STEM PLANTS BUNDLE SALE - Over 75 plants - 15 Species for $59! Limited Time OFFER so HURRY! father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com/ For Special Soil Supplements, Plants, FIsh & Merch in your country: fatherfish.fish/
I would just like to say that I’ve gained more knowledge and insight from a handful of Father Fish Videos than the hundreds of other UA-cam videos I’ve watched! I will certainly be watching the rest of your content and plan to place a few orders to purchase some of your plants and soil. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and knowledge, God Bless You!!
I was so skeptical of your method at first. I remember thinking, “Potting soil and sand in the tank? That’s filthy!” I can’t tell you how much happier my fish have been since I got rid of all the fake plants, filled the tank with real plants, and added soil and sand. I had a minor problem when I first did the sand because I didn’t clean the play sand enough but I just drained all the water (it took a while since it’s a 40 gallon tank) and now the water is beautiful, the plants are thriving, and my fish are so much more active! I thought they were healthy before but omg, they are in heaven now! People! Please listen to this man! He is absolutely correct about adding soil, sand, and plants! I also discovered I was over feeding, so that also contributed to the huge ammonia spikes. He literally had a video for every issue you are having with your tank so check them out!
My concerns are with cleaning the sand. I'll be using a 40 gallon tank then eventually a 75 gallon tank. What kind and where did u get the sand? How did you properly clean the sand. Also, the potting soil. I'm moving to South Carolina at the end of July & need to break down tanks. I'll be saving as much water as I can. Currently, I use a hang back filter, gravel, drift wood and live plants.I want to eliminate the gravel & switch to Father Fish methods. I've been fairly successful over the years without needing to measure chemical water levels. When I do set up the tank with soil & sand, Can I introduce the plants & fish quickly? I can't have them living in buckets. Thanks for any info you have. I normally keep, a beta sorority, balloon mollies, cardinal tetras, variety Cory cats, bamboo shrimp, hatchets and plan to add gold & German rams.
No, father, your lectures are not boring! I could even listen to them for hours.. I even watch your videos throughout the sleepless nights. I love them! Please, don't stop teaching us the importance of the natural way of fishkeeping
I'm a plant pathologist by qualification but also a horticultural agronomist by profession - 23rd year doing this after 6 years of academia . Gotta say the 'natural' soilfoodweb approach to tank set up makes so much sense instead of relying on massive chemical and filtration inputs to control water quality and thus plant and fauna health - especially the dirt / soil substrate approach. Thanks for all your posts and insight and communication skills to get the messages across. I'm in the UK BTW so your voice is heard this side of the pond too. Cheers and best wishes!!!
Steve. Happy to hear from you. We have a research team working away on these issues on our FATHER FISH SHOAL channel at Discord. Please join us and meet the team! discord.gg/yzCfH6P3
I started keeping aquarium fish in 1981 when things were so much simpler. I’ve gotten back into this hobby a couple of years ago but stumbled across your channel today and very much prefer to follow your time-tested methods. Thank you Father Fish !
You are a wonderful person father fish, I set up a aquarium for my 75 year old mother and she adores it so much, shes had this aquarium for 20 years, I loaded it with a thick soil under sand, with plants, Rotala, Val and Crypts Thank you father fish for all the help, She loves your channel.
I had my aquarium built before I came across your channel and really started listening. Deep substrate, Fluval Stratum for plants....alot of wood so put a couple of Nerites to jumpstart things...One passed, and in its death, and not related to the Nerite, I had eggs come in on plants and now have quite a few baby snails doing their thing. Also little white worms, which I dont believe are planaria...but I've adopted your approach... dilute polluted water while going through the nitrogen process. Im doing nothing else. I track parameters, Im not feeding the snails anything extra. When my aquarium can no longer support them, they will die off....and they will rise again when needed. Ive handed the reigns over to nature....and this is because of this channel. Thankyou to all at Father Fish!
Father Fish, we are fortunate to have you. You are real Father Fish. You have changed my perception totally. Your every words are mind opener for me. Thanks for your most valuable guidance that everyone can do. Only thing they need to trust. I HAVE FULL TRUST ON YOUR WORDS SIR. I have great respect for you Uncle "Father Fish". Really you are ......Great....
As a young man who wants to study biology and keeps 30+ house plants and 4 fish tanks, your approach makes a lot more sense to me. This is how you truly create a mini ecosystem - which is what I want to do - not have living decorations. I am extremely excited to see that research paper as I have been diving deep into tannins and leaves that are safe for aquariums. I have been wanting to replace the beginner blue gravel in my first aquariums for several months now, I think I may try your soil and sand approach in that tank and expand it to my others if I have success. Thank you so much for these videos in a world bent on selling us as many aquariums products as possible that really are not necessary.
Anyone who owns an aquarium should be Subscribed to this channel thank you for the important Knowledge Father Fish, I’m from south florida east side so I get all the freshwater lakes and ocean full of life, i always collect my own sand rock water fish etc. it’s what make the hobby so exciting for me
Haha, I find it amusing too when people ask how many fish can go in their tank. There’s way too many variables to answer that and if that’s their question, they’re not ready for a tank IMO
This fellow has made me build my first planted tank , people out there miss guide you a lot making it difficult to have a planted aquarium but with help of father fish it's just easy and simple... Thank you Father fish my fish are now happy any breeding 😊
By the way you are not boring. I hear you loud and clear, and I do not have to back track to rehear what you say. Wonderful presentation and vocals. Thank you so much. I love it a living book on fish tank care. You seem to have so much knowledge on it and I love learning. Thank you for this. Peace! I set my other tank up except for the mud but sand and rocks I did. This one I am going to go to the lake and get me some mud. My yard is sand, I live in Florida. Haha! Been years since I had a fish tank. I am so excited. I find it relaxing and I could watch fish for a very long time. Had to give away my tank for I had no heart to sale in when I did foster care. One little guy I had loved a head connection to it. I have not done foster care since we adopted two at 15 yrs old and now they are grown and off to life's adventures. So, I have missed having a tank. Peace!
I’ll be setting up my first aquarium in decades and first ever planted tank. Before I became disabled I was an avid terrestrial Gardner. I’m so happy after decades of no digging in the dirt to find I can plant an aquarium! It will be 15 gallons, with nano fish and Corydoras. Great video!
@@FatherFish Thank you. I am very happy to receive your reply. I set up a dirted tank. Nano one. Three months back. Now I want a large one. But I had some doubts. After going through series of your videos all the doubts I had got cleared. I am trying to learn fish parenting since last one year. I felt that water change every week is a hyped thing. You cleared my doubts about soil, filter, water change, fish stock, plants. Almost every required thing. Thank you so much. It's very nice to have this conversation with you.
This was not boring. Not at all. It was very informative. I really enjoy the Q&A videos. It shows that people are wanting to learn about the hobby and are asking someone they trust to give them the best answer. And it also helps the ones who are to timid to ask questions or the ones who were given wrong advice from people who think they know it all. I digress, sorry. But yes, please do more Q&A videos.
@@FatherFish I'm looking forward to seeing more of these. I'm not a big fan of live feeds. Sorry to say that. It makes me feel bad to say it but I much more prefer these types of videos. So I'm tickled to hear that you'll be making more.☺️
18:06 - This video is anything but boring! Very informative and it also calms my nerves to hear that by doing noting, I'm basically already doing everything right with my aquariums :D Thanks to Father Fish I can enjoy my fish tanks even more ♥
❤❤❤❤ i have to take my hat off for you. You speak the truth .A store owner told me the same thing .Thanknfor the wisdom and educating us out there . I have not change water over 2 years all i do is add tap water in the tank when some water evaporate i have plants and everything you just said .
I’m not a English speaker and I had to use subtitles, and let me tell you that you are a genius, all your information is based in facts, muchas gracias amigo.
when im just starting ive encounter lots of problem, just dont give up and listen to father fish 😁 it will work out dont rush nature. now my tank is balance and i just 25% water change periodically.
I was in the hobby as a pre teen I guess you could say but it was basically 55 gallon tank plastic plants killer fish and bad decor...fast forward 30 years later and me and my girlfriend have a fish addiction and have watched all the videos with all the expensive products and must have chemicals but I knew there had to be an easier more natural way so I youtubed natural aquarium setup for plants and I got lucky and found your channel! I'm now starting the process of converting all 8 of my tanks using your method and can't wait to have fish the way God intended.
I've never heard anyone explain any subject (for that matter) with such clarity! I've kept fish from a kid and i've learned plenty from your videos. You must have helped thousands of people in the process. Many thanks from the UK 👍
Thank you so much FF 🙂 In less than 20 minutes you've sum up the most important topics of your method (and likely the knowledge of a life). Your vids deserve to be spread as much as I can. 🙏
Before I found your channel I did so many things wrong, now I do most stuff right, still make mistakes and still learning. Thank you for teaching and sharing what you have learned with us Father Fish. Natural is best like you share 🐠🐟🐠
Thank you for another wonderful and informative video. The part about never gravel vaccuuming the tank had me laughing. I could just see building up this precious web of life only just to vaccuum up all the tiny critters and decomposed leaves that are in it.🎉😊
Thank you so much. I live in Germany ,Stuttgart and I make a Aquarium with soil,sand and many plant just like you say. I have some dirt from a creek in the near. Thank you so much for your advice. Good bless you.
I had an aquascape planned for my 2nd tank but now I'm scrapping that idea and trying a natural aquarium. I love this idea so much. Thank you for all the info!
Hey Lou. This makes complete sense!! The aquarium hobby has it all backwards & wants us dependent on buying products to TRY to "maintain" a tank that has been stripped of what mother nature has perfected. This same wallet emptying & destructive method is also used in the lawn "care" industry. Rake up the leaves (which is fertilizer) , then use chemicals to replace what we were instructed to take away in the first place! Wood mulch around flower beds & shrubs blocks water & other important nutrients, etc. Then we have weak grass & plants that attract more pests & diseases! Then we buy MORE toxins to combat those problems!
I've been using your information on aquariums for a few videos now. It all makes sense. IMagine that~! Only difference, I'm putting this additional logic in my aquaponics system. There's little difference between the two. I currently have (4) 20 gallon tanks with 4' towers flourishing~! Tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, swiss chard spinach & strawberries. No vegetation in any tanks. Only about 15 plants per tower. NO sand biomass dirt / sand base either. 🤔 I been thinking of ways to incorporate this natural filter but I think I'd better not touch it. I made my bio filter using landscape fabric rolle tightly around the incoming pipe in such a way the incoming water has to go through all the layers. Thus trapping most fine solids. This filter is up to 1-1/2" x4' tall. Thank you for all the help you're providing those who seak logical practice.
Your wisdom has changed my entire view of life! I can't wait to make a bowl for my betta. By the way, you guys would love reading about Terrain Theory vs. Germ Theory! Will free your minds from fear.
Another great video thanks! After my 38 years in the hobby, I still got excited by your channel, knowledge and enthusiasm and learned some new things. You remind us how unnecessarily over-complicated (not to mention expensive) modern fishkeeping and methods have become and the simple pleasures of keeping aquaria. I'm looking forward to setting up my first natural aquarium very soon after watching loads of your videos in recent weeks. Please keep them coming 🐟🐠
Excellent fish vid. I plan to join tomorrow or day after (got some sorting to do first)😂. This channel deserves all the generosity and good energy it receives and more...😮❤.
Poke your dead fish down in the sand! Wow!!!! I am 58 and have kept fish since I was about 10. I was always taught to pull that dead fish out as soon as I could. I am so thankful to have found you, Father Fish! I can't wait to convert my tank. I also just joined Discord.
I collected some leaves this fall and them put them aside and forgot about them. After watching some of your videos I remembered them and tossed some of them in my tank. The shrimp and snails immediately went after them. I'll remember to add leaves now.
Hopefully you see this question. If I go natural should I keep the water heater and water pump? You definitely have the best information on the net. Thanks for your time
Thanks for providing your guidance. I first became interested in the whole idea of natural aquariums over 30 years ago after reading a book on benthic fauna. For some reason, I only pursued that in my water garden. This year, I am setting up my first all natural aquarium and watching these videos has convinced me that I can go with my gut (and what I learned from my watergardens) to ser up a healthy South American Pencilfish blackwater aquarium.
VERY exciting. I had a pencil fish black water system in my shop. It was remarkable./. Please join the FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord and share your tank.
Love the Father Fish Method!!! Would be great if you had dedicated tanks of the method where plants are not yanked out and sold. Emphasis on presentation on a few tanks would be nice since you have over 190.
Never bored w/ur lecture sir,i learned a lot,i do now started my 1st planted and dirted aquarium..looking good after two weeks...just added 3 neon tetras after my 3 local goldfish on the 1st day i started it...im still following ur videos and still learning a lot...wiz i cud perpect it and be the next father fish in the phillippines...
Father Fish, bless you! Your videos are a God-send! SO thankful to have found you. About a month ago I set up a 10-gallon tank for my ailing betta fish in what I thought was a beautiful dirted aquarium complete with aquatic plants but I'm pretty sure I initially filled it with filtered water. I also added a clown pleco a couple weeks ago to clean up the algae that had formed on the glass sides. Added to that I was having a problem with brown algae. All this was before I caught the info about just using tap water. Sadly both fish died two days ago--the betta who was never fully recovered (after 2 rounds of antibiotic in his old 3/4 gal. bowl), and my new pleco who never did eat any of the algae ( I did feed him a product I was sold 3 different days after it looked like he wasn't going to eat it.) Btw, I had dug up garden soil and used sand from an old sand box in the backyard for my aquarium. I also somehow missed the info about using humus/wet leaves. Looking back, I can see I made several heart-breaking mistakes and now I'm left with the decision of whether to completely start all over, or just change most or all of the water. Please help--I need some advice! My betta who was gifted to me was unfortunately bequeathed to a novice fish keeper who never really took the time to research how to best care for him:(
The formula for setting up a natural system is in the Shoal. Join me and my fish keeper friends there to learn how to create this wonderful environment. discord.gg/father-fish-shoal
Hi Father Fish, You are only one, who replys to everybodys queries in you tube..👏, Thank you very much🙏 About leaf litter collection from pond, My near by pond is deep enough to collect leaf litters, so i plan to tie a net full of leaves and tie it near the pond, in whuch the leaves will be dipped inside water, and leave it for a week or two...and collect the leaves Will this method works to create a foodweb in my Fatherfish aquarium..?
😮thank you you are a wizard I had a tank that thrived but sadly died years ago I have two new kittens I'm getting into the hobby you answered everything that went wrong with my old tank thank so much sir my cats thank you too I have a natural tank that doing well
Happy New Year ! These tips and facts surely need to be on every new aquarium keeper's watch list. Update on my 6 gallon with potting soil ! The terrestrial Pennywort from my grandma's garden has adapted and sent up new aquatic leaves to the water's surface. Got 4 sunset platies that always swim up happily to greet me. Even the flat ramshorns have rapidly exploded in number. I don't mind them, they help with shifting those hard to reach corners and getting algae off leaves.
father fish you really are a school. what I learned from your videos in a short time is impressive. I wasted years following other fish youtubers. thank you very much for the dear information you share. a question, for dead leaves can fruit tree leaves be used? like Lemon or fig leaves or others? the leaves of a ficus? because there is no forest near me I live in town.
I struggled greatly with my aquarium for a long time. I was taught on countless water changes and bare bottom tanks. Constant problems and death. Once I decided to create more natural scapes for aesthetic reasons, I quickly learned that the water changes and fussing seemed counterproductive. Once I left the tank alone (I didn’t even move plants, I just let everything do and behave as it pleased) I watched the tank ever so slowly begin to balance out. I am learning so much from you, thanks for all your valuable knowledge!
Instead of thinking these questions are ridiculous make us feel like you are informing us on a natural way. Many of us have never been exposed to the natural way. All we know is plastic plants big box chemicals For. Myself I am very excited about your information and I am going to set up a natural tank.
I only think ridiculous is ridiculous. Like, "how many fish can I put in my 10 gallon tank?" I typically answer this with: "Well, at one inch of fish per gallon of water, add no more than 1 10" oscar."
I love listening to your videos. I did sign up for Discord. I saw some other videos that said the dirt gets old and needs to be changed every two years. Now that I am listening to your advise I am not worried so much. I will be changing out my 20 gal in a week to be a natural tank. Thanks for all the knowledge you share!
I've been putting dry leaves in my tank for a while, and have used a fair variety. I think post oak is my favorite, but I've also used red oak, magnolia, sycamore, and cottonwood. I usually add a few cottonwood leaves to new tanks because they break down quickly and add a surprising amount of tannins. They will darken the water quickly.
Excellent Glenn. Please discyss your results with Tommy D at FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm He is conducting research for a scientific paper on leaves in aquarium environments.
Father Fish...thank you for your generosity in sharing your years of experience in keeping healthy fish. Your videos are life changing to the hobbyist community. I am interested in buying your soil supplement. Do you ship to Canada? Thank you!
Another great video. Love this science behind your approach. I just added Lema Minor and Moneywort to my Paludarium. Existing filtering plants: pothos, syngoniums, hair algae, Hoya, monstera adinsonia, all rooting in the aquatic part with endless and red ramshorns. Quarantining some miniature Rush Grass variety which I will grow as an emergent accent plant. Question, wondering, have you ever had any success using Moneywort below the water line? Thanks and please keep the videos coming. Karl
Thanks for providing so much helpful information. Always makes me laugh when people say we cannot have a natural tank. My ecosystem tanks do far better and require next to zero maintenance and are much more stable overall in comparison to my sand only high water change tanks. Makes sense that alot of people struggle with plants given they're using lifeless gravel, then pulling all the micro organism out with their gravel vacuum. I appreciate your dedication to accurate helpful information. Everyone in the hobby benefits from what you have to offer
Invaluable information, I can't thank you enough. I have to wait until the ice melts. Here in the mountains, we don't go near the water 'till the end of June. Hopefully May will be warm. I hope. We still get snow in April. I can't wait to set up my aquarium. Right now it has water and a sponge filter, Thank you
you are a blessing. truly. i ve been dealing with ammonia problems before discovering your channel. I switched to your method and just magic happened. my question is: in my 10Gallons tank, how many leaves should i introduce? i mean generally, should i cover the whole bottom? or should just i put 4 or 5 leaves, just to give microorganisms a food source?
Your videos are so affirming for me. I setup a 20 gallon long and decided from the beginning to try and make it is natural as possible. I started with an aqua scape and then let the plants take over. I trim them from time to time, but I never vac the substrate and let it do its job. My next tank I'm going to attempt filterless and no water changes (just top-offs). Your videos are inspiring me!
Thank you for the lovely chat. Just do it, you'll make mistakes, you'll make a mess, you'll get the hang of it. If you're brand new, keep a notebook and write down what you observe
FF could you clear up my confusion? I have a 3 week old 10 gallon dirted tank. I put in about 5 big leaves from the creek, but they are not the main types you talk about (katapa, almond, etc) I don't know what they are. is that fine or do I need to add dried beneficial leaves as well?....If so how many and how often?
Hi, Father Fish. I really enjoy your videos--they are very informative and enjoyable to watch. I have four soil-based aquariums modeled after your system. One is for alligator snapping turtles, so I cannot put any plants into the substrate. However, I have several floating plants and have never had any measurable ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Also, the substrate is a little over four inches deep, and I run a large sponge filter. All of the fish and the turtles are thriving. Thank you for all of the information you have provided. I was always told that turtle tanks require massive amounts of cleaning and constant water changes. Thanks to your help, my water parameters are rock-solid stable. I look forward to learning more!
Excellent Kyle. Turtles are omnivores and will eat plants. Floating usually works well. Good job with the tank. Would love to share it on FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm
STEM PLANTS BUNDLE SALE - Over 75 plants - 15 Species for $59! Limited Time OFFER so HURRY!
father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com/
For Special Soil Supplements, Plants, FIsh & Merch in your country:
fatherfish.fish/
I would just like to say that I’ve gained more knowledge and insight from a handful of Father Fish Videos than the hundreds of other UA-cam videos I’ve watched! I will certainly be watching the rest of your content and plan to place a few orders to purchase some of your plants and soil. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and knowledge, God Bless You!!
God bless you Gilbert. I hope to keep churning these ditties out for another minit.
Agreed and subbed 👍
AGREE!
Amen, Gilbert! Me, also. What a blessing Father Fish is.
Al the religious mor.ns here, why ?
I was so skeptical of your method at first. I remember thinking, “Potting soil and sand in the tank? That’s filthy!” I can’t tell you how much happier my fish have been since I got rid of all the fake plants, filled the tank with real plants, and added soil and sand. I had a minor problem when I first did the sand because I didn’t clean the play sand enough but I just drained all the water (it took a while since it’s a 40 gallon tank) and now the water is beautiful, the plants are thriving, and my fish are so much more active! I thought they were healthy before but omg, they are in heaven now! People! Please listen to this man! He is absolutely correct about adding soil, sand, and plants! I also discovered I was over feeding, so that also contributed to the huge ammonia spikes. He literally had a video for every issue you are having with your tank so check them out!
My concerns are with cleaning the sand. I'll be using a 40 gallon tank then eventually a 75 gallon tank. What kind and where did u get the sand? How did you properly clean the sand. Also, the potting soil. I'm moving to South Carolina at the end of July & need to break down tanks. I'll be saving as much water as I can. Currently, I use a hang back filter, gravel, drift wood and live plants.I want to eliminate the gravel & switch to Father Fish methods. I've been fairly successful over the years without needing to measure chemical water levels. When I do set up the tank with soil & sand, Can I introduce the plants & fish quickly? I can't have them living in buckets. Thanks for any info you have. I normally keep, a beta sorority, balloon mollies, cardinal tetras, variety Cory cats, bamboo shrimp, hatchets and plan to add gold & German rams.
No, father, your lectures are not boring! I could even listen to them for hours.. I even watch your videos throughout the sleepless nights. I love them! Please, don't stop teaching us the importance of the natural way of fishkeeping
I could sit through one of his lectures twice a week easily. I do. Much more than that 😂
Excellent! What a wealth of knowledge.
It’s never boring listening to information from someone who enjoys what they are doing to help you what you enjoy doing.
This is not just exceptional aquarium wisdom, it's a philosophy for life
I did the 'Father fish ' method
I put the whole tank together including fish from day 1
And didn't lose any fish 👍
@@andrewderksen3342 how is it doing now!?
@@lennardzuur :) I have one tank of 10 that is planted like this , and it has an under gravel filter - under the substrate
I'm a plant pathologist by qualification but also a horticultural agronomist by profession - 23rd year doing this after 6 years of academia . Gotta say the 'natural' soilfoodweb approach to tank set up makes so much sense instead of relying on massive chemical and filtration inputs to control water quality and thus plant and fauna health - especially the dirt / soil substrate approach. Thanks for all your posts and insight and communication skills to get the messages across. I'm in the UK BTW so your voice is heard this side of the pond too. Cheers and best wishes!!!
Steve. Happy to hear from you. We have a research team working away on these issues on our FATHER FISH SHOAL channel at Discord. Please join us and meet the team! discord.gg/yzCfH6P3
@@FatherFish Thank you sir.
I started keeping aquarium fish in 1981 when things were so much simpler. I’ve gotten back into this hobby a couple of years ago but stumbled across your channel today and very much prefer to follow your time-tested methods. Thank you Father Fish !
You are a wonderful person father fish, I set up a aquarium for my 75 year old mother and she adores it so much, shes had this aquarium for 20 years, I loaded it with a thick soil under sand, with plants, Rotala, Val and Crypts Thank you father fish for all the help, She loves your channel.
Thank you An. Please give your mother a big hug for me.
20 years, thats huge achievement. Can she still do water changes though?
You don't do water changes.
20 years the same tank? Can you let us know something about how many water changes etc.? :) No filter?
I love your "boring videos." I'm sure that you have answered those 9 Questions a few million times, but thanks for answering them one more time.
True. But it alway fun.
I had my aquarium built before I came across your channel and really started listening. Deep substrate, Fluval Stratum for plants....alot of wood so put a couple of Nerites to jumpstart things...One passed, and in its death, and not related to the Nerite, I had eggs come in on plants and now have quite a few baby snails doing their thing. Also little white worms, which I dont believe are planaria...but I've adopted your approach... dilute polluted water while going through the nitrogen process. Im doing nothing else. I track parameters, Im not feeding the snails anything extra. When my aquarium can no longer support them, they will die off....and they will rise again when needed. Ive handed the reigns over to nature....and this is because of this channel. Thankyou to all at Father Fish!
Hi there.
What kind of wood did you put in your aquarium? I'm trying to set up mine. Thanks
@@jingergrundy6649 I sent a response but it seems that it failed to post
Father Fish, we are fortunate to have you. You are real Father Fish. You have changed my perception totally. Your every words are mind opener for me. Thanks for your most valuable guidance that everyone can do. Only thing they need to trust. I HAVE FULL TRUST ON YOUR WORDS SIR.
I have great respect for you Uncle "Father Fish".
Really you are ......Great....
Wow, thank you My Hobby. My advice and thoughts are based on my personal experience.
As a young man who wants to study biology and keeps 30+ house plants and 4 fish tanks, your approach makes a lot more sense to me. This is how you truly create a mini ecosystem - which is what I want to do - not have living decorations. I am extremely excited to see that research paper as I have been diving deep into tannins and leaves that are safe for aquariums. I have been wanting to replace the beginner blue gravel in my first aquariums for several months now, I think I may try your soil and sand approach in that tank and expand it to my others if I have success. Thank you so much for these videos in a world bent on selling us as many aquariums products as possible that really are not necessary.
Грязный Гриб , please join us on FATHER FISH SHOAL at Discord. discord.gg/yzCfH6P3
Anyone who owns an aquarium should be Subscribed to this channel thank you for the important Knowledge Father Fish, I’m from south florida east side so I get all the freshwater lakes and ocean full of life, i always collect my own sand rock water fish etc. it’s what make the hobby so exciting for me
TJ, I lived in SW Florida for 32 years. I know exactly what you are saying. I will forever miss the magic of catching pygmy seahorses.
@FatherFish Is duck weed covering the top of my tank ok?
@@dwarfhernandez6636 no don't get it fully covered your aquarium....!!
Haha, I find it amusing too when people ask how many fish can go in their tank. There’s way too many variables to answer that and if that’s their question, they’re not ready for a tank IMO
@@NotSure876 who said that?
Father fish, the one the only the legend 🏆🌟🥇
Hey Dom!
@@FatherFish where do I buy the material so I can place under the sand and have my fish tank last for years with nutritious.. dirt mud ???
This fellow has made me build my first planted tank , people out there miss guide you a lot making it difficult to have a planted aquarium but with help of father fish it's just easy and simple... Thank you Father fish my fish are now happy any breeding 😊
By the way you are not boring. I hear you loud and clear, and I do not have to back track to rehear what you say. Wonderful presentation and vocals. Thank you so much. I love it a living book on fish tank care. You seem to have so much knowledge on it and I love learning. Thank you for this. Peace! I set my other tank up except for the mud but sand and rocks I did. This one I am going to go to the lake and get me some mud. My yard is sand, I live in Florida. Haha! Been years since I had a fish tank. I am so excited. I find it relaxing and I could watch fish for a very long time. Had to give away my tank for I had no heart to sale in when I did foster care. One little guy I had loved a head connection to it. I have not done foster care since we adopted two at 15 yrs old and now they are grown and off to life's adventures. So, I have missed having a tank. Peace!
I’ll be setting up my first aquarium in decades and first ever planted tank. Before I became disabled I was an avid terrestrial Gardner. I’m so happy after decades of no digging in the dirt to find I can plant an aquarium! It will be 15 gallons, with nano fish and Corydoras. Great video!
Wonderful. Delighted to get to know you and your new tank.
Father fish,
You talk spiritual and scientific at the same time.
Words of wisdom.
I am glad I found you.
Thank you.
AH! Rajshree you are wise to see behind my words.
@@FatherFish Thank you.
I am very happy to receive your reply.
I set up a dirted tank. Nano one. Three months back. Now I want a large one. But I had some doubts. After going through series of your videos all the doubts I had got cleared. I am trying to learn fish parenting since last one year. I felt that water change every week is a hyped thing. You cleared my doubts about soil, filter, water change, fish stock, plants. Almost every required thing.
Thank you so much.
It's very nice to have this conversation with you.
This was not boring. Not at all. It was very informative. I really enjoy the Q&A videos. It shows that people are wanting to learn about the hobby and are asking someone they trust to give them the best answer. And it also helps the ones who are to timid to ask questions or the ones who were given wrong advice from people who think they know it all. I digress, sorry. But yes, please do more Q&A videos.
Awesome! Thank you Cathy! I enjoy doing this on live stream but it reaches far fewer hobbyists. Thank you for your Support.
@@FatherFish I'm looking forward to seeing more of these. I'm not a big fan of live feeds. Sorry to say that. It makes me feel bad to say it but I much more prefer these types of videos. So I'm tickled to hear that you'll be making more.☺️
18:06 - This video is anything but boring! Very informative and it also calms my nerves to hear that by doing noting, I'm basically already doing everything right with my aquariums :D Thanks to Father Fish I can enjoy my fish tanks even more ♥
Totally underated channel
We are getting rated. Up up and away!
Industry doesn't want us to know michael.. They just want to sell us crap & have us do it WRONG.
❤❤❤❤ i have to take my hat off for you. You speak the truth .A store owner told me the same thing .Thanknfor the wisdom and educating us out there . I have not change water over 2 years all i do is add tap water in the tank when some water evaporate i have plants and everything you just said .
I’m not a English speaker and I had to use subtitles, and let me tell you that you are a genius, all your information is based in facts, muchas gracias amigo.
Thank you father fish you are a lovely human being and have deep insight about life itself.thanks for being there.
when im just starting ive encounter lots of problem, just dont give up and listen to father fish 😁 it will work out dont rush nature. now my tank is balance and i just 25% water change periodically.
Yes Porky. Trust nature and enjoy.
I was in the hobby as a pre teen I guess you could say but it was basically 55 gallon tank plastic plants killer fish and bad decor...fast forward 30 years later and me and my girlfriend have a fish addiction and have watched all the videos with all the expensive products and must have chemicals but I knew there had to be an easier more natural way so I youtubed natural aquarium setup for plants and I got lucky and found your channel! I'm now starting the process of converting all 8 of my tanks using your method and can't wait to have fish the way God intended.
Bravo Jay./ Join us on DISCORD - link below - and post pics of your tanks. Get advice and bragging rights. Make fishy friends.
I've never heard anyone explain any subject (for that matter) with such clarity! I've kept fish from a kid and i've learned plenty from your videos. You must have helped thousands of people in the process. Many thanks from the UK 👍
You're very welcome!
Thank you so much FF 🙂
In less than 20 minutes you've sum up the most important topics of your method (and likely the knowledge of a life).
Your vids deserve to be spread as much as I can. 🙏
You're very welcome Adalberto. Thank you for your continued support.
I have learned so much from you, Father Fish, over the years.
Mostly the simplicity of the natural tank and to ENJOY your tanks.
Thank you.
Thank you Raven. You are very kind.
Before I found your channel I did so many things wrong, now I do most stuff right, still make mistakes and still learning. Thank you for teaching and sharing what you have learned with us Father Fish. Natural is best like you share 🐠🐟🐠
Great to hear! Keep on learning.
you are a wonderful man, you remind me of a very dear aquarist, from whom I bought fish and plants 30 years ago. God bless you
So nice of you Chelan. My most precious friends were fish shop owners.
I’m full convinced to go natural on my 55 gal tank now thank you it makes me feel better about my self about the fish and also saves me money lol
Thank you for another wonderful and informative video. The part about never gravel vaccuuming the tank had me laughing. I could just see building up this precious web of life only just to vaccuum up all the tiny critters and decomposed leaves that are in it.🎉😊
your talks are NEVER boring!
Thank you so much.
I live in Germany ,Stuttgart and I make a Aquarium with soil,sand and many plant just like you say.
I have some dirt from a creek in the near.
Thank you so much for your advice.
Good bless you.
Subscribed! Your personality is contagious. I can feel your love through these videos. I'm 34 but I want to be like you when I grow up!
Thanks Daniel. You do not have far to go. Just keep that lovin spirit.
I had an aquascape planned for my 2nd tank but now I'm scrapping that idea and trying a natural aquarium. I love this idea so much. Thank you for all the info!
Keep us posted on Discord. Pics and vids please.
Hey Lou. This makes complete sense!! The aquarium hobby has it all backwards & wants us dependent on buying products to TRY to "maintain" a tank that has been stripped of what mother nature has perfected. This same wallet emptying & destructive method is also used in the lawn "care" industry. Rake up the leaves (which is fertilizer) , then use chemicals to replace what we were instructed to take away in the first place! Wood mulch around flower beds & shrubs blocks water & other important nutrients, etc. Then we have weak grass & plants that attract more pests & diseases! Then we buy MORE toxins to combat those problems!
I've been using your information on aquariums for a few videos now. It all makes sense. IMagine that~!
Only difference, I'm putting this additional logic in my aquaponics system. There's little difference between the two.
I currently have (4) 20 gallon tanks with 4' towers flourishing~! Tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, swiss chard spinach & strawberries. No vegetation in any tanks. Only about 15 plants per tower. NO sand biomass dirt / sand base either. 🤔 I been thinking of ways to incorporate this natural filter but I think I'd better not touch it. I made my bio filter using landscape fabric rolle tightly around the incoming pipe in such a way the incoming water has to go through all the layers. Thus trapping most fine solids. This filter is up to 1-1/2" x4' tall. Thank you for all the help you're providing those who seak logical practice.
Remarkable.
I just love your information, I started my first aquarium for me and my 4 years old boy because you inspired me. Thank you so much!
Father fish...whis you the best...❤
Thank you Richard.
Your wisdom has changed my entire view of life! I can't wait to make a bowl for my betta. By the way, you guys would love reading about Terrain Theory vs. Germ Theory! Will free your minds from fear.
Bettas need a minimum of 5 gallons. Please research
Love the electric blues! I've been meaning to catch you and show off what you have helped me create on your sunday talks. Thank you!!
Another great video thanks! After my 38 years in the hobby, I still got excited by your channel, knowledge and enthusiasm and learned some new things. You remind us how unnecessarily over-complicated (not to mention expensive) modern fishkeeping and methods have become and the simple pleasures of keeping aquaria. I'm looking forward to setting up my first natural aquarium very soon after watching loads of your videos in recent weeks. Please keep them coming 🐟🐠
That is awesome!
Excellent fish vid. I plan to join tomorrow or day after (got some sorting to do first)😂. This channel deserves all the generosity and good energy it receives and more...😮❤.
Poke your dead fish down in the sand! Wow!!!! I am 58 and have kept fish since I was about 10. I was always taught to pull that dead fish out as soon as I could. I am so thankful to have found you, Father Fish! I can't wait to convert my tank. I also just joined Discord.
Welcome Abe!
Wow 100% correct " life thrives on dead things"
Absolutely fantastic advise....3 years into my tanks. They are awesome...but wont clean them so much now....makes total sense...thanks 😊
I collected some leaves this fall and them put them aside and forgot about them. After watching some of your videos I remembered them and tossed some of them in my tank. The shrimp and snails immediately went after them. I'll remember to add leaves now.
Collect some from a pond or creek and you will also have millions of microscopic life forms stabilizing your tank.
@@FatherFish Yeah but this time of year I might have to chip through some ice.
I can listen to your lectures allday long,so fascinating,take care now👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Glad you like them David!
Thanks FF, I love this all natural approach to Aquarium keeping!!!
Glad you enjoy it!
Thanks, Father Fish. All the Best to You in this new year! Stay Safe & Take Care. It was good to see you 😊
Same to you Sghetti! We are gonna have fun this year.
Hopefully you see this question.
If I go natural should I keep the water heater and water pump?
You definitely have the best information on the net. Thanks for your time
Yes you do
So glad I came across this channel.
Thanks FF.
Y W Johann
Thanks for providing your guidance. I first became interested in the whole idea of natural aquariums over 30 years ago after reading a book on benthic fauna. For some reason, I only pursued that in my water garden. This year, I am setting up my first all natural aquarium and watching these videos has convinced me that I can go with my gut (and what I learned from my watergardens) to ser up a healthy South American Pencilfish blackwater aquarium.
VERY exciting. I had a pencil fish black water system in my shop. It was remarkable./. Please join the FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord and share your tank.
Love the Father Fish Method!!! Would be great if you had dedicated tanks of the method where plants are not yanked out and sold. Emphasis on presentation on a few tanks would be nice since you have over 190.
Coming soon! We will be creating a tank at SUPER CICHLIDS in Dover, Del.
This might be the only accessible way disabled aquarists like me can have a big tank. Thank you 🙏
Never bored w/ur lecture sir,i learned a lot,i do now started my 1st planted and dirted aquarium..looking good after two weeks...just added 3 neon tetras after my 3 local goldfish on the 1st day i started it...im still following ur videos and still learning a lot...wiz i cud perpect it and be the next father fish in the phillippines...
You can do it. Only one rule. Never quit!
I’ve learned so much in such a little amount of time from you. Thank you father fish 🧙🏻♂️🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐟🐟🐟🐟
Glad to hear it Own Up.
Father Fish, bless you! Your videos are a God-send! SO thankful to have found you. About a month ago I set up a 10-gallon tank for my ailing betta fish in what I thought was a beautiful dirted aquarium complete with aquatic plants but I'm pretty sure I initially filled it with filtered water. I also added a clown pleco a couple weeks ago to clean up the algae that had formed on the glass sides. Added to that I was having a problem with brown algae. All this was before I caught the info about just using tap water. Sadly both fish died two days ago--the betta who was never fully recovered (after 2 rounds of antibiotic in his old 3/4 gal. bowl), and my new pleco who never did eat any of the algae ( I did feed him a product I was sold 3 different days after it looked like he wasn't going to eat it.) Btw, I had dug up garden soil and used sand from an old sand box in the backyard for my aquarium. I also somehow missed the info about using humus/wet leaves. Looking back, I can see I made several heart-breaking mistakes and now I'm left with the decision of whether to completely start all over, or just change most or all of the water. Please help--I need some advice! My betta who was gifted to me was unfortunately bequeathed to a novice fish keeper who never really took the time to research how to best care for him:(
The formula for setting up a natural system is in the Shoal. Join me and my fish keeper friends there to learn how to create this wonderful environment. discord.gg/father-fish-shoal
Hi Father Fish,
You are only one, who replys to everybodys queries in you tube..👏, Thank you very much🙏
About leaf litter collection from pond, My near by pond is deep enough to collect leaf litters, so i plan to tie a net full of leaves and tie it near the pond, in whuch the leaves will be dipped inside water, and leave it for a week or two...and collect the leaves
Will this method works to create a foodweb in my Fatherfish aquarium..?
Thank you Ram. I am keeping up now. I hope I can when there are many more mails.
😮thank you you are a wizard I had a tank that thrived but sadly died years ago I have two new kittens I'm getting into the hobby you answered everything that went wrong with my old tank thank so much sir my cats thank you too I have a natural tank that doing well
Thank you, and God bless you, Father Fish 🐟
God bless you Isabella. Thank you for your constant encouragement.
Happy New Year ! These tips and facts surely need to be on every new aquarium keeper's watch list.
Update on my 6 gallon with potting soil ! The terrestrial Pennywort from my grandma's garden has adapted and sent up new aquatic leaves to the water's surface. Got 4 sunset platies that always swim up happily to greet me. Even the flat ramshorns have rapidly exploded in number. I don't mind them, they help with shifting those hard to reach corners and getting algae off leaves.
Excellent Hannan. Good job with the pennywort. Sounds like you are enjoying your tank.
father fish you really are a school. what I learned from your videos in a short time is impressive. I wasted years following other fish youtubers. thank you very much for the dear information you share. a question, for dead leaves can fruit tree leaves be used? like Lemon or fig leaves or others? the leaves of a ficus? because there is no forest near me I live in town.
Fruit leaves are superior because they break down more quickly. They must, however, be tree dried and fallen.
I struggled greatly with my aquarium for a long time. I was taught on countless water changes and bare bottom tanks. Constant problems and death.
Once I decided to create more natural scapes for aesthetic reasons, I quickly learned that the water changes and fussing seemed counterproductive.
Once I left the tank alone (I didn’t even move plants, I just let everything do and behave as it pleased) I watched the tank ever so slowly begin to balance out.
I am learning so much from you, thanks for all your valuable knowledge!
Instead of thinking these questions are ridiculous make us feel like you are informing us on a natural way. Many of us have never been exposed to the natural way. All we know is plastic plants big box chemicals
For. Myself I am very excited about your information and I am going to set up a natural tank.
I only think ridiculous is ridiculous. Like, "how many fish can I put in my 10 gallon tank?" I typically answer this with: "Well, at one inch of fish per gallon of water, add no more than 1 10" oscar."
Hy sir, i am watching your videos and today i restarted naturaly my fishtank. Tank you for your help!😊
Thank you father fish I'm learning from your videos😊❤️❤️❤️❤️
Glad to hear that Nek
I love listening to your videos. I did sign up for Discord. I saw some other videos that said the dirt gets old and needs to be changed every two years. Now that I am listening to your advise I am not worried so much. I will be changing out my 20 gal in a week to be a natural tank. Thanks for all the knowledge you share!
Without the sand the dirt becomes depleted.
I want father fish to be my grandfather ❤
I am happy to be your grandfather Heather.
You’re describing the kind of tank I’ve decided to build…based on months of research…I feel validated!
Delighted to hear it Sharon. Keep us posted. Join us at FATHER FISH SOOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm
@@FatherFish I will…thank you!
I've been putting dry leaves in my tank for a while, and have used a fair variety. I think post oak is my favorite, but I've also used red oak, magnolia, sycamore, and cottonwood. I usually add a few cottonwood leaves to new tanks because they break down quickly and add a surprising amount of tannins. They will darken the water quickly.
Excellent Glenn. Please discyss your results with Tommy D at FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm
He is conducting research for a scientific paper on leaves in aquarium environments.
Nice!
Please do find me on Discord and we can discuss. I'm Tommy D for Danio
@@Desmond000007 I looked at the Discord thing. I couldn't figure out what's going on there.
@@Papa-in-Tx Ok no worries. Throw me a message in Messenger. Tommy Denda
@@Desmond000007 I hate to be so dumb, but what is Messenger?
This is fascinating!! I set up my dirt tank tonight and have 2 jars marinating. I’m so excited to not do water changes and see this tank evolve 🥰
Great thank you for your time on teaching people how to create a natural aquarium .
Father Fish...thank you for your generosity in sharing your years of experience in keeping healthy fish. Your videos are life changing to the hobbyist community.
I am interested in buying your soil supplement. Do you ship to Canada? Thank you!
Yes. I do ship to Canada. Shipping is 20. Go to www.father.fish to place your order. I will contact you about the extra shipping.
Just looking back at older videos, I think the previously-unidentified floaty stem is pearlweed, by the 90deg foliage. Didn't see any comments 😬
My 25L tank was so cloudy for a week and now its fine! Thankyou pond water lol now im starting a saltwater aquarium..
Another great video. Love this science behind your approach.
I just added Lema Minor and Moneywort to my Paludarium. Existing filtering plants: pothos, syngoniums, hair algae, Hoya, monstera adinsonia, all rooting in the aquatic part with endless and red ramshorns. Quarantining some miniature Rush Grass variety which I will grow as an emergent accent plant. Question, wondering, have you ever had any success using Moneywort below the water line? Thanks and please keep the videos coming. Karl
This channel is too good ❤ Thanks for sharing Father Fish 🐠
Thanks for providing so much helpful information. Always makes me laugh when people say we cannot have a natural tank. My ecosystem tanks do far better and require next to zero maintenance and are much more stable overall in comparison to my sand only high water change tanks. Makes sense that alot of people struggle with plants given they're using lifeless gravel, then pulling all the micro organism out with their gravel vacuum. I appreciate your dedication to accurate helpful information. Everyone in the hobby benefits from what you have to offer
Thank you Yak. I agree it is impossible to have a natural system with a substrate composed of 1" of gravel. lol
I'm from Brazil and I love your videos. I've gained a lot of knowledge from them.
Thank you.
You are welcome Brett
I so enjoyed this tutorial Father Fish . I learned so much and it all makes sense. I’m so excited starting my fish colony. Thank you again. 😊
Invaluable information, I can't thank you enough. I have to wait until the ice melts. Here in the mountains, we don't go near the water 'till the end of June. Hopefully May will be warm. I hope. We still get snow in April. I can't wait to set up my aquarium. Right now it has water and a sponge filter, Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
you are a blessing. truly. i ve been dealing with ammonia problems before discovering your channel. I switched to your method and just magic happened. my question is: in my 10Gallons tank, how many leaves should i introduce? i mean generally, should i cover the whole bottom? or should just i put 4 or 5 leaves, just to give microorganisms a food source?
Can I take water from ponds and lakes for my fresh water tank.
Love your channel. It's very helpful. Thank you😊
Father fish is my mentor
Love your video 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Very informative video Sir, thank you 🙏
Thank you KM. I would like to collab with you.
im starting a new tank right now. a few days in. will follow all this advice
Be sure to watch the beginner videos about setting up a dirted deep substrate system. Don't guess. Get it right the first time.
@@FatherFish I have a 20 gallon with organic potting soil and 2 inch all purpose sand cap. building from there.
FF method tank is nearly self sustaining, I love this method,so much easier than high tech.
Your videos are so affirming for me. I setup a 20 gallon long and decided from the beginning to try and make it is natural as possible. I started with an aqua scape and then let the plants take over. I trim them from time to time, but I never vac the substrate and let it do its job. My next tank I'm going to attempt filterless and no water changes (just top-offs). Your videos are inspiring me!
You can do it Beyond 280! Come share your journey with us at FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm
This guy is a genius!!!!
Thank you for the lovely chat. Just do it, you'll make mistakes, you'll make a mess, you'll get the hang of it. If you're brand new, keep a notebook and write down what you observe
So true alpacamade! have no fear.
FF could you clear up my confusion? I have a 3 week old 10 gallon dirted tank. I put in about 5 big leaves from the creek, but they are not the main types you talk about (katapa, almond, etc) I don't know what they are. is that fine or do I need to add dried beneficial leaves as well?....If so how many and how often?
Hi, Father Fish. I really enjoy your videos--they are very informative and enjoyable to watch. I have four soil-based aquariums modeled after your system. One is for alligator snapping turtles, so I cannot put any plants into the substrate. However, I have several floating plants and have never had any measurable ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Also, the substrate is a little over four inches deep, and I run a large sponge filter. All of the fish and the turtles are thriving. Thank you for all of the information you have provided. I was always told that turtle tanks require massive amounts of cleaning and constant water changes. Thanks to your help, my water parameters are rock-solid stable. I look forward to learning more!
Excellent Kyle. Turtles are omnivores and will eat plants. Floating usually works well.
Good job with the tank. Would love to share it on FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm