Aquarium Science Series: The Science Behind Cleaning Sponge Filters in Chlorinated Tap Water

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  • Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024

Комментарии • 466

  • @PrimeTimeAquatics
    @PrimeTimeAquatics  3 года назад +25

    If you would like to learn more about how we clean our sponge filters check out this video: ruclips.net/video/jp49hdba0eY/видео.html
    If you want more Aquarium Science check out this video on how pH and temperature impact fish health: ruclips.net/video/JRMvgR8_sRo/видео.html
    Here is the EPA Paper: www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/nitrification_1.pdf
    Here is the ASM Paper: aem.asm.org/content/aem/57/11/3399.full.pdf
    Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
    For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
    For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member!
    ruclips.net/channel/UCYVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin
    If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel!
    ruclips.net/channel/UCPEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg

    • @davidsenger7694
      @davidsenger7694 3 года назад +4

      I've always cleaned my sponge filters like that. Now I feel better that someone else does it like me!

    • @woodworkerroyer8497
      @woodworkerroyer8497 3 года назад

      Have you done a video on how to clean a QT tank after a fish died in it from something?
      Would just doing a couple 100% water changes and running untreated tap water through the system for a couple 5 hours kill everything that needs killing? Or would it just ruin the cycle, and do nothing to whatever killed the fish? (He had ich, which I treated with salt, but died before it was totally cured. And I have no idea what killed him in the end.)

    • @aquienpuedainteresar4188
      @aquienpuedainteresar4188 3 года назад

      @@woodworkerroyer8497 I believe that he preferred to use a bleach solution to kill all pathogens and start from scratch. It will kill your cycle but it is the safest way.

    • @rebecca1207
      @rebecca1207 3 года назад +1

      @@davidsenger7694 I'm really happy that Jason did this video and explained why it is ok to clean this way. Because I do clean my filter this way also, I guess we aren't alone after all.

    • @martyborst5645
      @martyborst5645 3 года назад +2

      @David Senger. I just experimented cleaning the sponges from my hang on back filter with tap water. It is so much less time consuming for me to do it this way. It had no negative effects! Thanks for your comment. Sincerely, Marty Borst 🐠😁

  • @bellion028
    @bellion028 3 года назад +94

    Feel Like Jason is one of the smartest hobbyists on youtube

    • @mikecovey4498
      @mikecovey4498 3 года назад +19

      That’s cause he literally is

    • @martyborst5645
      @martyborst5645 3 года назад +4

      @ Herman. I agree. I use to listen to another Live Stream but they don’t get to the point. Jason is a wizard when it comes to fish keeping.😃

    • @marypaigeflynn4512
      @marypaigeflynn4512 3 года назад +3

      I love the science.. behind the why 👍😁
      What Jason and Joanna bring us you can take it to the bank 🙏❤️

    • @Gk22632
      @Gk22632 Год назад +3

      I think he’s the most qualified as far as education goes

  • @ThePythonPit
    @ThePythonPit 3 года назад +51

    Thank you for being a hobbyist that uses science, instead of hear-say and old wives' tale. In addition, that you for the community you created and the members as well.

  • @jdwilliams7249
    @jdwilliams7249 3 года назад +67

    Definitely keep the science series vids coming! I love learning the “why” behind doing what we do! “Because it’s always been done that way” never sits well with me, as an answer! Thanks for another great video!

  • @corrosive72
    @corrosive72 3 года назад +19

    I have been washing my filters in the sink for 25yrs now and have never had a problem with it

  • @janecre1025
    @janecre1025 3 года назад +2

    At last someone who talks sense. I am tired of hearing bad advice in the Facebook groups. I have been cleaning my filters under the tap for 35+ yrs and my tanks are flourishing

  • @Artinthefeels
    @Artinthefeels 3 года назад +15

    I'm so glad you covered this! I've been rinsing mine in tap water for 10+ years now without any issues. I've had a lady literally yell at me for it and call me all kinds of rude things. I wish all the people in the hobby would watch your videos! Also, I would LOVE to see more aquarium science videos 🤓

  • @seancallaghan9529
    @seancallaghan9529 3 года назад +15

    Felt like I was at work watching this. I’m a water plant operator and appreciate the insight you give your audience with our drinking water standards! You’ve got a new subscriber

  • @solarkingronnie711
    @solarkingronnie711 3 года назад +6

    I use alot of spong filters and canister filter iv not been able to get everything clean in a bucket of tank water or 3.. I clean with tap water for ten years iv been@it for 40years# and no worries! Be safe! Enjoy the Aquarium Life!!#

  • @onebluemonster239
    @onebluemonster239 Год назад +2

    Love it when and experience and science come together and give practical advice especially in a world increasingly full of overnight ‘experts’

  • @aqualoaquarium7195
    @aqualoaquarium7195 3 года назад +18

    I’m so glad you covered this topic and it’s coming from someone with a legit scientific background with a reputable research article. Thanks!

  • @wlawhead
    @wlawhead 3 года назад +13

    Good stuff, love the info based in science and not the aquarium police who think tap water kills everything immediately, keep up the great work

  • @RichsDYI
    @RichsDYI 3 года назад +7

    7 years keeping fish and I’ve always cleaned them in the sink. Never had any issues.

  • @jaredl2239
    @jaredl2239 3 года назад +9

    Love your scientific analysis and the studies you show us! Debunking myths, this series should be called FyshBusters.

  • @gregghorner9107
    @gregghorner9107 2 года назад +1

    Yep, I have rinsed filter media in tap water for 20 years not with no ill effects.
    A quick rinse and back in the filter it goes.
    I also don't agonize over the changing water being the exact temperature. No need, so long as it is reasonably close.

  • @PiedmontTropicals
    @PiedmontTropicals 4 месяца назад

    Just saw this video. Great job! I work at a Waste Water Plant, which uses biological filtration. Its just a giant aquarium filter that filters millions of gallons of water a day. We do what we call "waisting" which helps get rid of the older bugs. Younger bugs do a better job of nitrification than older ones. So technically its good to kill off some of the bugs to make room for new ones.

  • @farmert9679
    @farmert9679 3 года назад +2

    Excellent advise. Simply Excellent. You should be a teacher.

  • @awilson1578
    @awilson1578 3 года назад +6

    Since I saw you do this I started with mine. Have had absolutely no issues.

  • @rickfromthecape3135
    @rickfromthecape3135 3 года назад +2

    This is why Jason is my go to guy for things microbiology... ;-)

  • @aquamind9996
    @aquamind9996 3 года назад +1

    I believe in science! Love it when facts and logic are applied to common practices. Never be afraid to question why

  • @aloratalyn
    @aloratalyn 3 года назад +3

    For over 20 years I've kept fish, and have always rinsed my filter media with the tap. The filter is my mechanical filtration, and the tank contents are my biological.

    • @EirikrThorvaldsson
      @EirikrThorvaldsson 3 года назад

      This is my thinking and ultimately why the articles about chloramine and bacteria aren’t really relevant. You could replace your filter media completely every day and your tank will still be cycled because you would just force all the bacteria to live in other high flow areas of your tank.

  • @plantsandfish5512
    @plantsandfish5512 2 года назад +3

    These science style videos are the reason I started watching your channel years ago. It was like finding gold getting information from an actual Biologist! I keep the dream alive that you’re going to create two separate channels, a fish nerd channel where you get deep into aquarium science and a second channel where you host family friendly videos with your lovely wife.

  • @maggieyu6023
    @maggieyu6023 3 года назад +6

    I love how you have insights that are against the grain and you educate us as to why and you show is how it works in your fish room. Ty!!!

  • @josephortiz2978
    @josephortiz2978 3 года назад +5

    Game changer! Thanks Jason! I believe you single handedly just saved fish hobbyists a huge amount of time with regards to tank maintenance. Great stuff!

  • @forteanfish
    @forteanfish 3 года назад +6

    Great video! As a social science teacher, I appreciate you backing up your claims with sources! I've been doing this forever too with no harm.

  • @finnwiggles28
    @finnwiggles28 3 года назад

    THANK YOU!! Follow the Science. LOL! This is how I've always cleaned my filters for the last 40 yrs...Zero issues.

  • @VisualAiz
    @VisualAiz Год назад

    This explanation reminds me of time dependent microbial killing in pharmacology when we talk about pharmakodynamics. Great video sir!

  • @michaelwigen1360
    @michaelwigen1360 3 года назад +5

    Thumbs up on your science videos, more please.

  • @EirikrThorvaldsson
    @EirikrThorvaldsson 3 года назад +3

    Great video but I have a few questions.
    In the second article you cited they were dealing specifically with chloramines but I think most municipal tap water also includes chlorine. I wonder if chlorine might have a significantly different effect on the active bacteria.
    Also. I see that in the video you are not using any high surface area filter media. Just sponges and floss from what I can tell. Since the primary purpose of those filters is to provide physical filtration and flow. The vast majority of your bacteria are growing elsewhere. In an established tank like the one you demonstrated you could comfortably replace all the floss and sponges with new ones and I wouldn’t expect a significant problem. And if you were doing it weekly you would see no issues at all since the bacteria would all be elsewhere in your tank. Would you be similarly comfortable to rinse out the bio media in a large, high flow, external filter in a well established tank. In this situation you would expect find a much higher concentration of bacteria on the filter media than elsewhere in the tank unlike with a sponge filter.
    Finally do you see any advantage to rinsing in chlorinated water or is it just convenience. Since most people are and should be doing regular water changes as well why wouldn’t we rinse our filter media in tank water?
    Annoyingly long comment I know but thanks for your time..

    • @PrimeTimeAquatics
      @PrimeTimeAquatics  3 года назад +3

      Good questions!
      1) Chlorine is even less stable than chloramines so it should be less of an issue.
      2) The fine sponge filters we use contain a lot of surface area and in most cases the tank still houses a lot of microbes.
      3) It's convenience - it does a much better job of actually getting the waste out so that the sponge filter can do a better job of mechanical filtration.

    • @travisjvega
      @travisjvega 2 года назад

      @@PrimeTimeAquatics Your title says using chlorinated water but you only address chloramine in the video. Chlorine kills bacteria more readily. Water providers that use chloramine will switch to chlorine periodically to kill off biofilm that has developed in their pipes. As of 2019 about half of the public water supply uses chloramine vs chlorine.

  • @TharangaUdagedara
    @TharangaUdagedara Год назад

    Hey, thanks for breaking it down. really helpful and what I most appreciate is you replying to comments as early as possible. Thanks again!

  • @justinavery4047
    @justinavery4047 2 года назад

    I am so glad I don't have to save old dirty tank water anymore. I will probably get around to cleaning my sponge filter more often now too.

  • @genxjason
    @genxjason 3 года назад +4

    Love the science based videos. Thanks!

  • @michellep3814
    @michellep3814 2 года назад

    I am getting flashbacks to when I used to he in my summer college courses, but I love the video. I found it very helpful.

  • @spacepanda000
    @spacepanda000 2 года назад

    I am new to fish keeping and I have always heard/read that tap water was a nono. This was video was so helpful!

  • @jamesmorningstar5217
    @jamesmorningstar5217 3 года назад +3

    Nice, we have been cleaning ours with tap water and people kept telling us that we were wrong. I liked seeing the science of it, thanks!

    • @MarliQQLuv
      @MarliQQLuv 3 года назад

      I am glad you didn't listen. I think people shouldn't offer their opinions unless you ask or indicated there was a problem.

  • @elmee96
    @elmee96 3 года назад +1

    I love people that use facts!! Great video Jason.
    Too many people out their being selfnamed experts.

  • @CherokeeAquatics
    @CherokeeAquatics 3 года назад +2

    I've always had a rule as long as you don't rinse the sponge in tap water and do to big of a water change at the same time Then it won't remove to much and or deplete the total needed amount of bennificial bacteria to handle to the complete bio load in the system. Thank you for the video

  • @cichlidman5598
    @cichlidman5598 3 года назад +4

    Do this all the time never had issue
    Thanks

  • @jro303ortega
    @jro303ortega 3 года назад +1

    I still want to take the animal behavior collage aquarium maintenance course and continue learning everything including saltwater and ponds. I like this kind of video thank you!

  • @kylelockton56
    @kylelockton56 Год назад

    4 ppm chlorine water is on the very strong side as well. its around 1.2-1.5 ppm where I live so its gonna need a way longer contact time to kill all those beneficial bacteria. Great video, thanks for the content!!

  • @nextdooraquatics5013
    @nextdooraquatics5013 3 года назад +2

    I use to clean the sponges in my canister with tap water, for years, until I read that I should be using tank water or dechlorinated water. Ironically, I never had a single issue in that tank. Great info as always. ❤️

  • @MasterPhotographer
    @MasterPhotographer 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for sharing the “science” behind the reality of the situation!

  • @sanjukrish5894
    @sanjukrish5894 3 года назад +2

    I'm a huge fan of Jason's beard🔥🔥🔥

    • @PrimeTimeAquatics
      @PrimeTimeAquatics  3 года назад +2

      My beard smiled and said - thank you :-)

    • @JoePentax
      @JoePentax 3 года назад

      I was thinking it would make some danged fine filter media...

  • @FishCow
    @FishCow 5 месяцев назад

    I clean my sponge filters in the vacuum of space. Sometimes you just have to be sure.
    Great info as always. Cheers

  • @ReidDeCardes
    @ReidDeCardes Год назад

    I do appreciate this type of video. It’s important to understand the why behind the how

  • @dgstanks7447
    @dgstanks7447 3 года назад +3

    Great video, I’ve been cleaning the sponge filters in my shrimp tanks under the faucet as well for years without a problem.

  • @heldersanches
    @heldersanches 3 года назад +2

    So good to see science based information on a hobby full of myths. Congratulations, excellent video!

  • @j.t.cooper2963
    @j.t.cooper2963 4 месяца назад +1

    36 years of cleaning filters this way and I have never had a tank crash.

  • @aquienpuedainteresar4188
    @aquienpuedainteresar4188 3 года назад +3

    Love this Aquarium Science Friday videos. Since you mentioned that you do this I being doing it myself with no problems.

  • @DoctorBiscuit
    @DoctorBiscuit 3 года назад +2

    Impressive video, I've been doing this for years cleaning in tap water and have never had a problem even though most RUclipsrs will be against it. Nice to see what is actually happening in the science

  • @karenwolfsen
    @karenwolfsen 3 года назад

    Thank you for this information. I also rinse in tap water and have never had an issue. Now I know why. Thank you.

  • @timrussell89
    @timrussell89 6 месяцев назад

    I don't have nearly the amount of tanks I did at one time and I'm currently not running any sponge filters. However at one time I was running 5 sponge filters and cleaned them all in tap water. Never had a problem.

  • @markhunter2244
    @markhunter2244 3 года назад +2

    Very good to know. Really enjoying these informative Friday video’s 🤓

  • @wendihamlett105
    @wendihamlett105 3 года назад +2

    Love the way you explain the science and rational of fish keeping. No high falutin snobbery. Love it that you take the time to edumicate us common folks. In all seriousness thank you!!! (yes I spelled it edumaicate on porpose lol)

  • @Trains-With-Shane
    @Trains-With-Shane Год назад

    Thumbs up for Science! I've always argued that a clogged sponge isn't very useful no matter how much bacteria there is in it. The only time I ever had pause to cleaning my filter media in tap water was when the chlorine content was so high that it smelled like swimming pool water. And I wasn't drinking that, either! lol. What I did in that instance was to fill up a small bucket, drop a little bit of water dechlorinate in, and then washed my filters. But I think I've only done that... twice.. in 2 decades. And it was more of just peace of mind rather than having to worry about re-running tests outside of my normal routine. I really appreciate the posting of the documents and their review, here!

  • @adkgaladkgal1799
    @adkgaladkgal1799 3 года назад +1

    Wow thank you this makes cleaning my sponges so much easier, thank you very much!

  • @lots33ml
    @lots33ml 3 года назад +1

    This information is a game changer i was doing this for years before i found out it was wrong and dangerous and started to use tank water to clean my sponges. It made my maintenance a real pain in the a## now i know why i never lost anything and can go back doing things the way i was and make my life much easier. Thanks Jason see now this is exactly why i watch you're podcast. Later brother.

  • @montesmith5488
    @montesmith5488 3 года назад

    I love that you are covering the science

  • @soundpitchblack
    @soundpitchblack 3 года назад +1

    As a biology major and doctorate level science based field (clinical) I love these series. Keep them coming!!!

  • @BoldSooner058
    @BoldSooner058 Год назад

    I watched this video and since have stayed cleaning all my cannister filters in tap water. I have yet to have a problem. I have 2 canisters on all my tanks and only clean one of them at a time. I'm glad you shared this and backed it up with legit scientific proof. It had made cleaning my filters so much easier. Plus they get much cleaner. Always wondered how I was supposed to get my filter clean washing it in water full of fish poo 💩.

  • @BenAfricanCichlids
    @BenAfricanCichlids 3 года назад

    No one can argue with facts so yes please keep the science comming.

  • @darrylmoore5847
    @darrylmoore5847 3 года назад +3

    That was really interesting. I love the deeper science videos.

  • @TheDetailer123
    @TheDetailer123 3 года назад +1

    Finally someone explains this!!!! Jason for President!

  • @bettalover560
    @bettalover560 3 года назад +4

    Yes, keep bringing more science like videos!

    • @shutitfukface
      @shutitfukface 2 года назад

      Yes, keep bringing your mom over!

  • @Hayato234
    @Hayato234 3 года назад +1

    I usually do 50% water changes when I clean my filters (so I just use that water for convenience) BUT I really appreciate this video and the science behind it! Many hobbyists are slow to adopt newer, better, ideas. Too often, advice is based on anecdotal evidence or laymen's 'logic' that isn't fully fleshed out or educated. It's something I've always been uncomfortable with.
    So please keep making videos like this! Let's push this hobby into the future!

  • @baileymoto
    @baileymoto 3 года назад +1

    Yes, more of these!

  • @martyborst5645
    @martyborst5645 3 года назад +2

    I started doing this technique based on one of your latest videos. I was a bit nervous but everything turned just as good as when I the clean the sponge in a 5 gallon of tank water. This process is much less time consuming. Thanks Jason! Sincerely, Marty Borst (P:S Some how I seemed to have lost my 10 month badge. 😢)

    • @PrimeTimeAquatics
      @PrimeTimeAquatics  3 года назад +1

      I wonder if you are no longer on the members list? Maybe double check?

    • @martyborst5645
      @martyborst5645 3 года назад +1

      @@PrimeTimeAquatics I will.

  • @Jstroman221
    @Jstroman221 3 года назад +16

    Everytime I clean a sponge or any filter media I'm always changing water so for myself there is no need to use tap water.

  • @ds755
    @ds755 6 месяцев назад

    Thank you. It is so great to see the science behind why.🎉

  • @jimsvo4486
    @jimsvo4486 3 года назад +4

    Good info. For me, I only have a few tanks so using squeezing out the sponges in tank water is really not much extra work and I do not have planted tanks. Also, if a tank is not very well established or you keep your tank very clean, or you are not sure what your local water dept adds to the water, it may be just a good rule to use tank water.

  • @Aquadiction
    @Aquadiction 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for the entertainment as normal, keep them coming

  • @frankschindler7073
    @frankschindler7073 3 года назад

    Wow ! You are the first person I have heard saying this. Thank God because it has been what I've always preached and been judged for my beliefs. Great video as always 🇨🇦 you have my love 👍 in a fish way .... Lol

  • @noelbrucker135
    @noelbrucker135 3 года назад +3

    Definitely enjoying the science series! And definitely going to start making my life and filter maintenance a little easier based on this...

  • @arachnophilegrrl
    @arachnophilegrrl 3 года назад +2

    Yes, more of these please!

  • @bobvance9912
    @bobvance9912 3 года назад +1

    Excellent breakdown! Yes, more please!

  • @anthonyragan2696
    @anthonyragan2696 3 года назад

    Very interesting. This is the kind of video I come to RUclips for.

  • @adkgaladkgal1799
    @adkgaladkgal1799 3 года назад +1

    Yes please more aquarium science, very helpful, appreciate it, better understanding is better!

  • @johnjwedrall4290
    @johnjwedrall4290 Год назад +1

    Very helpful video . Gets filters cleaner, quicker and still safe for fish. 😊👍

  • @juanescobar994
    @juanescobar994 3 года назад +1

    Love the science behind this hobby. Would love to hear more. My 9 yr old had been taking tank water and been putting it under a microscope we bought her for her birthday last month. Should would love it to.
    I been clean my sponges in tap ad well as long as I can remember and always had great tanks with healthy fish. Thanks for putting this out.

  • @lewashcliffe
    @lewashcliffe 2 года назад +1

    Thank you so much, Jason, for this smart and tremendously helpful video. I've wondered about this myself, and you've done a great job of explaining. No more plastic bags! Thank you!

  • @dl3688
    @dl3688 3 года назад +1

    Excellent!!! Love when science shows us the proper way!

  • @trueenvy245
    @trueenvy245 2 года назад

    These videos where you directly reference study’s I absolutely love!

  • @lizzieb6311
    @lizzieb6311 3 года назад +1

    Thank you so much for helping me become an “aquarist”. Your content is amazingly informative and you’re my go-to when I have a concern or need help. Exciting news... I just got my first Multis!!! Six wee little fish that I’ve been on a waiting list for about 10 months. Picked them up yesterday from Imperial Tropicals (I live about 10 miles from them) and they are already beginning to choose their shells and two are beginning to “landscape” their chosen areas. They are ADORABLE!!! I began with Guppies and Bettas and had such success with them I decided to take the leap to Cichlids. I live in a hard water, high PH region so I selected the Multis. I set up my 20 gal based upon your videos. Thank you 🙏🏼

  • @alphabetgrow1040
    @alphabetgrow1040 3 года назад +2

    Awesome content, we can almost always learn something new in this hobby. Chloramine is much less caustic than pure chlorine. I watch fishman, he doesn't use water conditioners with his 25-33% water changes the density is low enough for his filtration to consume the chloramine. He's a DYI guru getting into a bunch of testing recently (highly recommend if that's allowed)

  • @carlowehermosa956
    @carlowehermosa956 3 года назад +1

    Great scientific share Jason! It makes a lot of sense coz bacterias live everywhere inside our tanks! Thank you!👍🏼

  • @SassyHippo
    @SassyHippo 3 года назад +1

    Yet again loving it! To be fair I’m a big nerd. This was sciency enough without being out of reach. You also explain things very well. I’ll be reading this article as well. Thank you!

  • @Michaelplays53
    @Michaelplays53 3 года назад +4

    I always use tap water to clean my sponge filters and my HoB filters also I never have any issues.

  • @NiX_aKi
    @NiX_aKi 3 года назад +2

    Me too I sometimes wash thru tap. There's a lot of beneficial bacteria in the substrate.

  • @timw.8225
    @timw.8225 3 года назад

    I`ve done it for decades with chlorinated water without an issue.
    I now have well water and still use this method with no problems.
    Good stuff !!!!

  • @Coyne.Wilcox
    @Coyne.Wilcox 3 года назад +1

    These are exactly the kinds of videos I need! Thank you!

  • @littlemidwestrebornsdolls
    @littlemidwestrebornsdolls 3 года назад +1

    I clean my sponge filters the way you do. I have never hurt my fish. In fact, both my Bettas are doing swimmingly. 😉

  • @TheWaterBox
    @TheWaterBox 3 года назад +2

    Well done my friend.

  • @marypaigeflynn4512
    @marypaigeflynn4512 3 года назад +1

    I really appreciated this video Jason. Today I was doing maintenance on my daughter's aquarium and I needed this. Thank you for all you doing share! 👍💯🙏❤️🌿🐟🌿

  • @NiX_aKi
    @NiX_aKi 3 года назад +2

    Yes please! I love aquarium science! Ted Judy also wash his sponges thru tap

  • @michaelbrazunas7149
    @michaelbrazunas7149 Год назад

    Thank you. I love the deep dive into the science.

  • @vanschermerhorn7167
    @vanschermerhorn7167 9 месяцев назад

    Thank you You just made my hobby more enjoyable . Appreciate the information .

  • @nataliajimenez1846
    @nataliajimenez1846 2 года назад

    I love this!! You always have the facts and science!!!

  • @jennifermartin506
    @jennifermartin506 3 года назад +1

    I see all that beautiful stuff that is good for my potted plants going down the drain. Love these educational videos.

  • @JuanDiegoVilllla
    @JuanDiegoVilllla 5 месяцев назад

    Love the video and unique perspective! The sink method did not work for me. My tank experienced ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate spikes that nearly caused my 2-year pleco to pass. This was in an established/balanced tank of 2 years.
    I've been washing my filter media in waste tank water for the last 10 years. I loved the idea of being able to wash the filter media in the sink water instead. Your scientific approach is something I can appreciate as an engineer. Plus I like to try new things. I tried the sink-washing approach for 6months. Unfortunately, my results were not favorable. I battled ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate spikes. This resulted in a sick pleco that had to be quarantined/medicated for 2 months.
    I am not saying this method conclusively does not work or is wrong. Maybe there was something else that caused the ammonia/nitrite spike. Maybe my city water in particular is harsher. However, this tank has been established for 2years and has not had ammonia/nitrite problems since the initial cycle. In fact, I have never had a tank go through spikes like these after the initial tank cycle. It was neat to test out but I have since returned to my original method of cleaning filter media in tank waste water. Things are starting to balance out again. Thank you again for sharing this unique method and going against the norm! I hope this works for others :).

  • @patriziabeaucage258
    @patriziabeaucage258 3 года назад

    I've been rinsing my all my spong filters in tap water since your last video on the subject and you are 100% right...there has been 0 negative side affects on my bb and my cycle. Thanks for another great video