A

[@FatherFish]

STEM PLANTS BUNDLE SALE - Over 75 plants - 15 Species for $59! Limited Time OFFER so HURRY! father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com/ For Special Soil Supplements, Plants, FIsh & Merch in your country: fatherfish.fish/

[@misterbgs1]

Interesting to see a fish shop treating aquariums like hobby tanks.

[@FatherFish]

Nailed it.

[@wowdad3055]

Back in the 70's and 80's in New York some small pet shops where just like Father fish. Those where the good pet shops but not all where good.

[@georgeb6822]

reminds me of ocean aquarium in San Francisco. Father Fish where is your hobby shop?

[@roni4720]

@@georgeb6822 its in Florida

[@leuchtrakete7093]

@@Bushapes No vacuuming, low maintenance tanks

[@lightningdt1]

35 years ago the gentleman that taught me how to set up an aquarium said minimum 100 pounds of substrate in a 55. Best tanks I ever kept.

[@FatherFish]

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER GOT.

[@lightningdt1]

Father Fish absolutely

[@basicbaroque]

Yes! I read the title and instantly clicked. I do deep substrate beds in all my fish tanks and have great success, even in the one I don't use a filter in.

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome!

[@susanbriggs862]

I love your tanks. I'm a Peace River native and also a fan of deep sand beds in my planted tanks (5 so far). So happy I found your channel as there is always so much to learn in this hobby. Your tanks are inspirational.

[@danielhall5364]

Can't believe I just found your channel. Love the old school aquarium techniques. The KISS method from the early 70s when I had gotten in to the hobby. As a kid a neighbor w/ 'advanced' life experience. got me into the hobby in the 70's. He had been in the hobby since he was a kid. Evey tank he had he ran this way. I ran deep bed for decades always had great results. Back in the dark ages one could find the old plate filters / under gravel filters really cheap. I added a bag of poly fill @ 1-2" deep then place the filter plates on top of it then add @ 2+ " of soil then sand & river /creek stone for cover. the plates and poly would save @ 2-3 " of depth. great way to get deep bed advantages and to save space. 4" vs 6" bed depth. I always ran a deep bed irregardless of what aquarium I ran fresh, brackish, salt and reef systems and NEVER had to water changes on any of my systems. The method is incredibly stable.

[@FatherFish]

BRAVO Daniel. Happy to hear from you. Yes, my grandmother was the love of my life.

[@Ed-527]

Well I did it, I put a layer of dirt with potting soil and the additives you use in my new 65 gallon aquarium. And then I put three inches of pool sand. And then added some leaves and planted all my plants. You ought to make up little bags of all your additives and sell them. I had to go out and buy the smallest of each bag and I'll probably only use it one or two more times. I guess I'm going to get some pots and plants some tomatoes and peppers so I can use up all the additives. Will keep you posted

[@FatherFish]

ED! I have been selling bags of additive for years. How did you not know this? Guess I need to promote more actively. Best wishes with the tank. Good job. Post some pics on our DISCORD channel

[@Ed-527]

@@FatherFish I just came across your channel 2 weeks ago and dove In deep. Are you talking about the bone meal and lime etc.... And yeah to go out and buy all that stuff is about $70 dollars. And like I said I have 99% of the stuff left over but I'm going to plant some vegetables

[@sexyguy9525]

​@@FatherFishl

[@madebykm]

I am very happy to see this video. This video is a great example of how beautifully aquatic plants can be grown using ordinary garden soil/dirt and sand. Every aquarium you have is very beautiful and so are the fishes.

[@FatherFish]

Many many thanks KM> Your efforts in this effort to teach the deep substrate soil system are vital. Congrats on your video using garden soil for substrate. It is excellent. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXTQlKB-nrZ6qsU

[@madebykm]

@@FatherFish Thank you 😊

[@sageoblouk6782]

This is my favorite way to do tanks. I've been doing my tanks similar to this, but never so deep. I'm excited to try it.

[@irenedool1069]

I hear your birds 🥰 I have a pair of female budgies as well as a 20 gallon aquarium. They are so sweet and sing when ever they hear your voice Father Fish.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Irene. That fills my heart with smiles. I miss al my birds.

[@mujacko2002]

this is one for the books. thank you so much

[@johnprofessionalexoticshri5276]

Good day to you sir I am very pleased to see the video I really appreciate your knowledge and I'm keeping in mind when the same thing I'm new at the hobby I also want to ask do you have an easy organic way to kill the string algae without killing anything else. I hope you may reply

[@KarunakaranNaresh]

@@johnprofessionalexoticshri5276 hi

[@johntompkins9583]

A local guy who has visited your shop through the years got a great surprise to see your videos on the KZbin keep it up.

[@FatherFish]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@carolan9740]

Ever since I started FatherFish's deep substrate, I rarely do water changes- huge savings in H2O bills & the stability is remarkable!! Very happy fish. Unfortunately, I dealt with neon tetra disease recently too- didn't catch it early either- it's a difficult disease to treat. Appreciate your wisdom @FatherFish

[@FatherFish]

microsporidae is tough. You are doing wonderfully well. post some pis at FATHERFISH SHOAL DISCORD: discord.gg/sgeQSduS

[@marcruic3556]

This is so interesting. Our 45 gallon planted community tank is 3 inches deep with dirt substrate, and when we had our 2nd kid it went almost a month without doing a water change, we just added water as it evaporated. I assumed it was the plants that kept the tank levels perfect, but this sheds more light on it. Amazing stuff.

[@FatherFish]

Excellent Marc

[@madfishdiva]

I’m totally convinced Father Fish. Can’t wait to set up my new tank using these principles!

[@johntompkins9583]

I've used his store for at least 15 years tanks are constant. He also does salt water too.

[@wowdad3055]

Nice Video you remind me of some pet shops in New York in the 70's and 80's before Petland Pet Shops.

[@JoshUC]

Those are very happy and healthy fishes; this is the first video I see of your channel, keep the good job up, I will subscribe.

[@קרןחיון-ו1ש]

the variety of fish in the first tank is awesome

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

One old fishkeeper to another, great video. Been keeping fish since 1968. I just recently set up a planted 55 for shrimp, 3-4 inches of organic potting soil (Promix organic) under 1 inch of construction sand, works perfect. I get an occasional gas pocket but nothing extreme.

[@FatherFish]

Perfect, whipper snapper.

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

@@FatherFish LOL yeah I'm a newb, still learning new stuff after 50 years in the hobby. Thanks for the videos, I love learning from the old pros. LOL BTW the wild type striped Discus are the best IMO.

[@dgstanks7447]

Great video, I have to agree 110%, i have 14 tanks but the one tank I never have to use ferts in and my swords grow out of control, is my 55gl tank with 5 inches of Caribbean Sea substrate in.

[@TankTastic]

Wisdom right there.

[@bonnieconner804]

Thank you so much. All this time I was wondering why my fish was always die on me. I was using gravel all this time. Thank you again.💚💚

[@mandriva4280]

They don't die because you use gravel.

[@otallono]

​@@mandriva4280the dirt substrate is exposed with gravel

[@mr.octopus6972]

​@@mandriva4280 Maybe not directly but indirectly yes. Gravel becomes so disgusting just over 3 to 4 days and the water smell is unbearable. All of this is fixed permanently with sand. You don't even have to change water.

[@isarainie4ever]

I am convinced, will try to add more subtrate in my tank to meet 3 inches.

[@FatherFish]

Good. It will make an amazing difference.

[@nathanlewisuk]

Same as reef tanks always use deep sand beds great video 👍

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

I just came over here from My he Secret Life Living In Your Aquarium channel (and Facebook group) because one of the members recommended it. I am setting up a 20 long and was going to gather soil from a river bed lower than 6” deep to hopefully get a jump start on anaerobic bacteria, then add coarse sand on top of that. I’ve never tried using river mud and silt before, so I hope I don’t regret this. I will be using change water from my guppy tank to fill this over the next few weeks as I add plants, and I plan on taking nitrite/nitrate tests as I go to see if changes are happening

[@FatherFish]

Sounds good. You want a minimum of 2" of sand on top of 1" of soil. Fine sand is preferable to coarse sand. We have a DISCORD channel where this is being discussed daily. Feel free to join in. It will be an opportunity to engage in conversation with others doing the same thing. Link is on the COMMUNITY tab. Welcome to Father Fish

[@pammugridge4106]

I just discovered that channel and this one. By far the best two out there

[@christinamorris2823]

I love deep sand beds no problem ever with nitrates

[@Baffi_]

I completely agree. I ran 4” deep substrate in a 55gallon Dirted tank. 2.5” dirt, 1.5” Flourite sand. Ran for a little over 3 years, even had a dwarf lily in it just gobbling up the nutrients. As long as you don’t have fish that will dig it up it’s amazing. I didn’t mix enough amendments my substrate though, and after about 1 year I started seeing potassium deficiencies, but the tank was PACKED with plants. Haven’t had that problem since I’ve increased how much greensand I mix in my dirt

[@mr.octopus6972]

What about installing a screen midway into the sand layer ? Roots could pass but not fish.

[@QualeQualeson]

The nature aquarium shop that,.. I believe it was aquarium co-op, visited (in some town I don't remember), had very deep substrates. More like 10+ inches and they used little to no filtration and no water changes and those tanks had been healthy for many years. They didn't look too shabby either. Just lots of substrate and lots of plants and critters and voila! Virtually maintenance free aquariums.

[@FatherFish]

Good friends from Myanmar. Shop is in SF.

[@QualeQualeson]

@@FatherFish Bingo! :)

[@Jumalten001]

I accidentally made a Deep Substrate when i poured way too much Sand (or so i thought) on top of the dirt in my tank...4 years later and i havent had to dose ferts other than some roots tabs and everything is looking great. Maybe once a year i run a vacuum in a few spots to mix up the sand a bit but thats it.

[@fishgirlforlife937]

So true, I NEVER see fish poop in my 29 gallon 😁

[@sandbrm7786]

With that hat you look like John Hammond but instead of resurrecting dinosaurs, he got into fish tanks.

[@patjesscole2709]

love watching your videos over again haha I'm setting up a 55 in the next couple days I just made a stand out of 2x4s need to paint it and the back of the tank then put the soil and sand 🥰 I'll make a video of it soon thanks FF your the best 😊

[@MediTANKtion]

I love you! This is the video I’ve been looking for! I want to do my new 125 gallon! I’ve been nervous! I’ll be watching more videos before I start 😍

[@FatherFish]

Join us on the Father Fish Shoal for help and encouragement. discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@mr.octopus6972]

125 gallons ! 😮 More like litres right ?

[@MediTANKtion]

@@mr.octopus6972 nope! Gallons!

[@mr.octopus6972]

@@MediTANKtion OMG ! 😮 OMG ! 😮 OMG ! 😮🤯

[@MediTANKtion]

@@mr.octopus6972 I know! I just got everything inside of it and mixed so I’m letting it sit for 24 hours 😍 I just ordered his plant package too!!! I’m so excited

[@julichow140]

very beautiful shop

[@FatherFish]

Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

[@naveedaltaf]

Many people says discus should be kept in bare bottom tank, they required a lot of water changes and people use commercial product like discus buffer to maintain water quality along with seachem prime. Do how much water you change for discus and how often and discus can breed these kind of tank as well. Tia.

[@FatherFish]

I keep discus in dirted tanks with lots of plants and rare water changes

[@vanissaberg5824]

Hey Father Fish, I've been doing some research and learnt that back in the day, fishkeepers used to place iron nails underneath the substrate to supplement iron for the plants as a slow release supliment. Sounds crazy I know, but I'd like to know more about this practice and if it works or not. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks!

[@FatherFish]

We use iron oxide as a deep substrate supplement. Yes. It has the same effect of adding chelated iron to the substrate.

[@theNEWTful]

It works because it's basically the same as occurs in nature.

[@FatherFish]

Preciisely.

[@muhdilman109]

Thank tou sir for the sharing, hope you well, God bless u

[@CarlRRogers]

What type of plant is in the back right corner of that first 200 gallon acrylic tank he shows along 3 min into the video? I love it!!

[@markhaunert5029]

Oh im so looking forward to going through all your video's. New sub. Excellent information. Thank you so much.

[@FatherFish]

Welcome aboard!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

👋😁

[@markhaunert5029]

@@marypaigeflynn4512 peek a boo 😀

[@GoldfishCorner]

Love the set up! Thank you

[@mercedezlucke-benedict1122]

Incredible!!!

[@Rjmjojo]

Great video!See you soon on live stream!

[@spencerpeterson8695]

Great content. Playback speed recommended 1.75x

[@FatherFish]

1.25 works well with no distortion.

[@zimrianispresent8123]

This is amazing!!!!

[@benjaminsonksen4451]

Informative and exciting! Thank you.

[@FatherFish]

Exciting like an airplane ride?

[@KarunakaranNaresh]

very very useful video.

[@FatherFish]

Thanks a lot

[@dermotkelly2971]

Great education. Say supposing I want to make an aquascape with higher plant decor than other plants can I just keep adding sand and build up until it produces a big mound? Thanks and I hope You understand my question.

[@FatherFish]

You must have strips of material barricading the sand from levelling. Terracing is the effective way to do this. Cut sheets of flexible plastic about 2" wide to hold sand in place. Hope you understand.

[@jonnybravo420]

Hi, what type of sand do you suggest for a black bottom tank? Love your videos

[@ragzhoff8647]

I use minimal substrate and use plant pots way easier to maintain and grow amazing plants and keep fish alive longer.

[@shesellsfish]

I'm doing 3 experimental tanks with deep sand over yard dirt substrate. The water is so clear in those tanks, no filter, just the deep substrate, plants, and snails, fish are on the way.

[@FatherFish]

HELLO ShelbyRae. Great work on the tanks. Have not seen you in many months. We are on live stream at 8AM and 6PM eastern US time. It would be a delight to have you join us. Hope all is well with you.

[@shesellsfish]

@@FatherFish Hello Father Fish, I will try and make a live stream when I can. Things are not going well, nothing to be done about it, but get through it and move on. One of those nasty, totally unexpected bad break ups of a 14 year live in relationship that leaves you penniless with the clothes on your back and your hat in your hand. It's not as grim as that, I'm not homeless, but I'm having to start over with nothing. Not a great place to be...but I will survive. 2020...the year that keeps on giving, 😢 Thank you for asking after me. Knowing my fish folks are still there doing what we do has been incredibly comforting. 👍💓👍

[@FatherFish]

@@shesellsfish Please join our live streams morning and evening. We are a caring shoal of fishy friends who will welcome you warmly. You have a community here that will give you the courage and acceptance to move on.

[@shesellsfish]

@@FatherFish 👍💕👍

[@jasonpeculiar]

Cool vid. Thanks for posting. I use similar set ups but never quite so deep. I'll give it a go. Cheers

[@FatherFish]

Have fun!

[@knyghtryder3599]

Totally agree , great topic!!!!!

[@aquaticsplanet5033]

Interesting theory about having a deep substrate! thanks

[@FatherFish]

Yes. All knowledge of a scientific nature is theoretical.

[@He.knows.nothing]

We need to spread the wisdoms! Most freshwater hobbyists have no clue about the sciences behind their aquariums. The ones that do have an understanding are usually limited to the nitrification cycle and how to measure ph, but that's only half the homework. There's the denitrification cycle, allelopathy, microbial biology, and fungi that can colonize and keep your aquarium healthy. There are very few individuals trying to educate people on the science and that's why the saltwater people refer to us as FRESHWATER SCRUBS! Time to step up our game

[@jerichoron]

Justin Thillens so there is only one correct way? Salt water people tend to be superior aholes.

[@He.knows.nothing]

@@jerichoron knowledge is the way.

[@jerichoron]

Justin Thillens I’ve been keeping fish for over 40 years. I do water changes and I can successfully keep any fish. So how is my way wrong?

[@He.knows.nothing]

@@jerichoron no, I said knowledge is the way. If you have done your research and you've learned from your experiences, then you have knowledge. If you're ignorant of what's going on in the tank, whether you're having success or not, you dont have knowledge. How you apply the knowledge is up to you. We aren't advocating for everybody to use deep sand bed/walstad methods. We are just advocating for people to learn more about the nature of their aquariums

[@He.knows.nothing]

@@lcsaw21 Oxygenation is a necessary component for insuring that hydrogen sulfide doesn't make it into the water column. "No maintenance" more simply refers to an almost non existent need to do water changes after the necessary maintenance for set up has been completed. I'm not here to defend anyone. I'm here to support the growth of knowledge amongst freshwater hobbyists and this channel is a great source of exactly that.

[@cjcichlidsbailes1346]

Frontosa with angelfish wow haha

[@juanDominguez-wl3un]

Great video Father Fish very educational and experienced.Do you have snails in all tanks that fish will not eat? How often do you change water in like the 29 gallon tanks? That 200 gallon cichlid tank how is the bottom so clean with all those big poopin cichlids? I just see sponge filters in the smaller tanks is that all you need for filtration/ thanks in advance...sorry for all these questions. want to try to do a 20 gallon tank with plants and a trio of angel fish....🙏

[@FatherFish]

The deep sand bed is the key to success

[@michaelkane2470]

Hey....nice Aquarium set up.Ever heard of Green Aqua....out of Budhapest?Its a good brand.You can seen there videos on youtube-Green Aqua.

[@SweetLife529]

Love your videos….thank you!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Stone Watt

[@LUR1N0XX]

Cant agree with this man more. A mature deep sand bed tank is rock solid. No cycle issues or old tank syndrome. The only problem is it takes a while to mature.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you J F. It does take a while to mature but you can begin with plants and fish immediately.

[@jeffreyabbey9592]

Never understood the low substrate around this community My mind always said deeper but all I see is shallow substrate in media Interesting video. Nice to be different

[@FatherFish]

Boom

[@mercedezlucke-benedict1122]

Thank you so much

[@christinamorris2823]

Beautiful Knife fishes...

[@winstonwang127]

Thanks for your great video!! I have a 50L turtle tank with about 7-10cm of substrate. It’s going great!! - fan living in japan

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome Winston Join us on DISCORD and share your fine efforts. discord.gg/XpqMuaVDTy

[@Miraklum]

You´ve convinced me to try an all natural aquarium. Wasted to much money on bad advice...can I use potting mix with matured manure? And sand from a beach will do? Greetings from Portugal.

[@FatherFish]

Yes to all and best wishes. Please post your tank on Discord for us to enjoy. discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@jisooisluv_jennieislifeu7320]

Hi! I bought sand like u said but can i add small layer of gravel on top of sand? I dont want to just throw gravels away.... Also can the combination of sand and gravel support natural plants?

[@FatherFish]

Yes, definitely.It will work beautifully Jisoo.

[@weirdscience6820]

Do you dose the plants, CO2 & ferts etc? Also, are air pocket build up bad and it's better to add snails that turn over the sand? When you sell pants, you're disturbing the substrate when you remove them. Confused. Are rooting plants a must? Can you use only artificial or non rooting (into substrate) plants?

[@FatherFish]

Too many questions to answer in this format. Please join our FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord where these issues are being discussed routinely. discord.gg/2PB236za

[@weirdscience6820]

@@FatherFish Thanks

[@mr.octopus6972]

No, no, yes, don't touch, yes, no. 😉

[@kodibox-ic2tp]

What is your thought on using Flourite Black Sand? I was also thinking of using this with maybe a pond soil on the very bottom.

[@FatherFish]

excellent

Beautiful! What's your opinion about deep substrate with a plenum on the bottom?

[@FatherFish]

plenum serves no function. It is one more clever idea with no science to back it up.

[@jenniferbunker2757]

Do you have a video of plants and what size they get to be ? Trying to figure out what plant to put in what tanks and betta bowl

[@FatherFish]

all plants continue to grow. Stem plants can fill a rank with a single sprig

[@michaelkoenig6780]

The Uaru are doing well BTW. I feed them my excess Amazon frogbit!

[@FatherFish]

Good to know!

[@piranhakeeper4615]

Very interesting. Question. Do you do water changes or just add water as needed? If add only. Would that make total dissolved solids very high?

[@FatherFish]

Plants absorb minerals

[@waynescountry]

WHAT A GREAT SITE !!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Wayne

[@waynescountry]

@@FatherFish your welcome

[@brianbell5887]

So glad i found this video. What kind of filter are you running on the first tank of the video, the 200 gallon Frontosa tank?

[@rhprasad80]

It's a sump filter

[@janicetan3874]

How do you clean the sand? Mine had cories in it that like to snuffle around and admittedly the biggest problem is me messing things up by moving stuff around so the sand flies everywhere and poop goes under the sand. Should I just adjust the sand back then leave it as it is and only vaccum stuff off the top even though there's poop underneath?

[@FatherFish]

You have not watched my videos explaining the purpose of deep sand. Waste is broken down by the sand into nutrients that feed plants.

[@eloisepilbeam4482]

do you still need to do water changes if you have a deep substrate?

[@FatherFish]

As needed to control nitrates and Ph

[@BenOchart]

Very cool!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Ben. Delighted to meet you.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Hello Ben 😁👋

[@carolfitzpatrick9122]

Can I use sand from the river? Do I need to clean it in some way first? Thanks

[@FatherFish]

No need to clean. The biological activity in the sand is vital.

[@tylerclutts5778]

I have 20 lbs of eco complete in a 20 gal long and I have 40lbs of caribsea naturals sand waiting to cap. How much should I put on top to prevent the sand from sinking below the eco complete?

[@FatherFish]

2" of sand. It will not sink.

[@FG-hw5ep]

Thanks so much for all the helpful information. I understand that you don't clean the substrate but I'm wondering if you do water changes or just top off the water when needed?

[@FatherFish]

Water changes when needed, not automatically. Top off as needed preferably with 0kh water

[@alohadenzel8359]

I’m pretty sure you got this comment before but is it ok if the soil got exposed from a fish digging it up, will the nutrients crash the tank? What do you think about plenums? Thanks in advance!

[@FatherFish]

Plenums are a net zero. A little dirt will hurt nothing.

[@alohadenzel8359]

Thanks! because I’m trying to do a marine seagrass tank with your method might get a jawfish. :>

[@juej85]

Hi Father fish you are building pure source of aquarium world thank you . I have a question. Is it possible to get balanced tank with 3 inches sand without any soil in 10 gallon tank or should i breakdown everything and go on with the soil?

[@FatherFish]

Yes. It just takes a while.

[@PhoenixRising2040]

How do you feel about quartz pool filtration sand as a cap? Do you suppose duration will help the moam to dull the stark white of its appearance?

[@FatherFish]

perfect

[@carlsfishroom632]

Hello Father Fish. 1 of my dirt/sand tanks that has been setup for about 3 months. Is sending up bubbles like the other dirt/sand substrate tanks. However when I smelt the bubbles at the surface. They had a rotten egg smell. So most likely Hydrogen Sulphide gas. Should I be concerned?

[@FatherFish]

needs more sand, at least 2". If it is continuing add another inch.

[@carlsfishroom632]

@@FatherFish Ok thanks! I have made 1 of my 30 gal tanks, 6 inch deep fine silica sand substrate. This was a tank I had as 4 inch dirt and gravel for about 8 months. I did as you said. I just emptied dirt and gravel down to 1 inch. And then added 5 inch's of the sand. I have 5 adult Super Red Bristlenose in the tank. It has been doing well now for the last 3 weeks, with the water parameters staying the same at : Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrates less than 10. And a pH stable at 7.8. I am now looking to change all the rest of my tanks with 4 inch dirt/sand substrate to 6 inch substrate.

[@Proximus84]

Pro Tip: set playback speed to 1.5x

[@Whiteknight0721]

you the real MVP

[@FatherFish]

some people's brains are faster than others.

[@jenniferbunker2757]

Love your channel ❤️ thank you Question I'm completely new to all this. I thought if you have a planted tank, you don't need a bubbler that the plants would give it oxygen?

[@FatherFish]

bubbler provides circulation. Often important

[@andrzejbrzozowski8534]

Piekne akwaria i rybki

[@glenkrakow1546]

Thank you for your wisdom. May I ask your opinion on akadama for substrate instead of dirt?

[@FatherFish]

It is OK but does not contain enough mineral to last more than about a year. It is volcanic ash. There are no biologicals and apparently little iron. It should be mixed with a rich garden soil and capped with sand. It can be used as a dressing on top of sand. I have been experimenting using it as an alternative to sand. Expensive stuff.

[@otownslinky]

Love u pops

[@susanbriggs862]

I'm setting up a 4" deep sand bed; adding California blackworms and planting swords and crypts. I have a geophagus (red head tapajo, just one) going into the tank with angels, tetras and corys. Since there is only one geophagus going into the tank, in your experience with earth eaters and cichlids, do you ever have a problem with them disrupting your deep sand beds?

[@FatherFish]

The geo will not disrupt the bed but will polish off the worms.

[@susanbriggs862]

LOL! I was afraid of that! I will have to be prepared to replenish the worms periodically or try breeding them. Thank you Father Fish for all of your advice!

[@emmanuelgutierrez8616]

Not mentioned, but the sand allows you to vacuum bed and keeps the soil from getting kicked up. You can do this any organic potting soil or for less layer, there's the very Expensive ADA soil. At like 40 dollars a bag, 3 bags avg for 55 gallon.

[@FatherFish]

I never vac

[@emmanuelgutierrez8616]

@@FatherFish i don't either but that because I have canister filter that where the outflow pushes all the stuff to the intake. Is this what you do to?

[@FatherFish]

@@emmanuelgutierrez8616 No. The deep sandbed is thje key to success.

[@emmanuelgutierrez8616]

@@FatherFish amazing, thanks.

[@MrWildNature]

nicee👏👏👏👏👏

[@FatherFish]

Thank you 😃

[@newenglandsrarefishery9769]

I'll be trying this asap

[@Noobgamer-qc5jt]

Can i only put 4 inches of sand in my natural aquarium. There were no soil and it is a settled 2 fit tank with 6 guppy and a lot of Java moss?

[@deathbyfishtanks]

That’s worked for me so far. As long as you feed light so the waste and detritus doesn’t foul the water.😁

[@chillbill9335]

Can i use potting soil from lowes like orgainc soil or all purpose? And use the multi purpose sand from lowes?

[@FatherFish]

yes

[@saswineey]

what if im keeping a non planted flowerhorn tank...will having a deep sandbed help? if so how deep? ive got a 50 gallon tank (36x18x18)

[@FatherFish]

deep sandbed will maintain a balanced environment. No less than 3" deep.

[@saswineey]

@@FatherFish thats really thick, thank you sir!

[@rifraf6135]

@@saswineey i like thick

[@cheveburkinshaw860]

What water changes do u do , do u run filters also

[@FatherFish]

water change as needed, increase in nitrates, drop in Ph, etc. Filters as needed to control detrius.

[@bipolaraquatics]

great info ff

[@SHHWANZ]

Awesome

[@martinalara2747]

Do you have a video on how to convert a tank from gravel and fake plants to soil, sand and live plants and which to use? And I only have one 29 gal, plus a 10 gal ADF tank. Where do I put everyone while this is happening? Thanks for any advise!

[@FatherFish]

You can start over but an older tank may simply need a few inches of sand to create a perfect substrate.