Yep, nice video, I made a channel to show you can make low-maintenance, small planted aquariums out of glass bottles and I keep a few shrimp and snails in a glass drinks dispenser! My two latest videos on my channel shows the aquariums with commentary with one showing three shrimp fighting over an algae wafer!
This tank is simply a testament to your skills as an Aquascaper. The tank just looks so lush and dense. People should really take note of what you are saying. Sticking to the basics is king! Aquasoil, Good lighting, Good maintenance regimes and you'll be golden! Love the video Dave just an amazing tank man!
In this video I discuss the four most important criteria for success when managing low tech planted aquascapes. 1. Substrate: Aquasoils are the best option and superior to other substrate types. You do not have to dose for the first several months to a year. NOTE: After one year or so you will more than likely want to start dosing a liquid fertilizer of some kind. I prefer to use the all in one types. You may have to dose additional liquid fertilizers depending on density of plant type in your aquarium, such as moss, java fern, or Anubias for example. However, Aquasoil does leach nutrients into the water column, so most hobbyists will not experience deficiencies initially. 2. Plants: Plant selection and type will play a role in your success with your planted aquarium. Choose hardy easy to grow plants, such as crypts, hygrophilas, monte carlo, sagittarias, amazon swords, anubias, bucephalandras, and others. 3. Lighting: Make sure to use a light made for a planted tank. This is all about ease of use, so purchasing an LED fixture will suffice. The light shouldn't have too low or too high of an output. Finnex, Fluval, Twinstar, Current all make adequate fixtures. 4. Consistent husbandry: Primarily trimming/pruning and water changes. If you can do these two things than you will be ahead of the game. Trim dead, old or algae infested leaves. Do water changes at least twice a month. Can do small daily changes or larger weekly water changes.
GreenThumb Scapers I can explain it further in regards to dosing. I will add a bit to the comment. In my experience these fixtures work just fine and so do the Aquasoils. More often than not filtration is sufficient and water parameters. Especially if using an Aquasoil. I can't address all exceptions, but will elaborate on a few.
GreenThumb Scapers You asked where I was coming from and I said making it easy is my angle. The method I mentioned will work for other hobbyists and is easy and simple. More simple than topsoil, root tabs, or flood lights.
GreenThumb Scapers Aquasoil leaches nutrients into the water column, so most hobbyists won't have to worry initially. My moss and Anubias are both doing well.
Very informative. Thank you! Personally, I tried something like this approach and wasn't able to grow anything successfully. Had a light that was 1 watt/gal (dunno the par :/), used ADA aquasoil, trimmed when I needed to (which was rare since nothing grew aside from Java moss), did regularly weekly water changes. I tried growing Amazon Swords, Anubias, Water wisteria and Moss. Only the java moss thrived. Everything else barely clung on to life even after 4 months. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that my country is tropical and temp is 29C/84f, but I've been seen aquascapers like Dennis Wong succeed at such temperatures. Wonder what I did wrong... Also, it's interesting to see that your approach is quite different from Tom Barr's for Low tech. Have you found yours to be more successful? For eg, he recommends using a carbon substrate (e.g. Pest moss with leonardite) capped with something somewhat inert like Onyx sand or Flourite, arguing that the nutrients peter out anyways and I believe Onxy sand/fluoride is easier to clean. Additionally, he reccomends doing water changes rarely. His explanation being that When you do WC, CO2 increases and algae is a lot better at adapting to CO2 swings than plants, thus will outcompete plants when CO2 is slightly higher and when CO2 is low as well. In other words, the plants will struggle to compete when Co2 fluctuates (I'm not doing his explanation justice, But I'm sure you're familiar with this reasoning before). It's fascinating that your that half of your tips differ from his. Please do elaborate your findings. Also, I got some brineshrimpdirect food as per your recommendation and my fish look bright and colourful thanks!!!!
I totally agree. I have two different planted tanks running with no CO2 or dosing. I use ADA Amazonian substrate, good lighting and very satisfied with the results. Great video! I just subscribed and look forward to your content
Awesome dude!!! Amazing!!!! Plants are like with co2!! Oh!!! By the way bro what is that orange fins fish???? Thanks for sharing!!! Stay safe everyone!!
Just caught up on all your videos, it's been a while! Love love love all the science, I think this hobby needs more of it :) I took a break for school (was junior year, now onto college apps, fun stuff), and I was wondering what you're currently studying? From what I've gleaned in your videos and comments, is it something to do with botany/ecology? Your channel and tanks look amazing, with the amount of information you give I think you deserve far more views, but a lot of us do appreciate your content immensely! Awesome stuff
Makeila's Aqua Thanks Makeila. I have been somewhat inconsistent for the past few years or so myself. Have been busy with school, and my channel has suffered. I am studying environmental science and management. Emphasis on water reclamation, soil, and GIS geographic information systems, which is mapping using remote sensing data and imagery. Anything from population density, lung cancer, to urban heat islands and geological formations and phenomenon. Very broad subject. From health and safety officer to GIS specialist, environmental auditor, manager, sustainability director, etc... I just did a project on urban heat island effects and how they are directly correlated with vegetation biomass within and adjacent to the city. A lot of parameters are needed and I may continue doing research on the subject to make my findings more conclusive and robust. Physical science is a fun route. Usually small class sizes. If you want to get your mind stretched and have the books pounded into you than you should consider physical earth science. Hahaha
Very interesting! A lot of that actually sounds pretty familiar from AP environmental science, especially heat islands and water+soil, but like you said very broad subject. Lots to think about for sure. I know I want to do something in biology/ecology/environmental science, but I'm not quite sure what yet :P
Whats up Dave! Good to see you still at it making "THE BEST" how to aquascaping vids on the Tube! Man I have been on a scape break for a year and got the itch coming back. Question has this tank been low tech no C02 from day 1? Ive had sucess but I usualy start with C02 until mature and then slowly transition. Keep um coming bro peace!
Thanks. This channel and its message have come to an end, and that's alright. I have plans for another channel. It will still be aquariums, but will have a different approach, style, and message. Hopefully before the end of the summer. With the virus, we will see. But I am planning something new! So stay tuned in man and thanks for watching!
@@ADUAquascaping retiring?? Sad to ear it mate. Your channel was one of the best out there. Good luck with the new channel. Though I am confused as to why you would give up on an established aquarium channel to start a new one.
Before watching this video I was on the fence about sticking to my original plan of keeping a low tech tank or transitioning to co2 injection, etc. But now I'm determined to try it out! Currently I'm almost four weeks deep with the dry start method, growing only Monte Carlo. Plants are throwing runners and growth is noticeable. My question is, when I do finally add water, should I be concerned with a dramatic effect on the Monte? The last thing I'd want is my multiple weeks worth of patiently waiting thrown down the drain. That's one of the main reasons why I was considering co2. Thoughts/suggestions? Mahalo for the informative/inspirational vids!
Watched this tank from the beginning. Now seeing the Crypt Tiger growing Im stoked for mine to grow in. On a side note... I need to get one of these Twinstar lights. Every tank I see with these have amazing plant color.
A few years ago I had a tank like this, but not as impressive as this one. It was pearling heavily sometimes without CO2 injection, just like it did with CO2 injection, usually straight after a water change or if I dosed liquid ferts. I was told I had ‘magic water’. Seems you have magic water as well, lol. Seeing your tank now makes me realise it was not my water. Thanks for showing us. When you see it with your own eyes you realise it is real. My CO2 system failed and after a few weeks I realised I did not need it. Never used CO2 again. It is gathering dust in my closet.
Oh, man. I totally get that. I would still like to use CO2 on a larger scape, but yeah, it's really not needed on small tanks. It is exciting to see pearling in a low-tech setup. I find the lighting also helps as well as the water. Thanks for watching!
@@ADUAquascaping interesting channel. I almost never see pearling now as all my tanks are lowtech, but I still manage to grow healthy plants, slowly. I like the slower pace.
Yeah, me too. Slow, but healthy. Usually, if you increase your light and soften your water, then you can see more pearling in low-tech, but it's not necessary for sustained, healthy growth. Thanks for watching. I will have a new video out soon.
Your knowledge on how to keep plants is simply amazing, also on the aquascapes but I sincerely think this tank would had look amazing on your own style and not on the George’s style
Sebastián AF thanks. I just did it to keep it really simple for beginners. Next scape will be different for sure. In several months I will probably rescape.
Agree substrate is the key. I have a low to med-low light tank with plain gravel. It is doing well but had to experiment on which plants would work. I believe soil would have allowed me to have grown more variety of plants. I do dose at low EI levels.
It is a Hydor 150 with a poppy bulb outlet. For 20-40 gallon 75-150 L. Good idea to have at least 10x the volume of your aquarium as your filtration rate in gallon or liter per hour. I usually change the water twice a month, and when I was really adamant concerning maintenance, I would do small water changes daily. 5-10% at a time. I use just tap water. My water is basic and alkaline with an 8.0 pH and high carbonate hardness, so this can add to your success. Having ample amounts of nutrients in your water is beneficial as most plants can acclimate to hard water especially with a soil substrate. Hope this helps
@@ADUAquascaping thank you for the info. My tape water ph:7.2 and gh:8. So it is soft. Also, the substrate I'll use has a feature that reduces PH. I mean, is it good for planting?
@@ADUAquascaping hey there I'm new in this so let's say I change 10% water when I fill the tank back with water can I add some dichlorinator droplets since I put new tap water in the tank ??
That is a glass poppy bulb outlet and inlet. For style and aesthetics, and the poppy version slows down flow and adds more agitation for increased gas exchange
Please reply if you can, I found an aquasoil by Dennerle which is inert, no leaching of ammonia. Can I still grow carpeting plants, will I need to use root tabs as well as liquid dosing? Thanks !
2 years late but i just recently watched your previous vide on diatoms. I just wanted to say thanks for the advice and showing off your beautiful tanks. Just a question, I'm around 3 months in to my first every freshwater tank, a 16 gallon fluval spec. It's taken over by diatoms and I'm thinking of changing my black sand substrate to fluval shrimp and plant aqua soil. Is this a good idea?
It may be alright if you have a lot of plants and the aquasoil is low in nitrogen. I know Controsoil is low in nitrogen, but not sure about Fluval. There are ways. You could just start over and plant heavy during the rescape, and then do daily small water changes (10%) for a week or longer. Or you can siphon just the substrate into a bucket and then funnel in more substrate using vinyl tubing and a funnel back into the tank. You can take the inhabitants out or leave them in if using Controsoil. With Fluval just be safe and maybe start over entirely. The tank should be cycled within 21-30 days, so it's strange because the silica sand doesn't necessarily entice diatoms to grow for longer periods of time, it's more often a sign that your microbial fauna are out of balance, but in your case it may be true because of the strange persistence. Unless the tank is suffering from poor water quality and higher organic waste? Yes or no? Or is the tank well maintained? What kind of filter do you have and water surface agitation? Any setbacks in the past? During the cycling? Any additives or chemicals used?
@@ADUAquascaping I just use tap water and API stress coat for the water. I read that there's high silica levels in my tap water which could be one of the reasons why diatoms are still forming? around a 6 ppm of silica in my tap. I do weekly water changes around 20-25%. The Fluval Spec 16 has an integrated filter in it and currently there's not much surface agitation, I'm aiming my powerheads downwards. I add API Leaf Zone for ferts every time I water change and also API stress coat. There's a decent amount of organic waste because some leaves fall off my hornwort but I just siphon it whenever I do a water change. My substrate is a black sand.
@@ADUAquascaping If I do end up changing the substrate I plan on adding a LOT more plants. Currently I only have a amazon sword, hornwort, and Anubias.
@@ADUAquascaping I have a sparkling dwarf gourami and 9 neons in my tank but no cleanup, do I was thinking of adding 6 otos and maybe a nerite but I'm not sure if that would be overstocking. I read that otos really like diatoms
I'm planning a similar set up for an empty 16 gallon tank i have, but with different fish stock. I'd love to add 1 or 2 apistogramma borellii, and i was wondering what other small fish, if any, would be suitable to add with them? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Great video Dave. I love your scapes. Do you know any good scaping clubs or groups like it here in Utah Valley? Its hard to find good plants locally at a decent price.
Would it be a good idea of doing a layer of potting soil and then some fluorite gravel? Also what size tank and what are the water parameters are in your awesome tank
What about eco complete? I have it in my current 20gal and have a hard time with plants. I know there’s lots of things that can cause problems but my plants have little or no healthy roots. Mostly crypts, one melon sword and a few random stem plants. The sword is healthiest. I’ve gone to move a crypt that was small but looked okay and the roots were completely melted and rotted. I’m setting up a new 20long and aqua soil isn’t readily available in NH
ADU Aquascaping okay thank you!!! I want low tech. I’m actually gonna do all if not 90% crypts in the 20long. So a good substrate will pay off in the end I hope 😁 always love the vids! 👍🏼✌🏼
ADU Aquascaping do you like dirted low tech tanks? Can’t remember if you’ve talked about that before. I tried it for half a year and called with fine sand. Got rid of it quick because it was bubbling when disturbed. Guessing anaerobic bacteria
Ecocomplete comes in a solution but it is just crushed lava rock which contains no nutrients. On its own, it's inert. You will be required to dose ferts, use root tabs, or both depending on your plant selection. I have a lowtec fish bowl with potting soil (not organic, didn't have any at the time I threw this one together) capped with ecocomplete. No ferts, no filter, no co2 under a dim desk lamp and it is thriving with a pearling MC carpet doing better than anything else I've ever tried or an currently running.
I could be crazy but do you have a filter hooked up to this? If so, what? I thought "low-tech" meant no filter usually but it looked like you have an outflow and return glass Lily pipes hanging on the side?
Awesome tank brother! I have the exact same set up tank / light. Could you tell me what level of dimming do you use, and for what duration? Thank you!!
What was that fish with the orange fins? Would a fish like that be okay in a 5 gallon nano with some least killifish and cherry shrimp? Great video by the way. Beautiful tank 👍🏼
Reegan Kistler apistogramma is the fish name I believe. But they really shouldn't be kept in a 5 gallon. I would personally say ~15 gallons is a minimum. And they aren't guppies. If you want one that looks that good you'll be best off finding a breeder to buy from as your local fish store probably won't get them with that color quality.
Live the video!! I'm new to plants and I'm planning to get monte carlo as a carpering plant for my low tech tank. I got the current satellite led plus. I also use root tabs, and I just ordered easy green/easy iron for my planted tank (didnt get easy carbon because I have vallisneria). I use eco complete as my substrate. Do you think the monte carlo will do fine with the lights I have, the substrate, the root tabs and the liquid fertilizers I will be using?
Just found your channel. Thank you. I just bought the Fluval 15 curved front. Built in filtration. I want to do live plants. But no idea what I'm doing. Bought the Fluval soil... That's about it...
If you prepare your plants, trim the roots and get old leaves off, have adequate soil depth and do frequent water changes in the beginning you will be fine. It really is about letting those plants acclimate and keeping organics low while they do. Get rid of organics and inhibit algae or setbacks by doing biweekly water changes and even lowering the lights or reducing the photo period, but these two steps are not always necessary, so better to just focus on the plants and water quality. At first you don't need to dose fertilizer with soil, and this will also reduce risk. Of course the nitrogen cycle will still take 21-30 days as is the nature of the bacteria, but the plants will take up a lot of residual ammonia from the transitioning plants and the soil itself. Fluval soil is pretty clean and you won't have to worry about any ammonia spikes. Hope this helps.
@@ADUAquascaping thank you so much for responding. That's pretty amazing! You rock! Sir, if you see this. When could I introduce some neon tetra school of about 8 maybe 1 beta?
Visited Animal Ark today thanks to your recommendation. Wouldn't have even known it existed. Thanks! Setup a new low tech tank and some electric blue rams.
I would recommend a a few small tetras. Between 5 -10 for this size tank. Ember Tetras are awesome, or maybe even Endler guppies. Those are colorful and small in size. Then you could also get different types of shrimp too. Amano shrimp and Sakura shrimp work well. Thanks for watching. Yes, with the right plants, soil, and light the hobby really can be this easy. The secret is a lot of water changes at the beginning to bring down all the organics in the water, which happens as the plants and microbes mature. So just keep the organics down and trim dead or dying leaves. Most people will also get Diatoms at the beginning of their aquairum, so don't worry. It will go away on its own as the tank matures. You can also get a couple Oto Cats to help eat the Diatoms or any other algae as well. They love Diatoms and all types of algae.
Can you tell me what kind of bottom plants you used for this tank? Or any suggestion? I'm looking for a bottom plant which can grow and extend without CO2 for my low tech tank. Thankyou so much
i did ur method, i used aquasoil, high light, and i used monte carlo and dwarf hairgrass as carpeting plant, but they leaves going yellow, and didnt grow as well as urs, can u gimme some advice for this issue ?
Consistency is key. Good maintenance routine and water quality. That is step 4. Aquasoil will work to grow plants. If your plants turn yellow it could be that you planted them incorrectly or they are transitioning from emersed growth to submersed growth. And you don't want too high of lighting. Just medium light
How tall does the crypt spiralis red tiger get? I have two either regular spiralis or retrospiralis and they get TALL. I'm just wondering if yours stay at that height to decide if I want red tiger. Thanks!
I am in Thailand. I have been advised to use the Black Earth from Cal Aqua Labs. Would this be suitable for a low tech tank? Regarding the light brands you mentioned some can be found here some not and others are just outrageously expensive. Would the WRGB from Chihiros or the Nuniq 90s work out well for this kind of setup? Thank you.
Yeah the soil will work really well and the Chihiros will also work well. Just use easy hardy plants, such as crypts and Monte Carlo for a carpet and you should be good. Thanks for watching
@@ADUAquascaping Thanks man. Appreciate the answer. Been watching many of your videos and I have to say I really like them. You make the hobby more personable and in a way more accessible to beginners. Many other channels are great with great videos of tanks and all but somehow one feels it's just beyond the reach when they start talking about all the hardware and high end brands. Keeping my sleeves wet!
@@ADUAquascaping I was planning to partially use some sand to create some sort of pathway/beach/opening in the scape. Perhaps maybe 15% to 20% of the total substrate. Would that work out fine or do you advise not to?
@@polanskiman yeah you can use sand in the front or wherever. Just use the same slope angle and maybe some rubble to create a barrier. These will both help reduce mixing of substrates
Or just use dirt capped with sand or gravel it works way better. I have "high tech" plants growing in low to medium light just in dirt and they are doing great. My advice is experiment and find out what works for you. Most aquascapers frown upon dirt but where do you think their plants came from.
Pearling in a low tech tank....youre the man. Thanks for another great video
Yep, nice video, I made a channel to show you can make low-maintenance, small planted aquariums out of glass bottles and I keep a few shrimp and snails in a glass drinks dispenser! My two latest videos on my channel shows the aquariums with commentary with one showing three shrimp fighting over an algae wafer!
This tank is simply a testament to your skills as an Aquascaper. The tank just looks so lush and dense. People should really take note of what you are saying. Sticking to the basics is king! Aquasoil, Good lighting, Good maintenance regimes and you'll be golden! Love the video Dave just an amazing tank man!
In this video I discuss the four most important criteria for success when managing low tech planted aquascapes.
1. Substrate: Aquasoils are the best option and superior to other substrate types. You do not have to dose for the first several months to a year. NOTE: After one year or so you will more than likely want to start dosing a liquid fertilizer of some kind. I prefer to use the all in one types. You may have to dose additional liquid fertilizers depending on density of plant type in your aquarium, such as moss, java fern, or Anubias for example. However, Aquasoil does leach nutrients into the water column, so most hobbyists will not experience deficiencies initially.
2. Plants: Plant selection and type will play a role in your success with your planted aquarium. Choose hardy easy to grow plants, such as crypts, hygrophilas, monte carlo, sagittarias, amazon swords, anubias, bucephalandras, and others.
3. Lighting: Make sure to use a light made for a planted tank. This is all about ease of use, so purchasing an LED fixture will suffice. The light shouldn't have too low or too high of an output. Finnex, Fluval, Twinstar, Current all make adequate fixtures.
4. Consistent husbandry: Primarily trimming/pruning and water changes. If you can do these two things than you will be ahead of the game. Trim dead, old or algae infested leaves. Do water changes at least twice a month. Can do small daily changes or larger weekly water changes.
GreenThumb Scapers My tank is the proof. Making it easy is my angle. This is my experience.
GreenThumb Scapers I can explain it further in regards to dosing. I will add a bit to the comment. In my experience these fixtures work just fine and so do the Aquasoils. More often than not filtration is sufficient and water parameters. Especially if using an Aquasoil. I can't address all exceptions, but will elaborate on a few.
GreenThumb Scapers You asked where I was coming from and I said making it easy is my angle. The method I mentioned will work for other hobbyists and is easy and simple. More simple than topsoil, root tabs, or flood lights.
GreenThumb Scapers Aquasoil leaches nutrients into the water column, so most hobbyists won't have to worry initially. My moss and Anubias are both doing well.
Very informative. Thank you!
Personally, I tried something like this approach and wasn't able to grow anything successfully. Had a light that was 1 watt/gal (dunno the par :/),
used ADA aquasoil,
trimmed when I needed to (which was rare since nothing grew aside from Java moss),
did regularly weekly water changes.
I tried growing Amazon Swords, Anubias, Water wisteria and Moss. Only the java moss thrived. Everything else barely clung on to life even after 4 months. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that my country is tropical and temp is 29C/84f, but I've been seen aquascapers like Dennis Wong succeed at such temperatures. Wonder what I did wrong...
Also, it's interesting to see that your approach is quite different from Tom Barr's for Low tech. Have you found yours to be more successful?
For eg, he recommends using a carbon substrate (e.g. Pest moss with leonardite) capped with something somewhat inert like Onyx sand or Flourite, arguing that the nutrients peter out anyways and I believe Onxy sand/fluoride is easier to clean.
Additionally, he reccomends doing water changes rarely. His explanation being that When you do WC, CO2 increases and algae is a lot better at adapting to CO2 swings than plants, thus will outcompete plants when CO2 is slightly higher and when CO2 is low as well. In other words, the plants will struggle to compete when Co2 fluctuates (I'm not doing his explanation justice, But I'm sure you're familiar with this reasoning before).
It's fascinating that your that half of your tips differ from his. Please do elaborate your findings.
Also, I got some brineshrimpdirect food as per your recommendation and my fish look bright and colourful thanks!!!!
that fish tank look so nice it makes me want to become a fish just to swim in it.Good Job
I totally agree. I have two different planted tanks running with no CO2 or dosing. I use ADA Amazonian substrate, good lighting and very satisfied with the results. Great video! I just subscribed and look forward to your content
Michael Houlihan thank you for watching
Another fun video! Always enjoy watching your material.
This day is my lucky day couse im finding your chanel
Thanks dude
"Keep your sleeves wet!" I love it!
Hey thanks! Hoping to get a new setup going soon! Thanks for watching. Keep your sleeves wet!
Awesome dude!!! Amazing!!!! Plants are like with co2!! Oh!!! By the way bro what is that orange fins fish???? Thanks for sharing!!! Stay safe everyone!!
Just amazing, i didn't know mc carpet can be grown so well without co2,
And please mention which species are the background plants?
Truly inspiring me to create one lowtech tank , i find it also challenging to be able to maintain a problem free low tech planted tank
The tank looks great man. Thanks for everything.
The tank looks great! Never watched one of your videos before, but this is a really nice video!
Good video. Simple with no rambling. Great
Always makes for a good day when you drop a video Thanx for your work . :)
Super nice planted tank there cheers congrates
Just caught up on all your videos, it's been a while! Love love love all the science, I think this hobby needs more of it :)
I took a break for school (was junior year, now onto college apps, fun stuff), and I was wondering what you're currently studying? From what I've gleaned in your videos and comments, is it something to do with botany/ecology?
Your channel and tanks look amazing, with the amount of information you give I think you deserve far more views, but a lot of us do appreciate your content immensely! Awesome stuff
Makeila's Aqua Thanks Makeila. I have been somewhat inconsistent for the past few years or so myself. Have been busy with school, and my channel has suffered. I am studying environmental science and management. Emphasis on water reclamation, soil, and GIS geographic information systems, which is mapping using remote sensing data and imagery. Anything from population density, lung cancer, to urban heat islands and geological formations and phenomenon. Very broad subject. From health and safety officer to GIS specialist, environmental auditor, manager, sustainability director, etc... I just did a project on urban heat island effects and how they are directly correlated with vegetation biomass within and adjacent to the city. A lot of parameters are needed and I may continue doing research on the subject to make my findings more conclusive and robust. Physical science is a fun route. Usually small class sizes. If you want to get your mind stretched and have the books pounded into you than you should consider physical earth science. Hahaha
Very interesting! A lot of that actually sounds pretty familiar from AP environmental science, especially heat islands and water+soil, but like you said very broad subject. Lots to think about for sure. I know I want to do something in biology/ecology/environmental science, but I'm not quite sure what yet :P
Whats up Dave! Good to see you still at it making "THE BEST" how to aquascaping vids on the Tube! Man I have been on a scape break for a year and got the itch coming back. Question has this tank been low tech no C02 from day 1? Ive had sucess but I usualy start with C02 until mature and then slowly transition. Keep um coming bro peace!
So sad you’re retiring the chanel mate, but whatever you do in the future, I wish you luck mate....
#keepyoursleeveswet #peace
Thanks. This channel and its message have come to an end, and that's alright. I have plans for another channel. It will still be aquariums, but will have a different approach, style, and message. Hopefully before the end of the summer. With the virus, we will see. But I am planning something new! So stay tuned in man and thanks for watching!
@@ADUAquascaping retiring?? Sad to ear it mate. Your channel was one of the best out there. Good luck with the new channel. Though I am confused as to why you would give up on an established aquarium channel to start a new one.
@@ADUAquascaping Are you deleting this channel?
@@CloverZ325 no, just taking a break. I am not in a position to have aquariums right now. I will be back later though. Maybe in a year or sooner
Also noticed bunch of his videos removed? What's happening?
Nice tank bro, looking awsome as usual.
Before watching this video I was on the fence about sticking to my original plan of keeping a low tech tank or transitioning to co2 injection, etc. But now I'm determined to try it out!
Currently I'm almost four weeks deep with the dry start method, growing only Monte Carlo. Plants are throwing runners and growth is noticeable. My question is, when I do finally add water, should I be concerned with a dramatic effect on the Monte? The last thing I'd want is my multiple weeks worth of patiently waiting thrown down the drain. That's one of the main reasons why I was considering co2.
Thoughts/suggestions?
Mahalo for the informative/inspirational vids!
Watched this tank from the beginning. Now seeing the Crypt Tiger growing Im stoked for mine to grow in.
On a side note... I need to get one of these Twinstar lights. Every tank I see with these have amazing plant color.
freshestemo yes they are a decent fixture. Definitely one of my favorite plants. Currently my favorite.
A few years ago I had a tank like this, but not as impressive as this one. It was pearling heavily sometimes without CO2 injection, just like it did with CO2 injection, usually straight after a water change or if I dosed liquid ferts. I was told I had ‘magic water’. Seems you have magic water as well, lol. Seeing your tank now makes me realise it was not my water. Thanks for showing us. When you see it with your own eyes you realise it is real.
My CO2 system failed and after a few weeks I realised I did not need it. Never used CO2 again. It is gathering dust in my closet.
Oh, man. I totally get that. I would still like to use CO2 on a larger scape, but yeah, it's really not needed on small tanks. It is exciting to see pearling in a low-tech setup. I find the lighting also helps as well as the water. Thanks for watching!
@@ADUAquascaping interesting channel. I almost never see pearling now as all my tanks are lowtech, but I still manage to grow healthy plants, slowly. I like the slower pace.
Yeah, me too. Slow, but healthy. Usually, if you increase your light and soften your water, then you can see more pearling in low-tech, but it's not necessary for sustained, healthy growth. Thanks for watching. I will have a new video out soon.
Your knowledge on how to keep plants is simply amazing, also on the aquascapes but I sincerely think this tank would had look amazing on your own style and not on the George’s style
Sebastián AF thanks. I just did it to keep it really simple for beginners. Next scape will be different for sure. In several months I will probably rescape.
It’s a great setup too. Love all the videos. Been binge watching them
I was pretty sure I was going to see a diffusor in there as the camera panned. Amazing low tech tank man.
This is such a cool tank
Another beautiful tank ☺️💕
Agree substrate is the key. I have a low to med-low light tank with plain gravel. It is doing well but had to experiment on which plants would work. I believe soil would have allowed me to have grown more variety of plants. I do dose at low EI levels.
That’s so beautiful. Hopefully one day I can get skilful enough to achieve this. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, you will in time! Keep at it man
Is Fluval Stratum good enough?
You will want to use ADA or Tropica for better results
Amazing!! Loving the low tech pearling. I run a low tech, and get some pearling, but nothing like yours. Heads off.
Beautiful tank 💕💞💖💗💝
This is an excellent video, if you are like me and trying to achieve pearling without the tech
What's the difference between Rotala sp red, rotala Yao Yai and Rotala colorata??? Thanks
Very beautiful tank.
Thank you!
Nice betta
Awesome tank. Keep them coming bro.
Could you give info about your filter and water change ?
It is a Hydor 150 with a poppy bulb outlet. For 20-40 gallon 75-150 L. Good idea to have at least 10x the volume of your aquarium as your filtration rate in gallon or liter per hour. I usually change the water twice a month, and when I was really adamant concerning maintenance, I would do small water changes daily. 5-10% at a time. I use just tap water. My water is basic and alkaline with an 8.0 pH and high carbonate hardness, so this can add to your success. Having ample amounts of nutrients in your water is beneficial as most plants can acclimate to hard water especially with a soil substrate. Hope this helps
@@ADUAquascaping thank you for the info. My tape water ph:7.2 and gh:8. So it is soft. Also, the substrate I'll use has a feature that reduces PH. I mean, is it good for planting?
@@sefercandan3475 yes that will work for planting, and your water is great too!
@@ADUAquascaping hey there I'm new in this so let's say I change 10% water when I fill the tank back with water can I add some dichlorinator droplets since I put new tap water in the tank ??
@@carlossaavedra4723 yes you can add some to help! A few drops should be enough
How is that a cold tank, I thought all sucker fish needed heat? Which sucker fish do you have in there?
It was around 74 degrees F. Not too cold. Those were Oto cats. Great for the clean up crew
what are those clear pipes, U-turning into the tank & ending with a funnel shaped opening at the mouth? (left & right of tank 1:54)
That is a glass poppy bulb outlet and inlet. For style and aesthetics, and the poppy version slows down flow and adds more agitation for increased gas exchange
Beautiful man. I made one just the other day! Uploaded it onto my channel. But mine looks nowhere near as good as this example lol.
What kind of fish is that @ 3:15???
My favorite ASMR channel. :)
Please reply if you can, I found an aquasoil by Dennerle which is inert, no leaching of ammonia. Can I still grow carpeting plants, will I need to use root tabs as well as liquid dosing? Thanks !
How long did it take for your dwarf haur grass to carpet?
Do vacuum at all? just wondering. thanks Joe
I will wave my hand at the substrate to kick up detritus and then siphon it up during a water change
@@ADUAquascaping Ahhhh. ty
Nice tank! How much light and intensity are you using?
why is there still co2 alike bubbles coming out ?! is that underneath filter pump? please explain
Hi buddy, how many kilos of aqua soil did you use for your 9gal tank? By the ways that's an amazing tank..thanks.👍👍
2 years late but i just recently watched your previous vide on diatoms. I just wanted to say thanks for the advice and showing off your beautiful tanks. Just a question, I'm around 3 months in to my first every freshwater tank, a 16 gallon fluval spec. It's taken over by diatoms and I'm thinking of changing my black sand substrate to fluval shrimp and plant aqua soil. Is this a good idea?
It may be alright if you have a lot of plants and the aquasoil is low in nitrogen. I know Controsoil is low in nitrogen, but not sure about Fluval. There are ways. You could just start over and plant heavy during the rescape, and then do daily small water changes (10%) for a week or longer. Or you can siphon just the substrate into a bucket and then funnel in more substrate using vinyl tubing and a funnel back into the tank. You can take the inhabitants out or leave them in if using Controsoil. With Fluval just be safe and maybe start over entirely. The tank should be cycled within 21-30 days, so it's strange because the silica sand doesn't necessarily entice diatoms to grow for longer periods of time, it's more often a sign that your microbial fauna are out of balance, but in your case it may be true because of the strange persistence. Unless the tank is suffering from poor water quality and higher organic waste? Yes or no? Or is the tank well maintained? What kind of filter do you have and water surface agitation? Any setbacks in the past? During the cycling? Any additives or chemicals used?
@@ADUAquascaping I just use tap water and API stress coat for the water. I read that there's high silica levels in my tap water which could be one of the reasons why diatoms are still forming? around a 6 ppm of silica in my tap. I do weekly water changes around 20-25%. The Fluval Spec 16 has an integrated filter in it and currently there's not much surface agitation, I'm aiming my powerheads downwards. I add API Leaf Zone for ferts every time I water change and also API stress coat. There's a decent amount of organic waste because some leaves fall off my hornwort but I just siphon it whenever I do a water change. My substrate is a black sand.
@@ADUAquascaping If I do end up changing the substrate I plan on adding a LOT more plants. Currently I only have a amazon sword, hornwort, and Anubias.
@@ADUAquascaping I have a sparkling dwarf gourami and 9 neons in my tank but no cleanup, do I was thinking of adding 6 otos and maybe a nerite but I'm not sure if that would be overstocking. I read that otos really like diatoms
does anyone know which canister filter was used in this amazing tank?
I was using a Hydor 150 canister. Nice build and ran quietly
@@ADUAquascaping thanks so much!
Love it! Kept it simple. :)
Thanks! And the system and method will work!
Many thanks for sharing Dave. I use Finnex Ray 2 and its pretty strong light. plants are thriving! oh and by the way .... FIRST or maybe second!!!
I'm planning a similar set up for an empty 16 gallon tank i have, but with different fish stock. I'd love to add 1 or 2 apistogramma borellii, and i was wondering what other small fish, if any, would be suitable to add with them? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Great video Dave. I love your scapes. Do you know any good scaping clubs or groups like it here in Utah Valley? Its hard to find good plants locally at a decent price.
Hey, Animal Ark is the only place I know of
Would it be a good idea of doing a layer of potting soil and then some fluorite gravel? Also what size tank and what are the water parameters are in your awesome tank
What about eco complete? I have it in my current 20gal and have a hard time with plants. I know there’s lots of things that can cause problems but my plants have little or no healthy roots. Mostly crypts, one melon sword and a few random stem plants. The sword is healthiest. I’ve gone to move a crypt that was small but looked okay and the roots were completely melted and rotted. I’m setting up a new 20long and aqua soil isn’t readily available in NH
Oh. And I have eco complete in my current tank.
With root tabs, dosing, and CO2 it can do well. Just so much easier to use Aquasoil, and especially in a low tech.
ADU Aquascaping okay thank you!!! I want low tech. I’m actually gonna do all if not 90% crypts in the 20long. So a good substrate will pay off in the end I hope 😁 always love the vids! 👍🏼✌🏼
ADU Aquascaping do you like dirted low tech tanks? Can’t remember if you’ve talked about that before. I tried it for half a year and called with fine sand. Got rid of it quick because it was bubbling when disturbed. Guessing anaerobic bacteria
Ecocomplete comes in a solution but it is just crushed lava rock which contains no nutrients. On its own, it's inert. You will be required to dose ferts, use root tabs, or both depending on your plant selection. I have a lowtec fish bowl with potting soil (not organic, didn't have any at the time I threw this one together) capped with ecocomplete. No ferts, no filter, no co2 under a dim desk lamp and it is thriving with a pearling MC carpet doing better than anything else I've ever tried or an currently running.
Is it possible to use hob filter in low tech?(some people say it is not good because it makes loosing co2)
What are your thoughts about controsoil?
Beautiful apistogramma
Thank you!
I could be crazy but do you have a filter hooked up to this? If so, what? I thought "low-tech" meant no filter usually but it looked like you have an outflow and return glass Lily pipes hanging on the side?
Where did u get the dimmer for the twinstar led? And do you use a timer with the fixture so it's automated?
CL Cuber aquariumgardens.co.uk
Dave, my tap water has 100ppm of NO3. Some help?
Dang dude, I would advise just using RO water or at least diluting your tap water with RO water. Like 50/50 or 80 RO water/ and 20 tap water
Awesome tank brother! I have the exact same set up tank / light. Could you tell me what level of dimming do you use, and for what duration? Thank you!!
25% of full power most days and usually for about 8-10 hours a day
Gorgeous tank
What was that fish with the orange fins? Would a fish like that be okay in a 5 gallon nano with some least killifish and cherry shrimp? Great video by the way. Beautiful tank 👍🏼
Reegan Kistler apistogramma is the fish name I believe. But they really shouldn't be kept in a 5 gallon. I would personally say ~15 gallons is a minimum. And they aren't guppies. If you want one that looks that good you'll be best off finding a breeder to buy from as your local fish store probably won't get them with that color quality.
Reegan Kistler p.s. they are also called the cockatoo dwarf cichlid.
What is your tank temperature??thanks..
Live the video!! I'm new to plants and I'm planning to get monte carlo as a carpering plant for my low tech tank. I got the current satellite led plus. I also use root tabs, and I just ordered easy green/easy iron for my planted tank (didnt get easy carbon because I have vallisneria). I use eco complete as my substrate. Do you think the monte carlo will do fine with the lights I have, the substrate, the root tabs and the liquid fertilizers I will be using?
Just found your channel. Thank you. I just bought the Fluval 15 curved front. Built in filtration. I want to do live plants. But no idea what I'm doing. Bought the Fluval soil... That's about it...
If you prepare your plants, trim the roots and get old leaves off, have adequate soil depth and do frequent water changes in the beginning you will be fine. It really is about letting those plants acclimate and keeping organics low while they do. Get rid of organics and inhibit algae or setbacks by doing biweekly water changes and even lowering the lights or reducing the photo period, but these two steps are not always necessary, so better to just focus on the plants and water quality. At first you don't need to dose fertilizer with soil, and this will also reduce risk. Of course the nitrogen cycle will still take 21-30 days as is the nature of the bacteria, but the plants will take up a lot of residual ammonia from the transitioning plants and the soil itself. Fluval soil is pretty clean and you won't have to worry about any ammonia spikes. Hope this helps.
@@ADUAquascaping thank you so much for responding. That's pretty amazing! You rock! Sir, if you see this. When could I introduce some neon tetra school of about 8 maybe 1 beta?
what percentage is the twinstar set at? I just got a 600e and 60u redy to set up
Usually 25% of full, but sometimes 50%
Nice! That is a nice setup
Hello Dave! Assuming that your regular maintenance includes the removal of algae using a tooth brush what type of food do you feed your otocinclus?
Love that rock in there. Do those Oto's require any special care?
Cam'sJungleAquaria They just eat algae and sometimes blood worms. Easy to care for
What size tank is this?
Which plant did you used as carpet ?
Visited Animal Ark today thanks to your recommendation. Wouldn't have even known it existed. Thanks! Setup a new low tech tank and some electric blue rams.
Would you consider using diy co2 low tech?
Thanks for the vid! I'm getting started with a 10g tank, and will replicate this setup so I can learn. What fish do you recommend for this setup?
I would recommend a a few small tetras. Between 5 -10 for this size tank. Ember Tetras are awesome, or maybe even Endler guppies. Those are colorful and small in size. Then you could also get different types of shrimp too. Amano shrimp and Sakura shrimp work well. Thanks for watching. Yes, with the right plants, soil, and light the hobby really can be this easy. The secret is a lot of water changes at the beginning to bring down all the organics in the water, which happens as the plants and microbes mature. So just keep the organics down and trim dead or dying leaves. Most people will also get Diatoms at the beginning of their aquairum, so don't worry. It will go away on its own as the tank matures. You can also get a couple Oto Cats to help eat the Diatoms or any other algae as well. They love Diatoms and all types of algae.
Great video! I was wondering what photoperiod you use with this tank?
Andrew Bennett 8-10hrs
How do you keep your substrate nice and high? Tried to do this in my aquarium, but it fell apart when I added water.
What is the moss on the rock
What type of fish is that. That red tailed one .?
Apistogramma aggazazi I think
Can you tell me what kind of bottom plants you used for this tank? Or any suggestion? I'm looking for a bottom plant which can grow and extend without CO2 for my low tech tank. Thankyou so much
Yes Monte Carlo. Works very well
Thankyou so much
whats the red plant on the right side?
Crypt spiralis Tiger. Check out my set up tutorial video for this scape. Thanks for watching
i did ur method, i used aquasoil, high light, and i used monte carlo and dwarf hairgrass as carpeting plant, but they leaves going yellow, and didnt grow as well as urs, can u gimme some advice for this issue ?
Consistency is key. Good maintenance routine and water quality. That is step 4. Aquasoil will work to grow plants. If your plants turn yellow it could be that you planted them incorrectly or they are transitioning from emersed growth to submersed growth. And you don't want too high of lighting. Just medium light
Tropica Aquasoil works the best
And make sure you are separating the plants before planting. Have to be separated into small sections
How tall does the crypt spiralis red tiger get? I have two either regular spiralis or retrospiralis and they get TALL. I'm just wondering if yours stay at that height to decide if I want red tiger. Thanks!
They stay short. 8-12"
Shorter anyhow
ADU Aquascaping ok thanks so much! I'll be popping into aqua forrest to ask them to order some in soon then!
What do you think about Amazonia compared to Amazonia Light?
I haven't tried it yet but I would recommend Tropica Aquasoil
What is the name of the fish that he has in this tank? the one with the orange fin on top?
What kind of filter are you using on this tank?
DarthDravvid Hydor canister
With Lily pipes
I am in Thailand. I have been advised to use the Black Earth from Cal Aqua Labs. Would this be suitable for a low tech tank?
Regarding the light brands you mentioned some can be found here some not and others are just outrageously expensive. Would the WRGB from Chihiros or the Nuniq 90s work out well for this kind of setup? Thank you.
Yeah the soil will work really well and the Chihiros will also work well. Just use easy hardy plants, such as crypts and Monte Carlo for a carpet and you should be good. Thanks for watching
@@ADUAquascaping Thanks man. Appreciate the answer. Been watching many of your videos and I have to say I really like them. You make the hobby more personable and in a way more accessible to beginners. Many other channels are great with great videos of tanks and all but somehow one feels it's just beyond the reach when they start talking about all the hardware and high end brands. Keeping my sleeves wet!
@@polanskiman no problem and thanks for watching man. Will have another video out after finals week is over
@@ADUAquascaping I was planning to partially use some sand to create some sort of pathway/beach/opening in the scape. Perhaps maybe 15% to 20% of the total substrate. Would that work out fine or do you advise not to?
@@polanskiman yeah you can use sand in the front or wherever. Just use the same slope angle and maybe some rubble to create a barrier. These will both help reduce mixing of substrates
I’m so curious how the tank is looking now!!!
Check out my latest video about quitting the hobby. Thanks for watching
I show the tank
Oh oops. Sorry and thank you for the reply
What liquid fertilizer you're using?
beginning of the video what's that psychedelic astro space music?
Hey Dave do you use RO water or are you just using good old Utah water?
Just tap at the moment!
Duration for you lamp?
How many watts of light/litre do you recommend and how many kilograms of Aquasoil substrate did you use in this tank?
Or just use dirt capped with sand or gravel it works way better. I have "high tech" plants growing in low to medium light just in dirt and they are doing great. My advice is experiment and find out what works for you. Most aquascapers frown upon dirt but where do you think their plants came from.
Skiddols hey that method works, and so does mine. Just my opinion and makes it very easy for beginners. Thanks for your input and feedback.
Ooooo....awesome! What fish are those? 🍺😎
Hi are you don't use this tank co2 and fertilizer ?
Hakan Cakir That is correct. No CO2 and no dosing fertilizers. I have Tropica Aquasoil.
After a year or so I will have to start dosing fertilizers
Umm I understand because soil nutrition not enough ?
yes, the nutrients will get used up after several months to one year.
Brother what is the name of that red crypy narrow leaf in the background please.
Umer Mallick Crypt spiralis Tiger! Awesome plant dude
ADU Aquascaping thanks bro please one more name infront of green crypt