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

As always, my main goal is to help you all succeed in your fishkeeping. Hopefully this video will make keeping aquarium plants that much easier for you!
From preparing to cleaning to dividing I've tried to cover all the steps that you should do when receiving your aquarium plants. This should give you the best start in the process of making your fish tank lush and green!
If you fancy having a go at a simple planted piece of bogwood, check my video tutorial out:
• HOW TO: Attach EASY to...
All my aquariums run on @NTLabsOfficialSite products, go check out their channel for all sorts of awesome fishy content.
Support the channel by joining the channel members area here.
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[@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.

[@RicoBurroFilms]

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?

[@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. 😃

[@calnative4904]

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

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks so much!

[@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!

[@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! 😅

[@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!

[@emmanuelgomez6607]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@juli8vdberg562]

A tip for aquascaping: I use Christmas ornaments clips to fix/place certain plants onto woods, or pins, like curtain pins, no glue needed; also easy to clip it over rizoma or in within roots and into soil, much faster much easier Also my question: is it fine to plant a bolbitis on wood on top of my tank right up? Roots and rizoma in the water but leaves out of water; is it ok or will it dry out and die?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@NavigatingOurFaith]

So happy to see the channel taking off!!!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@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

[@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 🤦‍♂️

[@Matthew.Henley]

Thanks

[@FishShopMatt]

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

[@redC16]

Great vid, thanks Adam.

[@FishShopMatt]

My pleasure!

[@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!

[@ogguard1on166]

You have literally helped me so much

[@bonniegoodwin5653]

Love, love this style of video. Awesome job!

[@lairos8553]

Great content as usual in good detail,keep em coming.

[@DonCron]

Everything explained perfectly. Thanks :)

[@j.golobic7632]

Thank you Matt, lots of helpful tips!

[@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!

[@mrTjstephens1]

I will definitely be keeping this video handy!

[@bensanity2837]

I wish you success, Matt!

[@pagewhite8177]

Great video Matt! Very helpful information.

[@Vincent-kx9ze]

Excellent video. I’m going to get some plants and practice right now!

[@davemac7945]

Great info.Thanks Matt.

[@carolebraswell982]

Thank you so much for this very educational video!

[@JJLewin1]

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

[@HellsFury63]

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

[@cheaputhyvan4705]

Wow . Beautiful

[@travis_smartley]

Awesome video, I learned a lot!

[@NiaVazz]

Much success. Great video 🌿🌱🍃🌾🪴

[@albiewong]

Excellent!!

[@ms_katia2267]

This, again, was a very informative video and your demonstrations are well done.

[@peaoat3608]

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

[@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!

[@korokshiding]

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

[@juliesutton6594]

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

[@TroySimps]

Great vid!! Thanks!

[@darrylmoore5847]

Awesome video as always.

[@elecktra6223]

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

[@rgilroy1909]

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

[@debdecarlo-akins5385]

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

[@erikabearden608]

Great tips!

[@silash.5535]

Thanks a lot!

[@Azron2190]

Great video!

[@janetaylor8635]

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

[@joakimdjerv4488]

Thanks😊🐟👍

[@craigwyatt8808]

Great video mate love your instructional videos really helps when pretty new to the hobby. Keep them coming. Loving the channel

[@bmarie6964]

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

[@trudyrantall9692]

Great video! Cheers Mat!

[@bobmennel137]

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

[@thomasdevos141081]

Very informative, easy for everyone to follow. You're doing great, keep it up!

[@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!

[@gracebromfield9070]

That buce looks NICCCEEEE!!!

[@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.

[@fecklessbohemian]

Congrats on another great informative video!

[@Fixup1000]

I really appreciate you explaining the vitro vs potted

[@juliepidd-lv8qx]

Another great video thanks Matt. 👍

[@farewellDebut310]

Love your channel. Also love MD. Your different styles complement each other.

[@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.

[@htimSnaeS]

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

[@AquariumOdysseys]

Super informative and entertaining video for both beginners and experts!

[@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.

[@madhatterjones4781]

Awesome video Matt keep up the good work

[@Staggo_L]

Great video. Thanks.

[@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.

[@NomaD_203]

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

[@lynnrobertson4657]

Hi Matt very helpful video i wish you all the best going out on your own ❤from🇦🇺

[@giantman261]

Great informative content, keen to see where things go next

[@silash.5535]

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

[@kathyhollowell9781]

Good luck Matt. So excited for you achieving your dream

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@user-le5xz8yd7x]

Thank you so much for your user friendly video.

[@HarborGaming]

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

[@frdistiller3013]

Cheers from Colorado!

[@SeventyRS]

Very informative. Thank you so much for your efforts on this. Newbie or experienced there is a ton of great info for everyone in this video.👍👍

[@chrispwbebs2752]

Good helpful tips 👌🏻

[@riverwoodaquatics7028]

Great video, Matt 🙌🏻🌿

[@sameastersonstudio]

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

[@lisamc1146]

Thanks!

[@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

[@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!!

[@allonewordcaps]

Yay great video. And congratulations 🎉 on going out in your own.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you!! 😊

[@CraigCampbell-lb9jv]

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

[@NinoMarcantonio-ry6mh]

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

[@user-hp2so9ux7h]

Really helpful video always stayed away from those pots and now I will definitely purchase some and also about cutting the length of root off thanks

[@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 😊

[@giudittabertoldi1979]

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

[@Luke_Ray16]

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

[@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!

[@msbranen6261]

Thanks Matt, I learned a lot!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad to help!

[@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.