Pimp My Filter #48 - Aquael Minikani 120 canister filter

Aquael Minikani 120 (Amazon): https://geni.us/ZQohH
This is a non-standard type of canister filter as the pump is not integrated into the top of the canister. Instead it goes 'in-line' on the inlet or outlet pipe allowing all the available space in the relatively small canister to be used for foams and media. At a maximum it will take 3kg of Biogravel in the top 3 trays or 2kg biohome ultimate allowing for a coarse pad to go at the top of the top tray to prevent media entering the outlet pipe (if the filter is knocked over).
There aren't many of these filters around but if you are looking for something ready-made to be the perfect 'nitrate filter' (with the addition of an in-line tap / valve to reduce flow) then this would be a great choice as explained toward the end of the video.
Sorry, Google / Youtube see fit to send me almost no notifications for comments so you're best bet to reach me is to phone on 07772848730 or send an email to sales@filterpro.co.uk (Richard)
Biohome products and foams: http://www.filterpro.co.uk
FilterPro site has links to worldwide distributors.
Amazon Reviews: https://amzn.to/392EZ2g
INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/2KAk1fx

WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE?
*If someone tells you the aquarium nitrogen cycle ends with the production of nitrate that is incorrect - please read on*
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
Avoid using any products which claim to remove, detoxify or bind ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as they will have a noticeable starving effect on the bacteria which will manifest as an inability to achieve a full cycle due to a low population of bacteria on a starvation diet.
Let Nature do the work and as long as you have a suitable sized, well set up filter there is no reason why a full cycle won't be achieved.
You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that the recommendations are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat.
Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.
If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on:
sales@filterpro.co.uk
07772848730 (Richard)

Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win.

The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible:
Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: https://goo.gl/om19un
Looking INSIDE different filter media: https://goo.gl/hZWS6c
Bacteria and filter media: https://goo.gl/123gAF
How to clean an aquarium: https://goo.gl/bPMhvh
Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: https://goo.gl/pXgqVj

This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study.

We all are on a long path of learning.........

FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder http://geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: http://geni.us/4OL
Zomei Z666 tripod: http://geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: http://geni.us/87f7

Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of others as I am not on any of those sites.
See you next time.
Pondguru