I’m at a loss with my tank. No matter what I do it just keeps getting really dirty very fast. I have 4 black tetras and 1 zebra danios left. It’s a 37 gallon tank. White sand, one decoration, one tree. I’ve done a bacteria starter. I change water more often than I should have to, do to ammonia spikes, that I can’t control.
Followed Father Fish channel, now I have deep substrate and heavily planted aquarium which houses 15+ fishes. Running without a water change for past 3 months. I test the quality every few days. Zero bad elements, I just do top up's when required.
Heavily planted tanks usually eat nitrates away unless you are heavily over feeding. I've been using the same methods but I top off with RO water instead of conditioned tap.
I always feel I've done a Godly thing when I do water changes, I get a proud feeling of accomplishment and it makes me happy to see my fish happy, as always thanks for your videos.
love this comment so much. My next water change day I’m totally gonna be going up to my tanks like.. don’t fret little ones, god is here to fix your world 😂🙏🏼
I do water change weekly. And I'll tell you I always look forward to Saturdays for water change after the stressful weekdays work. Yeah, it's weirdly therapeutic and subtle fun 😁
Newbie here. My fish used to be terrified when I vacuumed, now they huddle right up to see what goodies I might dredge up. The fish swim right into the new fresh water so I must be doing something right.
Dirty tank water is an awesome plant fertilizer. I do a 25% water change every two weeks, and I pour the water straight onto my potted plants and flower beds. Works great!
Same same. I like Lucky Bamboo as it grows up. If it gets too tall or sprawling you can just cut it back and you've got another plant to poke in your tank, or give to friend's or throwing the trash.
I just started getting into the hobby with my kids. We are definitely newbies and have a lot to learn. Got ourselves a 13 gallon tank and a few neon tetras to start it off with and all the basic equipment. Just subscribed to your channel. I've been watching a lot of fish channels on here, but I have to say you are doing an excellent job breaking down the basics for us newcomers. Clear and precise advice and direction. Making it so much easier and giving us hope that we can enjoy this hobby and not be totally overwhelmed by a lot of new info. I feel more confident about testing and water changes. Thanks, we'll be watching!
This is the BEST dummy guide to doing aquarium water changes. No overtalking, no added BS, just simple and practical facts. Thank you so much for this!!!
Bought my first fish tank. Let it cycle through and tested it and now have some tiger barbs and gouramis. These videos have been incredibly helpful. Had no idea how much work went into this hobby but I'm enjoying every second! Thanks so much and keep up the great work!
As someone who very quickly and somewhat impulsively got an aquarium, every single one of my questions have been answered on your videos! Thank you thank you!!
I love this video, it makes so much sense! I recently discovered this info for myself. I've been avidly keeping fish (mostly bettas) since 2017, and always did bi-weekly 25% or 50% water changes religiously. I've always had live plants, and my tanks have all been heavily planted (they all look like crazy jungles at this point!), so my nitrate has always been super low. It hardly ever goes above 5ppm, but I was seeing so many people say that frequent water changes are mandatory or your fish WILL die, so I did the water changes anyway. Due to some health issues recently, there was a point where I was not able to do much maintenance at all for about a month. I was so paranoid that it would jack up my parameters, but to my surprise, the nitrate never changed. I would've done water changes had they been necessary, but since the parameters were good, I decided it was okay to relax. I had heard a couple people online talking about the less is more method of water changes, so I decided to try it and see what would happen. The longer I went without water changes, the healthier my plants were, and my fish actually seemed happier, they got so much more colorful! It's now been about 5 months since my last water change on any of my tanks (I have two 10 gallons, one 20 gallon, and a 7.5 gallon), and my parameters are all still stable, and my plants and fish are thriving! I still do regular filter maintenance (I have sponge filters) and top off the tanks when they need it, but otherwise it seems like the less I mess with the tanks, the better they do. I am planning on doing water changes this week though, because I use IAL in my tanks, and they get messy and leave this brown sludge at the bottom of the tank as the leaves break down. I know it's good for the fish, and my snails and shrimp do eat some of it, but it looks gross to me. But anyway, all of this to say that I agree with this video 100%; if your nitrates are high, do a water change. If they're not high, you can leave it. The more live plants you have, the more nitrates they consume, therefore less maintenance is required!
@@iHeartOiSkanks Not entirely true. The 7.5 gallon has one betta fish in it, and one of the 10 gallons has two bettas (divided, of course!) and one nerite snail, so yes, those tanks have very little bio-load. But the other 10 gallon tank I have is home to 4 clown killifish, 8 celestial pearl danios, 3 nerite snails, God knows how many "pest" snails, and about 40 shrimp. This tank has only had a parameter spike once after I had to medicate it and had a mini cycle crash. It was back to normal after about a week though, and has had perfect parameters ever since.
I am personally a person who needs a routine, weekly 50% water changes happen on all of my tanks at once. I find that if I try to do the test kits and wait I find myself forgetting which tanks have been tested and what tanks need what. So it is in the best interest of my sanity to just grab the python and go around changing all of the water every week. I turn on my favorite fish tubers and get it done.
I have 15 tanks with 1 inch mud capped with and and never do any water changes. Just don't feed the fish and the tank balances out. Plenty of plants. I have tanks years old now maintenance no feeding all self sustaining
What I did with multiple tanks is create a chart, (Color code) Blue tank, red tank, green, yellow, ect. stick/tape some kind of small colored tape on the outside of the tank (On one of the sides, toward the back, to make it somewhat discrete, if a small tape bothers you on the tank.) Mark the color tank when done on your chart, and you'll know what tank was done or not done.
WATER CONDITIONER IS BEYOND IMPORTANT!! I’ve owned and raised fish for 21 of my 26 years of life. This is such a important step. Lost so many fish in my beginning stages of learning fish care. I have a 13 year old koi now. He’s my homie. I also started doing water conditioners 13 years ago. Coincidence I think not lol. Kg is such a good platform for learning proper fish care!! Heck I’ve learned so much from them and I consider myself a expert. Thank you for your very valid opinions on the fish keeping industry guys!!
I like that, “your water test tells you when to do a water change, not the rule book or friends.” I’m visual learner, loved the animation…you should do more of these, going back to basic.
KGT you guys are brilliant! I love that you say truth's and are not afraid to upset the softer folk. I'm from the UK and your videos have been a life line. I'm new to the hobby and loving it all thanks to both of you. Good work, keep it up! Thank you!
I don’t have a tank yet but I was concerned about the maintenance. You make so much sense in your video. Thank you. I feel better and will go forward with my setup.
I am so glad I stumbled on this video. It was so helpful because my Nitrates got out of hand. My wife bought me an aquarium last August for my 55th birthday. She was against them but knew I wanted one. I’m in the learning stage with my eye on planning for a 50-60 gallon tank in a year or so. Thanks again!
This was very useful. I've been fishkeeping for 50 years and had always done water changes by schedule--25% to 35% every two weeks. The video inspired me to get a test kit and to my surprise, my nitrates were off the scale even after a water change even in a heavily planted tank. So now I've done six partial changes over a three day period and have the nitrate count down where it should be. Thanks for the advice.
Another GREAT video!! I love how you provide specific information and details in a no-nonsense approach. You definitely help make fish-keeping so fun, especially for us beginners!! Thank you so much for all the time you spend teaching and sharing your passion. 🤗
I Love everything about this, and you made me LOL with your candid/blunt style. My fish LOVE fresh, clean water and I Love to watch them play and rejoice in the stream as I add new water. So I don't wait for Nitrate. I do water changes weekly because, as you said, they're swimming and breathing in the Public pool!
This is such a great video! You hit all the important points & questions that new fish keepers ask. I am in several fish groups & am surprised at how many people who already have fish are unaware of the basics. The most important thing, as you said...every tank is different & everyone has different habits. Ok, you do a water change every week. You still need to test your water & see what it's telling you. Maybe you need to do a water change 3x a week. It's important to know what your own water is telling you. If you've already done a video on this, I'm sorry. But another thing I see every single day is people's aquarium with almost no surface agitation & asking why their fish are at the top gasping for air. Maybe it's just me, but I don't care how big or small a tank is, I think they all need something besides the HoB filter. Air stone, sponge filter, wave maker...whatever. It's sad that people have to lose a fish before they realize this. I was one of those people, so no disrespect. You don't know what you don't know. Anyway, thanks for the great videos! Love what you two do! Keep it up! 🙏🏻❤️🤘🏻
Some fish don't like water movement. Clown loaches love moving water. But there's some other loaches that don't. Or some gouramis. They prefer still water. I learned the hard way that having a strong filter was too much for those fish and they needed softer flow. Just depends on the fish.
I'm brand new to this hobby and your videos have helped me a lot. I did killed about 10 neon tetras, but after looking at your videos, I have managed to keep one betta, 2 Cory's, 7 neon tetras and 4 snails and live plants....this its my 4th week.
John this was just an excellent video that should be watched by every new fish keeper. I like all of your videos, but this one was exceptional. Very clear explanations of what to do and why you must do it. Also just super professional level of cinematography. The beta fish on the transition slides is just gorgeous. Five stars!
I love the way you explain things. Makes it so practical and illustrated. I've subscribed as I recently purchased my first fish aquarium 29 gallons and will be getting guppies, platies and mollies.
This video is so spot on. I tested my aquarium and determined I'd be going months before a water change is needed, but I do a 25% change once a week because it's an easy 15 min job and I love keeping it looking good without over cleaning
I also do water changes, not because I really need it, but because I have chance to trim my plants. Because aquascaping takes more than 15 min, I go for 3-4 weeks maintenance schedule.
I do a 80% water change every 7 days in my overstock mbuna tank. My tap water here in the U.K. has 40ppm nitrate, so I have to run the water thru a nitrate resin vessel that brings it down to zero before heating it overnight before it goes into the tank the next day . A lot of work , but big happy bright fish make it worthwhile 👍
Looks to me water changes is, somehow, a big deal to you, to reduce it you may look at the anoxic filtration proposed by Dr. Kevin Novak. I still didn't use one yet (I discovered after I setup my 10 gallon) but as a big fan of undergravel filter (which I did on my tank) with plenum I found his channel. I have 20 fish and a few plants and having nitrate at 25 ppm, still doing water changes weekly to get rid of the tannines (makes water brown) from a drift wood I added to the tank.
Hey John, I have 24 tanks between 10gal up to 125. I test, test, test! I might be the guy who feeds to much but my fish grow and are healthy. The tanks are moderately to heavily planted and stocked. I allow some tanks to reach 30-50ppm nitrates depending on the resident species. I have a 750 gallon stock tank in my yard covered with mosquito netting. I live in a temperate area and temps rarely freeze or above 80°F. I collect rain during the rainy season, fall through spring. It tests 5.5 -6 pH. Anyways, I add chemistry like mineral salts and dechlorinators when I have to fill with tap water to the stock tank and have large, 8" air stones. I invested in a 6000gph submersible pump and 2" trunk line into 1/2" poly hoses into propane point of use hot water heaters from Ebay. From there I run hoses to my tanks. My drain system is either a 500gph submersible pump and hose draining to the yard or commode, or 32 gallon trash cans on wheels with 360 gallon submersible pumps when I gravel vacuum. I test about every 3-5 days. Many tanks can run for 2 weeks on 50% water changes, some are at a week. Basically I can completely 50% change all my aquariums in about 4 hours. I'd like to plumb and valve them all for draining and filling and with pumps and flow rates, I'd like to whittle my time down to an hour. Beast mode! Keep up the good work.
You guys are awesome!! Love the humor bites and the occasional banter yet truly informative. We're total newbies, 2 1/2 gallon(no snickering) round tank 6 months now, a Betta and a Cory Catfish. Adding a second bigger tank in a few months. We want to thank you for all the helpful advice and entertainment too! Never boring.
I have a 55 gal African cichlid tank with 9 cichlids and 3 bristlenose plecos plus live plants. When the water level is down an inch or more I test and decide whether I need to do a water change. With the plants and plecos my tests reveal 0 across the 3 major tests; ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, so I just add water to fill the tank along with prime for the added water and a half dose of bacteria and my fish are very happy 😊
You guys are my favorite source for all things fish. Not my only source! But definitely my favorite. Love going back to the basics and just fleshing it out. Helps me know the Why of stuff and you make it in a way that’s easy to digest and teach others too. Keep up the great work!!
Another great video John! You kept the "why" and "how" simple to get the point across. I've kept tanks for about 56 years and caught the dreaded MTS disease at an early age. There's a bit more reasons to replace old water but nitrates is a good guide and reason for most people. My old back just loves the Python, wish I bought one when I was younger LOL. I improved the ease of using it even further... My wife rolls it back up for me, makes her feel that she helps with our 21 tanks. 😁
I hope you see this, I’m commenting on a 6 month old video…. And I apologize for the log post I just want to give you all the information. I have a 10 gallon tank and it’s been great for 3 months. Clear and clean. I do regular testing and weekly water changes as needed. Recently I purchased a gravel cleaner and cleaned the gravel for the first time, removed 50% of the water (for the first time) usually I do 10-20% depending on the test results. Well, It’s been a week since that clean and my large rock decoration is now covered in a dark brown film (which I did scrub off two days ago and that didn’t help it came right back and the water stayed cloudy) one of my decorations has the paint coming off and my plants (fake ones) have the same brown film on it. (Could be algae but I thought algae was greener in color?) well my water is now newly cloudy with what looks like tiny tiny bubbles that won’t go away. I waited a week since that %50 water change hoping the filter would clear it up but it hasn’t, so today I did a 10% water change. My nitrite is 0, nitrate is 10, my ph is 8, total alkalinity is high 350, total hardness is 150 which is strange because we have well water and a whole house softener. (Thank you for the info about still needing a conditioner, just don’t know which to but there are so many kinds) if there is anything you can do to help me I would really appreciate it. 10 gallon tank (petsmart kit) 4 guppies, one bottom feeder, one dwarf frog I have been feeding flakes twice a day for three months which doesn’t seem to feed them all enough so I’m hesitate to cut back but I’ll try anything to get my clear water back. Thank you!!!!
Watching as I finish 6 of 6 tanks worth of water changes (420 gallons of tanks). Even though I know all this information, it’s like re-reading a favorite book. It’s also a good feeling to know I’m doing it right. Great info!
My friend wanted a betta. I told her she HAS to study Betta keeping before she buys. She HAS to get a test kit. She HAS to cycle the tank first. She has to KNOW what she's doing first. She ignored me and bought TWO, two separat, Bart adequate one gallon-no filter tanks. They were both dead the next morning.
I have a very large goldfish Tank and I find doing a weekly water change is as a good routine, keeps my fish parameters clean and thats healthy, and because its done so often it takes less time. I use my extra large gravel vac, pond pump with corrigated tubbing, large plastic trash can and a kitchen 🧽 on the glass to remove algae. Filter media gets rinsed and/or replaced when needed. My goldfish are pretty huge so they are messy.
John excellent video as always. Enjoy your teaching of the crucial fundamentals of fishkeeping. Also enjoy your product reviews as you get time to see what's new. Thank you.
My wife and I just started fish keeping as a hobby to do together and do as a family activity with our kids. I was uncertain about going about a water change but this video has given me confidence to do it. Thank You!
Hi sir, thanks for this video. Makes perfect sense. I have a 10gal tank and have 20 small fishes. I do 30% water changes every 3 days. The fishes are happy!
I have a 10 gal with 1 betta and live plants. My current routine includes a weekly water change (about 25ish%, usually Saturday mornings), with twice daily water testing (am/pm). My nitrate hovers at 10/20 throughout the week, and is only at 5 after that Saturday change. I like it that way-the fish seems happy. I find the maintenance to be therapeutic and rewarding. I have 2 other empty tanks (5 & 10 gal) and haven’t decided what I’ll do with them just yet. But whatever I do, my goal is to have them on the same schedule just for sake of routine.
The zenith is to get to a point where you don't necessarily have to do water changes and your aquarium is completely balanced. I have a 15 gallon tank with 4 female bettas. Heavily planted, never any nitrates. The plants take care of everything. I still do water changes to replace the buffer, but if it was purely about nitrates, I would never have to do them on that tank.
I've enjoyed both of your video's and have been helpful. I've lived and learned with the hobby. I only do a 50 to 75 every 2 weeks maybe one tank every 3. I have a 55 with 20 with a various sizes and species of African. The other is a 55 with 15 larger mubnas and a giant J acknowledged Dempsey. Never check levels just monitor the fish and so far so good after 8 years. My videos have been removed from cichlid clubs due to having various species together. So I dumped the club and share on the Tube. Be happy make sure your fish are happy and healthy and everyone else can pound dirt. Well John, always enjoy you guys and the best to you and yours!
I just bought my 4 yr old a Betta fish and he literally just loves following her as she moves around the room and gets so excited when she gets close and I swear he watches her in complete interest when she is drawing 😅 he don't eat much though which worries me
This is the video I’ve been searching for!!! Thank you for the info. So much junk on UA-cam finally I know what to do to keep my fish safe. I didn’t know this hobby was so complicated but you Made it easy today.
Ahh water changes, these used to be the bane of my existence. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get the nitrates below 40ppm. Then I realised that I lived in an area which started off with 30-40ppm nitrates in the water. I finally fixed that when I bought a nitrate filter. This hobby got so much better after that 😅
I usually try to do a water change when I can’t see any fish in there because of the film on the glass, always amazes me that there’s still a few in there left
Absolutely loved 🥰 My Fish 🐠 love their weekly water 💦 changes and I totally agree nothing is better than standing back and watching happy fish in beautiful clean tanks
We have a pet bunny. In the winter time when traditional gardening isn’t possible here in NE, we use an aerogarden to grow greens for him to eat and use old tank water in the aero garden. The kale are greener and happier etc. Weekly water changes and water the houseplants at the same time too!
Thanks John! I'd always done a water change every 3 to 4 weeks, no problem. All those fish warriors online promote weekly changes. Been doing that and losing a fish a week. Going back to what I know worked. Ill just test an hanger when needed.
Hey John here’s a question for you. When testing my 20 high that’s stocked moderately the nitrates run maybe 5 ppm it’s heavily planted which helps that but to me that water still would need a water change. how often would you do water changes on tanks that do sustain low nitrates because of the plants?
I think that depends on what your tank needs. If your plants/livestock mainly rely on your water to get the minerals they need (Ca, Mg etc.), then you need to test and figure out when you need to replenish those minerals. Otherwise you probably dont need to do a water change for a long time.
The way I determine if a water change is needed is measuring my Nitrates. If it is 10 ppm or higher I will do a 10-25% change. Or, if I see a sick fish, fungus or something else weird I will do a change. I also always add 1 Tbls per 10 gallons of aquarium salt to each water change. This Is low enough to not affect my plants but keeps the fish healthy and clears anything up that is going on with the fish. Lots of good info in this video, thank you.
I have to do water changes every few weeks???? I thought you clean the tank when it started to look dirty. Hahahahaha I have been doing water changes like every six months. Have always had a hard time keeping fish. I have had a 50 gallon for years now. For the last year I have had 5 neon tetras and an algae eater in it. Any time I would add more neons they would die in 2 weeks and the originals would still be alive. I just today purchased 10 more Neons and two Chinese algae eaters. THIS is such good info in your video!!! A lightbulb went off in my head. Thanks! I was using test strips really only look at ammonia. Bought that test kit today so I can monitor the cycle. Looking forward to getting back into it again with this new found knowledge. My kids had fun today going to the fish store, and they are teenagers! Maybe there is hope! Thx
Believe it or not, I had an aquarium for over 10 years and never did a water change. But I had a lot of plants that grew and were sold. I suctioned the bottom to clean it every few months and cleaned the water filter. About 20 neons tetras in a 40 litre tank. The fish were long lived. I'm not suggesting water changes aren't needed. This was a special case and worked for me.
Father Fish on You Tube dirted tanks with sand cap plenty of plants system becomes fully balanced don't feed the fish I have tanks many years old big one small ones I don't touch the water perfect parameters fully sustained ecosystem self-feeding eventually at least matter out of the pond billions of beneficial bacteria
A do a weekly 10% water change in my 20g and good tip I found somewhere was to keep jugs of water equal to the amount I'm going to change out. It's been a major time saver! Especially when things got super hot and all of the water in my apartment came out of the tap really warm. There is one downside to my routine, I had gotten a freshwater clam but it died after about a month and I'm assuming because I kept the water TOO clean for it to have anything to filter feed off of...
When I had my 35 gal tank, I would do monthly 50% water change. As well as my new water would sit for two days to get room temp so not to shock the fish. Oh yea chemicals are so important !!! One day I woke up to a pea soup - it turned out my tank was perfect and the algae took over ): I bought a UV light, and I had people ask if there was water in my tank, because it was so clear. Love your vids 👍
Some local fish shops will test your water for free. When you are starting out, have them test your water regularly, so you know when ammonia starts to spike and you can learn the cycle
Growing up, I was one of the people that said “oh their ok without water changes that often” or “I don’t need to test my water my fish seem fine” just trust me, test your water and change it as needed and don’t put it off, you will be SOOOO much happier with your tank and so will your fish, water changes once a week WITH MY SETUP is actually one of the things that keeps the aggression down in my Mbuna cichlid tank, I test my water once a week and honestly I could change it every 2 weeks but I do a 50% water change every week for aggression
8:10 I do like 80-85% water out and refill once every 3 weeks to keep them safe and healthy. And yes you're very true, water change does differ from tank to tank. Like my elder brother's tank is one huge (10/6/6ft) keeping 7 fully grown Oscars, 2 fully grown veltailed parrots, 2 fully grown pirhanas with tons of filters etc. So he does like once in 2 month. And yes water conditioners must be using as per guidelines after each change.
Great tutorial easy to watch, one question, if you use the python system straight from the tap ... am i right to think you add the water conditioner to the old water before the chlorinated water hits the tank? Does that work out the same as if you had added it to the new water before adding to the tank??
Thoroughly enjoyed that blog… awesome… I’ve been in the hobby for 6 months and learning fast … of course I have subscribed… I live in HK and British …. Have a 100 gallon tank with Cichlids, tiger barbs, tin foil barbs, a Paroon shark, several Placos, Bala Shards etc … a bit overstocked but will move on to a 200 gallons very soon
I age my water in a 50 gallon drum w an aerator. I dont use water conditioner aerating the water removes chlorine and fish have been fine all 7 tanks wo it. Im of the opinion cleaning the mechanical filtrate is as good as a water change. I only have drip filters. Changing filter medium is a water change as well. Cheers people! Great video
Great video thanks for sharing! Totally agree, my plants love it and that moment you finish cleaning & watch your fish is the best time! tick the box for each tank good for the OCD 😉
Got a tank. Added plants after 3 days. Added fishes (6 neons) after 5 days. Added some more neons and 3 corys after one week. It's now running for 3 weeks and No2 and No3 are at 0. I suppose the plants and the algae in the tank really like those :D It's my first aquarium and everything in it is still alive :o
i have 8 tanks... 3 of mine are new enough that I test them fairly regularly. The others I test about every 3 or 4 days. Right now mine are all going about 3 weeks (or a little longer). I try to do the water changes before 3 weeks if I get time (or, of course, if the numbers look off). I have live plants which help a lot.
I'm on a well, but the water is awful (off the charts hard, smells like rotten eggs, and is sometimes orange)!!! I use giant bottles of water, but I use conditioner every time. We are looking at a reverse osmosis sytem. I know you don't normally need that, but with my well... i need something to make it useable. I really want to use a python so if I can get a spicket with RO water I can start using one instead of buckets and giant water bottles.
Just found this so a little late but this is such a good video. Doing regular partial water changes as described will greatly benefit your fish and plants and doing a good clean up of the glass etc will keep your tank looking sparkling and your fish healthy There is one old You tuber who sits in front of his murky tanks and tells 'never change water' I say ignore. Every body of water on earth is subjected naturally to water changes. If you want a really nice looking aquarium you need to work on it. Leaving things to 'nature' in an unnatural box of water is not a good idea. I mean here in the UK we are avid gardeners, we don't leave our gardens to nature, we dig plant, mow and admire. Do the same with working on your tank and see the difference would be my opinion.
The old UA-camr you are talking about never said NEVER do a water change, but that a water change is needed when there is a problem, too much nitrate is a problem, and to compensate for the evaporation is renewing the water. He has sponge filters in his aquariums, heaters, and lighting. Anyone has their own preferences, some like to dig and mow all the time, while others don't. First of all, it is a good thing to really listen to what people actually say instead of "ignoring" because we didn't. Then, of course, we must not take things for granted, but research and learn. By the way, I have a problem: my tank always has a concentration of 0 nitrates in the water column.
@@AlinefromToulouse Thanks for your reply. Firstly I'm 83 yrs old and ran my own aquatics business in the uk until I retired but I don't refer to myself as the 'father' of anything except my own daughters. The guy I am referring to has a video headed "stop changing water" and he has his methods but his problem is he doesn't accept others and continues to believe he's the only one in step. His dismissal of those in the industry who have grown and supported the hobby as " all they want to do is sell you their products" is indicative of all he stands for. My method gives me lovely aquariums in my home with lush manicured plants, healthy fish and gin clear water, others prefer different and it's their choice, just don't farm it off as the only way and don't disrespect those many businesses and enthusiasts who bring so much to the hobby. Have a good day and enjoy your aquariums.
Just come across the video and new sub here.I have a 220gl fresh water tank.Its been going for 20yrs now with lots of plants 10 Angle fish 3 kisses fish 3 Cory fish and just a couple other fish my placo is around 15yrs old and a few of the other fish are 10yrs old at least I have 2 filter systems a wet dry and a FX5 each month I just remove 40gls of water and clean just 1 filter system as I do water changes.I wait at least 1 month and repeat and clean the other filter system that way it gives each filter system to build up good bacteria.I only use RO water but each fish tank is different.The way I maintain my tank and filter systems may not work on someone's else's tank.But for me the way I do my filter systems and water changes has worked well for my tank for all these years.
Splendid video man, but most of the times I see that fishkeeping people like you forget that many more like me does not live in a hose but an apartment, so we do not have a yard to discharge the water to or our faucets can use the Phytin system, not matter how hard you try. So, you must develop a system for an apartment. In my case, I have four aquariums, two 75 Gallon (one with angels and the other with discuss) another one thirty-five gallons with angels bred here, an another one with a couple of discuss breeding) I use a RO unit installed close to the washing machine collecting the water in a 40-gallon trash can. From there I use a pump and a hose to the aquariums. To the take the water out I use a syphon to a 5-gallon bucket where I have a pump moving the water to the kitchen sink. I change the small tanks on Friday and alternatively the big ones Saturday and Sunday. In a high-rise apartment where you do not have much space, nor old faucet that can use the Phyton system and worse if you rent can make many modifications you must be creative...:). Keep the excellent work John, but keep in mind a lot of people live in apartments not such a nice house as you! Cheers
You guys are my bible when it comes to fish keeping. You got me back in the hobby during lockdown and now I have 5 tanks. Thank you. But 10ppm nitrate? I never heard a number so low. Tap water in my area is over 40ppm, hard to tell after that what the exact measure is. Even after I run it through an RO system it’s barely below 10ppm.
John….that is an excellent video. The tough part in a water change is getting your new water close to the water temperature in the tank. A few degrees one way or the other may shock your fish. Keep on keeping Awn 🙏😎
Just ran across this video, very informative. I just got into this hobby and I set a reminder on my phone calendar for weekly water change and my nitrates never go up, I only do about 25 to 30 percent.
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Excellent job
Nice.
I’m at a loss with my tank. No matter what I do it just keeps getting really dirty very fast. I have 4 black tetras and 1 zebra danios left. It’s a 37 gallon tank. White sand, one decoration, one tree. I’ve done a bacteria starter. I change water more often than I should have to, do to ammonia spikes, that I can’t control.
@@solemnfate white sand…
@@damiangrouse4564 yes?
Followed Father Fish channel, now I have deep substrate and heavily planted aquarium which houses 15+ fishes. Running without a water change for past 3 months. I test the quality every few days. Zero bad elements, I just do top up's when required.
All I have to do is add water when it evaporates and feed the fish
I’ve had bad luck with plants
@@MLR-jw5emI’d recommend getting a hood light that stimulates plant growth and getting some hardier species like java fern.
Heavily planted tanks usually eat nitrates away unless you are heavily over feeding. I've been using the same methods but I top off with RO water instead of conditioned tap.
I always feel I've done a Godly thing when I do water changes, I get a proud feeling of accomplishment and it makes me happy to see my fish happy, as always thanks for your videos.
I can relate it’s an amazing feeling when you see all that poop leave the tank and it’s clean
@@Jbayz are you high?
love this comment so much. My next water change day I’m totally gonna be going up to my tanks like.. don’t fret little ones, god is here to fix your world 😂🙏🏼
Same here. I feel happy that my fish are in healthier cleaner water.
Yes!! Especially once those levels settle (after the change)! Such a satisfying feeling to see my little buddies happy and loving their environment ☺️
I do water change weekly. And I'll tell you I always look forward to Saturdays for water change after the stressful weekdays work. Yeah, it's weirdly therapeutic and subtle fun 😁
Same for me haha
Totally agree! Lol
Same the vacuum makes it fun
Newbie here.
My fish used to be terrified when I vacuumed, now they huddle right up to see what goodies I might dredge up.
The fish swim right into the new fresh water so I must be doing something right.
True 😂
Dirty tank water is an awesome plant fertilizer. I do a 25% water change every two weeks, and I pour the water straight onto my potted plants and flower beds. Works great!
I hang a couple of potted plants on the back of my aquarium and the roots grow down into the water!
Same!
@@ohnothin2919 And same!
Same same. I like Lucky Bamboo as it grows up. If it gets too tall or sprawling you can just cut it back and you've got another plant to poke in your tank, or give to friend's or throwing the trash.
Same here! 👍
I just started getting into the hobby with my kids. We are definitely newbies and have a lot to learn. Got ourselves a 13 gallon tank and a few neon tetras to start it off with and all the basic equipment. Just subscribed to your channel. I've been watching a lot of fish channels on here, but I have to say you are doing an excellent job breaking down the basics for us newcomers. Clear and precise advice and direction. Making it so much easier and giving us hope that we can enjoy this hobby and not be totally overwhelmed by a lot of new info. I feel more confident about testing and water changes. Thanks, we'll be watching!
Cylcling with neons is brave. I hope some of them lived.
How's the neons?
I'm looking to get some neons soon - do you have any tips or things to look out for ?
Why is moss growing on my pla nts
@@barbararomero3088 it’s probably hair algae, too much light
Gardening and fish keeping go hand in hand. I change water every week when it's time to water the plants. My flowers are so pretty ^_^
No better feels than seeing your fish have vibrant colors and that sheen they get when they are happy with the water!!
This is the BEST dummy guide to doing aquarium water changes. No overtalking, no added BS, just simple and practical facts. Thank you so much for this!!!
Bought my first fish tank. Let it cycle through and tested it and now have some tiger barbs and gouramis. These videos have been incredibly helpful. Had no idea how much work went into this hobby but I'm enjoying every second! Thanks so much and keep up the great work!
As someone who very quickly and somewhat impulsively got an aquarium, every single one of my questions have been answered on your videos! Thank you thank you!!
I love this video, it makes so much sense! I recently discovered this info for myself. I've been avidly keeping fish (mostly bettas) since 2017, and always did bi-weekly 25% or 50% water changes religiously. I've always had live plants, and my tanks have all been heavily planted (they all look like crazy jungles at this point!), so my nitrate has always been super low. It hardly ever goes above 5ppm, but I was seeing so many people say that frequent water changes are mandatory or your fish WILL die, so I did the water changes anyway. Due to some health issues recently, there was a point where I was not able to do much maintenance at all for about a month. I was so paranoid that it would jack up my parameters, but to my surprise, the nitrate never changed. I would've done water changes had they been necessary, but since the parameters were good, I decided it was okay to relax. I had heard a couple people online talking about the less is more method of water changes, so I decided to try it and see what would happen. The longer I went without water changes, the healthier my plants were, and my fish actually seemed happier, they got so much more colorful! It's now been about 5 months since my last water change on any of my tanks (I have two 10 gallons, one 20 gallon, and a 7.5 gallon), and my parameters are all still stable, and my plants and fish are thriving! I still do regular filter maintenance (I have sponge filters) and top off the tanks when they need it, but otherwise it seems like the less I mess with the tanks, the better they do. I am planning on doing water changes this week though, because I use IAL in my tanks, and they get messy and leave this brown sludge at the bottom of the tank as the leaves break down. I know it's good for the fish, and my snails and shrimp do eat some of it, but it looks gross to me. But anyway, all of this to say that I agree with this video 100%; if your nitrates are high, do a water change. If they're not high, you can leave it. The more live plants you have, the more nitrates they consume, therefore less maintenance is required!
You have small tanks with no fish.
@@iHeartOiSkanks Not entirely true. The 7.5 gallon has one betta fish in it, and one of the 10 gallons has two bettas (divided, of course!) and one nerite snail, so yes, those tanks have very little bio-load. But the other 10 gallon tank I have is home to 4 clown killifish, 8 celestial pearl danios, 3 nerite snails, God knows how many "pest" snails, and about 40 shrimp. This tank has only had a parameter spike once after I had to medicate it and had a mini cycle crash. It was back to normal after about a week though, and has had perfect parameters ever since.
I am personally a person who needs a routine, weekly 50% water changes happen on all of my tanks at once. I find that if I try to do the test kits and wait I find myself forgetting which tanks have been tested and what tanks need what. So it is in the best interest of my sanity to just grab the python and go around changing all of the water every week. I turn on my favorite fish tubers and get it done.
How many tanks do you have ?
I'm pretty much the same. I only have one tank with fish (so far) but with a set schedule, I tend to forget less. The same day is my plant day.
I have 15 tanks with 1 inch mud capped with and and never do any water changes. Just don't feed the fish and the tank balances out. Plenty of plants. I have tanks years old now maintenance no feeding all self sustaining
How are you keeping your fish alive if you don't feed them? Please give me some tips.
What I did with multiple tanks is create a chart, (Color code) Blue tank, red tank, green, yellow, ect. stick/tape some kind of small colored tape on the outside of the tank (On one of the sides, toward the back, to make it somewhat discrete, if a small tape bothers you on the tank.) Mark the color tank when done on your chart, and you'll know what tank was done or not done.
WATER CONDITIONER IS BEYOND IMPORTANT!! I’ve owned and raised fish for 21 of my 26 years of life. This is such a important step. Lost so many fish in my beginning stages of learning fish care. I have a 13 year old koi now. He’s my homie. I also started doing water conditioners 13 years ago. Coincidence I think not lol. Kg is such a good platform for learning proper fish care!! Heck I’ve learned so much from them and I consider myself a expert. Thank you for your very valid opinions on the fish keeping industry guys!!
😂
I like that, “your water test tells you when to do a water change, not the rule book or friends.”
I’m visual learner, loved the animation…you should do more of these, going back to basic.
KGT you guys are brilliant! I love that you say truth's and are not afraid to upset the softer folk. I'm from the UK and your videos have been a life line. I'm new to the hobby and loving it all thanks to both of you. Good work, keep it up! Thank you!
Hear, hear. I am in the UK too. Shame we can't get the products they do.
What products are you talking about?
@@mariacollins What products can't you get here that they have?
I don’t have a tank yet but I was concerned about the maintenance. You make so much sense in your video. Thank you. I feel better and will go forward with my setup.
I am so glad I stumbled on this video. It was so helpful because my Nitrates got out of hand. My wife bought me an aquarium last August for my 55th birthday. She was against them but knew I wanted one. I’m in the learning stage with my eye on planning for a 50-60 gallon tank in a year or so. Thanks again!
This was very useful. I've been fishkeeping for 50 years and had always done water changes by schedule--25% to 35% every two weeks. The video inspired me to get a test kit and to my surprise, my nitrates were off the scale even after a water change even in a heavily planted tank. So now I've done six partial changes over a three day period and have the nitrate count down where it should be. Thanks for the advice.
Really love the animations! I'm 31 and have had aquariums for a long time and I still find it very educational! Well done!
Just purchased a used 30 gallon. I'm so happy I found your channel. I definitely needed the water change video.
Another GREAT video!! I love how you provide specific information and details in a no-nonsense approach. You definitely help make fish-keeping so fun, especially for us beginners!! Thank you so much for all the time you spend teaching and sharing your passion. 🤗
I Love everything about this, and you made me LOL with your candid/blunt style. My fish LOVE fresh, clean water and I Love to watch them play and rejoice in the stream as I add new water. So I don't wait for Nitrate. I do water changes weekly because, as you said, they're swimming and breathing in the Public pool!
This is such a great video! You hit all the important points & questions that new fish keepers ask. I am in several fish groups & am surprised at how many people who already have fish are unaware of the basics. The most important thing, as you said...every tank is different & everyone has different habits. Ok, you do a water change every week. You still need to test your water & see what it's telling you. Maybe you need to do a water change 3x a week. It's important to know what your own water is telling you.
If you've already done a video on this, I'm sorry. But another thing I see every single day is people's aquarium with almost no surface agitation & asking why their fish are at the top gasping for air. Maybe it's just me, but I don't care how big or small a tank is, I think they all need something besides the HoB filter. Air stone, sponge filter, wave maker...whatever. It's sad that people have to lose a fish before they realize this. I was one of those people, so no disrespect. You don't know what you don't know.
Anyway, thanks for the great videos! Love what you two do! Keep it up! 🙏🏻❤️🤘🏻
Hay I agree with you I love having quarium in fact I got one myself
Some fish don't like water movement. Clown loaches love moving water. But there's some other loaches that don't. Or some gouramis. They prefer still water. I learned the hard way that having a strong filter was too much for those fish and they needed softer flow. Just depends on the fish.
I'm brand new to this hobby and your videos have helped me a lot. I did killed about 10 neon tetras, but after looking at your videos, I have managed to keep one betta, 2 Cory's, 7 neon tetras and 4 snails and live plants....this its my 4th week.
Neons drop like flies in a new tank. You're better off starting with white cloud minnows or something.
@@danm8004 I’m pretty sure WCM and bettas are not compatible temperature wise, correct?
@@CBRboy1717 minnows can stress out if kept much over 25c, bettas don't like below 25. There's a narrow overlap
John this was just an excellent video that should be watched by every new fish keeper. I like all of your videos, but this one was exceptional. Very clear explanations of what to do and why you must do it. Also just super professional level of cinematography. The beta fish on the transition slides is just gorgeous. Five stars!
I love the way you explain things. Makes it so practical and illustrated. I've subscribed as I recently purchased my first fish aquarium 29 gallons and will be getting guppies, platies and mollies.
This video is so spot on. I tested my aquarium and determined I'd be going months before a water change is needed, but I do a 25% change once a week because it's an easy 15 min job and I love keeping it looking good without over cleaning
I get you. I've a 5 gallon that I do a weekly 30% change on, but I only do a 10% on my 20 gallon since its a bigger job.
I also do water changes, not because I really need it, but because I have chance to trim my plants. Because aquascaping takes more than 15 min, I go for 3-4 weeks maintenance schedule.
I'm from the Netherlands and i'm so happy we have one of the cleanest waters of the world.
I do a 80% water change every 7 days in my overstock mbuna tank. My tap water here in the U.K. has 40ppm nitrate, so I have to run the water thru a nitrate resin vessel that brings it down to zero before heating it overnight before it goes into the tank the next day . A lot of work , but big happy bright fish make it worthwhile 👍
Looks to me water changes is, somehow, a big deal to you, to reduce it you may look at the anoxic filtration proposed by Dr. Kevin Novak.
I still didn't use one yet (I discovered after I setup my 10 gallon) but as a big fan of undergravel filter (which I did on my tank) with plenum I found his channel.
I have 20 fish and a few plants and having nitrate at 25 ppm, still doing water changes weekly to get rid of the tannines (makes water brown) from a drift wood I added to the tank.
Thank you for this video. The breakdown of lowering nitrates makes perfect sense. This was very helpful!
I can watch water changing videos and fish care videos all day!!!! Loved this!
Hey John, I have 24 tanks between 10gal up to 125.
I test, test, test!
I might be the guy who feeds to much but my fish grow and are healthy.
The tanks are moderately to heavily planted and stocked.
I allow some tanks to reach 30-50ppm nitrates depending on the resident species.
I have a 750 gallon stock tank in my yard covered with mosquito netting.
I live in a temperate area and temps rarely freeze or above 80°F.
I collect rain during the rainy season, fall through spring. It tests 5.5 -6 pH.
Anyways, I add chemistry like mineral salts and dechlorinators when I have to fill with tap water to the stock tank and have large, 8" air stones.
I invested in a 6000gph submersible pump and 2" trunk line into 1/2" poly hoses into propane point of use hot water heaters from Ebay. From there I run hoses to my tanks.
My drain system is either a 500gph submersible pump and hose draining to the yard or commode, or 32 gallon trash cans on wheels with 360 gallon submersible pumps when I gravel vacuum.
I test about every 3-5 days.
Many tanks can run for 2 weeks on 50% water changes, some are at a week.
Basically I can completely 50% change all my aquariums in about 4 hours.
I'd like to plumb and valve them all for draining and filling and with pumps and flow rates, I'd like to whittle my time down to an hour.
Beast mode!
Keep up the good work.
You guys are awesome!! Love the humor bites and the occasional banter yet truly informative. We're total newbies, 2 1/2 gallon(no snickering) round tank 6 months now, a Betta and a Cory Catfish. Adding a second bigger tank in a few months. We want to thank you for all the helpful advice and entertainment too! Never boring.
I have a 55 gal African cichlid tank with 9 cichlids and 3 bristlenose plecos plus live plants. When the water level is down an inch or more I test and decide whether I need to do a water change. With the plants and plecos my tests reveal 0 across the 3 major tests; ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, so I just add water to fill the tank along with prime for the added water and a half dose of bacteria and my fish are very happy 😊
You guys are my favorite source for all things fish. Not my only source! But definitely my favorite. Love going back to the basics and just fleshing it out. Helps me know the Why of stuff and you make it in a way that’s easy to digest and teach others too. Keep up the great work!!
Another great video John! You kept the "why" and "how" simple to get the point across.
I've kept tanks for about 56 years and caught the dreaded MTS disease at an early age. There's a bit more reasons to replace old water but nitrates is a good guide and reason for most people. My old back just loves the Python, wish I bought one when I was younger LOL. I improved the ease of using it even further... My wife rolls it back up for me, makes her feel that she helps with our 21 tanks. 😁
I hope you see this, I’m commenting on a 6 month old video…. And I apologize for the log post I just want to give you all the information.
I have a 10 gallon tank and it’s been great for 3 months. Clear and clean. I do regular testing and weekly water changes as needed.
Recently I purchased a gravel cleaner and cleaned the gravel for the first time, removed 50% of the water (for the first time) usually I do 10-20% depending on the test results. Well, It’s been a week since that clean and my large rock decoration is now covered in a dark brown film (which I did scrub off two days ago and that didn’t help it came right back and the water stayed cloudy) one of my decorations has the paint coming off and my plants (fake ones) have the same brown film on it. (Could be algae but I thought algae was greener in color?) well my water is now newly cloudy with what looks like tiny tiny bubbles that won’t go away. I waited a week since that %50 water change hoping the filter would clear it up but it hasn’t, so today I did a 10% water change. My nitrite is 0, nitrate is 10, my ph is 8, total alkalinity is high 350, total hardness is 150 which is strange because we have well water and a whole house softener. (Thank you for the info about still needing a conditioner, just don’t know which to but there are so many kinds) if there is anything you can do to help me I would really appreciate it.
10 gallon tank (petsmart kit)
4 guppies, one bottom feeder, one dwarf frog
I have been feeding flakes twice a day for three months which doesn’t seem to feed them all enough so I’m hesitate to cut back but I’ll try anything to get my clear water back.
Thank you!!!!
Watching as I finish 6 of 6 tanks worth of water changes (420 gallons of tanks). Even though I know all this information, it’s like re-reading a favorite book. It’s also a good feeling to know I’m doing it right. Great info!
I think that is the one and ONLY explanation of water changes ever. Made TOTAL sense. VERY informative.
I’m new to fish keeping, and I literally paused and just ordered a test kit. Thank you so much🙏🏼
Nice to see a Tamil person everywhere! 😀 Happy fishkeeping!!
My friend wanted a betta. I told her she HAS to study Betta keeping before she buys. She HAS to get a test kit. She HAS to cycle the tank first. She has to KNOW what she's doing first. She ignored me and bought TWO, two separat, Bart adequate one gallon-no filter tanks. They were both dead the next morning.
I have a very large goldfish Tank and I find doing a weekly water change is as a good routine, keeps my fish parameters clean and thats healthy, and because its done so often it takes less time.
I use my extra large gravel vac, pond pump with corrigated tubbing, large plastic trash can and a kitchen 🧽 on the glass to remove algae.
Filter media gets rinsed and/or replaced when needed.
My goldfish are pretty huge so they are messy.
John excellent video as always. Enjoy your teaching of the crucial fundamentals of fishkeeping. Also enjoy your product reviews as you get time to see what's new. Thank you.
I've been watering my plants with my dirty tank water..... they love it!
Same here.
My wife and I just started fish keeping as a hobby to do together and do as a family activity with our kids. I was uncertain about going about a water change but this video has given me confidence to do it. Thank You!
Hi sir, thanks for this video. Makes perfect sense. I have a 10gal tank and have 20 small fishes. I do 30% water changes every 3 days. The fishes are happy!
Great video.
I always think l am a water treatment expert when l change water in my aquarium.
The fish are just a great bonus.
I have a 10 gal with 1 betta and live plants. My current routine includes a weekly water change (about 25ish%, usually Saturday mornings), with twice daily water testing (am/pm). My nitrate hovers at 10/20 throughout the week, and is only at 5 after that Saturday change. I like it that way-the fish seems happy. I find the maintenance to be therapeutic and rewarding.
I have 2 other empty tanks (5 & 10 gal) and haven’t decided what I’ll do with them just yet. But whatever I do, my goal is to have them on the same schedule just for sake of routine.
The zenith is to get to a point where you don't necessarily have to do water changes and your aquarium is completely balanced. I have a 15 gallon tank with 4 female bettas. Heavily planted, never any nitrates. The plants take care of everything. I still do water changes to replace the buffer, but if it was purely about nitrates, I would never have to do them on that tank.
I dream of a tank with dwarf gourami and shrimp. But 9-gallon one is with a thorichthys. Also cool, but more demanding in maintenance.
I've enjoyed both of your video's and have been helpful. I've lived and learned with the hobby. I only do a 50 to 75 every 2 weeks maybe one tank every 3. I have a 55 with 20 with a various sizes and species of African. The other is a 55 with 15 larger mubnas and a giant J acknowledged Dempsey. Never check levels just monitor the fish and so far so good after 8 years. My videos have been removed from cichlid clubs due to having various species together. So I dumped the club and share on the Tube. Be happy make sure your fish are happy and healthy and everyone else can pound dirt. Well John, always enjoy you guys and the best to you and yours!
I just bought my 4 yr old a Betta fish and he literally just loves following her as she moves around the room and gets so excited when she gets close and I swear he watches her in complete interest when she is drawing 😅 he don't eat much though which worries me
How many times do you feed him ?? Jist feed him 2 times a day and it shall increase its appetite.
This is the video I’ve been searching for!!! Thank you for the info. So much junk on UA-cam finally I know what to do to keep my fish safe.
I didn’t know this hobby was so complicated but you Made it easy today.
Ahh water changes, these used to be the bane of my existence. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get the nitrates below 40ppm. Then I realised that I lived in an area which started off with 30-40ppm nitrates in the water. I finally fixed that when I bought a nitrate filter. This hobby got so much better after that 😅
What brand nitrate filter did you buy? - how much did it cost?
@@SteveW84 my one came from Pozzani. I got it a few years ago so no idea of the cost but it’s currently £35 on their website.
after searching for answers, your video covers the basis on why, how, what, when! thank you so much.
I usually try to do a water change when I can’t see any fish in there because of the film on the glass, always amazes me that there’s still a few in there left
Nobody gets humor anymore 😂
Absolutely loved 🥰
My Fish 🐠 love their weekly water 💦 changes and I totally agree nothing is better than standing back and watching happy fish in beautiful clean tanks
Thanks so much. This is the best explanation I have seen, of water changes.
You did a great, job, do more videos, you are a good speaker, love the way you explain the facts of loving your fish, and how they need care .❤
John, You couldn't have covered this crutial topic any better. Thank you.
We have a pet bunny. In the winter time when traditional gardening isn’t possible here in NE, we use an aerogarden to grow greens for him to eat and use old tank water in the aero garden. The kale are greener and happier etc. Weekly water changes and water the houseplants at the same time too!
Carrying buckets is good exercise 😜
Relatable
Thanks John! I'd always done a water change every 3 to 4 weeks, no problem. All those fish warriors online promote weekly changes. Been doing that and losing a fish a week. Going back to what I know worked. Ill just test an hanger when needed.
Really good information, easy to understand- Thanks John💕👍
The plant fertilizer tip was cool
This is why I love this channel, even the "basics" vids have gems for experienced fish keepers 😎
Hey John here’s a question for you. When testing my 20 high that’s stocked moderately the nitrates run maybe 5 ppm it’s heavily planted which helps that but to me that water still would need a water change. how often would you do water changes on tanks that do sustain low nitrates because of the plants?
I think that depends on what your tank needs. If your plants/livestock mainly rely on your water to get the minerals they need (Ca, Mg etc.), then you need to test and figure out when you need to replenish those minerals. Otherwise you probably dont need to do a water change for a long time.
You guys have helped so much in our aquarium journey. The tips and advice are worth years of of trial and error. Thanks so much
Thank for this video, I finally get the whole cycle and what to look for when I’m testing my water! A least at a basic level lol 😂 Thank you !!!!
The way I determine if a water change is needed is measuring my Nitrates. If it is 10 ppm or higher I will do a 10-25% change. Or, if I see a sick fish, fungus or something else weird I will do a change. I also always add 1 Tbls per 10 gallons of aquarium salt to each water change. This Is low enough to not affect my plants but keeps the fish healthy and clears anything up that is going on with the fish. Lots of good info in this video, thank you.
I love my Python and really encourages me to do water changes😁😁😁
I have to do water changes every few weeks???? I thought you clean the tank when it started to look dirty. Hahahahaha I have been doing water changes like every six months. Have always had a hard time keeping fish. I have had a 50 gallon for years now. For the last year I have had 5 neon tetras and an algae eater in it. Any time I would add more neons they would die in 2 weeks and the originals would still be alive. I just today purchased 10 more Neons and two Chinese algae eaters. THIS is such good info in your video!!! A lightbulb went off in my head. Thanks! I was using test strips really only look at ammonia. Bought that test kit today so I can monitor the cycle. Looking forward to getting back into it again with this new found knowledge. My kids had fun today going to the fish store, and they are teenagers! Maybe there is hope! Thx
Doing water changes is the only workout I genuinely enjoy lol
Believe it or not, I had an aquarium for over 10 years and never did a water change. But I had a lot of plants that grew and were sold. I suctioned the bottom to clean it every few months and cleaned the water filter. About 20 neons tetras in a 40 litre tank. The fish were long lived. I'm not suggesting water changes aren't needed. This was a special case and worked for me.
Did water evaporate out? So you just refilled it regularly?
Gotta love a Dummies Guide 🐠
Father Fish on You Tube dirted tanks with sand cap plenty of plants system becomes fully balanced don't feed the fish I have tanks many years old big one small ones I don't touch the water perfect parameters fully sustained ecosystem self-feeding eventually at least matter out of the pond billions of beneficial bacteria
A do a weekly 10% water change in my 20g and good tip I found somewhere was to keep jugs of water equal to the amount I'm going to change out. It's been a major time saver! Especially when things got super hot and all of the water in my apartment came out of the tap really warm.
There is one downside to my routine, I had gotten a freshwater clam but it died after about a month and I'm assuming because I kept the water TOO clean for it to have anything to filter feed off of...
I’m a water keeper who happens to have fish swimming in my water 😊
When I had my 35 gal tank, I would do monthly 50% water change. As well as my new water would sit for two days to get room temp so not to shock the fish. Oh yea chemicals are so important !!!
One day I woke up to a pea soup - it turned out my tank was perfect and the algae took over ): I bought a UV light, and I had people ask if there was water in my tank, because it was so clear.
Love your vids 👍
Some local fish shops will test your water for free. When you are starting out, have them test your water regularly, so you know when ammonia starts to spike and you can learn the cycle
Growing up, I was one of the people that said “oh their ok without water changes that often” or “I don’t need to test my water my fish seem fine” just trust me, test your water and change it as needed and don’t put it off, you will be SOOOO much happier with your tank and so will your fish, water changes once a week WITH MY SETUP is actually one of the things that keeps the aggression down in my Mbuna cichlid tank, I test my water once a week and honestly I could change it every 2 weeks but I do a 50% water change every week for aggression
8:10 I do like 80-85% water out and refill once every 3 weeks to keep them safe and healthy. And yes you're very true, water change does differ from tank to tank. Like my elder brother's tank is one huge (10/6/6ft) keeping 7 fully grown Oscars, 2 fully grown veltailed parrots, 2 fully grown pirhanas with tons of filters etc. So he does like once in 2 month. And yes water conditioners must be using as per guidelines after each change.
You the best getting to the point on keeping fish. Thanks
Great tutorial easy to watch, one question, if you use the python system straight from the tap ... am i right to think you add the water conditioner to the old water before the chlorinated water hits the tank? Does that work out the same as if you had added it to the new water before adding to the tank??
Thoroughly enjoyed that blog… awesome… I’ve been in the hobby for 6 months and learning fast … of course I have subscribed… I live in HK and British …. Have a 100 gallon tank with Cichlids, tiger barbs, tin foil barbs, a Paroon shark, several Placos, Bala Shards etc … a bit overstocked but will move on to a 200 gallons very soon
This is sound honest advice. I kept marine fish for years. The saying goes like this..."you don't keep fish you keep water" 👍
I age my water in a 50 gallon drum w an aerator. I dont use water conditioner aerating the water removes chlorine and fish have been fine all 7 tanks wo it. Im of the opinion cleaning the mechanical filtrate is as good as a water change. I only have drip filters. Changing filter medium is a water change as well. Cheers people! Great video
Great video thanks for sharing! Totally agree, my plants love it and that moment you finish cleaning & watch your fish is the best time! tick the box for each tank good for the OCD 😉
Well done John! Very well explained for all levels of aquarists…
Got a tank. Added plants after 3 days. Added fishes (6 neons) after 5 days. Added some more neons and 3 corys after one week. It's now running for 3 weeks and No2 and No3 are at 0. I suppose the plants and the algae in the tank really like those :D
It's my first aquarium and everything in it is still alive :o
You’re exactly right. Water changes are therapeutic. Can’t explain why.. it just is.
i have 8 tanks... 3 of mine are new enough that I test them fairly regularly. The others I test about every 3 or 4 days. Right now mine are all going about 3 weeks (or a little longer). I try to do the water changes before 3 weeks if I get time (or, of course, if the numbers look off). I have live plants which help a lot.
I'm on a well, but the water is awful (off the charts hard, smells like rotten eggs, and is sometimes orange)!!! I use giant bottles of water, but I use conditioner every time. We are looking at a reverse osmosis sytem. I know you don't normally need that, but with my well... i need something to make it useable. I really want to use a python so if I can get a spicket with RO water I can start using one instead of buckets and giant water bottles.
Thanks for the very descriptive explanation of Nitrate and Amonia. This is a dumby's guide and this dumby finally got it. THANK YOU 🧡
Just found this so a little late but this is such a good video. Doing regular partial water changes as described will greatly benefit your fish and plants and doing a good clean up of the glass etc will keep your tank looking sparkling and your fish healthy
There is one old You tuber who sits in front of his murky tanks and tells 'never change water' I say ignore.
Every body of water on earth is subjected naturally to water changes.
If you want a really nice looking aquarium you need to work on it. Leaving things to 'nature' in an unnatural box of water is not a good idea. I mean here in the UK we are avid gardeners, we don't leave our gardens to nature, we dig plant, mow and admire. Do the same with working on your tank and see the difference would be my opinion.
The old UA-camr you are talking about never said NEVER do a water change, but that a water change is needed when there is a problem, too much nitrate is a problem, and to compensate for the evaporation is renewing the water. He has sponge filters in his aquariums, heaters, and lighting.
Anyone has their own preferences, some like to dig and mow all the time, while others don't.
First of all, it is a good thing to really listen to what people actually say instead of "ignoring" because we didn't. Then, of course, we must not take things for granted, but research and learn.
By the way, I have a problem: my tank always has a concentration of 0 nitrates in the water column.
@@AlinefromToulouse Thanks for your reply. Firstly I'm 83 yrs old and ran my own aquatics business in the uk until I retired but I don't refer to myself as the 'father' of anything except my own daughters. The guy I am referring to has a video headed "stop changing water" and he has his methods but his problem is he doesn't accept others and continues to believe he's the only one in step. His dismissal of those in the industry who have grown and supported the hobby as " all they want to do is sell you their products" is indicative of all he stands for. My method gives me lovely aquariums in my home with lush manicured plants, healthy fish and gin clear water, others prefer different and it's their choice, just don't farm it off as the only way and don't disrespect those many businesses and enthusiasts who bring so much to the hobby. Have a good day and enjoy your aquariums.
Just come across the video and new sub here.I have a 220gl fresh water tank.Its been going for 20yrs now with lots of plants 10 Angle fish 3 kisses fish 3 Cory fish and just a couple other fish my placo is around 15yrs old and a few of the other fish are 10yrs old at least I have 2 filter systems a wet dry and a FX5 each month I just remove 40gls of water and clean just 1 filter system as I do water changes.I wait at least 1 month and repeat and clean the other filter system that way it gives each filter system to build up good bacteria.I only use RO water but each fish tank is different.The way I maintain my tank and filter systems may not work on someone's else's tank.But for me the way I do my filter systems and water changes has worked well for my tank for all these years.
Splendid video man, but most of the times I see that fishkeeping people like you forget that many more like me does not live in a hose but an apartment, so we do not have a yard to discharge the water to or our faucets can use the Phytin system, not matter how hard you try. So, you must develop a system for an apartment. In my case, I have four aquariums, two 75 Gallon (one with angels and the other with discuss) another one thirty-five gallons with angels bred here, an another one with a couple of discuss breeding) I use a RO unit installed close to the washing machine collecting the water in a 40-gallon trash can. From there I use a pump and a hose to the aquariums. To the take the water out I use a syphon to a 5-gallon bucket where I have a pump moving the water to the kitchen sink. I change the small tanks on Friday and alternatively the big ones Saturday and Sunday. In a high-rise apartment where you do not have much space, nor old faucet that can use the Phyton system and worse if you rent can make many modifications you must be creative...:). Keep the excellent work John, but keep in mind a lot of people live in apartments not such a nice house as you! Cheers
Look up Father Fish dirty tanks on UA-cam it'll change your life no more water changes no maintenance hardly ever
You guys are my bible when it comes to fish keeping. You got me back in the hobby during lockdown and now I have 5 tanks. Thank you.
But 10ppm nitrate? I never heard a number so low. Tap water in my area is over 40ppm, hard to tell after that what the exact measure is. Even after I run it through an RO system it’s barely below 10ppm.
I just started two Aquariums a 10 gallon and a 24 gallon and your video was very helpful thanks for sharing
Excellent video John. Even though I have been a fish keeper for a couple of years, it doesn't hurt to be reminded about the basics. 👍👍
You guys help me out tons taking care of my fish and making this hobby enjoyable. Thank you
John….that is an excellent video. The tough part in a water change is getting
your new water close to the water temperature in the tank. A few degrees one way
or the other may shock your fish. Keep on keeping Awn 🙏😎
Just ran across this video, very informative. I just got into this hobby and I set a reminder on my phone calendar for weekly water change and my nitrates never go up, I only do about 25 to 30 percent.
I like this guy, it’s a good guide