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The most important factor in this kind of filtration is known as void space or where water oxygen, food and bacteria can mix. I'm partial to the drip rod style of bio balls. encased in a tower with air pushing up from the bottom and rising up out the vent holes in the top under the drip tray, i don't think there is a better system. That said I'm running a BH/3 tray and have for awhile now.
When i move the koi outside this spring in about 3 months I will turn off my Bakki
and run the blue j-mat in 3 vortexes only.I erected the system only for the knowledge and the ability to comment on it from personal experience in my classes. I believe that it works well but honestly feel there are other ways to get the same results with less expense.
to me filtration is like an old car. if part of the ownership is the fun of tinkering with it, then a do it yourself filter system is great. If however you want a turn key system and not have to mess with it as much, it may cost you more but
maybe time is money and worth it to you. one thing i have learned over the years is that you're furthur ahead to be over filtered and i like to run several different syles and media types in a filter system than to have all my eggs in one basket ( so to speak ).
I wish my koi kichi Bill would post here and honestly comment on me and my system. It'd be more believeable to hear it from him but he'd say I underfeed my koi, keep 1000 gallons for each one I have, have 3x more filtration than I need and run a trickle 24/7 while draining the collection vortexes once or twice a day. I am also working on RO water to bring my hardness down as well as my PH. I think he would use words like fanatical, over the edge etc.
( then ask him what he thinks of my koi's condition )< insert grin>
hope some of my ramblings may help
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