5 Aquarium Tips & Tricks to Save You Time

🌱 Visit aquariumcoop.com/ to buy aquarium plants, lights, fish food, and more from Aquarium Co-Op
🐟 Buy fish at geni.us/LiveFish from our preferred online retailers with the code aquariumcoop to save 5%
‎ Cory is back with more aquarium hacks - this time focused on time-saving hacks. When life gets busy, there are some tips and tricks for automating and speeding up tank maintenance and other laborious tasks in the fishkeeping hobby.
🥇 Become a member to get access to perks: / @aquariumcoop
📅 Member Events Calendar: www.aquariumcoop.com/pages/ev...
🔔 Never miss a video or live stream again. Sign up for text messages. www.aquariumcoop.com/pages/yo...
🌱 Buy plants, lights, food, chemicals and more from our online store: aquariumcoop.com/
📕 Want in-depth articles on freshwater aquariums? Visit our blog: aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium
💬 Searching for that respectful community to talk about fish? Join our forum: forum.aquariumcoop.com/
WHO WE ARE
------------------------------------------------
At Aquarium Co-Op, we focus on your aquariums. We specialize in freshwater tropical fish, aquatic plants, and the overall betterment of the freshwater fish keeping hobby. Our goal is to help you with your first pet fish and graduate you to an advanced aquarium hobbyist. If you'd like to take it to the next level, subscribe to Aquarium Co-Op and check out our weekly videos.
Cory McElroy is employed by Aquarium Co-Op LLC. He also owns Aquarium Co-Op LLC. Therefore, all content is sponsored by Aquarium Co-Op.
#Aquariumcoop #Aquariumfish #Fishtank

[@AquariumCoop]

*What's your favorite time-saving hack in the fishkeeping hobby?* If you missed our top 5 money-saving hacks, check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIa8eYVqadl2fKM

[@damadfishscientist9311]

I use a pump connected to a bottle with foam inside and it cleans my water and makes it clearer without having to syphon. I wanted to say thank you for all you do. it was a pleasure meeting you at Aquashella Orlando. I'm the hybrid fish guy :) took your advice and made my channel dedicated to hybrid fish. Thank you for your advice.

[@heithchoate8173]

Lol

[@Studlake]

The B roll on this video is pretty incredible.

[@jimmygimbal]

Haha thanks it was a collaborative effort. But it was fun shooting the ones we needed.

[@glasgavlen]

I friggin CACKLED at 'trap' & scared the crap outtta my cats loll

[@dandroid513]

I was thinking the same thing. Jimmy crushed this one.

[@iluvtarantulas]

as a teenager with autism limiting my specific interests to fish and aquatic horticulture i don’t have anyone to talk to these things i like about. i always get to happy to get a text from you to hop on the livestream and i will always feel like i am talking to a friend

[@iluvtarantulas]

i also mentioned you when i got accepted to college for aquatic horticulture i told my teacher that’s what you do and that’s what i’m gonna get to do when i grow up

[@sandraschwan358]

I'm a teacher of students with ASD. Its good you have a special interest and yes, there are lots of people on the internet who share your passion. I'm glad you found a community! Also, I just started keeping fish in my classroom so my students can learn about the hobby and all it entails. Keep up the good work!

[@luvr381]

My wife kept buying and setting up aquariums til we had 35 running at one time, but she'd leave all the maintenance to me, so I got divorced. Saved me a ton of time!

[@pkendlers]

When Multi Tank Syndrome goes way wrong... Sorry dude... :(

[@2Fast4Mellow]

Saves you money in the long run too...

[@vrfunppl]

register youself as a Delaware LLC and start your aquarium business LOL

[@teal_2v338]

Ya easy to start, hard to maintain! Just like love!

[@lionroaring7021]

Sounds fishy to me!

[@vanissaberg5824]

One method I learnt on how to add more sand to an aquarium without clouding up the water is to fill a plastic bottle with sand, fill it with water, turn it upside down in the aquarium and let the sand fall down. It'll be nice and clean with all the cloudy particles suspended inside the bottle. Just cap it and remove it from the tank. Makes it easy to add sand in tight spots instead of dumping it all over the plants and decor.

[@SirJamez0]

I was literally making a mess in my tank today adding sand while you were commenting this. I learnt you can't take a hand full of wet sand and slowly lower it to the bottom of your tank. It just disintegrates in your hand, no matter how tight you hold it!

[@samhain9394]

Lol or rinse it before you put it in? Good tip for filling tight spots tho

[@sporq4156]

Great tips! I use a plastic colander to rinse my gravel. It lets me get more rinsed at a time and shaking the colander really gets all the smaller particles rinsed out. A colander also comes in handy if I have some gravel and sand mixed and I want to separate them out. I just do it in a bucket of tank water so the sand is collected in the bucket and the gravel stays in the colander.

[@bec11mort]

As someone who was 'out' of the hobby for a few years with a new job/career change, I agree completely with downsizing the livestock! Most of my tanks are now plant and shrimp only, it's a huge relief To not have to find time every weekend for huge water changes. Now I have about three years of Aquarium Co-op videos to catch up on!

[@CJBlack265]

Water changes when my husband is home is my favorite time-saving hack (he dumps the buckets 😂) - my python is on the fritts- thanks Cory 💕👍

[@BenOchart]

My favorite kind of Co-op video! Thanks Cory.

[@ChristieGrimes]

So glad I watched this video. I just happened to have a smart plug from Amazon tucked away. I paused the video, found it and set it up for my aquarium light. I have learned so much through your videos. Thank you so much! Oh, I use a colander to get the dust off of gravel, washing a few handfuls at a time. It works well for me 😀

[@1claytonic1]

The net trick will save me so much time. Thanks for sharing these tips. I love the pump water change you can even record how long it takes and pay less attention

[@Samacama1982]

I’m just stacking up the knowledge, video after video! Seams like a great way to spend the weekend so thanks again for all the great info!

[@ItsLaurenE]

Just found your channel, i must say i love how thoroughly you explain things, but you also keep it simple and straight forward. Doing some video stalking b4 getting ready for work. 🥰

[@joseeduardo4327]

The pump is a great one. I’ve got tanks low to the ground and water changes are a nightmare since gravity isn’t working for you. Water pump is a gem

[@sydneysangels]

The large diameter hose tip has been a game changer for me this last year. I have ten tanks and by carefully using a larger diameter hose I can process water changes pretty damn quickly! Great tips as always Cory thank you!

[@ChronicAquatic]

Great video as always, love what you do for the hobby. I haven't watched for very long but just wanted to say I really respect your ability to run your business while maintaining authenticity. Although you seem very stressed at times, you should know that you're doing a great job 👍

[@andginisin]

This came just in time. I had no idea this hobby was so time consuming when I started 😅 As much as I love aquatic plants, I think I should limit how many (and what kind) I put in a tank. They do create detritus when they shed leaves or if they start to melt. It results in lots of cleaning and sometimes excess biomass.

[@ScruffyCityAquatics]

That initial melt back should be all that you experience unless they are missing some nutrients. More plants help with keeping the water quality high.

[@grill6411]

I encountered a similar issue crowding too many stem plants together trying to create a jungle effect. The lower leaves became starved of light and shed everywhere

[@jamesgreen9372]

I love my timers from Aquarium Co-op ! The Kasa times are great. It is like having a poor man’s aquarium controller. Thanks Cory et al, Jim

[@tamarahsnow1452]

First time watching your vids. It was a true joy to watch. Never knew that it was so much of a variety on small fish til now.

[@Rancho.Jimenez]

I've definitely learned a lot of time saving tips in the last couple of years & Aquarium Co Op has been there for me virtually.

[@darrylmoore5847]

The tabby cat made the video for me.

[@audrameyer9558]

Great tips for every fishkeeper! Thank you 😊

[@rally4reel77]

I like using dedicated nut milk bag for rinsing my substrate, it holds a lot and you can move quite a bit at once. I'm loving the tips from you guys as always

[@amandabyrd9349]

Thanks for the tips! Love my nerite snails and am getting ready to start experimenting with shrimp. I’m all about the cleanup crew working for me!

[@dwighterickson6121]

LOVE snails! I picked up a few by accident in online plants from somewhere other than Aquarium Coop (I know, I know...learned my lesson). I got to missing one of my algae eaters a while back. Finally found him behind some rocks, snails were making short work of the carcass. Went ahead and took the remains out then, and treated my snails to a little green bean snack!

[@jawjagrrl]

Love the kasa plugs - especially once I learned how to fix connection issues (flashing blue and orange). Rebooting the router did the trick. CO2 timed daily, as are lights on the new tanks.

[@PhortyZips]

The way you started the video (immediately) with the info we saw in the title seems simple but you Sir, understand value. Great video. Not making a deal out of it, I’m no one but you earned a sub!

[@glasgavlen]

I'll definitely be using that net trick when I set my tank up!

[@Woogey237]

These are great tips! I recently got a python, it's amazing for adding water, but definitely not enough suction to remove water out efficiently, so much waisted water.

[@ScruffyCityAquatics]

I was extremely disappointed with how slow my Python drained. I’m back to using a pump.

[@Definitelynotacelebrity]

I had the same problem, my solution was dropping the end if the hose out a window. That bigger drop sucks water super fast and you can water flowers with it!

[@ScruffyCityAquatics]

@@Definitelynotacelebrity that is a great tip. When it isn’t freezing I water my landscaping with it. I pump or siphon into a 32 gallon trash can on wheels and then go around watering everything. I need a 100’ extension cord and I can pump it all out. 😅

[@godschild5587]

phyton doesn't care about wasting water. we must save water as much as possible not to waste it. return they phyton if you can.

[@ScruffyCityAquatics]

@@godschild5587 believe me, I don’t want to waste water. My water utility bill is higher than my energy bill. Our local water company is ran by professional crooks. But during the winter the only place that water can go is down the drain. Thankfully the plants do their job and I no longer have to change the water weekly.

[@jamesgreen9372]

The rinsing media and substrate in a net is a great hack ! Thanks, Jim

[@piacnm]

Love all these 'easy tips', thank you!👏 And I also love my snails ♥️

[@ksampson321]

Using a pump for water changes has saved me so much time. Great tips.

[@anggieb.2936]

Love the tips! I am getting a pump because I had to put an aquarium low to the ground, because of space and too many babies I needed to grow before giving to new homes, and I had a horrible time with cleaning.

[@vicaroo001]

LOVE THE CO-OP!!!

[@jeffreylawless7416]

Thanks for all the knowledge

[@TripleJAquatics]

Thanks for sharing yall!

[@assiahinarkansas]

Another great video! Thanks

[@MrJimnose]

Love the tips and tricks. ❤

[@ErikWhyRock]

Admiral Ackbar cameo?!?! Awesome!!!

[@MW-ut3dk]

IT’S A TRAP!!!!!

[@jimmyreese4740]

Another awesome video and some great editing too!!!

[@DecapObsessed]

i have to appreciate that he gets to point immediately

[@saramckee6611]

Yaaay More Cory videos 😁

[@brianmarshall1762]

I’ve been using a pump for water changes for a long time now after a work colleague put me onto it. Wish I had watched the tip about washing the substrate before setting up my custom made 4’ tank this last weekend though 😂

[@deadmetal5352]

Thanks for the abvice

[@TheOrdinaryGamertag]

Great video guys!

[@meganlee4241]

I use an old AC timer that was my dads from the 80’s. Still works like a charm

[@nobluepens]

I love the puffer so much 🥰🤓

[@janetayscue2111]

Thank you Corey as always you come up with the best ideas !!!! I don't know what I would do without your help!!!

[@avilacanario]

It's a hobby. It's something you enjoy doing. It's therapeutic. It's all part of the game. How can anyone say anything bad should be an enjoyment .

[@johnjams4]

these are great tips. embrace the clean up crew!

[@jeremybrown5866]

Best thing to clean gravel and sand, a paint stirrir for paint! They work wonders! I can clean two 5 gallon buckets half full in like 5 mins without having my hands cramp so bad I can't love them from using my hands to stir! Definitely better than ALL the other ways I've seen!

[@dalenadwodny2915]

ALL MY TANKS HAVE AN ARMY OF BOTTOM FEEDERS, AND SNAILS. I DON'T HAVE TO CLEAN ALGAE ANYMORE. AND THEY LOOK COOL. PLANTED TANKS ARE SO MUCH EASIER TO TAKE CARE OF LESS WATER CHANGES. THESE ARE GREAT SUGGESTIONS. GLAD I COUGHT THIS EPISODE. NOW I NEED MORE TANKS I HAVE ANGELS AND SWORDFISH BABIES TO GROW.

[@vincesaracino175]

The cut to Admiral Ackbar was 👌

[@AundreaRaye]

Great tips!

[@walkingfish7123]

Have you looked into aguaponics? I know you are in a wet state so gardening doesn't scare your water source but the nutrients and filtration trade off is top tier

[@singkoi9639]

2:31 we also do that, but we put a bucket below & collect the water for our garden plants ....... that is the best fertilizer!

[@pabloarias7917]

i've been using the pump method for a few years now, first saw on a British youtube channel for people who are physically challenged but have an aquarium.

[@aawiskarbhandari4737]

Great tips!!!

[@highbrass7563]

I have 10 aquariums and decided I'd be a little less human and overstock one of the tanks. Holy crap! Did this tank ever turn into a chore. I won't say all the fish are as happy as they could be; they could be in the wild. But to appropriate ensure the water parameters are safe, tank is clean, It's a lot of careful work. Everyone gets along. Tank is massively planted. Taught myself a good lesson. I at least in my life trust I can make do and manage one larger overstocked tank at least once in my life. Please don't be upset folks I have 9 other species only tanks done right. Only one tank Is overstocked. Anyone else have any experience ? Tips? Tricks? I am open minded and respectful. Thank you. Thanks a lot for the upload Cory :)

[@nakedreptiles]

Turned out great, Jimmy 😄

[@jimmygimbal]

Hahahahaha thanks Brandon. :) you hand model you. Lol

[@johncameron4194]

Great tips

[@Cichlids23]

Lots of good tips....

[@confidentgrace]

Love this. What snails can I add multiples of that won't breed and take over my tank? I have such a fear of snail overpopulation

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

Awesome video

[@shesellsfish]

Great tips. 👍❤👍

[@ScottParisi]

Great tips. Thank you. Most interesting, is your puffer not nipping every fish in that background tank.

[@briancooke2435]

Great video

[@wallys7016]

Hey Cory what kind of pump hose are you using? I have six 29’s and would like to use something different other than the Python to drain it waste water and takes too much time. The python is good for adding water. Do you sell the pump hose combo in your store? If not, what do you recommend? Thanks

[@Sean3D2Y]

I only want specific Fish. Currently have a 125gal with 3 Juvenile Senegal Bichirs with some Nerites. Bichirs are Super Chill remind of my Bearded Dragon and Uromastyx. Love how they look.

[@antznnfx9922]

Thanks for the tips Cory! Guess who spent half a day yesterday rinsing gravel in a bucket haha

[@Angkrong168]

Very nice 👍

[@MaryK4242]

Good ID's!!

[@Viktoria_Thaelin]

loved my mystery snails. Local store never has them tho, they sell quick or die within a day. really need a pro to go and fix their system.

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Awesome

[@bio_88]

Hey I’m here early! Can’t wait to watch Edit-loved the video these are helpful!

[@Pdoja1990]

Yee back at it again! You’re the ish

[@RenegadeLK]

I love me some life hacks!

[@anatole9995]

Do you have any pump suggestions?

[@mohammedasad2892]

I want you to do a clip that talks about putting 5 or 10 different types of fish. You can put them together in one bowl from your online shop market

[@bookmouse2719]

I do the fish tanks, my husband mostly does the cat boxes.

[@werdnalac1]

What pump and tubing is recommended

[@fredlettuce7962]

Whats a good pump for my 55 gallon? Thanks, good video

[@jayworkman5792]

Combine #1 and 2. Ive got smart power strips on all of my aquariums and name one of the outlets “water pump” so that I don’t have to mess with the power cord when I have wet hands. I just say “Alexa, turn on/off the water pump.” Honestly, I don’t know who is still using the old style Zoo-Med day/night timers when getting a smart strip gives you so much more control options.

[@aquafishholicinsydney7478]

It's good 👍 tips

[@lacrosseguy108]

i got a trumpet snail in my first tank, not sure how he got there but hes welcome to stay as long as its chill lol. i bought some java moss from petsmart and found a tiny snail that i think was dead. it was a baby blue color?

[@BFMC169DeadBroke]

How do you vacuum a tank when there are lots of curios baby guppies everywhere. I put a piece of filter over the tube with a rubber band holding it on but that doesn’t suck out the stuff on the bottom

[@blueiceice9416]

I hate the fluval fx6 cannisters. such a pain to open a pain to open and close, when my grandson decided to step on the pump sticking out the botton of it and it leaked all over I replaced it with OASE 600 so much easier to clean plus has a prefilter than you can easily clean weekly... just my thoughts

[@grill6411]

Fastest way to clean lots of substrate: get a fabric mesh plant pot aka grow bag, it allows water to drain through the mesh but keeps substrate from washing away. throw your sand/gravel in the grow bag, run it under a faucet. No awkwardly draining a bucket of sand and water anymore.

[@ScruffyCityAquatics]

This may seem like a no brained, but place your submersible heater below the 50% level of your aquarium. That way even a large water change doesn’t require you unplugging it.

[@thelivingbook]

I recently did a grid change and yeah and dont clean a whole bag at once. I still do it in a bucket, but only a little at a time so that a can go through the grid with my hand while flushing it with water. You cant get through the grid with youre hand if its to much, easier to clean small amounts

[@ana007]

When I buy a new gravel I put it into a buck of water and let it stay there for a couple of hours. Then I start rinse it. Thanks to this method it costs me less work and less water to get gravel clean.

[@lynnbonica4342]

Great video, but I couldn't find that pump on your website. Did you get it somewhere else?

[@lynnbonica4342]

Yeah...thanks for the answer. Would rather of had that than the thumbs up!

[@joycehendry3595]

Yer BUT after doing all them dishies the result is extremely satisfying

[@Jotto999]

The freshwater hobby should graduate to using algae refugiums. Those BRT TV experiments have totally convinced me and I have HoB algae fuges with horticultural lights.

[@richardvanderpool5916]

What pump are you using?

[@FishTankMonsters]

Hey bro I just bought a 540 gallon tank I’ve been keeping fish a long time what type of lights do you recommend for a 8 ft tank by 4 foot wide by 30 inches what lights are on your 800 I value your time and opinion

[@ChloePultar]

Hi! What’s the brand of the light timer you use?

[@markb8954]

Yep. Keep things simple & clean. I have a 30 gallon with two very fancy goldfish, a nice pleco, and 5 corys, a bunch of snails. We enjoy our easy to keep clean, minimalistic tank. Ogh yes, fake fake fake plants too.

[@vasubawa]

What shrimps and snails(or fish) do you recommended with someone who has big fish like angels and gouramis in a 55gal that wont get eaten? I have some bladders in my tank roaming around but they mostly live in my filter

[@keithkyli]

How about nerite snails? They don't eat live plants and don't breed in freshwater, only leaving small white eggs which dissolve after a while. There are several kinds with different looks to choose from. They are hardworking, fun to watch and have doors (operculum) to protect themselves.

[@toddkennedy5041]

What is the water pump you used / showed in the video?