Question on Momotaro Bakki Shower

[aqkoi2]

I am looking into Momotaro Bakki shower to see if I should install one in my pond . I look into different website and previous koi-Bito members' comment. The unit are quite expensive as I do have a big pond. Before I jump into buying one, could any one who currently own a Bakki Shower comment on the result of the water quality? Is it really worth to add Bakki shower if I already have a reasonable conventional filter system? What kind of things I should be aware if I am going to install a Bakki shower? Also, is it matter if I just use the filter material with a different container and not using Momotaro Bakki shower steel container? Thanks.

[MikeM]

You will find a diversity of opinion. IMO, a shower-type filter is supplemental to an otherwise fine filtration system. Whether it is moving bed kaldnes (such as Nexus or a DIY version), or a multiple chamber mat system... or whatever, a sound 'conventional' system comes first. The shower filter adds further capacity for nitrification, but I believe the benefit different from other types of filtration, is the de-gassing and aeration. Some of the ammonia (you'll get a debate as to how much) is directly de-gassed, reducing the overall nitrate level ultimately accomplished. I have been very pleased with my Bakki. I think the DIY versions I've seen work as well.

[farne230]

MikeM is correct. You can never over filtrate and the best setups are those that combine differant filter methods. I do feel if you want to save a few dollars and want to install a bakki shower you may investigate the plastic trays from US Plastics or mike trays or any container that allows air flow and flow through filtration. You work within you budget, if you can afford the Bakki House media you can not go wrong IMO. The advantage of a Bakki shower as MikeM said is CO2 exchange and with high flow very low maintenance. I use a BS/BH media with a bead filter to pollish the water on a 8,300 gallon setup for ten koi (20 to 30 inches) without any problems.