Betta Eco Tank: No Water Changes, No Filter (Low Tech Aquascape Tutorial)

[@MDFishTanks]

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com These are one of my favourite kinds of tanks to create. Nothing but plants, hardscape, water and fish....and a light. Ecosystem tanks, or tanks that don't have a filter or require water changes are so easy to keep. There is a little bit of work to get them going but no more so than setting up a normal fully filtered setup. We just need good nutrients in the substrate to get the plants to grow and then pack it out with fast growing plants. they basically do all the work. As the fish, shrimp and snails poop, they provide an ammonia source for beneficial bacteria and the plants. This is what is filtering the water and after a few weeks, there will be no need for water changes and the tank will be thriving! Equipment (all links affiliate): LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3m3cEz9 UK amzn.to/3orIdRv 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 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 UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL API® products Subscribe to API on KZbin: kzbin.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk/where-to-buy/ AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY kzbin.info/door/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/md_fishtanks/ FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: [e-mail] #plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

[@ninoricodaroy7038]

sir, what kind of sand do you use?

[@lorenzobernuzzi8750]

Non è propio l’ideale per il betta… penso che tu l’abbia fatto solo a scopo di intrattenimento sennò vuol dire che non sai propio niente di pesci

[@craftwanderer8802]

do you only need to use root tab once?

[@curlzferrero1]

I was taking notes like mad! So excited to get a proper aquarium set up for my rosy barbs and the smaller one for my own betta. For anyone who has trouble hearing the names (or spelling then, like me), these are the plants in order of use: Weeping moss Java fern Anubias bonsai Anubias petite Sadge Lobelia cardinalis mini Rotala rotundifolia Limnophilia Sessiliflora Red root floaters (phyllanthus fluitans) Vall (Vallisneria, aka eelgrass) Hydrocotyle leucocephala (Brazilian pennywort)

[@LongSockss]

Btw the pennywort is Hydrocotyle tripartita not leucocephala.

[@endie3624]

Thank you!!!

[@aphrodite4745]

this was SO helpful thank you i appreciate it so much

[@olesyasergeeva8642]

Thank you!

[@mikehunt-zx8tr]

I wish there were more people like you in the comment section

[@calvinsc5105]

I have been keeping my betta tank this way for 4 years. No filter, great water, beautiful tank and a happy betta.

[@86Kera]

Do you have to keep the water warm and he do you do it ? Planning to eventually get to this point

[@dominickmergenthaler1080]

@@86Kera yes you do w]have to keep it warm, I have a room for my fish tanks and I have the thermostat at about 80 degrees, but if you can't do that put a small heater in the back behind the plants so you can't see it

[@datube2686]

What about water changes? With this amount of plant, is it just the start, and then later on you don't need to water change?​@@dominickmergenthaler1080

[@jseboudoir]

@@dominickmergenthaler1080 Do you have any kind of water flow? Some kind of water pump to move the warm water around?

[@DashDrones]

​@@jseboudoirnope, the Betta takes care of the the water movement

[@nancypatterson374]

Don’t listen to anyone saying you over plant your tanks, that’s why I think you have the most beautiful tanks!

[@yyyobwoc]

No such thing as overplanting in a walstad too

[@SINISTERthe1]

Over planting = cleaner water

[@monstertamereme]

It's is

[@bhavishvijay6483]

My Oscar doesn’t agree with me,every 20 minutes after rearranging all the playlets are floating

[@kikimbrown]

The more plants, the better. It's only bad when plants are overgrown and not maintained

[@mollysgotmakeup13]

I would love to see you do maintenance on this tank and show us how you keep the plants looking good. I struggle with some stem plants since I trim them when they get too long but I love how they get pinker at the top with new growth but if I pull the stems out it makes such a mess. Beautiful tank!

[@minagica]

Cut them about halfway to 1/3 and plant the excess into the substrate. It will grow multiple stems below the cut and shoot roots out of the cut. You can never have too many plants 😉☺️

[@michaelharper9651]

@@minagica are you taking 1/3 off the plant or leaving 1/3rd?

[@minagica]

@@michaelharper9651 taking 1/3 off 🙂

[@61percentodicarica]

@@minagica but then the base looks horrible, how do you combat that?

[@minagica]

@@61percentodicarica you wait for it to grow out? If you cut hire than 1/3 it's gonna bush out higher up. I guess that can be a look, just not one I would be into 🤷‍♀️ I'm assuming you're cutting them short once they've reached the top of the water, maybe I should have mentioned that XD

[@gwenjohnston-petrarch5071]

I grew up with fish tanks through most of my life, but these last decade or so I haven't had any tanks. I've relocated and was thinking the other day, how much I missed my fish tanks. I stumbled upon your channel and fell in love all over again. You make your videos so much fun and remind me of the happiness that my tanks used to give me. I'm on a quest to finish my move and setting up my tanks! Thank you for the inspiration.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Wow! Phenomenal. Who wouldn't want one of those in their home?! After only around a weeks worth of effort, you have a self sustaining mini ecosystem, and it appears to be cheaper than any other piece of home decor of similar aesthetic value, if there even is any!

[@AvaActsOut]

Not only that, but you don't have to change the water at all! I'm planning on removing ALL of my filters and getting plants, due to this video, and my guppies are going to have babies soon (which I will be making a video about) and I don't want them to be slurped up by the filter

[@-atamimsiddiqui3042]

​@@AvaActsOut which lights would be the best?

[@SSfacts07-c8z]

I love this kind of betta that appears to constantly be giving us "jazz hands" ! 👐

[@wassssssp]

Hey MD! You are an inspiration to me and helped me start my first planted tank. It also turns out Maidenhead aquatics is down the road from me! Can’t wait to check out your tank in person! Thanks alot.

[@maverickstclare3756]

Maidenhead is a national chain, MD's local branch is in Taunton, Devon. Or rather isn't, apparently - I remember MD saying that in a video now!! 😂

[@jamessydenham9955]

@@maverickstclare3756 Taunton is not in Devon, and maidenhead Taunton is not in Taunton 😂

[@MDFishTanks]

@@jamessydenham9955 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@AQUAPLANET128]

Agreed

[@maverickstclare3756]

@@jamessydenham9955 oh lordy!!

[@AlexIsModded]

Thank you for such a fantastic video on how to create a self sustaining betta tank! My workplace got us all betta for our classrooms, and they supplied us with those ridiculous tiny plastic tanks. The parents of one of my students are providing a larger glass aquarium for our betta fairly soon. I'm definitely going to try out an aquascape like this one. I'm not going to copy your design, of course, but rather take your advice. I want our betta to have a proper tank, but also for my students to see a proper tank and really respect her and learn about her. Our betta, her name is Queen, she is NOT chill. She has a sweet personality but she is quite active. She's all over the place and when the children go up to her tank she comes right up to look at them. She's super curious. Days ago I added some small seashells to her tank and one of them wouldn't sink, so she chased it around, and it was hilarious!

[@sarahkaltenecker]

Can you provide an update on this post!? Wonder how it’s going / how it went :)

[@darthmuppetthehungry]

“Plants do all of the filtration” The thick substrate: Am I a joke to you?

[@MDFishTanks]

🤣

[@GodEye-96]

Not as much as you think, there is no water flow under the substrate, even if beneficial bacteria colony is there technically they won't do much filtering

[@alexburton4963]

@@GodEye-96 You'll actually get a type of anaerobic beneficial bacteria which can "fix" the nitrate into nitrogen. And so can give you a "complete" nitrogen cycle. Hence no water changes.

[@noodlechild666]

I dont think you can ever have too many [good] Betta tank builds. With so many being kept in god awful 'tanks' and conditions, the more that show excellent husbandry the better. Id like to request a short finned Betta for next time please.

[@MDFishTanks]

Coming right up 😁😁

[@SlickNick3]

I second that! 😃

[@blinky2228]

I sometimes have some minor quibbles about too many plants blocking off the sides and back off tanks, but there's no question the effort and care MD puts into giving his fish a nice tank to live in . I have seen some truly horrid/cruel "fish keepers" who put large fish into tanks with nothing in them and the tank being only three or four times the length of the fish. I have no idea how anyone can keep fish like that and not see how cruel it is

[@SrMise]

@@MDFishTanks Maybe a lady betta? It gave me a lot of anxiety at first at how fast/agile mine was (because I hadnt seen as much footage of them).

[@bruppee11]

@@SrMise Usually the males are more aggressive than females. My female betas have always been very docile and friendly. One of them would let me pet her if I wanted to lol. She loves attention…& food. She begs like a dog

[@sydneysangels]

I've been watching your videos for a while now and I'm always so impressed with how well you create details with pebbles against the main hardscape. It makes your tanks look so natural!

[@erikm8372]

I would be way too scared to use soil and not do water changes! I know anything is possible though! I’ve had four dirt tanks and I truly miss them. The best plant growth I ever had… no co2, not even any lights on two of them. Only ambient indirect sunlight, in a northeastern exposure. Best growth on THOSE tanks! But the first week, the ammonia spikes immediately, so I’d do water changes daily. Then lessen to weekly fifty percent. I need to try Walstead method now, in earnest. So thanks for the reminder! Btw If you ever experience an issue with ammonia or nutrient buildup (when using richer soil substrate), it’s helpful to float tradescantia, pothos or philodendron cuttings off to the side, and let them grow water roots.That can REALLY detox the tank, and create almost a “mangrove” look underwater, for fish to hide in.

[@xwhitneycoe2008x]

Oooo I have some cuttings rooting in water! Do the leaves need to be out of the water? Or just drop the whole cutting in?

[@kevinlock3179]

those final stones always seem to make a massive difference. You see so many scapers harp on about clean lines but i love that natural scape look. Great job again

[@jasminepalert]

My heart's pumping when you put the shrimps in there and the dumbo just stared 😂 beautiful tank. Love it!

[@daivanixon1487]

Absolutely blown away by your aquascaping skills! Your attention to detail, creativity, and passion for the craft are truly inspiring. Watching you transform a blank tank into a breathtaking underwater landscape is a joy. Every video is not just informative but also incredibly soothing and captivating. Keep up the phenomenal work!

[@kaylawilson4247]

You are really inspiring me to level up my tanks, I love how you break down the build. These tanks look so intimidating so I appreciate the tutorials!

[@necronomickomik]

Hey MD, I just wanted to tell you that I started watching your videos during quarantine and you have changed my life for the better. I remembered that at some point I had a love for fish and fish tank accessories and you've inspired me to revisit an old hobby. It's helped me deal with a lot of mental health issues and I've learned how to be patient through ocd. I can't really explain it, just that non aquatic weed is involved 💨🙃 Losing entire trains of thought is the down side 🤣

[@kayleetompkins4202]

I'm also struggling with mental health and OCD and really want to get into the hobby. I'm glad others have benefited from the video! Best wishes to you

[@paul.b1730]

In my experience, you still need a nano internal filter (or perhaps small HOB) at the back, just to polish the water and with a tiny spray bar it stills gives gas exchange and removes toxic top film. All my tanks are Walstad and even Diane Walstad said she learnt some kind of mechanical filtration is necessary after years of experience!

[@MDFishTanks]

Appreciate your input. In my experience it isn't necessary if you have enough fish to create flow in the tank. This tank has a good size betta swimming about and the other cube I showed on the rack behind this one has 10 axelrod rasbora and the water is crystal clear and it's 5 months old. This might not be the case in years to come but I personally only ever keep tanks running for a year maximum before I want to mix it up...sometimes before 🤣

[@forgxtnsoulx8450]

@@MDFishTanks What size is your current betta build would u keep betta in a 29 gallon im upgrading to a 55 soon

[@dallasaquascapingguy]

I love nano cubes! Great job

[@WhatIsMisophonia]

It's not in her book... Can you point me to a link? Truth be told, I'd believe it though; if only because photosynthesis raises ph while nitrifying filters lower it (trying to keep my ph down is an constant struggle for me), so I do use a mechanical filter along with potted plants.

[@joylynjake4268]

I've been trying to find the best decors and live plants to put in my betta tank. You gave me soooo many ideas and advice I can't wait to get the supplies to put together the decors! Thank you for sharing! 🥰

[@jillbastow8590]

I'm obsessed with this tank, saved for inspiration on a couple tanks that have been empty for too long, one for my Betta for sure. Thank you

[@ggoannas]

These fish really have personalities. Love them.

[@spoiledsushi7400]

MD you are phenomenal!! Your scapes are stunning. I can't get enough of your videos/talent. I'm from the US & hope you can come to one of the events we have to show your talents!

[@MDFishTanks]

thanks jan. Maybe one day for sure.

[@MKristen702]

This tank is AMAZING!! It looks like you went to a pond and just scooped up the entire ecosystem for your tank.

[@allisonwendell9942]

What a beautiful tank! I've been adding more natural elements to my tank and removing the fake plants, I think my betta, my African dwarf frog and my snail like it better. But my goal is to make it look as beautiful as your tank. Thank you for this video.

[@shesellsfish]

I'm setting up a filterless tank for my new king betta. He's such a pretty boy and eats his pellets right off my fingers. He's so curious, sweet, and sociable. He deserves his own tank. Your scapes always inspire my own creativity, and give me some great ideas. He's going to love his new super sized abode. Such perfect timing for me for this video. 👍❤👍

[@Philip_Taylor]

I am glad you enjoy your pet fish so much

[@paigek9923]

You should get some frozen brine shrimp. All 5 of my bettas love it and I feed them with tongs and they’ll eat right from it. Their colors are very vibrant and it’s fun to watch them eat and I taught one of them to jump and grab food out of the tongs. Live plants are also a lot of fun and I have all live plants in all of my tanks and I highly recommend them. One of my tanks I let get overgrown but in a good way because that’s the vibe I wanted for it and some of the plants actually started growing above the water which is really cool to see. I hope you enjoy your time with your betta and they are truly an amazing fish with so much personality when kept in a proper tank.

[@mando_outdoors]

I recently got into fish keeping and aquascaping. Honestly my first tank doesn’t look that great. But u got to start somewhere. I purchased one of those 30w flood lights. And even with it only being on for about a week. I’ve noticed my plants look different. More green and reaching towards the light. I love watching your builds. My next tank im starting to plan out . Hopefully will be done before the end of the year. Thanks for the awesome content and inspiration!

[@bluecalcite8200]

Watching MD’s videos just makes me so happy. If I’m ever stuck for ideas or need to find out something regarding my aquarium, I just hop onto his channel.

[@ssamburle]

Beautiful setup, felt peaceful just looking at it for few minutes, I have to make something like this now.

[@bazrat69]

Betta are definitely my favourite fish they all have their own personality and are so friendly

[@ChrisJohnsonCJs-Kitchen]

This is so different from the tank we had when I was a kid. I love this so much - what a palace for that lovely Betta. I'm thinking about setting up a small tank for my desk at work. Is there a rule of thumb for how many plants to aim for? I'm considering starting with a 10 gal tank, but lots to learn first.

[@MARIANNEVALDEZART]

Ahhh this scape turned out beautifully!! Your dumbo will be sooo happy 🥹 I caught this vid in time while I’m building my betta tank too!! Same dilemma with the shrimps 🥲🥲 It’s nice seeing how you work with the same plants I have as well, natural planted tanks have such a comforting vibe to them n I’ll never get sick of these setups.

[@nintenja40]

wish i saw this 2 years ago when I had a tank the substrate is brilliant and the whole video is informative thank you

[@wantit123456]

I no nothing about fish but been watching you for a year and for the past 3 days so far my betta and snail is ok thank you

[@lucieciepka1031]

I wanted to tell you that you have inspired me. When my husband said “it will be nice to have an aquarium at home” I remembered the spinach soup with barely living fish that his grandpa has and I replied “No! We are not having that at home!” It’s been 6 years 😅 You have convinced me of the beauty of a tank with plants and with this type of ecosystem tank it will be much easier to take care of it and make sure that I’m not torturing animals. So thank you! We will soon be hosting a 100l tank for a beta with the look of your red wood tank, I really loved that one.

[@aquatic_backyard]

update?

[@lucieciepka1031]

@@aquatic_backyard we just moved in a bigger apartment so now we have the space for that, but in the meantime I tried planting a Calla lily in water and it died. Thank goodness I didn’t start with the 100l 😅. But I won’t give up.

[@angrytostada]

I have this same cube. I tucked it away when I had my baby bit now I think I'm getting ready to bring it back out. I love nano tanks! Your scape looks beautiful!

[@Aralk13]

Love your videos! I found that if you put in the shrimp before the betta you have less issues with the betta noticing them. Means the take is the shrimp's before it's the betta's so they're not as territorial. Hope your betta's still chill with them though! Love the tank

[@cricketthoffman9499]

This is exactly what I am looking for. My mother had 20 gallon tanks planted so thick you wondered if the fish would fit. It was how it was done decades ago. Her tanks were all healthy. Not a lot of chemicals to condition the water in those days. I don't remember a lot of water changing. I remember she controlled the snail population and fed the fish by crushing snails against the glass. There were neon tetras, angel fish, cores, mollies and always a sassy betta. I don't have a lot of room for a huge tank. I want a single betta and if he can get along with them, cherry shrimp, maybe a dwarf crayfish and/or a Mexican fresh water crab or two.

[@Kenneth_Fishing]

One of my dreams is to have a tank similar to one of yours, they always look so freaking good

[@lorenzogomez3160]

One of the best channels for aquariums, everyone else just upload daily short clips now

[@melissanotthewebsbusiness7272]

This is so inspiring! So at what point do you no longer need to do water changes? Will it show up in tests or is it just if you don't have any problems with algae growth? Thanks!

[@dholiday9764]

Dont mind me, Im just here after being up 25 hours working on my new 220Gallon tank!!! What a way to end the night/day!

[@L1pst3r]

Hopefully it did turn out nicely?

[@Khaeris]

Congrats on new tank

[@dholiday9764]

It turned out wonderful after a few cleanings! Thank you both! I'm in love with it!

[@TheDarklingSoulMask]

Thanks!

[@PaulZyCZ]

I didn't know Lobelia Cardinalis has mini form. It's really great plant, as easy to grow as pearl weed. I'd probably replace that Val with Valisneria Mini which grows up to 60 cm max, but it's much thinner. Overall the setup looks great! As shrimp go, I ended up with having both Cherries and Amanoes in a tank with Ramirezi cichlids! I cannot guarantee the pair won't eat any fries, but they are more interested in little ramshorn snails and shrimps thrive. Amano shrimps are bigger than Rams now. I'm starting 714l dirted tank... There's a small mountain range of the substrate. 😅 I was making sure there's at least 5 cm of the sand above that inch of pond compost and crushed lava rock.

[@zonderbaar]

Hello, how's it going ?

[@PaulZyCZ]

​@@zonderbaar Hello, good overall, but it wasn't all "roses". Sadly I lost the shrimp, but that was partially due to delayed maintenance (clogged filter), partially it was probably because of Rams growing and cherries not having enough space to hide. Planaria and high temperature (summer heatwaves) also played a role. With 714l dirted tank, that seems doing the best. I lost some plants, because of being overgrown by other plants (valisneria, stems mostly), there were some minor issues with fish, but yesterday I had one pair of Angels their first attempt on laying eggs (no fry). Tank is so densely packed, some Swordtail fry start surviving without needing dedicated 2nd tank. There's 10 Rio Manacapuru Angels, about 30 brick orange swordtails, 15 Blackskirt Tetra, 2 Rinelocaria sp. "Red" aka Lizardtail plecos, 7 SAE (rather skittish), 3 Rainbow Sharkminnow and 4 German Blue Rams. It's not without issues, I had 4 Lizardtail plecos at the start, lost 2 of them during a heatwave. My tanks are covered, but it didn't have enough air circulation (water too high) and pre-filter sponge got clogged. After some fights smaller Ram male is now missing, probably I should have gone just with 1 pair. Rams seem to be similar to Angels in this, just more bottom-dwelling. On the other hand all other fish are thriving. Angles tried spawning and most are over 17 cm tall incl. fin tips. Swordtails were sickly in the old setup with soft gravel substrate (despite water changes and all). In this setup they have very little issues, some females reaching over 6 cm in length already, healthy, active, but not really aggressive. Black skirt Tetra are also reaching 6 cm, very active, little piranhas. I don't think they'd grow this big in smaller tanks. I do a water change about 3 times a year to be sure and clean filters fully 4 times a year. I use sponges on the intake hoses, which i clean every few weeks when trimming plants and adding some dry leaves (oak, cattapa/almond, etc.). EDIT: "Fish was thiiiiiis long." 😅

[@br0wnskiin22]

I am so excited to start mine tomorrow ❤🎉, thank you for the support giving here

[@ashleymanzanarez4980]

This video brought me so much serotonin. It’s truly inspiring! Definitely going to look into building a tank similar to this and I am so excited!

[@ytw_michael]

im glad your seratonin are flowin

[@onlygameplay134]

I think your followers are right. At 22:38 in slow motion you can clearly see the chunks are moving separately and it's not just transparency. I also think his fin was in better condition in the previous videos. Something must have stressed him out. But it's not seem something serious that shouldn't be healed in a couple of weeks.

[@801saphire]

Hi MD, Love the channel. I am going to set up an eco bowl using your method. Aquasoil, gravel, sand and heavily planted with adjustable lighting. A few shrimp, snails and endlers. One question. You say you always use API root tabs and Leaf Zone in all planted setups, but I haven’t seen these used in your bowl setups. Do you use them? Cheers.

[@MDFishTanks]

yeah I use them in every build. I just don't show in every video as youtube can be funny with product placement / labelling

[@801saphire]

Thanks MD. I will do the same and hopefully get results as good as yours. Cheers.

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

How do you grow red root floater? every time I get it it melts away to nothing.

[@MDFishTanks]

Hi mark. You need high lighting and low flow. It might also be some water parameters as well but I wont pretend to be any kind of expert in that field. My pH is 7. TDS is about 100 out the tap and about 20 - 30ppm nitrate if that helps. In low light, mine stay green with more brown roots.

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

@@MDFishTanks ahhhh low flow ok I think thats probably the issue thanks for answering.

[@mathewkurian5767]

I love your videos and hope to one day be able to build planted aquariums as green and beautiful as yours. Really enjoy the Ecosystem videos you make. Thanks a lot :)

[@zombieluv602]

I LOVE those little pebbles. Perfect size.

[@mellie4174]

Hi, i'm watching all your videos trying to learn how to do this and i've been watching your bowl setups because they're small and i have a small tank about that size. I've noticed that you use a lot of aqua soil in those but in this you use composte. Which is better? which should we use? or which is better to use? Thanks sooooooo much! I can't wait until I can start my betta tank :)

[@akshayrajput2488]

Hey MD, you are saying to use 1inch of compose and 2inches of sand(2:30) but seeing the video it does not look like it is actually 1inch substrate and 2inch sand... Yea they seem to be in the same ration but they look more like 1cm compost amd 2cm sand... Maybe 2inch max deep on the back side of the aquarium... I wanted to ask you is it actually 1inch of compose in the video and 2inches of sand? Coz that would be alot in my opinion and doesn't look in 1inch compost and 2inch sand in the video.

[@MDFishTanks]

yeah im rubbish at judging this. It's prob 1/2 inch soil to 1 inch sand/gravel. 🤣 but still 1:2 ratio.

[@akshayrajput2488]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@samirasaada6470]

You did really a beautiful professional decoration on the fish tank. Thanks

[@Freedom_Fighter72]

As usual, beautiful!! Why no heater?

[@MDFishTanks]

I heat my rooms to tropical temperature as cheaper than heating each tank. Should have mentioned this.

[@gregorysamaniego36]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Don't matter how other people like their tanks it's how you like it! Us viewers shouldn't influence your tank's!

[@namankashyap5380]

Hey MD, i just recently tried out your aquasoil in net bags idea for a first time, can't wait to see the results.

[@namankashyap5380]

Thanks for the heart sir. Lots of love from India.

[@MDFishTanks]

@@namankashyap5380 should go perfect for you.

[@BubblewrapAndBiases]

I'm 2 years late but I love this! I really needed it as I'm considering getting my first beta fish

[@Thedanishhuntingchef]

Hi MD i love your content! You got me into fishkeeping again, after Many years away🐠. A Quick question, Are u using fishfeeders if/when u are away for longer periods? Or what is your solution?

[@tinksmith4964]

I'm 100% A betta keeper with three gorgeous males in their respective planted tanks. Needless to say I absolutely love my betta hoodie - I rep it every time I go to my local MH aquatics

[@rogue2728]

the bob ross of aquascaping frfr

[@awesomeTai]

!! I was so shocked to see the plants being glued down..I’ve never done a planted tank and I guess I should have figured, of course they would float away if not but I never thought about it

[@alangood8190]

As always, very interesting, inspiring and enjoyable. Interested to know how and where you buy your Tropica plants? Thanks.

[@GDaddyTx]

I’ve done it. I’ve ordered everything I need to start my shrimp tank.

[@StartAquatics]

Hey MD. I've been watching your channel for months and I think your aquascaping is inspirational. One thing I have seen on other channels is people that have a lot aquariums raise their own live food cultures. Is there a reason you don't do this or do you plan to do this in the future?

[@scottplumer3668]

I have val in my 10 gallon community tank. Before I trimmed it, it could reach to the ceiling! It also propagated so that it grows in the front, rather than the back, where I planted it.

[@mrdilgames6546]

This is the video that is inspiring my next build for a single Betta. Never had owned one before and want to build it a mini kingdom like this.

[@de.velop519]

My beta watched this video and has been giving me the silent treatment since.

[@cariengerber9861]

LOL 😂

[@brookebryan4411]

@21:33 when the camera angle changed, I thought the stone I'm the plants was his head looking through the other side for a split second my eyes played tricks on me, lol 😂 But on a serious note, these are the cleanest, fullest but minimalistic tanks I've seen anyone do on YT. Great video.

[@iLauraLou]

Another fab build MD 😁 question, Is there a difference between aquatic compost and the aqua soil that you’ve used before? Could the compost be put in the mesh bags you use?

[@HernandezJr_Henry]

First time watching your channel & I love it! I used to be in the hobby back in the day but with reef tanks. Kids remember my old setups & was thinking of starting them off with a simple Betta setup. I like how you are so careful with everything & your landscape for the tanks. May I suggest though; for future videos, would you mind listing the plants used in your videos? Keep up the good work & keep em coming! Awesome work 😎😎

[@Sleekyyy23]

Hey MD have you ever thought about getting a rain water tank you can somehow use for your room? The water would be clean and would save you money on your water bill hahaha

[@Sidley4444]

Sorry if this has been asked already but how do you clean/vacuum the gravel with the plants? Thank you!

[@Melody-rv9gy]

Changing the water every day but you said no water changes? I’m confused

[@ILikeMince1]

He said no filter

[@pickledfur]

Read the title. It says no water changes. ​@@ILikeMince1

[@albiecameron5301]

hey md i did i 20L betta scape a few days ago its a pathway tank setting it up for my blue alien betta called Ufo. I normally copy your ideas and tanks but its almost like we read each others mind and are both doing betta scapes. You are so inspirational and i cant wait for the next vid on the 8 ft at maidenhead aquatics. I have a small fish room with 12 tanks and a few ponds hoping to get a big fish room like yours soon. I don't have the room at the moment. Also i love your hoodies they are so comfortably i just were mine everywhere so i will have to order a new one because i use mine so much around the fish room its getting a bit dirty and not looking as good as it was when i bought it. thank for another great vid your scapes and fish room is truly amazing !!!

[@L33ETH]

You should sell this as a kit. I’d buy it!!

[@padenwade]

Tank builds should be about the animal and beta love thick growth you planted the perfect amount loved this video.

[@nedsfishtips]

Where is a heater!

[@xandeory92]

id assume that the room in which he stores the tank is heated to 22-26c

[@tinayu2517]

Thank you so much for posting this valuable video. It's extremely helpful for the first-time betta owner. I am planning to move him to an eco tank

[@PeacefulPPO]

Probably seems a bit petty me saying this but you keep mentioning that it's pretty cheap to start off but yet you do not quote no guidance to where you are finding the supplies also to show us it's cheap can you make a video of a smaller tank with let's say a £100 budgets for everything?

[@kitebetterkys]

I've always wanted a betta fish, when I'm older i'll probably get one! They are so cute

[@ayoung172311]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video , very captivating !

[@znate6730]

This is exceptional work and results! It's absolutely beautiful! How do you maintain such impressively clear water without a filter? Is it really possible to have an aquarium of the same volume with plants without adding CO2 and without filtration? Congratulations!

[@jillbastow8590]

Love the mix of plants, about to set up a 14 gal cube soon and just bought some spiderwood today and have some more on its way. Almost bought a platinum white Betta today. This gave me so much inspiration. Thank you.

[@mariaconcilio2988]

i have four such tanks (no filter,, tons of plants ) that are super clear but I was wondering if we should worry about the probability of pathogens that could be harmful to humans handling anything that touches the water or by putting your hand in to move the plants around. Stagnant water is a good vehicle for such things! thanks!your tanks are awesome.

[@shannondixson2240]

Southeast Tx here. Your tanks are stunning!! My question is what about keeping the water warm?? How do I do this without a filter or heater?

[@richardconroy1434]

Wondering the same. Assume he has the room heated constantly... Especially being in the UK would def need some heat source

[@BlackNoteStudios]

Love to see the Betta getting a new home. Sounded a bit tired friend. Make sure you're getting your rest mate. Cheers.

[@applescratchcandy]

G'day from Australia! Another beauty of a scape for such a majestic boy! Love your work.

[@vanillacone-if5bz]

Do you need oxygen bubbles? Do you have a list of plants that you used? Do you use a heater? Thanks

[@johnrobert476]

I just started watching your videos from Hawaii I love it I’ve been getting into bettas

[@kayleighkneale7690]

Good morning MD hope all is well .. thank you for all your inspiration

[@AQUAPLANET128]

Same here 😍👍👍

[@Stephen-jw8ci]

sprinkling sand or coco fiber on the exposed super glue makes it dry a lot faster, i do that whenever i have to glue something in a place where i have to hold it still until it’s secured

[@BadassRandomness]

You've been hanging out with Matt so much you've started say that something looks "smart" haha Best buds

[@engma7549]

*I just love your clean work and all of your tanks. Watching your tanks nd work itself is so soothing. It's because of work like yours, I have built interest in this hobby. And this has to be one of your best tanks*

[@KuyaCraig]

You’re my favorite!!!!! I wish you had a store so when I fly to London or the UK, I can pay a visit!

[@Ryukin_YT]

Man you are an artist🎨

[@jessmrc5575]

I can’t believe how amazing looks your tank!🤯

[@flokee13]

Hey MD! I just received my Timmy shirt and I am in love! Thanks so much for all the beautiful content! ♥

[@flokee13]

Also, this tank is beyond words. Like all your tanks! :)

[@andrewsine7129]

With making it all look amazing like this how do you vacuum the substrate without it mixing and messing up or do you not vacuum the bottom?