Timestamps: 1. 1:00 Lighting 2. 4:09 Light Duration 3. 5:30 Substrate 4. 8:00 Husbandry 5. 9:07 co2 6. 10:35 Bioload 7. 12:30 Fertilisers 8. 13:46 Clean Up Crew 9. 16:52 Feeding Fish 10. 18:05 Lots of Plants LED FLoodlights (not designed for aquarium. Use at own risk): Amazon UK amzn.to/31KQwgQ Amazon. com amzn.to/359rp9J Tropica Nutrition Capsules: UK amzn.to/36xqMau US amzn.to/2JQSfKp Awesome MEMBERSHIP Community: ua-cam.com/channels/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHw.htmljoin
Thank you so much MD.. I was really hoping husbandry was a way to get my husband more involved with the aquariums 🤣 just kidding he is so supportive he absolutely loves watching me with my fish.. my little betta girls are like your goldfish.. they're like little puppies... And he can't believe how loving they are 🤗you really need a sorority tank... Anyways thanks again.. you always brighten up my day... Much love from my family to yours!
This has got to be the most down to earth planted video I’ve ever seen. Other channels make you think you need 1,000 dollars worth of equipment just to grow a java fern. Love the content.
So true. I was scared to death to plant my aquarium and was using plastic plants. Yuck, right? After watching this, I'm getting me some real plants, a "Chinese-sy" light and having a go! :)
@@Annie-49 Same here! I've finally got over my fear and ordered some amazon swords and limnophila sessilifora for my 20g... I've been using fake plants for far too long.
@@morbidmusing Good for you! I've had my tank planted for a few months now, and everything is growing like mad and looks so good; so much nicer than all the plastic. I've had to trim some back they grow so well. Really glad you're going for it. I'm sure you will be happy with the results! :)
I was given a piece of java moss by a friend,I had no idea what to do with it at the time(complete newbie)so I just put it on the bottom of my guppy tank and it has literally taken over the whole tank,I've torn chunks off to put in my other tanks it is all going strong with just a table lamp for lighting,no fertilisers either.
Also, all of your tips; spot on. A bonus one you might've not thought about; the importance of emergent growth (plants that grow out of the water and have access to air, floating plants for example). You have floating plants (or some sort of emergent growth) in nearly all of your tanks I notice. This is a huge factor in your success. Here are just a few benefits of emergent plants: 1. Much faster growth: which means much faster contaminant removal; removing excess nutrients from the water. 2. More efficient use of CO2 and light: they use the CO2 in the air, as well as CO2 in the water more readily. Most submerged plants also don't need much light (and are actually "capped", meaning they can only use and need a certain amount of light), as somewhat stated in your first point. Emergent plants, once they break the surface, use this light to its full effect, and can even adapt to full sunlight. 3. More efficient oxygenation of the root area: mainly only applies to emergent plants that are planted in the substrate. Basically, since they're able to access air, they can actually provide more oxygen to the tank, as well as aerate the substrate much more efficiently than submerged plants. 4. They increase biological activity: floating plants in particular. Their "dangling" roots provide incredible places for bacteria to colonize. They're 100x more effective than glass slides which are sometimes used for the same purpose. This is because the roots release both oxygen and organic matter. There are even more benefits, those are just some. But something to keep in mind for beginners, and that you have in (nearly?) all your tanks.
Just found this video after reading half of the internet about setting up aquariums and frankly, I was beginning to think I'll need top of the line everything... getting sucked in by the elitist approach. Soooo glad I came across your video - makes me stress less and go with my instincts. After all, this is supposed to be hobby and not another source of stress! You seem to be having a lot of fun with your tanks and that's what I wanted to do! Thank you so much!
One of the greatest aquatic videos EVER! with 40 years fish keeping experience, a lot of what you say it so right. People get hung up over water parameters especially. While they are certain things we should all do - water changes, introducing live plants, sensible lighting, and as you say, don't over-feed your fish. Remember to enjoy this beautiful, rewarding hobby. Peace!
What I like about this is that you haven't overcomplicated anything. And I think that's what too many people get caught up in, the finer details of maintaining a tank, precise dosing of ferts, co2 injection, lighting etc etc. The thing with this hobby is it takes patience, hard work and learning. No two tanks are the same and so for each you need to start understanding what might or might not be working for that particular tank. All of your tanks look great, keep up the good work!
Been frozen in the research/planning process for a month watching over complicated videos. Thank you! Now I know I have everything needed and the basic knowledge to just get going with it.
I'm actually terrified of caring for fish, but I'm really interested in making a small planted aquarium with shrimp and a few snails with all the tips you've taught me. Thank you very much.
If you’re terrified, or you have a fear, don’t do it obviously, you don’t know that fear is (false.evidence.appearing.real.) if you wanna be a boss then just do it just like Nike. I did it 50 gallon tank planted plenty of fish thriving yes I lost a couple. Yes I learned there was ups and downs. They’re always always will be with anything, but if you’re afraid you’ll be afraid for the rest of your life. DONT BE A WANK3R!!
So helpful! I have a 60L tank. Running one week now. Heaps of plants. Good substrate. Nice rocks. No fish yet. Ill wait for another 2 weeks then 10 Neon tetras. A month or so later a little shrimp or two. My first tank. Learning so much from this guy. Thanks Man
Brilliant Video. Presentation was excellent. My 12 year old daughter and I are preparing to buy our first aquarium. Plastic artificial plants were 'go to' option but she is now super excited about the prospect of growing her own plants. Thanks mate.
Hope it's going well for you and your daughter with your live plants. There can be some trial and error to figure out which plants are really going to love the conditions in your tank, but once you do, you just can't beat the beauty of it.
Don’t let Green Aqua see this, they almost say that it is a must to have huge expensive filtration, and expensive lights, and everything needs co2, with a base layer and an expensive substrate 😂
They actually don't. If you actually follow them you can see they're professional AF I once was also thinking I can get away with this or that but once you start increasing stuff for example I loved the look of the Twinstar 600SP I bought it thinking yeh it's going to be amazing. Then I reached a problem filtration and hours a day. I had to reduce Fertz+Light because the filter wasn't good enough and specially if you have a full grown carpet and "red plants" = example althernanthera reinickii . So I had to start switching stuff 8 months later replaced mostly filter, added co2 injection do daily macro+micro dosing mostly like 6 ml of each and lighting is at 10 hours per day so I can fully enjoy and not get a menacing algae spike everywhere. That's my experience so I can tell you. He was right about something design and plan the tank first and buy later. P.S like he said he also has soft water I have hard water and in green aqua's case they use ro (so no minerals and ph at 7) and then they remineralize it and eventually with co2 injection it lowers it.
For the kind of tanks they are creating, those things are pretty much a must. Like, green aqua is the channel you go to if you want a masterclass in the details, chemistry, concepts, etc. This vid is really fantastic as well, in that it simplifies a lot of that complexity down, to make aquascaping less intimidating and user friendly, but I think you'll find that there is merit in both approaches.
@@sylverfysh MD's fishtanks look just as good as green aquas so I don't see why all the expensive stuff is necessary. All they care about is shilling brands and elitism honestly. It's not the price you pay, but the time effort and research you do that ultimately takes you tank stand out.
Your tip on putting as many plants as possible in a tank has really helped my tanks! I thought I had enough plants but when I asked myself what would MD do, I realized I needed more plants! Always enjoy your videos :)
Fantastic vid MD!! I’ve been in the planted tank hobby for 6 years, I watch all UA-cam vids to do with the hobby!! Your a great ambassador for helping grow the hobby. Your advice is clear, you your defo keeping hobbyist interested new and old!! Keep up the good work 👍
Many thanks for this down-to-earth post. It's refreshing to hear that I don't necessarily need a high intensity light, nor an expensive one. And what a relief that CO2 isn't necessary either, for us average joes who don't want to get overwhelmed, or just don't want to overspend on the hobby. Love this relatable content.
Thanks for always being you man, when you dont know a topic you've never once claimed to be knowledgeable. I've always just "stumble" about with my setup, half the time not sure how its gonna turn out and seeing how your eventually turns out fantastic is inspiring. Keep it up man, i'll keep tuning in for pointers
honestly, its good to have someone explaining who just has this as a fun hobby and treats it as such. what i notice is how happy the rainbows are swimming in the stream. maybe i'll incorporate that
I really appreciate your video... It just goes to prove that one does not need to go out of their way to spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars to have a beautiful planted tank... There is one thing that I'd like to mention though... It's about algae. First of all, I assume you had initially put ALOT of plants in your tank(s) when you first started in the hobby (?) This is a huge key factor of battling with any type of algae. Secondly; when you first started this video, it wasn't hard to notice that the room you keep those tanks in is in ABSOLUTE darkness. No ambient light whatsoever. This is also absolutely crucial to battling with algae. Once your lights go off - your fish room should be in absolute pitch black darkness. I have my 36 gallon sitting in my living room. When the tank light shuts off, ambient light floods the tank until I head off to bed and the TV and reading light shuts down. My quick fix for keeping the ambient light out of the tank is to cover it with black garbage bags (oh, how attractive is that!) Unfortunately for me, I have no other place to position the aquarium. Aside from my problem, I ask; do you inject CO²? #3 substrate There's a gent on UA-cam somewhere, that recommends the use of FOXFARM potting soil. I took him up on the his recommendation about six months ago. Long story short: DO NOT.... I'll repeat that...DO NOT ever use this potting soil as a substrate in your aquarium. I did and soon learnt that they s soil contains a mixture of ocean (sea salt) decomposed seaweed in it. It will make your tank toxic and will blast your nitrates through the roof sky high! Nothing against this brand - I St not a good option for aquarium substrate.
Yes!please please more info on planted tanks...like you said, water flow, etc. your tanks look wonderful and have gotten me going on planning my first planted tank,,,with my gold fish! Always wanted this, for many years and you have inspired me to get it going. Thanks.
I love your channel the most because not only do your tanks look amazing and you're a brilliant showman with excellent on camera charisma, but you actually give the fish the right size water area and plant area- which many other channels do not. You are definitely the best aquarium youtuber out there for responsible aquarium keeping that I have found. Thank you. 💕🤗
Brilliant, just had a delivery of 1.2 Grow plants to start my aquascape. They were chosen for me, great variety, half easy, half medium, my first aquascape, no pressure, gonna enjoy the journey.
I’m hooked. Gave up my fish about 5-6 years ago but found myself on your site about a week ago and now I’m trying to decide what size of tank I want etc. Thanks for keeping things simple as I overthink everything! Thinking I’ll just get a 10 gallon and plant it for ember tetras and cherry shrimp. Your tanks are amazing! Your wife is a saint :)
I love your Tanks because they are fantastic environments for your fish and other critters. Im using Water Slaters instead of Shrimp in my Mud Pond Tank with 2 Brown Comet (a pair l hope but very young...24wks) 4'x1'x1' dimension....lm going to create a Bog Ledge along the back now...😁👍
You are SO good at making this hobby less stressful and intimidating! Thank you for giving me such simplified inspiration! 😁 P.S. Your family is just as beautiful as the nature you recreate in tanks! ♥️
Really love your presentation style and enthusiasm! I’m new to this too and some places make you feel like it’s all so complicated! You make me feel like it’s so much more manageable and achievable! Thank you!
I absolutely love your channel!!! You have beautiful setups. What I love the most is your goof ups and you just leave them in your videos. You keep it real and it's awesome!
Thanks for the informative vid! So glad to hear I am not alone with the lengthy duration for my inexpensive lights. I too like to turn the lights on when I get up for work in the afternoon and have them on when I get home around midnight or so. I then like to keep the lights on till I settle down for sleep which is around 3a. My fish have seem to adapted to my schedule and are happy and thriving 😊🌱🐟🦐💕
Brilliant! You have put yourself in a viewers seat, both asked and answered important questions. Your right though theres so much info about PAR and EI etc... it can get a bit much. No doubt im gona watch that again! Do some more sometime. Thanks mate!
What I love about all of your videos and what you share with all of us is keeping in mind that you don’t shove in our face expensive stuff. You always look out for people and their budget and really are one of my absolute favorites to watch. All of your setups I love to watch would love to try to recreate one of them. Md you truly are gentlemen and look forward to all of your videos . One question for you is does any of your setups have co2 and where do you get your tanks from?
Great video. I also try to tell people that you do not have to have all expensive equipment. I also use marine lights if I keep blue fish. Plants grow in that like crazy. More important that it is strong enough to penetrate down to the bottom, depending on how deep your tank is. I have actually never even tried co2 in any of of Aquariums. JUST to show people that you can do an amazing planted aquarium cheaper and easier than most people think. Well done with this one sir.
OMG! thankyou. Finally somone down to earth who doesn't complicate things. I've always wanted to put plants in my tank but I've watched too many videos of people who over complicate things so thanks for going back to basics👍
Hi MD. I'm new to your channel and new to aquatics and aquascaping and just happened upon your channel recently. And I love it. It's totally inspiring, has great content and I love your delivery and the little cameos of your two boys. My nephew and I are watching lots of your vids at the moment for our own projects. Thanks for the great stuff you've done so far and please keep it coming. Cheers mate.
Your tanks are honestly my inspiration for wanting to get into the hobby-like most i only had goldfish when i was younger (in a round bowl with 1 fake plant), and the experience of the fish vs the excessive upkeep for a pretty boring bowl pit me off fish. But seeing you create these oasis style aquariums, and learning about what fish need, and how beautiful an aquascape can look has inspired me to try! I love houseplants so this feels like a natural progression of a hobby: rather than feeling like an unattainable thing for ppl with lots of time and money!
Dude, You're video was great, I've been meaning to set up a planted aquarium for some time now and your video clarified many of my doubts. I have a flood light sitting in the loft some where and now I'm gonna use it for my aquarium. Thanks
I just wanted to stop and say THANK YOU. I've only just recently been venturing into the aquascaping scene (right now just in the research and planning stages for my new betta tank) and was getting quite overwhelmed by all the info. This is a huge weight off my mind and makes me more excited to start. Will be checking out your other videos. Also... BEAUTIFUL TANKS!! Your space looks like a dream world
Ordered some ram horn snails because of your recommendation. I had never heard of them before and I was really looking for a tank cleaner and I think I have a winner. Can't wait for them to arrive. Thanks for the advice.
Agreed on the CO2. Currently using DIY CO2 (citric acid + baking soda), my lowtech plants had insane growth in just 2 weeks. This gave me the confidence to try more hightech plants for my next planted tank setup.
I'm going to start a planted tank and I am doing my research. CO2 is something I'm really interested in however he said it's expensive so thanks for leaving a comment like this. Do you just put the citric acid and baking soda in a syringe? Just dump it in the water? Or use that filtration system it looked like he had. Sorry for all my questions
Great advice MD for us less experienced! I really enjoy your style of videos, style of aquariums and your style period! You’re passionate, compassionate, silly and very informative. You do beautiful work and make it seem easier to achieve success with our planted aquariums. Thank you!
Love your channel, a lot of the unconventional things that you have discovered and implemented work. I know because I have done a few of the things you have talked about. I respect your humility and knowledge about what actually works that isn’t in the playbook. Keep it up my man, great channel.
Thank you so much for affirming all the things I have suspected and experienced over the last couple of years with a planted tank. Great advice, and completely inline with all I have experienced. I just bought my first ever C02 kit from tropica, a nice cheap kit for my small 60litre tank just to see how my freshly replanted tank does with a little co2 injection to get it established. I'll probably stop using it once they've rooted down and matured to save a little maintenance 😉. Thanks again.
Great video,100% enjoyed and helpful for someone like me who is hoping to start a planted tank soon but have(sorry HAD) bought into the "I need spend this, that, the other" costing Bruster's theory, liked and subbed. Thank you and stay safe.
I have a 55 gallon tank that I set up like an utter noob to the hobby and somehow it only took 2 weeks to cycle properly. Your tips helped alot and my plants went crazy even without co2 or fertilizer added. they are planted in a clay bottom topped with 4 inches of very fine sand. everything in the tank is wild caught and funnily enough I even use pond water for them to keep it as natural as possible. As for animals I have a mix of mosquito fish, cichlids, a rainbow sunfish, 5 crayfish babies, 1 macrobrachium canicus (look it up its crazy looking) and 30-40 ghost shrimp because the sunfish hunts them.
I'm a new aquarist and I already have 4 tanks and I'm aspiring to have them look and be half as gorgeous and healthy as yours. Excellent work, thanks for the tips and your videos are wonderful
Admitally I might be the only one of your viewers that thinks this way! What about less is more when talking about plants? Love the use of plants, also love seeing the use of wood and stone! Thanks my friend!
Great video . So good to point out many options that can work! My best tip to add in: for the first planted tank, do your research and start with low light, easy, low maintenance plants: Anubias, variety of java ferns, crypts, moss.... that is still 40 varieties or more to choose from. oh, and use local aquarium clubs or online forums to find plant bargains.Takes time, ends up beautiful. And I want to extra endorse the led desk lamp options...made some beautiful small garden tanks for me, thanks to your examples :) More tip videos please. (tank health, budget tank, etc.)
What you said about plants wanting more less intense light makes total sense. Most plants for veg stage need 18 hours on and 6 ours off. 12 on and 12 off is what you do for flowering.
one of my favourite channels for aqua stuff informational and to the point, with great scaping i havent started scaping yet but i'll be gettng plants soon!
I have kept aquariums going into 50yrs and have found keeping it simple is best for me personally. I use topsoil with sand cap, lots of live plants, lights of 6500k on 12-14h photoperiod, sponge filters or no filter, limited stocking with snails all types, shrimp, Betta, guppy,, bushynose pleco. Water chàñges 3-6 times a year depending on plant growth, stocking an set-up date. Tanks range from 5-75gal. No ferts or Co2 used other than what happens naturally within the system, no algae issues. Natural Planted
Finally you!are the one who talks “pseudoscience”aquaristics. Actually all other’s are pseudoscientisc with a big ego. I have aquariums and terrariums from my 7th birthday. And i allways used the nature for my learning. I use 14-16h lightning regime for a whole life, it works the best. I even put my aquariums on the sunny side of apartment/no algae and if there are more algae that i want to see in my tank ( i love thought to se the right kind of algae growing in my tanks, they promotes diversity of healthy microbes and plancton that is later food for fish or they are just another kind of cleansing creatures) so i put some more put algae eaters;-) A tip;-) add some activ carbon pellets for filtration in to the substrate, it works just right for nice plant growth. Plants prefer N over NH4 and over No2, No3 is the least wanted form of Nitrogen, so longer the day lenght, less NH4 for filter to digest to No3 which is the main cause of growth of non edible algae😅👏👏👏👏👏 you rock👌
You have the most gorgeous tanks hands down! You’ve inspired me to paint my backs black too. I love the aesthetic of it over printed picture backs plus it hides all the wires and what not of course just fine! I keep an all natural goldfish tank and I’m strictly all natural inside the tank
Perfect advice :) Another thing I'd add, which was the last thing I realised, is the importance of good circulation! Especially in combination with the co2 output... I found that as soon as you eliminate any stagnant water flow areas of the tank, algae finds it much harder to compete with the plants.. as you might notice that algae just grows in some areas more than others And maybe 1 other thing: I also felt surface skimming made a visible difference in plant growth: also helping with circulation (I put my surface skimmer directly above my co2 diffuser and pushing the water in a different direction than the filter); but also making the surface cleaner which I imagine allows the light to penetrate better or better gas exchange on the surface might play some part (although would likely cause marginally lower co2 levels); and there's no rotting film of gunk causing nitrate spikes
Thanks very much for this, your tanks are amazing!! I especially appreciated the comments to “quit stressing about lighting” etc ... I set up my first planted tank four weeks ago - some plants doing well, some less well, worrying about light intensity, etc etc. This has been very helpful. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
UA-cam suggested I watched this Video and I absolutely loved it. Thank you so much for making it. I did exactly the same as you with cheap lights and have been amazed a what I achieved with plants. I even grew beautiful plants like Rotala red, that I was told would never grow without hitech lighting and Co2.
Additional tip to the lighting you forgot: if you can't dim your light, stick some electrical tape over some of the LED's! Learned that from you, MD :D
You are my motivation for all my tanks. Unfortunately I never reach the goal but i'm gonna set up a 40 gallon breeder next week and am shooting for success!
I spent months watching other aquascape info videos and continuously got so overwhelmed and anxious because I wanted beautiful non-plastic fake tank but would ultimately decide its too expensive and l wouldn't do it. I watched 1 of your videos - the one where you created a complete self sufficient ecosystem- and decided that day to go down to my local pet store and started my tank. That was 1.5weeks ago. 🤞🏻
I always wanted a planted tank before almost every youtube channel I watch needs co2 need that very expensive. Until I found MD fish tanks channel 1 month ago now I have 2 nano tanks. Thanks MD.
MD did a Top Ten video! You left out your water change hacks! Making water changes easy helps me do them more often. Especially when I have a bunch of tanks. You should do a video highlighting how to make water changes easy. I know George did one but the more that are on UA-cam the better. All of my friends with fish tanks don't change their water because it's too time consuming or labor intensive and I hate seeing their fish suffer.
I'm so glad you recommend getting lots of plants! My local aquatics store (which I love!) recommended to me that I no get more than 5 plants for my small 10gal tank. I only have five right now as they said, and its a little empty in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love it and my fish, but I want more plants!!
Timestamps:
1. 1:00 Lighting
2. 4:09 Light Duration
3. 5:30 Substrate
4. 8:00 Husbandry
5. 9:07 co2
6. 10:35 Bioload
7. 12:30 Fertilisers
8. 13:46 Clean Up Crew
9. 16:52 Feeding Fish
10. 18:05 Lots of Plants
LED FLoodlights (not designed for aquarium. Use at own risk):
Amazon UK amzn.to/31KQwgQ
Amazon. com amzn.to/359rp9J
Tropica Nutrition Capsules: UK amzn.to/36xqMau US amzn.to/2JQSfKp
Awesome MEMBERSHIP Community:
ua-cam.com/channels/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHw.htmljoin
Thank you so much MD.. I was really hoping husbandry was a way to get my husband more involved with the aquariums 🤣 just kidding he is so supportive he absolutely loves watching me with my fish.. my little betta girls are like your goldfish.. they're like little puppies... And he can't believe how loving they are 🤗you really need a sorority tank... Anyways thanks again.. you always brighten up my day... Much love from my family to yours!
you seem to be a good teacher :) thank you for all the tips.. you just got me covered with all the questions I had in my mind.
Sorry, How many hours you leave your lights on for ?
Thanks for the video, and also this comment. Watched the video straight through but it's nice of you to put this in the comments. Earned you a sub.
This is great! Will you be making another one?
This has got to be the most down to earth planted video I’ve ever seen. Other channels make you think you need 1,000 dollars worth of equipment just to grow a java fern. Love the content.
So true. I was scared to death to plant my aquarium and was using plastic plants. Yuck, right? After watching this, I'm getting me some real plants, a "Chinese-sy" light and having a go! :)
Exactly what I was thinking. Subscribed for further videos. Thumbs up.
@@Annie-49 Same here! I've finally got over my fear and ordered some amazon swords and limnophila sessilifora for my 20g... I've been using fake plants for far too long.
@@morbidmusing Good for you! I've had my tank planted for a few months now, and everything is growing like mad and looks so good; so much nicer than all the plastic. I've had to trim some back they grow so well. Really glad you're going for it. I'm sure you will be happy with the results! :)
I was given a piece of java moss by a friend,I had no idea what to do with it at the time(complete newbie)so I just put it on the bottom of my guppy tank and it has literally taken over the whole tank,I've torn chunks off to put in my other tanks it is all going strong with just a table lamp for lighting,no fertilisers either.
Also, all of your tips; spot on. A bonus one you might've not thought about; the importance of emergent growth (plants that grow out of the water and have access to air, floating plants for example). You have floating plants (or some sort of emergent growth) in nearly all of your tanks I notice. This is a huge factor in your success.
Here are just a few benefits of emergent plants:
1. Much faster growth: which means much faster contaminant removal; removing excess nutrients from the water.
2. More efficient use of CO2 and light: they use the CO2 in the air, as well as CO2 in the water more readily. Most submerged plants also don't need much light (and are actually "capped", meaning they can only use and need a certain amount of light), as somewhat stated in your first point. Emergent plants, once they break the surface, use this light to its full effect, and can even adapt to full sunlight.
3. More efficient oxygenation of the root area: mainly only applies to emergent plants that are planted in the substrate. Basically, since they're able to access air, they can actually provide more oxygen to the tank, as well as aerate the substrate much more efficiently than submerged plants.
4. They increase biological activity: floating plants in particular. Their "dangling" roots provide incredible places for bacteria to colonize. They're 100x more effective than glass slides which are sometimes used for the same purpose. This is because the roots release both oxygen and organic matter.
There are even more benefits, those are just some. But something to keep in mind for beginners, and that you have in (nearly?) all your tanks.
What a great comment. Hats off for you sir. I concur
@@CrazyAquariumGuy Thanks buddy!
Thank you! I bought 2 water lettuce today for my first tank.
Can you tell me why my water lettuce keeps yellowing and dying when I put them in my indoor tank but they grow a lot when in my pond pot outdoor?
"Currently, none of my tanks are running on CO2."
SUBSCRIBED!
2.5 years later, still no CO2 = yeah, the right channel
@@FlatEarthPhotography bro earth ain’t flat
@@FlatEarthPhotography pissant idiot 🖕🏾
Oh gosh, don't ever change the way you present videos MD...you're one of very few that proper crack me up whilst watching 😂
YES!!! I couldn’t agree more 😂😭
Just found this video after reading half of the internet about setting up aquariums and frankly, I was beginning to think I'll need top of the line everything... getting sucked in by the elitist approach. Soooo glad I came across your video - makes me stress less and go with my instincts. After all, this is supposed to be hobby and not another source of stress! You seem to be having a lot of fun with your tanks and that's what I wanted to do! Thank you so much!
when i worked at a fish store id rec your channel to every new fish owner since i didnt always have time to explain everything to them
One of the greatest aquatic videos EVER! with 40 years fish keeping experience, a lot of what you say it so right. People get hung up over water parameters especially. While they are certain things we should all do - water changes, introducing live plants, sensible lighting, and as you say, don't over-feed your fish. Remember to enjoy this beautiful, rewarding hobby. Peace!
What I like about this is that you haven't overcomplicated anything. And I think that's what too many people get caught up in, the finer details of maintaining a tank, precise dosing of ferts, co2 injection, lighting etc etc. The thing with this hobby is it takes patience, hard work and learning. No two tanks are the same and so for each you need to start understanding what might or might not be working for that particular tank. All of your tanks look great, keep up the good work!
Been frozen in the research/planning process for a month watching over complicated videos. Thank you! Now I know I have everything needed and the basic knowledge to just get going with it.
I'm actually terrified of caring for fish, but I'm really interested in making a small planted aquarium with shrimp and a few snails with all the tips you've taught me. Thank you very much.
I thought that. Shrimp are so nice, aren't they. And then, if no-one dies, maybe branch out into a fish or two.
Check out a bamboo shrimp, mine gets along great with my Cherry Shrimp, Tetras, and Albino Cory Catfish.
If you’re terrified, or you have a fear, don’t do it obviously, you don’t know that fear is
(false.evidence.appearing.real.) if you wanna be a boss then just do it just like Nike. I did it 50 gallon tank planted plenty of fish thriving yes I lost a couple. Yes I learned there was ups and downs. They’re always always will be with anything, but if you’re afraid you’ll be afraid for the rest of your life. DONT BE A WANK3R!!
So helpful! I have a 60L tank. Running one week now. Heaps of plants. Good substrate. Nice rocks. No fish yet. Ill wait for another 2 weeks then 10 Neon tetras. A month or so later a little shrimp or two. My first tank. Learning so much from this guy. Thanks Man
Brilliant Video. Presentation was excellent. My 12 year old daughter and I are preparing to buy our first aquarium. Plastic artificial plants were 'go to' option but she is now super excited about the prospect of growing her own plants. Thanks mate.
Hope it's going well for you and your daughter with your live plants. There can be some trial and error to figure out which plants are really going to love the conditions in your tank, but once you do, you just can't beat the beauty of it.
Much needed for the begginers like me. Thanks MD Fish Tanks.
Perfect👍😁
Pradeep bro kha se ho
Don’t let Green Aqua see this, they almost say that it is a must to have huge expensive filtration, and expensive lights, and everything needs co2, with a base layer and an expensive substrate 😂
the more expensive/luxurious the product, the higher the profit margin ;)
They actually don't. If you actually follow them you can see they're professional AF I once was also thinking I can get away with this or that but once you start increasing stuff for example I loved the look of the Twinstar 600SP I bought it thinking yeh it's going to be amazing. Then I reached a problem filtration and hours a day. I had to reduce Fertz+Light because the filter wasn't good enough and specially if you have a full grown carpet and "red plants" = example althernanthera reinickii . So I had to start switching stuff 8 months later replaced mostly filter, added co2 injection do daily macro+micro dosing mostly like 6 ml of each and lighting is at 10 hours per day so I can fully enjoy and not get a menacing algae spike everywhere.
That's my experience so I can tell you.
He was right about something design and plan the tank first and buy later.
P.S like he said he also has soft water I have hard water and in green aqua's case they use ro (so no minerals and ph at 7) and then they remineralize it and eventually with co2 injection it lowers it.
There are suckers being born every day.
For the kind of tanks they are creating, those things are pretty much a must. Like, green aqua is the channel you go to if you want a masterclass in the details, chemistry, concepts, etc. This vid is really fantastic as well, in that it simplifies a lot of that complexity down, to make aquascaping less intimidating and user friendly, but I think you'll find that there is merit in both approaches.
@@sylverfysh MD's fishtanks look just as good as green aquas so I don't see why all the expensive stuff is necessary. All they care about is shilling brands and elitism honestly. It's not the price you pay, but the time effort and research you do that ultimately takes you tank stand out.
Love your message. And you not being like the other fish guys all mad about life and annoyed by new fish keepers. Thank you!
Your tip on putting as many plants as possible in a tank has really helped my tanks! I thought I had enough plants but when I asked myself what would MD do, I realized I needed more plants! Always enjoy your videos :)
Fantastic vid MD!! I’ve been in the planted tank hobby for 6 years, I watch all UA-cam vids to do with the hobby!! Your a great ambassador for helping grow the hobby. Your advice is clear, you your defo keeping hobbyist interested new and old!! Keep up the good work 👍
Suddenly... my plant obsession is moving towards a lovely appreciation of aqua scaping! 😂😍😁 I want a tank now
I love how you make your videos straightforward and have detailed explanations.
Many thanks for this down-to-earth post. It's refreshing to hear that I don't necessarily need a high intensity light, nor an expensive one. And what a relief that CO2 isn't necessary either, for us average joes who don't want to get overwhelmed, or just don't want to overspend on the hobby. Love this relatable content.
I was told I needed $1000-$1500 has a minimal investment almost walked away from starting the hobby. Glad I found this channel!!!
Thanks for always being you man, when you dont know a topic you've never once claimed to be knowledgeable. I've always just "stumble" about with my setup, half the time not sure how its gonna turn out and seeing how your eventually turns out fantastic is inspiring. Keep it up man, i'll keep tuning in for pointers
you are a really lucky man, because without co2 you are keeping such a beautiful plant growth
honestly, its good to have someone explaining who just has this as a fun hobby and treats it as such. what i notice is how happy the rainbows are swimming in the stream. maybe i'll incorporate that
You made me get into aquascaping and now I’m slowly getting more tanks I love your channel and your tanks and designs
I really appreciate your video... It just goes to prove that one does not need to go out of their way to spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars to have a beautiful planted tank...
There is one thing that I'd like to mention though... It's about algae.
First of all, I assume you had initially put ALOT of plants in your tank(s) when you first started in the hobby (?)
This is a huge key factor of battling with any type of algae.
Secondly; when you first started this video, it wasn't hard to notice that the room you keep those tanks in is in ABSOLUTE darkness. No ambient light whatsoever.
This is also absolutely crucial to battling with algae.
Once your lights go off - your fish room should be in absolute pitch black darkness.
I have my 36 gallon sitting in my living room. When the tank light shuts off, ambient light floods the tank until I head off to bed and the TV and reading light shuts down.
My quick fix for keeping the ambient light out of the tank is to cover it with black garbage bags (oh, how attractive is that!) Unfortunately for me, I have no other place to position the aquarium.
Aside from my problem, I ask; do you inject CO²?
#3 substrate
There's a gent on UA-cam somewhere, that recommends the use of FOXFARM potting soil.
I took him up on the his recommendation about six months ago.
Long story short: DO NOT.... I'll repeat that...DO NOT ever use this potting soil as a substrate in your aquarium.
I did and soon learnt that they s soil contains a mixture of ocean (sea salt) decomposed seaweed in it. It will make your tank toxic and will blast your nitrates through the roof sky high!
Nothing against this brand - I St not a good option for aquarium substrate.
Yes!please please more info on planted tanks...like you said, water flow, etc. your tanks look wonderful and have gotten me going on planning my first planted tank,,,with my gold fish! Always wanted this, for many years and you have inspired me to get it going. Thanks.
I love your channel the most because not only do your tanks look amazing and you're a brilliant showman with excellent on camera charisma, but you actually give the fish the right size water area and plant area- which many other channels do not. You are definitely the best aquarium youtuber out there for responsible aquarium keeping that I have found. Thank you. 💕🤗
Brilliant, just had a delivery of 1.2 Grow plants to start my aquascape. They were chosen for me, great variety, half easy, half medium, my first aquascape, no pressure, gonna enjoy the journey.
I’m hooked. Gave up my fish about 5-6 years ago but found myself on your site about a week ago and now I’m trying to decide what size of tank I want etc.
Thanks for keeping things simple as I overthink everything!
Thinking I’ll just get a 10 gallon and plant it for ember tetras and cherry shrimp.
Your tanks are amazing! Your wife is a saint :)
I love your Tanks because they are fantastic environments for your fish and other critters. Im using Water Slaters instead of Shrimp in my Mud Pond Tank with 2 Brown Comet (a pair l hope but very young...24wks) 4'x1'x1' dimension....lm going to create a Bog Ledge along the back now...😁👍
You are SO good at making this hobby less stressful and intimidating! Thank you for giving me such simplified inspiration! 😁
P.S. Your family is just as beautiful as the nature you recreate in tanks! ♥️
I appreciate you not over complicating everything like most do. Subscribed. Very clear dialogue. Excellent visuals and editing.
Really love your presentation style and enthusiasm! I’m new to this too and some places make you feel like it’s all so complicated! You make me feel like it’s so much more manageable and achievable! Thank you!
I absolutely love your channel!!! You have beautiful setups. What I love the most is your goof ups and you just leave them in your videos. You keep it real and it's awesome!
Thanks for the informative vid! So glad to hear I am not alone with the lengthy duration for my inexpensive lights. I too like to turn the lights on when I get up for work in the afternoon and have them on when I get home around midnight or so. I then like to keep the lights on till I settle down for sleep which is around 3a. My fish have seem to adapted to my schedule and are happy and thriving 😊🌱🐟🦐💕
Brilliant! You have put yourself in a viewers seat, both asked and answered important questions. Your right though theres so much info about PAR and EI etc... it can get a bit much.
No doubt im gona watch that again!
Do some more sometime. Thanks mate!
What I love about all of your videos and what you share with all of us is keeping in mind that you don’t shove in our face expensive stuff. You always look out for people and their budget and really are one of my absolute favorites to watch. All of your setups I love to watch would love to try to recreate one of them. Md you truly are gentlemen and look forward to all of your videos . One question for you is does any of your setups have co2 and where do you get your tanks from?
Great video with tons of encouragement to us newbies. Now put another shrimp on the Bobby!
Great video. I also try to tell people that you do not have to have all expensive equipment. I also use marine lights if I keep blue fish. Plants grow in that like crazy. More important that it is strong enough to penetrate down to the bottom, depending on how deep your tank is.
I have actually never even tried co2 in any of of Aquariums. JUST to show people that you can do an amazing planted aquarium cheaper and easier than most people think.
Well done with this one sir.
OMG! thankyou. Finally somone down to earth who doesn't complicate things.
I've always wanted to put plants in my tank but I've watched too many videos of people who over complicate things so thanks for going back to basics👍
Never apologize for your here and there tidbits of comedy I love them!!
Hi MD. I'm new to your channel and new to aquatics and aquascaping and just happened upon your channel recently. And I love it. It's totally inspiring, has great content and I love your delivery and the little cameos of your two boys. My nephew and I are watching lots of your vids at the moment for our own projects. Thanks for the great stuff you've done so far and please keep it coming. Cheers mate.
Your tanks are honestly my inspiration for wanting to get into the hobby-like most i only had goldfish when i was younger (in a round bowl with 1 fake plant), and the experience of the fish vs the excessive upkeep for a pretty boring bowl pit me off fish. But seeing you create these oasis style aquariums, and learning about what fish need, and how beautiful an aquascape can look has inspired me to try! I love houseplants so this feels like a natural progression of a hobby: rather than feeling like an unattainable thing for ppl with lots of time and money!
Dude, You're video was great, I've been meaning to set up a planted aquarium for some time now and your video clarified many of my doubts. I have a flood light sitting in the loft some where and now I'm gonna use it for my aquarium. Thanks
I just wanted to stop and say THANK YOU. I've only just recently been venturing into the aquascaping scene (right now just in the research and planning stages for my new betta tank) and was getting quite overwhelmed by all the info. This is a huge weight off my mind and makes me more excited to start. Will be checking out your other videos.
Also... BEAUTIFUL TANKS!! Your space looks like a dream world
Love your channel mate, really showing us what you have and being honest is refreshing and filled with integrity. Cheers!
I already know I'm gonna love this one !!
I hope so :)
When you said ‘lobelas cardinals’ stuff in my room started floating 🤔
“You’re a wizard MD!”
Thank you. Just the tip about don't go crazy over lighting made my day.
Ordered some ram horn snails because of your recommendation. I had never heard of them before and I was really looking for a tank cleaner and I think I have a winner. Can't wait for them to arrive. Thanks for the advice.
Agreed on the CO2. Currently using DIY CO2 (citric acid + baking soda), my lowtech plants had insane growth in just 2 weeks. This gave me the confidence to try more hightech plants for my next planted tank setup.
I'm going to start a planted tank and I am doing my research. CO2 is something I'm really interested in however he said it's expensive so thanks for leaving a comment like this. Do you just put the citric acid and baking soda in a syringe? Just dump it in the water? Or use that filtration system it looked like he had.
Sorry for all my questions
I use sugar and yeast for my do it yourself co2. Works great and very inexpensive
Great advice MD for us less experienced! I really enjoy your style of videos, style of aquariums and your style period! You’re passionate, compassionate, silly and very informative. You do beautiful work and make it seem easier to achieve success with our planted aquariums. Thank you!
Love your channel, a lot of the unconventional things that you have discovered and implemented work. I know because I have done a few of the things you have talked about. I respect your humility and knowledge about what actually works that isn’t in the playbook. Keep it up my man, great channel.
Thank you so much for affirming all the things I have suspected and experienced over the last couple of years with a planted tank. Great advice, and completely inline with all I have experienced. I just bought my first ever C02 kit from tropica, a nice cheap kit for my small 60litre tank just to see how my freshly replanted tank does with a little co2 injection to get it established. I'll probably stop using it once they've rooted down and matured to save a little maintenance 😉. Thanks again.
Great video,100% enjoyed and helpful for someone like me who is hoping to start a planted tank soon but have(sorry HAD) bought into the "I need spend this, that, the other" costing Bruster's theory, liked and subbed. Thank you and stay safe.
I have a 55 gallon tank that I set up like an utter noob to the hobby and somehow it only took 2 weeks to cycle properly. Your tips helped alot and my plants went crazy even without co2 or fertilizer added. they are planted in a clay bottom topped with 4 inches of very fine sand. everything in the tank is wild caught and funnily enough I even use pond water for them to keep it as natural as possible. As for animals I have a mix of mosquito fish, cichlids, a rainbow sunfish, 5 crayfish babies, 1 macrobrachium canicus (look it up its crazy looking) and 30-40 ghost shrimp because the sunfish hunts them.
I'm a new aquarist and I already have 4 tanks and I'm aspiring to have them look and be half as gorgeous and healthy as yours. Excellent work, thanks for the tips and your videos are wonderful
Absolutely priceless content. Whenever you are in doubt, you always have this channel to help you out.
Admitally I might be the only one of your viewers that thinks this way! What about less is more when talking about plants? Love the use of plants, also love seeing the use of wood and stone! Thanks my friend!
Just purchased my first tank! Buzzing after watching this!
Great video . So good to point out many options that can work! My best tip to add in: for the first planted tank, do your research and start with low light, easy, low maintenance plants: Anubias, variety of java ferns, crypts, moss.... that is still 40 varieties or more to choose from. oh, and use local aquarium clubs or online forums to find plant bargains.Takes time, ends up beautiful. And I want to extra endorse the led desk lamp options...made some beautiful small garden tanks for me, thanks to your examples :) More tip videos please. (tank health, budget tank, etc.)
So great to see, its daunting when your trying to figure it all out while salesman says you need to buy all this...stuff.
What you said about plants wanting more less intense light makes total sense. Most plants for veg stage need 18 hours on and 6 ours off. 12 on and 12 off is what you do for flowering.
one of my favourite channels for aqua stuff
informational and to the point, with great scaping
i havent started scaping yet but i'll be gettng plants soon!
One of my favourite channels. Great hands on info.
As a straight guy talking, you got beautiful eyes man.
You guys are hilarious. Ive never had to tell a woman, “as a straight girl, you have beautiful eyes.”
Indeed! Being a fish guy, he is prob Pisces Sun or Ascendant...who are know for having large dreamy looking eyes. Yep, Pisces rules dreams too.
The only aquascaping channel I am hoi g to follow. You are amazing man ! Great videos
Enjoyable all over. Love your channel to start and end my day. Just puts me in a good mood to watch s.o. share their genuine excitement :)
Yes, please give all the tips you can share. I appreciate it.
I have kept aquariums going into 50yrs and have found keeping it simple is best for me personally. I use topsoil with sand cap, lots of live plants, lights of 6500k on 12-14h photoperiod, sponge filters or no filter, limited stocking with snails all types, shrimp, Betta, guppy,, bushynose pleco. Water chàñges 3-6 times a year depending on plant growth, stocking an set-up date. Tanks range from 5-75gal. No ferts or Co2 used other than what happens naturally within the system, no algae issues. Natural Planted
Finally you!are the one who talks “pseudoscience”aquaristics. Actually all other’s are pseudoscientisc with a big ego. I have aquariums and terrariums from my 7th birthday. And i allways used the nature for my learning. I use 14-16h lightning regime for a whole life, it works the best. I even put my aquariums on the sunny side of apartment/no algae and if there are more algae that i want to see in my tank ( i love thought to se the right kind of algae growing in my tanks, they promotes diversity of healthy microbes and plancton that is later food for fish or they are just another kind of cleansing creatures) so i put some more put algae eaters;-)
A tip;-) add some activ carbon pellets for filtration in to the substrate, it works just right for nice plant growth.
Plants prefer N over NH4 and over No2, No3 is the least wanted form of Nitrogen, so longer the day lenght, less NH4 for filter to digest to No3 which is the main cause of growth of non edible algae😅👏👏👏👏👏 you rock👌
Love your channel , and your modesty. One cannot achieve results like this by using just luck and intuition. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Great tip on the light duration. Got mine on 14 hours a day and much more growth than when I had them on for 8 hours.
I am new to planted tanks, so keep all the info coming!! I have learned so much from you already, thank you very much!!
This is the best aquarium video I have seen on YT in the last 10 years. Great attitude bringing fun back to the hobby. Liked and sub'd!
You have the most gorgeous tanks hands down! You’ve inspired me to paint my backs black too. I love the aesthetic of it over printed picture backs plus it hides all the wires and what not of course just fine! I keep an all natural goldfish tank and I’m strictly all natural inside the tank
Dude I was hoping to find a video that was complete and simple and didn't think it would happen but thanks!
Perfect advice :)
Another thing I'd add, which was the last thing I realised, is the importance of good circulation! Especially in combination with the co2 output...
I found that as soon as you eliminate any stagnant water flow areas of the tank, algae finds it much harder to compete with the plants.. as you might notice that algae just grows in some areas more than others
And maybe 1 other thing: I also felt surface skimming made a visible difference in plant growth: also helping with circulation (I put my surface skimmer directly above my co2 diffuser and pushing the water in a different direction than the filter); but also making the surface cleaner which I imagine allows the light to penetrate better or better gas exchange on the surface might play some part (although would likely cause marginally lower co2 levels); and there's no rotting film of gunk causing nitrate spikes
This is for anyone looking for tips! Not trying to preach to the MD 😇
Top notch info delivered well. Very refreshing to see somebody that doesn't pretend to know it all & freely admits it. Awesome looking tanks man 👍👍
Great channel! You share a lot of good, helpful information in a clear and oftentimes amusing manner. Thanks!
Thanks very much for this, your tanks are amazing!! I especially appreciated the comments to “quit stressing about lighting” etc ... I set up my first planted tank four weeks ago - some plants doing well, some less well, worrying about light intensity, etc etc. This has been very helpful. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
UA-cam suggested I watched this Video and I absolutely loved it. Thank you so much for making it. I did exactly the same as you with cheap lights and have been amazed a what I achieved with plants. I even grew beautiful plants like Rotala red, that I was told would never grow without hitech lighting and Co2.
Number 10 is the key. Plants, plants, plants. Good video, thanks for all the fish! A big thumbs 👍
Beautiful acquarium.i could watch your video thousand times.thank you so much
Additional tip to the lighting you forgot: if you can't dim your light, stick some electrical tape over some of the LED's! Learned that from you, MD :D
You are my motivation for all my tanks. Unfortunately I never reach the goal but i'm gonna set up a 40 gallon breeder next week and am shooting for success!
Indeed emerged plants! I use Pothos in my hob filters to do some extra filtering
Glad i found this channel! By far the best one imo! Thanks for all the info!
Fantastic vlog. Very informative and a little humour too. Thank you
I spent months watching other aquascape info videos and continuously got so overwhelmed and anxious because I wanted beautiful non-plastic fake tank but would ultimately decide its too expensive and l wouldn't do it.
I watched 1 of your videos - the one where you created a complete self sufficient ecosystem- and decided that day to go down to my local pet store and started my tank. That was 1.5weeks ago. 🤞🏻
Perfect video. Make more. Love that you stress to not overthink or overspend. Thanks.
Amazing MD....keep up the good work.
I always wanted a planted tank before almost every youtube channel I watch needs co2 need that very expensive. Until I found MD fish tanks channel 1 month ago now I have 2 nano tanks. Thanks MD.
Thanks for these tips! As usual great video and editing! Can’t wait till the next video!
great info looking for more plants myself for a small tank just to help with the look and give fish some were to hide from the light
I accidentally saw one of your vids today... I think you've hooked me... This looks awesome and fun! Gonna save up and start this!
MD did a Top Ten video! You left out your water change hacks! Making water changes easy helps me do them more often. Especially when I have a bunch of tanks. You should do a video highlighting how to make water changes easy. I know George did one but the more that are on UA-cam the better. All of my friends with fish tanks don't change their water because it's too time consuming or labor intensive and I hate seeing their fish suffer.
I'm so glad you recommend getting lots of plants! My local aquatics store (which I love!) recommended to me that I no get more than 5 plants for my small 10gal tank. I only have five right now as they said, and its a little empty in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love it and my fish, but I want more plants!!