Be successful: start your aquarium plants right! All the things you should do to prep your plants.

[@RichlinMediaGroup]

It would be fun to see a "Tank Scape Off" between you and MD. Same size tank, same type rocks, plants, fish, etc. See what each of you do differently. Congrats on living your dream and helping us to live ours.

[@rebeccabeavers2679]

I'd totally watch that!

[@FishShopMatt]

We've discussed this, the problem is the filming without seeing or hearing about each others scapes but it's definitely something we've though about for the future.

[@dylanarchdall5240]

@fishshopmatt you could film using your own cameras for your own channels and both post your view of the scape off, incorporate both you and md in the videos but your own videos?

[@fathimamunthaz]

Ydkb😊7dfa😢utbn😅ubjd🎉yg❤hk😅😅😅😅😅😅😅uukkbkmmmmbbhhhhhdddddduikkkkkkkkkk

[@amichan9461]

Cheers mate and congrats on making your dream come true. It was very wonderful seeing you build up your confidence with Md.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@darthplagueis3400]

Love your channel hope to see some occasional crossovers still

[@sarajanzen891]

I love your channel!!! this was very helpful

[@ironlion45]

@@FishShopMatt Glad your channel is taking off! I am going to miss having all the collabs with you and MD though; I hope you still treat us to those every now and again!

[@vladimirs2940]

I am thinking exactly the same. Great progress you've made! Keep it up. Helpful video by the way.

[@gijsberthoogendoorn7988]

This is the most useful plant prepping and planting video I've seen so far. Cheers!

[@FishShopMatt]

Wow, thanks!

[@korokshiding]

Woah! Weird! You have the same pic as me! I thought at first "when did I reply to this video?" But it was you! 😅

[@user-hq6ds6ty8g]

Hello Matt, from America, I was glad to see you talk about plants in a user friendly way. I have 4-40 gallon tanks and am trying to get over my fear of real plants. I bought some and put them in with my fingers. I needed this educational video. Thank you Matt for your easy going voice and enthusiasm. I even caught you smiling. Congratulations.

[@FishShopMatt]

Awww thank you so much! I'm glad you found it useful!

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Don’t worry. We have been planting with our fingers for the last 100 years without any casualties. After all, they’re are the closest things to your hands. 😃

[@cj55555c]

Are you scared of a piece of grass?

[@calnative4904]

Matt congratulations on going solo, I wish you much success.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks so much!

[@Staggo_L]

Great video. Thanks.

[@timreptile]

You Judith!!! 😂 Gutted my favourite KZbin double act are no more, but hoping for twice the amount of awesome videos! Hope your channel continues to grow as well as your plants!!!

[@ozzygamola]

“Judith” 😂😂😂😂😂 it’s Judas

[@timreptile]

@@ozzygamola nah… definitely Dame Judith Olivia Dench it is.

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha you never know what the future may hold for Judith, Flo, Phil or anyone else for that matter.

[@andreagalda28]

Don't forget about Annette!

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

It so did - this is my next step - planting. Buying them tomorrow (8/11/2024) - so this helped SO SO much! Going to huge aquarium shop we have not been to before. Biggest in Sydney so should be fun! xx

[@NavigatingOurFaith]

So happy to see the channel taking off!!!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@OllyBPlayz]

Just started my first aquascape few days ago and bought a load of plants today. This video was perfectly timed! Thanks Matt 🤟🏻 Good luck for the future of this Channel, excited to see where it goes.

[@FishShopMatt]

I knew you were getting your plants today, it's exactly why I made the video! 😜 Have fun and good luck!

[@PlantFishHarmony]

This video is so helpful and detailed! These tips will definitely help me take better care of my aquarium plants.

[@MerryMary79]

Hi Matt! This is so helpful!! Could you please check in with people you trust in the US and let us know what the closest thing to aqua fleur would be?

[@FishShopMatt]

Ooooo interesting I will have a dig about and let you know. My first thought is I know tropica import to the US currently through a few companies.

[@hutke01]

They do but there are a lot of plants that are not available ( they don’t ship) to the US. Such a bummer.

[@williecanuck5001]

​@@hutke01too save us. Non native aquatic plants are a huge problem for the environment.

[@justgivener5181]

Matt, this is an awesome video. I've not seen any presentations of a planting video that is so comprehensive, well organized, insightful and well presented. Well done.

[@Matthew.Henley]

Saw the news on MD’s channel. I hope everything goes well for you Matt 🐟

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! As long as I can help people keep fish I'm happy.

[@huldu]

The anubis(?) plant is probably the most resilient water plant I've ever had. I got the first one back in 93-94 and it stuck with me all the way up to 2023. It was humongous at this point and I had to trim it every half a year. Really big beefy leaves and when it grew out of the tank it would often flower.

[@FishShopMatt]

Wow! That sounds amazing! I remember seeing an anubias in a shop that was something like 20 years old and it was immense!

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Back in the 70’s the Anubias was a rarity in Denmark and you bought the rhizom and paid by the leaf. They were extremely expensive back then.

[@AnnaHeey]

Same! When my old anubis died cause of algae, I got another one cause it was the only plant that survived my goldfish😂

[@cathyhendrix7552]

Oh Matt, I can't thank you enough for this video content. You just answered about 7 questions that I had. And I'm really happy that you showed the variety that plants come in and how to get them out AND planted. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 😊

[@FishShopMatt]

That's great to hear, thank you so much!

[@Aquatasy]

Honestly, I think this may be your best video yet. Not only is it full of solid, useful information, you have also become so very comfortable on camera which is not easy for some people to do. Your editing skills are getting better and better as well. Well done! And thank you for pointing out how much ofva bargain the in vitro plants can be. It's easy to look at the price on them and say, "I'm not paying that much for a tiny cup of plants," yet the truth is you get so many more plants for your money if you have the patience to wait for them all to grow. Again, great video. Looking forward to the next one. The Force is strong with you! LOL! (Trust me, I know these things. 😉)

[@beccygraham566]

I agree we gulped at what looked to be a tiny amount of moss, in one of those pots but bought one and dear thor! ran out of wood and stones in the end hehe, and the floating plant we got could if supplied half a dozen tanks with the stuff.

[@angiebear8727]

Excellent. I swear every fish keeper I watch forgets there are still people just starting out in the hobby that could definitely use a newer video about the basics. The rest of us can always use a refresher course. (I know I can) 😅. Congrats on your channel’s success Matt. I hope you and MD do some collabs in the future on one another’s channels. Happy for you! 💙😎

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, yeah us veterans of fishkeeping definitely forget about helping the new people on the hobby. Definitely some stuff for the future, watch this space.

[@Logik225]

Wish I had this kind of info when I first started planted aquariums. I got so frustrated with my plants melting away, thinking they were dead, I was removing them and struggling planting more in my filled tank, messing up the scape! Now I just clean the melt away and let them reshoot, may take a while but its worth it. Great knowledge!

[@rebeccaampuero2347]

Great tutorial. I especially appreciate the part about getting the tweezers out of the substrate. I have a tendency to uproot the plant. Thank you!

[@FishShopMatt]

So glad you found it useful!

[@silash.5535]

I always get soil into the water by moving the tweezers too much 🤦‍♂️

[@KMD-if2gm]

Congratulations Matt, you’re smashing it. I wish you all the best and hopefully see you and MD together again for more amazing scapes 👍🤛

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! Definitely some stuff lined up for the future.

[@7spadestheman]

Excellent video. I think this might be the first and only video of someone explaining how to de rock wool those stubborn plants. Thank you

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobmennel137]

Great video for those just starting on their journey into planted aquariums.

[@AaronSwenson]

Thank you so much for being overly detailed! Most don't go into enough details on the various plant families.

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

bummed to hear you no longer with MD , but I understand wanting to build your own empire ! either way I will keep supporting both of y'alls channels . maybe y'all could start a third channel together, not a fish channel , a got to the pub and get shitfaced channel !

[@FishShopMatt]

It took me a long time to come to terms with that I needed to branch out more on my own. Watch out for the future

[@Craig-777]

The value i get from this channel is Amazing, thank u❤🎉

[@litterboxpaws]

That is new to me--holding the plant stem parallel to the tweezers! I wish I'd seen this two weeks ago. I'll be planting again soon, so I will appreciate the saved energy and reduced frustration from using that little trick that much more; thank you!

[@giudittabertoldi1979]

New to plants & 36 years keeping fish! Love all the information! Wish you all the best with your channel I enjoy & very educational.

[@twoface9959]

Additionally, with rhizome plants like Bolbitis, Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, etc. you can also stick the plants into an opening within your rock/wood structures, and they’ll grow fine. This is another option if you don’t wish to glue and/or tie down those plants.

[@juliesutton6594]

Love this so much. Thank you. Very clear and informative ❤

[@zombi3907]

Thats a nice run through, thanks! I am looking forward to your next project. I find myself planting and then forgetting which of my plants should be in soil/substrate and which are epiphytic. I need to start a little journal.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, yeah it's a tricky thing to remember them all sometimes.

[@Luke_Ray16]

Video quality 10/10. Production levels 10/10. Amazing video Matt. So informative and exactly what we needed. Thank you

[@lindahomerealtor5461]

Thank you for this video and for taking the time to create it so that it's info-rich and visually helpful and interesting! One hazard when buying a non-in vitro plant is the presence of a freshwater leech or leech eggs - it's hermaphroditic, and primarily lives in the substrate. Eventually you'll notice many offspring. From what I can tell, the only way to truly erradicate them is to dismantle the entire setup, dry out substrate, thoroughly wash plants, treat plants in saltwater, and quarantine for several weeks! Neither bleach, nor multiple courses of parasite treatment (praziquantil), worked. Not ideal in a 8-yr mature shrimp tank! Now I thoroughly inspect and wash LFS plants, dip in a 5% bleach solution for 20-90 seconds, rinse 1 min under running water, and then soak in ample Prime-treated water for a while.

[@OneAutumnPlayer2718]

this marks my first day of learning aquaculture. thank you for your teaching

[@quillhappy]

Our store had a big sale and I picked up tissue cultures because of this video. I would never have noticed them. Thank you so much! I love a good deal.

[@bmarie6964]

Thank you for the truth!!! Love you and MD!! I'm 63 love aquariums. You are making my life easier!!!

[@aquariusgine6829]

I never knew about the soaking and combing technique. It would have saved me so much time and effort removing rock wool from dense roots!

[@FishShopMatt]

At least you know it for next time now.

[@HellsFury63]

Great video Matt! Love how the channel is shaping up.

[@shonhatley541]

This is what I'm talking about. Videos that teach you things. Wonderful video, FS Matt. Thanks a ton, and please keep'em coming.

[@JJLewin1]

Perfect Matt. Love the way you lead by example, you always keep it real.

[@KeefesKoiHaven]

Great update Matt, showing how easy it is to prep the plants for planting and exactly how the plant should be held within the tweezers! No wonder mine keep floating up 😅 and I have to try it multi times to get it to stay. Now I should have better luck! 👍

[@kathyhollowell9781]

Good luck Matt. So excited for you achieving your dream

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@AmenForeal]

I like Matt's channel alot. This is something I could get use to. Very informative and he looms much more comfortable. Not to say he didn't at MD's. But he's not working if that makes sense.

[@corq]

I'm starting a nano planted tank "over" again, as I rushed things the first time around, and needed it as a rescue tank for some at-risk shrimp. I very much appreciate your patient explanations of everything!

[@corq]

ps: I *needed* the tweezer tips, I really struggle with them! Thank you!

[@berneggerjulian]

Congratulation for your channel and your growth matt !! you make me feel like we are friends. Hope best for you

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! In a weird way I think the same about everyone I interact with on here and my socials.

[@Fixup1000]

I really appreciate you explaining the vitro vs potted

[@blacksaber79]

I really appreciate this vid. I'm in the (slow) process of starting a tank. When I look at plants online, I was lost in terms of how much a pot has. With plants being so expensive, I now have a better idea of what I should expect to get.

[@Destroy1571]

Lv this how your teaching people not just showing off what new scape your going set up.

[@melissadeeter1289]

Yes! I've been waiting for a video like this recently, I'm in the process of redoing 2 10g tank, one for a betta and one for a bunch of guppies. I need some ideas!

[@FishShopMatt]

Exciting time!!!

[@kevinedge9824]

Great vid! Always found MD a bit too frenetic for my taste. Feels like you have all the time in the world for your followers, with great top tips along the way...

[@FishShopMatt]

Much appreciated!

[@audreycooper4860]

I absolutely love your videos and I’m always learning something new! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us ❤

[@FishShopMatt]

You are so welcome!

[@ivanfahler]

Very interestingly told and explained. Although I already knew everything as a long-time aquarist, i still watched the whole video because you explained it so professionally. Greetings from Switzerland ✌️

[@HarborGaming]

Perfect timing. Just ordered my plants for my new tank and was curious on how to proceed

[@TheRealTMar]

I also love that my lfs is selling many more in vitro plants these days!

[@korokshiding]

Thank you for showing a variety of plants in this video. Very helpful!

[@silash.5535]

Thank you for the advice! I haven't got the money to fully plant tanks right away, so this is super useful!

[@miniscenesgb]

thanks Matt, very helpful.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Tootnscoot]

Save the pot, you can stuff it with paper and make a false rock using expanding foam. Use the black kind for ponds if you don't want to coat in anything ( looks like lava rock when carved.) You can foam those net baskets into your fake rock before you carve it out and create a freshwater " coral" reef. Put aquarium planting soil in the pot and plant stems in it they will grow to fill it out. It keeps your plants more manageable and makes for a good look

[@JiyuuNK]

Don't forget to occasionally spraying the plants while preparing to keep it wet. Also matt, up for another mirror tank challenge/test? This time, floodlight (10w~20w|6500 k) vs low/mid budget aquarium light. I'm aware this has been done by someone else, but I'd love to see the one made by you!

[@mariemir99]

Learning lots about aquatic plants here ☘️

[@FishShopMatt]

Great to hear!

[@redC16]

Great vid, thanks Adam.

[@FishShopMatt]

My pleasure!

[@aariadneas]

Hey Matt! I'm thinking about getting a small 5/10 gallon tank with either just plants, or with a small amount of fish and bottom feeders. I move every few years and rent, and the thought of transporting a tank and its inhabitants safely is intimidating! I was hoping you could make a video in the future with what that kind of process should look like be : )

[@thearrogantcorndog5704]

Massive props Mateo!! Really happy you're doing well!! Love your videoes and love the knowledge you bring to us plebes!! I wish i had your videos before I started and failed in the hobby, however You and MD are the reason I will always keep going!! Your smarts and MD's inspiration are a perfect duo...I am excited to watch your journey and support you along the way!!

[@G_Ham_fish]

Great help for planting, see you using DJI mic sounds great. Keep up the good content every day is a school day never stop learning.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, yeah I should have got one ages ago but kept putting it off as they are pricey. But you definitely get what you pay for.

[@NomaD_203]

Getting ready to plant my first aquarium, so this was perfectly timed and very informative. Thanks!!

[@iamhueyjohn]

Nice informative video, especially for those new to the hobby. Great Job Matt

[@FishShopMatt]

Everyone starts somewhere and I think us seasoned fishkeepers forget that sometimes.

[@iamhueyjohn]

Oh my, you replied. Thank you for your great videos. It was fun when you and MD paired up. But its so nice to see your channel grow too. Hoping to see more pond content 🥂

[@ozzmosis210]

12:55 "bite size plants" lol...Perfect explanation actually.

[@deb_DC]

Congratulations Matt! Wishing you much success in growing your passion! Love your videos and find them so educational as a beginner!

[@elecktra6223]

Congratulations Matt! Great show today, and everyday. Plus HELLO from New York

[@htimSnaeS]

Thanks FSM, awesome how to video. I really am jealous of the greenery wall in your fish room. I looks amazing.

[@peaoat3608]

So satisfying! I could be planting all day. In fact today I did.

[@davidewart5524]

Just what I needed to see, I'm a novice and not a clue but I have now, brilliant and thanks another great video.

[@NinoMarcantonio-ry6mh]

Excellent video Matt great explanation on how to divide the plants to get more of yield for planting.

[@ceriksson7431]

Hi Matt😊 u and MD should start a aquariumpodcast, i absolutly love to listen to u and MD, your tips and tricks, diffrent types of fish, favorit plants and so on. Keep up the good work, i follow u everyday. Best regards C

[@msbranen6261]

Thanks Matt, I learned a lot!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad to help!

[@marymendez4178]

All this is great and not new to me, I'm always viewing you channel to renew the lesson learned. Even if you speak of the same topic is showing a different demonstration and I love to hear about different plant names.

[@emdee20817]

Thank you for the content that is so informative 🌱🌿We are really lucky for having well experienced pro to teach us how things work and should work 😊

[@rgilroy1909]

Great energy Matt. Motivating, inspirational and up lifting vibes.....feeling your passion brother.

[@bensanity2837]

I wish you success, Matt!

[@rejahk2917]

Thank you for this beginner friendly explanation :) Could you also do a video about trimming plants, for example where and when to cut them?

[@Matthew.Henley]

Thanks

[@FishShopMatt]

You are very kind, thank you so much!!! 💜💜💜

[@ethicalhackerwhitehat]

I love snails. Helps to circulate mulm and stuff

[@debbiemcdonald4050]

FYI for those who don't want pest snails in your aquarium. You can take the potted plants and soak them for 4 hours in a mix of 1 tablespoon of alum (from the spice section at the grocery store) in a gallon of water. Rinse well before planting in your aquarium. This will kill any snails and eggs. I have done this several times, and it has not damaged any of my plants.

[@beccygraham566]

but is it safe for a rank with shrimp. we've ended up buying the tub ones as many of the other plants from the shop stated not suitable for shrimp, even the ones from specialist ones don't say anything on page/description until they arrive ggrrrrrr

[@shel.b.1090]

Wow how cool this video popped up when I have just done a plant order albeit I already have planted tanks but always good for a refresh to make sure I’m doing it right. Cheers Matt xxx

[@parksteels]

Great video. I've struggled a bit with planting (they usually end up floating at the top after coming loose) but this has helped so much, I think I was using the tweezers wrong. Thank you so much for your help.

[@lindapeppin2441]

I wish this video had been around when I started aquascaping.

[@meglh23]

Thank you for the video! Perfect timing as I am getting ready for my first planted tank! Congrats on your channel doing well!! Hoping to see you and MD still do a few videos together, but also hoping for twice the videos!! 😁

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much! Yeah definitely some stuff lined up for the future.

[@goldmine5580]

Nice one mate, very informative and helpful. Good luck with everything Matt.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SpicyGingerBeef]

My java fern arrived tied in a bunch with thread. I didn't realize this until AFTER I glued it to hardscape!

[@TheCottonman]

We don't get the free plant weights included in our Potted Plants here in the States... 😒 Once again European Fish Keeping for the Win... Great informative video Matt... Just wish they were a bit longer but I know most folks don't have the attention span as I do... Cheers 🍻 😏👍

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, hahaha never appreciated free plant weights until now. Yeah I could make them way longer but even I have to stop talking at some point.

[@bambirose7336]

Buy a fishing rod sinker and use gel superglue to keep it down 😊 just make sure you do it when it’s dry and let it cure

[@csharpe5787]

You do you Matt, you are clearly a very intelligent and knowledgeable fish keeper. I eagerly look forward to your videos.

[@deandrragnarok6274]

You can plant them in the substrate slightly easier by pushing it diagonally

[@sameastersonstudio]

Great video. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels.

[@speckledjim_]

When setting up a new planted aquarium, take your time with the lighting. Start off with low lighting if you can and increase to full power over a period of several weeks. Crypts in particular respond extremely well to a gradual increase, which reduces shock and almost completely negates the "melting" phase altogether.

[@janetaylor8635]

Thank you for this , I am relearning the hobby, it’s been great watching your videos.

[@lukaszbukanski4812]

Matt, can you please make another beginner video showing how those trim different types of Aguarium plants to have healthy and compact growth ?

[@sbodi4d]

Love the video! Is it possible to discuss the attributes of the plants? Such as which ones grow slowly, needing less maintenance. I plan on planting many plants, but would rather have the ones that grow slowly over time, and require less light. Looking forward to more videos like this! Cheers!

[@f00mp]

D E V E L O P M E N T ~ Love to see it, Matt!! 🌿

[@jasonwoods4811]

Cheers Matt very helpful video, congrats on making your dream come true, hope you are successful mate

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! It's successful enough right now, so anything more is a bonus and I get to help thousands of people with fishkeeping.

[@jasonwoods4811]

@@FishShopMatt Sounds like a win, win mate

[@AquariumOdysseys]

Super informative and entertaining video for both beginners and experts!