Makes total sense. So glad I found these videos because I'm setting up a new 60-gal tank which will have a plenum system with real live plants for my fish.

When I first got into the hobby, I was taught the under gravel filter system. I used it, and worked like a charm. Never had any issues and water was always crystal clear. Then we started seeing canister filters getting pushed on the hobby and through good marketing they managed to change the perspective of many and a lot of people started switching from under gravel to canister filter systems. Under gravel is a tried and true method of filtration, but in a world where newer is better, we lose sight that in life it really is about the simple things.

Why are people so negative??? we always had the best technology for our aquarium which was tried and tested for over 60 years and over course of time I guess we lost ways of using it correctly and if a channel is advocating the right way to use this technology along with the necessary scientific understanding and explanations then I don't see any wrong here. Dear Dr. Kevin Novak u r doing a tremendous job in educating the real hobbyists to make our life better and we thank you for the same these people who spread negativity are really not worth their value to a grain of salt. Haters why don't you first setup a tank first follow the instructions to the point and give it a try for 1 year before spreading hate and negativity.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Why are people so negative? I think it could be because if you follow the money you usually come up with your answer. The more successful you are the less money you're going to be spending on products to correct your mistakes.

if you dont have haters you are doing something wrong.. love these youtube shows bcb bags saved me staying with the hoby

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

9 ай бұрын

I live in Florida, and I have no heaters inside the house. The only heater I have is out in the lanai on the goldfish aquarium because it does get colder out there.

My first reef tank back 2000, the mom and pop fish shop told me to build a Jouber plenum. I had great experience with it. After a while, I stopped doing it. Now, I'm going to go back to that way when I get settled.

I was getting tired of all the videos on KZread with people doing water changes, some two times a week. The Doctor makes so much sense to me the more I watch. I don’t know if this is a good comparison but in nature the lake isn’t drained 20 to 80% every week! Yet the fish do just fine. So yeah this makes sense to me.

@justinstuart8382

Жыл бұрын

Because of evaporation and dilution. That is the natural order in nature. Lakes are fed constantly by streams and rivers. The sun evaporates the water. The shear volume of water and the amount of micro organic life that breaks down waste in a lake is 1 million to the power greater than any aquarium. Basically all an aquarium is, is a septic tank that we battle to to keep stable and try to keep fish in it. Completely unnatural, but we are humans.

My Grandmother had an undergravel filter in her Goldfish tank 40 years ago. Its how I got into fish. Her Goldfish lived for 15 years in that tank before she died. When I started my first tropical tank I started with undergravel and I have to say my water was the best crystal clear I'd ever seen.

Well explained. Thanks.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I have been looking for this information because I have been so confused with all that is going on with today's version. They are charging stupid prices for stuff. I am so glad you are putting this out there. Thank you Dr. Novak

Doc, anyone that has spent any time watching your commentary knows without a doubt that you know exactly what you are talking about. People reject what they don't understand, so it's like Ripleys, you can believe it, or not. Do not waste your time in making a video trying to explain yourself by harping over technology that's older than the people complaining about it. Keep up the good work...

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

6 ай бұрын

The argument of how old something is, doesn't hold water. Think about it? Most of the things that we use in our aquariums are very old technology. Air pumps, sponge filters, otherwise known as dirt magnets when they were first invented for the aquarium, heaters, aquariums, canisters filters for aquarium, hang on the back filters. All these things that we use are old technology that have just been redesign for today's use.

@fownine4life853

6 ай бұрын

Yes, I understand. All I was saying, I wouldn't waste my time trying to convince people that the system works.

Under ground filters is why I come to this channel.

Thank you for teaching us🥰💯

Thank you again, Dr. Novak!!

Thx I say it's not about computing the aquarium it's about taking care and understand it, I am returning to the undergravel plates /plenum thx to your info 👍🦈😊

I appreciate your channel and the depth of your knowledge. Thanks for sharing with us!

Thanks again for your educational videos.

Love your videos Doc. Thank you as always.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

Man I could watch these videos all day long

Thank you for your videos, you are amazing explaining and thanks to you and you advice my fish are happier than ever

I love information about anything and I do appreciate your explanation. I couldn’t find any other video or site that would explain it properly. 😊

I found your channel 1 month after I set up my new planted tank unfortunately but I can't wait to try it out next year!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard!

Please continue with your videos I want to learn your teachings!!!

Everyone involved in this hobby should listen to every video Dr. Novak has made...especially this one. Thank you Dr. Novak for sharing your wisdom. Your knowledge is invaluable!

Thank you for teaching and sharing about the anoxic filtration system. Your channel & videos are not boring at all. I am always on the look out for your latest videos and when there is nothing new I look for any older videos that I may have missed on your channel and I even watch some repeat. 👍

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Why didn’t I find this channel earlier? This is so useful, thank you! Keep the good work, liked and subscribed.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Thanks. I learn a lot from your channel.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it!

I always watch your videos, .when I was a kid 40 years ago my first tank had an under gravel filter. Now I have big canisters all the fancy stuff, I like your plenum methods and hope to set one up in the future.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

That is awesome!

THANK YOU KEVIN!!! I’m so glad I bumped into your videos before I started my 55gal 2 month ago. My water readings are always perfect, my rooted plants, fish and crystal shrimp are very healthy. I went with 3 inches of gravel in the front and 6 in the back on top of the plenum. Using 2 lift tubes on each corner with small 5gal-tank powerheads, along with a canister filter. Thank you for your research!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome

I'm moved by your passion! This is the first video I watched on your channel, and I've never heard of or have seen this kind of system. But now I'm really excited to get educated from this channel. Thanks!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard!

I am trying to set up a pond and looking at different filtration. This channel is very helpful, and I'm learning more all the time. Thank you!

@ryanmassey586

10 ай бұрын

Up flow bog filters are a comparable relative to what's discussed here. Worth looking into.

Hi Kevin. .... I for one am a keen follower and I am happy to learn new information and experiment to see if I can make anoxic filtration work for me. I love learning the science behind it all and I always like quizzing anyone who has more knowledge than me. I have 4 tanks setup differently to see which is best in the long run. Just got those filter plates that you have and will be reinstalling in my window tank in a few months if the current double depth filter plates don't work as expected. I'm going to keep trying to make it work for me. Mixed results so far but still learning. Don't give up because the wise are listening to you and learning new stuff. I hope your well. Bye for now.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

It is a shame how people insist on putting their fingers in their ears and just screaming out Lala La La La La La La La!

The best aquarium channel.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

THANKS... Johnny

You are so great my dear Dr. Kevin Novak Ph. D. Thank you so much again. My aquarium looks awesome thank to your knowledge and help. My fish look also great. Greetings from Spain!🤗

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome and hello from the United States. Back in the early 70s I visited Madrid Spain and Barcelona Spain.

Very good & clear information Dr Kevin, i had UG filters which were raised off the bottom in the 1960's. Now i know why they were so successful in keeping good water conditions & thus healthy fish & Plants. Your channel is great & im slowly going through every video. Cheers from Australia.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, you're one of those hobbyist that remember the good all days when we did not pump a lot of water through our under gravel filter's and they work just fine. Then everything had to change and we thought we would make something that worked just fine even better, but it didn't work out that way did it?

Your videos are EXTREMELY interesting. It makes me highly motivated to try a different method of aquarium keeping Thank you

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Happy to hear that!

@jessshaffer2644

2 жыл бұрын

@@anoxicfiltrationplenums I am also motivated to try something different. I am having trouble with my 10 gallon betta tank. My boyfriend mentioned under gravel filter. The penn plan is readily available. From my understanding I would only need one of the lift tubes and it comes with 2. How do I block off the other tube!? Also can I use a dirt magnet as well!?

Thank you for this video I was trying to explain to my son why to use an under gravel filter, I had an aquarium back in the 80s which was very successful using this kind of filtration, so I’ve started up my aquarium again using an under gravel filter, all I did back in the 80s was clean the glass and a water top up every now and then everything was just fine as I created an ecosystem well that’s what I used to call it anyway

Very informative. I have 1- 15gal & 2- 5gal tanks all using plenum. Water is sooo clear & fish are doing great! Thanks for the info sir i have learned sooo much from your videos! Cheers!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help

This is very awesome and interesting, can't wait to go through the rest of your channel, I want to try this and add filter media in the plenum, I love hearing the science to this. lol "professional aquascaper" like you said it is a preference. I love this

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

Жыл бұрын

Please do!

The good news is, He is the author and perfecter of our faith, so even for this you can just petition Him. I always ask Him for this promise. He always supplies, because He doesn't lie! He will finish the work He started in you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't wait to try this with my 10 gal tank, and eventually convert my 29 gal tank.

About 18 minutes in you had me busting out laughing. So good to see you making video's again. I've been sharing your "Denitrification (N2) using a Biocenosis Clarification Basket in the Aquarium Sump." for years so I share your frustration with the responses. Every now and again I find a fellow believer.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Then you know better than anybody else out there. How hard it is for people not only to understand what you're saying but actually believe what you're saying works.

@rockfella27

2 жыл бұрын

Reading your comment I saw the vid again lol.

Thanks again doc! 🙏

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Hello Dr Novack from the uk. I set up 2 tanks, exactly the same size, one with soil/gravel capped and the other with a plenum. (Ceramic media rings with mesh on top, then gravel) I then planted the same amount of plants in each and placed one light covering both tanks. The tank with the plenum, had much better, by a big margin, plant growth than the dirted tank. Thankyou for taking the time to share with the hobby.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

This is something that you just said people do not understand keeping biological and chemical pathways open is a must. Once you do that and achieve that your plant growth will excel. I also explained that in my videos that you may come up with a "jungle tank" as I call it because the plants will outgrow the tank itself.

@debrascheer4577

2 жыл бұрын

Did you have a bubble tube for your plenum? Or just the plenum on the bottom?

Thank you for sharing this info! Looking forward to diving into plenums (plena?) in my next setup

Keep it up. This channel has so much good information about the bio chemistry of freshwater tanks. I have a plenum in my tank because of you and I have not had problems with algae beyond what forms on the glass from time to time. Also I have a complete nitrogen cycle. Thanks

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@JDLuffy

2 жыл бұрын

im still watching on dr novak videos and slowly trying understand. excited to try out on my small tank !

love your videos sir.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

This is awesome 👍

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

Because these information that you put out, requires from the hobbyist to just listen think and apply. Not to spent his money on various expensive filtration systems, or ''special'' substrates.. Many of these people work for, or have business relationships, with the companies that sell these expensive products. Great content, probably the most useful in youtube. Again, thank you.

@cococalm

Жыл бұрын

Most people just do an aquarium, notch it up to experience and never do more aquariums when this one fails. They buy into the hype of the salesman and discover that it is a lot of work and get bored of iot, not to mention the financial burden. I have had aquariums for over 40 years and almost always had an UG filter along with others. I try to have a hands off approach - the less I fiddle, the more I appreciate the tank. I understood early on that one would have to have some sort of eco system going on and to attempt to make it self sustain. Unfortunately, most people want the McDonalds version which obviously (and intentionally) fails so they sell more products !!!

Good afternoon sir, so I have been watching your videos on the plenum. And your explanation makes so much sense. And I'm old enough that I used to remember using undergravel filter😂. So I because of what has been explained to me I have decided to give it a try. I have multiple aquariums and the goldfish tank I only use a basket with filter floss on top and has some plants in it. Very little substrate of gravel just for looks. And I do have to do a water change on it. Then I heard of the wastes method so I have a 50 gal that is heavily planted. With an overload of fishes. Wish me luck this don't go bad on me hahaha cos I remember when the dirt would turn black and stinks hahahaa Today I set up the plenum not heavily planted and I only used gravel since I live I. The Philippines I could not find so.e plain cat litter. Wish me luck and will see what happens

I'm finding this discussion rather intresting, 50 years ago i started keeping fish using an undergravel filter. i noticed that the longer the filter was left alone the better the tank stablised. A 2 year old filthy undergravel produced better plants than a newly set up one. What i didnt understand at the time was that the clogged up substrate was creating the anoxic bacteria area that you describe by reducing the flow rate through the gravel. The last few years i have been using various methods of filtration ( no i'll never use external canister filters ever again) including large flow power heads with undergravels and having problems with plant growth. My next tank build will be going back to the basics, undergravel filter, gravel, layer of potting soil topped off with fine gravel and reduced flow rates. I did for a while wonder what on earth a plenum was having seen various mentions of it in different videos including placing gravel beneath the plate to provide an area for anoxic bacteria to colonise but the old school method from 5 decades ago deserves another chance in my book

I made my own under gravel filter and connect it to a hangover filter, I have a 55g my bottom filter is 4' x1' I don't use any gravel and there's no accumulation of food or waste in my tank, I also use artificial plants

Thank you for highlighting and explaining the UGF with the plenum space. I believe the true downfall of the under gravel filter is not because of advancements in filter technology but is the aquarium industries identifying that a UGF as “dead” media of revenue. Once a ugf is sold, there’s little to no future revenue. The increased “ease of use” promoted by the manufacturers for quick and easy HOB and canister filter media exchange and replacement generates a continuous income but has also created more physical maintenance, increase costs for the hobbyists. Even the past 15 years, so many online experts have come forward like convicts reproducing to tell everyone that high flow rates and increases maintenance with the introduction of even more additives and mandate increased frequencies of water changes. Some even advocating massive doses of fertilizers, macro and micro nutrients along with large % weekly water changes for planted aquariums. Aquarium products are very lucrative. Not much after market once an aquarium is set up and finds its balance when using a UGF.- less maintenance, rarely done water changes unless topped off weekly due to evaporation. What I’m getting at, marketing has dubbed UGF as old and inefficient and highlighting the dangers Of trapped gases in the substrate that is a “ time bomb” just waiting to kill all your fish. I’m most of my aquariums I’ve used. UGF, either with grid or pipe but this was my first time of hearing the term plenum and what the space offered and the science behind it. On my largest aquarium, 240g heavily planted is UGF designed. 3/4” drilled pvc pipe grid surrounded by, 2” layer lava rock then a fiber mesh, then 2”-3” gravel layer with 2nd fiber mesh layer and 2”-4” course sand cap layer. My up tubes are 1” topped with older styled power heads. I have utilized the the overflow compartment as a pre filter, flooding the space and adding mechanical and bio media as my high flow oxygen exchange area going into 3 cascade canister filters daisy chained together and uses an inline dc pump. I also have a stand alone cascade canister filter that the flow is reduced and being utilized as a co2 reactor with citric acid and sodium bicarbonate fed 4g high pressure garden sprayer as a co2 generator. My bio load is high due to very heavy stocking. This has been a very sustainable and minimal maintenance aquarium. With this UGF setup I’ve experienced week long power outages without cycle crashes that some of my other aquariums have experienced. Since the sand is white, I do siphon the sand of detritus and water that I collect for my garden. In the beginning I was using a modified Ei method of dosing dry ferts but have since reduced to only adding trace micro and a few macro nutrients. Not Adding potassium, iron or nitrogen ferts just has not been needed. I do water changes but it’s based on my TDS levels when they reach. 700-950ppm directly after a substrate siphon and water change tds is usually around 500-550ppm and water temp drops from 80-82 to 76-78 for several hours. Thank you for taking the time to explain the plenum “space” and the difference of UGF pipe verses plate, barrier grid. The reason I use the power heads is to be able to increase the substrate depth. I’ve incorporated the first 4” from the front glass only as a sand substrate layer. My water flow directs debris towards the front and I can siphon without disturbing the UGF in any way. Some fish prefer to dig in this section verses over top of the UGF area. Would like to note that the UGF was the only filtration in use for the first year but as increased bio load, I also added additional forms of filtration. Next will be an above tank mini hydroponic low flow water system that I will try to incorporate your bcb iron/clay media bags filtration. I don’t fully understand the ion exchange but for a full cycle nitrates need to be converted to a gas state to then be released via the surface agitation. Question: Is it possible my co2 reactor canister is providing the correct environment and I just need to add the iron/clay media?

Nice video. I constantly watch these videos and up to this point I honestly thought they where the same thing

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

They are

🤔 it takes so many to say something is wrong because you being proven correct would destroy their incorrect way of thinking thus causing them to make changes. These videos are very informative and I for one truly am appreciative of them. So thank you 🙏🏽 for taking the time to make them.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

Жыл бұрын

Good point

Kevin I don't have the scientific background that you have. That said, the first video of yours that I watched made sense to me. At that time, about a month ago, I had just set up a new tank. Your ideas made so much sense to me that I took the tank back down and installed a plenum. I kept thinking that this guys idea made sense and if I didn't do it now I would regret it. The tank is on week four with the plenum. Ammonia rose up to 2 and has gone down to zero. Nitrites rose a bit and are now falling. I know it will be a while before the plenum is fully functional but I can wait. I'm 70 and I don't get in a rush about anything. Only critter in the tank is one snail that hitched a ride on one of my plants. A friend of mine is about to set up a tank and he likes the idea also. Have a great weekend sir.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad to hear that you have patience. A lot of obvious you don't have patience and they want instant gratification. But that happens when people expect too much, too soon, too early.

Bravo!

Great video Doc. We need more science on this hobby, that is so reliant in self appointed experts many times store owners that are only focused in making the sell, not in making the hobbyist understand the mistakes and how to prevent them . Same as humans , It´s easier to sell a cure on a bottle for chronic disease rather than making you understand why you got sick in the first place, for you to break the unhealthy cycle . Greetings!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

You're absolutely right we need more science and less theories. It's OK to challenge science and question it that's what we are supposed to do. But we must also understand that the science is there, it's been validated and now it interferes with what we are doing because of... money! Monetary value is what drives this hobby not science.

Its the internet, don't let it get under your skin. I find your video's fascinating and very informative.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

I've been following Dr. Novak's ideas(bcb's, plenums, ect.) for quite some time now. I'm sure everyone has seen the negative comments in regards to Dr. Novak and the anoxic filter. I too had my doubts thinking he might be full of malarkey. I have since built a 13'*13'*2.5' pond with a 20'+ long stream. The water wasn't clear, a little greenish-brown. The pond has a sizable, built in upflow bog filter. While it worked well, the water clarity still wasn't great. In the last week or so I finally fired up my anoxic filter, a 140gal. stock tub with several(8) bcb's. It did basically nothing to start. A few days ago I added the rest of the baskets, some of which were planted, to the anoxic filter(140gal.) Literally overnight the water cleared up significantly! Here we are a few days later and I wake up this morning to crystal clear pond water! I cannot believe the difference that the anoxic filter has made. I don't have any very prolific growing plants either. Thank you Dr. Novak, you've changed a skeptic into a hardcore believer! Bcb's absolutely work!

@mattbell9272

2 жыл бұрын

The pond also has a bottom plenum covered in rock.

@smack09

2 жыл бұрын

Wait till you can drink from your pond, you'll really be bragging! 😁

Hello Dr. Novack, Have been following your videos for a number of months after I found the first one when looking for information on UGF plates. I had a 20gal,. set up with one back in the 70's and decided to do it again with my recent new one. It is a 36gal. Bow and at first it was going very well and recently started to fail in many ways. After watching some for a second time I am finding I think I made a number of mistakes in setting it up. The plate I am using is a very old school plate I found used at a local store. It is a large one piece plate that fills the bottom, is wavy and has slits between the valleys and ridges, This is white and not blue as is usually seen. Three mistakes I believe I made, 1. nothing to prevent substrate to fall thru.. 2. substrate not deep enough.. 3. Incorrect water speed flow... I know the first two will have an effect on the last one. How to determine if the flow is to fast or to slow? Thanks, another Kevin

Darn shame you have to explain yourself to people half your age. Keep up the good work Kevin. I'm very glad I found your channel. I'm thankful for the information you've brought back to the table and I appreciate all your efforts in making these videos. Much respect to you sir and thank you for the science!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

That's OK ,these new Aquarius are our future and someday they will be our past.

Hi Doc , thank you for posting your educational videos , I am one of your biggest fans. I guess I did my set up all wrong , because I’m one of those people that use the tubing underneath the aquarium with no void , based on what you said I have no Plenum. But I did use kitty litter and rare laterite spheres from the northern Australia outback & use an air stone moving it slow , i’m not gonna lie it did take a little less than 1 year to get the results. I guess that’s what happens when I don’t follow your instructions , but nevertheless I am very happy because I have no nitrates and phosphates now. I wish I could show you my pictures on how I set it up

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

If you use the tubing underneath the substrate then you don't have the same electrical charge as you do using a Plenum.

@eugeniovazquez7444

3 жыл бұрын

@@anoxicfiltrationplenums Your right Doc , maybe that’s why I had to wait so long for results because the first 6 to 9 months I had crazy allergy problems , but for now so far so good the next time I set up the tank I will do it the right way

Some years ago, before moving house, I had an aquarium of about 200 litres, where I did not change water for 3 years, just filling up when needed. I used an under gravel filter bought in England, probably not as advansed as todays UGF. There was an equilibrium between fish and plants. I moved house, and the aquarium was put aside for several years, until I some 5 yeras ago bought a Juwel Rio 240 litre. At that time it was not UGF for sale in Norway, and I settled for Juwels intern filter. I was not satisfied with the , neither fish nor plants were happy. So I bought an Eheim external filter hoping for better results. Now, several years later, I am still not happy with my aquarium. So some weeks ago, I desided to empty and throw away all plants, washed the gravel well and ordered through Amazone a Penn-Pax UGF. Under the filter I put a layer of Fuwal Ammonia remover. I put back the cleaned gravel, which is now about 4 inches thick. Newly bought plants were planted, and a couple of weeks later, fish were added. To get the UGF to work, I bought Eheim 400 air pump. I am not very happy with this air pump, it is not possible to shut the air to a minimum, the minimum air is as far as I like, not low enough. After a fortnight, the plants look healthy, and some have allready grown an inch.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 ай бұрын

Not the first one who has written to me about using under gravel filters in the early stages of aquarium, keeping and how successful they were.

Anoxic filtration is an absolute must in the hobby. It's sad how misleading the industry has become. Making those BCB baskets is so easy and they work so well... doing a plenum is also easy... crazy how none of this is utilized. We're lucky to have you Dr. Novak.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

The reason the industry is in the path it is, is because of one word... money! Follow the money and you'll follow the reasoning behind everything.

@GSP-76

3 жыл бұрын

@@anoxicfiltrationplenums I agree...they would rather keep selling you half measures forever rather than just put you on the right path from day 1.

THANK YOU!!!!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Contary to what Novak says in this video, if you keep mbuna cichlids, it is important to put your rocks directly on the bottom of the tank and then fill in your sand substrate around the rocks. Otherwise, if you put put your rock pile on top of the sand, when the fish dig the sand out from under the rocks, the rocks will shift and the whole rock pile will come tumbling down and potentially break the aquarium glass.

When you said "Keep doing the same thing over, over and over again thinking we're going to come up with different results" instantly made me think of Bart Simpson when he kept putting his hand on the hot stove burner... ouch ouch ouch 🤣 In all seriousness though, I really appreciate this type content. Thank you!

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

It was sad that Albert Einstein said: If you think you're going to get different results by doing the same thing repetitively then you are crazy. However, it's been said that he's never really said that.

Very true

After my 10 gallon occupant died, I'm planning to tear it down and rebuild it with a slow moving plenum. The only thing I have left to get is a undergravel filter. I plan on using Safe T Sorb as the clay with laterite in between. But the clay will also be the substrate. I'm hoping that won't be an issue. I've heard of people having KH issues when using it as a substrate after long term usage. Great video. I'm excited to finally get to try this soon

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

I myself have not had a problem with KH in long-term use and I've been doing this for over 30 years.

When I was a kid I some how knew that the filtering on fish tank was supposed to underground. Now as adult and can finally afford a fish tank most filtering was not underground and was no where to be found at stores and most aquarium store just recommend the sponge.

Thanks for your videos, I am actually trying to learn as much as i can, since my dream is to make a huge acuarium (more than 10.000 liters) and I want to understand how much or in which way i should plan / calculate the anoxic filtration to be able to handle all the bioload. I dont know if in such a huge system i should be using the cbc baskets or with a good and well calculate plenum would be enough. AGAIN thanks for your work and making your knowledge available.

Wow 👍 So I got unto this hobby 8 months ago And it was a dirt - planted tank that caught my interest Now I find my self. Wanting to set up an African cichlid tank... But I was a bit over whelmed with the work ( water changes) that I was hoping to avoid in this hobby This under substrate system sounds great.... ? 4U My 100g has an outlet on the bottom, I should be able to send the water down right? Was thinking to send this water 💦 through an aqua fonics system next before putting it back in the aquarium 🤷:)

Thank you for these very informative and cost effective videos! Could someone please tell me if the lift tube has to be low or could it be used "as is" if the air flow is slowed down or would there still be too much suction? Thanks!

Hello and thank you for the precious information. I am in the process of setting up a new 240 litre tank. Iam a big supporter of the "hands off / eyes on" approach to aquariums - I want to fiddle as little as possible and admire the aquarium more. My project is for a dirt tank but I want to put a plenum under the dirt. I will have a canister filter also, LED lighting and I do not heat preferring ambient room temperature. The tank will then be planted (semi intense) but not scaped. So I am guessing a plenum and substrate of about 10 - 12 cm thick. I would like to know what other minerals I can add to the substrate to complliment the iron tabs / gravel that I shall add. I shall mention here that 50% of my dirt comes from a peat bog where I also add some peat bog mulm. The rest of the dirt is topsoil ... the real stuff from a forest floor with some sphagnum moss added. My questions are the following : Would sphagnum moss be too much vegetal content to the dirt ? - Would the dirt impede the anoxic process ? - Do you think that a cycling period of 60 days sufficient before adding inhabitants ? - As mentioned before, what added minerals should I place in the dirt for the plants ? Thank you for your ideas.

👍 👍 👍

Just about to make my pond setup an undergravel filter setup with a pump and a 2 inch plenum gap under the grill. The plenum with my setup I'm making will be able to be flushed, as there is a valve installed on the pond tank. That way I do controlled flush outs of excess debris from the plenum area a couple times a year, immulating what natural ponds would do. The pump will sit into a compartment that will draw water from under the grill, which will allow a slow pull from the total bottom through fine red scoria. Then the water will be pumped up to a grow wall for tropical plants and drip through a drip hose to water the plants and then the water will return to pond water. The water trickling or dripping through the plants will naturally add aeration, but as the water falls lowering into the pond it will loose oxygen and then be dragged down and through the plenum part again. I like to create tanks that do not need regular water changes at all, just top ups. By using plants and dense slow moving filtration I can accomplish this easily. So the knowledge has not been lost at all. The only problem with the hobby nowadays is hobbist are getting lazier and just like to use filteration bought, rather than looking at options to create a better natural environment for their fish. If they did, they would also make ecosystems that are less maintenance too. But big companies do not want them doing that at all. They want them to keep on buying "stuff" with minimum improvement to their tanks.

@marthanewsome6375

Жыл бұрын

Got a full-time job so slowed things down, but ready to get going now with the build. So excited about doing a plenum pond porch pond. Will try to contact you when I'm finished and send you a video for your channel if you like? My husband is building me a platform and frame for the water tank pond this weekend. Then next weekend will tackle the grow-wall. The following weekend I will install my plenum, fill and clean out all my canister filters to seed the pond and get the cycle going. Wait a week and then test the cycle with ammonia, of course, fish free. So hopefully this will all be ready for fish in 8 weeks. I have a huge vase that is not really plenum but kind of is. Filterless and is now producing shrimp.

Love your Chanel and content.Can i ask you how long will it take for a plenam to fully establish itself.thank you👍😊

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 ай бұрын

Good question, but how fast it breaks in depends on each individual and do they use a substitute bacteria starter for the aquarium. Usually I say within 90 days.

Do I need to have the ugf for the v whole tank for it to work or can I designate a portion of the tank to have the plenum? What are your thoughts on box filters can they replicate a plenum or one of your baskets?

I think this be perfect for heavy stock cichlid tank

Well said Doc. I will be changing some tanks around, what you said at the end reminds me of our useless politicians.

Hi! I had an aquarium with under gravel filter when I was little, and now one with a sponge filter, and I hate it, it was way better the under gravel one, I will change everything again to the under filter

Do you think I may be able to have enough low oxygen bacteria if I have an area with deep substrate for plants and the rest of the tank not as deep substrate? I also use tanks with larger footprints as I imagine that helps. I mostly like to do a soil mix topped with sand all 3-6" in total but also like to do a higher area for plants and then the rest just sand ~2" thick for open space.

I tried anoxic filter in my established tank that has acoarse volcanic gravel topped with fluorite red, which I would normally fertilize with nitrate/phosphate. It seemed to me like anoxic filter alone didn't work, I got algae growth. Had I had a plenum, would you think the situation would be totally different?

To make this short, can we define plenum as a spacer that allows aerobic bacterial growth? Bacteria allow proper gas exchange and nutrients to the plant roots. Would you say we want to achieve conditions similar to what we see in Mexico, where ancient coral rock serves as a filter?

Can I ask a question. Im thinking of settling up a Goldfish tank around 200L. I'm going to use a Plenum with filter plate and uplift tubes with Airstone under the plate through the tube as normal. On top of the plate I was think of using a small layer of alfa grog, then fluval stratum and then a layer of fine gravel/sand . On top of this I plan to plant aquarium grass and let it grow all over. Hoping that would be best filtration system yet. Your thoughts. Thanks. ❤

Hello, Dr. Novak, First thank you for your work, and outstanding insight into the Nitrogen cycle. I too remember the days of using under gravel filters. My question is, with the plenum, is it necessary to pump the nitrogen to the rest of the tank? An opposing view could the bottom beneficial bacteria layer enter via hollow tubes instead. I am asking if the nitrogen pumping is creating O2 that is going against the CO2 needed in the tank for plant growth. I currently have a 45-gallon breeder with lava rocks at the bottom for beneficial bacteria. Curious if this is effective at circulating beneficial bacteria. Also, do you have social media, books, papers, or an additional way that we can read about your work. I am curious about your PhD, is it in Ecology of Plants, or a similar nature. Thanks so much, again for your work.

hi dr. Kevin Novak, thank you so much for this video. I finally know whats a plenum!! A question, do we still need the laterite with Plenum filters?

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Laterite is used in order to provide enough iron for the bacteria to grow in abundance, no laterite and your bacteria may take a lot longer to develop than what you have the patience for. As I said in earlier videos and I explain the whole process about elements that are badly needed by bacteria and plant growth. The number one important element is iron.

@shaunwong867

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dr. Kevin Novak for replying to my question above. If you don't mind one more question, if i'm using substrate like Sechem Flourite Red which is already a rich in iron clay substrate. Can i just use 100% of the flourite red?

@shaunwong867

2 жыл бұрын

Oh and one more thing!! Please do what you do. Don't change. Even if you don't repeat yourself, I still watch the same video multiple times to catch all those fine details. 😊 Thats science!! Every detail counts. Thank you for spending your time making all these videos!

@NateHaileyNPSNPSNPS

2 жыл бұрын

@@shaunwong867 from what i gather if your using flourite red that contains iron your good but if you watch so of his other videos he puts a small amount of laterite on top of the plenum plastic pieces he uses and then your substrate on top of that. Since your substrate has iron you probably dont have to use as much. Hope this helps✌

Kevin. Keep it positive. Don't complain and feed the Negative. ....ignore the Negative.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

I understand what you were saying. But you do not get a look-see behind the scenes that I get. A lot of negative people out there who are very vindictive and do not like or except science.

I’m using the plenum system in my 75 gallon community, planted. I’m using a basic Petco dual port air pump at full power. Should I pull back from going full power? Thanks

Perhaps the clearest explanation provided (as video, on this channel). This channel *has* been very clear for me in that the objective is not to create “under gravel filter”, it is hard to imagine there is any confusion on this point. What has been curious to me is the obvious significant difference in the height of space provided by UG filter (plate) plenum v the suggested 1/2” to 1” plenum. I have to guess at this point that a very slow bubble w short uplift is the difference. The 1/2” to 1” DIY does not utilize a slow/low bubble (flow)? The differences (contrast/comparison) between UG filter plate and the creation of 1/2” to 1” DIY would be helpful. I am not suggesting that one or another accomplish anything outside of anoxic conditions, nor am I suggesting one is superior to the other. The significant height differences are very curious for me.

@robertswain5704

3 жыл бұрын

I suppose they both use very slow/low flow so this is merely a matter of hobbyist as engineer v hobbyist as manufacturer :) Flexibility to the simple task, TY.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

It's great that you understand everything in my videos and what I'm saying. However, unfortunately a lot of people don't and therefore they are getting very confused between using a Plenum and an under gravel filter as per say.

My tank is 48"x18" if I use a ugf do you recommend two short tubes or just one for a slow moving plenum? What do you consider more efficient a plenum or a BCB basket or obviously both. I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

If you're under gravel filter is as long as the aquarium, one lift tube. If it's two separate plates then I would go with two very small lift tubes. One for each plate.

@rockfella27

2 жыл бұрын

Obviously both 👍. Biggest bcb you can build.

@NateHaileyNPSNPSNPS

2 жыл бұрын

If you go with the plenum you dont have to use a bcb as well. Its entirely up to you

Can I use Seachem black flourite and Seachem red for an iron source to make a BCB basket. I know that Seachem is more expensive but it is easily available.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

I know you can use the seachem for a Plenum but as far as A BCB basket, I do not know if it has the poor water or permeability structure to it that would be absolutely correct.

When I was a kid 30 years ago I had only lee’s under gravel filters. I had live plants and I never once had algae problems. Now a days I am constantly battling algae. Hmmmm

Question: plenum space/void could return flow from your sump filter system be used instead of air while achieving the same results? Example my build is a 120 gallon cube planing to return approximately 400-600 gallons a hour in 3/4 pvc within plenum space One of your previous videos you talked about water moving in and out of a lake/bog with natural springs. I would assume this replication would be beneficial to an aquariums ecosystem.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

What are we trying to mimic here is a natural system where the intersection of topography is actually the under gravel plate or the plate you make yourself the Plenum and the substrate or where water moves in and out freely just like in a natural systems.

@guppiesstories5942

3 жыл бұрын

Kenneth, moving 400-600 gal/hr within plenum is way too fast. Thats the reason why he uses a lift tube and a shorten one to reduce the water flow lower. Too fast water movemt will not create the anoxic condition and the gravel will just be a nitrifying filter. If you are trying to use the the water pump in your system, then T it off and reduce the water flow to a mere trickle. The key very very slow water movement

Hi Dr Novak, due to space constrain, im setting a 2 gallon tank. No UGF of this size in the market is available. The tank base inside dimensions are 28cm x 18cm. What height should the UGF have? Is a 15mm void of space (plenum)sufficient? I also need to insert a polycarbonate tube with a inside diameter of 12.8mm. This tube will be connected to a 1Watt submersible pump. What flow rate is ideal ? The tank will only have 8 litres of water at most.the UGF will be 3D printed. The tank will house mainly small shrimps and very small fishes.Thanks

Dr. Novak, I noticed the diagram show the total thickness is only approx 44mm.

What do you think of the new “Mattenfilter” made by Swiss Tropical for Aquariums?

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

Жыл бұрын

Compare to white?

Do you think I could use the undergravel filter plates with screen to make the plenum, then combine that with a dirt substrate, capped with sand, and still be successful? Or do you think combining the two is just a disaster waiting to happen? It's something I have considered trying to see how it turns out.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Yes people are already doing just exactly that.

@debrascheer4577

2 жыл бұрын

I did that my plants are growing right out of the tank lol fish seem happy 🐠

@debrascheer4577

2 жыл бұрын

Remember with durt don't use a lift tube or you will have mud lol

@HisValor

2 жыл бұрын

@@debrascheer4577 hi! Question: Can you describe more your set up with the dirtedtank? I saw his videos after I made them and gave up on them, because they didn’t work out for me. Can you tell us: 1. How you created a plenum, how you layered the dirt, and how you capped it? 2. How deep you put rooted plants into the cap? 3. And what you meant by not using tubes?

When making a plenum can i use the crushed coral substrate i am currently using? I dont care for having plants. Do i lay it in the same order you suggest but use my crushed coral? Thank you sooo much Dr Novak 🙏

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, do you only have African cichlids and that's why you're using the crushed coral?

@NateHaileyNPSNPSNPS

2 жыл бұрын

@@anoxicfiltrationplenums yes only african cichlids. The coral substrate helps with p.h but i also enjoy the look of it. I feel like i have learned alot the last few days regarding setting up a plenum so im going to follow your instructions and use the laterite. Its going to be a game changer for me! I have a 220 gallon aquarium and have to do weekly 80-90% water changes. It takes the fun out of fish keeping and doesnt seem normal to have to worry about nitrates so much. I really hope you realize what your videos do for all of us? There are no other videos with this information! I was lead to belive that flushing hundreds of gallons of water out of my aquarium weekly was just part of the hobby and alot of people end up just giving up and finding a new hobby. You really have changed the game!! 🙏🙏🙏

One thing I would like to see from you is more info around how to tell if we set it up correctly. Because at first I was not sure what was going on. I still have algae growth under the substrate surface, that can be seen through the glass. Is that just sign i’m fertilizing too much? Also will we have to dose the substrate with iron at some point. Whats the long term maintenance, I have this tank set up for three years now. I used double layer craft mesh that I hot glued together, I don’t have a lift tube. Under that mesh is plastic bio balls. I am also running a sump.

@anoxicfiltrationplenums

3 жыл бұрын

Seeing algae in the substrate next to your glass is common. The reason is your glass is made out of silica which encourages the growth of algae. This is the same reason you may have to clean the class of your aquarium constantly but yet you'll be scratching your head wondering why my plants don't have the algae on them unless the leaves get very old. Older leaves encourage algae because they are beginning to break down and provide a food source for that algae to grow on.

@NateHaileyNPSNPSNPS

2 жыл бұрын

If you dont have a lift tube how is water being pulled through the substrate and into the plenum void? You need a very slow flow of water being pulled down into the void