DIY - Make your own Cheap Media
- Thread starter AW7020
- Start date
Thanks for the additional inputs Dr.Joe and Fishdance. The orginal Filter was only Jap Mat and Black Filter Foam. Works very well however with just Koi only in the Tank. Will be stepping up the Fish Load now and so am preparing the straws for that purpose.
One to see whether the cut straws can handle the additional bio load.
Two to see whether they can last and also to have an idea of how the plastic will handle the benificial bacteria.
Three this was the easiest thing around in my place.. How ever will also be looking around to see whether nets etc could be used. will have to do a bit more leg work.
The filter was doing very well without the additional straws for the last 3 years. So this experiment will not be very hazadrous to the fishes hopefully.
This idea came from the following reading on the net.
http://www.sdpondandgarden.com/subcat121.html
Will be actuall using those media in a own design water filter for the big pond when that project get started. Now am getting quotes from the local contractors first.
Will do a more detail write up of that at a later stage.
One to see whether the cut straws can handle the additional bio load.
Two to see whether they can last and also to have an idea of how the plastic will handle the benificial bacteria.
Three this was the easiest thing around in my place.. How ever will also be looking around to see whether nets etc could be used. will have to do a bit more leg work.
The filter was doing very well without the additional straws for the last 3 years. So this experiment will not be very hazadrous to the fishes hopefully.
This idea came from the following reading on the net.
http://www.sdpondandgarden.com/subcat121.html
Will be actuall using those media in a own design water filter for the big pond when that project get started. Now am getting quotes from the local contractors first.
Will do a more detail write up of that at a later stage.
Sorry forget to answer your query. Weekly tests as follows, Ammonia test - Zero Reading, Nitrites - Zero. Nitrates - Sorry never tested. However am using Duckweed to grow on the filter tanks. Which are harvested and fed to the Koi once a week.
3 years and so far no visible signs of diseases, parasites. The koi was put is when 4" in size and now after 3 year about 18" in length.
Water are replaced at 30% every month. So far never have any green water. Lots of algae on the cement walls of the tank which the pleco does a good job of keeping clear.
The pic show the tank 8' by 3'wide and water level 3' deep.
The water is pretty clear with algae on the tank walls and bottom.
Just recently added 10 4" pacus to the mix and will be transfering them to the new pond when it is ready. (The additional bio load-) From what i read the pacus are real big eaters.
3 years and so far no visible signs of diseases, parasites. The koi was put is when 4" in size and now after 3 year about 18" in length.
Water are replaced at 30% every month. So far never have any green water. Lots of algae on the cement walls of the tank which the pleco does a good job of keeping clear.
The pic show the tank 8' by 3'wide and water level 3' deep.
The water is pretty clear with algae on the tank walls and bottom.
Just recently added 10 4" pacus to the mix and will be transfering them to the new pond when it is ready. (The additional bio load-) From what i read the pacus are real big eaters.
You could have used one of those tables with a blade attached (dont know how u call it) that is used to cut paper
would have saved some time!!! and ur hands
anyway, nice idea
would have saved some time!!! and ur hands
anyway, nice idea
hangner;1301836; said:
Thanks for Your suggestion. I think Dr. Joe have also mentioned that.Will have to use the flat table paper cutter next time. Found using the scissors that it's easy to get blisters. ouch .... after doing a few packets of the straws. Well A little pain is needed LOL!!
Will update this thread at a later date to include feedback on how the current straws turn out as well as diagrams of how i planned to use them on a larger scale. I think you will find it quite interesting.
It's been about 3 months since the straws was put into action. and here are some updates.
Pictures of the Fresh clean media contrast with the material after 3 months.
Basic use was as a moving bed material with water jets from above.
Pict 3 shows the jets and pic 4 shows the jet action from the side.
Pictures of the Fresh clean media contrast with the material after 3 months.
Basic use was as a moving bed material with water jets from above.
Pict 3 shows the jets and pic 4 shows the jet action from the side.
Pic 2 is incredibly disgusting...means the filter is working GOOD 
.
Put a bottom drain on the filter tank to remove the sludge or get one of these http://www.koiclay.com/diy/pg3.htm
Thanks for the update, glad it's working for you
.
What part of Malaysia are you in?
Dr Joe
.
.Put a bottom drain on the filter tank to remove the sludge or get one of these http://www.koiclay.com/diy/pg3.htm
Thanks for the update, glad it's working for you
.What part of Malaysia are you in?
Dr Joe
.
