Best Ways To Maintain A Fish Tank! 10 Things You Should Know About Aquarium Maintenance

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Get all the extra benefits by becoming a channel member. / @kgtropicals
Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!
keepfishkeeping.com
Wanna send us something?
PO BOX 742
Edenton NC, 27932
🛒 Links to popular products we use:
Seachem Tidal Filters: bit.ly/3fjkjXF
Sicce Shark ADV Internal Filter: bit.ly/390JuKn
Fritz Guard: bit.ly/3csfNUR
Fritz Complete: bit.ly/3spgtQi
Fritz Dark Water: bit.ly/3sx49gQ
Fritz Betta Guard: bit.ly/3svhExw
Aquarium Salt: bit.ly/3svcIsz
Algae Remover: bit.ly/3sx8nVR
Plant Fertilizer: bit.ly/31lwGKy
General Cure: bit.ly/2PcjXr1
Paracleanse: bit.ly/2NXlqkm
Maracyn: bit.ly/31n8dVh
Ick Medication: bit.ly/3fkZZoS 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Get all the extra benefits by becoming a channel member. / @kgtropicals
Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!
keepfishkeeping.com
🛒 Links to popular products we use:
Seachem Tidal Filters: bit.ly/3fjkjXF
Sicce Shark ADV Internal Filter: bit.ly/390JuKn
Fritz Guard: bit.ly/3csfNUR
Fritz Complete: bit.ly/3spgtQi
Fritz Dark Water: bit.ly/3sx49gQ
Fritz Betta Guard: bit.ly/3svhExw
Aquarium Salt: bit.ly/3svcIsz
Algae Remover: bit.ly/3sx8nVR
Plant Fertilizer: bit.ly/31lwGKy
General Cure: bit.ly/2PcjXr1
Paracleanse: bit.ly/2NXlqkm
Maracyn: bit.ly/31n8dVh
Ick Medication: bit.ly/3fkZZoS

[@nonoyobeezewax9527]

I raised fish for decades and one thing will ALWAYS be true about the hobby: the FISH are the cheapest part!

[@kyypris]

i feel like thats true for almost any animal

[@ijensnsan]

And the best!

[@tammywalters8245]

depends on the fish but yes

[@BenDover-nh8ze]

I disagree. I got into fish keeping because petsmart had the dollar per gallon and I got all the equipment for a 55 gallon tank for 100 dollars. I got the food, chemicals, test kits, etc for 60 dollars. I have 200 dollars worth of South American cichlids and I still have room for more

[@pattihills9567]

I have two Danios, one has buried it self in the substraite, now lit has moved to another place l think she's giving birth. I don't know what or how they do any help please!

[@barbgrant]

Great video. Also, I suggest a video of “10 things to do to your aquarium before going on vacation.”

[@midnull6009]

For me personally. Depends on how long the vacation is. If I'm gone for a week or less, I have a full planted aquarium so my fish are always fine. They just eat the algea. But if it's for longer I have lil zip lock bags with a pre allocated amount of food w/instructions.

[@Wetsleevesagain]

10 things about “ why a fish died. When it is your fault and when it wasn’t “.

[@espeterson522]

Yes! Do this! I know it would help a lot of people to not get discouraged. Especially since the vast majority of new fish keepers start out with equipment, livestock, and information from a big box store. These places often have inexperienced and sales-driven employees, and their fish often don't get proper QT or care before coming home with a new hobbyist.

[@KGTropicals]

Love it! I added it to the list with your name on it!

[@frostiefrost5534]

I always beat myself up when I lose a fish :(

[@palestar828]

Good idea! My betta recently died this month and he was only a year old. I think it was my fault 😢 I tried to follow an internet guide on how to treat suspected fin rot with aquarium salt. Apparently, I did something wrong, because by the third day, he was literally gasping for air and I watched him take his very last breath and float to the bottom and die. Idk what I did wrong, but I did treat him in a two gallon tank, but the article basically said it was okay to do 🤷‍♀️ I'm scared to ever use aquarium salt ever again now!

[@nissum5179]

@@KGTropicals make it plz

[@FaLLenStormyGod]

Top 10 illneses of fish and how to medicate them

[@martinalara2747]

And don't forget about corys, which everybody has but they're harder to medicate

[@stefanritchie7667]

Half the dose for corydoras and they will be fine in my experience

[@StephInOttawa]

The API master test kit was one of the best things I've ever bought for my aquarium.. and fairly economical in the long run. I'm currently (fishless) cycling my 2nd tank & it always amazes me how clear the water looks when it's actually full of poison.

[@WackadoodleMalarkey]

A true microcosm 😸

[@TheFishNerd]

I once accidentally lowered the water below my heater while it was plugged in. It melted through the suction cups, fell into the water and burst. My hand was in the tank (luckily, no fish were) and I got a shock from it (like licking a 9 volt battery).

[@lisav6015]

Yikes!!! 😧

[@voidremoved]

that happened to me once, but I heard it click on and unplugged it... since then I got a heater that claim it has safety features to shut off till it is reset

[@kinglyzard]

My problem is remembering to plug the damn thing back in!

[@dawng299]

🤭🤣🤣

[@ihspstanktribe]

@Anoushka Most kids have...

[@kbalaz]

I am that exact beginner who likes things clean. I like to do things the right way. Only mistake I think I have made so far, is I vacuumed gravel too well on last cleaning and think I got rid of too much beneficial bacteria as my tank went backwards and caused a mini cycle all over again. Thanks for the tips.

[@lisav6015]

How did you know that you over cleaned it? I'm new to this too and I'm trying to learn as much as possible. How did you know it went backwards in the cycle process?

[@pokepuller2373]

Let your substrate get really dirty for a few week. Just sweep over it with your gravel vac to take what's loose on top out. This will let the bacteria grow and multiply. After a couple weeks do a good gavel vac on one side of your take and then the other on the next water change then. Only do a deep gavel vac every 3 to 4 weeks. The rest of the time just clean up a bit.

[@rOCKETmANbLASTOFF]

@@lisav6015 i would like to know too

[@Misa-Aname]

Hey can you tell us how you know you over cleaned it? It’d be really helpful Ty ❤

[@kbalaz]

@@Misa-Aname I was vacuuming the gravel every week, entire tank, right down to the glass.

[@adarbyem]

This is an older video, so while I can understand not getting a response, I wanted to say one thing. I love how you address the nitrogen cycle from the very beginning. I work in waste water treatment, and 90% of our job is just that, understanding the nitrogen cycle. The other 10% is phosphorus handling, heavy metals, and solids treatment...things we shouldn't have to deal with in aquariums. I gotta say, your videos and "Top X" videos have given me a lot of insight into not only how I handle my fish, but how I handle my water. Your videos acted as the link between waste water treatment and fishkeeping. One might even say that fish keeping is more about managing water quality. One might say we are all waste water treatment operators as well as fish keepers.

[@victoriaolender6289]

I suggest the Aquaclear brand for those looking to buy a HOB (hang-on-back) filter for their newly set up aquarium! Comes with 3 levels of media that you can also customize since it's just a basket. Mine ran for almost 20 years before it stopped working! I even keep a spare just in case I set up another tank or something breaks and I have spare parts. Don't forget to clean the impeller (motor) and intake/outake, that can get gunked up as well and cause your filter to run slower or even overwork and overheat. My suggestion for a future video: Top 10 Substrates for the Freshwater Aquarium. I find the choices and possible combinations out there are overwhelming, especially for those new to the hobby, or looking to get into live plants for the first time. Thanks!

[@dolphin46789]

Can you guys do a "10 things to do when moving with fish"

[@jameslacanlale5603]

Love watching your guys videos , the only channel i watch and trust when it comes to fish care and maintenance, just started 6 months ago in the hobby and the videos that u guys provide are so helpful!

[@riteshmagwana]

I am in this hobby from last 14 years still found 1-2 new things...Nice to see things from you guys....Keep this up 👍

[@michaelforbes5936]

Tkns for sharing

[@BenOchart]

Great tips. On the FX outer sponge filters, I used to rinse them in a bucket of clean tank water but the water would turn black very quickly, so I just started rinsing them under running tap water and have had no issues. I believe that the bio media and substrate/decor has enough BB to support the tank. It made cleaning an FX much easier. Great series!

[@sidioushatesyou5856]

Ben Ochart cool story

[@shannontaylor354]

why dose my tank stink man

[@jonathaniriqui]

shannon taylor check the gravel doesn’t have rotting food

[@jonathaniriqui]

shannon taylor food usually goes inside the gravel not ontop

[@midnull6009]

I rinse them in buckets of water cuz I later add that water to my garden. My plants love it.

[@Widquatics]

This is a great beginner video, wish I had this video years ago when I first started out with aquariums, would have saved tons of time!👍

[@WVaMedia]

Another great Video, Lisa and John... I truly appreciate it, Very Professionally done.. I look forward to more in the Future.... Stay positive guys.. Take care !!! From { WVa}

[@toddratson7526]

I love the team effort with great advice, clean sound and great video.Please keep up the great work!

[@conkomcbonk]

That tank at 20 seconds is my dream shape and dimensions, wide and low, absolutely beautiful!

[@anthonywalker3734]

I really love these guys they really have good answers to things i jus got a 75gal aqurium and live plants my fish love its a great hobby

[@ruthabigail5939]

This is super helpful! Thank you very much! I actually rescue reptiles and recently someone turned in an aquatic turtle and I have NO experience with aquariums apart from keeping fish as a kid (and my parents did the maintenance) so I'm in the process of setting up a few aquariums to accept more rescues of the aquatic nature and just want to know everything I can ahead of time so thank you for your videos. They are very thorough and informative and also not a total drag :)

[@theavengers6969]

10 things to know before buying an Axolotl

[@Gilgamesh347]

I enjoy the format and the content. I’m happy to use your links in support of getting all this info. Just makes sense.

[@wyomingadventures]

I can't thank you guys enough. Really appreciate all the great information.

[@Lexxor7]

Watching this has made me feel so much better. I basically need to do less water changes, but otherwise I think I am on the right track! I was definitly worried. I am new to fish keeping and want to keep them happy and healthy! :)

[@user-ji7dv3qm7y]

Love your 10 things series!!! You have rekindled my love for aquariums.. I was quite the keep fish keeper in my day and honestly videos and information like this, keep me brushed up on my skills for when I can get another one.. and I have something to reference to when people still ask me questions!! Love you guys and thanks for sharing your love... did I see y'all are located in Virginia? I'm in Portsmouth I'm just hoping you're not too far away from me.. would love to visit you guys one day!!!

[@ashduqueza2867]

Hi @KGTropicals, I have a suggestion of 10 things about compatible fish tank mates for beginners.. Thank you and loved your videos very much!

[@ericj1500]

Love that yall are doing videos again and together, have yall done one like 10 things to consider before you buy substrates.

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

Great 👍 10 things list. Presentation is so important not just the content. You guys rock both.

[@PaulMartin61]

Great job! Can't wait till next week. Idea: Temperature control your tank...heat and cool.

[@kenseeley3761]

Is that tank with the tree coming out of it ya'lls? That thing looks amazing. Thanks for all of the awesome advice over the years. Yours is one of the first You Tube channels I discovered and remains one of my favorites to this day. Keep up the great work, you guys are an asset to anyone that ventures into this hobby. : )~

[@lisav6015]

I never thought about how to spell "ya'lls" 🤣 I agree about the tank! I was thinking the same thing! I love that tree with the plants around it and with the sand.... VERY NICE!

[@Blimpus]

Another great video guys. My suggestion for a top 10 is asking your subs to send in their stories of the top aquarium mishaps. Then you could make a top 10 list. It would be interesting and stories shared...

[@KGTropicals]

I really like that idea! That's thinking outside the box, love it!

[@guitardave3028]

Think yer onto something bro....if enuff people are brave enuff to admot that we "all" make mistakes, especially in this hobby...would sure help all of us from beginner to pro...always something to learn...

[@user-pm1ry7hc2e]

I am in this hobby from last 14 years still found 1-2 new things...Nice to see things from you guys....Keep this up

[@ivisions3615]

Finally I found a very well made video. which help me out. Thanks guys!

[@Paulzy3]

Of all the Yutube presentation ,You are the most comprehensive and logical advise I ever watch. I had an aquarium store in Europe and later in California I now live in Ecuador and want to start over again. I am diabetic and this is the best stress release there is. I know I am going to have some challenges, the temperature here varied from 70 to 90 every day of the year and NO A/C. Tank's again

[@sherylmagee2748]

Absolutely love all your videos!!! Learning lots as well as entertaining!

[@daynajabin63]

You provide so much knowledge in all your videos. I moved up to a 55 gallon tank after your oticinclus video. They are my favorite fish. They share their tank with Cory's. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Found your channel today and I'm glad I did. Subscribed too .Each video is informative and easily understood. Thanks.

[@happykamper313]

An idea for a great discussion: "Pros and Cons of gravel substrate versus a dirted tank"

[@annabellerose678]

I had no idea I should be using a siphon but I knew I was struggling to keep my tank maintained! Off to the pet shop today haha. Thank you so much for the tips

[@monsterfishgal]

Great Video Very Informative Thanks.

[@nickfchrist]

wonderfully produced video. keep up the great work!

[@fadipcm1934]

You are amazing guys, this video is a super helpful, thank you from the deep of my heart

[@ellaanders6832]

Really appreciate all the great information.

[@woodsmanwhitesmith6928]

melamine sponges are the absolute best for the easy removal of green spot algae on the inside glass. they work to clean anything off the glass , but green spot is a pain to remove and these things just wipe it off. they are marketed as [ magic eraser ] and are completely safe for your fish , but you can get them much cheaper on amazon just as melamine sponges.

[@cindynordlie2109]

You did a great job! Thanks for the info!

[@PriscillaMKArt]

Informative as always. 10 things wooohooo!

[@ongphin231]

Very helpful n detail n Thanks alot.

[@gracebee292]

I am such a big fan of this series!

[@charmed601]

Thank you so much..so helpful tips and ideas. 😁

[@jasethefishguy4956]

Thanks for the inspiration to make my own fishkeeping channel!

[@misterbgs1]

Another 10 video! . Tnks for your insights.

[@britnellboys4424]

Great video bud. Love the tank with tree and plants. It is beautiful!

[@tyhunsicker1474]

Thank you both! Great Information as always ;)

[@emmacugini8904]

I love your videos and y’all are the reason why my tank is thriving rn

[@imreizsak8066]

thank u for this video and i saw a few others ...they are really helpfull

[@christianriddle2456]

Idea for a video: I haven’t really seen much on taking care of unsexed lake malowi juvenile cichlids. If you could do a video with tips and tricks explaining everything a beginner would need to know that would be awesome! Love your guys videos btw and you guys are the reason I’m into the hobbie and have continued to stay in it. Always watch your videos and appreciate you guys looking out for beginners! Keep it up John and Lisa!

[@davedrury1367]

Spot on about the test kit Absolutely mandatory.

[@juliancooper329]

thank you so very much for all your help

[@QueAquatics]

This series is awesome!

[@Darkthunderwolf21]

I made the mistake of leaving my heater on while doing a water change. I only realized the heater went out when my Gourami started acting weird and bumping the glass. He was literally telling me he was cold.

[@RogueAquariums]

Some great tips on the importance of keeping a healthy tank..

[@jelv.4142]

Good tips thx 👍

[@stefanritchie7667]

Your 10 things videos are great keep up good work and stay safe u2 and family

[@johncassidy7925]

Hi I just wanted to say I had a tank years ago and had to get rid of it because my partner then didn’t want it Partner gone Tank back aqua ar850 which I had before Anyway long story sorry I thought I would go and refresh my way to run a tank I have now joined you page and want to thank you Watch and set it all up And doing all that you and your lovely wife say to do not a race 1 week in and tank reads well and looking forward to adding my fav fish Testing and all good but another week is all good to me Love your work and content you and your wife have made it a easy thing to do and I just want to say thank you to both of you

[@msamson708]

Awesome and very useful....thank you :-)

[@TheFishNerd]

TOP TEN THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING NEW FISH (quarantine, source of the fish, compatibility, adult size, food requirements, etc.)

[@John-yt4tb]

I cant stop watching your channel use guys are amazing. I recently got 4 beautiful black moor goldfish and there doing great could use do a care video on this fish please

[@moisessantiago6074]

I’m new to this hobby but I love it I think we should have both a small and large net large for when we buy quite a few fish and are putting them in the tank at once

[@leepearson4400]

loved the video. good for me being a beginner

[@johnglenham4099]

Keep them coming.

[@iron433decker]

Awesome thanks

[@amyyoung2804]

My fish..a carnival win by my son has been with us about 14 years. I think our goldfish has 9 lives, boo ya cats, it has come back from a few episodes of " weird behavior, lying on the bottom of the tank, and actually jumping out of tank and being found in the nick of time. I'm always learning better ways to care for my " Dr. Goldberg" and better ways to change water and provide the proper environment. Anyway..just found y'alls channel and will be following. 🐠

[@juliebrown1510]

Can you talk about Black Skirt Tetras please. I'm slowly learning about them. Thank you

[@angeliclike3623]

Hey there! Housekeeper here. I've totally run threw a house with an aquarium and cleaned the outside with windex. 😯 I was super mindful when I did it, but others may not be.

[@isaac14ac]

So every time you do a water change turn off heater and filter just want to make sure that’s correct.

[@deenugent473]

Yes I do that, plus I don't want to be electrocuted!

[@pamannis7665]

Thank you, what kinda of tree is that? The one that comes up above the aquarium. It's gorgeous.

[@litoloco4fish]

Great video !!! I sent it in to my beginner fish friend!!!@

[@vishnunp456]

Hiii... i am big fan of your videos ....Do we have a video on water quality cheking and parameter maintenance.

[@imtheboss3389]

wow im here because i just got small aquarium because i really want to have at least small one and thanks for ur tips

[@rikkimccall305]

I’d love to see a video on African Clawed frogs, I see so many about the dwarfs, but never the larger ones...

[@janice-marieoxford1512]

Question: I purchased a garden tank - 3 gallon. Ideally, the plants grown on top of the tank allows the water flow to exchange nutrients from plants to water to plants Thus, no filter is required (as advertised). I add water softener and antibacterial products according to directions. I change the water as suggested 4-6 weeks- unless needed sooner. I love your info videos and how much you care. I have not seen a plant topped tank explained. Thanks

[@lostinspacerobinson1527]

I have a 75 gallon with 5 full grown silver dollars and 5 baby tiger loaches, 1- 6" bala shark , I run 2 hob filters and 1 powerhead and 1 powerful round air stone and I'm wondering if it's too much oxygen ? Thanks and great channel !!!

[@daviddixon8878]

I want to get into the hobby. All of the maintenance seems a bit rough for a new guy like me. Thanks for this video, honestly I am still shying away. I don't want to buy and kill a bunch of fish.

[@chrismo9473]

Maybe a how to on raising different fry when it happens? Love you guys! CU

[@biggdrake]

👍New subscriber here and have been keeping fish for the last 5 years and didn't even realize about turning off the heater when cleaning the tank. I would just take it out but put it back in when I was finished. Didn't think about turning it off so it doesn't go back in hot. You asked for an idea for a top 10 category? How about the best water siphons? I say this as I knew about 4 years ago I saw a hand held battery operated siphon where it would siphon without having to pump it and prime it like regular siphons. Now it was hand held so I was wondering how much water could it remove? But thought the ease of it was intriguing. Saw it ar that Petland store chain on the East Coast that's now out of business. Also another idea for a top 10 is what are the best foods for certain fish? I say this as when I first got a tank and did a fishless cycle and brought the water to petco after a month to test the water parameters, the guy told me its the water is not cycled unless I use fish. So I bought the feeder fish and just ended up keeping them, but I used the fish food that came with the Aqueon aquarium tank kit. The Goldfish were not very colorfull, some were silver, etc. But when I switched to a different food brand, the Omega One, their colors changed and were all vibrant orange. A total transformation after a couple of weeks of a new food. Just a thought.👍

[@TheMorefield]

At the 2 minute mark please let me know what filter system this is? Its also a pump? Still learning this

[@davidlodge4305]

Just subscribe and I like what I'm seeing keep up the good work guys

[@adeelshaikh2129]

Good info

[@CJBlack265]

Another "10 things" hitting it out of the park! 💕👍

[@waynesaquatics]

Hey John, happy new year. I'm a intermediate fish keeper, I have a tropical community aquarium and I've been hearing alot about poly-fil. Can you break it down please? Thank you.

[@pams.6896]

I wish I had seen these types of videos before starting in the hobby. It would have made things much easier.

[@amandaboyer2092]

10 Tips on using a gravel vac/siphon. I have such a hard time cleaning the aquarium without taking out lots of water.

[@lynnbonica4342]

Amanda..i think that would be a great topic on syphons. My biggest problem is getting it started, then the amount of water. Every vid tells it different. Good luck on your water issue!

[@stanggangchannel]

Choosing an aquarium and aquarium placement in your home

[@leewinter9438]

Another great video

[@frostiefrost5534]

I wasn't sure what video to comment on and not sure if you're up for it.. I've seen alot of your videos and will keep looking but have you thought of doing a video of different ways to fill your filter with different types of media? Like which setup works best,if you should just use the pre-made filters for certain filters or if there is a special way to layer media in a HOB filter for maximum effectiveness/efficiency? I've seen your video on putting sponges in a filter to boost it.. any more content like that would be very much appreciated!

[@danm7298]

do you need to use water conditioner if you have a water softener and filter for your well water?

[@rattiegirl5]

I begin my morning with a fish head count. After I turn on the aquarium light, I locate all the occupants of the tank and quickly look them over to see that they look normal and are behaving normally. That way I know if any fish are sick and need isolation and treatment, or sadly have died during the night and need to be removed to avoid tank pollution.

[@theavengers6969]

Top 10 best tank mates for bettas

[@thimmeshprabhu7450]

hi, i have a question of test kit because some other youtube channels say you do not need a testing kit

[@straystreetstnrcpohdginc2692]

You have spoken about hooking up the vacuum hose to the sink to refill the aquarium after a cleaning. How can this be done without the water first being treated with water conditioners? Do you just put the extra conditioners in the depleted tank water & the new is treated as it fills the tank?

[@siddharthtrivediin]

Hi there from India, thanks for all the insightful videos. What is your take on getting rid of snail infestation. By the look of the ones in my tank they seem to be Malaysian Trumpet. I have netted over 30 of them and thrown them away from my 40 gallon tank, but every night I see more sticking on the glass walls. I think they hitched a ride on the aquarium plants i got in August. Thanks