10 Ways To Make Keeping Aquariums Easy

[@AquariumCoop]

*Take the conversation to our Facebook Group! Many Aquarium Co-Op team members are active there during their work days and can answer questions. Plus, you can talk with other hobbyists in our community. Post pictures and videos so you can show us what you're up to. :)* facebook.com/groups/AquariumGroupSupport/

[@sue1577]

One question I see that on the video water going straight from tap to tank, so I'm wondering how safe it is as I thought you had to mix the water with the aqua safe solution prior to putting in to the tank ?

[@t3dwards13]

Great tips! I'm sorry, but that deer analogy, hurt.

[@sunnhyi]

You guys should totally turn this into an aquarium co-op podcast. Whether it be Cory or the other guys this was really fun to watch

[@AquariumCoop]

Thanks for the feedback. I am glad to read that you enjoyed this. ~ Zenzo

[@simonbuys]

I liked the concept of the member show, where they could go a bit deeper into certain questions or subjects. Different combinations of Cory, Zenzo, Irene, Dean, Randy, Candy, Robert,... would be great to see 😀

[@Aiden-V2.0]

@@simonbuys I was just thinking that, and maybe Joel- Corvus Oscen could pop in every now and then too

[@simonbuys]

@@Aiden-V2.0 indeed, forgot about him but he is definitly great

[@simonbuys]

@@AquariumCoop maybe a nice idea for the future? ;)

[@nirvanaquatics]

Love the "contingency plan" advice! A lot of people don't think much about that and it's very important.

[@MIKoenig44]

I enjoy videos like this with multiple people

[@poorzaku]

I like how this feels like a segment on a news show with them talking to each other side by side.

[@cwillox4253]

Really good advice about the emergency letter that is a fair point

[@carlwagers9829]

Zenzo, don't cry😢. We love you, man. And great advice, Irene and Zenzo!

[@fulloffools6942]

Eyyy, The Fish Crew! That's one of my LFS and they're all great people in there.

[@rdred8693]

You're so lucky.

[@AguabonitaAquatics]

Great tips, I basically abide by them all, except questioning the MTS, lol... but these tips even make MTS less of a chore. For example, I love, love, love my timers... turning the lights on and off in 30 tanks was getting to be a chore and is a waste of time. I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into the scripting of this video; it is very well done. I am especially impressed with the what to do if the fishkeeper is not available. I'm dealing with this right now. I have a surgery on tuesday and there is a 1% chance I don't make it (lol, just my luck! knock on wood), but I have asked a friend to take care of the fish tanks if anything happens which really helps to relieve anxiety about leaving my family in a bind and my fishes in jeopardy!!!

[@rynow1992]

Best of luck with the surgery!! Get better soon!

[@localtavernsluteplayer2182]

Glad that Aquarium Co-op is teaching us how to write our wills

[@shesellsfish]

The absolute BEST tip is Zenzo's tips for the contingency plans. Yep, you sure WILL have water spills, yep, an aquarium will probably spring a leak sometime in your lifetime, meds you might need to have on hand. And yes a letter telling people who will be dealing with your death or you becoming incompetent and having to go to a nursing home or whatever may happen where you can't care for your fish. And love Irene's response...give them Zenzo's phone #, 🤣😂🤣 Also great advice, Irene on being honest with yourself about what tanks do I honestly enjoy. I did that, really didn't want to give up any of them, but realistically was honestly enjoying only 4 out of 15. Removed fish, took down tanks, focused attention on adding more plants and shrimp to the tanks I spend my time with, looking at and enjoying. Life is so much less stressful now. I no longer dread weekend maintenance, actually look forward to it once again. Great video, guys. 👍❤️👍

[@pencilpauli9442]

"IN CASE OF EMERGENCE CALL ZENZO." haha! Nice one Irene.

[@MattStrike]

I love my buckets. trains the mind and arms and it's got me lifting 20L above my head which is basically weight/gravity training 💪

[@ItsLaurenE]

I do a 10 lift rep every other time i dump the water. And now can hold a squat doing so. I couldn't believe just by randomly deciding to begin doing this in 2 months i have upper arm muscles i never thought I'd have!

[@zafrasama1917]

two of my fav fishtubers in one video!! really enjoyed it🤩🐟

[@pattys_aquatics]

This is a great video and perfect for not only beginner hobbyists but even veteran hobbyists who might not have thought of some.

[@corydorablecaliaquariums]

Advanced directive!!! SMART!! Going to do this asap!

[@eddiejohnson3366]

The last segment is spot on! When I built my first tank after watching countless KZbin videos on aquascaping was beautiful. And then the reality of tank maintenance hit me. And the reality of a maturing tank. I think this is the first video to touch on the fact that those amazing tanks aren’t the reality of our hobby unless you compete and know there longevity is limited. I now take that lesson into account when scaping a new tank! I mention this in Facebook posts regarding new fish keepers and their vision of their tanks. Thank you!

[@laurabustos6560]

I have really bad degenerative back issues so I had to put a limit on my tanks. Nothing over 10g. That way even if I have to carry buckets of water, it's never over a gallon or two. And I'm saving up for those Kasa timers, those are awesome! We had a power outage recently, and I had to reset my darn dial timers after realizing they were 3 hours off. Having all that in my phone for $15/20 each is so worth it!!

[@casiphiasky5729]

love u guys! thx for the tips 😊❤

[@laurabustos6560]

The emergency info is a must have for all your pets. That's such good info to pass along! I have a doggo godmother who will take responsibility for my dogs if the worst were to happen. But now I've gotten inspiration to ask at my local fish club if anyone would be willing to take my tanks and critters if needed and add that info into my emergency pet folder.

[@jeffreyabbey9592]

Great production 👏🏿

[@kasperaquatics]

Another great and informative video by the Co-Op crew. Thanks for sharing the information to help the Hobbyists. 🐟

[@shayxie8318]

I stock up on timers right after the holidays, and get the ones people use for their xmas lights. Cheap and sturdy

[@ChrisJohnsonCJs-Kitchen]

Thanks for the great tips. I really enjoy the videos where you both team up.

[@two.peas.and.polish]

This is soo helpful! Thanks for being a reliable source in this hobby!

[@watcher33333]

Good advice about buying local. For example surface water and goundwater differ from eachother.

[@pencilpauli9442]

I have one and three quarter aquariums atm. And I haven't any plants or fish. But it's definitely NOT the start of multiple tank syndrome. Ordered a starter tank and stand online and the tank arrived with a side pane smashed to shivers. Was sent a replacement tank sans all the necessary gubbins. Once I've had my tank set up for a while I'd like to get some glass and fix the broken tank. Thanks for the tips. Think I'm going to get some redundancy with the equipment by buying a heater and a filter. Was thinking of getting a sponge filter and pump for the quarantine tub but would be a good idea to use that in my tank and keep the one that came with the tank as a spare.

[@ItsLaurenE]

Fantastic information and video. Love the videos you both do together. I've learned so much from the aquarium co op fam and enjoy being able to spread information to other hobbyists too. Have a great weekend ❤

[@angelad.redcay738]

Love this! Plan for death is great idea! And embrace nature is great! I’m always worrying if there’s too much algae or about balance of fish to plants to algae to cleaning. Water’s good quality no matter what so that’s what matters😊

[@StoneAquatics]

Nope I’m not knew been in the hobby 20 years! Great tips for beginners

[@akshar_dave]

Thank you Irene, thank you Zenzo! 😊

[@AquariumCoop]

You're welcome 😊 ~ Zenzo

[@dawnt6791]

I was ecstatic when I discovered that Kasa makes 6-outlet power strips wherein each outlet can be controlled from my phone. Since I have multiple tanks, having the small single-outlet smart plugs wasn't working well. Using the power strips has been GREAT.

[@PeteHoleman]

Great tips! Thank you 😊

[@AquariumCoop]

Glad it was helpful! ~ Zenzo

[@HopeB555]

I love the aquarium co-op test strips. I use them daily and only use my master test kit if I'm a little unsure about the reading from the strips.

[@caewalker9276]

I stick a hose out the window and water trees. This even works on the ground floor. gravity is a wonderful thing

[@babykavin]

I use Kasa wifi timers too. It's a life saver. What about leaving dim/low lights on at night which is the default timer on some of the lights.

[@titanuranus2136]

I keep a sponge from a small sponge filter inside my canister filter. If the canister fails i can use the sponge filter or use it to start a new tank quicker. Canisters are a massive pita to clean, but only needs doing every 6 months.

[@myztichydra]

Speaking of the little creatures that we may not be able to identify, maybe make a video teaching and show casing what each one of the little creatures are. It would really help out beginners if you guys would inform each one is and possible negatives/benefits are so beginners dont just nuke their tanks thinking its something else.

[@chrislowe3060]

My big learning tip was to think carefully about where in the house the aquarium goes. I initially had mine in a living room but found I didn’t spend that much time looking at it plus it was a hassle to do water changes. Now our tank sits on a side kitchen counter so e see it all the time and since the faucet is only 4 feet away doing water changes only takes a few minutes. My second big tip was start with a larger tank. My first tank was a 12 gallon and keeping that was a headache. Now I have a 55 gallon and it’s so much easier to keep.

[@thomaspaton1370]

Just curious, does aquarium co-op ship to Canada? I've heard great things about your plant lights and I was hoping to be able to order one.

[@mattgray9297]

Check with April’s Aquarium for Co-Op products.

[@what_surrounds]

If you use a Python type system consider water temperature when adding water. More important, when you drain water in a water change, especially, if you are vacuuming the gravel, what will the sand, gravel, substrate etc.going down the drain do to the plumbing in your house, whether sewer or septic tank. The same thing is true cleaning substrate in a sink. Messing up your house hold plumbing can be very expensive $$$.

[@mansingw]

Could you guys do a video on the workflow for using a siphon like the Python system? For example, what to do with the water in the hose (clean or from the aquarium). Thanks!

[@tlsopko2849]

Very good point!! I’d love to see this! I have a Python, but I don’t always love it…My hose is way too long…

[@hong_kong_phooey]

@@tlsopko2849 you could always just cut it to shorten it up. The hose connector portions of the python are easy to disassemble and remove. Pop it off. Cut the hose to your desired length and pop it on. Good luck though.

[@dawnt6791]

I've got 2 (out of 8) tanks that I'm wanting to break down and rescape. They're both in a holding pattern right now, though, until I get my ponds set up (greenhouse is finally done - YAY!). The fish in those 2 tanks are going out to the ponds. Once that's done, I'll get to rescape those 2 tanks. The other 6 are still very enjoyable for me, and I'm not feeling ANY need or itch to redo them. Those 2 sure are bugging me, though. LOL

[@snowwindsurf]

Hi, reference water changes, taking our is fine and easy but looking your water appears to be coming directly from the tap and would have chlorine in it. What process do you use to remove and how is this done. Is it as easy as adding chlorine removing product? As if not added water will kill the fish? Advice and guidance appreciated

[@JoshuaWilley]

Zenzo always has on merch I havent seen on the website. I wish you would make a few more new tshirt designs to the online shop. Great advice as always, thank you.

[@AquariumCoop]

The hat is one that we had on the website for a long time. The t-shirt is a company shirt that employees have. ~ Zenzo

[@cyklopPL]

I would also love to tune in to a podcast of you guys

[@georgeballentine1045]

Good information

[@rynow1992]

I recently just figured out how to attach a python to my bathroom sink! What a life saver! Only problem I have is a tank on a bottom rack almost on the floor and the siphon becomes verrryyy slow! Any tips on speeding this up!?

[@justinholmes4333]

There are decent pumps out there for like 25 bucks

[@nancystinchcomb6162]

I've have used a power head with a pre filter as a pump , just have to find the right size hose , for me 5/8 was correct . But watch out after starting the syphon and unplugging electric syphon continued to flow. You'll have to break the syphon by removing the hose from the tank

[@rynow1992]

So y'all recommend leaving the python hooked up and just throwing a pump on the tank side and let drain through the sink? I do have a pump, I just used to have to pump it into a bucket and carry the buckets outside

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

12:57 where to buy this shirt?? i want the exact one

[@littlenikki9539]

Can you get this type of siphon for a double tap ? I live in the UK? Thank you.👌

[@1chriswu2]

It's not an aquarium if it ain't got plants. That's just a holding tank... Love planted aquariums. Gave up the hobby a decade ago then I tried plants one day. Got 10 tanks now 😂

[@dawnt6791]

I'm up to 8 now. LOL

[@alexandrumanea3486]

In my opinion,even if you find a sick fish you can still purchase it and take care of it with medication and propper care,you can save his life

[@johncameron4194]

I use a watering can for my flowers

[@SoFloCichlids]

The python is great but for smaller tanks like a 20, the buckets are easier for me. 25% once or twice a week

[@justinholmes4333]

I got a cheap fake python off Amazon and it’s great. I just run it out the front door to remove water, and it hooks to my shower spigot to fill. Otherwise, I’d be doing 5-6 buckets a week

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

It’s a good thing we only have outdoor ponds 😂 Makes water changes easier

[@Ryukin_YT]

Great video, I'm also a creator and you're a great inspiration to me ❤

[@Nicho69420]

zenzo, irene, and chris (fft) need to do a vid together

[@tinakiker7898]

You can order fish online...like someone ships the via UPS/FedEx?

[@AquariumCoop]

You can ship fish via USPS. ~ Zenzo

[@naegwut]

Great av!!!

[@TheRealTMar]

As for test kits, drop tests are more consistent. Drop tests take a little bit more work, but are also easy to use.

[@edwin_cho]

Hi, do you think its worthwhile to invest in a Ph and temperature meter? The fish I'm keeping is quite sensitive to Ph.. Thanks

[@peterluong8107]

Can someone explain why we don't feed the fish when when we are medicating them? They swim excitedly when I come by the tank thinking I'm going to feed them, which makes me think they are hungry.

[@pacae911]

Hello everyone , I have a question , I want buy aquarium of 79 gallons , BUT my problem is where I put the aquarium ? I live in New Jersey is very cool here , but if I put the aquarium in the living room my problem is the heavy weight for my floor actually am scary about the weight , and maybe in the basement, BUT my basement is not finished, and is not insulated 😢 is very cool in the winter 🥶 … I saw a lot aquarium KZbinrs and almost all of them have the aquariums in the basement … actually I can’t understand NOBODY do a video about this BIG “problem” about the aquarium , I guess the best big problem in this beautiful hobby 😢

[@jamesnguyen7069]

try smaller =)

[@J_Cache]

Great tips. What’s the name of the plant you have in your African cichlid tank?

[@AquariumCoop]

The plants in the tank over my left shoulder in the mbuna tank are hornwort. The plant over my right shoulder in the peacock tank is actually a plastic plant. ~ Zenzo

[@reegonfall8866]

Reptile Terrarium Digital LED Temperature Thermostat Controller Aquarium 👍

[@kythuatvuonnam1078]

OK chào bạn 👍👍❤️

[@Krish._b-kb]

Hello everyone I'm new to aquarium owning, and I need a lot of help I want to get get a 10 gallon tank to house a betta fish, and I want to know how many tank mates I can add so my aquarium doesn't look bland. Currently I want to add Rasboras - Neon tetras - coolie loach - snails - Cory catfish and maybe some fancy guppies. Do you think its possible to house all these fish in just a 10 gallon tank or do I need a bigger tank If its possible to house all these fishes in a 10 gallon tank could you give me the numbers of how many of these fishes I could add to my tank If you think I need a bigger tank to house all these fishes pls let me know (THANK

[@nancystinchcomb6162]

29 gallon was a good start for me from Petco as they go on sale a few times a year

[@Krish._b-kb]

@@nancystinchcomb6162 unfortunately I live in Canada so no petco shopping for me

[@jamesnguyen7069]

@@Krish._b-kb tons of "full setup" small tanks online... fairly priced too

[@Mrsboncouer]

Lol...there's no room in my aquarium cabinet for towels

[@defectiveindustries]

Fish live in water?

[@AquariumCoop]

Sometimes. Sometimes they live out of the water like my mudskippers. :) ~ Zenzo

[@lucreziadianemazzoli6503]

Great video! Do really people buy fish on Amazon? O_o

[@jorviceclaunch3539]

One tank for me

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

If you know someone who has a pond or aquarium. Ask for a rock or two. To start your brand new aquarium or pond cycle ☝️

[@lewishopkins5779]

Irene looks huge compared to the sales woman 😂

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

What I don't get is if you tell people to get your fish from a pet store & all their tanks circulated from 1 source how do the fish make it if they like their water different from the others, can someone tell me. This is why by the time you get home with your fish & put them in the tank & 30 to an hr or 2 later their all dead why is that? I wouldn't say it's all the buyers fault but more the sellers fault.

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

Consolidating tanks is a great way to say it cause people to think they can handle a bunch of aquariums till they find out all about how much work goes into them to keep them clean & after that they seem to get back to reality to have 1 or 2.

[@mackgmoney1515]

I would not keep fish if i didnt have the python or variant hose. Period

[@manbenitez247]

If something happens to me my wife will surely dump all my fish in the side lake...

[@AngeesTarot]

Ooo I hope not. She should donate them to a local fishery or sell them