Just started your aquarium journey...Do you love it yet?? Share your experience below and dont forget to Subscribe ua-cam.com/channels/iEPmLfXBGeiHiCn4HVtS5w.html
I've just started fish keeping. I have a veiltail betta, and I'm so glad that I didn't listen to the shop owner when he told me that the nanotank, dechlorunator, acrylic scrubber, and food was all I needed. I included a larger tank (5gal) and aerator and filter as a mist for mine. I'm not anywhere near as experienced as you, but I'm having a great time already with my fish.
Thank you so much for posting these videos. I made the beginner mistake of getting fish on the same day as the tank and decor. I'm now going through your videos and better preparing so my future fish will have a happy life and I can learn from my mistakes. Fingers crossed!
All of your videos are so helpful, even going back to 3 years ago its always very clear. Audio, video, editing have all gotten better over these 3 years as well. Well done all around and thanks for all the help.
Just wanted to reach out and say thank you Kevin. I just got a red eared slider turtle in a 75 Gallon tank and all your videos have been super helpful in getting me started and understanding the dos and don'ts. From setting up and cleaning the FX6, to understanding the nitrogen cycle, setting up wavemakers, etc. You rock and thank you.
Just wanted to shout out a massive thank you to you! I’ve watched ALL (🤣) of your videos which have really helped me with my first tank set up. I’ve got 2 x German Blue Rams now going strong! You rock!
1st of all. Sempre Fi!.............................2/5 1st mar div.(me) (caught a plaque or something on wall in another vid. that let meknow u picked up a weapon and stood a post)50 yr aquariust. didn't know squat till 1 yr ago. used to have to read books last time i tried to get over-informed. tripped over your vids. 1st one being the how to clean canister and the order of media trays/media per the flow direction. Your 100% corect and your other vids are spot on. I appreciate your vids very much. Keep the Cave-light on!
Love this! This is exactly what my friend needs. I will send it to her. Her fish are always dying and she doesn’t know why. She just keeps buying new ones. She definitely needs to see this.
Wont sugar coat it, Im working my way to 1,000 Subscribers. If you enjoyed the content and found it informative please consider subscribing. The support is highly appreciated. Thanks in Advance! Subscribe here -ua-cam.com/channels/iEPmLfXBGeiHiCn4HVtS5w.html
Been watching all your videos to refamiliarize myself with aquatic etiquette. Great information! I enjoy that you repeat many of the basic but IMPORTANT points through all your videos. Soon as I get a stand to put my 55 gallon on I will restart my journey!
@@TheMrVerified 55 is the bare min size for african cichlids, I’d say start out with about 5-10 juveniles and monitor their aggression. Adding more will curb their aggression but keep in mind they grow fast and you may need to upgrade tanks soon.
Love your videos, great information and very helpful!! We are setting up our first tank today, a 20 gallon. Thanks for saving many 🐠 because I would have added them the same day. Excited to start this new hobby (we are empty nesters) and learn more. The Smiths
I was a lost soul but as I watch your videos and father fish and kgtropicals I got this down pack lol😂 Now I can sit back and enjoy my bettas and guppies I started out with one and now I have three ❤❤❤
I bought a tank on sale for $930. I went back to the store today and the same tank is $1500! My chic didn't complain anymore. I just bought and applied dechlorinator and water purifier. Feeling confident 😂
Thanks for all your help, I'm new at this, I wish I had this info 8 months ago. I just lost all my fish to ammonia poisoning and didn't know it till now. Gotta start over from scratch the correct way. I'm going to be following you for sure!!!
Sorry for that loss but many of us learn the hard way, myself included. Glad you found the channel now though 😊 I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
LIFER for sure.. I just purchased another Red Devil yesterday, I only went for Brin Shrimp for the kiddos and seen her, had to have her. That makes 6 Firemouth 2 Dempsey and 2 Red Devil.....Great Video Kev....
I would call myself a newbie to the hobby because I started with just having a beta fish because I was so afraid of killing fish. Over the past 6 months I got into adding guppy’s and tetra fish. After every water change I was loosing at least two fish. I recently added a better filter and a heater. I learned through watching your videos that doing a full water change is not good and probably the reason I was losing fish by not doing it gradually. I also took my 20gal top off and purchased a Hygger HG -957 led light two days ago. The white light is set at 40% for two hrs and the blue light is set at 60% for 6hrs that comes on at night around 8pm. I use sand as my substrate but am thinking about going to a bare bottom. How do you feel about bare bottoms and why? I do have two live plants in my tank with a newly purchased bubble filter. I have learned so much from watching your videos and hope to get my tank as clear as yours are real soon.
Your great, I’m a newbie and don’t now much about fish keeping, so keep up the good work as us newbie’s always go back to all your first video’s I thought I could get a tank and just put fish in it, now I’m thinking omgoodness what am I getting myself into, anyway when I bought the tank I fell in love with a 60 litre Hexagon, thank goodness I didn’t buy the big one with the cabinet, I will see how I go with your help and if I’m really into it then I can go bigger, thank for all your help, hugs Julie x ( from the uk )
Awesome videos! I'm a newbie and waiting on my 20 gallon tank to cycle with live plants. I was only adding water when it dehydrated to bring it back up to tank level. I just added tap water directly rather than dechlorinating the water in a sterile bucket first. Thank you for this tip! Also, thank you for the recommendations on starter fish.
Thanks! I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Also can I catch any of the parasites or dangerous things from touching the fish water? I wash my hands well before and after but still I'm paranoid about that now😆
I watch alot of your videos and they are all very educational. I see that the battery back up below is for 29 gallon only. What is recommended for a 75 gallon canister filter? Do you lose all your bacteria? These back up units are just bubblers . I'm trying to figure out what exactly to get. You recommended me the floval canister filter. I'm not sure how it works for angelfish though . As you know that they don't like alot of flow.
So so happy I found you❤ Thank you!! I think our baby gold fish might die. The ammonia levels are at harmful levels. I am still trying to figure out what to do. We got him a couple weeks ago at the fair. He's currently in a 10 gallon and I'm buying a 55 gallon soon so I can add a friend or two and because I know in general he'll need more space asap. I did water change and did that all properly and still high ammonia. Someone help🙏 Please no judgment. I really enjoy this and want to learn. He went directly in his new tank because he was dying. I added all the proper things and the fish store said he'll be okay and so far he is it's just now the ammonia levels are stressing me out and I'm guessing him. He seems happy and fine but idk. Also I can't get the foggy look to go away🥺
i love your videos! straight to the point very informing i just got a old 55 gallon restoring it to its beauty following your videos for the best ever advise next to watch which is best for me gravel or sand
You are awesome Kev! Ur videos are simplified. I would've been lost establishing a ciclid tank had I not watched your videos. Please link a heater u would recommend for my 55gal tank mbuna ciclid tank. Thank u so much!
Thanks bro, glad you are finding the videos helpful! I have a great video on heaters, also has some links to great heaters in the description...check it out - ua-cam.com/video/TsAC8iN_y1c/v-deo.html
Good video but as a new person to the hobby people should include a setup of a quarintine tank as well when starting up with a new fish tank. I have never seen anyone inform people of this when getting into the hobby. Surprissing since its so important.
Love your channel so informative for a newbie like me, I had to subscribe. One quick question. I recently started my new tank 3 days ago. I have a sponge modified filter, aquaclear 70 filter, and a wave maker in a 36 gal. I bought and used Seachem prime and stability yesterday. I also dropped a small bit of fish food inside. The tank water is getting a little bit cloudy now. When can I do my first water change? I’ve been testing the water with the master kit. It’s barely showing any ammonia and nitrate levels yet. Sorry for the long essay lol any info helps. Thanks Kev!
Thanks bro, glad you're enjoying the channel. No water change while the tank cycles...let it do its thing. when you reach 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and little nitrates then you can water change and add fish. I have a playlist for beginners that will be very helpful for you, check it out - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
you have done a good job informing the hobbyist like me however I'm starting a new tank and i've haven't seen a video on watts in lighting . high or low tanks make a difference , volume , plants or no plants . I guessed on my other 2 tanks and I still don't know if I got it right . Keep up the good work , I'm watching .
Hey Kevin. I've been watching . I've been a fish keeper 50 years. I'm trying to help my friend with her new tank . Have a hard time with fish death. Its sad . I've got suitability order for will get it tomorrow.
Great video series. We are very happy we found them while researching. Question: we have a reverse osmosis filter system in our home. Can that water be used during regular scheduled water changes?
I have had tanks since i was 4 years old. My dad got us a 75Gallon as our first tank. I got it when i got married the first time and lost it in the divorce. Then i got married again and got a 120 gallon well that one went in the 2nd divorce, Well eight years have come and gone and my new wife LMAO got me a 220 Gallon. All i know is the tank is coming with me lol but i am thanking you for the knowledge from your videos. Helping me with things i forgot and the things i did not know.
Man I wish I found this before I started my aquarium I have lost so many fish and so much money its been a big bummer all because I didn't learn the nitrogen cycle 😞
Thank you for the great tips. I have 2 questions though. What should I do if my room temperature is between 80 to 90 F in the summer? 2nd, Why when I test my new aquarium water by API test kit, I get zero ammonia, zero Nitrite, and very high Nitrate (above 150)? What kind of fish do you recommend for my tank based on the temperature? Thank you again
Can you make a video on Betta fish. Because I have one and recently put him in my other tank with my other fish just to see his reaction. They are getting along great. Idk. You tell me.
Love your videos they help a lot but can't deal with that music while you talk . And what do I do at the start of a malawi set up if I havnt got previous water ? Do you have a video for starting your water cycle brand new ?
This is one of my very early videos, my editing has improved since then lol Try this one for cyclying your tank quickly even with fish in the tank - ua-cam.com/video/gt6bP4_p7iA/v-deo.html
Question? If i have a 75 gallon tank thatz been running for about a year,an i wanna move all the fish from it to a 125 gallon, would it be safe to move them immediately,if i put new sand in the 125,but the same decor, sponge filter,and hang on the back filter to the 125? Would that be enough to cylce the 125 immediately? An safe to put fish in? The same everything from tha 75 to the 125,only thing be different would be the sand and adding a Fx6
Absolutely! Your fish will actually prefer that. And your water will stay cleaner and clearer. The lights we use on our tanks only benefit is so we can see the tank, but it doesn’t benefit the fish.
I am brand new to this and am setting up my tank. I bought a “safe start” chemical. Is that enough for the cycle or should I also buy the dechlorinator?
Hey Kaveman I just upgraded my tank to 50 gallons I put my gravel in without rinsing added water and treated it with prime and stability u think I would have problems with gravel?
KaveMan, my pond fish, which need to be moved inside are sort of large goldfish, they look like koi. Will I need a heater for them? Will the pleco get along with them?
I've been watching your videos and wanted to get your advise. I only have room right now for a very small tank. I got a 3 gallon one. What kind & how many fish can i keep in it? I would like to eventually upgrade to a bigger tank. TY in advance.
To late I'm in too far . I have a 150 gallon and don't know what to do with it . I have sand for substrate , fx6 and Tidal 110 filters , and Texas holey honeycomb rock . Need your help you have given me great advice so far . I'll take my chances on you .
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
@@KaveManAquatics yeah i already watched and checked it and it was really helpful. It helps me understand how it works and what should i do to make my tank clean and making sure that my fishes are also safe at the same time.
So I was the one newbie who got the tank filled it up put a power head on it and dechlorinated water and put my fish in 🥲 I got plants, plenty of them but they died, I've had it for about a month already, listening to you I kind of feel like maybe they will die so I'm scared. Is the power head enough or shall I get another filter system ?
A power head alone will not filter your tank. You do need a filter as well. I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
I have tons of tips 🤣 Here's a good one - ua-cam.com/video/tTSGJm9wyco/v-deo.html But I also highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Looks like I messed u already. I got a used 48 gallon tank for free from my family. They told me just fill it with water. then the next day add the water filter (200) and then a few hours later add Hearty Fish (little tiny fish that swim in schools) (get 5 of them). Which I did. right now they are living but they like to stay near the top. The water temp is 77 degrees. Are these fish going to due soon? How I test the water?
I got 5 gold fish today. I filled up the tank added API in about 1.5 hrs I put the fish. 3 hrs later all died. I guess I did something terribly wrong 😢
@@KaveManAquatics finally found your tank cycled videos lol you broke it down well dude! Cory at Co op Aquatics and you break info down well. It's bit confusing understanding nitrite/ nitrate however I think I get it lol thanks brother 👊🏽
Hi! Just watched most of your videos, but I have a few questions. I know you talk about wave makers, but what about power heads? I’m not sure sure if I will be using sand or gravel, but if I use gravel I have an under gravel filter. Wouldn’t’t a power head be better for that filter? Can both a wave maker and power head be used at the same time? I probably will use a HOB filter too. I have a 55 gal that I am restarting, but so confused with what I should use from gravel to filters... please help!
under gravel filters work but are very "old school", you'd be better off with a nice size HOB for your 55, check this one out - amzn.to/2GfDdyU Power heads work well for surface agitation but I prefer wave makers for their ability to create great water movement. But yes you can use both if you like as well 😊
Hey Bro how you doing... I’m brand new to this hobby and I’m loving it. I bought an 8 gallon tank and I have it running and everything. I have a sponge filter I modified ( it was tricky idk if I did it right), I have a glo female betta, 3 neon tetras, 3 moonrise glo tetras, 3 glo danios and an otocinclus.. is my tank overstocked?
KaveMan Aquatics yeah I thought so too, uhm I have the tank filter which is integrated with the tank and the new sponge filter I got from Amazon after I watched your video on that filter. What do you mean turning the tank over 3-5 times per hour i don’t get that part
jose4444 When all the tank water goes through the filter and back into tank that is a “turn over” Filters are rated by gallons/hour. So if you have a filter that is 10g/hour. It will turn over a 10g tank one time per hour.
KaveMan Aquatics big kev.. one question bro, I’m thinking of getting a 20 gallon tank as well, do I just put my sponge filter I have in right now in the new tank and put tap water and add the conditioner and bacteria before transferring fishes from one tank to another? And how many fishes can I put in a 20 gallon tank, thanks for your help
@@jose4444 Yup, thats exactly how you would do it! make sure you add dechlorinator to the water before transfering over your sponge filter so you wont kill any good bacteria. A 20 gallon can have about 5-10 fish...the rule is 1" per gallon...so bigger the fish means less fish
Nice!! I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Hi Kave, im starting a new tank and started cycling the tank using seachem stability, following the recommended dosing instructions for 7 days, there is also fish in it, can i feed my fish while cycling the tank?
You should also be adding prime to detoxify any ammonia in the tank making it safe for the fish. If you do feed it has to be very little food...I mean VERY little. Food is going to lead to more ammonia, but theres a fine line. You need ammonia for your tank to cycle but since you have fish in you dont want too much ammonia. So feed VERY VERY little 😊
@@KaveManAquatics My current reading on my 3rd day is 0.25 ammonia, 0.25 nitrite, 5 nitrate and im doing daily 25% water changes. Is this normal? Should i keep doing 25% water changes until 0 ammonia and 0 Nitrite? And yes i am using seachem prime too. I test my water after 24hrs of adding prime.
No, no more water changes. Thats why your tank hasnt cycled yet. you are disturbing the fragile amount of bacteria you have. 0 water changes until you reach about 40PPM of nitrate. Until then continue dosing with prime and stability. This video should be helpful as well - ua-cam.com/video/gt6bP4_p7iA/v-deo.html
Alonza Walker Thats a perfect temp. I stay between 80-82 depending on how aggressive they are. 82 is better to avoid parasites and catching disease but they get roudy sometimes lol so I slowly drop it to 80 over 2 days and they settle down.
Thanks I have watched some of your videos and they are very helpful I know a lil about the hobby but still learning I have a 75 gallon with 2 fx4 canister on it...I need to gain more info on how to do water changes with the products I use...Safe,prime stress guard, malawi buffer and cichlid salt... with the salt and buffer I don't know if putting in right amount
Alonza Walker Go by the dosage amounts on the bottle and only calculate for the amount of water you replace. Buffer and salts don’t evaporate so only add amounts for new water, not the whole tank.
@@KaveManAquatics thanks appreciate the info.. im in North Carolina and I will be getting some fish from Coastal cichlids... keep doing what you doing I'm learning a lot more from your videos
I have to say that the "common" Pleco is definitely NOT a beginner fish in my opinion. They are mass waste producers and will cause more problems then anything for the beginner.
When they're small they're fine...By the time they become monsters a beginner has learned the ropes already lol. I actually like the bristlenose pleco as they only grow to about 5-6"
I got mine from the local fish store, honestly don’t even remember what it’s called anymore lol But I also mixed in some crushed coral to the sand to help buffer my water and raise the PH.
It needs more time if you still have nitrite. you can use seachem Stability to help boost your cycle - amzn.to/2J7tjAV Then watch my playlist made for beginners 😊 ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Great question...generally you’d want to start with a bigger tank for cichlids. They grow quick and like a lot of swimming space. Even if you wanted to “overstock” the tank to keep aggression down I wouldn’t go more than 10. You’ll have to upgrade the tank soon after that...
5 at a time is a good number. Add too many at one time could cause an ammonia spike because there isn’t enough bacteria to handle that much of an increase in bio-load. With 5 at a time you give your bacteria time to catch up 😊
Just started your aquarium journey...Do you love it yet?? Share your experience below and dont forget to Subscribe ua-cam.com/channels/iEPmLfXBGeiHiCn4HVtS5w.html
I've just started fish keeping. I have a veiltail betta, and I'm so glad that I didn't listen to the shop owner when he told me that the nanotank, dechlorunator, acrylic scrubber, and food was all I needed. I included a larger tank (5gal) and aerator and filter as a mist for mine. I'm not anywhere near as experienced as you, but I'm having a great time already with my fish.
I’ve been watching your videos all day ,and have learned so much, very informative,unlike other people who give bad advice,thank you.🇨🇦🇨🇦
Awesome! Glad you’re finding the videos helpful all the way in Canada! 😊💪
Little over a year into the hobby, turned into a lifer with 5 tanks 😂❤ thanks kev came back for the basics 😎🫡
6:26 "Maybe one day you and i will reach this level of aquarist" lol spoke it into existence
You got that right my bro! 😁💪
Thank you so much for posting these videos. I made the beginner mistake of getting fish on the same day as the tank and decor. I'm now going through your videos and better preparing so my future fish will have a happy life and I can learn from my mistakes. Fingers crossed!
I like the fact you mentioned about battery operated air pump. It's very important when it comes to power outage.
San Thavaraja Thanks, actually planning an entire video on the subject in the next few weeks...keep an eye out for it 😊
All of your videos are so helpful, even going back to 3 years ago its always very clear. Audio, video, editing have all gotten better over these 3 years as well. Well done all around and thanks for all the help.
My pleasure! Thank you for sticking with me through the growth! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
An oxydator with peroxide is also a good backup insurance if there is a power problem. Also a good addition for more clarity of the water
Just wanted to reach out and say thank you Kevin. I just got a red eared slider turtle in a 75 Gallon tank and all your videos have been super helpful in getting me started and understanding the dos and don'ts. From setting up and cleaning the FX6, to understanding the nitrogen cycle, setting up wavemakers, etc. You rock and thank you.
My pleasure bro! Thank you for that positive feedback...Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Just wanted to shout out a massive thank you to you! I’ve watched ALL (🤣) of your videos which have really helped me with my first tank set up. I’ve got 2 x German Blue Rams now going strong! You rock!
Thank you so much! Glad to hear you're enjoying the channel and finding it helpful! 😁💪
1st of all. Sempre Fi!.............................2/5 1st mar div.(me) (caught a plaque or something on wall in another vid. that let meknow u picked up a weapon and stood a post)50 yr aquariust. didn't know squat till 1 yr ago. used to have to read books last time i tried to get over-informed. tripped over your vids. 1st one being the how to clean canister and the order of media trays/media per the flow direction. Your 100% corect and your other vids are spot on. I appreciate your vids very much. Keep the Cave-light on!
Thank you sir! I appreciate the positive feedback from Veterans of the hobby and Veterans in general! Glad to hear you've been enjoying the channel. 💪
Thank you this is just what I needed to hear thank you so much 😊 😊😊
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. You should also check out my new App that can also be very helpful for you! 😊 - aquabuildr.com
You make the very best informative and helpful videos. Thank you.
My pleasure! Glad you like them! 😊
Love this! This is exactly what my friend needs. I will send it to her. Her fish are always dying and she doesn’t know why. She just keeps buying new ones. She definitely needs to see this.
Jogajord Glad I can help! Be sure to tell your friend to subscribe! 😊
From England. Catching up on new and old vids of yours. Fairly experienced but always picking up new hints and tips. Cheers bro 👍🏽
Awesome, thank you!
Wont sugar coat it, Im working my way to 1,000 Subscribers. If you enjoyed the content and found it informative please consider subscribing. The support is highly appreciated. Thanks in Advance!
Subscribe here -ua-cam.com/channels/iEPmLfXBGeiHiCn4HVtS5w.html
I was so hype to add my fish I never waited for a cycle...wrong move! Wish I had this video way back when lol 👍
Gabriel Lopez I think we all do it in the beginning lol
Been watching all your videos to refamiliarize myself with aquatic etiquette. Great information! I enjoy that you repeat many of the basic but IMPORTANT points through all your videos. Soon as I get a stand to put my 55 gallon on I will restart my journey!
Awesome, thank you! Glad you're finding the info helpful! 😊
@@KaveManAquatics Out of curiosity, how many fish should I start out with? I want to do a Cichlid tank, but at what rate should I add fish?
@@TheMrVerified 55 is the bare min size for african cichlids, I’d say start out with about 5-10 juveniles and monitor their aggression. Adding more will curb their aggression but keep in mind they grow fast and you may need to upgrade tanks soon.
Love your videos, great information and very helpful!! We are setting up our first tank today, a 20 gallon. Thanks for saving many 🐠 because I would have added them the same day. Excited to start this new hobby (we are empty nesters) and learn more. The Smiths
Love your channel. Subscribed. 🙏
Awesome, thank you! 😁
I was a lost soul but as I watch your videos and father fish and kgtropicals I got this down pack lol😂
Now I can sit back and enjoy my bettas and guppies
I started out with one and now I have three ❤❤❤
Glad we were able to help!! 😁💪
I bought a tank on sale for $930. I went back to the store today and the same tank is $1500! My chic didn't complain anymore. I just bought and applied dechlorinator and water purifier. Feeling confident 😂
NICE!!! 💪💪💪
Thanks for all your help, I'm new at this, I wish I had this info 8 months ago. I just lost all my fish to ammonia poisoning and didn't know it till now. Gotta start over from scratch the correct way. I'm going to be following you for sure!!!
Sorry for that loss but many of us learn the hard way, myself included. Glad you found the channel now though 😊 I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Thank you my Friend, everything was helpful.
LIFER for sure.. I just purchased another Red Devil yesterday, I only went for Brin Shrimp for the kiddos and seen her, had to have her. That makes 6 Firemouth 2 Dempsey and 2 Red Devil.....Great Video Kev....
Yea you’re definitely a lifer bud lol
After setting mine up today as a beginner I stumbled on your video but am super excited. Did not even cycle my tank 😢am so worried
Dont worry, just do this and your fish will be fine 😊 - ua-cam.com/video/9Cuqylaak3E/v-deo.html
I would call myself a newbie to the hobby because I started with just having a beta fish because I was so afraid of killing fish. Over the past 6 months I got into adding guppy’s and tetra fish. After every water change I was loosing at least two fish. I recently added a better filter and a heater. I learned through watching your videos that doing a full water change is not good and probably the reason I was losing fish by not doing it gradually. I also took my 20gal top off and purchased a Hygger HG -957 led light two days ago. The white light is set at 40% for two hrs and the blue light is set at 60% for 6hrs that comes on at night around 8pm. I use sand as my substrate but am thinking about going to a bare bottom. How do you feel about bare bottoms and why? I do have two live plants in my tank with a newly purchased bubble filter. I have learned so much from watching your videos and hope to get my tank as clear as yours are real soon.
man this was the video i needed to see gr8 content and info bro....keep at it!!!
Kevin Richards Thanks Man! Glad I could help! 😊
Great knowledge of his hobby I’ve learned exactly what I needed thank you.
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Your great, I’m a newbie and don’t now much about fish keeping, so keep up the good work as us newbie’s always go back to all your first video’s I thought I could get a tank and just put fish in it, now I’m thinking omgoodness what am I getting myself into, anyway when I bought the tank I fell in love with a 60 litre Hexagon, thank goodness I didn’t buy the big one with the cabinet, I will see how I go with your help and if I’m really into it then I can go bigger, thank for all your help, hugs Julie x ( from the uk )
Thank you so much Julie, glad you’ve been finding the channel helpful. Welcome to the hobby, you’ve definitely come to the right channel 😁
Awesome videos! I'm a newbie and waiting on my 20 gallon tank to cycle with live plants. I was only adding water when it dehydrated to bring it back up to tank level. I just added tap water directly rather than dechlorinating the water in a sterile bucket first. Thank you for this tip! Also, thank you for the recommendations on starter fish.
Yo wassup MAN what happened to yo fish and did yuh quit YUH!!
Hi I like the way u explain everything I have a lot of questions first do i need besides the filter ,and air pump for the aquarium tank
Thanks! I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Thank you so much for your help 🙏🏽 Your research and homework does not go in vain 🥰
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Hi Kev,
Great and informative info, right to the point. Love it💯
Do I need a wave maker if I have a rock filter maker?
No you dont ever need a wave maker. An Airstone will work great for surface agitation.
Also can I catch any of the parasites or dangerous things from touching the fish water? I wash my hands well before and after but still I'm paranoid about that now😆
I watch alot of your videos and they are all very educational. I see that the battery back up below is for 29 gallon only. What is recommended for a 75 gallon canister filter? Do you lose all your bacteria? These back up units are just bubblers . I'm trying to figure out what exactly to get. You recommended me the floval canister filter. I'm not sure how it works for angelfish though . As you know that they don't like alot of flow.
thanks Kev
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
This is such a great video. Really well done.
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
So so happy I found you❤ Thank you!! I think our baby gold fish might die. The ammonia levels are at harmful levels. I am still trying to figure out what to do. We got him a couple weeks ago at the fair. He's currently in a 10 gallon and I'm buying a 55 gallon soon so I can add a friend or two and because I know in general he'll need more space asap. I did water change and did that all properly and still high ammonia. Someone help🙏 Please no judgment. I really enjoy this and want to learn. He went directly in his new tank because he was dying. I added all the proper things and the fish store said he'll be okay and so far he is it's just now the ammonia levels are stressing me out and I'm guessing him. He seems happy and fine but idk. Also I can't get the foggy look to go away🥺
i love your videos! straight to the point very informing i just got a old 55 gallon restoring it to its beauty following your videos for the best ever advise next to watch which is best for me gravel or sand
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪 I like sand but each choice is just personal preference.
You are awesome Kev! Ur videos are simplified. I would've been lost establishing a ciclid tank had I not watched your videos. Please link a heater u would recommend for my 55gal tank mbuna ciclid tank. Thank u so much!
Thanks bro, glad you are finding the videos helpful! I have a great video on heaters, also has some links to great heaters in the description...check it out - ua-cam.com/video/TsAC8iN_y1c/v-deo.html
Good video but as a new person to the hobby people should include a setup of a quarintine tank as well when starting up with a new fish tank. I have never seen anyone inform people of this when getting into the hobby. Surprissing since its so important.
I have tons of videos about QT. And yes its very important
I need link to a good wavemaker. Also I'm curious about muscles to filter water?
Love your channel so informative for a newbie like me, I had to subscribe. One quick question. I recently started my new tank 3 days ago. I have a sponge modified filter, aquaclear 70 filter, and a wave maker in a 36 gal. I bought and used Seachem prime and stability yesterday. I also dropped a small bit of fish food inside. The tank water is getting a little bit cloudy now. When can I do my first water change? I’ve been testing the water with the master kit. It’s barely showing any ammonia and nitrate levels yet. Sorry for the long essay lol any info helps. Thanks Kev!
Thanks bro, glad you're enjoying the channel. No water change while the tank cycles...let it do its thing. when you reach 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and little nitrates then you can water change and add fish.
I have a playlist for beginners that will be very helpful for you, check it out - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Thanks Kev!!
you have done a good job informing the hobbyist like me however I'm starting a new tank and i've haven't seen a video on watts in lighting . high or low tanks make a difference , volume , plants or no plants . I guessed on my other 2 tanks and I still don't know if I got it right . Keep up the good work , I'm watching .
Hey Kevin. I've been watching . I've been a fish keeper 50 years. I'm trying to help my friend with her new tank . Have a hard time with fish death. Its sad . I've got suitability order for will get it tomorrow.
Sorry to hear that. Have you seen this video yet? - ua-cam.com/video/9Cuqylaak3E/v-deo.html
Tried to decipher the thumbnail now my tank has chickens. They look pretty happy frolicking in the water 👍
🤣🤣 Bro!! 🤣🤣
Great video series. We are very happy we found them while researching. Question: we have a reverse osmosis filter system in our home. Can that water be used during regular scheduled water changes?
Absolutely! But the water will need to be remineralized with something like Seachem trace or by using aragonite sand or crushed coral.
I have had tanks since i was 4 years old. My dad got us a 75Gallon as our first tank. I got it when i got married the first time and lost it in the divorce. Then i got married again and got a 120 gallon well that one went in the 2nd divorce, Well eight years have come and gone and my new wife LMAO got me a 220 Gallon. All i know is the tank is coming with me lol but i am thanking you for the knowledge from your videos. Helping me with things i forgot and the things i did not know.
Hopefully the 220 and the new wife are keepers! 😁😁 Glad you’re enjoying the channel!
Man I wish I found this before I started my aquarium I have lost so many fish and so much money its been a big bummer all because I didn't learn the nitrogen cycle 😞
Dont beat yourself too much, many of us made similar mistakes. The important thing is you're willing to learn and grow! 😁💪
Doesn't the HOB filter deliver enough aeration as it dumps the filtered water back into the tank? Setting up 38 gal tank with Aqueon 50 filter.
Thank you for the great tips. I have 2 questions though. What should I do if my room temperature is between 80 to 90 F in the summer? 2nd, Why when I test my new aquarium water by API test kit, I get zero ammonia, zero Nitrite, and very high Nitrate (above 150)? What kind of fish do you recommend for my tank based on the temperature? Thank you again
Is it okay to mix gravel and sand together as substrates? Thank you.
Can you make a video on Betta fish. Because I have one and recently put him in my other tank with my other fish just to see his reaction. They are getting along great. Idk. You tell me.
Love your videos they help a lot but can't deal with that music while you talk . And what do I do at the start of a malawi set up if I havnt got previous water ? Do you have a video for starting your water cycle brand new ?
This is one of my very early videos, my editing has improved since then lol Try this one for cyclying your tank quickly even with fish in the tank - ua-cam.com/video/gt6bP4_p7iA/v-deo.html
Question? If i have a 75 gallon tank thatz been running for about a year,an i wanna move all the fish from it to a 125 gallon, would it be safe to move them immediately,if i put new sand in the 125,but the same decor, sponge filter,and hang on the back filter to the 125? Would that be enough to cylce the 125 immediately? An safe to put fish in? The same everything from tha 75 to the 125,only thing be different would be the sand and adding a Fx6
Im new to the hobby. Im addicted. I have a question tho. So is it ok to keep my light off all night and just use natural light during the day?
Absolutely! Your fish will actually prefer that. And your water will stay cleaner and clearer. The lights we use on our tanks only benefit is so we can see the tank, but it doesn’t benefit the fish.
thank you so much kev🙏🏻🔥🍻
No problem 👍
I am brand new to this and am setting up my tank. I bought a “safe start” chemical. Is that enough for the cycle or should I also buy the dechlorinator?
Hey Kaveman I just upgraded my tank to 50 gallons I put my gravel in without rinsing added water and treated it with prime and stability u think I would have problems with gravel?
Thanks for that info!
BluePrint Builders LLC anytime!
Whats a better someone starting a tank starter fresh water or salt tank?
Saltwater is much more difficult and expensive than Freshwater...but you can start with either one 😊
KaveMan, my pond fish, which need to be moved inside are sort of large goldfish, they look like koi. Will I need a heater for them? Will the pleco get along with them?
Goldfish dont usually need a heater. Koi are usually to big to be kept in an inside tank (no matter the size)...So it depends on what you have.
Great video as always!
Thanks! 😊
I've been watching your videos and wanted to get your advise. I only have room right now for a very small tank. I got a 3 gallon one. What kind & how many fish can i keep in it? I would like to eventually upgrade to a bigger tank. TY in advance.
Can you share the link to the decor you have in this tank please
All the products, equipment, and Decor I use can be found in my shop 😁 Check it out here - koji.to/kaveman_aquatics
This is great, I'm a fan!
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for subscribing! 👍
To late I'm in too far . I have a 150 gallon and don't know what to do with it . I have sand for substrate , fx6 and Tidal 110 filters , and Texas holey honeycomb rock . Need your help you have given me great advice so far . I'll take my chances on you .
lol, well you've come to the right place! Start here and hit me with any questions! - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
your tips really help me a lot as a new fish owner. Thanks for it. i hope i could learn more from youu. All the way from the Philippines ❤️
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
@@KaveManAquatics yeah i already watched and checked it and it was really helpful. It helps me understand how it works and what should i do to make my tank clean and making sure that my fishes are also safe at the same time.
Hey Kev what is the easiest way to replace evaporated water can I just get a 1 gallon jug add some water and Dechlorinator ? And pour it in ?
Yup, easy as that 😊 Try using tank tops too to prevent evaporation.
Right on thank you
So I was the one newbie who got the tank filled it up put a power head on it and dechlorinated water and put my fish in 🥲 I got plants, plenty of them but they died, I've had it for about a month already, listening to you I kind of feel like maybe they will die so I'm scared. Is the power head enough or shall I get another filter system ?
A power head alone will not filter your tank. You do need a filter as well. I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Hi Got a small tank and 7 small fish can I remove all my fish and give the tank a góod clean then put them back in ,??? Thanks
Love your videos
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
hi I was wondering how do you keep your sand so whit any tips
I have tons of tips 🤣
Here's a good one - ua-cam.com/video/tTSGJm9wyco/v-deo.html
But I also highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
Hey Kev how do I get the white tshirt? Is that what we call the 100 club lol
Lol what white t-shirt? The one in this video? 🤣
@@KaveManAquaticsHaha yeah all it's missing is 100 subs on the top left and the outline of a fish. All done in sharpie. Got to keep it classy
@@joeestes4958 🤣🤣🤣 Awesome idea, let me warm up my sharpie 🤪
Can you use a canister tank for a smaller tank? Like 15/20 gallon?
Sure, the fluval 107 is made for 10 to 30 gallons. Check it out - amzn.to/2UZN8Qt
Great content bro!
Kevin Thanks!
Looks like I messed u already. I got a used 48 gallon tank for free from my family. They told me just fill it with water. then the next day add the water filter (200) and then a few hours later add Hearty Fish (little tiny fish that swim in schools) (get 5 of them). Which I did. right now they are living but they like to stay near the top. The water temp is 77 degrees. Are these fish going to due soon? How I test the water?
I did also add the chlorine remover before adding the fish and only allowed 3 hours of filter time before adding the fish too.
I got 5 gold fish today. I filled up the tank added API in about 1.5 hrs I put the fish. 3 hrs later all died. I guess I did something terribly wrong 😢
Kev i stalled my cycle what to do to reset? The Cyle? :( IM SO STRESS PLESAE HELP.
Sorry to hear that! Follow this video exactly and your fish will be fine! - ua-cam.com/video/gt6bP4_p7iA/v-deo.html
Love your tank. Where did u purchase?
Sajata Hines Thanks! I picked it up used on letgo...actually just upgraded my tank and sold this one online almost immediately. It was a great tank!
@@KaveManAquatics what size was the one in the video if I may ask
Kev you speak the truth brother 👊🏽
Thank you bro! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@KaveManAquatics finally found your tank cycled videos lol you broke it down well dude! Cory at Co op Aquatics and you break info down well. It's bit confusing understanding nitrite/ nitrate however I think I get it lol thanks brother 👊🏽
My Pleasure, being compared to Cory is an honor. That dude is a genius! lol Glad you found the video helpful!
@@KaveManAquatics if you ain't you should join Co Op Aquatics ambassador program may be good for your channel...
@@mraquaticnews5676 Reached out to them a while back, never heard from them 🤷🏼♂️ I keep it moving lol
Hi! Just watched most of your videos, but I have a few questions. I know you talk about wave makers, but what about power heads? I’m not sure sure if I will be using sand or gravel, but if I use gravel I have an under gravel filter. Wouldn’t’t a power head be better for that filter? Can both a wave maker and power head be used at the same time? I probably will use a HOB filter too. I have a 55 gal that I am restarting, but so confused with what I should use from gravel to filters... please help!
under gravel filters work but are very "old school", you'd be better off with a nice size HOB for your 55, check this one out - amzn.to/2GfDdyU
Power heads work well for surface agitation but I prefer wave makers for their ability to create great water movement. But yes you can use both if you like as well 😊
So is seachem prime and api stress coat the same?!
Basically yes. But Prime can also detoxify ammonia, nitrite and nitrate while stress coat doesnt.
@@KaveManAquatics thanks man!! Love the Chanel! Really helped me get going!
@@thomsonlester6554 thanks bro, glad you’re enjoying the channel 😊💪
Solid video
Thank you Sir!
Hey Bro how you doing... I’m brand new to this hobby and I’m loving it. I bought an 8 gallon tank and I have it running and everything. I have a sponge filter I modified ( it was tricky idk if I did it right), I have a glo female betta, 3 neon tetras, 3 moonrise glo tetras, 3 glo danios and an otocinclus.. is my tank overstocked?
For an 8 gallon, sounds like it. But just make sure you have good filtration turning the tank over 3-5 times per hour and you should be fine.
KaveMan Aquatics yeah I thought so too, uhm I have the tank filter which is integrated with the tank and the new sponge filter I got from Amazon after I watched your video on that filter. What do you mean turning the tank over 3-5 times per hour i don’t get that part
jose4444 When all the tank water goes through the filter and back into tank that is a “turn over” Filters are rated by gallons/hour. So if you have a filter that is 10g/hour. It will turn over a 10g tank one time per hour.
KaveMan Aquatics big kev.. one question bro, I’m thinking of getting a 20 gallon tank as well, do I just put my sponge filter I have in right now in the new tank and put tap water and add the conditioner and bacteria before transferring fishes from one tank to another? And how many fishes can I put in a 20 gallon tank, thanks for your help
@@jose4444 Yup, thats exactly how you would do it! make sure you add dechlorinator to the water before transfering over your sponge filter so you wont kill any good bacteria. A 20 gallon can have about 5-10 fish...the rule is 1" per gallon...so bigger the fish means less fish
I forgot to tell you my friend tank is 10 gallons. She put in live plants.
I have. A 25 gallon starting the hobby and today I got now a 50 gallon lol
Nice!! I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
I was wondering how many filters do I need for a 65 gallon tank
You can go with an Aquaclear 110
amzn.to/3kQaRu9
Or if you’d rather a canister the Fluval 407 would work great!
amzn.to/2G2pzzz
Thank you very much
On a side note just wanted to thank you for recommending the wave makers I bought 2 and the fish love it
New subscriber here!
Awesome! Thanks for subbing!
Hi Kave, im starting a new tank and started cycling the tank using seachem stability, following the recommended dosing instructions for 7 days, there is also fish in it, can i feed my fish while cycling the tank?
You should also be adding prime to detoxify any ammonia in the tank making it safe for the fish. If you do feed it has to be very little food...I mean VERY little. Food is going to lead to more ammonia, but theres a fine line. You need ammonia for your tank to cycle but since you have fish in you dont want too much ammonia. So feed VERY VERY little 😊
@@KaveManAquatics My current reading on my 3rd day is 0.25 ammonia, 0.25 nitrite, 5 nitrate and im doing daily 25% water changes. Is this normal? Should i keep doing 25% water changes until 0 ammonia and 0 Nitrite? And yes i am using seachem prime too. I test my water after 24hrs of adding prime.
No, no more water changes. Thats why your tank hasnt cycled yet. you are disturbing the fragile amount of bacteria you have. 0 water changes until you reach about 40PPM of nitrate. Until then continue dosing with prime and stability.
This video should be helpful as well - ua-cam.com/video/gt6bP4_p7iA/v-deo.html
@@KaveManAquatics Thank you Kave.
What do you keep your water temp at for African cichlids ....is 80 degrees a good temp
Alonza Walker Thats a perfect temp. I stay between 80-82 depending on how aggressive they are. 82 is better to avoid parasites and catching disease but they get roudy sometimes lol so I slowly drop it to 80 over 2 days and they settle down.
Alonza Walker here’s a great vid on African Cichlids you might enjoy 😊
ua-cam.com/video/vD3aL5ONwzo/v-deo.html
Thanks I have watched some of your videos and they are very helpful I know a lil about the hobby but still learning I have a 75 gallon with 2 fx4 canister on it...I need to gain more info on how to do water changes with the products I use...Safe,prime stress guard, malawi buffer and cichlid salt... with the salt and buffer I don't know if putting in right amount
Alonza Walker Go by the dosage amounts on the bottle and only calculate for the amount of water you replace. Buffer and salts don’t evaporate so only add amounts for new water, not the whole tank.
@@KaveManAquatics thanks appreciate the info.. im in North Carolina and I will be getting some fish from Coastal cichlids... keep doing what you doing I'm learning a lot more from your videos
I have to say that the "common" Pleco is definitely NOT a beginner fish in my opinion. They are mass waste producers and will cause more problems then anything for the beginner.
When they're small they're fine...By the time they become monsters a beginner has learned the ropes already lol. I actually like the bristlenose pleco as they only grow to about 5-6"
Hello, how do you keep your sand nice and even?
Lol, maybe only during this video, but my guys always make peaks and valleys with the sand 🤷🏼♂️
@@KaveManAquatics where did you get your sand from trying to find the white eco complete sand?
I got mine from the local fish store, honestly don’t even remember what it’s called anymore lol But I also mixed in some crushed coral to the sand to help buffer my water and raise the PH.
@@KaveManAquatics thanks
THIS MARCUS No problem 😊
controlling poafamx wave maker
hi. i just start my first tank one month ago. its still cycling because my nitrite stays at one. what can i do pls? sorry for my bad english.
It needs more time if you still have nitrite. you can use seachem Stability to help boost your cycle - amzn.to/2J7tjAV
Then watch my playlist made for beginners 😊
ua-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er.html
@@KaveManAquatics thx!
In my 3ft tank 200Litres. If i decide to get Ciclids what is a good amount of fish to have in that size of tank?
Great question...generally you’d want to start with a bigger tank for cichlids. They grow quick and like a lot of swimming space. Even if you wanted to “overstock” the tank to keep aggression down I wouldn’t go more than 10. You’ll have to upgrade the tank soon after that...
Here’s a good video on African cichlids that can help you out ua-cam.com/video/vD3aL5ONwzo/v-deo.html
@@KaveManAquatics thank you for your advice!
Lenardius VII Glad to help 👍
hi. how many fish do i put in one time in a new tank that is cycle? 5 at a time ore in one time a hole group? thx
5 at a time is a good number. Add too many at one time could cause an ammonia spike because there isn’t enough bacteria to handle that much of an increase in bio-load.
With 5 at a time you give your bacteria time to catch up 😊
@@KaveManAquatics thx man!!!
@@KaveManAquatics and when i put tje fish in the aquarium waterchance with a new aquarium? i have the prile the stress gaurd ...
If you mean Prime and stress guard, yes those are good to add when adding new fish
@@KaveManAquatics the first 5 are in. till now evrything ok 😁
Lifer since 1988.
Lifer
My man! 💪