5 things YOU NEED TO KNOW before YOU start a PLANTED TANK

Alright! These 5 Things made a big difference in my planted tank journey, and I think you need to know them as well. Before I applied these 5 things I had a lot more algae in my tanks.
Algae playlist • AQUARIUM ALGAE GUIDE
👉🏻Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my KZbin channel: / mjaquascaping
👉🏻Follow me on Instagram @aquascapingamsterdam
👉🏻Destroy ALGAE with my FREE ebook 📖
bit.ly/3aBaAcy
👉🏻10% DISCOUNT on buceplanet.de with code: Amsterdam10
👉🏻10% DISCOUNT on CO2ART products with code: amsterdam
These links are affiliate links if you buy the product through these links I will get a small commission at no extra cost for you.
Tank #1
Green Aqua Opti-White (Clear Glass) Aquarium - 20 liters, 36x22x26 cm (Mini M)
Dennerle Scapers Flow
amzn.to/37qyshw (EU)
amzn.to/2HiE3vr (US)
Dennerle Deponitmix Black
amzn.to/3maKDU6
Dennerle Scapers Soil
amzn.to/2HiG0s0 (EU)
amzn.to/37mWwSC (US)
Tank #2
20 liter cube from Dennerle 25x25x30 cm
amzn.to/3ofmNbi
Chihiros C2
amzn.to/3klmBoU (EU)
amzn.to/3o5cLcS (US)
Tropica aquasoil
amzn.to/37tOyr0
Tank #3
Dennerle nano cube 20x20x25 cm (10 liters)
*** amzn.to/35izslo (EU)
*** amzn.to/2FMk3Rq (US)
HOB filter 150-200 lph
*** amzn.to/2TbeyPt (EU)
*** amzn.to/2TeDvJW (US)
Dennerle power led 5.0
*** amzn.to/31rUe0J (EU)
*** amzn.to/3khjhuI (US)
Tank #4
Dennerle Scapers Tank 70L
Here's a link to the 55L amzn.to/2JYXzOL
JBL e902 canister filter amzn.to/3gg6lnC
Chihiros WRGB 2 amzn.to/36PbUWY
Black lava rock amzn.to/2VHKuMn
Dennerle Deponitmix Black
*** amzn.to/3maKDU6
Dennerle Scapers Soil
*** amzn.to/2HiG0s0 (EU)
*** amzn.to/37mWwSC (US)
Tank #5
Beta Line Nano 40
40x30x30 cm
JBL e701 canister filter amzn.to/3gtAQXv
INTAQO Lumen 40 cm 6000 lumen
shop.intaqo.com/
Dennerle Scapers Soil
*** amzn.to/2HiG0s0 (EU)
*** amzn.to/37mWwSC (US)
Plantedbox liquid ferts: planted-box.co...
Plantedbox bottom ferts: planted-box.co...
Plantedbox Lily pipes: planted-box.co...

[@MJAquascaping]

Thanks for watching the video! Can we get a 1000 likes on this??? 👍

[@hamstersdaily8621]

Of course you will

[@mariar772]

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@MarcoB.]

I hope so! you deserve it!

[@greenaquascaping9491]

Yes !!!

[@ronenpatlis330]

yessssss

[@BitMillions]

7:25 “subscribe to the channel if you didn’t do this sh!t...” 😂 I heard it!! subbed! 🚀

[@MJAquascaping]

😂😂

[@jasongrimshaw-smith8369]

@@MJAquascaping We all heard it!!!! HAHAHA. Awesome Vid tho, some great tips, Thanks

[@hamstersdaily8621]

5 things but it's the best for us

[@zeftlovescats2433]

I’m a simple man, I see you post a video - I click 👌

[@MJAquascaping]

😂😂😂

[@betterthantelevision]

To properly watch an MJ vid, click the video, click like, sit back and enjoy, maybe even learn something.

[@viixkyy]

That moment when you already have a co2 planted tank but still come here to watch this

[@Swasssssss]

Lol yeahh 😂

[@justin94431]

And that's when you realize you simping mark

[@wookim4611]

Forgot I was watching a KZbin how to versus a National Geographic documentary movie. Excellent video skills!

[@meggrotte4760]

Great tank and beautiful fish and betta

[@betterthantelevision]

Channel is growing, good to see. Maybe add some CO2 and it'll grow even faster. ;)

[@MJAquascaping]

😂😂😂😂

[@chriskage1284]

Hahaha good one!

[@siddhantsachan6596]

😂😂😂

[@theaquaticdesert]

😂😂😂

[@hribeiro8551]

😂🤣

[@johnbrand1893]

I’m delighted I came across your channel, just full of great 👍 advice, tips and visually stunning planted tanks. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@anudeep9683]

Lots of love from India

[@lianshorts4355]

Thank you 🙏🏻 maybe next month ican start my first aquarium

[@MJAquascaping]

awesome! that is very exciting!

[@phamz413]

I just ordered a bunch of siamese algae eaters, otocinclus catfish, nerite snails and amanos yesterday, cant wait to put down my toothbrush!

[@MJAquascaping]

Whooop! Time to relax 😁

[@KenLe1998]

Very big mistake with SAE if you don't have huge tank

[@Aquatasy]

I just now discovered your channel and I must say I am thoroughly impressed. Not only with your incredible artistry as an aquascaper and your skills as a video creator, but also with your ability to take what seems like a complex topic and break it down into simple useful terms. You can count me as a brand new subscriber. Thank you for inspiring me as an aquarist and as a creator. Blessing to you.

[@MJAquascaping]

Wow, thank you! 😊

[@Alex-uu1le]

I love this guy such amazing content

[@MJAquascaping]

Thanks a lot Alex!

[@KenLe1998]

I see no reason to dislike videos like this Informative, relaxation, helpful, well made 👍👍

[@crimegeek]

This was enjoyable and very educational. Thank you! Wonderful job!

[@ahmadidraki4036]

Hello, I'm a beginner. 🙋‍♀️😂 and you are the 1st aquaScaper that I subscribed. lol😂 btw, love your videos.. full of information, tips and quite relaxing. 😊 thanks.

[@MJAquascaping]

Thanks for subbing!

[@localhost4460]

Great video. I might add in "allelopathy": All plants (especially aquatic plants) release various chemicals (some deter predators, some attract pollinators, etc.) When you put a bunch of different plants together, there can be conflict between all those extra chemicals. If you ever have some plant that just melts when you put it into a tank, but succeeds in other tanks, then this is a possible cause.

[@louisdelferiere4348]

I really love your chinnel, your vidéo are so intersseting

[@almahi316]

I used to skip your videos before because of the number of your subscribers.But now after watching some videos.I never miss one great content

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy you are liking the videos!

[@gianwinters]

Thanks for this video

[@marcmyers1465]

Excellent Primer: Very Well Written and Very Well stated ! 😉👍 Ironically you apparently got into the hobby as I was getting out of it. 🤷🏼‍♂️ In my case I moved 2300 miles across country and unfortunately had many very large and elaborate systems that had to be torn down completely. I only managed to keep a very few specimens as I had no where to warehouse them for such a long period. 😕 It took me several years to come back to planted aquariums. It was pretty heartbreaking. 😔

[@robinjonas1803]

AMAZING 🤩 thnx for the great advice 😘 your videos never disappoint!🤗

[@MJAquascaping]

Thank you! 😃

[@ronenpatlis330]

hello i'm follow every time in your youtube channel and i like it very much!!!

[@MJAquascaping]

Very happy to hear that!

[@tigersunruss]

Great video for beginners. Hope they all really listen and remember these tips, all 100% valid.

[@Sandulf_of_Silus]

Your aquascapes are too beautiful and very peaceful and relaxing to watch. I just can't have enough of your dense baby tears carpet . Keep up the good work sir ❤️❤️

[@MJAquascaping]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kanelucas1475]

Another top video. Starting my first high tech planted tank next week.

[@MJAquascaping]

Whoop! Exciting!

[@Christian_Danielsen]

Great advice and visuals - and I just realized you're quite big on IG 😆

[@MJAquascaping]

Who are you on IG?

[@Christian_Danielsen]

@@MJAquascaping I'm on IG mainly because I have to be updated in relation to work, but I use it very occationally

[@MateuszSalawaAquascaping]

Nice content! 👍 You are absolutly right 😉.

[@henrikstengard2615]

Great video as usual. Siamese Algae eaters do their job really good. But now that the BBL are gone they focus on trimming my moss instead 😔😡.

[@MJAquascaping]

I could use some help with moss trimming! Maybe I should consider getting some siamese algae eaters! 😂

[@jagermeister902]

Heel nuttig en prachtige beelden!! Thanks :-)

[@drew-shourd]

Thanx, great video, just subscribed. 👍❤🐌

[@girlfishkeeper7485]

Very informative 🥰 Thank you 😊 Newbie here 🙆‍♀️😊

[@MJAquascaping]

You’re welcome 😊

[@MarcoB.]

Hey! Nice videos! I returned to the hobby after a ten year break. Alot has changed since back then. The knowledge and especially people who share their experiences and knowledge has grown. Keep up the great work. I am glad that I found this sympathic Channel. Let it grow! 😃

[@MJAquascaping]

Welcome back!

[@MANOLOM123]

Awesome video, job well done!

[@boebender]

Masterful editing and succinct information combined with great video-thanks!!

[@wesleytotoruga4792]

Weer een goede en leerzame video! Keep up to good work!

[@MJAquascaping]

Dank!!

[@theonghantan862]

Great vedio and knownagable to me Cheers

[@Kiwi_Ed]

Thanks for the video, great tips! What is the fish in the opening scene?

[@ryanzetzmann8933]

Love your videos!

[@bergatroll895]

Love ur vids! Good content, very helpful.😃

[@MJAquascaping]

Thank you!

[@KogreX03]

Very helpful as always, thank you. 🙂

[@jordanaluck9216]

can you please give examples of the fast-growing plants? thank you

[@MJAquascaping]

Limnophila sessiliflora, Hygrophila polysperma, Hygrophila difformis, Ceratopteris thalictroides, and all floating plants as well.

[@jordanaluck9216]

@@MJAquascaping thank you so much

[@CarlosEGuillen]

Great information.

[@WichoChao]

As usual great content, great tips, looking forward for the next. Kudos!!

[@MJAquascaping]

Thank you! 😊

[@ravibandari3419]

Thank you ones again 👍

[@MJAquascaping]

No problem 👍

[@billlooker2689]

You keep it simple and straightforward . I thank you for that. And your reply. When I get my makeover done I plan on getting into plant tank ,s for a 100 gallon,s or so for tank space. But not have a job that gets me home only 5/6 days a month iam considered about the cycling my way through the first 6/8 weeks

[@gregharris3488]

MJ another great 👍 informative vid. Always a pleasure to watch and learn. Thanks

[@kenrooke9047]

Great advice Mark. Love the photography and your calm thorough instruction.

[@n2kois]

Wonderful and very helpful tips! Thank You!

[@MFTAQ]

Great video, and am in week 3 of a dirted tank and I am seeing diatom algae. Patience is been the hardest thing for me. I have had to float my Hydrocotyle (Brazilian Pennywort) to let the melt back of the lower part of the stem plant happen.

[@simplysriram8013]

please share list of fast growing non co2 demanding plants

[@MJAquascaping]

Limnophilla sessiliflora Hygrophila difformis Hygrophila siamensis Ceratopteris thalictroides Helanthium tenellum Hydrocotyle tripartita Sagittaria subulata Echinodorus magdalenensis Hygrophila polysperma Rotala indica/rotundifolia

[@tush2p]

Simply awesome video.this is third attempt setting a nano planted tank..and this video answered all my doubts and errors that occured during previous two attempts..thank you👍🏻

[@MJAquascaping]

Awesome!

[@mgm3649]

I think I saw a dennerle scappers flow filter in the video. If that is the case, can you please tell me a little bit about your experience with the filtee and cherry shrimp? I have that filter, but I use a mesh over the intake to stop the little cherry shrimo form being sucked. The thing about this, is that it limits somewhat the intake capabilities of the filter and therefore the flow. Do you think I can get away with removing the mesh without it sucking the baby shrimp? Btw, I like a lot your channel, it has really useful information.

[@MJAquascaping]

I always had a lot of baby shrimp in that tank! Maybe a few would get sucked in the filter, but they will survive there, and you can take them out when you clean the filter.

[@mgm3649]

@@MJAquascaping Thanks for the information. It's a huge relief because the diminished flow is causing some problems in my tank.

[@bonkorcher566]

Great tips! Maybe the best time to plant is after cycling the tank around 1 week to prevent any algae growth at the start

[@MJAquascaping]

That is a great tip as well!

[@zefilla4306]

Je gaat lekker met die abonnees 👊🙌💪

[@MJAquascaping]

Yesss 💪💪

[@pabloiturry4619]

Very informative for newbies and good refresher for people already in the hobbie. I usually add floating plants in new set ups and work great, but still not trimming my plants enough... Cheers!

[@matthewmclaughlin7472]

Absolutely fantastic advice. Thank you.

[@kincadedm]

Wow, I like how you convey your points pretty directly but not in a rushed manner. Also, the bgm choice is very calming, making your video very peaceful. Keep up the great work! Subbed!

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy you like the video 😊

[@devanshugaur6490]

Nice video 🙂

[@DigitalDajo]

Hiya . Love your channel. At 3:26 what fish is that? Looks almost like a bumblebee goby but with a purple/pink tail? Is it a killi?

[@TEJASN324]

killi

[@Manishkumar-qs9nl]

I have been following you on instagram and i see you are a cat owner how do you keep them away from the fish tanks? i have a 50 gallon and a 10 gallon tank and i m thinking about about adopting a kitten 😬 so any tips ?

[@MJAquascaping]

Hey! Yeah we have 2 cats 😊 They are only interested in the tanks because they love to drink water from them. So the only tip I can give you is have a lid on your tank 😉

[@MrGroenslang]

Brilliant video, love your channel! Learning alot before I get stuck in with my first tank! (Currently dark cycling)

[@Goldiibug]

Relaxing and informative. Thank you for the simple straight to the point explanation. Just subscribed.

[@MJAquascaping]

Welcome 😊

[@PKedByBlade]

I love these videos man.... thanks for giving me the confidence to start a tank. What is the dense, dark green plants at 5:33 on either side? thanks!

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy you like it! That is moss! Phoenix moss also known as Fissidens fontanus

[@MrVili83]

Super vidéo. T'es bacs sont impressionnants. Mon seul regret ses qu'il n'y a pas la traduction en français. Mais je continue à regarder et apprendre l'aquariophilie. Je suis débutant dans se merveilleux monde et j'espère arriver à ton niveau un jour. Ps: je mets du jazz pour faire la maintenance de mes bacs. Et encore merci pour t'es vidéos.

[@ericwilson1700]

New to the channel. Great videos. Where to you get your music from. I would love this playing during maintenance.

[@MJAquascaping]

Awesome! Thank you! The music is from www.epidemicsound.com/

[@ericwilson1700]

Thank you.

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

Not sure if you have hard water or not, but if you do, how do you clean the hard water stains you get on the outside glass?

[@marcmyers1465]

White Vinegar and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. 😁👍

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

@@marcmyers1465 thanks, does the vinegar smell go away?

[@simplycurlyde]

What do I with the plants that are emerged untill I am ready to plant them? Can I place them as is in my aquarium?

[@MJAquascaping]

Yeah you can!

[@simplycurlyde]

@@MJAquascaping Thx! I'm very new at this. My 1st attempt was a complete failure. All my plants melted. Since then, I've been doing a lot of research & learned a lot. My 2nd attempt was better, just some plants melted. I think my tank is just about done cycling & I'm about ready to plant some new plants in it.

[@Rick_Huijbregts]

Toffe video's en fijne info op dit kanaal, dank daarvoor! Deze video komt voor mij helaas net te laat! Ik ben zes weken geden begonnen met de hobby en heb precies om deze reden twee weken geleden mijn Cryptocoryne Bullosa vervangen door een paar Lobelia Cardinalis Dwarf plantjes!

[@MJAquascaping]

Ah balen... sorry, zal proberen de volgende keer sneller te zijn 😄

[@Rick_Huijbregts]

@@MJAquascaping 't Is jammer van het plantje, maar achteraf vindt ik deze toch leuker, dus 't is je vergeven. ;)

[@emberframe6994]

awesome thanks for the vid

[@MJAquascaping]

No problem 👍

[@nuomiharbi8983]

Do you suggest daily water change for a total rescaped setup? Or once a week would do?

[@MJAquascaping]

If you used a fresh soil I would do it daily or at least every other day.

[@miriwth5425]

Hey, nice video, can you please give me the name of the little fish at 3:32? Thank you and have a nice day ^^

[@MJAquascaping]

epiplatys annulatus or clown killi 😊 beautiful little fish!

[@miriwth5425]

@@MJAquascaping thank you so much, they are so adorable ❤️

[@alvingalang5106]

I have a 6 month old planted tank outside my house. Generally under direct sunlight around 50% shaded, sometimes direct 100%. It's experimental, I follow walstad's book, and I have no algae. I even added led light. Guess how much lumens in that tank. I think high light is better, the problem for me is rather the temperature. Rotalas, crypts, echinodorus, valisnerias response well even exposed with direct sunlight. But we have to control other algae limiting factors.

[@MJAquascaping]

That is awesome! Yeah I guess you don't have excess nutrients in the water column, so algae doesn't get a chance!

[@alvingalang5106]

@@MJAquascaping I thought so, but then I added mosses to test the water column nutrients. Java moss and flame moss grow very well. Which means there is enough nutrients in the water for them to grow, because mosses don't really have roots so the only way to get nutrients is from the water column, CMIIW. I didn't add any liquid fertilizer, nor CO2 injection. I rely on fish foods and fish wastes. I put plenty of cherry shrimps in the tank. But I once had to leave out of city for one month without automatic feeder. They survived.

[@sirLukash]

Hello MJ, can you tell me what is the green plant in 5:33?

[@MJAquascaping]

Fissidens fontanus moss 😊

[@sirLukash]

Thank you very much :)

[@sinister_yt7364]

3:33 which fish is that, looks so beautiful

[@TEJASN324]

killi

[@tuhinchakraborty5750]

Hi, For red plants is it mandatory to have WRGB light or simple white light with 6500K can also work?

[@MJAquascaping]

6500K also works!

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Nice!

[@MJAquascaping]

Thanks!

[@_Apocalipsis_]

hello, please tell me what settings are on the lamp and how long does it burn? is this wrgb2?

[@MJAquascaping]

Yes WRGB2! It’s on for 8 hours with a half hour ramp. 80% red 80% blue 80% green

[@_Apocalipsis_]

@@MJAquascaping спасибо

[@ambarishambarish6448]

Hi sir what is the reason for beard Algae and green dots? Please tell me

[@ambarishambarish6448]

What can I do sir ?

[@MJAquascaping]

I explain everything in these videos! kzbin.info/aero/PLrlvf56gZy-jvI2BHxZOlIUnyj1gcQNqV

[@jackoghost]

my crypt is not melting, its dissolving.. to be fair its my first time with proper lighting and scapers soil

[@not_ur_senpai866]

You look like you're being held hostage in the thumbnail lol. Great video anyway.

[@MJAquascaping]

😅😂

[@lukaszpawlaczyk5274]

Łapka w góre i pozdrowienia z polski 👍

[@iliaselmezayn5238]

Hi, I'm going to set up my first ever tank, a 5 gal shrimp tank. just asking for maybe in the future, what's that fish at 3:34?

[@MJAquascaping]

Hey! That’s awesome 👏🏻 have fun setting it up 👍 that fish is a clown killi or epiplatys annulatus great option for a 5 gallon shrimp tank. I do recommend using a lid with these guys though

[@iliaselmezayn5238]

@@MJAquascaping Thanks! :D

[@iliaselmezayn5238]

@@MJAquascaping how many do you recommend in a 5 gallon tank? do they have to be in groups or can they be on their own?

[@MJAquascaping]

@@iliaselmezayn5238 I’d say get 2 males and 3 females 😊

[@iliaselmezayn5238]

@@MJAquascaping Thanks!! I’m super excited! ☺️

[@elgezouliabdul4973]

Nice vedio, can you please let me know if planted tank need high filtertation system i have 350 L aquarium and I installed eheim xl 1200 and aquael ultramax 1500 L filters is this lot ? I just have low tec aquarium. Thanks

[@MJAquascaping]

No such thing as too much filtration 😊

[@elgezouliabdul4973]

@@MJAquascaping Thanks a lot for your reply

[@marcmyers1465]

​​@@MJAquascaping Reasonably speaking yes, but in extreme cases it is possible for very LARGE biological filters to complete for Oxygen at night. Most "Sane" or rational folks will never encounter this issue. 😂

[@drakebusteed1791]

How do you keep snails in your tank with no lid? They don’t climb out?

[@MJAquascaping]

Nope!

[@hrithik2107]

2:03 which plant is that is it velasneria spirals?

[@MJAquascaping]

Cryptocoryne balansea

[@spicynoodle5821]

I always wanted to make my own aquascape but my mom won't let me I even bought aquarium sand without her permission and I used LED reading light so.. is it still normal to see my stem plants melting? Plus, the is no any algae on those plants

[@MJAquascaping]

Probably the LED reading light is not bright enough for the plants.

[@spicynoodle5821]

@@MJAquascaping thanks

[@Lubiiox]

0:28 fish name please ( the red ones)

[@MJAquascaping]

Ember tetra 😊

[@EwanUSE5531]

I wish i watch this before throwing away the melting plant 😂😂

[@ForTheGreys]

What is the moss at 1:54? the stuff the shrimp is on. tyty

[@MJAquascaping]

Riccardia chamedryfolia

[@ForTheGreys]

@@MJAquascaping thankyou!

[@chanirusemika]

I made a planted tank...I have high lighting also but algae are not there...my pleco is eating everything

[@andrewhuynh2514]

What kind of fish is that @ 3:33?

[@MJAquascaping]

Epiplatys annulatus Clown Killifish

[@andrewhuynh2514]

@@MJAquascaping thanks ❤️

[@Xizario2]

Or just place soil, add plants, fill water, add fish. Use little light and do not touch the aquarium for 3 weeks. And you will have double the amount of plants, no dead fish and no algae. Also planting new plants require no light in the first 3-4days, and they will not melt at all. And fish will not die, because the KH will be ultra low. And the plants will use the amonia faster, and the amonia will not be toxic. Doing waterchanges just ruins the aquasoil so you loose monay. And later you will use fertilizers...

[@NicoleShalan-ue3yw]

Ok, it has pearing water drops. 😭😭😭😭😂

[@Prashantdindure]

😍

[@evalouise9158]

First!!!!

[@evalouise9158]

Really enjoying these videos! Starting my first planted tank soon sooo excited!!!

[@MJAquascaping]

Whooop! exciting!

[@maazgilani6213]

Hello, I m beginner. I need Soil

[@MJAquascaping]

How can I help you?

[@marcel5427]

You said shit at the end, right? lol.

[@MJAquascaping]

No 😂 ''This yet'' but I said it really quickly so yeah it sounds a bit like sh*t 😂

[@not_ur_senpai866]

5:40 I that 'excess' causes algae. This is a myth that has been debunked so many times. 'Excess' reduce algae IME as they promote healthy plant growth and healthy plant growth is the best combat to algae. The whole concept of EI is based on this fact.

[@not_ur_senpai866]

I disagree that excess Fertiliser causes algae This is a myth that has been debunked so many times. 'Excess' Nutrients reduce algae IME as they promote healthy plant growth and healthy plant growth is the best combat to algae. The whole concept of EI is based on this fact. ( the last comment got autocorrected for some reason,)

[@glasscanvasart5273]

It doesn’t really matter what causes algae. It matters that your aquarium doesn’t have algae. It’s clear the lean fertiliser method works, as seen in the amazing ADA gallery in Niigata. It’s clear that the EI method also works, as seen in the aquariums of Tom Barr. Pick one and you’ll have success.