metal stand.
This is a good series. Just rewatched part 1and part 2 just popped up so I am the first viewer. Looking forward to seeing this set up. Have a great weekend! 👍❤️
You are so rite, I bought a 60 gallon but now I wish I had of gotten a 75 gallon or even a 40 gallon breeder like you said, so now I think I’m going to get a 75 , thanks always Dr. Novak
This is what a lot of people do not understand about water in other countries. Here in United States we waste a lot of water. But in other countries water changes must be thought out very carefully. The anoxic filter gives you the luxury of doing water changes a lot less frequently. In my pond that was only twice a year.
If you watch some of my older videos it will show you exactly where to go on Amazon and pick up some of the things I talk about. The black mesh that I use is bought at a place like Joannes fabrics for example they sell it for crafts.
I have a 75 gallon plenum system using the exact same plates you use. It's an anemone tank with around 30 BTA's and some fish. After four years, it's working out great. The only thing with the plenum system is I find that I need more mechanical filtration as the tank gets older. I use a CPR protein skimmer, one Tidal 55, and two Tidal 75's for mechanical filtration. I have about 5 inches of medium grade crushed coral on the plates which I stir from time to time. With the exception of top offs, I haven't changed the water in over three years. I must say, there isn't a lot of literature or RUclips videos regarding plenums even though as a hobbyist for forty plus years, I know they work great.
I have to ask you this but why aren't more saltwater hobbiest not using a Plenum instead of just having bare bottom tanks or a little bit of substrate?
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums I believe there is a lack of good information on the use of plenums in the saltwater hobby. There are also some negative videos and literature out on the use of deep sand beds and I think (or rather, I know) some people confuse deep sand beds with plenums. I tend to stay away from deep sand beds for several reasons. In addition, there is some conversation that plenums trap organic waste, causing phosphates and nitrates to rise. However, my nitrates and phosphates seem to remain constant as long as I have adequate mechanical filtration along with the plenum, so I do not find this hypothesis accurate. Finally, another reason that plenums are not popular may be that plenums just by their nature, relinquishes control of your aquarium ecosystem to the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. In fact, my attraction to plenums stems from the fact that it is the closest system to nature that I could find. Well, this means that you actually do not need all that fancy equipment to keep saltwater organisms after all. What aquarium equipment manufacturer in their right mind would promote such a cheap, long lasting filter system? Uh...crickets. So if you don't use plenums or deep sand beds, what are you essentially left with? Bare bottom tanks or a little bit of substrate.
Another great video , thank you I really like and appreciate you are taking your time explaining what you are doing , I am in no hurry so I enjoy it thank you again looking forward to the next video 👍😊
Great series. Personally I've avoided the cheaper tanks and stands because of the unevenness of the stands and chances of cracked tanks. I always wanted a bigger tank and now I have the solution 😌 Thank you!
Great output dr. A lot of information from hard water creeping, to even choosing houses facing north/south,[lol. thanks for answering my question dr.] not to mention the other pratical aspects of the hobby. I like the way that you use readily available resources that most of your hobbyists can have access to. A small suggestion, fit a U siphon with a manual valve attached to a tubing to take off aquarium water to water your potted plants in small discarded 5 liters bottles.
I know this is a late response, watching back over previous videos. Petco dollar per gallon sale is the perfect time to get a 75 gallon as over 29 gallons are half off. Thanks for the tips. I'm planning my first plenum in my 29 gallon.
Great - stuff! I think one point is to really pick the location in your home where the Aquarium will be placed, as these tanks do not get moved around like someone's couch, without a lot of effort..
I enjoy your videos and discussions. I would find it useful if you added links to the equipment that you use or recommend in your descriptions. Thanks Fred O
Awesome timing! I'm expecting my '55G' tank (100*50*50cm) very soon, and I'm planning on a plenum with sand as substrate. I got very coarse sand (1-2mm), so compacting won't be an issue.
Having worked in and owned an aquarium stores the first question asked by anyone has always been, "What size aquarium should I get?" My answer has always been, get the biggest aquarium that you can afford for the space you have available, and if at all possible avoid height and go for length. 40 Breeder is far superior to a 55 and a 75 gallon is much better than a 90 gallon. All Glass Aquarium was acquired by Central Garden and Pet the name was switched to Aqueon. The next popular aquarium brand that we carried in the early 1970's and 80's was O'Dell by the 1990's they were built and manufactured by Mr. Clark O'Dell in Saginaw MI, There was also Perfecto aquariums as well. The Hagen Company was mostly into small animals and birds before moving over to the aquarium world with their line called FLUVAL. Prior that it was Metaframe aquariums with slate bottoms and stainless steel sides...I will tell you those tanks were heavy and you really did not want to move them. We used 15 Gallon Metaframe aquariums with the slate bottoms as our display tanks and boy, looking back I can tell you they really looked nice.
That's great information. A lot of people wonder what happened to some of the old names and who bought them out. I was told there's only like one or two aquarium companies out there. Not that there are specialty aquarium companies but I'm talking about the aquarium companies that make for the general public. The 40 gallon breeder I think is a lot nicer than my 55 gallon only because the 55 is only 12 inches wide and the breeder is 18 inches wide, makes a big difference to me in landscaping. The video shows how to set the 40 gallon breeder up but just with a little bit of work to make sure it doesn't crack. That's one of the biggest concerns and complaints I've seen is the tanks start leaking and that could be because they have pressure points on them that caused the leaking.
Although my Kitty litter baskets didn’t do anything for nitrates per my tests, I am interested in trying the plenum out for my next planted tank. Seems like an added back up type filtration that wouldn’t hurt.
Hi! Kevin, I have been watching your very interesting videos here in the UK... I have a question about the Plenum system you show, The plates I am looking at using are only 1/2" deep do you think these would be OK? you show a 1" plate.
Weight is another factor when considering what tank size to purchase. Personally, I could never have a 55 gallon in my old home here in the Mid-Atlantic area without shoring up the joists from below. Even a 40 gallon would be pushing it.
I used to have a 300ltr tank with clown loaches and Bala sharks but just 2 n other fish but I had to get rid a the fish n tank as tank was to small n I wanted a smaller tank was sick a huge water changes it was 48"long 15wide n 24high sold the fish the tank n cabinet but my next tank will only be 110/160or 200ltrs max
I understand what you are saying, but unfortunately, there are hobbies out there that are brand new to the hobby and do not understand a lot of what's being said. The videos have to be made to encapsulate all groups of hobbiest and their level of expertise.
You are very smart, I am so glad that I found you on RUclips because I am going to be moving and I can set up the aquarium with a Plenum after the move. Plus the anoxic filtration canister filter. You are thorough and you are an excellent teacher! I appreciate you so much. Your videos are amazing. Your knowledge is priceless🥰💯
One of my favorites as a child.
I've heard a lot of bad reviews for the Aqueon tanks that are half off. They say between 4 months and 1 year, it will give out. I am hoping not, because I bought a 75 gallon one! I moved to Israel for 10 years and had to give away all my fish and reptiles. My mom put one of my 20 gallon longs outside and it sat there for 13 years. She said - do you want that? I said... maybe, yeah! I got it and it has no black frame around bottom or top (it sun rotted 100% and wasn't around anywhere!) its chipped in some areas, around the corners and the top rim. The silicone is falling off the outside of it and I haven't scraped it away yet. I tested it and it held water for a week without leaks. I brought it inside and put a viquarium in it with a bunch of rocks on one side and its holding up great. It's a lovely rimless tank for my baby turtle lol. Tanks were really cheap back then - they really went up over the years, plus I can't get the same animals and reptiles that I had before I moved out of the country. They are banned now!
I have an Aqueon tank and it's almost 2 years old. I do show in my video to be very careful about leveling the aquarium and what to use to level the aquarium so it's not on the bumpy metal stand.
You are the most logical and informative aquarist in the whole of youtube. I will continue using your information for this rewarding hobby. Thanks
It would be nice if you could add Amazon links to the equipment and substrate you use
Kevin, your videos are fantastic. Keep em comin and don’t change your style.
This is a good series. Just rewatched part 1and part 2 just popped up so I am the first viewer. Looking forward to seeing this set up. Have a great weekend! 👍❤️
You are so rite, I bought a 60 gallon but now I wish I had of gotten a 75 gallon or even a 40 gallon breeder like you said, so now I think I’m going to get a 75 , thanks always Dr. Novak
As always a marvellous explanation Dr. Novak. You are very important for this hobby!! Thank you so much again. 😊
Hi Kevin. .. I appreciate all your knowledge and generosity passing on your hard won experience. I'm following what your doing with great interest .
Thanks for the video. I quit the hobby because of water scarcity in my country.
This is what a lot of people do not understand about water in other countries. Here in United States we waste a lot of water. But in other countries water changes must be thought out very carefully. The anoxic filter gives you the luxury of doing water changes a lot less frequently. In my pond that was only twice a year.
Thank you!!
You're welcome!
I would love some amazon links to the products shown in this video. Especially the uplift tube and the side edge mesh.
If you watch some of my older videos it will show you exactly where to go on Amazon and pick up some of the things I talk about. The black mesh that I use is bought at a place like Joannes fabrics for example they sell it for crafts.
I have a 75 gallon plenum system using the exact same plates you use. It's an anemone tank with around 30 BTA's and some fish. After four years, it's working out great. The only thing with the plenum system is I find that I need more mechanical filtration as the tank gets older. I use a CPR protein skimmer, one Tidal 55, and two Tidal 75's for mechanical filtration. I have about 5 inches of medium grade crushed coral on the plates which I stir from time to time. With the exception of top offs, I haven't changed the water in over three years. I must say, there isn't a lot of literature or RUclips videos regarding plenums even though as a hobbyist for forty plus years, I know they work great.
I have to ask you this but why aren't more saltwater hobbiest not using a Plenum instead of just having bare bottom tanks or a little bit of substrate?
@@anoxicfiltrationplenums I believe there is a lack of good information on the use of plenums in the saltwater hobby. There are also some negative videos and literature out on the use of deep sand beds and I think (or rather, I know) some people confuse deep sand beds with plenums. I tend to stay away from deep sand beds for several reasons.
In addition, there is some conversation that plenums trap organic waste, causing phosphates and nitrates to rise. However, my nitrates and phosphates seem to remain constant as long as I have adequate mechanical filtration along with the plenum, so I do not find this hypothesis accurate.
Finally, another reason that plenums are not popular may be that plenums just by their nature, relinquishes control of your aquarium ecosystem to the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. In fact, my attraction to plenums stems from the fact that it is the closest system to nature that I could find. Well, this means that you actually do not need all that fancy equipment to keep saltwater organisms after all. What aquarium equipment manufacturer in their right mind would promote such a cheap, long lasting filter system? Uh...crickets.
So if you don't use plenums or deep sand beds, what are you essentially left with? Bare bottom tanks or a little bit of substrate.
Another great video , thank you I really like and appreciate you are taking your time explaining what you are doing , I am in no hurry so I enjoy it thank you again looking forward to the next video 👍😊
Great series. Personally I've avoided the cheaper tanks and stands because of the unevenness of the stands and chances of cracked tanks. I always wanted a bigger tank and now I have the solution 😌 Thank you!
Great output dr. A lot of information from hard water creeping, to even choosing houses facing north/south,[lol. thanks for answering my question dr.] not to mention the other pratical aspects of the hobby. I like the way that you use readily available resources that most of your hobbyists can have access to.
A small suggestion, fit a U siphon with a manual valve attached to a tubing to take off aquarium water to water your potted plants in small discarded 5 liters bottles.
I know this is a late response, watching back over previous videos. Petco dollar per gallon sale is the perfect time to get a 75 gallon as over 29 gallons are half off. Thanks for the tips. I'm planning my first plenum in my 29 gallon.
Thanks for the tips! Every time I try to take advantage of that sale they are constantly sold out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great - stuff! I think one point is to really pick the location in your home where the Aquarium will be placed, as these tanks do not get moved around like someone's couch, without a lot of effort..
A 40 breeder is actually 47 gal according to Prime Time Aquatics
I enjoy your videos and discussions. I would find it useful if you added links to the equipment that you use or recommend in your descriptions. Thanks Fred O
Look forward to seeing ur tank come on
Awesome timing! I'm expecting my '55G' tank (100*50*50cm) very soon, and I'm planning on a plenum with sand as substrate. I got very coarse sand (1-2mm), so compacting won't be an issue.
Do you remember the movie called "The Incredible Mr. Limpet"?
Yes I do. When I was a child, that was a neat movie to watch because it had Barney Fife in it.
Thanks, doc! I'm outgrowing my 10g trimming growout tank fast and it looks like a 40b will be the way to go.
Having worked in and owned an aquarium stores the first question asked by anyone has always been, "What size aquarium should I get?" My answer has always been, get the biggest aquarium that you can afford for the space you have available, and if at all possible avoid height and go for length. 40 Breeder is far superior to a 55 and a 75 gallon is much better than a 90 gallon.
All Glass Aquarium was acquired by Central Garden and Pet the name was switched to Aqueon. The next popular aquarium brand that we carried in the early 1970's and 80's was O'Dell by the 1990's they were built and manufactured by Mr. Clark O'Dell in Saginaw MI, There was also Perfecto aquariums as well. The Hagen Company was mostly into small animals and birds before moving over to the aquarium world with their line called FLUVAL. Prior that it was Metaframe aquariums with slate bottoms and stainless steel sides...I will tell you those tanks were heavy and you really did not want to move them. We used 15 Gallon Metaframe aquariums with the slate bottoms as our display tanks and boy, looking back I can tell you they really looked nice.
That's great information. A lot of people wonder what happened to some of the old names and who bought them out. I was told there's only like one or two aquarium companies out there. Not that there are specialty aquarium companies but I'm talking about the aquarium companies that make for the general public. The 40 gallon breeder I think is a lot nicer than my 55 gallon only because the 55 is only 12 inches wide and the breeder is 18 inches wide, makes a big difference to me in landscaping. The video shows how to set the 40 gallon breeder up but just with a little bit of work to make sure it doesn't crack. That's one of the biggest concerns and complaints I've seen is the tanks start leaking and that could be because they have pressure points on them that caused the leaking.
Thanks for the history!!!
Although my Kitty litter baskets didn’t do anything for nitrates per my tests, I am interested in trying the plenum out for my next planted tank. Seems like an added back up type filtration that wouldn’t hurt.
would be dope if someone could upload these videos to Spotify so i can listen in the background
Thank you for all this info. Do I need to run a canister system to run the plenum system??
Hi! Kevin, I have been watching your very interesting videos here in the UK... I have a question about the Plenum system you show, The plates I am looking at using are only 1/2" deep do you think these would be OK? you show a 1" plate.
That looks like one of the parking lot lights. I can't tell which one however.
IT IS.
this is interesting
Weight is another factor when considering what tank size to purchase. Personally, I could never have a 55 gallon in my old home here in the Mid-Atlantic area without shoring up the joists from below. Even a 40 gallon would be pushing it.
Thats a great tip for everyone to remember. I dont think people realize how heavy water in a box is!
I used to have a 300ltr tank with clown loaches and Bala sharks but just 2 n other fish but I had to get rid a the fish n tank as tank was to small n I wanted a smaller tank was sick a huge water changes it was 48"long 15wide n 24high sold the fish the tank n cabinet but my next tank will only be 110/160or 200ltrs max
Hi, can you provide details of the lighting at 17:35 minutes in. I have tried searching for them but cannot match the ones you show. Thanks.
The lighting system is the Fluval 6500K, 46watts, 36-48" , Bluetooth Plant Spectrum LED light. Comes in a Black and Green box bought off of Amazon.
Again too much talking. We are not children.
I understand what you are saying, but unfortunately, there are hobbies out there that are brand new to the hobby and do not understand a lot of what's being said. The videos have to be made to encapsulate all groups of hobbiest and their level of expertise.