5 Things I Wish I Knew YEARS Ago

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‎ Cory shares 5 things he wishes he could tell every beginner who is just getting started with fish keeping. If you've ever felt discouraged in the hobby, these words of wisdom may be just what you need to hear to help you get through a rough patch.
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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.
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - You’re Going to Kill Fish
1:00 - Filtration is Important
1:48 - Everyone in the Hobby is Nuts
2:42 - Buying Way too Much Fish Food
4:18 - Every Aquarium is an Experiment
6:32 - Become a Channel Member
#Aquariumcoop #Aquariumfish #Fishtank

[@AquariumCoop]

*What words of wisdom do you wish someone had shared with you when you were a new fish keeper?* For example, here's our process for figuring out how many fish can go in an aquarium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHbKqIKmequhrdE

[@Covid--be6pi]

Hi and I am Very New to this Aquarium Hobby So I really Need Your Help So I Got a 6 Gallon Tank Recently Dimensions Are : 15.74Inches x 9.05Inches x 9.84Inches (40cmx23cmx25cm) and I also Got A Good Internal Filter and the Temperatures are also All right as I Live in India my Water Temperature is around 26-28Celcius. And I Wanna Buy A Beautiful Looking And Hardy Fish. So can you suggest Me Fish Please Many Suggested Me Bettas But still I am not sure If I should get bettas or anything else. Which Fish do you Suggest Me? And Thx a Lot😃

[@c.a.t4607]

I learned a lot watching my dad with his fish tanks as a kid. He kept a wide variety of fish at different times, had some needle nose gars until they bit him good and he had to go to the hospital for stitches, also had a nice arowana that outgrew a 155 gallon tank pretty fast and eventually ended up at the Stienhart aquarium in San Francisco after sitting in a aquarium shop for a few years... I have still made simple mistakes when getting back into the hobby recently. Like overstocking and needing another tank sooner than I was ready for. If I had to give myself advice I would recommend a better strategy and planning things out more than I already did so I could have saved myself some troubles I'll probably need to deal with down the road.. tank placement and fish selection being one thing I would tell myself to think about more...

[@ezaquatics8399]

Multiple buckets and nets and not to name your fish

[@seizedcarcass8440]

Don’t buy plants from anywhere but aquarium coop. I bought two plants from different stores and they both had staghorn algae and BBA.

[@crazyfishlady4958]

Stop moving your plants. Plant it and leave it!! Oh how I wish I had known. Lol. Happily planted now.

[@aidenbryant8777]

When he said “All we wanna do is talk about fish but no one wants to listen” 😭😭 I feel that

[@maz9468]

I felt that here too! My husband hates my fish talks 🤣

[@danielferris1815]

So did I lol, it was like talking to my wife about it.

[@SquirrilahFish]

My wife is a very good sport when it comes to talking about fish.

[@shivchanlakeram4234]

It hit had

[@THandP_org]

Aiden, are you in the Aquarium Co-op C.A.R.E Forum? It's a 24/7 group of people who *want* to talk about fish

[@renato2354]

I wish I'd known I would be entering into an endless cycle of "damn I'm spending too much-- ooh look, a fish! Damn, that was expensive-- ooh plants!"

[@jims41]

You can buy a lot of fish stuff for what it cost for green fees

[@lolasmom5816]

That's my life right now

[@catherinesanchez1185]

They’re like wet colorful babies . Fish are small, but then you buy all this STUFF for them , lol!

[@babushka6379]

LITERALLY

[@angimojo72]

Same! Lol 😆 I need an intervention

[@sarahwoodring5587]

My advice: don't panic! "OMG, that fish just flashed on the rock! What's wrong with my fish? Ich? The DREADED COLUMNARIS??? Better get all the meds! Salt! 80% water change twice daily! Throw all possible solutions at it and stress out my whole ecosystem!" Meanwhile, fish was just itchy, showing off, or trying to dislodge a poop. Wait to address a problem until you're sure there is a problem. Keep a clear head and treat the easiest thing first. Just don't panic!

[@joshszooofanimals5416]

Definitely 👍

[@jesuslopez9223]

Always test water right, my problem was nitrite that came from tap water.

[@mattkinsella9856]

Absolutely! It's so easy to get stressed out over nothing. Over many years I've learned to quarantine and medicate fish on arrival (as recommended by Cory), test water regularly, basic maintenance and water change once a week (but not going overboard) and then everything ticks along brilliantly. If I upset that balance and routine then I tend to create 20 times more problems than I was attempting to solve.

[@joshl.6826]

Totally agree! I definitely over medicated and over analyzed supposed symptoms when I was new in the hobby

[@Carol_29]

I’m new to this and I am a panicky mess! This is my 3rd week of owning two Comet goldfish that were won at the fair by my fiancé and grandson. I feel like I’m doing everything right, but my water is more cloudy after two weekly water changes. I just did my second water change on Wednesday. I can’t get my ammonia under 0.50. In fact, it’s a little over right now. I even tested my tap water before adding Prime and there is ammonia in my tap water! I have county water (southern Florida). The Petco workers are probably already sick of me because I call them on the phone or go there with my water samples. I have everything I need for my fish to live a long, happy life, but I need to know what to do to get rid of the cloudiness and get my tank to cycle. This ammonia thing is really a problem. I feel like it’s stressing my fish out. The guy at Petco still tells me to only change the water once a week and only change 5 gallons. I have a 20 gallon tank, so that amount seems right. He has owned fish for 8 years. I have also read and watched so much stuff on the internet that I don’t know what’s right or wrong anymore. Please help!

[@keith161]

I started keeping fish over 30 years ago. I've seen a lot of changes and evolution in the hobby. I would advise newcomers against gadget clutter. The aquarium industry has produced some good new products, yet there is simply a lot of unnecessary, money-sinking products. Beginners may think they need to buy all this stuff that somehow will bring miraculous success. They've invested time and money, and they are lead to believe that if you really want to succeed you need this latest sprocket. You end up creating a bunch of aquarium clutter that practically needs a storage closet just for itself. A close second is establishing realistic expectations of "aquascaping". Social media is filled with pristine, manicured, perfect aquariums. Beginners see that and make that the goal instead of successfully establishing and sustaining a small aquatic ecosystem. Successful aquariums that have longevity embrace ecological succession, respect the role of decomposition, and realize biological competition. Aquariums are dynamic, and nature is messy. Social media aquascaping images may give unrealistic expectations. Aquarium keeping is a science and an art. First, master the science that keeps the ecosystem going, then tailor the art of your layout to your aesthetics.

[@DirtNassty]

🤯

[@yeshuaswords2776]

It is a bit long, but it's worth reading. He was betrayed by his disciple. He was left alone by all his disciples. He was killed for others mistake. He was killed though he was innocent. His own brothers didn't believe in him. His mother had to watch him die. Everyone knew he was innocent but still they killed him. He is to be treated like Kings but he chose to serve us. He still forgave the people who crucified and mocked him and he said Father forgive them for they not know what they are doing. What has more greater love than this?. All for our sake. The man Jesus Christ. He showed us true Love. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. But There's a happy news. He rose up again after three days just as he told. There is no greater blessing than having God as our Father. He's coming back soon. Let's all repent and turn from our old ways and prepare our hearts for him. This is the prophecy about the second coming of Jesus Zechariah 13:7 “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy. Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ This happened near 30 AD. Hosea 6:1-2 Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. In prophecies 1day is equal to 1000 years. Which means after two thousand years Jesus will return again. And on the third day which is the 3rd millennium, we will live in his sight. We all know we cannot see God's face and live on Earth. So it's the second coming of Jesus. Luke 21:11 ► There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. We are the witnesses of all these things. From the death of Jesus to 2030 there are 2000 years.9 years is left until the 2000 years are complete after Jesus's death. Jesus is coming soon. Let's all repent and turn from our old ways and turn to the Lord. Praise the Lord. Peace and Love to you all. Easter is pagan, the resurrection day of the Lord is correct and please stop taking the Lord's name in vain like saying omg or using it with a bad word or taking it in anyway that is in vain. Even the devil trembles in his name and we shouldn't use the powerful name like that. For the people who says Jesus is not God here's a verse. Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. God bless you all. Please spread this message to the ends of the world.

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

@@yeshuaswords2776 What has this got to do with aquariums?

[@noobguy57]

@@yeshuaswords2776 I ain't reading all that

[@sandraschwan358]

Agree! Very well said and it takes time to get to thar understanding.

[@limeaid3121]

I wish I could tell teenage me to take water changes and tank maintenance as a meditative enjoyable thing. That mindset not only encourages me to do it, it also helps clear my mind and just enjoy the fish more

[@AMBELLINA77]

That's good advice to grown up me now. Lol. Thx

[@kiki-drawer2669]

Just learned this after dealing with it for a year. The moment I learned to enjoy managing the tank I fell in love with it. It's still annoying sometimes especially when you first start out and have algea bloom or black beard algea but at least managing small amounts of that is very fun. And seeing a tank balance out Is even more rewarding! Follow the ups and downs instead of fighting them and it becomes fun!

[@devindonovan8201]

Long post but hopefully someone reads it. Yes! Nowadays, especially when doing maintenance in my 29, I find myself monologuing these deep sort of shower thoughts to myself. A couple weeks ago I was feeling very depressed but I really needed to do a water change... I finally mustered the energy to do it. As I refilled the water, trimmed my plants, and replanted ones that my cories had kicked up, one of the profound things I muttered to myself was something along the lines of: [because I had a suicidal intrusive thought] ... "Life might be suffering, but for every reason to end life, there is another to continue it. These little beings are all that I have.... In the process of caring for them I realize the celebration of nature. There is a sort of actualization that comes from the stewardship and custody of animals that are smaller and meeker than us. Their happiness becomes your happiness. Their health contributes to your own. You see them being peaceful and peace washes over you as well. Why would you deny yourself this enjoyment? In the green and the light, watching the bubbles and the quiet interplay of this ecosystem that I have carefully, painstakingly created and maintained.... There is a worthwhile beauty in all of this, and I should stay a while longer.... so that someone at least can witness it all." Starting with a couple of planted bulbs, a few accidental specs of duckweed, a clump of Java moss, and a patch or two of pearlweed... Seeing after months, a lush garden unfolding, a school of corydoras rummaging between the low-growing "shrubbery" like a pack of wild horses. Danios chasing each other through the long aponogeton leaves that curl just beneath the surface, catching and sheltering patches of duckweed on either side of the tank. Snails cling to their stringy little roots, while a betta watches very intently; sometimes his instincts kick in and he will violently peck at a snail, knocking it from it's perch and sending it tumbling to the bottom 🤭 These fish are so used to me that they readily gather around my arm when I'm trimming my plants. The cories readily search between the hairs on my arms. Their barbels are light as feathers; I barely feel them. My betta lets me gently stroke along his dorsal fin. If I cup my hand, he will swim inside without fear. My danios, always hungry, always foraging, I feel the tickle of their little jaws, likely pecking at invisible dead skin. Indeed, @limeaid3121 there is little I can think of that could be more therapeutic or meditative as caring for these beautiful animals.

[@Tom_H694]

"everyone in the hobby is crazy!" 🤣

[@joshszooofanimals5416]

Lol 😆

[@jimdavis9034]

Agreed!

[@hallehuckleberry]

i get a rush of dopamine every time i talk about my aquarium to a friend/relative

[@mattkinsella9856]

Mostly in a good way ☺️

[@lemon2125]

is he wrong?

[@seizedcarcass8440]

My one piece of advice is don’t overcomplicate it. Get some easy plants and easy fish to start off and go from there.

[@predatorshelby5780]

Brand new to the hobby. Had my tank almost a month now. The hardest part and something that I've noticed is the need to have patience. I see all these lovely planted tanks and have to keep reminding myself my plants aren't going to grow overnight and just be patient.

[@jasmineconnell5985]

me too!!! I struggle with patience..I too have had my two tanks around 6/7 months now. I have spent so much on plants that died and other things...

[@paulaerasmus5527]

I agree, patience is the hardest part

[@jasonzitt6408]

I've been in the hobby almost 40 years. I think the number one thing is to remember that its supposed to be fun.

[@joshuawick9092]

My number 1- find yourself a spouse that doesn’t have to join you in the hobby, but they at least need to understand and acknowledge your passion! * I got it right the second time around.👍🏻👍🏻

[@DennisNeijmeijer]

I'm already "grooming" my wife in just accepting the new art project 😊🎨

[@shawnmclaughlin7418]

I moved in and took over my now wifes tank she had them to have them fake everything. i remoddled the whole thing while bickering back and forthe about how i am just taking over. Fast forward honey i got a new plant or hunny what do think of this or look there is babies now aww and my favorite this looks so much better now i never knew.lol

[@nicksfishroom915]

Patience is the number one lesson the hobby has taught me. 45 years into the hobby I still find the idea that often the best thing you can do to your tank is nothing. The urge to tinker and "work on my tank" is exactly what you shouldn't be doing. A lot of the time, if you've done the right stuff, the thing to do is wait and watch and keep yer hands off the dang tank!;)

[@KarAashika]

Thanks! I needed this. I've been obsessing.

[@krisdog88]

This is my problem! haha

[@jeffalbillar7625]

I've known that since the 90s, yet...... I still tinker.

[@greencaller14]

If I could thumbs up this comment 10+ times, I would!!!! The truest statement EVER!

[@midnull6009]

...that's what I did. Planted aquarium. Did not tinker with it. No CO2...the pants have ran wild. The fish and shrimp are thriving. And, unfortunately, multiplying faster then I can get rid of them. Fortunately I added 1 more fish to curb the population by eating the eggs.... I have a pathos growing out of it too.... I check water parameters on the constant. Sometimes the only thing I have to do is top off the tank...that's it... My lil ecosystem does it's own thing...

[@auden5236]

I’m by no means a veteran, but one of the most important things I’ve realized is that you’re gonna spend a lot of money, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I work a part-time job, and I find myself spending a large amount of money on the hobby, whether it be on food, shrimp, etc. One of the coolest things about the hobby though is when you find out about new cheap methods. When I found out about poly-fil and used it in my filter I was absolutely stunned by how effective it was! Another thing I’d say is to help other aquarium hobbyists, especially those who tend to overstock (like the people who put goldfish in bowls). Offer others advice from what you’ve learned, encourage them to do research, and stay friendly!

[@harrysandhu4136]

Thanks for the polyfill idea, I was gonna order a sponge filter 👍

[@Nomadistar]

Even 3-4 goldfish in a 10g is a pita! The ammonia! I spent more time on that tank than I did my 29g community tank.

[@puirYorick]

I learned too late that the pet department of the mall department chain store will sell you anything and most likely doesn't know or care if your purchases make the slightest sense. If you are starting out, begin at a LFS and NOT at a big-box type of store so you get at least minimal guidance.

[@Castor235]

Yup, when I was young they sold me 6 goldfish with a 1/2 gallon tank.....

[@LadyandtheScamp4Ever]

My area, all we have are chain pet stores 😭 they had no clue what KH even was (neither did I) so I killed a few things til I finally had done enough research to know my local chain pet store wasn’t telling me anything useful so I did more research & more research… ugh lol but I love it so I didn’t give up ❤️

[@rainsnowflake4664]

I've been keeping fish for 30 years and I believe that you can always learn weather your keeping fish for 5 minutes or 100 years

[@jpvaines]

After over 40 years of fishkeeping my advice to a beginner would be; tropical freshwater fish are easier to keep than goldfish, and dirt (bacteria) is good - you're not trying to run an operating theatre!

[@lolasmom5816]

Agree. Ive learned this lesson

[@TTime685]

I've learned over the years that as long as you have good filtration, sufficient bacteria, a healthy amount of live plants, and a few bottom feeders, that cleaning the gravel isn't really necessary.. Basically having a balanced ecosystem. Just stay on top of water changes.

[@HappyBuddhaBoyd]

and once you achieve a balanced ecosystem.... water changes are unnecessary. I do a water change about once a year on all my tanks... and that is just so I can do a deep clean on the gravel and ornaments. Biggest myth in this hobby is that you need water changes. You only need water changes if your filter/sump is not doing it's job.

[@littlemissy8356]

I can't imagine that is right. The poop will badly effect the tank. His tank must be really cloudy.

[@TTime685]

@@littlemissy8356 Wrong. Crystal clear. The nitrates in the fish waste gets converted/absorbed by sufficient bacteria/vegetation and the leftover waste basically turns to soil for plants

[@catherinesanchez1185]

That comes down to number of fish/feeding etc . I have a 29 with 15 fish , tons of plants , moderately deep substrate . It’s mature now and if I don’t overfeed I can do a 25% water change every 3 to 4 weeks , along with rinsing the biomedical with aquarium water . Numbers stay stable . If I cut the number of fish in half I probably wouldn’t need to change water at all.

[@midnull6009]

This! I'm at this stage now!!! I just top off the water! I check parameters from time to time, etc. But....yeah...so balanced! I'm also trying to grow a bit of algae for my algae eaters....yeah I know, I'm ACTIVLY trying to grow it...

[@marktracey5029]

I have keep aquariums for over sixty years and you have done more for this hobby then anyone else I am aware of. Keep up the good work!

[@Mod2Amaryllis]

After a year, i think the biggest takeaway has been patience!! not going out and getting every possible thing right away, letting things settle, watching every step...the patience was hard at first, now i actively enjoy slowing down and taking it day by day

[@NYGOLD]

I wish I knew about the nitrogen cycle years ago. Looking back I see most of my failures where probably due to nitrite and nitrate issues and when I had success I most likely didn't know why.

[@joshszooofanimals5416]

Same here lol

[@Seir]

Same

[@Boogerboys1990]

Dirted tank with sand cap u will.have no problems

[@Jeffreenl]

Just started. Trying to get my nitrite and nitrate to 0, because my future shrimp dealer told me it should be 0. I Bought the 6-1 colombos water test, but the strip color is so unclear, even unused it looks like pink already. Any tips to be certain and what is the best way to keep these values at 0. Sorry for my bad Dunglish. Dutch/English.

[@soragaara5780]

@@Jeffreenl hey! I'm just cycling my tank too. Just curious, why are you waiting for your nitrates to be 0? That wouldn't be a cycled tank. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0. Nitrates at around 10ppm is good. You need nitrates to get rid of ammonia in the tank. It's the last step of the cycle. Hope this helps 😊

[@GoalieScum]

Learn what fish would live best in your water BEFORE buying a single thing. Buying fish then finding out they are completely wrong for your water is a constant struggle to keep them happy and can zap your enjoyment of the hobby. Fish keeping should be about enjoyment and not about making it as difficult as possible.

[@nathanswager6751]

starting the hobby having liquid rock, and wondering why bettas/etc were struggling so much, whereas now my livebearers and mbuna thrive. it's a lesson i wish i was more aware of for sure!

[@sufianahmed2579]

Is there a website or list where I can find out all the fish and their water requirements ?

[@mattkinsella9856]

You're so right. Years ago I used to keep and breed discus and the constant RO water changes and messing around because I had such hard water nearly ruined the hobby for me. There's so much enjoyment in all types of fish and it really is best to find the ones that suit your water chemistry.

[@nathanswager6751]

@@sufianahmed2579 I recommend you get an api test kid and a hardness test, test your water out of the tap, and then search for fish that do well in that water. If you've got a neutral ph or hardness, you'll be golden with most fish out there, otherwise pick a few you like out of the ones that do well in that water type

[@RJJFavorites]

I keep two goldfish tanks and the most important thing I feel to remember is that you are keeping living beings and you can’t take that responsibility lightly. You must do the best for your fish, just like you would for your dog/cat/hamster. Our oldest fish is now 16, the youngest is 7. So happy to have not lost a fish for over 6 years now. I just wish I could keep more live plants in the tank, those fish are eating machines!!!

[@migaud7789]

Im finally getting back into the hobby after 3 years of being flat broke. I kept a beautiful 5 gallon betta tank that basically ran itself with just replenishing water loss and using ferts once a month. That fish lived for 6 years!! Im scared to get back in because I want to try shrimp, but this channel has been freakin amazing for giving me confidence coming back in. Thanks man

[@HKLuterman]

Really liked the advice in this vid. And Jimmy's edits are super amusing.

[@MIKoenig44]

It's so cliche in the hobby. But, I think one of the best pieces of advice is to go slow. This hobby isn't a race. It's a marathon. Season tank time. Make sure everything is thriving before you add anything. The internet is obvi a great tool - use the CARE forum, and ask before you do something you're not sure about. You'll be successful this way instead of guessing and rushing to put 20 fish in your tank at once

[@deansfishroom]

This is a really good one, concise, to the point, answers lots of questions, a great 7 minutes. Should add to the Dean's recommended playlist. Oh wait we haven't made that playlist. . . . yet.

[@diannasims1806]

Have patience! Don't change too many things at once. Keep a journal to write notes in so you have the reference later for yourself or others.

[@jonathancolton1464]

I’m a landscape architect and own a landscape design/ build company. When I thought of taking on fish ponds, I thought I would take on aquariums to learn water parameters and have some knowledge of how to build natural environments. Now I have my personal collection, chilids, nanos, tetras, shrimp and frogs. I have children the ages of 1 and 3; they have enjoyed the hobby as well with tanks on the floor at eye level for them. we have yet to build a pond!

[@upclosevideo]

Newby keeper in no particular order, but stuff I learned from the tropical fish shop when I first started up. 1 Don’t overfeed 2 Use water additive treatment to get going with tap water, no need for standing water in tanks to condition it 3 Don’t wash sponge filters out in tap water use tank water when doing partial water change. 4 Use a water testing kit 5 Add fish numbers slowly to new tank, make sure you know the size of your tank and don’t omake sure they get along if community tank. 6

[@terrymartins2552]

Love the emphasis on Enjoyment.

[@MIKoenig44]

"We're not gonna need that BOX!" Lol...dying... Best B Roll ever!

[@ambistacres]

You nailed it on your first one.

[@joshszooofanimals5416]

Agreed 👍

[@rotten2209]

One that I've always struggled with is leaving the tank alone. Besides feeding and water changes, there should be very little interaction. Your water parameters can change instantly when the gravel, sand,plants, rocks,wood,resin stuff is moved or disturbed.

[@CarolynnMc01]

I would recommend remembering to use a dechlor if using city water. It's a disaster to forget that! And also for a beginner fish keeper that it's a good idea to learn something about the nitrogen cycle and to stabilize the tank before adding fish. It would be great if fish stores passed out a "fact sheet" for new fish keepers about cycling a tank. Some people just don't realize it! Honestly, i didn't know anything about it 25 years ago.

[@tomahawk1556]

Equally important of Not Over Using DeChlorine >>> They can killed the fishes as I have made that Fatal Mistakes! DeChlorine is colourless , so we tend to add more than needed & the DeChlorine destroyed the gill~respiratory system of the fishes! Just one small cap for 30 gallons of water would be sufficient! And Sunning the water before adding them into the aquarium , can further reduced the use of the DeChlorine! 🌷🌿🌍

[@robertspringer9477]

@@tomahawk1556 what is sunning the water?

[@epa316]

I had a fish tank in the 80s when I was a kid, and what I remember hating the most was how quickly the water got dirty and smelly. I remember the "undergravel filters" didn't work worth a damn. Now that I have my own home, just checking back to see if equipment has improved at all since the 80s.

[@Marshallo.o]

I lol'd at "Everyone is nuts", so true!

[@x_moosh_x2969]

The food this is so true. I've just brought my first fish tank and am currently cycling it. I haven't even got the fish yet and I'm looking for a variety of foods already haha!

[@user-mo4wt9gk9y]

:) I just bought a betta tank and have 6 large containers of different food-1 fish!

[@Anom_Ali]

Test your tap water. Test it from different rooms (my kitchen is different than my bathroom- don't know why!).

[@derTaktgeber]

different material of the water pipes could be a reason

[@samlovely5208]

My big mistakewhen I started fish keeping hobby was starting with 5 gallon fish tank thinking that is a lot of water, but in fact it was disaster for holding fish that I wanted

[@DreamWeaverPets]

This is a great video for anyone. We, as in my family, have been through so much with this hobby. So many fails, so much work, sooo much money, sooo much time. Why though, the passion!! My kids are learning so much, my wife and I are learning so much and for the rest of our lives the memories will last. Thank you Cory we see you as genuine and appreciate what you add to the Hobby.

[@triimarie4396]

Yesssss Cory is the MY FAV when I have an aquarium question or need to learn about something.

[@DreamWeaverPets]

@@triimarie4396 I like to watch Cory too. I found that it's best to take all of the information out there and then play and test what works for you. To me that's the fun in the Hobby.

[@triimarie4396]

that's the truth right there 👌 every tank is an experiment

[@potentialpolitics7769]

With adequate flow and a hardscape with high surface area, you can easily filter your tank with high a bio load of plants and the nitrifying bacteria growing on said hardscape.

[@alexanderpopov3587]

Very informative as usual. Editing is stellar!

[@michaelmelliere5394]

Lighting on point in this vid 👌🏼 love the video as always!

[@meduza93]

Tip for those who wanna start their planted aquarium. Use your eyes, watch your plants, dont change too much too quick. Try to find the perfect dose of fertilizers (and CO2). Each tank is different. Sure you can always help yourself by measuring the water parameters and search for the cause of algea but dont go to crazy about getting the parameters to be perfect - plants will show you when they're fine and when they are not. Healthy growth is the way. Also always plant as many plants as you can. It helps with the algea. And hire the cleaning crew - amano shrimps, snails, what ever. Buy them. In a helathy tank you will always get a littile bit of algea here and there. Thats where the cleaning crew comes in. And remember keep it steady. DO NOT mess with your aquarium and doses of fertilizers too much and too often.

[@MichaelPatterson4]

Thank you for making this! Really important lessons for old and new!

[@wilsching9910]

thanks for sharing corey!

[@calebcologna8681]

I cannot stress the second point enough. I have SO many customers over emphasizing and over estimating the impact of mechanical filtration.

[@Jarom.M]

My advice: buying used equipment isn't bad. It saves you a ton of money. That's a good thing because this hobby can get expensive, fast.

[@joshszooofanimals5416]

Great video and information 😀👍 I've learned that over the years of having fish is that there's always something new to be learned and always something happening in the fish room 😆

[@andrewrogers3184]

Wonderful video. All points so true

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

This was without doubt one of my favorite videos so far. So simple but at the same time so impactful. Been watching for a few years and I can't imagine being in this hobby without having had the help of this channel. Thanks, Cory!

[@graceshvodian2552]

I learned that talking with confidence about fish will get you far. This was especially helpful for me since I am a young person in the hobby and people expect me to not know anything.

[@antoniochua8111]

No. 3 is Absolutely Gold!!

[@PablosProjects]

Thanks Cory and team for all the knowledge! Great job making everything so interesting and fun to watch😀

[@peterashman5749]

Made me feel so much better. Many thanks.

[@krisgordon8199]

I watched a video where you recommend to keep a journal of water changes,and I'm glad that I did. Being able to see day to day what my tank is doing,has made it easier to figure out what I should do next. I'm also following your guide on how to deal with ammonia,and I'm going on day two of now feeding,and everything is great!! I can't thank you enough for the videos,Cory! You are a tremendous help,and a fun person to watch. Your life for the hobby is in every video,and it makes it more fun to watch.

[@jeevankhadka7270]

thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience...

[@tylergodfrey2800]

I can so relate to all of this! My advice - just because my friends think my fish tanks are cool, most of them have no interest in me helping them get one started! Also - sometimes it easier to breed the fish you like than to find someone else to buy it.

[@IMObutters]

Your first point is great, and to expand on it, I've ran into plenty of friends/family that THINK they want an aquarium, but then they realize that they just wanted to look at one rather than take care of it or learn anything. If they make it passed that, I've made it a rule that I can't help someone set up a tank unless they fully understand the nitrogen cycle.

[@manumr1398]

Exactly put😍😍. Thanks a lot. Completely agree.

[@piakjellssoniktren]

This was such good advice! Thanks for keeping me company while I was changing water😃

[@psychedelichippocampus6226]

I like this all inclusive idea! Right up my alley, take the parts that fit what I'm trying to accomplish and store the rest of the info for a later project.

[@KrispyKiKi]

Really really loved this video! So encouraging for new fishkeepers like me

[@nathurrell3595]

Another great video. The most important thing I've learnt is the need to see and treat an aquarium as a whole eco system, with each element helping to support the others.

[@paulwharton1850]

Brilliant ! So helpful. Many thanks........all the way from London.

[@philipjacob1979]

You nailed it. Straight from the heart. Clears a lot of doubts. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@carlbatzel9116]

Thank you for your passion! Great advice I’ve learned so much from you!

[@carlosvarela3571]

This is so true, especially felt the fish food comment!

[@HelloThere-zf8ke]

This video is actually helpful! Thanks

[@OregonFishingGuy]

Cory, I am fairly new to the hobby. I really appreciate the info I learn watching your videos!

[@tiffanyswider5590]

Ugh so true about the filters. I have SO MANY now that are just sitting around unused…

[@dennislim2324]

Super agree. For me, after one big circle, keeping things simple to enjoy the hobby is key.

[@ronlafond5288]

Good stuff, Cory. Thanks.

[@myfishni]

Great advice as always...keep up the excellent work..appreciate your honesty

[@KiDFINessed]

This video helped me calm down a bit about getting into this hobby. Thanks a lot 👍

[@sookiesmith5457]

Love #2, that truly is the most important part of the hobby. Enjoy It!!

[@matthewbivens5395]

Always the most honest best aquarium advice on KZbin!

[@mikefm4]

Really great video and spot on. I always likened my tanks to trying to mimic scooping a part of the earths ecosystem out and keeping it.

[@Allysunmoonstar]

Wish I saw this yesterday, makes me feel better that if I am doing my best, it's a work in progress!

[@wellard1221]

I have started this hobby when covid hit and it took me for the best journey of my life! Anyway I love your videos I have learned so much about the chemical part of water, I went and got some snails, and I have just been learning so much. Keep these videos coming man. One day I hope to be able to come to the store.

[@sneekyalexa2657]

I'm new to fish keeping, and really enjoyed this video! I got my first betta back in October and he has a 20 gallon with some tetras! Just the learning portion alone is so fun! :D

[@falconmyst]

Thank you... serious, thank you for the encouragement , it's okay to be a learner.

[@529tmarie]

great vid! My favorite part is every tank is an experiment. EXACTLY

[@pollyfoxx7994]

Love this!!! Thank you Cory! You helped me feel better ☺️👍

[@aquaterraexoticpets]

The main thing I wish I knew is buying large tanks new is sometimes not the smartest. Go on let go or Facebook marketplace and buy a tank according to the condition of the glass. You can always re-silicone! Always buy filtration new!

[@djstickxb2615]

You da man Cory💪👍.. Have learned alot from you over the last 3 years.. Currently running 10 tanks

[@simonandrew2610]

That was brilliant. Thank you. UK- London.

[@BuckWezr]

My favor vid of yours in a while! Really well done, sir!

[@25TheCaveMan]

Awesome advice Cory, thanks!

[@kaitlyngosik9617]

Literally love watching your videos! Always calms my nerves of what could be wrong with my fish tank 😂

[@frankthabani3889]

U nailed it no need we say more keep it up you're inspiring a lot of people not only guiding us lots of love

[@kimabcx3647]

I’m a newbie, love your channel and all your knowledge

[@LionsLamb79]

You make me nostalgic for all the wonderful setups I had when I was younger and had more free time, I can't wait to start up again when I'm older and have more free time again.

[@micahlovesjesus3437]

I’m am by no means a veteran, but one thing I have definitely learned is not to panic or be hasty in trying to “solve a problem “ that may not be a problem at all! Slow down, think it through, and ask God for guidance! It’ll turn out great! Thx for your straight forward tips Cory! They’ve definitely helped me see aquarium keeping in new ways!

[@metalhead9849]

I think you bringing your religion into this conversation is off track, topic and not needed.

[@ovskiyo130]

I really like listening to this guy. Gives amazing tips as well always

[@nathancortes1085]

I really enjoyed your video. It was very informative and relieved me of a lot of stress lol. Thank you

[@aje8790]

The food statement is so true. I have 1 10 gallon and feed around 10 different foods

[@paulmccarthy7467]

Some great points and true facts. nothing better than taking some time just sit down to watch your tanks for relaxation and enjoyment

[@paulaerasmus5527]

I thank goodness for people like Cory and the Co-op team. People we can trust and really leatn from

[@RobsAquariumRoom]

Great information video Thank you very much for sharing this information.

[@angimojo72]

I wish I would have found this channel 3 years ago! Waiting at the door for my filter hack materials! I went to a fabric store to buy the poly pad and placed in the filter behind the cartridge. And now, we wait! I have spent a fortune! Thanks 😊

[@edilley]

Thank you for making this video! My wife and I are pretty new in the aquarium scene. Always learning new things!