EVERY AQUARIUM VIDEO Falls Into ONE OF 2 TYPES & it is FAILING Aquarists & Fishkeepers All Over.
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- This is FAILING Aquarists & Fishkeepers Everywhere. The 2 Types of UA-cam Video on Aquarium channels.
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Your one of the few channels that doesn't push crap products onto us ,its refreshing 👍
I appreciate that! I get offered daily... but unless i use it a year or know the company firsthand i try and keep things "generic" and never have accepted money for reviews or product mentions
This channel is different than any other I watch. So in depth, natural, and relaxing. Keep the course buddy. You're unrivaled, original, and not a cookie cutter like so many of the others
Agreed.
So true
I began being a more educated angel fish keeper, then found Aqua Malik, we became very good friends living on other sides of Canada. He inspired me to stretch then there you are. At 80 years of age with maximum 5 tanks my beautiful fish bring joy and happiness into my life.
Another part to keeping fish is making friends with people such ad yourself, Malik and Michael Beat. Sincere, honest and dedicated individuals opening sharing not just their knowledge but also caring friendship. Combined it's a tremendous feeling of community between honest genuine people. Personally, my life is enriched by both the friend's I'm making, the pleasure of caring for these beautiful creatures ad well as sharing my life with them.
You're doing a great service, thank you and am proud to call you a friend.
I wholeheartedly agree. Stay the course.
Thanks for the words. I got back into the hobby about 4 years ago as a therapeutic process for my wife. She had a stroke. It has been very beneficial for both of us. I was a bit overwhelmed starting back up and soon realized that since my childhood, almost 40 years ago, the fishkeeping hobby has changed so much! I found that if I narrow down what I want to do and set the goal, it helps. Just filter out all that extra craziness that is exactly what you are talking about, it is is clickbait. There are very few youtubers that I watch now but in the beginning, it was difficult to find the "truth" in fishkeeping. Thank you again. Lots of wisdom on your channel.
I remember wayyyy back all you needed was a tank, a light, undergravel filter & a small internal filter or hang on back filter that you had to fill up the intake tube & try to get it in the filter, holding it with your hand or little stick that sealed the end of the intake tube, just to get the filter started, & a very loud small air pump to hook up your bubble treasure chest or creature of the black lagoon. It was topping off the water, not water changes, & the fish lived forever. My 1st saltwater tank had decorative coral & a very large hang on back filter with a skimmer intake box in the tank. It was brilliant! There are good things & bad things on the internet. We can only hope that good information is provided. You just have to take that info & apply what you know & want to achieve, & use that info accordingly. As a hobbyist I want to know 'how to' & see fish pictures & learn their common names, how to decorate a tank, different fish foods, & down to earth priced products & where to get them.
Aww thanks. Also, im so sorry to hear of your wife's stroke... my mother had one 10 years ago and i cared for her for several years, so i know how hard that can be. Hope you two have a great week
My first thought when I found your channel is how is this guy getting such little views? Your content is so thought out and in depth it puts a lot of many popular fish channels to shame. It's unfortunately the time for very easily digestible and wasteful content. Keep at it bro you help so much!
Thank you very kindly. Your support is very appreciated. 6 years at youtube can get a bit taxing when you spend 40 to 60 hours a week with fish and the channel/people.
I definitely get why people choose to make the easier or faster money, but this hobby ...this science and art...honestly has saved my life in several ways, and it just feels like i cant "sell out" hehe ...i was so torn up about putting ads on, even. But now i realize i cant afford to live without at least a grand or two that a 50k subs channel produces with ads and memberships etc..
Thank you for stopping by and supporting the channel. It is very appreciated
@@Fishtory I'm considered "old" & only began about 4 yrs ago after someone gave us a 75 gal aquarium with 2 8-yr-old goldfish. We had to learn fast, even about the nitrogen cycle then, since it was just gravel, some plastic plants & a yuge old Pelican 400 bio-wheel filter. Those 2 (Spot & 2-Dot) have now passed on, but we enjoyed them a lot.
Since finding you & Father Fish in only the last 6 months or so, I've got my 1st dirted, planted tank going well (thank you!) & b/c I'm now focusing on Panda & Pygmy corydoras (until we get moved back to the Pacific NW again), it was none too soon!
In another tank, the Pandas have been breeding out of control (at least for my DH😉), & even though I've got them (the adults, at least) in a now-overstocked 39 gal, with only some water lilies, 1 big crypt & lots of moss & some anubias & buce, without having put soil under the sand yet, I've ended up putting that yuge Pelican on it, just to get by until I can figure out more.
The planted tank is reserved for the pygmies for now.
I appreciate your channel *so* much, plus being a native Oregonian who also lived in Washington a few times, & often visiting the Sea-Tac area (lots of relatives up thataway), I maybe just gravitate & be partial to a Seattlite more, I dunno.🙃
But, you're the real deal, IMO, & I save most of your videos. Keep it up, Alexander! (Now going to see about that lightening strike!)
So glad you are bringing this up. So many youtubers are continuously setting up new tanks and breaking down others and it makes me think....what happened to the previous videos fish, inverts and plants😢 , another pet peeve is the consistent brand name dropping of highly expensive products, 'use this or your system wont be optimal'. Im all about creating a habitat that these fish can thrive and live a comfortable life in. Its even worse in the marine fishkeeping hobby, complete elitism! Keep up the good work buddy.
You and i are thinking the same things! Lol 😆
I agree with the Marine fishkeeping world. Most of them here in the Atlanta area don't even take care of their own tanks. They hire services to do it.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!! You’re NOT alone!!❤
You nailed it when you said "click bait" Nothing pisses me off more, and will get me to unsubscribe from someone's channel than clicking on a video to find out the video sucks/is boring and the only reason I want to the video was because of the video title making it look like something extraordinary was going to be shown.
I agree . as FishTubers, we need to encourage our viewers down the path of wonder, curiosity, inspiration, education and not click bait spectacles. In the process it’s possible to find a healthy relationship with nature and with ourselves and each other.
Thanks for the good words, Alex. I return to your channel for the advice you give in aquatics and life. I've been inspired by your kindness, and I've profited from your expertise. Please continue doing what you do just like you do it. You brought me to the realization that every tank is an experiment to be wondered at and challenged by and to keep trying new things!
Amazing to hear. Thank you so much for the feedback. Cheers
Wise words. Despite my difficulty with English, I was able to understand the essence of the message. You are one of those who make a valuable contribution to the dissemination of information of great relevance to this magnificent hobby. Here is my acknowledgment and thanks for everything you have done for fishkeeping. You are one of those who inspire me to continue looking for more learning. Cheers from Brazil.🙏
obrigado gentilmente. Que seus aquários sejam saudáveis e bonitos. -Alex
I don't really have a solution but I wanted to say I agree with you 1000%. In this day and age of Kardashians, it seems some people just want to throw something against the wall in the hopes of getting a bunch of likes. I appreciate people like yourself who care about the hobby and impart useful information. I'm new to the hobby (10 months) and initially I subscribe to a ton of channels but I have slowly been whittling them down. Yours is not going anywhere.
Thank you kindly. Best wishes my friend
The video you did about the history of caridina shrimp and their genetics (if I'm remembering it correctly), I really liked and appreciated that. I don't think anyone is creating FishTube content like that -- that is, thoughtful, comprehensive, deeply-researched and well-presented material about an aspect of the hobby. That kind of content is refreshing. I get tired of product reviews, fishroom tours, top ten lists, etc. They've all already been done a million times over.
Hi Alex, I concur with you. I have been keeping fish as a child. I enjoy it. It is therapeutic for me. I have passed the stage of sensationalism and keeping massive fish that eat fish. Spending tons of money on the latest and greatest to get immediate sucess and impact. I've been there, done that. I feel now the focus on nature, science, education, and biotope. I just want to learn and understand at a more in-depth level. This is how I found you and others within the same content. From searching out this format of educational content. There are people who will always run to sensational content. It is the nature of our current society. People tend to search for what their immediate need. This is hard to stop, and in reality, I do not think it can be stopped. I feel there will always be people who truly want to learn at a higher plane that will continue to strive in this hobby.
I concur
Same here
Here are some of the things i have tried because you made me fearless...Walstad, saltwater, wabi-kusa, porch ponds, blackwater, dry start method, emersed hydroponics, plus I just finished building out a 20 tank auto water change system.
You made my week by writing this, my friend! Thank YOU
I love those little moments of awe at nature. I have a small tank for daphnia set up next to a window with just a bunch of plant clippings in it, the other day I checked on it while it was taking direct sun for the couple of hours a day that window gets it and the plants were pearling so much it was audibly fizzing as loud as a coke.
Whoa! Very cool moment hehe
I get more excited by the educational videos than the awe and shock videos. Been keeping fish for over 20 years. I am at my most passionate point now. Seeing the increase in natural style tanks has sent me to a whole different type of fish keeping. Stay true to yourself and put out what you feel is best. People will always want to learn more. The secret history living in your aquarium was what caught my eye. Have learned a lot from you and LRB aquatics.
100%
Love Lucas and Alex’s style and attitudes. It’s educational, relaxing and so informative .
Glad to hear it, thank you for your feedback as well!
Same!
Keep doing what you are doing mate, don't worry about the rest
I love your channel. I love how honest you are , it’s refreshing that you’re able to be vulnerable, you show failures and faults. Trust me that you’re reaching your right audience. You’re inspiring , intelligent, concise and inspire a different and positive way of thinking and approaching the hobby. I love the deep dive videos you do. I can’t tell you the amount of light bulb moments I’ve had listening to you, where things just connected and made sense to what happened with a fish, a plant or an entire tank even! Keep going and keep being you. I appreciate your content massively.
Thank you for your kind words and feedback. Have an amazing week my friend!
Hey Alex, just wanted to say that you're the reason I didn't give up on the hobby. The wealth of information you have on your channel is second to none! The thing I love most about your content is the more scientific focused stuff, I really do feel like it's the most interesting aspect of the hobby and there's not enough out there on it!
Something you could do is species profiles which go in depth on a particular species each video. Talk about interesting aspects of their biology, their natural environments, breeding behaviours, threats to their habitat etc.
Keep up the good work man, you're an incredible ambassador for the hobby
Thank you very kindly. I am trying to do exactly what you are saying about the species profiles too...and im working on my editing skills also haha. But check out my samurai gourami video, if you like that sort of thing...it goes into the ecology and habitat quite a bit, and i think you may enjoy it!
@@Fishtory I certainly will! On the editing skills point, there are a lot of free resources out there that have a good amount of depth and info for free! It can feel like a bit of an uphill battle sometimes but it's worth the struggle to be able to get more eyes on the wonderful stuff you make!
That's awesome Alex I've got two years.
What I enjoy the most about your videos is the biology it's a never ending story, it's what I enjoy in my aquarium. You mentioned college that would give folks ideas on presentations and diversity.
Great job
Bob.
Started being interested in aquariums years ago when Dustin's Fish Tanks just got going. I loved that he'd literally show digging up yard dirt and plopping it in an old cracked tank he repaired with a CD case. It made it seem like an attainable hobby for anyone, and he was introducing fish I hadn't ever heard of at the same time.
You and me both!
Your story and unspoken story have me in tears. Thank you for sharing. Your tanks are full, plants appear random and look natural.
Your words hit home for me. The part of my aquarium and nature photography hobbies that I enjoy most is learning the deeper aspects. Experimenting with what I learn. After Lisa and Diana's stream, I immediately ordered Diana's book that just arrived this evening 😃.
Been in the hobby something about twenty years ... and counting. I really enjoy just taking my own time with everything and allowing the systems I arrange to dictate their needs to me. Nature is doing its thing and I'm just here to see how much more splendor I can coax out of my tanks by aligning myself with nature...through self-care...through increasing my awareness of good information...by listening to others who are feeling and doing the same, like you Alex. I love that there is so much value to everything in the hobby, there is value to all of the things that people may initially think are icky: cloudy water, slime coats, algae, mulm, dirty sand ... who else is slowing down to appreciate the role and value of all of the things? I want more nature. I wanna experience more in the hobby and I feel like, to do that, I need to get over myself and I can use the hobby to do just that.
Thank you for articulating these ideas so well. I couldnt agree more!
You are one of the best, no clickbait bullshit for 8yo's with attention span of an amoeba. You make real valuable content, always have something interesting to say. Stay awesome!
Haha well thanks 😊
Alex, I’m just grateful we have people like you, Dan, Bentley, Lucas, etc… The knowledge and love of fishkeeping from all y’all, is continuously inspiring. Thank you!!
Thank you. If im in the company of those guys, i count myself as blessed haha. Cheers
which channels are those?
I personally commend all of you for being on youtube and spreading your love of the hobby. My friends have told me numerous times to start my own channel, but I have no idea how have a conversation with my myself for 15 minutes, what can I discuss that all of you haven't already? I personally know i could sit and talk with you about fish for hours but on youtube? the hobby is constantly evolving, constantly learning new information that is fascinating to me. Keep up the good work.
Pretty clear from my perspective. I will take it in two bites EXPERIENCE & PERSPECTIVE 1) the hobby has changed a lot but in a greater sense NEVER changes much at all-- that is to say we have ALWAYS had hobbyists briefly passing through the hobby, and we have always had hard core hobbyists that might spend all there lives in it, or in and out and back in again! So that creates a mixed audience of people who A) want to keep the dopamine coming with lots of flash and fury. They will buy a lot of stuff including anything new that plugs in or can be turned on and off with a iPhone. B) the longer term hobbyist who just wants to keep the passion alive and find kindred spirits C) the hard core who want to learn, share and challenge the limits of the hobby. They will by definition clash.
The second bite: IT'S A GIANT CATCH ALL HOBBY : This is just not one hobby. It is a collection of very different aquatic interests and environments.Therefore there is not ONE true way. There are a score of ways. And most hobbyists in their enthusiasm and experience become quite rigid in there outlook. So there are levels of engagement, disciplines that require a certain approaches based on biological imperatives ( and many unforgiving) and then there is a economic reality associated with the different discipline ( example no tech freshwater vs marine fish show tank). So ' can't we all just get along?' .The answer is probably not. The different levels of understanding and personal experience guarantees everyone is at some different level of perspective and engaging in some variation. And the approaches to no tech freshwater Vs high end coral propagation are as different as night and day. THE ANSWER : tolerance and the ability to agree to disagree and leave it at that. As far as showmanship goes? it's just a game of attacting as many eyes to a bloody train wreck or prospects of seeing a naked girl, as possible. lols
Thank you for this condensation of what i was feeling. Well stated! Cheers, mate!
I started keeping fish about 3 years ago, but didn't even think about looking for information on youtube until sometime last year. Then I was amazed that you could put real plants in a tank, and I shamefully looked at all my plastic plants. lol Anyway, over time I accumulated a few youtube channels that appealed to me, and I felt like I was really learning something. I learned how to use a dirt and sand substrate from MD's channel, I learned about the tiny critters from your channel, I learned about fish from Fish Shop Matt's channel, I learned I could relax, stop over cleaning, and enjoy my aquariums from Father Fish, I learned about algae (and beautiful aquascapes) from MJ Aquascaping. Now I feel like I have a little family of fish keepers I learn from. I just really enjoy seeing what you're all doing in your fish rooms. I like to learn how to keep fish healthy and thriving. I like to learn how to keep plants healthy and thriving. I love most of all sitting in front of my planted tank and watching the fish swim around. ❤
That's the spirit! I had a similar "ah hah" moment...sadly i must say- i kept plastic plants for 15 years before i realized this 😄
I’ve been out of the hobby since I was 8 years old when I had a goldfish is a bowl. I am almost 58 now and have learned a lot but I find that you should always try to stay humble and patient when it comes to the hobby. I think one person who has really inspired me recently is Father Fish. I love how keeps thing so simple and since I have started using his method, I have never been so happy keeping tanks again. I have literally setup an entire fish room with natural tanks. You have also taught me so much about the hobby. I really appreciate all the information you share and all the little tidbits of knowledge you include in all your videos. Keep up the great work!
And this right here is why we love you! Don’t feel pressured by the people that say you always have to keep advancing! Or doing more. Quality over quantity, ALWAYS. Running 3 miles and enjoying the scenery is way better than running 12 and dreading every step. (I don’t run, it’s just a dumb analogy 😏) I’m 55 and in a lot of ways with this new hobby, I feel like a child again. It’s brought back that wonder and fascination I had been lacking. It helped me through my mother’s last few years of rapidly declining health and death. I can’t see myself giving up this hobby any time soon, and am grateful that in my future old age, I can continue with a hobby that gives out such comfort and contentment. I’m slowly growing my self sustaining ecosystem with planted dirted substrate, and bugs to keep the fish fed. You have been instrumental in facilitating the whole discovery process. Keep up the fantastic work, and don’t dumb down for the click bait masses, we don’t any part of that.
Haha thank you kindly. Glad to hear the hobby is so healing for you as well!
You don’t even have to trip, Dog.
You have arrived.
You are home.
🪴 🐟 🌱 💦
Love your content.
Love your soul.
Alex, you’re a rare person. I mean, you’re unique, you’re really honestly unique …. Not just among aquarium channels but in general. This content is your own, really vital life force. I am excited when you make these kind of videos when you say you’re vulnerable. It’s definitely not lost on me. You’re the first UA-cam channel I subscribed to. So it is so exciting, so exciting to hear your thoughts on this. I learn so much from you, not just about fish but many other subjects. ❤
Aww thank you so kindly. That means the world to me. Welcome!
Please dont change. I love learning, and your channel is the only resource i trust. You taught me that theres many different ways to keep fish happy. There are right and wrong, but theres many right ways. I dont know any other aquarists irl. Im a mom who got into the hobby after realising i had kept a betta for 2+ years in a small unheated/unfiltered tank. I felt terrible and started to learn how to keep fish properly. My mind was blown! Now i have 3 fish tanks and one shrimp tank. All with live plants. This hobby is a part of me now, and no one understands how i can sit for hours watching my little worlds with magnifying glasses on 🙃 i have lots of health issues and never been able to stick to any real hobby. But these little guys need me. I believe your channel is one of the many reasons i have never lost interest. I find tank maintenance so relaxing and hrs pass by before i realise its 4am. You have no competition from those other guys and the viewers who are here for the right reasons dont want to see a hundred betta fish die after being 'rescued' or some monster fish hunt and kill every other animal put into their tank. Thank youn so much alex, from south wales, uk. ❤
Aww you made my week. Thank you so kindly. 💓 im sorry to hear the health issues plague you like they do me also. We'll get through with the help of family, nature, curiosity and laughter of course. Have a wonderful week and thanks for coming by the comments!
First, I don’t consider the people that do the crazy spectacle videos, like buying all the bettas and putting them in a koi pond together, or feeding piranhas something ridiculous, part of this hobby. I don’t watch them or even pause on the thumbnail cause that counts as a view.
Second, I see a lot of fighting in fish forums (FB and YT comments) where people are claiming someone is 100% wrong and even dumb for doing a certain method because their experience is the opposite. (Most recently, it was someone calling Father Fish really derogatory names because they disagree with no water changes and using stuff from outside.) I try to point out, when I see these debates, that we’re not helping anyone by calling them dumb, and we’re not actually fighting about what is right or wrong. Sometimes someone really new IS doing something that is objectively wrong no matter what method they are trying, BUT usually, when it’s at least semi-experienced people debating, it’s a difference of focus in the hobby they are fighting about…..and that’s pointless. There are MANY hobbies within this hobby. There are people who love fish. There are people who love plants. There are people who love certain species. People who love certain size fish. People who love the science. People who love pretty colors. People who love re-creating nature at home with little electronics. People who love ridiculously beautiful CO2 aquascapes that look perfect. People who love breeding. People who love technology! I could go on. And ultimately someone who loves gorgeous perfect aquascapes is not understanding the person who truly just wants to see if they can re-create nature, and doesn’t care about algae and imperfections and tannins and stuff. These people will fight as of each is “right” and the truth is that neither are because they’re fighting about two different hobbies and two different focuses. I had a debate like that a couple weeks ago on FB where someone was telling me, in a really derogatory way, that I am wrong. I tried explaining that I just have a different focus so don’t care about the things he cares about, and he proceeded to keep telling me my tanks will crash. It’s been 4 years and they haven’t, and I’ve made a business out of the plants and fish I get out of my tanks. Yet that makes no difference to this person…I am still “on the verge of having them all crash” to him. It’s just sad that people have to be so polarized. Ultimately, the internet tends to support narcissism, unfortunately, and we have to remember, that the normal people watching videos often don’t comment, or just comment a nice compliment, cause they’re sane and don’t need others to feed off of. So it ends up looking like the majority of people are narcissistic, but really that’s probably not true.
I think the biggest problem with many of the UA-cam fish channels, are the channels that appear to be pushing the "my way is better" agenda based videos.
They all think their individual method is the best, and nothing else will do. Facts are you can keep fish in many many different ways.
I like channels that are willing to run tanks of all flavors and types, channels that show you a multitube of creative ways to achieve what we all want, healthy clean environments for our fish.
Excellent video, excellent content, and I totally agree! I have had cancer for seven years and 54 surgeries and being in Aquarius with 47 planted aquariums has saved my life. Not to mention my 259 house plants and three dogs. We just call it Nanas jungle!
Amazing 👏 YOU are an inspiration! Thank you
From one Nana to another, you go girl! Wow. 259 houseplants?! I'd love to see your jungle sometime! Best to you & your health. I had cancer over 20 yrs ago, & really respect what you've accomplished through the years & surgeries!!!💖You're truly a phenomenon.
A bit late replying, but have been sick past month and am slowly catching up on your content. I really wanted to reply to this one.
Alex, the beat advise I can give you is keep shining your own light and being true to yourself and what you want to project and accomplish.
I appreciate your content so much! By far, you are my most watched creator....Bently being second. I also enjoy Cory, Father Fish, LRB, Ben, and honestly a lot of the Fish Fam peeps. KeepingFishSinple is blowing me away right now with how much this young man has grown and expanded his thinking and applications on fish keeping and breeding.
I dont do anything exactly like any tuber, but I can usually learn something, or at least prompt me to further my own understanding of why I do what I do and grow and expand from there
The trend is Shallowness....and this idea of babying everyone for fear a few might misunderstand or not comprehend. For the deep thinking philosophically minded Empath, these trends can feel grievious to the soul and at times overwheliming because you want to help others reclaim freethinking skills and sometimes basic kindness.
Your platform in its own little niche is doing that. You are accomplishing what you're heart is wanting to.
Keep shining your light with love a dignity and your passion for learning. Its much needed.
Forgive me if Im wrong, but I think you are as much a healer of sorts as a teacher. So many weary disheartened people on all ends of the spectrum of life and everywhere inbetween. Too many for one, but you are not alone ..
Wish I had my normal wits and thinking to give you adequate encouragement. Im still wiped out from this last rheumatoid attack.
Peace and love to you and yours. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for your feedback, empathetic and kind words as well. I truly cherish your response.
You’re doing exactly what you’re intending to and it’s appreciated and helping.
Thank you kindly
Alex Shisho, I just wanted to put out there into the ether, you inspired me to get back into the hobby. I started last year to get more info for my son as he set up an old 20g tank we had in the garage. I started watching vids here and quickly found your content and was literally inspired to get my own tank(s). What?!? A person who has very similar health probs to my own is able to keep fish and give them their best life even w health probs?!? I was awe struck!! I, like you have always been a tree hugging nature kid. But thought with my health issues I'd never be able to keep fish again and most importantly, give them their best life in captivity. I still limit myself to 10g but I'm doing it!! And it's literally thanks to you. Feeling like I could do it because that fellow lupus guy on the interwebs is doing it too!!🙏💙✌️
More power to you 💪 ✨️ we can get through this! Nature can make it easier and more rewarding hopefully. Thank you so kindly for your feedback and input on these types of matters. Cheers !
I just found you this week. I have been binge watching your videos. I’ve only been in the hobby for 2.5 years, and I have learned so much from your videos! You’re a great teacher. Keep up the good work!
Welcome aboard! Thanks for joining our community
I still use aquarium forums. Not social media but the old forums. It's so helpful and they are all real people who really do this.
I just realized you liked my comment. Apparently you are a real person too. That's refreshing. I've been called old for that. I also have books. Paper!
Fish keeping to me is about having those moments where in your tank you replicate a harmony and equilibrium found in nature.. it’s magic
Thank you showing us your truth. I appreciate your honesty and genuine respect for this hobby.
My pleasure 🙏 thank you as well l, for stopping by
I have alot of respect for you and what you accomplish. I always appreciate your knowledge and your channel is genuine, the first one i click in when im trying to learn. You got me into shrimps, M.D. made me fall into aquascaping, and Father Fish showed me how to incorporate getting out into nature by finding resources/material instead of going to big box stores. Still love your overgrown tanks i hope i get there with mine one day.
@velkaconsort93 I feel the exact same way about the 3 guys/channels
Father Fish brought me here. You are somewhat local to me, so it is fun to see you gathering things locally.
Every summer my videos slow down a bit...because im out watching, catching or flyfishing (and releasing) fish hehe. Hello and welcome, neihbor!
When I started in the hobby, most of the channels I would fall on were those spectacles, or you know, you need this product as without it your fish will die etc etc. After a lot of money was wasted and, more importantly, lost hope and gained so much stress. I was glad to find channels such as yours, FF & Bentlay it's about sharing knowledge and transmitting 😢 and respect for the fish and plants.
As you said, a lot of people got lost in the need to grow their channel bigger. For example I ised to love some DIY channel, but now days, there is not much DIY and it's always about bigger / crazier stuff or others that all they do is get angry at people that don't do exactly as they say as they are the mighty Gods of Fish keeping as they have tons of followers.
So, really, for me, keep doing what you do. It's always interesting, and I always enjoy learning more. The road might seem harder than going for the spectacles, but you keep your integrity and can be proud of not selling your soul for a few more likes.
Hey alex u are the reason my fish tank as been thrive in 4 plus years from ur contents word of advice keep on doing what u are good at and not worry about any one else ... just keep teaching becauze we never stop learning in and thru out life..
This warms my heart. Thank you so much Johnny! Im honored. Have a great week
I have watched several of your videos now that I have returned to the hobby after 50+ years. I had several 40 gal. Tanks, my dad owned his own business put in insane hours and my tanks brought him great peace and relaxation. I miss my dad and those tanks. His memory inspired me to take it up again.
Your message tonight was profound, your passion your zeal and your honesty are truly inspiring and inspirational.
I found one of the exciting moments for me was when I first discovered Father Fish and the dirted system. I have been a fan of his for some time. His philosophy on the hobby and his love are echoed in your words. I recall asking my self who when the time comes who will replace him and carry the torch.?
I don’t think any of us oldies and newbies need look much farther or worry about sound informational sources dying away as you embody the spirit of Fish keeping and aquaculture. I have subscribed and look forward to watching your past as well as future content.
Im honored and humbled by your thoughts and feedback. I hope I can carry the torch somewhat (among others). But without being able to have children of my own, im really thinking of how to make a lasting mark on the world and or hobby. Thank you for your support and thoughts. Cheers
I started in the hobby less than a year ago but have read and watched so much that it feels like much longer. UA-cam is a fantastic resource but because of the things you mentioned, it quickly became overwhelming and repetitive. There is a very small list of channels that I continue to follow (yours is at the top of that list) because they teach and inspire. The “spectacle” videos get views but they don’t have staying power. Sure it’s fun to watch a few aquascapes get set up, and sometimes I search out some basic info and watch a few top-10-whatevers-for-a-whatever videos, but again, that’s not enough to keep most hobbyists subscribed much less foster a community. Your knowledge and curiosity and obvious love and passion for the natural world is what draws people in AND KEEPS THEM. This process of growing a community is slower, unfortunately, but ultimately probably way more rewarding, fulfilling, and less stressful than just trying to get tons of views. Hare and tortoise, you know? Your longer videos on things like biotopes and the ecology of aquariums and how they are microcosms of nature are my absolute favorites, and the way you take complicated (for most of us) scientific processes and subjects like bacteria and tannins and geology (yes geology! we all have substrate and hardscape! and you’re the first person on UA-cam who’s ever made that interesting!) and break them down so that they’re understandable and fascinating is a GIFT, my friend. Unfortunately, I don’t have any answers for the main question you’re asking other than this: YOU have been in the hobby for many years, and YOU still have passion and excitement for it, so I think if you continue to research and present what excites YOU, that is what will inspire and excite the rest of the long-haulers - I’m just sorry it doesn’t get the attention it should in the stupid algorithm. I hope someone in your community here has some good ideas for you. You’re a calm, friendly, breath of fresh air in a loud, flashy, clickbait-y world and you make all of us see more and care more about the world around us, through the little worlds on our aquarium stands. I hope your channel is around for years to come!
Thank you for this Alex. I have health issues as well, and i thought i was going to have to give up keeping fish...until i ran across your content. It has changed the way I approach my aquariums. I can enjoy them again. Also, finding out that the things going on in my tanks that peopke obsess about: beneficial worms, not crystal clear water (not cloudy, but just not the most perfect looking water), and some algae is great. It became less about my wants as far as aesthetics and perfection goes and creating a place for my fish to live their best gilled life and delighting in that. Anyway, thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for sharing! Im sorry you have the burden of illness and or pain as well, but we can get through this, and lean on mother nature to cheer us up!
Absolutely, when I first started the hobby 7 or 8 years ago it was to overwinter my outside goldfish. It morphed to guppies, Corys, shrimp and Angelfish. But I had to understand an underwater environment, I had an education in terrestrial ecosystems. I learned everything I could and started keeping plants. It was great, I could grow plants over the winter too!!! Those videos on UA-cam that are the shock variety have never been for me and I think that those serious in the hobby probably don't watch much. We like to learn new things or refine what we do know. We like to see what others have tried and what did not work for them. Keep making YOUR videos.
I have problems with very, very very hard water with low pH ... Maybe you can make a video about our different water conditions and how to make them better for our fish??
As someone new, I just asked questions and them watch the videos. One was setting up an aquarium for a Betta. I saw videos on aquascaping. I got a larger Tank recommended for a Betta and Freshwater Fish. He carefully poured the Fluval Stratum into the tank, moved it around, added rocks, then Driftwood, pebbles, then sand. Then he added Plants. He slowly added water into a cup or something as to minimize rearranging by the waterflow. He added the water treatment. He turned on the Water-Filter and said that he will come back when it clears up. After, a day or so, he came back and made a few adjustments and/or added a few plants. The tank looked clear. He said that the water parameters that he tested earlier were good, so he added his fish. Then, he said he'll keep testing the water parameters and keep an eye on the Fish. Sounds wonderful. I followed his video. The next day, my parameters were horrible. I am glad that I did not transfer the fish. I since learned that he does display thanks, like many and disassemble them after a week or so. I was unaware that the Stratum causes major spikes that might need initially if not twice a day water changes. After a few weeks, I was so frustrated... I disassembled the tank and removed most of the water. Scooped out the Stratum and left outside to dry. I cleaned the tank and went to the and just got dyedl gravel. I had not known that the dyed gravel wears off over time and contaminates the water column. Then, after 2 months. I disassembled the tank and replaced it natural gravel. I've been happy with that.
What I did not know is that if you have Ghost Shrimp that they, like fry can get sucked into the Siphon. Glad that I poured then bucket water into sieve to catch the Duckweed and saw 2 of my Ghost Shrimp who survived. So, what I realized the more I started to learn is that some Water-Filters can sucknup the small Ghost Shrimp and fry into it. So then, I got a pre-filter. In looking for Water-Filters for starting 5G and 10G Quarantine Tanks... Water-Filter run from up to 10G, some up to 20G. It is way to fast for the Betta. The LPS do not carry Sponge-Filters for small tanks. And I wanted to find a small AquaClear and they make the up to 20G.
I found myself turning the Water-Filter off during feeding time.
I feel like I only make big Water-Filters... so buy a bigger tank to fit my big Water-Filter. Greed.
I don't want to put my new Fish in with other Fish and wait until something happens. This is not good science. What about prevention.
This is why I have a 5G and 10G Quarantine Tanks while I am still struggling how to set up a 55G Community Aquarium Room-divider set-up.
I experimented with some substrates, a few, I am unhappy with.
Cleaning Driftwood... I watched videos with folks just picking some up and placing it in the tank. I boiled one that I bought and soaked it for a week changing water in the am and pm. Within a week, I woke up to 1/4 of the tank covered in this white webby like growth and this white think gravy dripoing out of one end. I had a piece of Mopani that for weeks stuff floated up. After it stopped shedding. I soaked it over night in Treated Water. Over the next week, white fuzz appeared and I used a clean brush and brushed it off. Within a few more weeks it was fine, and my tank continued to be fine. Because it was going to be a Betta Tank, I welcomed the Tannins. This was back in December.
I treated these 2 pieces of Driftwood as I had the othersvad zi was very disappointed and frustrated. I upoed the water temp and.added chlorine to the tank to kill everything in it and trusted thst this is enough. Tomorrow, I'll take the Driftwood out of the solution and let it drain in the yard a bit so that it is not dripping. I learned to bake it to steam it at 200°F for 2 hours. This should finish killing everything. We will see. This time. I will just let it soak in just enough treated water to be sure that the chlorine is dissapated and water logged. Then, I will siphon the water out and rinse it out again. Then, add the substrate, Rocks, Driftwood, Plants and allow the pre-seeded Water-Filter Cartridge, along with Rocks and some Pebbles and Gravel from an existing tank re-seed this new setup. I will be using an established Sponge Filter. I am planning to wait and watch the Driftwood for a few weeks to also watch the Water Parameters.
I did this this way because some said that it is nothing to worry about, it is normal. One said that it was just normal biofilm, another said that it was White Algae that is also safe for Fish. And, one said that it is White Mold. Some sites said that in a healthy tank, it won't bother the Fish. Some said that it is toxic.
I choose to err on the side of caution and to start over again.
Yes, a wasted month, but my Fish are still safe and alive.
Perhaps folks that just take the Driftwood out of the Lake, Bay, or Water-way it is safer and has a biofilm. I will treat all Driftwood the same in the future.
Talk about learning under fire.
You are right Alex... some one, maybe you can just do a few videos on what questions to ask when watching videos and a new person starting from scratch.
It is one thing to just watch videos for scaping ideas, but then there is a difference between a display tank that will get taken down after a week or two follow-up for that topic, and with a keeper that is to last a long time.
Another thing... I have some young Cichlids now in a 10G Quarantine Tank until I can get the right Rocks and Plants started in a Plant Starter QuarantineTank. The Central American Cichlids that I have jot around and I am finding that the gentle stem Plants are not holding up like the Amazon Sword Plant and the Purple Waffle Plants are. The Anubias are still doing well. As is the Anacharis. I have a few clumps of Christmas Moss nestled amongst the rock caves thst are holding up. I ham hoping that there are no matings until I get them moves into this
29G (36" L x 12.5" W) which will allow me to make more separare caves so that they can pair off when they reach that age and create their own territories. I am looking to move to get a bit longer Tank, and shorter. The top of this 29G is wasted. I will go to the Quarry next week to see what they have or just buy more light Lava Rock to create a Paludariam Set-up. These Cichlids are not investigating the 3rd tier of caves in this 10G Quarantine/Holding Tank... so my suspicion is that they keep close to the substrate... the very lower layer. Not a problem.
Still learning.
😮
Thanks for sharing all your wxperiences with us!
Your my"fish guy" I talk about you all the time to my wife. And the other day I was listening to you and you broke into song because .. well because you could.. and my wife said to me is that your fish guy? I smiled and said yes😊 I love how humble and how real you are. I love your content I have learned so much from you, More than I can even retain haha. I left this hobby about 40 years ago.. I can't even remember now why I gave it up. And now I'm so amazed with the updated products out there!😮
I found your channel after listening to three or four others, I have now stopped following them and I only follow you. They were either too rappy (if that's a term) to arrogant, or just made things seem too complicated.
Anyway your knowledge, and your outlook blow me away. You should be proud!
Aww well I am honored. Welcome back and thanks for tuning in and supporting the channel. I essentially made the channel that I wish I could sit down and watch lol... I wish there was another similarly laid back but fact-checked type channel specifically on fish and their biological and cultural significance. However some creators will make one or two great videos on some aspect of fishkeeping or science, and then it gets my hopes all up.
My next hope is that Adam Ragusea will keep creating lots of fish and nature videos.
Anyhow, side tangent. Have a great weekend and officially welcome to the channel.
This is one of your best heartfelt true love for the passion videos I’ve ever seen!!you along with several others are what motivated me to get in the hobby and I thank you for all the informative videos..being sober now as of October 23 I decided to try my hand at a planted dirt substrate aquarium..I have had many bettas in small fish bowls over the years but never anything big..I now have 2 Huge fishbowls one small shrimp tank and a 5 gallon betta tank which are all thriving..thank you for the inspiration for being honest and just being real..keep doing what your doing you make a difference❤
Thank you kindly. That warms my soul and makes my week, to read. I wish you the very best with your journey. Lean on the hobby, beauty and curiosity and wonders of nature to keep your spirit up. 16 years since I had my last drink. Cheers
Your channel is my go to when I want to learn something. You have a way of presenting complex research and ideas into a very digestible form.
You know I opened up UA-cam tonight to search for some particular information that I remember you covering, and then I stumbled upon this video. When I came to the Hobby several months ago it's was because I got a betta fish a 3 gallon acrylic bucket they called a fish tank that I found at a thrift store and through my research I discovered the walstad method and from further deep diving I found your Channel and Father fish. And like you said, it unlocked something in me. I was always the discovery channel kid, transfixed by nature and biology. And to have a slice of it in my very own room is beyond Joy, and then it wasn't about having a tank I didn't have to touch. it was about learning the process of learning nature. And I think what separates your channel from all the rest is the joy of Science and experimenting you can tell you're not doing this for the gimmick but it's your life and your passion and it really sparked in me the same Joy and I see you as a mentor. I think people login for community they're not coming here for a gimmick they're coming to hang out with and learn from a friend as we get to know you as a person as well as a hobbyist.
Well im honored. Humbled and ellated to read this. Cheers
I always feel like a smarter, better human after spending some time reflecting with Alex. 👏
Can I like this comment 500 more times please?!
You are correct, Alex. A life lesson that I have been struggling with for years is this; Whatever you focus on...give your attention to... Your energy to... is what you will attract into your life. If you focus on frustrating people and situations... That will bring more of those things into your life. Even if there is a certain satisfaction in expressing that frustration... It just isn't worth it. Let's focus on real practical actions and observations that make our fish, our plants and essentially ourselves happier. Let's consider the rest as unworthy of our acknowledgement . Let the negative things become irrelevant and unnoticed. Keep sharing what you do that seems to work. Share every aspect of the basics ... Little things can make a big difference.
I watch all the fish ppl, but I gravitate toward your channel and MD’s channel. MD is the same routine, just with different layouts, and it’s nice to watch but very rarely informative. I come here for information. I find myself searching for specific individual things, and come up empty a lot! I want to know all the fun facts on all the fish, all the plants, all the substrates, wood, stones…etc. I usually come up with 1 or 2 videos from a random fish vlogger, but I’m wanting to see info from you 😅. I’ll eventually find what I want. But do enjoy when videos are specific to a plant or fish or group of those types.
I don’t care for KG, only because sometimes I feel like there is some bullying…and that is very off putting. But I do enjoy when his wife is on.
Thank you for the very informative videos. I’m glad I found this community to help me along my fishy journey.
Personally my first aquarium started just 2 months ago and I love watching my puffers , they give me so much peace.
Seeing your username, had to check out your channel, & tried to see Butters!😊I want a Pea Puffer some day, too! I think it was those I read are almost like puppies who get excited to see you? Anyway, I ended up subscribing to your channel, & will watch more of your videos when I can. Yes! "To God be the glory and to the devil none !" Even though these days it seems the latter is getting its way more & more, there's only One True Creator God in Three Persons, & we win because He always wins!
Yeah, gald ur free from the bottle, n chain. You have inspired me 2 get back into the hobbie, now I have 14 tanks, and loving it, thanks 2 u, I'm well informed on alot of topics!! Thanks 4 being here and helping!!
Alex, thank you for this. As someone with chronic health issues, I appreciate fully where you're coming from in SO many ways. Those issues were the driving force behind me digging into natural aquariums. The decreased maintenance has allowed me to return to a hobby I love. I previously had to get out because I couldn't do the constant water changes, canister filter maintenance, and gravel vaccing of standard aquarium keeping. Learning about Walstad method drew me back. If Walstad hadn't put out her book and there weren't channels like yours who explain the science behind truly natural tanks, I'd still be out of the hobby.
What I find troubling is channels that have the "my way or the highway" attitude. When one of those pops up, I tell UA-cam to never recommend them again. It's sad that some folks forget there's more than one way to keep healthy fish and other aquatic critters. Whether ultra high tech or low maintenance-no tech, or anything in between, there are so many different ways of doing things that can appeal to so many different people AND result in healthy fish. When people start getting that attitude, though, it's very off-putting, even to those of us who have been at this for a while that I can only imagine how much worse it is for beginners.
Example, the "betta police" are so off-putting. I talk to people all the time who've had run-ins with them, and often been given misinformation. I've had my own dealings with them, too. So bad, in fact, that I finally decided to write off bettas altogether so I don't have to deal with those people - EVER. Then I watched your video about bettas, and now I'm wanting a plakat! I still won't deal with those people, though. I just won't avoid the fish because of them. Unfortunately, the "betta police" aren't the only ones out there driving people away from the hobby with the nasty way they tend to treat people, especially beginners who have loads of questions. We all started somewhere, and then we did better as we learned. Folks seem to forget that. Even the most legalistic people in the hobby didn't start out knowing what they do now, and it's not right or fair for them to expect everyone else to start their first tank knowing it all. Especially since there's not one of us, no matter how long we've been in the hobby, who actually know it all. It's CONSTANT learning! Thank you, Alex, for being one who facilitates that!
I stumbled on your channel from a friend. Great content, sincerity and passion. Thank you.
I'm an obsessive and I love picking up new hobbies just to research the hell out of them. It's something i can do when my chronic illnesses have me bed bound. I'm not even getting an aquarium, but I have loved researching how to keep one. At first I was just down an entertainment rabbit hole watching Luke's Goldies or MD building a new tank every other week, but I have looked more into aquascaping and now I am researching extensively the biological science of aquariums. It's interesting how many content creators have habits that they are convinced work, and how many are downright aggressicely dogmatic about the practices they choose, but none understand why what they do works or why other methods do also. The San Francisco aquarium with decades of no water changes really got me to look into how deep substrate is supposed to work. I really love your channel because you and Jay's Aquariums are the first content which really helped me understand the mechanisms and chemistry behind why any of the dogmatic practices function. I obsessively reaearched like this when I got into houseplants before ever getting one, and that has helped me keep dozens of plants fluorishing without losing a single one in the past year. It's a shame that most people cant distinguish between entertainment content and educational content, and I'm sure thousands of people have simply rushed out to buy the same products and brands used by content churning aquarist youtubers to start their own tank, only to fail because of their local water parameters or some other issue without any understanding of why. Thank you so much for creating the content you do!
Thank YOU for this kind and intelligent, insightful comment. Im sorry to hear of your illness... i have lupus and was injured badly in my spine and brain during a lightning strike, so while i cant say i understand your situation, i can sympathize greatly. Keep on keeping interested in the world, and youll never be bored or lonely long. Thanks for coming by and dropping this comment, my friend
@nauci you might also enjoy watching Serpadesign on UA-cam. He does some really interesting ripariums, aquariums, etc, and he’s also a very nice guy who explains things as he goes. I too, enjoy watching these and I only have a few fancy goldfish in a 100 gallon stock tank with a bunch of plants, lol
You are a teacher , I am a student (77 yo ) you enjoy teaching I enjoy learning , simple , I am am old enough to ignore and avoid the hype . Bigger , better, crazier , all the extremes of life they are not necessary , folk should just relax in the middle of the spectrum of life and enjoy the moment :} Thanks Alex do your own thing its everybody's right .
Wow, thank you sir! Im honored. Im here because im curious, and have faith that others will be as well! Never stop learning if your livin, as i say
For me, your content have made a huge difference. Not just for my aquarium(s) but for my life. I started to search for how to take care of an aquarium when I wanted my first one as an adult.
I had seen some amazing aquascaping-videos and wanted a beautiful tank with a lot of plants and wanted to know how to get plants to thrive in the aquarium. There was the "wow-factor" for me. It looked fantastic! Somehow I found your channel, and learned that it was actually possible to keep an aquarium in a way that it turns into its own little eco system. I decided that my plan was to do that, just inspired by some kind of aquascaping to make it look as pretty as possible.
Before actutally getting some inhabitants for the aquarium, I spent hours and hours and days watching youtube to learn more, and tried my best to read articles and discussions online. And I never just spent some time with a video, I want to get all the details and I also read the comments.
However, I got my aquarium, with a lot of plants, with shrimps and fish and some snails. And it turned out well! The plants are thriving, the fish are happy, the shrimps breed and the water quality is always so good that I don't have to do water changes, just refill it since I don't have a lid.
Some of it was a bit of just good luck, and now with my new aquariums that I've bought, I want to do an even better job, and try to get it to the point where even my fish breeds and the babies survives. I got a lot(!) to learn, but I recently created this channel and now as I starting up a new aquarium I try to get videos of it and to make content for youtube. Because if someone maybe look at the "wow-videos" and want to do things themselves, maybe someone will find my videos and can see a bit of how it turns out for someone less experienced and learn from that as well. I think that this community, as well as all communitys, needs a bit of everything. Not just the professionals explaining "This is how it's done", but also room for people trying it. Maybe it can be entertaining as well? I hope so. I will at least do my best.
Im honored and humbled. Ill definitely check your channel out! Best of luck
Thank you so much for sharing this with me
Alex I'm so glad you've found your niche and that it's helping you in your daily struggles with health problems. I love your videos. Having recently started my own channel I can understand how difficult it is to keep things fresh and interesting. Mine is more of a visual diary to track the progress of my racing pigeons, but even that takes a lot of time.
It's been twenty or more years since I had a fish tank. It was such a pain to keep clean. The fish never lasted very long. I lost all interest in fish keeping. Then, a couple of months ago I came across Ryo Watanabe's videos showing the way his family in Japan keep little Medaka rice fish in small "ponds" on the porch. It sent me down a whole new path. I bought some medaka eggs. They got lost in the mail. When they finally arrived, what do you know, they were already hatching! In the mean time I discovered Father Fish, this channel, Serpa Designs etc. My little medaka fry are living in what amounts to a FF resurrection jar - (a large glass cookie jar) We live rather isolated on a farm with a creek and a pond. no end of material to experiment with. All my canning jars are becoming mini eco systems :) One thing I'd like to learn more about is color genetics and how to go about developing new strains, especially of the Medaka rice fish. ( sorry this was such a ramble)
Ooo i havent hit genetics in a while...ill add it to my list :) also, ill be excited to see your channel as well. Sounds fascinating!
Wow, that's fantastic!
For me there is a lack of intermediate level content for fish keeping all videos are either brand new beginner or very advanced aquascapes it seems to me it requires a ton of reserch and trial ( which can get expensive ) to get to the intermediate lvl
To me, this is true observation. Not only in the freshwater hobby but also in the reef hobby, for which I feel is worse.
M.D fishtanks is intermediate. So simple even he can do it 😉
Personally I enjoy watching MD to pick up ideas for future tanks bit I still try to do my own thing and it's mine then but watching and learning is great watching and learning is what I enjoy on yt fish community
Your channel has inspired me for a long time. I've learned so much from you, Alex. After 20 years of fishkeeping I finally have two takes that are mature and pretty well self sufficient without huge issues. I love the diversity of your channel. You cover a wide range of interesting subjects. I find your content interesting. I'll be sticking with you that's for sure!
When I first started watching you, I had a lot of issues. Those days are over!
You aren't one-upping anyone consciously but in my view you do that without realizing it because you put science and even common sense into your fish keeping endeavors. I was particularly fond of the videos about plants, and the microscopic organisms in your tanks. You also have some amazing fish and aquariums.
I love Master Dean, but he needs "dirtier" tanks! He's an amazing person!
I saw the video with Lisa and Diane Walstad yesterday. I'm inspired to get a big bowl for my desk. That would be so much fun!
You're the best!
I'm somewhat new to the hobby. I started maybe 3 years ago, but my mom had a tank when i was growing up. I have been binging your channel the last month. I wish i had found you sooner.
Your channel has been by far the best with delivery of information that i have watched in the past 3 years. It works well with my learning style. I wish i found you sooner.
The only advice i would give is to try and use more diagrams and pictures when possible. You already do this some. You might even be doing it more than I realize so please dont be offended. I try to pay attention of when the video came out since i am also watching some of your old videos.
I appreciate the feedback and you being a part of the community here! 🙏 welcome! So I'm making far less videos... like one or 2 a week lately, but trying to add graphics and film clips wherever I can... but the videos from more than 3 years ago or so...they're probably lacking all that, and I regret not having the tech, time and or skill to do that.
I appreciate your "thinking out loud." I too quit drinking 20 years ago and believe fish keeping helped me immeasurably. On the pragmatic side, I think the whole of Fish Tube is still a useful place to get info on what exactly you are looking for.
For what it’s worth, just the fact that your content is out there and available to the people that are curious and particularly those that already see the spectacle in the details and science-based information you share makes a difference. Thanks for being one of my trusted sources. I’ll keep tuning in as long as you keep making this sort of content - it improves my enjoyment of the hobby. Thanks Alex.
Love this video , very sincere and genuine. I think you are on to something by saying how the hobby help you overcome alcoholism .It may be very well that we can promote the therapeutic benefits of this hobby . Thanks for your testimony and sincerity. Looking forward to following you 💯👍
I love your content and i love the deep dives you go on.
I thing you tube itself is to blame for forcing people into shorts and clickbait modes.
No mater what we will always be people keeping fish and water in ouer homes.
Howdy Alex. Back into the hobby after big failures 10 or so years ago.
I use Y.T. to answer questions from how to change the belt on my clothes washer to fighting alge in an aquarium. I came across your channel looking at rocks. I think many people will drift in and out of the channel based on need of information, level of advancement just general curiosity.
I have never been back to the guy who demonstrated the belt replacement, but I will be back here for some time to come, because I have a lot more to learn.
True. I agree. Thats what i end up watching also. Thank you
2 types of creator one who shows how easy it can be , the other is an ego trip of how good they are ...
You got that right
Inspirational, that's what you are. All my life I kept fish until a disaster when moving home a few years back. Never thought I would get back to it. Yourself and Father fish renewed my passion and confidence. Some of the others, they're great "spectacles" but can be a little bit removed from my range of fishkeeping possibilities. Well done stopping the boozing, I had same choice round about the same time ago and right up there, along with the failing liver, was the fear my fish tanks would be in pieces one morning.
I am So honored to be a part of the story. Good for you and keep your head up! Life is good my friend
Thanks Alexander. I spent 30 minutes watching my Betta tank pearling in the afternoon sun. It was truly magical 😍
Wonderful!
I kept fish tanks ever since I was a young kid and around my mid to late 30's I lived in a place where I couldn't have any so I wound up setting the hobby down for longer than I realized or even wanted to. It was when I got clean recently about 3 years ago that I was able to pick it back up and it was a beta fish that just grabbed my attention in petsmart one day and the hobby bite me again and ever since I've decided to change my life style around I have literally wrapped my mind around the passion of wanting to be an aquatic horticulturalist that has just helped me bloom both socially and keep me on track and most importantly gave me a healthy routine outside of getting high.
We share a great deal in common then! Best of luck and all the happiness in the world to you, mate. Cheers
I love your channel and all the information you so freely give !! You are one of the very few who have actually helped me with some of the issues I've come up against and I so appreciate it!! Your enthusiasm is contagious so please don't change. Take care and Thank you!!!❤🇨🇦
You are so welcome! That is what i love to see/hear most... i struggle to keep myself happy, but hope i can k
Help keep ambient happiness and curiosity in society higher than without me lol. Thank you for your support!
I love watching your channel because you're so intelligent. I learn so much by watching you. I have been fish keeping since 1971, when i was 7 years old and got my first aquarium. I was always encouraged to learn as much as possible about things that interest me. I read every book in the local library about freshwater fish. I started watching squashing videos a few years ago and felt like my tanks weren't good enough because I didn't have $1000.00 worth of plants and $600.00 worth of CO2. I came across your channel and I felt like you shared my true love of fish keeping. My fish room is my Zen space. I have juvenile onset rheumatoid arthritis. It got me like a lead balloon at 17. Watching my fish helps me deal with my chronic pain. I never watch those sensationalists. That's not what being an aquarist is about for me.
Bless you, SM. I was taken by what you wrote so much. I am older than you, maybe old enough to be like a big sister, but the mention of juvenile onset R.A. when only 17 really caught my eye. My M-I-L had R.A. beginning in her 50s, & it was excruciating to even watch, so much worse to experience. I also have a chronic pain condition, but don't even think it compares to R.A. It seems so many people just think "arthritis" w/o realizing the different kinds & how much more debilitating R.A. is. My heart goes out to you, & I'm so glad you find "peace through fish".😉💖
@@day_uh_um I developed a very high pain tolerance due to my mother not understanding the type of pain I was in. She would say things like: people take aspirin for arthritis why can't you get out there and help with yard work? It wasn't until I was pregnant with my first daughter and she went with me to a rheumatologist appointment. The rheumatologist said people with half the factory in their blood were in wheelchairs. She couldn't understand why I was walking in.
@@sancraft1 Sorry about your mother. She sounds somewhat like the way mine was. I hope that doctor "helped" her to understand your pain was real after all! And so glad you could bear up enough to have children, too! Blessings, dear.💖
I legitimately am still in awe of setting up a whole new tank, clean glass, invitro plants, no fish or anything else... and it will literally grow bacteria to help with decomposing waste, and various algaes or bacterias out of nowhere. And you know thats how it all started, life in general. And I honestly just wish I understood fully where it comes from or how it developed. Like, where does the spores or initial colony come from? Is it in the air, on us? On everything? Every time I start a new aquascape I go back to thinking about how amazing it is.
Also your videos are just so relaxing and informative, I listen to them falling asleep most nights now. Super different from most of the others ones, and it feels like rather than just a "I learned this from the hobby, don't do x y z etc" and more of "I learned this is why x y z happens at a base level", which then helps me understand how that affects various other things in my tanks.
So glad I watched this video. I didn't expect to tear up but to hear you say why the hobby is meaningful resonated so hard.
I mean good channels find their purpose! And there are more and more fish keepers than ever before. I wouldn't worry! Keep up The Good work. Love your insights and thoughts! 😊
Thanks 👍
Most of my friends who are into the hobby are 'aquascapers, above all else'. It makes me think of what you are describing, in a way. The aquarium is their spectacle. They seem to build it to take pictures of it, rather than experience it, and tear it down to create something new in short order. People should do whatever motivates them, and I wish them only good vibes, but that mentality doesn't inspire me. That said, I do think that aquascaping is an important element of creating a good aquarium. I tend to build my aquascape slowly, rather than make it a huge undertaking in the beginning. I let my hardscape evolve slowly, as the biology evolves, with gradual changes, modifications, and additions of hardscape, plants, and fauna. It is always a work in progress. I've been told that what I create is beautiful, and I agree. My attention gravitates toward the ecology focused and holistic way of keeping aquaria/aquariums, which is what I think we have in common. It's mostly thanks to you though. Although I learned of Walstad and read some of her book before discovering you, you totally inspired me with your filterless tank video. My girlfriend at the time, who had no interest in fishkeeping, was also inspired and asked to watch the video again.
Side note: I watched that stream that you did with Lucas Bretz. So inspiring and interesting to hear your different philosophies or takes on things! Before hearing you guys, I had already started building some filterless tanks and buckets from the ground up, piece by piece, the way that it seems Lucas is doing now. I haven't gone without substrate though! haha. It has been so liberating to go lower and lower tech for me.
I love your deep dives, above all else. I know those take you the longest. The volume of research and knowledge poured into those is incredible.
From my viewpoint, the reason that there are the 2 types of videos is because there are 2 types of consumers. Much like evolution, the things that are noticed are the things that move forward. Some people are knowledge seekers, and some people just want to relax and be entertained. As much as you would like to change the content that is being put out there, it just won't happen that way. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink (because he might not be thirsty). Not everyone enjoys aquariums in the same way. Some like to breed fish, some see them as a piece of decor to impress friends, some just want to show their kids how to be responsible (without having pet hair all over the furniture). Not everyone has an interest in investing themselves in the hobby. For that reason, there will always be (and should be) a variety of content being put out there. Sometimes, when I buy ice cream I'm in the mood for chocolate, and sometimes I am in the mood for vanilla. There are many people that have e found you that are the knowledge seeking type. You are appreciated for the quality that you do that. People looking for bloopers seek out different types of creators.
Thank you for this counter to what i said. It is very true, i think there is almost a sacred or mystic quality to the hobby and observing the natural world's process...replicating them. So then when some really flashy and quick paced blooper reel comes out, its like a splash of cold water to my personal system. But of course you are correct... thank you for the insight.
Hey Thank you for doing this video. I’ve been keeping fish for 25 years. I still consider myself a newbie. I can keep fish alive but I have yet to make them thrive and reproduce. Your videos are very informative. Like the long one you recently did about the almond Indian leaves. It was so informative that I have started to use them. To soon to see what advantages I will see from the use but you didn’t say you need to use them. You had pros and con and how to and why to. Great all around video. Keep doing what you are doing it is working and I highly enjoy your calm voice.
Thank you. Glad youre finding the content helpful. You should keep fish however YOU want to. Im just exploring options we can all try
Thank you so much for the reality check. Bless you.
I'm right there with you brother, but wholesome, positive communities don't get the views. I've been doing this for almost 10 years, and I'm still a small channel. I consider myself a "boutique" channel. Lol
Mr Dan you do a good job
OMG ,that I may still experience this - the only two fish youtubers I regularly watch meet at last 🎉🐠
I only watch the channels that give me information and I like the person giving that information. I love your channel as it has both of the above so keep doing what your doing xxxx
I appreciate that! Have a great week
I thought the video was going somewhere else at first. You do great work Alex! Keep it up; we enjoy and need you
Aww thank you. I just want to continue to do what ive been doing...but also bring more folks into that space...so i try and balance a top 10 list...then a deep dive video back and forth now. Hopefully there's some value on both.
I wish I knew. I have no idea & I have already stopped watching vids about fish with a very few exceptions. I am burnt out on people telling me what to do and how to do it while they fight with each other about who the biggest influencer is, or whatever it is all about. Bored to death with it. I almost didn't watch this, but then again, you have never let me down, so-to-speak. I am not going to share anymore about it other than I'd rather watch your vids even if you don't know what to do with your channel. Respect. My 2 tanks are eco-systems & am very happy with having a slice of nature in my home...as you so elequeontly put it.
Thank you Alexander. You are helping me to stay in this hobby for sure with your video's.
That is awesome! I'm honored!
I totally agree with your concern Alex, particularly informational vlogs. I've returned to this amazing hobby and pure love for aquatic life after some years and whilst I appreciate learning the changes and methods now incorporated, through youtube, l have equally become concerned with the misinformation which ultimately will either see hobbyist thrive or fail. It also seems like some of the vlogs are created by people who are inappropriately inexperienced or under the influence of alcohol or drugs and they think they basically entertaining! I question how well do those people care for their animals and if those animals are suffering a suppressed unhappy life. Sadly, as you had mentioned, so many viewers, particularly beginners, won't distinguish the true logic of which information to incorporate and which information is a dangerously bad approach. I would like to personally thank you Alex for your resourceful approach, passion and commitment to providing us with articulated well thought out information. You're an inspiration and lifeline for our success in our hobby.
Thank you very kindly. I have the same concerns as well. But moreover i want education and resources to be free...or near it. Also to build communities online of folks who are articulate and outgoing or socially active enough to help new hobbyists also...as im feeling kind of over taxed by whom i can help one on one these days
@@Fishtory l could certainly imagine the copious hours you put in, particularly having to deal with various illnesses too. I also have suffered a number of illnesses most of my life and have to find that right balance. Accepting our limitations can be a challenge in itself.
I also agree Alex, if only there was a way for viewers to have access to information that is specifically targeted as true information ( referenced /proven) over anecdotal/unsubstantiated opinions.
I personally have been a small animal specialist for over 37yrs, mainly Cats, Dogs and years ago Fish, soft bill Birds and also bred Guinea pigs for 12years (to personally study colour genetics, my favourite topic) and have time and time again seen people who really want to understand animals and the ones who have the wrong intentions re the care and welfare aspects. I always tell my kitten/puppy people and everyone these days, that animal ownership is 80% what they need and 20% what we want. Unfortunately for many, it's still the wrong way around.
I truly hope there will be a shift in the right direction, sooner rather than later. Your input certainly has helped many of us.
Regards
Anne Jones
Thanks for talking about this. You are one of the few fish youtuber real talk guys out there. I never click on those "saving fishes from pet stores" videos or feeding live food to fishes (which are obviously spectacle videos) - I click don't recommend.
Alex, well done and needed to be said. Thank you. Your channel is a true inspiration to those in the hobby and your needed here.
I appreciate that, thank you. Have a great week, Richard.
So interesting that you shine a light on this Alex. I don't think there was massively a time when the Internet was all that positive for this hobby of ours. Back in the small forum days there were some incredibly supportive people but there were always those (fish police) that were pretty aggressive about their opinions on how to keep fish. You must know the ones. Definitely put me off sharing my tanks online
You're among friends! I've known Bill W for over 35 years ~ yep, I'm older than dirt! Oh, the stories I can tell! Then my body went to hell because of illness. To make matters worse ~ in February 2022 suffered a heart attack. They told me to get my affairs in order ~ so, I bought 2 Flowerhorns! (They were on my bucket list).
Over the years I've subscribed to many of the video channels. Many have fallen to the side of the road. Either I just lost interest in their content or they just got drunk! (I'll never forget that interview 😱). I enjoy your videos because you do the research! One of my favorites is the village built on stilts on the lake ~ so cool! Love the tank with the fish from just that lake too!
Still working on my Betta Community Tank. New "challenges"! Well, to open an old can of worms ~ I contacted the company where I purchased the "red" plants and asked for advice. Then purchased the fertilizer they recommend. Surprise! It had iron in it! 🤔 Figured no big deal ~ right? Gave the tank the recommended 2 squirts ~ 48 hours later the hair algae EXPLODED in the tank!!! 😱😱😱 What a nightmare! Turned out to lights ~ used a fork and bottle brush ~ it's evil! It's so tangled into the plants ~ I'm ripping out the plants trying to clean out! 😢😢😢 (Another failure? 😭). Payday is in a few days ~ new plan ~ going to order a herd of oto cats! Please don't tell me they won't eat hair algae 😞 maybe some shrimps? I may never get Bettas into the tank. The challenge is a beautiful planted tank. It's a really big challenge.........
Amano shrimp, nerite snails and reticulatus siamese algae eaters...otos help too...but dont feed them fish food if theres lots of algae...they always prefer flake foods etc...but in the wild will eat algae all day
@@Fishtory thanks buddy! ♥️
I love the heart and honesty you put into your videos. Your views on pulling everything together from multiple disciplines, inclusive community building and the philosophical tidbits are right up my ally.
Video ideas: military marine mammal programs(Russia, USA, China etc), Seahorses. I think seahorses might be the next big trend in aquarium keeping! My love of aquariums started with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Long Marine Laboratory.
I really like your channel! 🙂 I just got my very first aquarium and chose Danio Margaritatus for my first fish! I am very interested in Nano fish, biotope aquariums and fish from Myanmar. That's how I found this channel. For me my aquarium is meant to help me battle chronic pain and mental illness. I need something beautiful and natural to engage in during my days at home.
That will be an amazing choice :) best wishes and I look forward to hearing from you, when the load of stress and troubles feels a bit lighter with some nature in a glass box at your finger tips. Cheers
@@Fishtory Thank you so much! ☺️ I already love the hobby, but are starting slow!