dude your ecoscape tanks are by far my favorite, the no talking, so that i as a viewer can pause and read, and understand everything. plus the stunning background music. such beautiful tanks as well, i want to make my own one day.
This was my first exposure to the Walstad tank concept. I fell in love with it. After watching this video, my husband and I decided to get back into aquariums after nearly a decade out. I even bought him The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium as an anniversary gift.
I set up a tank 10 gallon pretty much similar to yours except I used an off-brand organic soil and in a short while i noticed what looked to be some type of worm inching up the sides of my tank. I thought I had gotten rid of them but a couple of months later I had little swimmers everywhere. Assuming it was still the same issue. At that time i decided to start over. I put my betta, Bluey into his new home a five gallon tank. But right before tearing my tank up; I put a few juvenile guppies in it and they promptly began to eat the swimmers until they were so fat they had issues swimming. Just thought i would share how my tank became a guppy heaven. Thank you so much for inspiring me to get back into an old hobby of mine.
that was kind of a waste, they were probably just detritus worms. they appear in substrate when you overfeed fish or have a decent amount of dead plant matter. they are harmless to live plants and all livestock, they just clean the tank similar to shrimp...
In the first year, planaria may appear, but you can make a trap with a bottle or the fishes can eat them too! Also, I wouldn't recommend guppies and a betta, because they tend to pick on each other's tails!
Inwhomi trust once i read that you got worms in your tank i said to my self “i hope he don’t get rid of them and let it be a live fish food!” It would be the perfect ecosystem indeed
The Green is just so inviting. It’s striking. Each bowl looks like an artists impression. This is my favourite channel. If I watch before bed, I definitely sleep better. I’m sure it’s the Green mixed with the beautiful music.
Excellent video. I started a bowl a year ago. It's doing great. I have cherry shrimp. Started with 20 now I have at least 100. Everything you said was spot on. Great video
There are hobbies, and then there is this. Thank you for being so patient and explaining this so well. I must start out much, much simpler, but now I have something to strive for!
I planted my bowl today, finally! I've been holding my plants in a 10, eagerly awaiting the transplanting of them into my 9.2 gallon bowl (mine is 17" tall vs. Foo's 14"). Sifting the soil did not take long, nor setting up the heater or gravel cap. It's getting really exciting because some of my plants are already pearling! I know it's hard to believe, but it's true! I also used graduated sizes of petrified wood for some structure (and for securing Anubias). I've also added a very small amount of larger gravel pieces mixed into the small gravel, to add a little texture to the mix. The plants I've used are: Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Brown', Cryptocoryne Wendtii 'Green', Anubias coffeefolia, Hemianthus callitrichoides, Ceratophylum demersum and Egeria densa. Oh, and I also threw in a small wispy piece of Java Moss for good measure. I'll assume that the Anubias will eventually outgrow the bowl, so if need be I'll move the large rock out with it attached and put it into my planted 50, and replace it with something a little more demure. I wish I could post a photo here, but it is a bit cloudy and has some particulates floating around which I am taking care of with a finishing filter made from a very small water pump that fits into the palm of my hand that I will remove in the morning. I may take off the funnel structure that is holding the filter material from the intake and leave the small pump in the bowl for gentle circulation later, I have not decided. It hardly moves any water and can be adjusted down from this highest setting. Overall, a great project thanks to you, Foo! Thank you for the inspiration and I look forward to following your videos in the future!
This was absolutely beautiful!! I think your little Betta is the cutest one I've ever seen. He seemed so sweet swimming around in there, looking up at you...I think I even saw him blink his little eyes 😍😍 Thank you for sharing. Loved the music as well. I believe I heard one piece from the movie "The Painted Veil". I'm subscribing!! 🤗
I bought a betta fish on impulse 12 days ago and basically crammed everything on a 3 gal bowl in one go (soil, gravel, plants, fish). Didn't know anything about fishkeeping and am still doing research about it and am gonna move my fish into a 5 gal tank soon. So am gonna start over again and do it right this time. Thanks for this video, it is very informative. :)
I think everyone gets into this hobby the same way.. 😅 I crammed in 2 baby goldfishes in a 1 gallon bowl and then started my research!! Within a month I shifted them in my mini pond.. 😊 they are happy now..
You really love the hobby and it shows. Most people I've noticed keep the camera on themselves, not the fish. Says a lot about what their motivations are. I can watch your videos over and over. Keep the faith brother.
The best thing about this hobby is the love you generate for biodiversity. The mingling of nature with each other is amazing to watch and gives immense pleasure. I was definitely a fan of watching fish in an aquarium but never built one but definately going to start up this project at home. Thanks for the video and explanation
u dont need to clickbait us , just use diffrent tracks of that relaxing music and u seem to never lack video content . i mean i dont raise fish nor am i intersted to see how to raise them . just seeing you unfurl ur unimaginably skilled progress and seeing life break between the palm of ur hands is absloutely hearwarming , me and my wife . we watch every night with starry green eyes all ur videos on our 208 cm screen and surround system truly feeling that we share a common experiance with u . i hope that never changes . thank you
No other explanation of the walstad method has actually given me confidence to go and do it myself. Not only were you very detailed and concise but the way the info was presented kept me watching and engaged! This is an amazing video, I work at a fish store and will be saving this to share with customers!
the really nice thing is that this setup is also REALLY CHEAP to run. He didn't mention it, but the only things you will be paying for constantly is lights and heater. ---------> No filter, cleaning costs, or carbon either. Filters need carbon and its very pricey
True filters don't need carbon. The mechanical filtration is the key when you have pants and can actually use the hang on the back filters with a DIY sponge like filter replacement. I used a $5 shop vac plastic filter sponge cut to replace the original filter.
I've never come across anyone else in aquatics who's into making these low tech aquariums based on Diane's brilliant book - you're the first!!! I used to run high tech CO2 infused planted tanks but after reading Ecology of the Planted Aquarium I changed and never looked back. It's been a wonderful journey. Lovely to see someone promoting Diane's book. Your tanks are beautiful!
You have some of the most beautiful tanks!! I also love how you manages to find a way around Co2. Lovely tanks! Also love the music. I also have tank videos although mine aren’t as pretty as yours.
This is the best planted aquarium I have seen so far on you tube and I love your background tunes. Your video are informative and very soothing to listen and watch. After watching your videos I wanted to restart my aquarium hobby which I stopped a decade ago ... All the best for your upcoming work 🙂
This is so beautiful. You inspired me to start my own. I found a big bowl from Goodwill months ago, and this week I purchased 5 aquatic plants from ebay. I started 2 days ago. I failed miserably on my first attempt with gravel. I ended up switching to sand. I had to do a few water changes before leaving it along but finally I was able to plants all the plants yesterday. I still need to get the right light for them. I will be uploading a video on my channel soon. I really hope that the plants stay healthy as I have a beta fish; Vido who needs a new home. I keep coming back to this video to check what I'm missing. I'm so excited 🥰
I am a beginner, and this vid is absolutely a great help to start with. Cant thank you enough for this beautifully edited and step by step guidance vid.
OMG i love you. I have always loved and envied that beta tank of yours and how the plants are just healthy and growing. Thanks for this! Cant wait for that new tank. Cheers.
I was lucky and came across Diana's book before building my first aquarium. Her technique really works, I even had flowers on my aquarium at the time. Tip: You can get rid of the brownwish colour by first putting only the substrate and water on a bucket (without the gravel) - changing the water Dailly for a about a week until the water becomes clear. The water never got brown and plants grew super fast. Nice videos, your aquariums look really great.
Amazing !!!! Congratulations for the well done job! I'll try do my one of this very soon. I start my Walstad's reading today, and how can I tell you... I'm in love for this book, this information! In example, I never imagine that water we drink (humans) can be toxic for the fishes. I'm from Brazil and I'm in love the aquarium hobbie, but here is so difficult to get good and reliable information. Thank you for doing this channel and share your experience!
Thank you so much! 2 months ago I decided to do the walstad method using your earlier videos as an example. And it's a major success! No algae, all of the plants are thriving, nice water quality, and it's cheap to build (only cost around $10). Now, my male guppies are swimming happily in their tank :)
that's awesome. congrats! I've been getting so many comments that it wasn't working out for some people. yours is the first comment that worked out. yea, as mentioned in the description of my other video, this can be difficult for beginners. it could just work, or it could be a nightmare if it doesn't work. usually it's gotta be smooth sailing from the beginning. kudos on fish selection. yea, I've been thinking about another walstad 5gallon tank with just 2 male guppies for my girlfriend's first tank for a while now.
I'm an experienced aquarist. I've spent time doing low tech planted tanks, and diy co2 +ferts tanks, and I know all the basics. I want to give this a go. Would you recommend I read the book or would following your setup work out for me?
The book mainly talks about plants. What kind of nutrients they take up, how they survive, bacteria, substrate...etc. It's a scientifically researched book. I think you gotta be a science major to understand all of it. I certainly didn't understand all of it, but I got the general idea of it. She doesn't go into too much detail of how to setup and maintain it. Basically, it's all about knowing what plants want and need, and providing them that, with balance. I would say the right light and plant selection is the most important. Try cheap plants. They usually work the best. They are usually cheap b/c they grow so well and fast. Since you know your stuff about planted tanks, I don't think reading the book is a must to be successful. But, it's a really interesting book. I think more expensive plants can grow in this kind of setup, but only after it's reached a balance. Good luck.
I was completely sold after the first few minutes of the first video you made and it became an epic series about natural balance. Also, a great honest storytelling showing the beauty of all small things. Thank you
Incredible!! I am really enjoying watching these tanks progress.I have also learned alot.The editing is fantastic and the music fits well.I will continue riding along and can't wait for the next vid.Thank you so much for sharing this and wishing you continued success with your tanks.Glad yr part of the hobby
I did a mini version of this as an experiment in a tiny mason jar with monte carlo, duckweed, and some pond snails that hitchhiked; no heat, light, or water changes. I just keep it on my windowsill and top up the water when it gets low. The monte carlo in the jar is doing so much better than the ones in my proper aquariums! Definitely sticking to the walstad method for my future setups lmao
Here are two sources for 2-3mm gravel. I don’t know if either will ship to Indonesia. The one that I have in my tank is LL503 Size #3 from the first link. I hope this helps! products.kleenblast.com/viewitems/specialty-abrasives-blast-media/cemex-lapis-lustre-sand www.ebay.com/itm/Sera-Gravel-Black-6L-colored-gravel-2-3-mm-for-all-freshwater-and-marine/183971277446?hash=item2ad58aea86:g:J~AAAOSwGEFdjNQu
I cant thank you enough for this hard work!!! From the planted tank to the edited video... I must reiterate a Thank You :) This is just amazing and just from this video I see all my mistakes. I already ordered Diana Walstad's book based on you video
I had tanks, very successful starting at age 9. In the 1970s! Raised live bearers. Could not keep a neon or an angelfish alive no matter what. We we're in North Houston and had actual well water. In my late twenties I lived in East Houston as opposed to n.e. Channel view actually. We had city water full of chlorine. I either aged it or added dechlorinator. It had been a few years since I had a tank. As a child mine were 10 gallons. So I bought both a 50 gallon and a 29 gallon half hex.The 50 gallon was fine for a while. I had 3 large fish. All died after they grew from babies in that tank. Oscar wound up with hole in the head. Fed dry pellet ,some frozen fish food. No idea why they died off. But the success is the 29 gallon. I put in live plants and wood and real rocks on bottom and a larger rock or two on top of bottom gravel. (Pardon me, as a child I could spout off scientific names and many species preferred living conditions, now I'm getting forgetful it's been too long). This was to be a community tank. I decided to try 4 small angels yet again as well. The plants would not stay planted. A certain kind which I do not remember the name of. But they floated well. A couple of plants of a different kind stayed planted. Eventually all but the silver angels died leaving 2 fish. I added things to make it have more tannins. Fed fish food, added tetra fish vitamins liquid as well as plant vitamins. Only used the flourecent hood light, left the plants to do as they wanted and had a nice canopy of plants with hanging roots. Once every few weeks I would use the dip net handle to separate a space in the top about 3 inches wide. This made it look like sun rays shining through . The water was a yellowish brownish greenish like natural water in a stream or lake with lots of pine needles. My angels for the first time in my life were thriving!! They even spawned several times. I raised brine shrimp for the babies. But the parents always eventually ate the babies. They survived a move in a brand new 40 gallon trash can because I wouldn't allow anyone to dump my water. They lived another 4 years and then I ,like an idiot, sold them and the tank etc ,walnut stand ,all if it ,as well as my 50 gallon in a moving sale as I moved to a studio apt. I kick myself now because before 8 months passed I moved to a big house and could have still had the tanks and new younger fish. I never changed the water. Just a partial maybe 2 or 3 times the first year. Then never ever again. I simply added fresh as it evaporated. I had an outside hanging filter. A heater. Undergravel filter that I'm not sure even kept working. And that was all. Nothing fancy.sometimes a little aerator for the bubble effect. Now I want a tank so bad I could cry. But low on funds at the time. Maybe some day. I'm 50 something and I want my fish...lol I guess it gets into the blood. They are supposed to be good for high blood pressure. I need one badly ! Lol I need to at least have a tank like this. Someday another 29 or so.
Yea, I still think about my oscars that I've kept for many years. I moved them to my parents house b/c I had to move. they didn't live long under my parents' care. I felt so bad for them. I also left the hobby for around 5 years. when I restarted, I did with just a 10g. and I'm glad I did. I never looked back.
I had a 50 gallon tank and after a couple of die-off (I didn't have a clue) just 2 sevrum remained and grew huge and beautiful. They mated, but the fry got sucked up in the filter. I had those guys for a long time but the female died and the male went into mourning, lying on his side on the bottom of the tank for days until I got him a new mate. That was years ago and though I won't get another big tank, watching these videos has inspired me to start a small one, and I'm going to follow these directions to the letter. The results are just perfect.
Your bowls are so inspiring. Mr Betta looks very happy he is blowing bubbles even. Very true with adding the fish in last, even IF betta are extremely sturdy fish and can most likely survive a cycling tank. I've been trying to find inspiration for low-tech, low CO2, low-light tanks and with my previous over-ambitious attempts at planted tanks and failures, I realize that I just lacked the research before dishing out my money lol. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the day by day comparisons for which plants did best and worst in your setups. So few vids have this kind of info and helps SO SO MUCH!
The issue with plant selection was clearly a fertilizer problem... Some plants like wysteria absorb nutrients even at low ppm concentrations... Other plants require higher ppms for absorption to occur... so basicly, because you were not adding fertilizers some plants out competed the others, ultimately starving them out. Please like for education purposes
that might be true, but there might be other factors at play also. some plants are just much hardier and can survive much better even in just regular gravel with no co2 or ferts. and there are plants that are "hard to grow" plants. those "hard to grow" plants really need co2 injection, chemical ferts, and other factors that's gotta be balanced to grow them. Also, there's a chapter in the book called allelopathy. basically, it talks about chemical warfare between the plants. if you take certain two specific plants and grow them together, one will literally kill the other.
Foo the Flowerhorn you used two type light bulb day-time nd normal CFL bulb. Pls tell me how to use it ? I mean have switch up daytime bulb during Moring to evening and use normal CFL bulb at night.. I'm confused and stuck there, I'm prepared everything to setup tank. Except lighting... Pls reply back
@@MrJayandan I think Foo tried several types of bulbs, but ended up using only florescent CFL (2 watts/gallon). And only providing a few hours of sun per week.
@@BirdieNumNums98 haha this is what pearling should look like. in this case the bubbles accumulate size then rise to the top!!ua-cam.com/video/YGbaUGmrnuU/v-deo.html
I really enjoy all of your video, the music score is calming, and the story of your own aquarium that you update it every month still makes me curious all the time to see what happen to those plants, fishes, and shrimps. I personally thank you for these videos. I don’t have aquarium and have no any intention to start one though, but your videos, it’s magical.
I use cheap stuff. in the bottle, it says it gets rid of chlorine and heavy metals. in the past I always used Kordon amquel. I like that a lot. these days, lots of people seemed to use prime.
Foo the Flowerhorn. Why don't you use rainwater? Wouldn't that be a more natural choice than chlorinated water that then needs more chemicals to get rid of the chemicals? What sort of water did Diana Walstad use, does she mention rainwater?
Hi Ken, thank you for the reply. Yes, I can see your point about contaminated rainwater in cities etc. I must be in a good area here, on a small Island off the coast of Australia. I started 8 natural tanks with the rainwater off of my roof and haven't had a problem yet.
You are such a wonderful teacher! I once read and then tried a one gallon 'hospital' tank primarily consisting of algae, thick green making the water opaque with algae. When a fish got sick I would transfer the ill fish to the hospital and in a couple of days the livestock was better. I never lost a fish after that tid bit of information. Oh, also you can monitor the dosage of medicine you give...it was kind of a hassle because I rarely used it, yet when I needed it, proper maintenance was a must. Congratulate yourself on restoring the beta tail...nice lesson to pass on.
I don't get how dwarf hair grass can do so well without the CO2 injection, ferts added to the substrate and insanly high light conditions. I my self have that DHG in Fluval Spec III nano tank for one month now and it's doing really bad. The lights LED, 736 lumens, 7000 kelvin range. I am adding CO2 in liquid form, substrate Dennerle Nano Deponit Mix.
from my experience, dhg doesn't really require high light. as mentioned in the video, it's all about finding the balance for your tank. that balance is different for every tank setup, so it's hard to say. I think nutrients at the roots are more important for dhg.
i know this comes a little bit late but liquid CO2 isn't great in my opinion, because it is not real CO2, which only gets liquid under high pressure. "Liquid CO2" is false advertising
This video like your many others inspires peace and clarity. I will be emptying my pre-livestock tank and will add that substrate and let it exist for a bit. Thank you for your time and care; it is a beautiful thing.
my tank have been running for a month, no algae, water never get brown, no filter no lamp. I only use moss, hornwort and water lettuce. i wonder how it works... but my snail always runs out of the tank lol
I disagree on heaters and LEDs, as I have a very stable and pretty planted tank without a heater and use LED white light. If your room doesn’t get too cold, you don’t need a heater! Running at lower temperatures can slow down growth, but it’s MUCH safer than running at high (~80F) temperatures. Also, any light that grows your plants well will grow (micro)algae as well. You just need a certain animals in your tank that would eat it away (shrimp do amazing job), that’s it.
THANK YOU! I've only recently found your channel and can say it is by far the most informative and relaxing that I have been fortunate enough to come across. I love the shrimp feedings and the neat volcano tank design. I'm attempting to plant my first nanotank and was stuck on plant selection, but I think I'm closer to choosing now. :)
one of the best videos I've seen in a while really want to start doing this got 3 bonsais which are doing very well but i think THIS one is much more complicated to care for
i like the way you think mate, i dont agree with some of your comments but on the whole you know your stuff, and i always think it's people like you who make it easier for people new to the hobby of fish keeping. thank you kindly.
You deserved my sub :D. I currently have a tank indoor about 7gal that has no filter, just one heater and light. I started with xmass moss and and some floaters. Now my tank is full of moss and floaters. Currently keeping, nano fish, shrimps, and snails. Water is always crystal clear, never change water, just top off every 2 weeks. :)
Hi foo this is amazingly edited i love how you had some footage of shrimp in the background when the words popped up and this video helped me so so much thank u
A very good, very inspiring video. Thank you for posting The dollar weed that did not grow, grows very well when allowed to float on the surface with the leaves above the water line.
Great informative content! There aren’t many who are capable of such outputs, both in aquariums and on UA-cam. Kudos to everything you do! 👏🏼 Just like algae appears due to imbalance of some parameters in an aquarium..same way most of the UA-camrs on this hobby have tons of algae in their UA-cam production as well! (Algae = non sense elements) Whereas your production of videos are as immaculate and simple yet vibrant as your aquariums are! Keep it goin my friend 🙏 You are putting out great productive content on UA-cam, just like those grass in that bowl are putting out oxygen 👌🏻 You are inspiring many hobbyists across the globe! 🌏
You can clearly see you really have love and passion for nature. This is how you should treet your fishes ,i hate it when people put 1 fish in a bowl with.......nothing else in it,and then they wonder why they always die😳my intuïtie always says....that you can give fishes,and other little creatures the same love and attentions and comfort like a cat or something. I follow you because of your amazing efficiënt lecture how we can create heaven for every living thing in our own home.the patients you have and the filming with the sooting music Perfect combination🤗👌i like people with dedication for animals. And i don't believe people who say fishes etc....are dumb, dont have a brain etc..... They have feelings, just like we do to, other frequenties, but....sometimes you can com togheter on the same level...in the hart 🥰keep up the good work!!!!👍💫🐳
dude your ecoscape tanks are by far my favorite, the no talking, so that i as a viewer can pause and read, and understand everything. plus the stunning background music. such beautiful tanks as well, i want to make my own one day.
_ trash so true even now nobody’s channel compares
............. Ok I am going to follow literally every single step here.
How was it
@Zoe Zaikos what is thrush
@Zoe Zaikos what led are you exactly using?
Thank you
@zoe zaikos I start embarking on this journey. Hope that ppl like you can leave comment here for beginner like me to learn. Thanks a lot, it helps!
@zoe zaikos 9 months since your first comment any updates? algea, fish and all the plants doing fine?
This was my first exposure to the Walstad tank concept. I fell in love with it. After watching this video, my husband and I decided to get back into aquariums after nearly a decade out. I even bought him The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium as an anniversary gift.
This was such a sweet thing to read. I hope you fuys are doung well.
Plz send it as an pdf form to me.. i need that. Its not available in my area...
Just freaking amazing, the way you put, the music and everything.
And thanks for the information
I set up a tank 10 gallon pretty much similar to yours except I used an off-brand organic soil and in a short while i noticed what looked to be some type of worm inching up the sides of my tank. I thought I had gotten rid of them but a couple of months later I had little swimmers everywhere. Assuming it was still the same issue. At that time i decided to start over. I put my betta, Bluey into his new home a five gallon tank. But right before tearing my tank up; I put a few juvenile guppies in it and they promptly began to eat the swimmers until they were so fat they had issues swimming. Just thought i would share how my tank became a guppy heaven. Thank you so much for inspiring me to get back into an old hobby of mine.
Inwhomi trust thats sick bro
Bro... Any guppy pics u can show me...?? Curious to see ur heaven 😂
that was kind of a waste, they were probably just detritus worms. they appear in substrate when you overfeed fish or have a decent amount of dead plant matter. they are harmless to live plants and all livestock, they just clean the tank similar to shrimp...
In the first year, planaria may appear, but you can make a trap with a bottle or the fishes can eat them too! Also, I wouldn't recommend guppies and a betta, because they tend to pick on each other's tails!
Inwhomi trust once i read that you got worms in your tank i said to my self “i hope he don’t get rid of them and let it be a live fish food!”
It would be the perfect ecosystem indeed
Flowerhorns are very beautiful fish!
This is the best aquarium video I've seen in my life on UA-cam and trust me, I've seen thousands. Great Job man!
wow, thanks.
I second that, you made a fantastic video.
That means you haven't checked out cinescaper yet that guy is amaz and takes cinematics a whole different lvl
I have been following your videos for quite a while and I agree with Mike!
Great video and great job. Very relaxing to watch. Thank you.
Today I start one of these tanks, I will be Back by the end of the year, wish me luck.
Good luck! 💪💪
Goodluck ❤️
good luck ~ ✨
Good luck :) 🐙
Good luck (=
The Green is just so inviting. It’s striking. Each bowl looks like an artists impression. This is my favourite channel. If I watch before bed, I definitely sleep better. I’m sure it’s the Green mixed with the beautiful music.
I WAS NOT AWARE YOU COULD ACTUALLY SEE THE OXYGEN BEING PRODUCED AT 3:40 THAT IS *AWESOME*
Yep its called pearling
@@urbansk8r231 i'M SORRY WHAT THAT HAS A FUCKING NAME????????? *AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*
@@shadowfire04 That's a lot of enthusiasm
@@wrarmatei living life without enthusiasm is incredibly boring. so fuck yeah be excited about dumb shit!!!
@@shadowfire04 Neither did i!!! BRAHHHH!!! that is straight O2, tiny diameter better than any air stone!!
Omg that bubble nest is the cutest thing
Excellent video. I started a bowl a year ago. It's doing great. I have cherry shrimp. Started with 20 now I have at least 100. Everything you said was spot on. Great video
How is it now?
There are hobbies, and then there is this. Thank you for being so patient and explaining this so well. I must start out much, much simpler, but now I have something to strive for!
This is so beautifully edited and explained. Thanks!
I planted my bowl today, finally! I've been holding my plants in a 10, eagerly awaiting the transplanting of them into my 9.2 gallon bowl (mine is 17" tall vs. Foo's 14"). Sifting the soil did not take long, nor setting up the heater or gravel cap. It's getting really exciting because some of my plants are already pearling! I know it's hard to believe, but it's true! I also used graduated sizes of petrified wood for some structure (and for securing Anubias). I've also added a very small amount of larger gravel pieces mixed into the small gravel, to add a little texture to the mix. The plants I've used are: Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Brown', Cryptocoryne Wendtii 'Green', Anubias coffeefolia, Hemianthus callitrichoides, Ceratophylum demersum and Egeria densa. Oh, and I also threw in a small wispy piece of Java Moss for good measure. I'll assume that the Anubias will eventually outgrow the bowl, so if need be I'll move the large rock out with it attached and put it into my planted 50, and replace it with something a little more demure. I wish I could post a photo here, but it is a bit cloudy and has some particulates floating around which I am taking care of with a finishing filter made from a very small water pump that fits into the palm of my hand that I will remove in the morning. I may take off the funnel structure that is holding the filter material from the intake and leave the small pump in the bowl for gentle circulation later, I have not decided. It hardly moves any water and can be adjusted down from this highest setting. Overall, a great project thanks to you, Foo! Thank you for the inspiration and I look forward to following your videos in the future!
This was absolutely beautiful!! I think your little Betta is the cutest one I've ever seen. He seemed so sweet swimming around in there, looking up at you...I think I even saw him blink his little eyes 😍😍 Thank you for sharing. Loved the music as well. I believe I heard one piece from the movie "The Painted Veil". I'm subscribing!! 🤗
I'm not lying: this is my VERY FAVOURITE video on UA-cam. For real, it's so relaxing, i love it. I will watch it forever, thank you!
I bought a betta fish on impulse 12 days ago and basically crammed everything on a 3 gal bowl in one go (soil, gravel, plants, fish). Didn't know anything about fishkeeping and am still doing research about it and am gonna move my fish into a 5 gal tank soon. So am gonna start over again and do it right this time. Thanks for this video, it is very informative. :)
I think everyone gets into this hobby the same way.. 😅 I crammed in 2 baby goldfishes in a 1 gallon bowl and then started my research!! Within a month I shifted them in my mini pond.. 😊 they are happy now..
@@shrutiparwar5345 lol
Literally my story hahahahaha I built a 10 gal Walstad tank and in a few weeks I’ll put my Betta fish into it :)
You really love the hobby and it shows. Most people I've noticed keep the camera on themselves, not the fish. Says a lot about what their motivations are. I can watch your videos over and over. Keep the faith brother.
The best thing about this hobby is the love you generate for biodiversity. The mingling of nature with each other is amazing to watch and gives immense pleasure. I was definitely a fan of watching fish in an aquarium but never built one but definately going to start up this project at home. Thanks for the video and explanation
u dont need to clickbait us , just use diffrent tracks of that relaxing music and u seem to never lack video content . i mean i dont raise fish nor am i intersted to see how to raise them . just seeing you unfurl ur unimaginably skilled progress and seeing life break between the palm of ur hands is absloutely hearwarming , me and my wife . we watch every night with starry green eyes all ur videos on our 208 cm screen and surround system truly feeling that we share a common experiance with u . i hope that never changes . thank you
I'm so inspired that I am about to run out RIGHT NOW and start one up! THANK YOU!
No other explanation of the walstad method has actually given me confidence to go and do it myself. Not only were you very detailed and concise but the way the info was presented kept me watching and engaged! This is an amazing video, I work at a fish store and will be saving this to share with customers!
The secret is finally reveal after many years. Thank you
the really nice thing is that this setup is also REALLY CHEAP to run. He didn't mention it, but the only things you will be paying for constantly is lights and heater. ---------> No filter, cleaning costs, or carbon either. Filters need carbon and its very pricey
filters don't need carbon, unless you are buying filter cartridges that have built in carbon.
True filters don't need carbon. The mechanical filtration is the key when you have pants and can actually use the hang on the back filters with a DIY sponge like filter replacement. I used a $5 shop vac plastic filter sponge cut to replace the original filter.
I've never come across anyone else in aquatics who's into making these low tech aquariums based on Diane's brilliant book - you're the first!!! I used to run high tech CO2 infused planted tanks but after reading Ecology of the Planted Aquarium I changed and never looked back. It's been a wonderful journey. Lovely to see someone promoting Diane's book. Your tanks are beautiful!
Please can u do a video of some low maintainance plants. It will be quite helpful.
I've had reef tanks for going on 20 years. You're vids are the inspiration for me to start low tech planted tanks. THANK YOU ☺😘
You have some of the most beautiful tanks!! I also love how you manages to find a way around Co2. Lovely tanks! Also love the music. I also have tank videos although mine aren’t as pretty as yours.
Also, hope you get another betta!
Petit Fish sorry sir maybe i missed it, but what did he do to have co2? How did he deal without it? What did he do?
papara papa the person said that the plants they used mainly don’t need CO2, so he didn’t need to add any.
papara papa livestock and degradation of the soil that's how he did it
@@BasicKnowBro Foo mentions that the Co2 is created in the soil and water column, naturally.
This is the best planted aquarium I have seen so far on you tube and I love your background tunes.
Your video are informative and very soothing to listen and watch.
After watching your videos I wanted to restart my aquarium hobby which I stopped a decade ago ...
All the best for your upcoming work 🙂
Thank you for sharing this! Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge, not many are.
I will try this out.
This is so beautiful. You inspired me to start my own. I found a big bowl from Goodwill months ago, and this week I purchased 5 aquatic plants from ebay. I started 2 days ago. I failed miserably on my first attempt with gravel. I ended up switching to sand. I had to do a few water changes before leaving it along but finally I was able to plants all the plants yesterday. I still need to get the right light for them. I will be uploading a video on my channel soon. I really hope that the plants stay healthy as I have a beta fish; Vido who needs a new home. I keep coming back to this video to check what I'm missing. I'm so excited 🥰
amazing, balance , the key to almost everything :D
MSK Chess Thanos was right
I am a beginner, and this vid is absolutely a great help to start with. Cant thank you enough for this beautifully edited and step by step guidance vid.
OMG i love you. I have always loved and envied that beta tank of yours and how the plants are just healthy and growing. Thanks for this! Cant wait for that new tank. Cheers.
I was lucky and came across Diana's book before building my first aquarium. Her technique really works, I even had flowers on my aquarium at the time.
Tip: You can get rid of the brownwish colour by first putting only the substrate and water on a bucket (without the gravel) - changing the water Dailly for a about a week until the water becomes clear. The water never got brown and plants grew super fast.
Nice videos, your aquariums look really great.
Your tank is ART it's so very beutiful
I watch this series at least once a year and have been since I was 16 I'm 22 now and still love it just as much as I did the first time
Amazing !!!! Congratulations for the well done job! I'll try do my one of this very soon. I start my Walstad's reading today, and how can I tell you... I'm in love for this book, this information! In example, I never imagine that water we drink (humans) can be toxic for the fishes.
I'm from Brazil and I'm in love the aquarium hobbie, but here is so difficult to get good and reliable information. Thank you for doing this channel and share your experience!
This is by far the most informative and simplest video I've seen on this. Thank you so much
Thanos approves of your balance
Epic comment
Perfectly balanced, as all things should be
Thank you so much! 2 months ago I decided to do the walstad method using your earlier videos as an example. And it's a major success! No algae, all of the plants are thriving, nice water quality, and it's cheap to build (only cost around $10). Now, my male guppies are swimming happily in their tank :)
that's awesome. congrats! I've been getting so many comments that it wasn't working out for some people. yours is the first comment that worked out. yea, as mentioned in the description of my other video, this can be difficult for beginners. it could just work, or it could be a nightmare if it doesn't work. usually it's gotta be smooth sailing from the beginning. kudos on fish selection. yea, I've been thinking about another walstad 5gallon tank with just 2 male guppies for my girlfriend's first tank for a while now.
I'm an experienced aquarist. I've spent time doing low tech planted tanks, and diy co2 +ferts tanks, and I know all the basics. I want to give this a go. Would you recommend I read the book or would following your setup work out for me?
The book mainly talks about plants. What kind of nutrients they take up, how they survive, bacteria, substrate...etc. It's a scientifically researched book. I think you gotta be a science major to understand all of it. I certainly didn't understand all of it, but I got the general idea of it. She doesn't go into too much detail of how to setup and maintain it. Basically, it's all about knowing what plants want and need, and providing them that, with balance. I would say the right light and plant selection is the most important. Try cheap plants. They usually work the best. They are usually cheap b/c they grow so well and fast. Since you know your stuff about planted tanks, I don't think reading the book is a must to be successful. But, it's a really interesting book.
I think more expensive plants can grow in this kind of setup, but only after it's reached a balance. Good luck.
I was completely sold after the first few minutes of the first video you made and it became an epic series about natural balance. Also, a great honest storytelling showing the beauty of all small things. Thank you
5:57 nice horror themed aquarium lol
I love the music you use in your videos, I find them to be extremely relaxing.
the balance required is quite poetic in a way.
Incredible!! I am really enjoying watching these tanks progress.I have also learned alot.The editing is fantastic and the music fits well.I will continue riding along and can't wait for the next vid.Thank you so much for sharing this and wishing you continued success with your tanks.Glad yr part of the hobby
Thank you for the info. for goodness sake why the dislikes?
Right?? Haters gonna hate, I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I did a mini version of this as an experiment in a tiny mason jar with monte carlo, duckweed, and some pond snails that hitchhiked; no heat, light, or water changes. I just keep it on my windowsill and top up the water when it gets low. The monte carlo in the jar is doing so much better than the ones in my proper aquariums! Definitely sticking to the walstad method for my future setups lmao
You really love Erik Satie, don't you?
Juan Le Garcon the music fits the planted aquarium look don’t it?
You have done a great job at this video. No surprise ,that you have achieved 1.5M subscribers. Keep it up 👍
can i ask how u get your 2-3 mm gravel,i live in indonesia and im having a hard time looking for gravel in that size
Here are two sources for 2-3mm gravel. I don’t know if either will ship to Indonesia. The one that I have in my tank is LL503 Size #3 from the first link. I hope this helps!
products.kleenblast.com/viewitems/specialty-abrasives-blast-media/cemex-lapis-lustre-sand
www.ebay.com/itm/Sera-Gravel-Black-6L-colored-gravel-2-3-mm-for-all-freshwater-and-marine/183971277446?hash=item2ad58aea86:g:J~AAAOSwGEFdjNQu
I cant thank you enough for this hard work!!! From the planted tank to the edited video... I must reiterate a Thank You :) This is just amazing and just from this video I see all my mistakes. I already ordered Diana Walstad's book based on you video
you are using so nice musics when ı am open this video ı am relax
thanks for sharing @5:50. I love seeing your successes, but its good to see the mistakes as well.
I had tanks, very successful starting at age 9. In the 1970s! Raised live bearers. Could not keep a neon or an angelfish alive no matter what. We we're in North Houston and had actual well water. In my late twenties I lived in East Houston as opposed to n.e. Channel view actually. We had city water full of chlorine. I either aged it or added dechlorinator. It had been a few years since I had a tank. As a child mine were 10 gallons. So I bought both a 50 gallon and a 29 gallon half hex.The 50 gallon was fine for a while. I had 3 large fish. All died after they grew from babies in that tank. Oscar wound up with hole in the head. Fed dry pellet ,some frozen fish food. No idea why they died off. But the success is the 29 gallon. I put in live plants and wood and real rocks on bottom and a larger rock or two on top of bottom gravel. (Pardon me, as a child I could spout off scientific names and many species preferred living conditions, now I'm getting forgetful it's been too long). This was to be a community tank. I decided to try 4 small angels yet again as well. The plants would not stay planted. A certain kind which I do not remember the name of. But they floated well. A couple of plants of a different kind stayed planted. Eventually all but the silver angels died leaving 2 fish. I added things to make it have more tannins. Fed fish food, added tetra fish vitamins liquid as well as plant vitamins. Only used the flourecent hood light, left the plants to do as they wanted and had a nice canopy of plants with hanging roots. Once every few weeks I would use the dip net handle to separate a space in the top about 3 inches wide. This made it look like sun rays shining through . The water was a yellowish brownish greenish like natural water in a stream or lake with lots of pine needles. My angels for the first time in my life were thriving!! They even spawned several times. I raised brine shrimp for the babies. But the parents always eventually ate the babies. They survived a move in a brand new 40 gallon trash can because I wouldn't allow anyone to dump my water. They lived another 4 years and then I ,like an idiot, sold them and the tank etc ,walnut stand ,all if it ,as well as my 50 gallon in a moving sale as I moved to a studio apt. I kick myself now because before 8 months passed I moved to a big house and could have still had the tanks and new younger fish. I never changed the water. Just a partial maybe 2 or 3 times the first year. Then never ever again. I simply added fresh as it evaporated. I had an outside hanging filter. A heater. Undergravel filter that I'm not sure even kept working. And that was all. Nothing fancy.sometimes a little aerator for the bubble effect. Now I want a tank so bad I could cry. But low on funds at the time. Maybe some day. I'm 50 something and I want my fish...lol I guess it gets into the blood. They are supposed to be good for high blood pressure. I need one badly ! Lol I need to at least have a tank like this. Someday another 29 or so.
Yea, I still think about my oscars that I've kept for many years. I moved them to my parents house b/c I had to move. they didn't live long under my parents' care. I felt so bad for them. I also left the hobby for around 5 years. when I restarted, I did with just a 10g. and I'm glad I did. I never looked back.
I had a 50 gallon tank and after a couple of die-off (I didn't have a clue) just 2 sevrum remained and grew huge and beautiful. They mated, but the fry got sucked up in the filter. I had those guys for a long time but the female died and the male went into mourning, lying on his side on the bottom of the tank for days until I got him a new mate. That was years ago and though I won't get another big tank, watching these videos has inspired me to start a small one, and I'm going to follow these directions to the letter. The results are just perfect.
Mary Wylde thanks for sharing:)
Dude well done you just broke down the DIY method and I am an aquatic lover all my life...will read the book too and hats off to her 😘😘😘
Your videos are Fantastic
Your bowls are so inspiring. Mr Betta looks very happy he is blowing bubbles even. Very true with adding the fish in last, even IF betta are extremely sturdy fish and can most likely survive a cycling tank. I've been trying to find inspiration for low-tech, low CO2, low-light tanks and with my previous over-ambitious attempts at planted tanks and failures, I realize that I just lacked the research before dishing out my money lol. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the day by day comparisons for which plants did best and worst in your setups. So few vids have this kind of info and helps SO SO MUCH!
The issue with plant selection was clearly a fertilizer problem... Some plants like wysteria absorb nutrients even at low ppm concentrations... Other plants require higher ppms for absorption to occur... so basicly, because you were not adding fertilizers some plants out competed the others, ultimately starving them out. Please like for education purposes
that might be true, but there might be other factors at play also. some plants are just much hardier and can survive much better even in just regular gravel with no co2 or ferts. and there are plants that are "hard to grow" plants. those "hard to grow" plants really need co2 injection, chemical ferts, and other factors that's gotta be balanced to grow them.
Also, there's a chapter in the book called allelopathy. basically, it talks about chemical warfare between the plants. if you take certain two specific plants and grow them together, one will literally kill the other.
Foo the Flowerhorn you used two type light bulb day-time nd normal CFL bulb. Pls tell me how to use it ? I mean have switch up daytime bulb during Moring to evening and use normal CFL bulb at night.. I'm confused and stuck there, I'm prepared everything to setup tank. Except lighting... Pls reply back
@@MrJayandan I think Foo tried several types of bulbs, but ended up using only florescent CFL (2 watts/gallon). And only providing a few hours of sun per week.
@@lisap1776 TQ lady..
I've just started a tank like this at the start of 2021, hoping that this tank will give the change I needed in the following years
who knew watching oxygen bubbles directly coming out of a plant was so relaxing
Le Baguette i appreciate your clarification. Pearling is a beautiful term for the process.
@Le Baguette When the bubbles are coming out in streams it'd not actually pearling. It's a damaged leaf releasing oxygen!!
*it's
@@not_ur_senpai866 now I wonder which of you is right haha
@@BirdieNumNums98 haha this is what pearling should look like. in this case the bubbles accumulate size then rise to the top!!ua-cam.com/video/YGbaUGmrnuU/v-deo.html
I really enjoy all of your video, the music score is calming, and the story of your own aquarium that you update it every month still makes me curious all the time to see what happen to those plants, fishes, and shrimps. I personally thank you for these videos. I don’t have aquarium and have no any intention to start one though, but your videos, it’s magical.
Whats the name of the fish at 4:03 ??
By the way ist the best set up ive seen on youtube - thank you
thanks. it's otocinclus.
What about the blue one at 1:48? Thanks!
This is one of those moments I realize I've found a new obsession. Thanks so much for sharing!
What water conditioner do you use?
I use cheap stuff. in the bottle, it says it gets rid of chlorine and heavy metals. in the past I always used Kordon amquel. I like that a lot. these days, lots of people seemed to use prime.
Foo the Flowerhorn. Why don't you use rainwater?
Wouldn't that be a more natural choice than chlorinated water that then needs more chemicals to get rid of the chemicals?
What sort of water did Diana Walstad use, does she mention rainwater?
Hi Ken, thank you for the reply. Yes, I can see your point about contaminated rainwater in cities etc.
I must be in a good area here, on a small Island off the coast of Australia. I started 8 natural tanks with the rainwater off of my roof and haven't had a problem yet.
Haha, you think I am from Tassie, don't you?
Thanks Foo! Your videos inspired me to get my own fish tank, and it has been such a help with my anxiety. Wishing all the best to you!
Does anyone know a good alternative to the Miracle Grow Organic Choice ?
she said any organic soil with some sort of fertilizer..
@@ashlynwanderer Organic SOIL with COMPOST! Not fertilizer!
You can try Fox Farm soil
You are such a wonderful teacher!
I once read and then tried a one gallon 'hospital' tank primarily consisting of algae, thick green making the water opaque with algae. When a fish got sick I would transfer the ill fish to the hospital and in a couple of days the livestock was better. I never lost a fish after that tid bit of information. Oh, also you can monitor the dosage of medicine you give...it was kind of a hassle because I rarely used it, yet when I needed it, proper maintenance was a must.
Congratulate yourself on restoring the beta tail...nice lesson to pass on.
I don't get how dwarf hair grass can do so well without the CO2 injection, ferts added to the substrate and insanly high light conditions. I my self have that DHG in Fluval Spec III nano tank for one month now and it's doing really bad. The lights LED, 736 lumens, 7000 kelvin range. I am adding CO2 in liquid form, substrate Dennerle Nano Deponit Mix.
from my experience, dhg doesn't really require high light. as mentioned in the video, it's all about finding the balance for your tank. that balance is different for every tank setup, so it's hard to say. I think nutrients at the roots are more important for dhg.
i know this comes a little bit late but liquid CO2 isn't great in my opinion, because it is not real CO2, which only gets liquid under high pressure. "Liquid CO2" is false advertising
This video like your many others inspires peace and clarity. I will be emptying my pre-livestock tank and will add that substrate and let it exist for a bit. Thank you for your time and care; it is a beautiful thing.
my tank have been running for a month, no algae, water never get brown, no filter no lamp. I only use moss, hornwort and water lettuce. i wonder how it works... but my snail always runs out of the tank lol
hey did it ever work out?
Dang, lmk where I can get a snail with legs
Watched twice already. I watch your videos in awe. What a beautiful setup and what a lovely home for your beta
I disagree on heaters and LEDs, as I have a very stable and pretty planted tank without a heater and use LED white light. If your room doesn’t get too cold, you don’t need a heater! Running at lower temperatures can slow down growth, but it’s MUCH safer than running at high (~80F) temperatures. Also, any light that grows your plants well will grow (micro)algae as well. You just need a certain animals in your tank that would eat it away (shrimp do amazing job), that’s it.
THANK YOU! I've only recently found your channel and can say it is by far the most informative and relaxing that I have been fortunate enough to come across. I love the shrimp feedings and the neat volcano tank design. I'm attempting to plant my first nanotank and was stuck on plant selection, but I think I'm closer to choosing now. :)
Music?
Darude Sandstorm
Yes this is truly the best video. All explanations are written very clearly, with perfect illustrations, and yes - I'll have to read the book!
wew, kinda early :3
one of the best videos I've seen in a while
really want to start doing this
got 3 bonsais which are doing very well
but i think THIS one is much more complicated to care for
i like the way you think mate, i dont agree with some of your comments but on the whole you know your stuff, and i always think it's people like you who make it easier for people new to the hobby of fish keeping. thank you kindly.
Inspirational stuff. Started a dirted tank with this guide on my Fluval Spec 3 gallon and I can't wait to see what will happen to my tank.
I started reading her book because of you! Its a super interesting read and I can't wait to start my own tank now.
You deserved my sub :D. I currently have a tank indoor about 7gal that has no filter, just one heater and light. I started with xmass moss and and some floaters. Now my tank is full of moss and floaters. Currently keeping, nano fish, shrimps, and snails. Water is always crystal clear, never change water, just top off every 2 weeks. :)
that's awesome. yea, when this setup works, it can be a very rewarding experience.
Wonderful vid. I supplement my tanks with sunlight as well. I love gardening and this gets me through the winter.
Such a pedagogical, clever, patient and beautiful video. I'm in owe and very grateful...
This is great! I have a mobility disability so a low maintenance aquarium is a dream!
Hi foo this is amazingly edited i love how you had some footage of shrimp in the background when the words popped up and this video helped me so so much thank u
you're welcome, and thanks for noticing the editing. this video took the longest to edit out of all of my videos.
Foo the Flowerhorn yeah it probably would have taken me months i suck
A very good, very inspiring video. Thank you for posting
The dollar weed that did not grow, grows very well when allowed to float on the surface with the leaves above the water line.
this is the best video i've ever seen on planted aquariums. Cannot wait to try this!!
Followed your advice, started my bowl in Jan 2020, end Feb it's going great, plants doing well, Betta loves his bowl....😎🍻
Still going great, updated to a cube😎
This is just the thing I've been looking for thanks alot for taking the time to put it all together.
god the details in this video is truly helpful , especially that bulb specs image
A huge thank you for making this video! i'm planning to make a planted nano tank myself this year and was in need of some instructions 😊
Great informative content!
There aren’t many who are capable of such outputs, both in aquariums and on UA-cam.
Kudos to everything you do! 👏🏼
Just like algae appears due to imbalance of some parameters in an aquarium..same way most of the UA-camrs on this hobby have tons of algae in their UA-cam production as well! (Algae = non sense elements)
Whereas your production of videos are as immaculate and simple yet vibrant as your aquariums are! Keep it goin my friend 🙏
You are putting out great productive content on UA-cam, just like those grass in that bowl are putting out oxygen 👌🏻
You are inspiring many hobbyists across the globe! 🌏
This is excellent. You've managed to answer all of the questions I ever had about what you were doing. Thank you.
You can clearly see you really have love and passion for nature.
This is how you should treet your fishes ,i hate it when people put 1 fish in a bowl with.......nothing else in it,and then they wonder why they always die😳my intuïtie always says....that you can give fishes,and other little creatures the same love and attentions and comfort like a cat or something.
I follow you because of your amazing efficiënt lecture how we can create heaven for every living thing in our own home.the patients you have and the filming with the sooting music
Perfect combination🤗👌i like people with dedication for animals.
And i don't believe people who say fishes etc....are dumb, dont have a brain etc.....
They have feelings, just like we do to, other frequenties, but....sometimes you can com togheter on the same level...in the hart 🥰keep up the good work!!!!👍💫🐳
Amazing!!!!! This is one of the best videos on planted tank. Thank you so much
All of your tanks are so gorgeous!! I'm planning to start my own here soon. I definately will be taking steps from this, it's very helpful
your videos are just amazing. they're so relaxing and they say a lot. thank you so much! i really admire your job.
I had a no filter setup in highschool, and I filled it with ludwigia and hair grass. It was a stable system, but had a lot of algae growth.
I watch you videos to help me sleep. So relaxing ❤️