Avoid Algae & Melting Plants in Aquarium | DARK START METHOD

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Check out the full build series: kzbin.info/aero/PL1L3T73tXJBiM661-ZrPGjLOi7yomBfOa

[@j.e9971]

Idk why you don’t have at least 10x the subs you currently have. People need to check you out! Absolutely love your channel! Keep doing what you’re doing brother!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

KZbin is a bit of a slog when it comes to gaining an audience. I'm grateful for the one I have now, but comments like yours really boost my morale :)

[@chaturaindika]

dark start methode is well stabilised in reefing , glad to see peoples in planted word trying same thing. im on second week of dark start method

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Hope your dark start goes well!

[@davidlawrence3560]

I have tried this with great results. It just makes good biological sense. But it requires patience . Thank you 🙏🏾

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Patience is the key to much in this hobby. Thank you for watching!

[@stephenruether8216]

Hey Logan, do you add any quick start or other beneficial bacteria when doing this? Or did you just set it up and wait for the bacteria that is already there to populate? Thanks!

[@lucaspatterson]

I was also going to ask this!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I don't. I've really never messed around with adding bottled bacteria. It's my understanding that what's contained in those products isn't actually bacteria, it's just food for the bacteria. I'll do a deep dive on this topic in the near future!

[@Kenzii93]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping so after 3/4 weeks before planting, introducing livestock, did you do a water change? And what about in the beginning did you add a water conditioner?

[@minuterain]

Wonderful, clean video, effective presentation without too much falres :) Logan , you mention about the problem dark-start addresses - melting plants and ammonia - could you cite more examples or explain this a little furthur please? ( well, just because I haven't quite seen one before , I always always under impression that aquasoil packs the form of ammonia that is readily avaialbe to be taken up by plants :) Thanks in advance and keep up the great quality production. :)

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

You're right, plants do take up some ammonia, but likely not a significant amount to reduce melt/danger to fauna. Some soils release more ammonia than others. Dark Start, gets us through the higher levels of ammonia that could expose your tank to melt and algae risk. Regular water changes during a non dark start would address the high ammonia levels but lot of hobbyists struggle with those first few weeks' frequent water changes. The dark start eliminates the need for these early water changes while simultaneously establishing filter bacteria.

[@F4rrukhH4554n]

I am about few months behind on new setup so I'll follow your lead on this one , MJ aquascaping introduced me to dark start concept but it was my 1st ever tank period , so i did everything wrong and I MEAN EVERYTHING

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Good luck with the new setup!

[@F4rrukhH4554n]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping Thanks

[@greenslovaktherapy]

Logan one question - when setting up filtration like with normal start? I mean filter media, purigen, carbo..etc…or should I add this after the dark start? Thank you 😊🙏 Pavol

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Yeah I would totally add all of your filter media types on Day 1

[@greenslovaktherapy]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping Thank you for your reply 🙂 I will try this method soon 😊Great video and great tips 🙏Thank you again Logan

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

@@greenslovaktherapy Let me know how it goes! 🤘🏼

[@spartona035]

Video concise and to the point thank you, starting my first planted tank via dark start

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Great to hear!

[@Aqua-Eden]

Hi Logan! Quick question, does temperature play any role during the Dark Start? Cause in Malaysia it can get pretty hot and humid where average temperatures in the water can flux between 26-29 degrees Celsius. Also, when you finish cycling the tank after 4 weeks and NH3 levels are stable, you flush the water to plant the plants in, when you re-flood the tank, is there ammonia spikes cause of the new fresh tap water and not enough beneficial bacteria? Would appreciate your help. Thanks Logan!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I would imagine your higher temps should speed everything up since typically higher temps increase the metabolism of everything in the planted tank. Yes, when the dark start is complete I do a big water change before planting. After planting when the light turns on I begin regular water changes

[@Aqua-Eden]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping Great! How often do you do the water changes after planting? Cause if there’s still ammonia there would be a chance of algae blooms right? So the aim is to clear all ammonia that leeches from the soil before planting correct?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

@@Aqua-Eden I do my standard twice a week 30% water changes after the dark start is over

[@Aqua-Eden]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping Alright! Awesome! Thanks so much Logan! Sending love and peace all the way from Malaysia! God Bless!

[@themermaidslairaquatics]

What a wonderfully informational video! Thank u for sharing!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@danottaviano]

I am 2.5 weeks into my dark start. I used controsoil and have some seiryu stone in there so far. I have yet to see an ammonia spike or anything to indicate it is cycling. Any suggestions? Was I supposed to add anything to kickstart the cycle like some methods suggest? I am using mostly new filter media but some was from an old torn down tank but it was completely dried out so I don't think it helped start anything much. I put a couple pellets of food in but otherwise it's just the soil, filter, and stone. Appreciate the video and all the info you're willing to share!

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

There's bottled bacteria that some folks say help. I've been using the Aquario Neo Bacter. Just give it a couple more weeks to be safe

[@treqity6275]

i love the dark start method have done it 3 times and im 3 for 3 so far :D so i thnk its the best wat to go about it , just sucks you gotta look at a dark tank for a month or so

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Yeah not the most beautiful sight, but I'll take it if I can skip plant melt :)

[@Kenzii93]

Awesome, did you add any beneficial bacteria, quick start or anything to condition the water parameters or you just filled the tank and let it ran?

[@SarveshChougule-dk9wr]

I have started with this method with completely covering the tank with paper so no light passes through and it's been 3 weeks today. I just saw some slimy greenish stuff covering all my hardscape. Any id a what it could be and if it's normal?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Slimy green would be green algae. Sounds like your tank is getting too much light. Algae should not grow during a dark start

[@bettajoe4688]

Can I apply DSM without any filter? As my intention is to setup a low tech tank without filtration and CO2.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

That would defeat the intended design of DSM as it's meant to cycle the filter bacteria

[@gk9417]

Do you put the heater on in this time 🤷🏼‍♂️✌️🇨🇦

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Yes you can heat the aquarium as you normally would

[@gk9417]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping thanks 👍✌️🇨🇦

[@champion_i_r]

You have no idea how happy i am to see this video ans know that i am doing it right 🙌🏾💯🌊🌴

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Glad to hear that!

[@seqkatwinn2766]

Thank you for sharing this! Great video! Can you a do a dark start w/o a filter? I'm planning on doing a 6.6 gallon, heavily planted Betta tank that will be self-sustaining, using an Aqua Natural Bio-substrate. If the no filter wouldn't work, can you recommend what would be the best way to start? Thank you, so much for your advice! 🙂🐟

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I don't really see what the dark start would accomplish without a filter as its main goal is to establish beneficial bacteria to get through the cycle. I recommend at least a small HOB filter.

[@seqkatwinn2766]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping Thank you for your advice! 🙂

[@thecoinjar]

I did a dark start just over 2 months ago. Everything started out amazing, the monte carlo carpeted like I've never seen, and no signs of algae. About 3 weeks ago brown algae hit with vengeance and I can't figure out why. I have been changing water every 2 days, playing with the lighting, and reducing the amount I feed my little buddies but to no avail. Any thoughts?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Diatoms are a bit of a mystery still. It's hypothesized that silicates in tap water can bring them on. Nothing to worry about. Watch my video on diatoms. They'll go away with a little regular maintenance

[@thecoinjar]

@@LoganRandoAquascaping I have dragonstone and was thinking it may have high silica content?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

@@thecoinjar Totally possible. They'll pass in due time with consistent maintenance

[@shedendpussys]

@@thecoinjar How are the diatoms now?

[@thecoinjar]

@@shedendpussys I think we've turned the corner. I was doing a water change every second day and got rid of all the blue light. Thanks for asking

[@AyresMedia]

Hey Logan! Super helpful videos. This might be overkill but I was wondering would it at all be beneficial to run the dark start method to establish everything and help with the soil leaching followed by a two week dry start to help carpet plants grow and establish roots before reflooding?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I definitely don't recommend this as you'd kill the beneficial filter bacteria during the dry-start that you built up during the Dark Start. These methods are one or the other.

[@kindasnaiah7506]

hi im new in this hobby.! if i start a dark start method should i put also a pump with filter?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Yes, you need to filter the tank. A big part of the dark start is building up beneficial bacteria in your filter.

[@dansonong4073]

Oh my god this was exactly what I needed..been through plants melting twice... almost to the point of quitting..

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I'm glad the guid helps!

[@przemysawwojda4294]

Kids discover how aquariums were set up before the buy-products era. "Fairly new to the aquascaping world" lmao 😂

[@Heroh]

Hi Logan! Your videos are super helpful and I used your tips to set up my tank yesterday and going to try the dark start method for the first time! I did notice some small air pockets between the aqua soil and glass, is this normal?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Nothing to worry about. They'll go away

[@deezydao8423]

Do u turn on filter while doing dark start even though it’s a new filter?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Of course. Failing to turn the filter on would defeat the purpose of building up beneficial bacteria

[@joeyardon761]

I just started whit a dark start and have one question? Do you use stuff for beneficial bacteria?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Yeah I add the Aquario Neo Bacter capsules

[@brandonwayne24]

If you already have a cycled filter, to start a new tank with, should you do the dark start?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Can still help reduce plant melt risk

[@イマン-n3g]

A question, will ambient lighting affects the dark start ?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Only if it's significant like getting blasted by direct sunlight

[@quickquad677]

I found this channel, while i ponder on If I have done any mistake on my dark start. Very precise to the point, video. Wonderful content. Its been one week on my dark start quarium, I started noticing 8ppm Ammonia, without addition of anything. I have a drift wood and some Rocks + ADA aquasoil. Done one panic water changes cause 8ppm ammonia thinking welfare of bacteria :p Any suggestions on this? OR I just need to be more patience :(

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

No water changes needed for a dark start. Let the ammonia cycle naturally. Your bacteria consume it and need it

[@quickquad677]

Will keep in mind, at start I was thinking of not doing any water change. But panicked cause of high ammonia, which wasn't going. But I guess just gotta wait longer! Thanks!

[@etiennelotriet4000]

Agree agree agree!

[@vivernpadiachy3528]

Must we put the heater on when doing dark start

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Probably not necessary but I would for consistency sake. May even help speed up bacter growth

[@arandomguy2]

can this method be used on an aquarium with just sand as the substrate?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Yes

[@hakancakir4434]

Use ro Osmos water tds 5 ,for dark start need GH + minarelize ?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I recommend remineralizing to whatever TDS you intend to run when the tank is planted

[@horrorstateofmind2724]

What do I use to Remineralize my RO water???

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Lots of minerals on the market. I've used Seachem Equilibrium and Salty Shrimp minerals

[@Aven_aquascaping]

que tiempo dura la espera antes de comenzar a plantar ?

[@dnlgw]

minimum of 2 weeks, the best is 4-6 weeks*

[@lewishoward9568]

You didn't mention adding beneficial bacteria for the dark start method.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

I use Aquario Neo Cap Bacter for bacteria starter

[@Silver-lq4qc]

interesting how you have so little views likes and subscribers. your video quality is definetely on par with serpa etc

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Appreciate the compliment. The algorithm is definitely not easy to please. It tends to favor flashier content when you're not established, so I just try to put out content that I'm proud of.

[@jonlamica9216]

longer videos plz my man

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

It's hard with a small channel like mine. YT doesn't really show my videos to many folks, so for now, I have to keep them short. Your support and viewership means a lot!

[@tetraguytx1705]

I myself have never done a dark start. Instead, I take biological media from an established tank and then I add commercially available beneficial bacteria as well. I would say the brand but I don't think the platform permits that. Suffice it to say the product is found in a bottle in the refrigerator of your LFS. This is done in conjunction with heavy planting and modest stocking.

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

This is my first time doing it. I almost always deal with really bad plant melt despite doing all of the above, so I'm trying this to see if I notice a difference

[@marcusfoo8080]

I realise DSM helps curb new tank syndrome, like diatoms and managing other filamentous algae is much easier! Admittedly i did not did a complete DSM, but only started planting and add amanos shrimps once i see nitrate spike and ammonia reduction, just so i dont have to stare at an empty tank! 😅

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

The empty tank part isn't fun

[@Fauxkerykes]

Wish I would of seen this earlier

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Give it a try next time!

[@grezeldafrightenstein1154]

couldnt you just soak the aquasoil or soil in a bucket of water for 3 weeks then put it in?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

You'd miss the important part about building up bacteria in the filter

[@grezeldafrightenstein1154]

good point,@@LoganRandoAquascaping

[@sezerozturk1]

Hi Logan, should we add liquid fertilizer during dark start period?

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

There are no plants during the dark start, so absolutely not.

[@DetectiveLopez.]

I done this and my UG is meting away by day 10 😢

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

UG is a different beast

[@Aquaticvibes9775]

🍃💚

[@user-el7wr3on5r]

Or just pre soak tmyoir soak before you even out it in a tank

[@LoganRandoAquascaping]

Could you rephrase? I don't quite understand