Aquascape Tutorial: Non co2 4ft Discus Aquarium (How To: Full Step By Step Guide, Planted Tank)

NEW MERCH CLICK HERE: teespring.com/en-GB/stores/md...
This is my Non co2 4ft Planted Discus Aquarium. It has taken 4 months to get to the final segment that shows the current result. There have been ups and downs, times when I wanted to tare it down...but through perseverance, I was able to get the plants growing really well after I realised there were essentially zero nitrates in the tank. My substrate in filtration system was too efficient. I added more root tabs and nitrate to the tank. This is when it took off and I added a second light. The plants consumed all the nutrients meaning nothing left for algae. The tank is now very balanced and needs minimal maintenance even with the heavy feeding for the Discus. Hope you enjoyed the video 😊
Equipment (all links affiliate):
GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ
SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5
NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK
LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3t6HOHD UK amzn.to/3orIdRv
CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a
GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13
MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez
TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i
STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1
ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY
AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2
AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa
FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K
MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1
STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC
BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO
Amazo UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL
HARDSCAPE AND PLANTS: www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/
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[@MDFishTanks]

NEW MERCH CLICK HERE: teespring.com/en-GB/stores/md-fish-tanks This is my Non co2 4ft Planted Discus Aquarium. It has taken 4 months to get to the final segment that shows the current result. There have been ups and downs, times when I wanted to tare it down...but through perseverance, I was able to get the plants growing really well after I realised there were essentially zero nitrates in the tank. My substrate in filtration system was too efficient. I added more root tabs and nitrate to the tank. This is when it took off and I added a second light. The plants consumed all the nutrients meaning nothing left for algae. The tank is now very balanced and needs minimal maintenance even with the heavy feeding for the Discus. Hope you enjoyed the video 😊 Equipment (all links affiliate): GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3t6HOHD UK amzn.to/3orIdRv CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO Amazo UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL HARDSCAPE AND PLANTS: www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/

[@bennubella]

woah..this video started quite a while back right? cause ember was still there...(sniffle)

[@carolebraswell982]

Another great build video - start to finish! So inspiring, and so nice to see the fish enjoying their new environment at the end.

[@SS081985]

Hi, A question, ur plant only Tank has snail..don u get rid of them?

[@RascalV666]

how many days after reboot did you let the fish in?

[@MDFishTanks]

This is an amalgamation of all the build vlogs plus the final result section at the end of the video after 4 months of growth for those that maybe confused. Hope you enjoy it again if you've seen it before. I completely forgot how it looked when I'd finished it vs now so it was an awesome surprise to see how much it has grown in! I mean, I knew it had grown but didn't realise how much until side by side!! 😲

[@cathrynlisa]

Ah! Yes, I was confused but at my age that's not unusual! Rip Ember xxx

[@jesbenji9742]

@@cathrynlisa Same. Did a double take for a sec. But it's nice to see his wiggly butt again.

[@jakesaquaticworld2669]

Oh that makes sense. Good idea it looks great! Ember was a beautiful fish

[@rikardfriberg9529]

Naaw. I miss Ember. He was such a beauty. (Actually thought his name was Emba. Excuse me for not understand your british accent properly. XD ) I have one similar myself. A bit more white in color though. Very friendly fish. Just poking around lika a carp on the bottom and show up every time I get close. ^^

[@boomg77]

Yassss love love love this vlog type of videosss. Love it❤️❤️

[@ErPuff]

MD : they are the most beautiful fish i have ever seen Ember :T-T

[@oogski2]

You could try a shrimp breeding farm maybe even for profit!

[@cameronrivera3588]

he’s already done that

[@oogski2]

@@cameronrivera3588 sorry im new here

[@jakesaquaticworld2669]

@@oogski2 Welcome to the MD family!

[@oogski2]

@@jakesaquaticworld2669 thank you.

[@allendekrey6112]

Your videos are my favorite way to wake up here in the states. My alarm goes off and I see a MD notification, super chill morning while my coffee kicks in. Thanks for the extra long vid. I was late for work but well worth it!

[@jimwilliamson5603]

It's sad for me that your plant holding tanks are nicer than my display tank. Lmao!! Looking good MD!

[@brandisdreamland]

KZbin had the nerve to ask was your video a good recommendation…. UM DUH ITS also soothing and educational and helpful 🥰

[@elizabethgiles2158]

Ai jinne seeing Ember brings a tear to my eye Hope you doing alright MD

[@spoiltpig5638]

Md, your such a inspiration to me and for my fish tanks/aqua scaping. Honestly man I couldn’t thank you enough for all your content. It’s helped my not only in the hobby, but also with my mental health. Your just so positive ! Massive legend mate, keep it up ✌️

[@denarisnoctem4562]

Love that Ember just swam into your hands before the transfer.

[@judyhobday4760]

It amazes me that you can pick up a tank with some water in and it does not seem to stress the tank. If I did that I would become the owner of a warped and useless tank. Love your discus, so lovely.

[@gadegiongadegion6753]

So Beautiful!!! Sorry for your loss. Pigeon was a beauty, they all are. Thank you again for sharing.

[@kalyansai4739]

Thank you for everything you are doing for yourself and the aquascaping community!

[@juncube6570]

The discus are happier with their newly designed tank! ❤ Amazing!

[@typicallyusual6984]

I think a lot of aquascapers don’t do research on the fish they keep before buying them, and they use the fish as decor to make their planted tanks look nice, but don’t consider the well-being of the fish. You, on the other hand, obviously care a lot for your fish, which I really respect. Also, I’ve been having brown diatom algae for months already in my no CO2 tank, and I keep second guessing on whether my light is too bright. Seeing your video gave me hope that one day I could balance my tank even with medium lighting and no CO2, thanks!

[@chrisbee9164]

Looks beautiful. I got quite choked up at the end when I read that you had lost the pigeon blood discus. I would love to see an update on this tank and also a shoal of about 30 rummy-nose tetras they just seem to go so well with discus

[@Eviscerator18]

I love how gentle you are with your animals

[@soumickmazumder]

Hi first comment! Love your style. You are working really hard and that shows. post more videos in the other channel too. like workout, bikes and stuff.

[@GUPPYMOMCHANNEL]

I think MD's aquarium is really cool. It is good that professional and natural beauty is alive. I'm glad Discus, that looked tired, moved to a new house and looked healthy. I look forward to the next video.

[@sanablue]

Ember is the cutest fish I've ever seen! He's adorable!! Always love to just watch your fish and how happy they get when you're around, it's so nice to see. I would totally watch like 10 hours of just your fish being themselves.

[@doriansteele6115]

I laugh every time you say it looks weird. Cause to me it always looks good. The plants just take it to the next level. You are a true artist. Keep it up. I truly enjoy your channel.

[@keirallifluous]

The setup is absolutely nice. I hope these gorgeous fishes be having a bigger and wider tank anytime soon as it’s a bit small for them.

[@wonkykrystol]

The tank looks absolutely beautiful! I'm so sorry to hear about your one discus, though. They were always my favorite one to see in your videos. It's sad to hear they got so sick, but you did everything you could. I love watching you move Ember just with your hands like he's a little fish-puppy, it's always so cute! I'd be terrified to try doing that with a discus though, I'd opt for the net too any day (god forbid they go flopping and flying across your studio like their namesake, lol!)

[@ameliasparks8120]

your discus legit love you dude, its so neat. another great tank set up.

[@ezstreet1997]

Between this and the platy scape, you're really stepping up your scape game! Love the evolution. Looking awesome!

[@nathangirard23]

😊

[@anni50ful]

MD, I used to move my big fish with a big plastic jug. They used to just swim in to the jug with the tank water so no stress and they were never out of water .Cheers ☺

[@MrTarget21]

Again such a beautiful scape, and I’ve learned lots , please keep them coming!! Hey from Canada 🇨🇦

[@naddyn685]

Thanks so much MD...a step-by-step was just what I needed as a newbie. Quality!!!

[@Zer-db1bp]

It really helps hone the Aqua scape skills watching a step by step.

[@BoboLegend]

Its 5am and I have this playing in the back while playing league of legends... so soothing

[@charnocr]

"Oh yeah, washed my.." cut scene lol. love your videos man

[@beachdaddybravo6751]

I’ve never seen any fish like these Discus before, they’re beautiful. Oddly brave and curious as well, which is nice.

[@gavinbleackley7071]

Awesome effort & aquascaping. A lot of discus keeper's tend to overplant the tank which looks attractive but doesn't actually give the species room to swim that much. You've given it the correct balance & look & a pleasure to watch.👍

[@jerod4036]

I've been contemplating setting up a discus aquarium for a few years now but I could never decide on an idea for the scape until today. You've made an absolutely stunning tank!

[@hcollins3641]

I have been so busy over the past months and habnt been able to watch all these videos :( now i have some free time, ive had a blast catching up on them!!! Keep up the amazing work!!!!

[@aritramukherjee]

This is awesome. I want to suggest you can move the fist first then get other things out. they would be in temp room before they understand anything serious. it's like, If you move them first you can avoid stress of getting low and cloudy water then getting scooped suddenly. Please keep making these awesome aquascapes, big time inspiration 😎

[@CrazyAquariumGuy]

Best video ever Mate. Hats off to the best Aquarium KZbinr right now.

[@albertozil20]

Que lastima que hable en inglés 😂😂 este canal es el mejor que he visto de acuarios, es increíble como Monta los acuarios son una pasada que envidia lo bonitos que hace los acuarios. Un saludo desde Madrid.

[@HoneyChil]

Loved this build. Absolutely beautiful. So sorry for your loss of pigeon 😔

[@kimheartsuds]

I've been looking forward to this video, you did not disappoint! Absolutely stunning design and the fish look killer!!

[@tomh9950]

Setting up a new tank now and seeing this layout and those apistos really makes me want to finally go for a pair. Inspiring as always!

[@carlap748]

LOL at the "washed" gravel 🤣

[@lewisferrera7964]

SIMPLY THE BEST DISCUS TANK I'VE EVER SEEN. LOVED WATCHING THE VIDEO BUILD OF THE DISCUS TANK.. WELL DONE MD PS. DON'T FORGET EMBER.🐟🌿

[@aquariclean6351]

This was a great watch md. Really enjoyed this one 👌. Looking forward to the follow ons. Keep scaping

[@cbvickers4044]

Your tank is so beautiful, thank you for showing us your talents!

[@birdgirl8390]

I don't know why, but it was peak comedy to me when they stretched out their back fins each time they've been dropped in the water 🤣 like little aquatic peacooks "HECK!"

[@CrazyAquariumGuy]

Your videos are so simple but with your edting and your personality, they are top notch Bro. 👊🎇

[@bithplease1779]

I’m glad you went with the superior top material.

[@mjnewman3422]

Absolutely stunning tank - SO much better than their previous one!

[@aaronk4310]

The planted tank with the babies is dope

[@ultramaximusreviews]

Those Discus fish are amazing

[@guymandude999]

It looks like you could pet the discus, they're so tranquil and friendly.

[@thismyxyz]

Always love to see your aquariums.. Crystal clear water... The most important for me.. What i've also learned from your video.. No CO2.. Thx keep creative

[@nocturnumb1781]

I swear when he shook that food at the end, the way they came running over, and flipping around... They're water puppies.

[@christopherdix7877]

Fair play your videos keep getting better and better 👏 thanks for supplying us with such good content 😎

[@danielnordstrom7615]

you are very much an inspiration to me and my enthusiasm for this hobby

[@laurag1076]

I thought it looked great before... and I didn't want u to change... but... NOW it looks great.

[@fredzep01]

always draw the stanley blade back in it's slot !...i used to have these beautiful fish they are timid a love quiet rooms...

[@Kakk_]

You've been uploading so much this past week good lord! I love it!

[@andyb8147]

Beautiful looking tank. As always.

[@richardjw]

High quality content right here. Keep doing what you love brother

[@pgmetcalf]

Really enjoyed this video, that tank is amazing

[@davidcampbell4050]

Really well done absolutely breathtaking

[@dewi3300]

NOOOOOO PIGEON 😭 sorry for your loss mate. Beautiful tanks as always. ♥️♥️♥️

[@williamannelli9822]

MD I think this is your best tank make over. Sorry you lost a fish. I like your approach to your tanks. It seems that you don't over think the design and they always look great. I'm a firm believer in using used substrate. From other tanks. Thanks

[@josevisoso277]

Esta muy hermosos esos discos igual me ah gustado mucho las 3 veces que lo haz cambiado pero creo me quedo con este como quedo

[@jwaquatics8871]

Such a beautiful tank! 👍👍🔥

[@Forgot3nBurrito]

Such a beautiful setup!

[@andreseche1337]

New to your channel and every single build has Bess great, really inspirational. What w good setup for those discuss, for me granulate food works better for them.

[@AquascapingCube]

Ah yes, work is done and new 1h video is released. That's what I'm talking about!!!

[@raizeespen6044]

You are awasome man with awasome tanks! Thanks for videos!

[@kneedeeps2171]

dude love these videos, great job and you easy to listen to and very educational

[@shaikmubasheer8222]

Last 2 minutes very calming

[@hopetaylor4029]

Love your vids. Your scapes are awesome and I get so many good ideas for when I get up the nerve to try a planted tank

[@77slate]

Just go for it 👍

[@Nomadistar]

53:52 Sorry for your loss. :( My eyes are freaking clean now! BTW? Gorgeous scape & fish! Your style & content is aces!

[@airjaff]

The pigeon blood was the best looking one, should get another discus to even up the numbers

[@csharpe5787]

Odd number work best in my opinion. 🙂

[@86gtttopmustang76]

I enjoyed the full length of the video… I might watch it again. 😅

[@heavenlancaster20]

Your discus aquarium is my favorite

[@seanbartlett4021]

miss you ember ☹️ god bless you rest in peace ! 😘

[@norbertthoens3561]

Super schönes Aquarium geworden! Diskus + Pflanzen - sowie ich es auch möchte und praktiziere! 👍

[@andrewchang9542]

This man is so adorable.

[@garrykelly]

Brilliant build as always

[@danmo43]

For "baby flake food" I take an old container and pour in some food to about 1/2 way. Drop in a 1/2 nut or small marble or bearing. Put on the lid and shake. The more you shake, the finer it gets. I use for new born platies, mollies, and guppies.

[@davidmccrory5604]

The discus are stunning 😍

[@DamonIsDoomed]

you can tell when MD gets excited because he starts talking to random things lol love it shame about Pigeon :(

[@marklumabit17]

I'm so jealous in all of your tanks.

[@robertstanton351]

Only just found your channel man and wow aha amazing keep up the great content

[@katieroscoe1415]

Amazing tank love it

[@Jnelly82]

I know fancy goldfish aren’t your thing MD, but I’d really really like to see more goldfish videos. Maybe with some Comets, Shubunkins or a massive Koi setup? 😍😍😍😍yesssss I’m a huge fan of all your videos ❤️ from Edmonton, AB, Canada 🇨🇦

[@jayd5982]

Your videos rock bro and the tanks are the cream ✊

[@spsniper1170]

I think that tank would look so cool with 3 or 4 kuhli loachs..a fave of mine..

[@insidemysketchbook1639]

Amazing tank MD!

[@elephantpoop2046]

ur a great inspiration to us all love ur vids man

[@amandag5184]

This looks incredible 🥰

[@thegodpickle1718]

Loving the jump cut at 19:22 lol

[@jenskarlsson4744]

GREAT STUFF MAN !!!!!!!!!! WANNA SEE BIG STONE AFRICAN CYCIID TANK !! AND U KNOW U CANT USE PLANTS IN A TANK WITH THEM BUT IT WOULD BE THE COOLEST TANK EVER !!! U GOT IT MAN!!!

[@mikemeets8873]

You use to love these Discus... angel fish much easier to care for.

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Bruh your good excellent job I'm learning and glad I'm subscribed

[@AroushSoha]

i have 400L discus tank with only limited plants and super fine white sand, cant put plants its very risky loads of them died due to bacteria and once they are sick its hard to bring them back healthy, lot of time you end up to bring them back Still i love your videos, the way you making aquascaping is amazing I will buy small tanks to make aquascaping with neons, tetras and guppies ;)

[@petergerrard3451]

My favourite KZbinr, love watching your videos. You're costing me a fortune from buying aquarium gear though!! :). Could you give any tips on gathering aquarium safe rocks, wood etc.?

[@kittencatten7632]

Good idea!

[@mikemeets8873]

I saw this vid months ago... so its just a repeat? woth end bit different?

[@MDFishTanks]

This is an amalgamation of all the build vlogs plus the final result section at the end of the video after 4 months of growth for those that maybe confused. Hope you enjoy it again if you've seen it before. I completely forgot how it looked when I'd finished it vs now so it was an awesome surprise to see how much it has grown in! I mean, I knew it had grown but didn't realise how much until side by side!! 😲

[@mikemeets8873]

Looks amazing, your plants filled in nicely