Creating A Low Maintenance, Balanced Ecosystem in Any Style of Aquarium. No Water Changes or Filter

[@ctm75]

I love when people take the time to put together an actual long thought out video instead of the same regurgitated sound bites. Thank you for taking the time to share!

[@Fishtory]

Glad you enjoyed it! I try to only make videos like this...if not even more nerdy lol. But i dont wanna watch a KZbin video of stuff i could google search for in 10 seconds

[@rs3370]

Only got back into this hobby a couple years ago, but even with prior experience, I've learned more in these last years than I ever knew. Once I learned to quit trying to God Mode a tank and control every little thing, and instead realize I'm an observing care taker, my tank began to thrive. My only regret in this hobby is not realizing this way sooner!

[@Fishtory]

Haha very good way to put it. Im glad you're enjoying it more now!

[@bonniegareau4073]

I appreciate your patience, genuine helpful nature, and honesty! You share your experiences, knowledge and wisdom with such easy to understand detailed eloquence! Thank you!

[@bones1026]

you are by far my favorite channel for fish and aquariums. you give the exact information im looking for, and not only that you give the reasons WHY and the proof with your tanks and success!! thank you so much for making these detailed videos

[@Fishtory]

Thank YOU for tuning in and commenting. I appreciate it deeply 🙏

[@michellepetersen6597]

Just getting into aquatics for the first time, but I’ve kept reptiles for quite a while. You seem to have the same mentality regarding aquatics as I do with my reptile hobby. I appreciate that. It’s so much fun learning new things about the ecosystems we create! Excited to follow you and see more content!

[@Fishtory]

That is awesome! Welcome to the community Michelle!

[@AmiMaldonado-zn4vy]

I love that you said “maximize the nature, minimize the work!” 😊

[@Fishtory]

Always!

[@TenseDudemeister]

I just got back into the hobby after having been forced off for a year due to an injury and I gotta say your videos have been a great way to get back into the community! I'm a data and stats nerd along with a lifelong biologist so your topics and deep dives really resonate. Thanks for making great content!

[@Fishtory]

Why thank you! Thank you for your support and comments!

[@indoorfishinginside]

Yeah for Real, The content on his channel will go a long ways.

[@KoroWerks]

KZbin has unsubscribed me from your channel 3 times this month, but I'm still seeing your notifications luckily.

[@Fishtory]

Grrr! That drives me up the wall. Thanks for being such a supportive and kind community memeber Koro!

[@KettmanAquatic]

That's hilarious because I just looked right after you said that and it had the subscribe option! Wtf?

[@billywilly5382]

I was also un subscribed, that's fckd up!

[@AquaLady153]

Because he doesn't spew bs and tells u to buy major brands

[@thebeigesheep6132]

The crazy thing is I swear youtube will unsubscribe me from channels and then subscribe me to the most random shit that I have no interest in. Glad I'm not the only one who has noticed this glitch

[@bluevireo425]

Sitting up in the wee hours of the morning listening..(.old lady that has kept fish my entire life)..but, I can always learn more thank you so much. Appreciate this gentle, natural approach to keeping fish very much.

[@Fishtory]

Awesome :) welcome and thanks for joining a fellow night owl 🦉

[@lauravictoriatanks]

Loved this video!! I've only been a serious fishkeeper for about 2 years, but I've definitely learned that keeping a tank is a fluid process (no pun intended lol). The level of maintenance, filtration, feeding requirements, fertilization etc. can totally change and go into or out of balance over time. So cool to have a complex ecosystem going in your own house!

[@Aiken47]

Thanks This has been my approach for quite a few years in one aquarium, - I’m upgrading and will apply this to the new one

[@Fishtory]

Thank you so very kindly! I just created a quick guide to layered substrate that encourges the microdiversity and long term plant nutrition

[@aquaticsbynature]

Nice video Alex, By far my favourite way of running an aquarium, just so much more rewarding than fighting nature all of the time. It’s a really underrated area of aquatics that deserves way more attention than it gets. There’s simply nothing so dynamic as a naturally balanced system. A joy to own and observe, not to mention fully sustainable. Good job. Keep up the good work!

[@Fishtory]

Couldn't agree more!

[@vikkirountoit497]

OMG I have to tell you because you'll understand how excited I am and I hope it makes you smile - I have daphnia! For the first time I found daphnia in one of my deck buckets and was able to collect some. I have green water ready inside so I started 2 cultures. I'm guessing I never saw daphnia in my buckets because by the time I am looking in my outdoor buckets, I'm pulling lots of mosquito larvae for my fish and surely they would outcompete or eat these small daphnia. SO glad I looked this early in the season here. My fish are going to love this! Hope I can keep them alive and reproducing:) And hope you're having a good day too!

[@Fishtory]

SCORE! Congratulations

[@dcphifer4307]

Thank you Alex for sharing this Deep Dive. I am setting up a 22G Long for my Betta Tank, and a 55G for my Community Tank room-divider. I decided that since I have this 1 small apartment set up for a walker which I am weaning off of that I would upsize both tanks at the same time. I forgot that Betta's need a short hight tank since they jump up for air, as do my Bronze Cory Cats... so that is why I got this 20G Long for the Betta and Bronze Cory Cats. With having a 2"-3" deep substrate layer with a 2" sand cap, it will keep the height close to what they are used to currently. As for the rest of the Fish that I have been gathering, they will go into the 55G Community Tank room-divider. I love the videos that you do deep dives on. It helps me to learn and to reconnect to old memory from before the post concussion traumatic brain injury. Thank you again for your interesting and detailed videos. I save them and rewatch them when I am planning something... like now with setting up a tank. I love the videos on Critically Endangered US Native Fish Breeds/Species. That is something that I intend to do, once I move to my own place. I am so sorry for your loss. Like furry and feathered friend, water friends are still that... part of the family. Best Wishes.

[@debbieurias5151]

Did you ever hear about or see the cold water, 45f degrees, salt water, inter tidal 230 gal aquarium in Sitka Alaska? I maintained that tank for over 15 years. Side note rusted out 3 trucks from water refreshing water changing. 😂. I had it with 5" to 6"a living substrate. Made from sand, rough sand and clam shells beach worn broken clam shells. Everything in the tank had a job. It had animals in it that lived for years. Like gunnels, and kelp crabs even young Black Bass. I had to take detailed notes and get all the permits to maintain the aquarium. I know this is different from what your eco system tank but also the same. I completely understand and enjoy all your videos. I felt it was very important for the kids in Sitka to understand all the animals and have compassion for them on the beach and deeper. The kids got very attached to the animals and to be able to see crab and herring eggs hatch and live. I love your video's watch them all. I hope you don't mind my comment being so long.

[@Fishtory]

Awesome! I never saw it. Thats amm fascinating. Thanks!

[@jellybeanvinkler4878]

Is there video of this tank? Would love to see!

[@OfficailSamMarieZie]

I'm so glad I found your channel. You're talking about exactly what I want to do. I don't just want a glass box with some fish in it I want a tiny little world in my livingroom

[@Fishtory]

You can do it! And also welcome my friend... you are in good company here with us nature loving nerds.

[@joeheller1263]

This is a great catch-all of lots of the videos that I’ve watched of yours and FF’s. I did a marine biology degree, but I learn a huge amount from these videos. I am especially impressed that you don’t preach that your way is the only way. There are multiple deep substrate methods that are scientifically sound, just like there are multiple environments where fish thrive!

[@Fishtory]

100% im glad and honored you enjoy the videos and info... and also that you see that im not trying to say i invented any of this or one method is better than others... i just enjoy a more tech light and nature heavy tank for most fish

[@naturenut9505]

Hi, I don't have a fish tank but I find the subject of this video fascinating. Im a believer in keeping things natural and not fighting nature. There are an amazing myriad of variables . I really like the type of tank with lots of plants and the whole ecosystem. I shall recommend a friend to watch your videos who has a few tanks , they all look like deserts compared to yours and he struggles to keep plants, and has so many bottles of chemicals! After watching this I can see why . You're videos are interesting and educational , don't dumb them down to satisfy those that can't be bothered to listen. (from UK)

[@Fishtory]

Well thank you very kindly

[@aidavandyk840]

Just wished that I found your channel before I got into this hobby. Been in the fish keeping for 2 yrs now but in the past , Lot's of mistakes, frustrations, & worries. Hobbies shouldn't be like that isn't it? But I'm getting there & watching your channel makes me realise that I still have a lot of room for improvement. Thanks a lot👍

[@Fishtory]

No problem, im just happy anything i share is of use to hobbyists out there. Im always just learning things too! Thanks for joining me on the ride

[@andicarson1339]

I REALLY love this deep dive!!! Its all stuff I already knew, but it is SO refreshing to hear someone else talking about and showing work! Thank-you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Fishtory]

Thank you. I realized i never really documented my "philosophy" for fishkeeping....and hoped it would be a half an hour or so. But i wanted to cover all the questions that are asked most often

[@XanderCrews4Prez]

Loving this so far. Starts mentioning fish around 7:40 Talking about substrate 30:00

[@anjumdanielle4764]

I love the deep dives, it's what I appreciate most about your channel.

[@Fishtory]

Thank you! That means so very much to me

[@belveder69]

Thanks for that, i appreciate your easy to follow and not to technical language. G'day from South Australia

[@Fishtory]

Welcome!

[@thehappyfishguy601]

You are one of the first KZbin channels that i subbed back in the days when i was starting the hobby. I got out of it due to some lost passion and family problems, now I'm getting back in this fishkeeping thing in a few days, I was amazed when i was watching your recent videos, I really liked the way you approach and educate fishkeepers, this makes us more aware that there so many things in between in fish and water. I'm proud to say that I have been following your advice on how to maintain tanks, I never had any issues. will use your reference again this time again. Keep this up!

[@Fishtory]

Whoa! Welcome back! I hope it's healing and inspiring this go around. Also, thank you for such a thoughtful comment. It makes me very Happy to hear im not leading people astray lol. Cheers

[@thehappyfishguy601]

@@Fishtory oh you never did man! actually your videos goes in depth of what we usually don't tackle, it is always good to know the science and history of what we are doing.

[@samhain9394]

Dude. This video is a fantastic overview of all the key points for a beginner aquarist. It works very nicely as a companion starter after giving someone a link to basically any video explaining the nitrogen cycle... which can make so many folks feel overwhelmed by the science of parameters, or apprehensive about approaching something so foreign. This really makes things clear in a slow and deliberate manner, and helps kinda tiptoe away from the idea of having to keep the glass box of water sterile and strict else all hell should break loose. Folks can see that you've clearly put some time into the thought process, but can infer that if they maybe just buy some of the substrate you named and put a ton of plants in a tank-with whatever light they come up with to get started, they can drop in a few nanos and just see how things go. ... But did you say youve made over 1,000 breeding videos? Holy chit bruv. I'll never catch up! 💀

[@Fishtory]

Hahah thanks and good luck mate

[@AudreyCooper-n4k]

I am now commenting again after listening longer (😂). This is one of my fav videos you’ve made. I’m always learning more about the hobby and I suppose that’s what keeps me interested and excited about future projects. Thanks for sharing you experience with us

[@Fishtory]

Of course. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@endur5nce]

Had to re watch as I do many of your videos because we all want the same thing in your title so that we can have happy & healthy fish to enjoy 🐠

[@Fishtory]

:) just ask if you need me to make anything clearer or have more questions!

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

I am just starting this hobby. Your stuff looks great😊 I am just starting because I had bought some goldfish for my outdoor pond but it was too cold to keep them out over winter so I had to buy a giant tank to house them for the winter. 😄 I’ve gotten attached to them now I’m nervous about putting them back out in the spring. They seem to like it in their tank too.

[@Fishtory]

Very cool! Welcome 🙏

[@mumbaibalconygardenerhobbies]

Your channel content inspires me every day in my hobby . Your style is how I like to keep my aquariums too , thank you 🙏.

[@Fishtory]

So nice of you to share with me! Thank you. I am honored and humbled. Thanks

[@mostrosticator]

This channel and Father Fish channel are great sources of information. Thank you your time in making this video.

[@Fishtory]

No problem. Thanks for stopping by

[@goblinhammer8335]

Always appreciate these deep dives. Like how you try so many methods and give them more than a month or two to see how they turn out.

[@Fishtory]

Thank you very much. I feel like too many channels just dont cite any science or conduct proper experiments...so its all annecdotal...which can be okay with detail oriented people, but it's not easy to have incorrect biases, assumptions or info when there is no control or baseline tank to compare with.

[@unifiedvision999]

Doing up my tank up way different than ever, live plants, little creatures, etc., your videos are the best I've seen, obviously most knowledgeable.

[@Fishtory]

Wow, thank you so much. Best of luck to you, as well!

[@AndreKochDre]

Brilliant video! One of the most informative I've watched in this hobby.

[@Fishtory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abelangjq]

ooo nice remark on maintaining an ecosystem being a puzzle and a riddle, resonated with me, even though i dont have an aquarium at all lol

[@Fishtory]

Well thanks for coming by and sympathizing!

[@supremepeace.]

All my tanks are exactly this style. And all of them works perfectly. Amazingly I never have an algae outbreak thanks to the floating plants. I was wondering what the fish are at your back? Apparently they don't have any swimming space.

[@Fishtory]

The fish are all pencil fish and tetras "nano fish". But there were 3 angels in there at the time of filming...so I trimmed a racetrack shaped path around the whole tank, with a pvc pipe cave for them to swim laps around, or hide in

[@supremepeace.]

@@Fishtory oh, ok that's nice.

[@user-hs7ot2pl4g]

yes another aquarium channel that makes sense. you and father fish have given a lot of inspiration, thank you. subbed

[@Fishtory]

Awesome! I'm honored. Welcome to the community ( father fish and i are friends and over lap on a lot of topics)

[@henryrooyakkers8510]

Father Fish can sometimes be very funny in unexpected ways.

[@mileskinman8258]

This was awesome! Great job at explaining everything clearly and in detail. This gives me loads of inspiration to get back into fish keeping.

[@Fishtory]

You can do it! Also, I was So glad to read your comment!

[@Wendigosh]

You have the best channel i could binge these all day

[@Fishtory]

That makes me so elated to read this. Thank you!

[@angiebear8727]

This was really helpful. I do enjoy the creating an ecosystem part of the hobby the most by far.

[@laurabustos6560]

How you like to keep aquariums is how I aspire to do it when I grow up. I'm only early 40's so I have a ways to go! In all seriousness, your fish, plants et all look sooo healthy and happy! That's all I really want, my wet friends to live their best life (on a big budget as I'm disabled and very fixed income) and hopefully make enough out of my tanks to pay for themselves food wise, and maybe even enough to pay for another tank and critters. ✌️

[@Fishtory]

Haha thank you kindly. Im actually in a very similar situation. Other than my lights and substrate ...and livestock i try and get things as cheap as possible too. My fish room makes a grand per month or so if i can source buyers for my output

[@williamleidy6713]

I can agree that the only communality in fish keeping is success. I put together a 14 gal rimless cube starting with a base of lava rock , aqua soil capped with small gravel. Heavy plants , seru stone . Mechanical filtration is a Tetra micro internal canister filter that I use to move water. It does very little actual filtration. It has been set up for six months but has been occupied by fish for about four months. Mostly success with Narite snails , Rio flame tetras , sparkling goramis , two syphodon gobies , one oto cat and one honey / thicklip goramis hybrid.

[@Fishtory]

Nice

[@pinheadlarry2506]

Surprisingly enough, I have actually reached a very stable tank ecosystem despite having no live plants or anything fancy to keep it up. Multiple times I’ve done water changes a month apart. I always checked the parameters before I did the change, and everything was perfect except for about 25ppm worth of nitrate(which is expected). Now I’m looking into making a legitimate eco system with live plants, and I think my tank is going it be an excellent place for them to grow. I haven’t watched your video fully at the time of this comment, but I’m sure I’ll learn something useful, cuz making a self sustaining ecosystem is exactly what I’m looking to do. Thanks in advance for the advice!

[@Fishtory]

You got it. If you can do that without plants, plants will make your life extremely easy...and give you that safety window for nitrates just in case. Plus i think they look great and encourage fish to spawn

[@pinheadlarry2506]

@@Fishtory They do. I’m investing in easy to grow plants since I’m a noob at this. I’ll report back in due time(if I remember lol)

[@caroleinwv]

Your tanks look amazing! Balance is magic!

[@Fishtory]

Aww thanks.. theyre actually the messiest theyve been since summer haha

[@66bigbuds]

I started back in the 60s with gold fish and in the 70s guppies. I had so many guppies all over the house. Parents freaked. But they were in bowls, buckets, tanks,etc anything that would hold water. No filters, no plants, no water changes, or electric cords. A couple years later I added plants and so many different fish over the years. Some really do need fresh water pumping through their tank. But most don't need an electric cord at all. I do like to add an air stone. And an accaisional sponge filter.

[@dafartmaster4202]

i love this video a ton :) my fish tank started with a bin of swamp water i started keeping that i eventually added some rcs to and now i have a planted tank with bamboo shrimp, my cherries and corydoras...i also have some planarian, water fleas and various aquatic annelids kicking around but my cories seem to enjoy sniffing around for them enough that i had to make a separate tank to make sure i have a couple of adults on the back burner lol

[@m1964c]

I don’t do water changes but every few months in my 180. Personally I’ve found over cleaning kills my fish & plants. I have a sump pump running.

[@arthurcutaiar9994]

Man dude. I love the in depth long format videos. Plenty of know how.

[@Fishtory]

Thank you for your support 🙏

[@FishCapadesProductions]

Amazing video yet again 👏 ❤️ . Thank you for going into detail on how you run your tanks. You are an amazing wealth of knowledge and I thoroughly enjoyed this one ❤️ thank you so much for all you do! I am still pretty new to this trying to figure it all out.

[@Fishtory]

So nice of you to say. Thank YOU for stopping by and leaving a jind word. Have a great week!

[@Mr_puppy39]

Always great advice 😊 i setup a tank 1 month ago. I see a lot of things ive done right and wrong. But more importantly I've assesed goals for the future health of my tank. Thank you ❤

[@Fishtory]

Right on! Best of luck to you and the hobby! Its amazing once you fit the puzzle pieces together and just get to enjoy the ecosystem that is a fish tank!

[@brendatraub1161]

You are a wealth of information! I am so happy that i found your channel! Thank you for doing this 😊😊

[@Fishtory]

You are welcome here! Thanks for coming by!

[@andrewgoldfish]

Wow so much great info. I need to redo my 10 year old 125 dirt planted tank and this was a great help.

[@Fishtory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anga9495]

I meant to respond right when you posted this, but was delayed. I GREATLY appreciate your work, your dedication, your spectacular attention to detail and your approach. It isn't just better for the fish, it's better for the environment... For decades I've followed similar models of fish keeping. Not to your level of detail. But the getting the basics right and letting it go. Replacing evaporated water with water I leave out for days or weeks instead of doing stressful water changes. Feeding on a different schedule to avoid buildup or the stress of too much change. Keeping water I pullout to see what critters will grow with a little extra good algae. Always an experiment and loads of fun! Over the years I haven't had many deaths. Most of my fish live long lives. I admit you are the first person who is inviting of planaria... They just generally freak me out. I can handle watching acting surgical that doesn't include breaking bones, but show me a planaria and I get obsessive about eradicating them. But, with your awesome approach and ideas I'll try my best. I just hate the idea of rabid killer planaria going after slow snails or shrimp, tho it's obviously rare and usually doesn't happen to healthy populations. Thank you for all of your amazing information and contributing to the hobby so well!!

[@Fishtory]

Im honored. Thank you so kindly

[@bevfrigon7142]

What a great video Alex! I'm watching it for the third time lol. Thank you for sharing all this info with me. You're a real inspiration and love hearing all your passion for fabulous fish keeping!! ❤🇨🇦

[@Fishtory]

That makes me grin from ear to ear... not in a weird joker way...in a good way lol. But thank you so very much for being a part of this community and stopping by! Have an amazing week

[@frostedflower2032]

Really helpful overview. Its been a stressful week since I found multiple asian leeches, green hydra, and a growing scud population (along with neat beneficial micro-fauna) after my first neos have settled into my tank. After doing a bunch of research (videos/papers/blogs), I decided that for my purpose of trying to establish a shrimp tank, I want to put my stock and plants into quarantine and start over, if only to give baby shrimp the best chance of survival. The scientist in me was thrilled for such variety of inhabitants, but the experience showed me how much I have been overfeeding the tank and that I shouldn't have neglected quarantining my plants, even if "that was my only tank". I've been really bummed out and feeling like I've failed honestly but your videos make me feel more confident in doing better next time. I plan to use the next 6 weeks to learn more so I can do things the best I can in the new set-up. I went fluorite-only for my substrate the first time, but I think after the quarantine I'll try a Walstad (aquasoil/fluorite cap) + filter method and ordered Diana Walstad's book to supplement my knowledge from your channel. All of that to say, thanks for sharing your knowledge, and accidents/experiences!

[@Fishtory]

Thank you. I wish you the very best. Sounds like you have a grest plan in place. And if you want to clear out microorganisms get some guppy fry or small fish to grow out in the tank for a few weeks or months, then let the shrimplettes grow out in the tank that the small fish have mostly cleaned all the pests ... time also just tends to correct any one organism species that is taking over the others.

[@frostedflower2032]

@@Fishtory thanks for the idea! the whole gang is doing well in quarantine, and I still haven't had the heart to yank out my plants. I love endlers so I might try that to see if it helps balance things out first!

[@emb7551]

Hey Alex, I love your videos they are helping me a lot with my ptsd. Thank you ❤

[@Fishtory]

Im so honored to hear that. Be well! Treat yourself and take time for the special things in life. Thanms for your support!

[@emb7551]

@@Fishtory 🌸💕

[@mr.resistance4015]

Between you, father fish, and aquarium co-op, im trying my best to be patient with my 29-gallon planted tank before i add any fauna. Im hoping to have shrimp, snails, tetras, [and maybe a couple gourami!] I even got rid of most of my plastic decor to add more plants! Hopefully, with all yalls help I wont mess anything up 🤞 Thank you for all the info!

[@Fishtory]

Be careful with gouramis and shrimp. Maybe honey gouramis would leave adults alone, but all gouramis will eat the baby shrimp. Just a heads up. I do have a couple videos on fish that do well with shrimp though! Thanks for coming by. Have a great weekend

[@mr.resistance4015]

@Fishtory Yeahhh, that's why I mentioned [maybe] Lol But I will definitely check those videos out! Thank you

[@Iceman4Christ]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge & wisdom about the hobby! 🤙🏼

[@Fishtory]

My pleasure! Thanks for coming by.

[@lisa22630]

I’ve been maniacally researching planted aquariums every day for the last two months or so and finally stumbled across your channel and needed to tell you thank you SO MUCH for sharing your immense knowledge and experience with the world. You’re brilliant and a fantastic speaker and teacher, and I’ve learned so much! I pulled the trigger and bought an aquarium but am taking a long time to plan and make sure I have everything on hand to properly set up the beginnings of a healthy, sustainable ecosystem, not just a pretty glass rectangle. Just wanted to thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@Fishtory]

This warms my heart! Welcome and best wishes with your adventure into aquaria. I'll be here if i can assist at all. Cheers

[@iwanjirkuw8596]

I love your setups and thinking! I'd love to have staged aquariums set as one big yet interconnected ecosystem! 😉 👍🏻

[@Fishtory]

You can do it! Just time and patience is required

[@TheElathema]

Thanks I've been in the hobby a while and I've learnt a little bit more from your video. Cheers.

[@Fishtory]

Why thank you! We're all still learning.... always :)

[@chrishowell4775]

Science is wonderful, and you have a great way of explaining it. Thank you

[@Fishtory]

Thank brothern

[@Miss.kittty]

I love the way you explain things. Thank you for making it easy to understand❤.

[@seangram4220]

Thank you I’m 49 and just started to be a fish keeper for the first time

[@ownup440]

I love this channel. I feel like I’m back in school in my favorite class sometimes lol

[@Fishtory]

Thank YOU! IM so happy to hear that.

[@chriscyr4982]

As usual you rock the knowledge world for aquarists. Great video, thanks !!!

[@michelle8898]

thank you for all the wonderful information. I am just starting out into the natural aquarium process as opposed to the constant upkeep ones. I am slowly transitioning each of my tanks. I have mostly tetras and live bearers. I have mollies, neons, angels, gourami's, Buenos Aires, cory catfish, rosy barbs, bleeding hearts, serape's, algae eaters and dojos and three, 12" plecos. What I am wondering is... how soon can you transfer your fish from a "gravel" only/plastic plant type aquarium to an all-natural, live plant aquarium? And what kind of "natural" would my fish fall under because everything I have read says... "fish can adapt to all kinds of water conditions and environments." I don't want to shock my fish and that's what scares me.

[@Fishtory]

I think everyone but the a angels should be fine immediately. Angels and larger carnivores...tend to need flow and oxygen more to metabolize protein. So just keep a sponge filter going for them... and lots of plants

[@michellebarnhill5130]

Great Video, Alex. I have been power watching your old videos, they are very informative!

[@Fishtory]

Great to hear. Thank you so much. I'm very flattered

[@DiegoRooks]

You are philosopher man . I philosopher of … aquatic life. You even have a “Barb” metaphor

[@tuckrex2038]

I’m starting out on filterless tanks and I have never gotten a clear answer on substrate, is a good rule one inch of rocky substrate, one inch of aquasoil, capped off with an inch of sand? If so, why sand? I have heard it makes plant roots struggle to grow. If sand is good, what type/brand of sand do you use? Aswell, what type of rocky substrate do you use for the bottom layer? Lastly, would dirt work in place of the aquasoil? Sorry for the kinda complicated question. You’ve been a massive help and I absolutely love your videos and hope you never stop contributing to the hobby with these extremely informative videos. Learning how we domesticated bettas was the most interesting thing I’ve seen in months and that’s really saying something. Thank you

[@Fishtory]

Thanks for your question... i have some videos on sand caps.... and on substrate if you want in depth info... but i tend to use 1/2 inch of sand on bottom.. with root tabs or powdered fertilizers for the long long haul.. then 1 or 2 inch of pea gravel ..rouneded to create voids and 1 to 2 inches of aquasoil for the energy ... and you can cap it with sand and lock in the ammonia and nitrogen compounds, plus fine sand ...pool filter sand specifically acts as a sand trap of sorts... itll slowly settle lower and bring the fish waste and nutrients down with it over months .... or skip the sand cap and cycle the tank for around 6 weeks with no fish to avoid the ammonia spike from exposed aquasoils... your choice ...well its all your choice, live and learn hehe. But that's the route i ideally like for a long term tank

[@tuckrex2038]

@@Fishtory Thank you so much bro I’ll make sure to check out those other videos

[@bruceguyster]

Wow! There is so much going on in your fish tanks. You call that jungle style right? I am new again to the hobby thanks to my grandchildren's lack of interest and this is the first video from you that KZbin has sent my way. Really got a lot out of your presentation and plan on using some "real" dirt in the substrate along with gravel and some of the active soils on the market in a 90-gallon that I plan on scaping. I loved the level of detail that you went into as you described each tank and its purpose. You and the aquarium community provide an excellent knowledge base for "new again" to the hobby folks like me. I appreciate your dedication to the hobby and art. Blessings, Bruce

[@Fishtory]

Thank you kindly. Also, welcome back to the hobby! And if i can ever assist with any questions, just drop me a comment. Cheers 🙏

[@kdr1048]

Awesome vid Alex! Really enjoyed it. I love this hobby too! Could listen to you all day 👍

[@Fishtory]

Thank you,,

[@45kittyboo]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain

[@Fishtory]

You're very welcome!

[@katieroscoe1415]

Love this so informative and love the length full of substance

[@Aiken47]

I really like this style of aquarium keeping

[@fabriciofuentes9232]

Wow. Amazing vídeo man! New sub. Cheers from Patagonia argentina.

[@Fishtory]

Welcome aboard! And thank you

[@sigui.habana]

Now I finished watching the video and I have to say thanks again Every time someone comes to my place and start like : you should clean this tank , you should do a better decoration ( almost every single humans that steps in here ) I come watch your videos and convince myself again that I won’t vacuum the bottom , I won’t change the water , I won’t decorate anything ….. the swampy looking may not be the most picturesque but it may be the best habitat for my fish Almost 5 months not water changes , not air pump, not pet shops quemicals , mostly wild florida plants and my fat mollies 😊

[@Fishtory]

Rigght on! Hell yeah 😎

[@Sue.5776]

Thanks again for sharing your insights and knowledge.

[@PotooBurd]

I enjoy this so much! Amazing content, best wishes to you and your future projects! 🌻

[@Fishtory]

Thank you! You too!

[@user-bw5xf3yr3m]

I love the honesty, you earned a sub

[@Fishtory]

Why thank you. And welcome to the channel 🙏

[@brocksterification]

Awesome vid..thank you. Such a great explanation. I'm going to.have to.watvh this many times.to.get all the details!!

[@Fishtory]

Thank you! Also if you want the info Graphics or illustrations feel free to pause and screen shot them. For only $1.99 you can also get access to charts, graphs w my researched files, 200+.audio episodes of "Fishtory" for members only, that are under the community tab once you become a member

[@adibees]

Great video, lots of great info for a beginner like me. Do you have any videos of setting up a tank with the deep substrates that you suggested in this video? Would love to see something like that to help me setup my first tank.

[@Fishtory]

Yes indeed. Welcome, Also! I have one called setting up a filterless tank , one called safely setting up a deep substrate bowl, vase or tank... those 2 are probably ideal.. then i have a newer video on aquasoils and its called " is aquasoil the best substrate?" Or "what is the best substrate "...where i get more into the science. Then any video on filterless tanks too...and just add a (filter for that extra oxygen and back.up room for error if ammonia ever spikes.) Also i did one several years ago on deep substrate aquascaping/ annoxic aquascapes. Hope the helps, i did a filterless shrimp tank also 2.5 gallons and its been up a year and a half or so.

[@adibees]

@@Fishtory Thank you so much for the detailed reply. This will help tremendously! I'll also take a look at your videos on plants too, to see which ones would be good for my tank. I love the plants in that 50 gallon one with the angel fish :). I loved watching this video because i did something similar for my snakes terrarium. It was fun setting up the bioactive terrarium with different ratios of soil, sphagnum moss, sand, barks etc. It's still running strong for 4 years Ruth minimal maintenance. The isopods, millipedes and springtails keep the enclosed environment in top notch condition breaking down waste and the plants are thriving! So I could really relate to this video of yours :)

[@christianfarina3056]

Thank you for all the info. I just bought a cheap Aqueon 10g Led light kit and I think the light that comes with the hood is not good enough for plants. Can you suggest an affordable light for a 10g planted tank?

[@Fishtory]

Yeah either a fluval pendant small 3.0 planted plus light... or if thats too much, go to home depot and buy 2 LED flood lights for 30 bucks a 2 pack.. you want 6000 or 6500 kelvin warmth and at least 12 watts.... usually 18 is good

[@lifewithnikka7440]

I really enjoy the presentation style content you do. You are such a good speaker in your relaxed teacher mode. It really shows this is how you like doing your content. Loved it!! ☺️☺️☺️

[@Fishtory]

Aww thank you! Im glad you are experiencing yhe channel the way i had hoped folks would! Thank you so much for your support and for stopping by. You make this all a reality for me. Have a great week!

[@lifewithnikka7440]

@@Fishtory Alex, have you or anyone you know experimented with applying fulvic and humic acids into the substrate to help active soils last longer in their ability to keep ph down? I've been reading a lot on natural horticulture methods, and it's really got me wondering how much of that knowledge and research we can actually apply to the health and well being of aquariums without compromising the water column.....especially with the lasagna layered deep beds.

[@dalmainsnyman8703]

I'm planning on creating a deep substrate aquarium with a 2 inch sand cap. I want corydoras vene. Will they rupture the cap? I can't imagine that as they won't dig 2 inches down will they? Love the detailed information thanks

[@dalmainsnyman8703]

Would it be best to increase the dirt layer to 1.5" and the cap to 3"?

[@Fishtory]

It should ...they may dig into it, a little depending on the species and how hungry they are. But it should be stabilized enough that it wont crash or anything, even if they do dig through in a few places...once it's cycled

[@IRMOKE]

Yes A B and C in innnoculating the tank with micro flora and fuana

[@kinglyzard]

@34:15 I wouldn't go with MTS or any other critter that turns the soil. Too much nutrients could be released into the water column. Bladder or Ramshorn Snails are a better alternative, and their leavings are a good source of probiotics for shrimp.

[@unrulyevil]

You are very knowledgeable, good explanation on everything as well. I have to admin probably the best aquatics youtube channel out there. However, I have an issue with some of the stuff you said.. I feel like fish tank, does not necessary has to sit with blinds closed for 16 hours a day nor be so dirty, yep most of the tanks are messy and dirty, but than again, you are doing your thing. I feel like fish tank does not have to be sitting somewhere in the backroom or kids room or a basement, Great looking fishtank can add to the family room, dining room, a hallway, office and many other places that we want to show off and have others see it and enjoy it. However with that said, tanks closer to the end of the video in the other room, look amazing.

[@Fishtory]

Yeah i dont think the tanks should be hidden away either. The fish room gets sun for 4 to 6 hours daily depending on time of the year.( the racks ) ... so here in Seattle we are far north enough that we have sunrise at 530am and sunset at 10pm in winter... with only 5 hours of real darkness... so places like this, closing the blinds when the tank lights should be off...but the room is still filled with ambient window light , i try and close it off, or algae will grow in some tanks. I wish they were out in the family room too...or kitchen etc but my wife only allows 2 tanks outside the fish room, in our 2 bedroom house. Also the racks are where i keep fish mostly for spawning, and i rotate fish from the community tanks. But they are set up to be dirty...or to have biofilm and some algae, because i want the fry to have live food and snacks between feedings of brine shrimp or infusoria etc

[@jamalhester4923]

When using loose gravel as your first layer. What type of gravel do you suggest?

[@Fishtory]

My favorite it lava rock...the red stuff usually for landscaping work...it has iron as a general rule..plus the surface area is very high for bacteria to colonize...either aerobic or anoxic, oh and its light!

[@jamalhester4923]

@@Fishtory thank you very much. Just looked it up and studied it a bit. I'll go for it!

[@scarlettwiddowson4245]

So if im setting up a 6 foot dirted tank with plants and fish, am i better off capping the dirt with small grain gravel as opposed to sand?

[@Fishtory]

Depends on your goals And if you plan on gravel vacuuming . Stem plants id say no... rhizome plants id say yes...and thats when the mulm should be vacuumed if your plants arent going to eat it directly ever... ie... java ferns and water column feeders

[@scarlettwiddowson4245]

@@Fishtory all I've got sorted at this point is I'm going to go with no co2, but the tank already has a sump and i have an old canister filter. Definitely won't gravel vac. I want a carpeting species for the plants but other than that no real preference other than getting cheaper ones, lol. I think I'd prefer sand but I don't mind one way or the other. Is it better to choose the plants then the substrate? I was just gonna pick ones from my lfs and check compatibility while there...

[@janecourtenay3676]

Thank you Alex … so much packed into this that I am going to have to watch it again! 😊😂

[@Fishtory]

100% thank You!

[@amandaphillips7651]

I’ve kept aquariums and ponds without commercial filters for years. House plants and aquatic plants, soil and gravel. Even managed a daphnia explosion in one. I clean my pond bog out once a year to remove plants that survive winter. My gravel in the bog cost more than the pond and filter. The pond runs on a £15 pump I used to have a high tech algae farm that cost thousands. Losing the tech and expense made for healthy tanks

[@catherinesaulnier5448]

Awesome video...learnt so much..

[@Fishtory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonvesagie]

Hi , my name is Jason . hope you are well . I'm busy setting up a 29 Gallon with this dirted natural deep substrate system . my question is the following . . If you evolve to a non filtered tank with this system , how do you keep the water warm and constant throughout the aquarium . In my mind , if there is no filter circulating the water , how then does one get constant temp throughout the tank and not have a hotspot by the heater and find that on the other side of the tank its dangerously cold . I really hope you get to read this and hopefully advise me on what you think I should do . Really enjoy your approach to fish keeping . Thank You Kindly

[@Fishtory]

So the difference in heat within water causes "convection" ( google images of concective or convection flow in an oven or in water). So that helps... but ultimately, you're correct that in a really large tank, it could get as cold as your rook temperature...and if that is the case, you may need to select fish that are better in mild temperature waters...some people even do this outside, and there you would probably need native speckes moslty.

[@jasonvesagie]

@@Fishtory

[@jasonvesagie]

im guessing then its probably advisable t not actually get rid of the filter

[@genesis1_20]

Any recommendations on books that show aquatic environments where plants and different species of fish come from? Wouldn’t mind seeing their natural environment to learn more. Ty

[@Fishtory]

Orinoco River in Photos by Ivan Mikolji and also any "biotope" book by Chris lukhaup or Heiko Bleher

[@genesis1_20]

@@Fishtory Ty so much, I been searching but never find exactly what I am looking for. We need some meat besides fillers on Fish keeping.

[@genesis1_20]

@@Fishtory btw Heiko’s book almost $1400 on Amazon lol cheaper if you can get it overseas for $182 US.

[@rolfboesjes4216]

Love your video! I'm wondering, if you only top of the tanks, what do you do about minerals in the tap water that are concentrating?

[@Fishtory]

So locally we have soft water, but in tanks like shrimp tanks that need to stay very very soft, ill buy 5 gallon jugs of distilled water at the grocery store machine for $2.25 and or use the room's dehumidifier water too

[@donttalktome4696]

Great content. I appreciate the 'deep dives' into the subject matter.

[@Fishtory]

Thank you. I like making those the most. I appreciate the support

[@JB-zq6jx]

I have a tank already with about 3-4" of gravel and it's been established for a year. If I want sand on top, should i just rinse the sand and place it right atop the gravel? That will give me about 3-4" of gravel, capped with about 2" of sand. Or should/can i remove some of the gravel so there's not so much gravel beneath the sand? And should i try to cover all the mulm with sand so it gets buried beneath the sand?

[@Fishtory]

Id probably remove an inch or two of gravel and let the mulm just settle back down before capping it with the 2 inches of sand...also consider adding some root tabs below the sand in a grid pattern every 4 to 6 inches

[@fuzzybud8346]

I have a question. When the water evaporates, water occasionally needs to be added to maintain the same level. Since minerals don't evaporate it stands to reason that the water gets harder and harder over time. How do you handle this situation. Thank you.

[@Fishtory]

Yes great observation. I happen to have nearly pure tap water. With a tds of 20ppm ....so with plants in a tank, my gh and kh never rise...but if i lived in most locations in the USA id need to use a RO/DI filter and remineralize accordingly

[@laurabustos6560]

Weird off the wall question, If I have really old cholla, I'm in southern California on a succulent and cactus nursery, like really old, 20-30 years old, should I take for granted that that wood, since it's been out in the weather so many years, doesn't prob have enough tannins etc to really help my water? Is it basically just a decoration? And I should be adding additional botanicals? Many thanks if anyone can enlighten me.🙏✌️

[@Fishtory]

It has more surface area than a sponge for somewhat passive biofiltration! So its great for a colonizing media for good bio films and nitrobactcilis species! Definitely, a great addition to a tank

[@laurabustos6560]

@@Fishtory cool!! Thank you! I set up an invert only tank and added 9 asst red, yellow and orange neo cardinia and 2 bamboo shrimp today!! And a mystery 🐌. I watched enough of your content that I feel comfortable w this as a starter tank after not having tanks for almost 20 years. I'm hoping the asst neo C's make some cool looking babies, not just muddy buddies, although both me and my son like the revert muddy brown guys too, so if that's mostly what I get that's cool too. But hoping to add some CPD's maybe to see if they breed in cool water to maybe sell as they're not common in my LFS's. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience. 🙏✌️

[@darnellfisher4148]

I wonder how much a water change would be needed using your system with a discus aquarium? Thanks a bunch.

[@Fishtory]

I would probably just make sure nitrates were at 0 and tds was under 160 or 180ppm . Some of my tanks will sustain that due to having so many plants...just with evaporation top off...however, some crowded tanks, or tanks with plecos or messier fish that eat a lot, may need to have 20% or so water change every 10 to 14 days

[@djberg3483]

Thanks for the education