DIY "Anoxic Filtration System" eliminates nitrates? Anyone tried this?

[kalawai]

To each their own... I seen Novak’s videos. He makes sense in some of them but when discussing certain media he puts them all into one they are not the same. Biohome doesn’t clog like the Chinese media it self cleans the filter. Did you watch the videos I posted?

[Luke in Phoenix]

I watched them. They had good information.

[Paul Sabucchi]

Been using Biohome (mini) in one of my canisters for 2 and 1/2years now, good stuff but to me it seems to collect sludge just like everything else... At least it is how it looks whenever I clean the canister

[Luke in Phoenix]

I finished building a version of the Anoxic Filtration system (AFS) BCB. I implemented a Lukeway version of the basket that I believe everybody can utilize even if they don't have a sump. Not everyone has a sump so hopefully this helps.

I made a quick video to show you guys. https://youtu.be/4uefD7acEiI
Let me know what you think. Cheers.

[Tindomul]

I never thought the kitty litter would be the hardest piece of the puzzle. I have no walmart in NYC. Petco and Petsuppliesplus all offer the type I already have with the additives. Petsmart is kind of out of my way, but they have what I need. I'll have to make a trip.

Thanks all!

[Luke in Phoenix]

Check out amazon and online also. I've seen the brands I used (shown in the video) for sale on there it's just a lot more expensive. Good luck!

[zhuls1]

Hey luke, nice video. I had also considered making similar modifications to a canister however decided to opt for a sump instead. Though, in the video you state that your filter is the equivalent of 6 4X4 BCB's, I must disagree with you on that one. I am assuming you worked this out based on volume, is this correct? If so, it would likely not be entirely accurate as the surface area of the basket itself is also important. A larger surface area will allow more time for the ammonia to be "sucked" into the basket. In saying this, yours would still be better than 1 BCB, maybe equivalant of like 3 baskets? I dont think there is any real way of calculating how much more waste it will be able to remove as opposed to a standard 4x4 BCB without experimentation.

[smsimcik]

I finished building a version of the Anoxic Filtration system (AFS) BCB. I implemented a Lukeway version of the basket that I believe everybody can utilize even if they don't have a sump. Not everyone has a sump so hopefully this helps.

I made a quick video to show you guys. https://youtu.be/4uefD7acEiI
Let me know what you think. Cheers.

Nice design Luke.
I have canister filters and was trying to think of a way I could incorporate an anoxic filter system with canisters. I have Eheim 2017 filters and would have to design a tube-shape basket rather than rectangular like yours, but I think it would work.

[Salty Sphynx]

I finished building a version of the Anoxic Filtration system (AFS) BCB. I implemented a Lukeway version of the basket that I believe everybody can utilize even if they don't have a sump. Not everyone has a sump so hopefully this helps.

I made a quick video to show you guys. https://youtu.be/4uefD7acEiI
Let me know what you think. Cheers.

If this works, it will be a fantastic alternative for those who don't have sumps.

I know you said you rinsed everything prior to assembling the basket; was it just a cursory rinse or did you let it go til the water ran clear? Have seen some videos where folks have spent hours rinsing the litter, and am guessing I'll have to do the same to avoid the cloudiness. Let us know how long it takes to clear up.

Nice job, and thanks for sharing.

[farebox]

My 125 gallon discus tank now running 100% Anoxic Filtration System, I have four baskets going now. In the short time running have notice a slight change in the tank and fish behavior. Totally satisfied with this system, just waiting for the system to fully establish in about 50 more days. Using an API nitrate test kit = 10ppm before last water change. Doing 50% WC every other day. Please check lastest video of the tank: https://youtu.be/W8PS_B5Tulo

[kalawai]

I finished building a version of the Anoxic Filtration system (AFS) BCB. I implemented a Lukeway version of the basket that I believe everybody can utilize even if they don't have a sump. Not everyone has a sump so hopefully this helps.

I made a quick video to show you guys. https://youtu.be/4uefD7acEiI
Let me know what you think. Cheers.

I’m keeping my eyes on this one....I think instead of string and sewing it, I’d use small zip ties. Thank you for trying this in a canister. I hope it works!

[Luke in Phoenix]

Hey luke, nice video. I had also considered making similar modifications to a canister however decided to opt for a sump instead. Though, in the video you state that your filter is the equivalent of 6 4X4 BCB's, I must disagree with you on that one. I am assuming you worked this out based on volume, is this correct? If so, it would likely not be entirely accurate as the surface area of the basket itself is also important. A larger surface area will allow more time for the ammonia to be "sucked" into the basket. In saying this, yours would still be better than 1 BCB, maybe equivalant of like 3 baskets? I dont think there is any real way of calculating how much more waste it will be able to remove as opposed to a standard 4x4 BCB without experimentation.

Thanks Zac, good question. I asked Dr. Novak about the "optimal" or ideal size and he replied on one of his youtube videos; "Luke, 7x7x11 is what is used in ponds this is the optimum size."


There is a great deal of flexibility though. Dr. Novak said this when comparing the baskets to magnets, source: http://anoxicfiltrationsystem.blogsp...-years-of.html

"The diffusion of ions is the same if you use a basket that is 6"X6"X6" or 24"X10" round basket like I show in my book and at the center of the page here on my post. What we did find out is that like magnets, the more BCB’ the better uptake of ions out of solution faster!"

[Luke in Phoenix]

Nice design Luke.
I have canister filters and was trying to think of a way I could incorporate an anoxic filter system with canisters. I have Eheim 2017 filters and would have to design a tube-shape basket rather than rectangular like yours, but I think it would work.

Thanks Steve, I bet it would work as long as there is enough anoxic "zone C". Here is a little more info on the zones: http://anoxicfiltrationsystem.blogsp...r-part_29.html

[Luke in Phoenix]

If this works, it will be a fantastic alternative for those who don't have sumps.

I know you said you rinsed everything prior to assembling the basket; was it just a cursory rinse or did you let it go til the water ran clear? Have seen some videos where folks have spent hours rinsing the litter, and am guessing I'll have to do the same to avoid the cloudiness. Let us know how long it takes to clear up.

Nice job, and thanks for sharing.

Thanks Heather! I rinsed it super thoroughly in a strainer and was really surprised by the amount of cloudiness but it was 90% gone by the next morning and 100% by the next day. It would seem the cloudiness is almost unavoidable but since it was night anyways, the fish didn't seem to mind and was mostly gone by the time the lights came back on anyways.

[Luke in Phoenix]

I’m keeping my eyes on this one....I think instead of string and sewing it, I’d use small zip ties. Thank you for trying this in a canister. I hope it works!

Thanks Shari, I'm glad to share. I'm sure there are better ways to keep the basket together. The fishing line worked great but took soooooo loooong... or I'm just terrible at sewing! haha