DEEP DIVE: What is the BEST SUBSTRATE For Planted Aquariums? For Anaerobic & Aerobic Filtration Also

[@Fishtory]

All the links to info about setting up and cycling planted tanks How to Add Nitrogen Active Aquasoil to an Existing Aquarium substrate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enbPdX2Hnpd7epI To cap or not to cap substrate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqDXi6xqgdt2bqc Understanding nitrifying and de-nitrifying bacteria cycles kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHe7hHh_qM-pf6c A seasoned tank vs a merely cycled tank: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqvYkpiehLKsZqs Creating a balanced, filterless," no tech" ecosystem in a bowl, jar or nano tank kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWPLqaNrhbmfi9U How to safely convert your aquarium into a filterless ecosystem kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGOzkmWpirqKZpY Why Aquarium Plants Melt and or Die & How to Prevent it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4q5Zp-qdthsd9k When to add plants to an aquarium. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH_Xqa2qZ5unoK8

[@MrSwifty21]

Hi Alex Another awesome info dump! I have an idea for you for a video series. Build a new tank from scratch, your "ideal/perfect" tank. Take it slow and talk through EVERY aspect. Selecting substrate, plants, tank size, aquascaping, water parameter monitoring, when to add stock, how you decide what to stock, etc, etc. The idea is to get insight into your thought process and problem solving

[@MrSwifty21]

And then do weekly updates on the progress of the tank. How the parameters shift over time, how you manipulate or counter that shift, plant growth, future plans, live stock progress, substrate stratification, etc...

[@myhobbiesgalore]

Also do start to finish on starting white worms blood worms and daphnia and skuds cultures

[@myhobbiesgalore]

Sorry I also would like to know I have a planted darted tNk 2 inch organic potting soil with sand capped and some river peoples for some contrast...how can I tell if I need to add those additives liquid and pills or even add more soil into the tank...I have stopped gravel vacs once I realized mulm was good and then just learned that it will create its own layers

[@myhobbiesgalore]

Need to watch all videos apparently

[@jenninebyron7224]

❤ This video is awesome. I have been off of alcohol for 13 months now. I was drunk daily for 15 years. In the last year, I have started 4 nano aquariums that I'm really proud of. I have so much to show for my sobriety. I'm getting ready to plant my new 46-gallon. I've learned so much from you. Thank you for your content. I can't even begin to express the dopamine I get from looking at my aquariums. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Fishtory]

Right on my friend! My new "high" is literally learning things that im curious about. It works well long term, after the acute withdrawals slow down. Maybe you should journal your tank and aquarium hobby journey for others too?! Cheers and have an awesome week

[@giftofthewild6665]

It's great that you've become sober, congratulations 🎉 but you've basically just replaced 1 addiction for another (albeit a less damaging one) 😂 Be prepared to suffer from multiple tank syndrome and have every spare surface covered in aquariums soon 😂

[@emilyray8344]

Congratulations on your sobriety. Life is so much better when you are awake and alert to enjoy it. Aquariums are a great hobby.

[@BLIND_BEAR]

O m g, I love ur story. Congratulations!!

[@Mango-h5h]

I hope u get dopamine from ur cute dog too

[@thesolaraquarium]

I only understand about 10% of what you say but I like it❤. Science gives me a headache 😂 Deep knowledge. Impressive. And also respectful of other people’s methods. New sub.

[@Fishtory]

Glad to hear that! Welcome to the community my new friend!

[@deneng0259]

The CEC capacity carrying ability of some thing like kitty litter, turface, and saf-t-sorb are also very high just like your aqua soils. I like using a gravel / large diameter sand mix cap . Luckily i was able to pick up tons of laterite for cheap to mix with the bottom layer. I agree with you the expensive aqua soil is great but runs out of gas after a year but that is why i do not gravel vac. I use a aqua soil as middle layer or i also like the organic soil. The 1 inch slow moving plenum seems to help move the water through the cap, but i am not sure and still it makes sense. Thank You Alex and Tom Barr. Jay from Jays aquarium has some very thorough expanation and experiments on the topic. Do not forget in the wild there are no glass bottoms , and i think that is another good reason for a 1" plenum to promote slow movement.

[@Fishtory]

Oh I agree with everything you are saying as well :)

[@JasPR1000]

Congratulations, you have really nailed another one! This should be required reading for all new budding planted aquarium hobbyists. High class, enlightening, science based knowledge. Kudos and thanks for the contributions to the hobby,

[@Fishtory]

Im honored and humbled. Thank you. I was fascinated by talking with all these people about the history and engineering of it, and just had to share part of the excitement and details that i felt I've missed until now, and probably many others have also

[@Fishtory]

ALL THE LINKS AS PROMISED! How to Add Nitrogen Active Aquasoil to an Existing Aquarium substrate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enbPdX2Hnpd7epI To cap or not to cap substrate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqDXi6xqgdt2bqc Understanding nitrifying and de-nitrifying bacteria cycles kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHe7hHh_qM-pf6c A seasoned tank vs a merely cycled tank: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqvYkpiehLKsZqs Creating a balanced, filterless," no tech" ecosystem in a bowl, jar or nano tank kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWPLqaNrhbmfi9U How to safely convert your aquarium into a filterless ecosystem kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGOzkmWpirqKZpY Why Aquarium Plants Melt and or Die & How to Prevent it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4q5Zp-qdthsd9k When to add plants to an aquarium. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH_Xqa2qZ5unoK8

[@jordanwilde9226]

Great education! I didn't realize how much engineering went into aquasoil, that was incredible to learn and makes me interested in potentially using it sparingly in my mixed substrate tanks in the future.

[@Fishtory]

I didn't know before a month or two ago... and i felt like it gets misused or under utilized, but for making tiered scapes, nursery tanks with things being moved, or just carpeting scapes, its the best out there in my opinion... all the top aquascapers use some form of it... without exception on ADAs 100 best list annually ( there are a dozen varieties and brands, but pelletized soil is the constant)

[@jenasteiner6611]

This is awesome thanks I still want to see sand sifting behaviors and have sand loving fish so I’m torn between going all aqua soil or trying separate sand and soil

[@Fishtory]

I think half and half looks lovely!

[@PaulZyCZ]

I like to do layers. Similar to FF method, but with with some aquasoil and active base layer. In my last tank I used layer of pond compost, Dennerle base layer, Japanese aquasoil and gravel. Several months later I'm seeing some algae buildup, so I'll probably add light layer of sand. Both aquasoil substrates have capping effect to a degree.

[@Fishtory]

I do the same type thing frequently also

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

Before I ever found Alex or Father Fish I did my first 20g hex like that, it's still the easiest tank I have- layers of layers, but mostly eco complete red with sunset sand on top. So clean looking compared to most of my other ones! (I struggle lol)

[@Papa_Naka]

I went with father fish deep substrate method. I used ADA power sand at the bottom with ADA Amazonia aqua soil on top. In addition to this I added charcoal pieces, recharge mycelium mixture, 50 iron supplemented red clay balls, and father fish soil additive all mixed into aqua soil. I then topped it with black sand. I am happy with the results of my tank and all of my plants are fine. No big algae blooms. I only have one fish and a load of snails in it right now. 55 gallon with one sponge filter and an air stone. Been a month looks good. I'll add a CO2 generator permanently, probably when I fully stock the tank. In addition to this i have 80 tourmaline and maifanitum supplemented balls for shrimp next to my sponge filter to promote good bacteria and filter heavy metals.

[@Fishtory]

Sounds like a plan!

[@joseph7105]

Hmm I grabbed a bucket of mud from a creek and dropped that in my tank, along with 2 inches of sand cap. 2 years later everything going strong only cleaned my sponge once and everything is thriving. Just make sure you have enough fish to replenish the substrate I would have spent over $100 if I were to track down every ingredient.

[@sahindemirer]

You guys having gas buildup in your substrates? That stinks and these are big bubbles. When will they finish?

[@pennyrichards8019]

Where were you able to find black sand? I'm having zero luck finding just sand turn off the fancy pre-packaged stuff that's $25 a bag

[@Fishtory]

@pennyrichards8019 its called blasting sand and for pressure cleaning / sanding. But its made from very hard crushed coal which is just carbon crystals almost like graphite. It should be at lowes or home depot. The most common brand is "black diamond"

[@somethingsfishy7662]

Thank you for this great info! I lost all my fish after a recent house fire. Fortunately, we didn’t lose our home, but due to the fact the power has been off and no heaters or pumps are active in my fish tanks, nobody has survived. That being said, I’m taking this opportunity to rebuild my tanks from the ground up. I’ve been debating between the Father Fish method of substrate or aqua soil for growing plants. I do believe I’m going to save myself a headache and go with the Fluval Stratum. Thank you! 🙏

[@Fishtory]

Honestly his tanks are great, but especially if you have more than one to do, the care and the looks, plus the diversity of plants that will thrive.... i think aquasoil is the way to go, and it took me 10 years complaining about the price and this and that to finally realize it lol. By the way, so sorry to hear about the fire. Keep your head up, and enjoy that fresh start as much as possible. Cheers. -alex

[@gailtenaglia4398]

Great video , must watch again ? Was going to goemwiith a dirted tank but i am not sure now ? MD fish tanks uses some of thes methods . I will look atcskme of tyd pellets .. thank you

[@Fishtory]

Right on. Use whatever works best for you!

[@Ceretrea]

Do you, or can you, provide pdfs of those diagrams? They are fascinating and would be handy to have. 😅

[@Fishtory]

If you email me, and you know which subjects you want graphics of, i can reply with them attached :)

[@BLIND_BEAR]

Honestly what I do, which has lived greatlyyyyyyyy with my no co2 or filter setups, is normal indoor plant soil, and then aqausoil on TOP, works wonders

[@Fishtory]

Hey, lots.of methods work. Do what's best for you and your hobby/fish

[@msbranen6261]

I love a good deep dive!

[@BigFadZ]

Your my favorite Chanel because you put every youtuber info into one informative video. Your method of explaining is the best. Question, can I set up a hybrid style as you call 'lasagna'. Porous rock on the bottom , plenum style. Dirt on top , walsted style. Maybe fluval. And then sand cap , father fish style. LOL this is what I gathered from KZbin research. Will it work ? Because it's confusing info out there. It's similar to what you mentioned in this video. Just wasn't sure why the plenum is ehh 😁

[@Fishtory]

Yep i have 2 tanks like that! So you're golden. I dont know if it's better or more diverse in microfauna/flora or whatnot...but the layered pourus rock is great for beneficial bacteria at first...then mulm fills in and itll be nutrients for plants all in between....while the soil or aquasoil above acts as an immediate plant fertilizer..and a sand cap will seperate the ammonia plus likley allow for some anoxic bacterial development ... so it wouldn't hurt to add a little iron, pottassium, magnesium and or even some compound with sulfur.. in that lower level of stone....then the bacteria can convert nitrogen compounds into trapped ammonia for the plants over 6 months to a year....and then onward. Lastly...make sure to use some stem plants, so the deeper substrate layers get utilizes and are biotically rich over the aging of the substrate. Best of luck and id love to hear how its going in 6 months or so... ( youll likely have one algae bloom about a month in... i have videos on dealing with that also) .

[@teddnaing6851]

Thanks a whole lot, Alex. This video came out just in time for me to decide whether I should go deep substrate dirted tank or aqua soil in my new tank.

[@Fishtory]

Im So glad this video was of use, then. Cheers

[@teddnaing6851]

@@Fishtory For me, you always seem to give the best and most complete advice when it comes to this hobby. Thanks

[@rakiest]

This is how I kept my reeftank -- a full, rich, high input, high output system, lots of bio filter, lots of microfauna. A healthy tank makes healthy tankmates, be it fish, corals, or plants.

[@Fishtory]

Right on. I need to finally make my return to salt water hehe

[@wildandwackywade]

As anyone done a sand then the mud like father fish says then sand on top or mixing sand into the mixture and have a complete dirt and earth type

[@Fishtory]

Yup we've been friend the better part of a decade and ive made many father fish style and walstad style tanks

[@maddib1723]

You ever do mushrooms and just stare at the tanks 😂 bruh that would be a sick trip

[@Fishtory]

Duh 😉

[@adambushman2928]

This guy and father fish have made me look at fish keeping in a way more interesting light. Only problem is now I look insane to all the people in my family for how interested I am in it😜. Oh, and my wallet is kinda hurting too

[@Fishtory]

You and me both! ... oi lol

[@wheelbite9]

I definitely wouldn't have guessed the expensive stuff actually worked the best. Thank you for the knowledge.

[@Fishtory]

I wouldnt have either haha

[@ndbyers23]

This is exactly what I have been trying to do. at first, everything was running well, stable parameters, plants growing well (nothing as lush as you) I had a ton of Ramshorn snails and was getting tired of only seeing then. So I systematically started manually removing them and got 1 assassin snail. A few weeks after that, I realized I was starting to get algae. I had a decent light but nothing fancy. So BBA and blue green algae (which I know is not really an algae. This large aquarium is in the only place that it would fit. A large room facing south, with windows also on the east and west walls. And finally, the wall is painted a light blue so I am sure that cause algae too. We do close the blinds in the summer, but there’s not a lot I can do about that. I have a piece of black foam board covering the south end of the tank. I had also just set up I had finally set up and began using my Fluval plant 3.0 plant light. The app is annoying and I really want to do an least one siesta. Currently my tank has gone haywire with so much algae, mostly hair, but also some BBA and the blue green in my deep substrate (Ecocomplete). Seen from the front glass. So I know I need to dial in the lights (how?) and get rid of the top layer of the algae covered substrate. I have algae on the glass but don’t really mind because of the way the nano fish munch on it. I am also going to pull up all the plants and put them through a 12 hour scientifically proven to remove all algae, snail eggs, and other pest (maybe not) and actually give the plants an increased exposure to CO2 that gives them a healthy boost. It was developed by several scientists and other members of Aquarium Co-Ops C.A.R.E forum. It’s called R.R. Reverse Respiration. I cannot find the link right now, but I know it’s on the forum. I will look again and post it. What is the best way to remove all the algae that is stuck to the first layer of the substrate? And should I remove my fish from the tank while I do all this? Unfortunately, my mature sponge filter is very full of green hair and BBA algae. This is the only tank I have set up. I have a spare 10 g. I have a school of approximately 15 chili rasboras, probably 15 green neon tetras, 6 Pygmy corys, and 3 juvenile male Threadfin Rainbowfish. I know I need to get at least 5 females. Some orange cherry shrimp and 4 short nose shrimp and 1 mystery snail whose shell is covered in a hairy, moss-like green hair algae And of course bladder snails. So, should I remove the fish? I really hope you can answer my questions and give me give some ideas based on my situation. Thanks so much for your videos! I really loved your ecosystem video. I have some of those tiny white organisms that skip on the top of the water. The rasboras love them! I just spent 2 hours watching some different ones. I am a subscriber, but don’t watch regularly. Nanci

[@Fishtory]

Welcome 🙏 i would love to talk you through all of this, as i do have some advice...but if you pick a "system" or method of doing things, its usually best to stick with the core of it... as i dont know what i would throw off with my advice. Buuut, 3 days complete black out, 3 or 4 nerite snails and some water changes after ...thats what id recommend...and half a dose of gram possitive antibiotics to kill the blue green algae (since it can survive in the dark). Toss a quilt over the whole tank though... not just lights off. Then restart doing your system of the 12 off thing...and i think youll make some headway. ( turn off co2 during the black out, add airstone for fish) And also i have a video called " can too little light cause algae?" Or " can low light cause algae"... you may want to check that video out. Best wishes! Have a great weekend

[@raeofsunshine369]

I LOVE your deep dive videos! You are the best!

[@Fishtory]

Thanks my friend

[@giftofthewild6665]

This is great, I'm about to set up a new planted 15 gallon and I want to do dirt substrate. Thanks for the information 😊 I've always wanted to try ADA aquasoil, but I cant do it for this tank as it buffers ph to around 6.8 which is great for plants, but not great for the lake inle species I want to keep in this tank. Im thinking of using a volcanic gravel which has trace elements but is inert and doesnt modify pH at all, and mixing this with a little bit of clay and topsoil, then putting that under a pool sand cap. Other option is finding an active substrate that buffers pH above 7, if there is one I'd be interested 😊

[@Fishtory]

So I actually did a lake inle tank... and used 50% ada Amazonia and 50% inert fluval stratum ... some crushed coral, some botannicals. Root tabs and I Let the plants grow in first for a month or so

[@charlesmorris6476]

My question is how long is Amazonia, Fluval Stratum, Eco-Complete etc. etc. viable or effective, does this type of medium wear out and need to be replaced? If so, how often, or is it perpetual or everlasting once put in never have to change it type of scenario? If one has to change it, say every two or three years that seems quite expensive, but if it lasted 10 or 20 years, I could justify the extreme amount of money they want for such soils. Does the science support long-term effective use? Your thoughts would be appreciated. You have my thumbs up. It seems like you’re talking mostly and specifically about the the center of the round ball Amazonia pellets, what about the other high-quality soils? How do the other soils work in this way? Do they have an anaerobic pellet type medium or how do they work as compared to Amazonia’s anaerobic center. In other words, how is the same effect taking place in a more common form of high-quality soil, as some may not be pellets or round balls with an anaerobic center. I hope I’m making myself clear and you understand my question a comment would be appreciated. PS. I clearly understand the basis of what you’re saying, I was just wondering if all the high-quality soils are built the same way as pellets or balls with an anaerobic center And if any of the soils need to be replaced after a certain period of time or rejuvenated in someway with supplements? OK I listened to more of your video, and you seem to have answered most of my questions about how long such soil lasts and unfortunately as you pointed out it doesn’t seem to last very long maybe two years, just wished it wasn’t so expensive. I may have to resort to the free dirt method, which kind of sucks because there are so many advantages to something like Amazonia or Fluval.

[@Fishtory]

Well to be honest dirt doesnt last much longer either. Think about crop rotations...that usually a 6 month growth window... and feilds often need rotation annually or every 2 years...which is only 1 year of growing season. So it really depends on the soil/dirt...and the substrates like aquasoils generally break down and end up muddy...which soil is from the start... just a few things to consider. Also the intensity of plant growth and lighting can mean 2.5 years of optimal growth vs 5 with an aquasoil. Basically i consider a soil tapped out if it wont grow carpet plants, personally

[@charlesmorris6476]

@@Fishtory Yep, sounds right. Appreciate your comment. You helped me hone in and get a better focus on this

[@EuroGupper]

@Fishtory Hi Alex, you might want to check out shrimp eye ablation and discuss that barbaric practice for your weekly segment. It might turn you away from eating shrimp 😢

[@Fishtory]

Yeah i don't eat shellfish, but the industry is nasty

[@Kingshukpalchoudhury]

So basically what you mean to say, is that dsb, or soil capped with sand/ gravel, or dsb with gravel, will all function the same as aquasoil once the mulm settles in and it gets matured..its just that it will take more time to do so than readymade aquasoils.. and from what i could understand, is that the mulm actually forms and traps the nutrient layer and/or anaerobic functions.. and 2-4mm gravel will help with the mechanical voids ( and will never break down like aqua soils) So in this case, it seems, if one has time, fine gravel about 3-5 inches will do the job perfectly..within a few months..and of one needs to kickstart the process a bit, one can simply add some organic matter beforehand like maybe soil or cocopeat below the gravel..and for the clay matter/CEC requirements..some soil/burnt clay materials like LECA etc should suffice.. At least this is what I understood from this..

[@Fishtory]

You got it :)

[@chrishowell4775]

❤thanks much for the stream. There is lots of great information. I really like the way you described the aqua soil and how each method works. thanks again

[@Fishtory]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks man

[@toriechuntraruk3611]

I have a 16 gallon tank with gravel. Been running for 2.5 years. Lots of plants. 7 tropical fish. I want it to be a more natural tank with sand. Can I add sand to the gravel or should I take everything out and put soil and cap it wirh sand. I have a hang on the back filter with a sponge and filter media in it and also a bubbler with a sponge and media

[@Fishtory]

If you want plants, youll want to but substrate aquasoil in probably... or maybe root tabs would work if you have some fish poo and debris in bottom layer of the tank. If you've cleaned it a ton, then theres no nutrients for plants and youll need either root tabs or aquasoil

[@what_surrounds]

Thanks Alex, an interesting explanation. It strikes me that the diagram of the pellet at about 11:32 is the visual description in miniature of a BCB basket and of a deep clay substrate with slow moving plenum by Kevin Novak. (Not intended as a criticism, just an observation).

[@Fishtory]

100% ... and it was engineered and patented as such even! By Akadama and then ADA in the 1980s then again 1990s

[@battmyne]

My latest experiment that im running is a deep substrate of aquasoil. 5/6 inches at deepest. Nutrition substrate layer at bottom and some small gravel/sand/old soil mix on top before deep aquasoil. Ive got a crypt tank so wanted loads of space for roots. Im interested if this will combine both ways of creating ammonia for the plants. I think you described a similar thing.

[@Fishtory]

Yup yup. I think youll be happy with the results 9 months in

[@tuckrex2038]

What will happen when aquasoil breaks down? Will it kill off plants? Why does it have to be replaced when it breaks down?

[@Fishtory]

It just stops nourishing them and is more prone to compacting and becoming totally aenerobic...so replacing it keeps the cycles and nutrients in check 3 to 5 years is the longest id probably allow for aquasoil to sit in a tank, before replacing it.

[@VibrioidClover]

Hi there from Spain, very informative video. I´m glad I found your channel. Merry Christmas to you all and happy new year.

[@araticum2]

Love the depth and quality of the content ❤

[@Fishtory]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for supporting the channel and tuning in

[@kylejenkins9389]

Nice video! I had a dream about this question last week haha

[@Fishtory]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@kylejenkins9389]

@@Fishtory Of course! I love your videos! Mostly information you won’t find on other KZbin channels

[@AaronW315]

Since some aquasoils break down into a "mush", imagine because some are clay or similar materials; Would you treat this like a dirt and leave it be or do you have to change it out every year? Ive heard it briefly mentioned, will watch the other video too. Currently I have lake mud under a deep sand cap, extremely stable. But its true, the silt rises through the sand from worms and other things. Id use the aquasoils if I can leave it be like the lake mud ive used for years. Thanks!

[@Fishtory]

Yes pretty much so, with the getting increasingly depleated of sulphur, potassium and phosphates

[@DoomOng-z4f]

Can I use fined lava rock as a cap substrate?

[@Fishtory]

It won't Cap the oxygenated water but will work if everything stays aerobic

[@ObraumDziemniaka]

I found this video after researching how to setu a tank and came from father fish. I was about to start dirty tank, but actually what if we will mix dirty tank method with aqua soil? So we put very rich potting soil on the bottom, lets say 0.5 inch, then aqua soil 0.5 inch and then cap of sand, 2 inches? We plant in the sand, soon plants reach for aquasoil and when minerals are finished they root further for the dirt? In that case we don't have the issue of changing the soil after 6 months. I know that we have still the issue of getting the waste through the sand though. But it makes easier way to top up aquasoil with pellets to fertilise with less probability of bad stuff escaping from the dirt eventually? Or if there will be even any need of fertilisation as the dirt is there... Just thinking loudly 😅

[@Fishtory]

It's good you are thinking about it at all lol. Most people just want a recipe to follow. But if you have time to let the tank cycle fully and plan on using stem or vine/chaining root plants, you should probably keep the ammonia and nitrates fairly low, unless you're keeping a bunch of protein piggies that poop all day like some large plecos, goldfish or any monster foot long fish species

[@karelvo]

Thanks again Alex!

[@Fishtory]

Thank....YOU

[@SpinsterSister]

Is this what Father Fish was talking about in live today? Stratum, ??

[@Fishtory]

Most likely..ill take a look back though, i missed it.

[@rosemiller9140]

Thank you for this great video. I am in the process of starting up another 10 gallon tank and have been trying to decide on substrate. After watching your video I had decided on ADA Amazonia, however it no longer seems to be available. I am only able to find version 2 which says it is sold with root tabs. That being said would I be okay with going with Fluval Stratum and root tabs because it is cheaper? I am willing to spend more to get more, but if I have to supplement with root tabs the only reason I would pay more is if the structure of Amazonia 2 is preferred. Appreciate any information you can provide.

[@fvvfvbbbb]

Did you ever decide which one to go with?

[@rosemiller9140]

@@fvvfvbbbb unfortunately didn't have to. I had a Betta alone in a 10 gallon tank and was going to add another 10 gallon. He died so now I have an empty 10 it already has substrate and plants, so I will be using that tank for new fish.

[@ecpapa3]

So, I have discovered your channel and am binging all the videos. With perfect timing because I am on the verge of kicking my tank up a notch with the plantings. (Current medium light, gravel, lots of healthy plants that don’t root). I am thinking I want to add an active substrate to broaden my plant options. I have a 75 long. I want to keep one side with the gravel and rocks and plants growing on the rocks. But I want to make the other half an active substrate and fill that sucker up with plants! But my tank is established. I don’t have many fish (4 rainbows, 2 corys, and some snails). Can I add my substrate and not deconstruct the entire tank? Is a half and half tank a disaster waiting to happen? I will search through your videos as maybe you discussed this before. I love your videos. Direct and to the point. Two thumbs up!!!!

[@Fishtory]

Welcome to the community! And please let me know if i can answer any questions or assist somehow. Cheers!

[@JimWeaving-ty6tr]

Question: do you think that including some pockets of aquasoil in a rift lake cichlid tank, so that I can boost plant growth?

[@Fishtory]

If you can keep the ph under 8.2 then there are some plants that will survive but if you are up in the 8.4+ they probably wont survive very long. But there are species of valisaneria anubias and several other common hobby species, that do occur in very basic waters...it just has to be from those places like the rift lakes... i know some aquarists in seattle bring plants that were collected in Africa at the rift lakes and it survives when the same species from the hobby as a whole usually wont. So id say if you are running closer to nuetral with minerality high, then try it. If its hard AND high ph, probably skip it unless specifically stated by the grower that its been in those basic waters

[@JimWeaving-ty6tr]

thanks for getting back to me @@Fishtory - and so quickly too! You are a fount of information! (and that's speaking as a biologist myself). One concern I had about using the soil in the cichlid tank was the potential for it to lower the pH (a good thing for my other tanks, all of which have tetras, and one of which has my beloved glass catfish as well), but not so good for cichlids. I will have a good amount of aragonite in the cichlid tank, though, which should act as a buffer for maintaining the high pH. The question is, do you think that the acidifying affect of the aquasoil could be effectively countered by the aragonite, so that I can maintain a stable pH of about 8.2 (which is what I think I'll aim for as being the most suitable for both the fish and any plants that I may add). Cheers, Jim

[@Fishtory]

@JimWeaving-ty6tr yeah it wont acidify things much...even using my very neutral and empty / soft tap water at 7.0 with 50 tds and a kh/gh of about 5 or 6 each... it only acidifies the water to 6.8 or 6.7. I have noticed the aquasoil will cause crushed coral or aragonite to disolve about 20 % faster though...thats a full tank of it and lots of plants, and flow. But its basically a see-saw ... the slight acidity melts the coral or stone which is akaline and hard.. so if nothing else, just do water changes if you notice your tds inching up too much. In my non filter- only water top off tanks...this had a noticable effect...but not in "normal" water change tanks of mine. Cheers

[@JimWeaving-ty6tr]

Ta! @@Fishtory

[@Scionmalth]

"It's got what plants crave!"

[@neutronshiva2498]

Novik's magical mumbo jumbo has already been scientifically disproven.

[@Fishtory]

Well its been proven to work on large scale bog filters.... but yeah, im not convinced it works in tanks very well, if at all...but more to the point- it's not "his work", its first all outlined and replicatable in 1928 Berlin for waste water treatment, then modified and refined, and used by many waste water plants in one way or another... but his claims, scale, the benefits and timeline are all very suspect and either often incorrect (or perhaps lies even? )... seeing as i cannot find a shred of evidence he has a degree in limnology nor a phD of any sort.... but people "know his method" , so im mentioning it as such without referring to him as dr.

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

Question! I have a 20 gallon hex, with deep substrate capped with black diamond sand. I have noticed mulm just doesn't do the thing in slag like it does with regular sand, FF said don't worry about it, but I'm getting ready to mulm suck and not thrilled about it, all the inhabitants elsewhere, so I don't want to mess it up. I have some leftover Stratum from a shrimp project; would it be helpful to cap the black 'sand' with it?

[@Fishtory]

So the black sand will be a cap for sure...i dont like coal sand personally... but others seem to use it okay with lots of plants (theyll eventually punch through for nutrients)... or mylasian trumpet snails which burrow and turn over the substrate. I mean its up to you... ideally you need some voids under your cap, like stone or aquasoil...for the mulm to settle in...otherwise it can take years to let physics work its magic. The mulm will eventually be safe if left undisturbed and just be nutrients and nuetral organic components, but i dont love how it looks in most tanks... id say if you vaccum it, you need to add root tabs or food for plants, or remove the sand and create a layer with some voids...and some ecosystem movement from catfish, plecos or snails, shrimp, scuds... something. Hope that helps. And best of luck!

[@crawfordwice]

I hit the like button twice!

[@OPAIK]

I love your videos dude

[@Fishtory]

Thank you kindly!

[@booperfumprdink859]

Would layering (besides a cap) provide any benefit? Would using gravel or sand as a layer beneath the aquasoil allow for more anaerobic filtering? Or something like ecocomplete which traps mulm better? edit: or potentially mixing substrates with aquasoil

[@Fishtory]

Yes there is a group of people who think it does... however, in year long lab tests at seachem R&D they claim layered or mixed doesnt matter...but usuing between 4 and 5 materials with different densitiy and porosity was the key. But i like "lasagna" tanks, and if nothing else...using medium rocks, then small gravel, then soil, then sand....it allows for mulm and silt to settle out of the way and make less mess up in the water collumn if you tend to the plants

[@thedon1262]

ph swings dont really happen above KH1. they are very minimal alteast so aquasoil is not really doing much on that part. in some rare cases it can help. its more important to note that aquasoil is not a good combo if you try to reach high PH

[@Fishtory]

Thats a great point. My tap water had 0kh and a tds of 20ppm or so, and a lot of folks are using RO water for shrimp these days as well, so i think thats where my mentioning these issues stems from.

[@toetoe160]

They owe you....!

[@Fishtory]

Hehe ... yeah...ive bought enough of all those brands to build a freaking house out of

[@toetoe160]

@@Fishtory In addition, all the bags that will be bought by your viewers on your advice.

[@debbiecurtis992]

Can you please type up the definitions of the words that you're using and put them on the screen so new fish keepers can do less googling? As a fairly new fish mom (my hubby had been the fish keeper but got way too busy with work and slowly let the aquariums dwindle and sit empty, now I'm going to start reviving them, but barely know anything) I'm trying to watch all of these videos from fish folks, but so many foreign words come into use that I'm completely confused. Did that word mean a type of fish, plant, algae, bacteria, substrate, ahhh!!! I'm constantly pausing the video to Google words, which never seem to give the definition quick enough in the description without clicking on a new link and diving down into a 5 minute article. ugh! I really want a natural, planted, beautiful, low-maintenance tank, so I have subscribed to Father Fish and now to your channel. I know several people that have given up on keeping fish because they've said it's too complicated, time consuming, costly, and emotionally devastating when an accident or illness kills all your fish. I'm getting frustrated just trying to learn any natural setups. I'm looking for low maintenance, less cleaning because I DON'T HAVE the time and energy to constantly fuss over my tanks and we have a variety of sizes and shapes that I would LOVE to see teeming with life again.

[@Fishtory]

I understand. My channel is mostly to explain the science behind channels like aquarium coop or father fish. So while ill try and put more definitions up ( thanks for the suggestion!) I definitely think you may want to just watch basic beginer videos and if you have questions, then look up channels like mine. I try and do intro videos too, but over time they get lost because the bigger channels catch all the new people, thus on this channel- being smaller in viewers, most people just see the more advanced topics

[@debbiecurtis992]

@Fishtory Thank you so much. I did notice that the next video of yours that I watched DID have some text on the screen and I love that! I definitely plan to search out more beginner videos on your channel and father fish and a few others. If you have any other recommended Natural type teachers, I'd love to know who to watch. I've watched some aquascapes from a bearded English man whose name escapes me, but I'm very inspired by his beautiful tanks which have aquasoil, beautiful rocks, branches and lovely grasses and stem plants.

[@Fishtory]

@debbiecurtis992 i think aquarium coop's olded videos, rachel oleary videos...theyre all old since she quit youtube. And jason of primetime aquatic, pecktek are all people i think are fantastic. Id say father fish and LRB aquatics...but i honestly think theyre better to watch once you understand a basic planted tank fairly well...then you can decide what aspects to incorporate vs ignore based on your water, fish species, plant intensity, your time and skill level. Cheers

[@EuroGupper]

Best substrate in general is sand

[@rolfboesjes4216]

Elaborate?

[@EuroGupper]

@@rolfboesjes4216 You can do everything with it. 1. Use it to cap off a dirt bottom 2. Just use a sand substrate and montmorillonite clay mix for extra minerals and metals 3. Or just the sand alone with or without fertilizer tablets 4. It's cheap (especially when you have huge tanks or a lot of tanks) The problem with gravel and other big gap substrates is that it can cause food waste and other waste to drop out of reach of your fish and it will all rot and cause ammonia spikes or you will have to regularly clean your gravel

[@peetos-chan2835]

👍👍👍

[@brineblood]

Finally! The first aquarium/aquascape-enthusiast I can stand listening to! Thank you for not using a million smash cuts with stupid graphics and obnoxious voiceovers. So glad the algorithm finally got me here. Subscribed and alerts turned on 👍🏼 Love love love these deep dives and listening to a person who knows what they're talking about without injecting unnecessary ego, instead approaching topics with the genuine curiosity of an actual scientist, and is clearly very passionate about what they do.

[@Fishtory]

Aww oh why thankyuh! You jist made my day! Im glad you're here as well! Welcome 🙏. Dont be shy if you have questions or thoughts...corrections or critiques. As long as its the truth, as far as science knows it.. it never hurts my feelings to make a correction. I strive to put out unique and solidly researched information here. The algorithm often hates it lol... but just stop by the channel's main page or search a subject with "@fishtory" before it on youtube search bar, and perhaps you'll enjoy one of the 1400+ videos I've created

[@GlingGlingON]

I have to agree that despite being mainly a "talking head" you're very easy to listen to and stay engaged; the mark of a good presenter/lecturer. I prefer to watch at 2x; it super concentrates both the enthusiasm and the knowledge! I usually "skip around" videos with the 10-second button but with yours I find myself thinking that I don't want to miss anything. Quality, nutrient dense 😂 content.

[@loris.6614]

Starting the research process before setting up a planted aquarium and your channel is by far the most informative I've come across. I'll keep deep diving your content!

[@Fishtory]

Thank you. Welcome to the community, and feel free to ask questions or join our facebook group for help from other memebers and viewers!

[@CatharticCurios]

Same. Absolute same. Your content kicks some serious butt my dude

[@pattiespetitetanks6181]

I use gravel and if the plant don’t like it they can die !!!!

[@Fishtory]

100pts. To Pattie!

[@softaco3088]

Great informational video. However, I would argue that soil capped with sand is still king because of the price point per gallon depending on tank size. Aquasoil is great for anything smaller than maybe a 40 breeder, but you work your way to say a 125g (From my experience) you are spending $500-$1k on substrate... I've used both and honestly cannot tell the difference in plant growth. One downfall with soil is the soil getting loose above the cap over time, but I've found to fix that you can just put your soil in filter bags and then cap all the filter bags with sand. The roots still make their way into the filter bags. All that being said... If aquasoil was ever as cheap as organic soil, id use the aquasoil. Until then, soil wins me over personally.

[@1991ryanl]

Hey there Alexander. Im trying to figure out why I wouldn't chose an undergravel filter for my next tank.. especially with the information from this video. Previously it made sense that it wasnt great to have an oxygen rich substrate, for the reasons described in Father fish's videos, but with this anaerobic area in the centre of each lump of soil, then would it make a great combination? As ive read countless times, that the best and most effective biological filtration, is available in the substrate... and if gravel vacuuming isnt advised (and just feeding less is), then would the attraction of the detritus towards the gravel/aquasoil, just be beneficial, if that's where you want it to break down and supply the roots? I can imagine an undergravel filter getting a layer of detritus underneath, in the gap that's meant for airflow (similar to the bottom of a canister filter).. but, why cant we just do a waterchange via the air stone tube, and suck out all of that detritus - without disturbing the substrate? Id love to hear your thoughts on undergravel filters in general.. and especially in combination with all of the sentiments of the walstad method/deep substrate method - and the solution being aquasoil, which allows for that oxygen rich flow, without loosing the anaerobic areas... There must be a reason that so many of the most experienced hobbyists are still using undergravel filtration

[@jasonvesagie]

Hi alex , i feel bad asking question without being a member , but after the last debacle i basically agreed i wouldnt use my bank card on youtube .. i planted 2 amazon swords in a dirted tank , alla father fish . My question is , how long does it take for the amazon sword to bounce back to a big size after melting all the leaves . Before i removed the dead leaves from the plant , there was new leaf growth in the centre of the plant on both plants . the one has 2 leaves roughly 2inch long and the other has 4 leaves roughly 1 in long . i planted them 3 weeks ago and are under a medium light . Thanks in advance

[@AwakeningAmbience]

Would mixing a substrate of 50% aqua soil & 50% dirt be good under the sand?

[@Fishtory]

Yes, absolutely. Just monitor ammonia the first few weeksn

[@АндрейХомич-з1к]

I need an aquarium that will last 5, 10, 25 or more years without restarting. Even if this does not happen (moving to another apartment, renovation, etc.). But I am psychologically pleased that the service life of the aquarium is not limited. Aquasoil will not give me this. I do not strive for "flowerbed" type aquariums. I may want dense thickets with primitive design, I may want only a bunch of algae swaying in the flow of water. But, of course, mown lawns and dyed poodles do not touch me. I want simplicity and natural chaos.

[@Fishtory]

Yeah skip the aquasoil and get some quality hummus/soil and some clay based soil and mix those 50 50... thatll last a lot longer, if you don't fuss with the tank. Some people have to fiddle with crap weekly lol

[@RealRaiderRay]

Question: complete beginner here, I have 1/2 inch of black gravel stone (basic) in the bottom of my 55 gal planted tank. Could I add Fluval Stratum on TOP of the existing substrate & cap it with sand? Or should I remove the existing substrate entirely?

[@Fishtory]

Yes indeed

[@gabys9093]

Do you know if I can use reptisand in my fish tank? I amready have the reptisand but I havent found any information if is safe to use. I dont have any fish yet, im preparing. The tank and I bought a bag of the cheapest aquasoil but it only covers about 1 inch or 1.5 deep...do you think I should buy one extra bag or would it be better to add an 1 inch of sand on top

[@Fishtory]

Should be safe as long as they don't list any active ingredients

[@marct138]

How much do i need for the 150x50cm tank im planing to set up? Feels like im gonna need a bunch of bags :) Im looking at the Tropica 9l bags. Used that in my nano tank and now im going big. How deep should the substrate be?

[@Fishtory]

2 inches aka 5 or 6 cm of aquasoil is my minimum. And its hard to say for sure depending on landscape features you add, if any- but i usually require 1 to 2 of the 9L bags for my 60x30s so perhaps 6 or 7 bags?

[@WhoCares2509]

Anything that involves swapping out substrate is a no-go for me. I'm looking for a "set it and forget it" type setup for my 8' (240G) tank. Also, question for @Fishtory : You mention that you don't so water changes but rather top-offs. I'm using an artisan well that seems to have a rather high GH and KH water supply. Would using the same method here not slowly become problematic as the water evaporates and more minerals are introduced into the water column, or can I automate this without worry?

[@Fishtory]

So you are correct about the hardness increasing slowly over time if you don't do large water changes. It msy be worth while for you to buy and RO/DI Filter, to dial in ph. Kh gh amd tds to suit your needs. Best of luck to you and have a great week!

[@AnimalAce]

Organic dirt capped with black blasting sand for me. Haven't gotten shrimp to work with it but corys and guppys love it. Oh and the plants love it too.

[@AnimalAce]

hnmmm this video makes me want to try aquasoil as a third layer. Probably midway between the organic soil and the sand.

[@randykoch1807]

​@@AnimalAceyeah I have the same set up.why don't the shrimp work?and yes the plant love it!

[@AnimalAce]

I'm not sure. Its not temperature I know that. Water chemistry is fine. I even bought them local so the water should be fine. I might not of been feeding them properly maybe. We'll see though.@@randykoch1807

[@pierreeubanks3448]

I have dirt/potting soil, sand, then regular rock substrate. Still in the cycling stage of the new setup but water parameters nice, along with plants, barely have to do water changes if any only do it to introduce new nutrients and feed more fertilizer.

[@paulg666]

Great video. If I wanted a substrate, with a sand cap, that will never be changed for the life of the tank, would the aqua soil still be preferred over soil? I’m setting up my first tank ever. 100gal.

[@Fishtory]

It should, just do 2 or 3 inches of it and dont gravel vac deep at all or stir things around

[@vulcan1449]

What effect does capping aquasoil with sand on top, have? Since it is designed in a way to be used without a cap, does capping it have a negative impact? I am redoing a 10g and I need to put in fish & shrimp right away, so it is not possible for me to wait till the leaching of nutrients from the soil deplete over time. I thought capping it will make sure the nutrients won't leach into the water column trapping it down for the plants plus keeping the water safe for the fish. This way I can add fish & shrimp right away without worrying too much. I still would like to know of any negative effect it might have in the long run.

[@Fishtory]

Really it is just that the cap could become ruptured ...but it you start with flubak stratum or brightwell....it should be fine. Cap or no cap. At that point it is just a matter of aestetic preference. Cheers

[@Thorned_Rose]

So long as the science is accurate (is this independently tested and open or is this just for-profit companies saying "we tested this and this is the result"?) is the TL;DR of this that commercial aqua soils have the advantage of being more front-loaded (nutrient-wise) and you can move plants around more? Diana's Walstad's Ecology of the Planted Aquarium is what got me sold on the Walstad method and my own Walstad aquarium has been three years running now and the only issues I've come across is the not being able to move plants around. But my personal observation from someone who likes to fiddle and experiment (I also have and had hybrid filtration systems that I experimented with) is that the lower layer substrate is actually quite stable and becomes that way fairly quickly. I messed around with moving plants and the sand cap within months of setting it up and apart from some dirt in the water column, it went back to crystal clear water within 24 hours. I always figured I would trigger a bacterial bloom because of putting so many nutrients into the water column but that's not happened. In fact, just last week, I completely removed the sand cap off my Walstad (wanted to change to a dark coloured cap instead) with the fish in the aquarium and then recapped it. In some spots, I accidentally removed some of the dirt layer so would have exposed the anaerobic layers. Anyway, after two days the water was back to crystal clear (not that it was bad, just very slightly tinged). I didn't have any spikes in ammonia or nitrates unless they were too low for API tests to detect 🤷🏻‍♀. And within days I could see new growth on plants despite some of them being almost completely uprooted (granted, my crypts aren't happy about the whole rearrangement so I finally get to experience crypt melt lol despite having add many crypts over the years.) My Walstad (and hybrids) have always had far better water clarity than the common place sand of gravel only substrates that need to be vacuumed regularly (even with water polishing). TDS has always been what you find with the aquasoils. So for me, at least personally, unless I was moving plants around, there doesn't seem to be any advantage to aquasoils. A lot more money spent for the same job as plain dirt and sand? Maybe I'm just too socio-anarchist and wary of for-profit corporate 'science' lol.

[@Fishtory]

I agree with you 100% im gonna upload my ideal tank build one of these days soon. And show what i fortify and add to soil, some tricks i do with adding iron and sulphur locked away and layering things for the plant roots and it seems to last about 5 years if i dose nitrates and potassium liquid here and there

[@toriechuntraruk3611]

Or can I add Aquasoil to my existing gravel and cap with sand?

[@Fishtory]

Yup watch my videos "adding aquasoil to an existing aquarium" or "to cap or not to sand cap". For more details

[@laytonpenza5498]

@Fishtory - I’m new to the hobby and must say that of all the people making videos in this arena, you are by far the best! Very well spoken, extremely knowledgeable and smooth. Thank you for sharing all your years of hard work and dedication with us all.

[@Saxonwomen]

Wow this video is a god send I was about to do my first dirt tank with organic potting soil & then couple inches of tetra Active substrate because I have a 23 litre flaval tank if I put half inch layer of sand mixed with a little grit on the bottom then a inch of the tetra active substrate then inch & half of the aqua soil would that work ? I have Lots of plants or just do active substrate them aqua soil bio aqua soil or not ? 🤦‍♀️ so many

[@Fishtory]

Should work as long as you have 2 inches+ of aquasoils or growth materials with nutrients

[@ld_raine4247]

I have a very specific question if you have any input. I'm trying to transition from water to land without using a water barrier. I'm familiar with the walstad method and essentially want to raise that situation up and out of the water. Would you have recommendations for this? How exactly does nature get away with this? Lol

[@Fishtory]

Haha porosity. So you need something thatll drain off the water...lava rock or gravel...or via wicking wood that has capilary action to it.

[@taniamans2026]

Got it... understanding better 😅😅😅

[@Fishtory]

Nm you found it! Haha so glad. Cheers my friend

[@tp.]

I do not have one fish. I'm just getting started in this to do Terrariums, vivariums... Dam I need to back up and start at fish tank 101 because there are so many terms I do not understand the mechanics of. Can you recommend something in addition to your vids to help me out. I just want to do some long term sealed terrariums and try to create better projects from there. Thanks for the vids and cheers!!!

[@Fishtory]

Check out serpa designs with tanner. A greaf channel for vivariums, ripariums, terrariums and more

[@AweTech12]

This is great. Does the aquasoil get depleted over time and need to add root tabs or will it keep recharging with all the waste? (Never mind, this was answered in the last few seconds of the video, thats what I get for being impatient) Thanks for creating content that noone else is.

[@Fishtory]

You got it, haha thanks for actually watching it, as well 😄

[@Wellesly]

Is there no filter in the tank behind? What is best substrate for loaches ?

[@Fishtory]

Loaches will love sand or big rounded river rocks. And you are correct mmmm, and many of my tanks have videos about their build process too

[@evergreenpsyche]

Quick question: Do you prefer the Amazonia "Ver 2"? I've been struggling to understand what's still available in the market by ADA and what the difference is among them

[@Fishtory]

Amazonia 2 was made without nitrates and designed to be used without needing a cap or several weeks of cycling. Amazonia original has nitrates and then the ammonia is in a bag of little root tab type additives.

[@evergreenpsyche]

@@Fishtory soooo Amazonia 2 has sequestered ammonia in the center but no nitrates, and Amazonia original has nitrates but no sequestered ammonia? So do you prefer Amazonia 2 then for a longer lasting soil?

[@nareshkharat]

brother, need genuine advise from you, i have been watching your and father fish, curious to setup my first deep sand substrate (aqua soild 1 inch + sand 2 inch), but the fishes i want to begin with this setup is cichlids, i keep reading that they destroy the setup by digging sand. pls suggest should i abolish the idea to go ahead with cichlids or give some direction to be successful in this cichlid plus planted aquarium setup, looking forward for true opinion with your expertize. grateful in advance.

[@cynthiaherrera8325]

What is your opinion about using standard soil? I've seen a few aquascapers use it so far. I was also wondering if you had tips on incorporating standard aquarium gravel to the substrate of a potentially filter free eco aquarium project for decorative purposes? My son is attached to the colors he picked out if there's anyway to incorporate them lol

[@shrimplyexplained]

Hey Alex, you show pictures of the anaerobic core of aquasoil (around 11:30) that appear to be from a research paper. Do you have a link to that paper?

[@avronaut]

If you don't change the water and only refill evaporated water, more and more salts will accumulate in the aquarium. The total hardness (GH) is constantly increasing. This even happens with osmosis water, as it is not pure water either. Nature is smarter and uses absolutely salt-free water to “refill”. Namely rainwater. BTW: Why are the seas so salty? Quite simply, no water is changed. Saline water from the rivers is replenished. So you just don't have to change water for long enough and just fill it up. One day you will have a seawater aquarium 😉 Robust fish survive this, sensitive fish do not. The hardy Neon Tetra survives in hard water for 3 to 5 years and dies from kidney failure. In soft water, however, they can live up to 10 years.

[@Fishtory]

I addressed all that, you must have left before the end

[@avronaut]

​@@Fishtory: Right. But I wanted to make this explicit. There are many Father Fish followers in the comments. 😉

[@felipesanchez1764]

Can I mix organic dirt and maybe a good handful of aquasoil,then cap it off with sand in my dirted tank? Would you think there might be too much nutrients? Could it harm the tank?

[@Fishtory]

You can do that, just cycle it without fish until all ammonia is gone

[@felipesanchez1764]

Appreciate it ​@@Fishtory

[@Droveit]

I've heard that blasting sand is ok to use. Now i understand that in order to plant in it, I would need root tabs or a layer of nutri soil, but what I want to know is if it's actually safe for fish. I was thinking of having some geophegus in my tank. And also plecos and corys. Also, could I put the nutri soil in netted bags just to keep it separated?

[@Fishtory]

So blasting sand (specifically black diamond brand). Is usually powdered/fine grain coal slag from low grade coal seams at coal mines. This means it does have complex hydrocarbons and sometimes heavy metals of even trace organics...however despite all that, i have yet to ever hear of it causing a health issue with fish or shrimp.... with one caveat being that any amount of trace copper is dangerous to shrimp...and some people have suspected there was copper in blasting sand that killed their shrimp...but ive seen no hard evidence of this nor have i heard those rare reports from anyone whom id consider a qualified observer or acedemic. So the verdict is "its probably fine? Maybe?" Lol. I mean it may cause learning disabilities or nervous system disorders...but most people dont intend to send their fish to college or the olympics, so it just doesnt really matter, even if it has some negative side effects

[@Droveit]

@Fishtory wow! Thank you so much for responding!

[@andrewgoldfish]

Oh man I could have had part of a Japanese volcano in my new tank. Guess I’ll still use the eco complete since I already bought it.

[@RosinBoii]

is it possible to make a 120 gal tank a heavily planted tank if its already been established for about a year? i want to give my bichirs and rope fish a more natural tank but i know nothing about aquarium plants and planted aquariums

[@Fishtory]

100% ... i have videos on adding substrate to existing tanks.. OR ... add lots of root tabs...cover with 2 inches of sand... and plant tons of plants :)

[@RosinBoii]

@@Fishtory I’ve been on a marathon between your channel and father fish lol, great videos and thanks for the info

[@jon-arildolsen8178]

Great video👍 Is this the reason beacause i have sucsess with burned or baked Kitty Litter in my tanks?

[@Fishtory]

100% its like the center of those pellets (pre ionized bonding ammonium in the center)

[@astheticrose960]

I know this might soumd foolish ,can i make dirted tank with bottom layer of soil ,middle layer of whute sand a top layer of aqua soil in patches.I wish to do a monte carlo carpet in a dirted tank .

[@Fishtory]

You can. Its not a silly question. Its good to think about it all sorts of ways. Aquasoil may be active though...so if you use one that has nitrates and ammonia, itll need to cycle and off-gas for 3 to 6 weeks first before its safe for fish... cheers!

[@astheticrose960]

@@Fishtory ,Thank you

[@globalist1990]

It seeps slowly in sand, but that's why you have soil at the bottom when you setup the tank. I'm not sure if you commented on this, I'm halfway through.

[@Fishtory]

Yes. You can definitely "charge your deep substrate" its limiting for carpeting plants, and or moving plants around frequently if you propegate....but it certainly is a workable method

[@NewJerseyTom]

Ohhh...16.25...Root Tabs... For the past 2 years because of my age, I've been using Centrum silver multivitamin...😂😂 Just kidding

[@Fishtory]

Haha 😄

[@NewJerseyTom]

But in all seriousness. I said I will try that with my next tank... I have to concentrate on my first fry. Ever white cloud mountain Meadow babies? It only took a year before they did it... I mean, resulting in fry.

[@Self_Cancelled]

So, if you cap aqua soil with sand, would it make the aqua soil not work as well?

[@Fishtory]

Only for shallow rooted carpeting plants. Everything else should send roots to findings nutrients even 4 or 5 inches away... other than rhizome plants too...they feed from.the water column

[@Self_Cancelled]

@@Fishtory okay, I'm planning a shrimp tank with dwarf baby tears, so definitely not going to cap it then. Thank you so much for the information!

[@taliblatif3747]

Is it okay to cap it off with sand for the look ?

[@Fishtory]

Sure

[@angel-369-u9v]

I've used half an inch of Nutra base by Colombo, mixed with 1 and a half inch of aqua soil, 2 inches all together. Used flourish root tabs pushed into the mix. I have then capped it with 1 inches of children's play sand, 3 inches all together. My tank is absolutely flourishing. I've had no algae issues, no outbreaks of disease, and it is completely stable in water parameters. Its growing hairgrass in low light conditions. I have bloody Mary shrimp and blue jelly shrimp in there, and crossbreeding the population is exploding. The tank has been set up for 4 months. When the tank evaporates 2in of water, I just top the tank off to the original level. No big water changes are the key. No drama, no fuss. It just does its thing 😂

[@johnnybest6386]

Hello i have been trying to get nutri base i am in newyork is their a site u know where i can buy nutri base

[@Fishtory]

Sounds very nice! I still love lasagna tanks!

[@adamek1xd]

Hi, how is looking the outcome of the cross? Do You have pics posted anywhere ?

[@dmoore0079]

I had extremely good luck with cherry shrimp the last time I had them. Made a good amount of money on the side rehoming them to other hobbyists. I'm thinking about trying kilifish at some point. Some of the African varieties in particular are insanely colorful.

[@chrisjames1409]

I've thrown Lowes peat under river rock and didn't really think about it again. My water wisteria stems are like tree trunk size, 8th month

[@Korvmannen]

Thank you! This will come in handy. Personally it also made me realize I really want fine particle size quartz sand either as cap, or somewhere as an additive because I really like the look of the "grimy looking diatoms". When I look in natural bodies of water in Sweden, that's what I see. It feels right, and it's excellent food for algae eaters anyway (and oddly satisfying to watch my snails eat lumps or strings of them like a vacuum cleaner - amazing how fast they can eat)! If I get a spike in nitrogen it should tell me very visibly. BTW, have you ever tried using bentonite as a flocculant in an aquarium? My cat litter brand is supposedly made from unscented "white natural bentonite" (calcium based), would be kinda funny if it worked as flocculant + adding a bit more calcium to my soft water. Asking as the aqua soil pellets made me think of those bentonite grains in cat litter.

[@Fishtory]

Yes! So the ash from mount Aso is diatomaceous earth ( aka bentonite ( the difference being it containts silca with magnesium and iron and diatomaceous earth is general silacates and trace minerals of any sort.) But that's why they use it as well. To what extent it works, seems to depend on the ph and additives people add to the water colum as well. Thanks for writing!

[@gokidooke1345]

The “Novac” system is an adaptation of the Jaubert method for the curious. Somehow he fails to mention that anywhere on his channel:/ Mr Novac that is

[@steveherje4025]

I've watched a number of Novak's videos (not tons because I find his presentation style plodding and and a bit paranoid, but that's just me). He referenced and credited Jaubert several times. I'd be surprised if he didn't also do so in at least a few of the many videos I haven't seen.

[@gokidooke1345]

@@steveherje4025 thank you for the correction. I admit I haven’t watched enough of his material to make such a definitive statement even thought the source of the method still seems a bit murky based on his proclamations. Also the fact that he uses geological terms to explain biological processes makes him suspect to say the least

[@Fishtory]

And hes not a phd... and its all based on german/austrian research on sewage treatment and mitigation as early as the 1920s in academic journals

[@gokidooke1345]

@@Fishtory lol awesome

[@steveherje4025]

I had wondered about the PhD.... But the method he advocates looks like it could actually function like the fired-volcanic-earth-aqua-soil-granules you describe, at a macro scale...plenum, kitty litter, laterite, gravel...sounds like the good ole filthy, clogged undergravel filters of my youth. 😁 I'm getting back into the hobby after 45 years and it's clear that HOB and canister filters are not my style of fishkeeping.

[@SpinsterSister]

Thanks for the complete comparison of methods - makes it easier for the rest of us!!

[@Fishtory]

My pleasure! Thank you so very much for your support 🙏. It goes a long way! Cheers my friend

[@MissMeganBeckett]

I got fluorite clay gravel years ago but I’m a bit worried it’s too rough on my new betta’s fins because I just got my neighbours kids betta second hand and he’s in pretty rough shape, is there a soft black inert sandy substrate you could recommend that would be softer on his fins? I don’t want to go with active substrate because I have an under gravel filter and I don’t have any heavy feeding plants or any root feeding plants. Edit. Would stratum be softer on his fins? It looks rounded but that doesn’t necessarily make it less rough overall than the jagged edges on the fractured clay gravel I have already and what I have now doesn’t seem to be helping the fins heal quickly.

[@westernization]

Any sands work? What kind of sand?

[@Fishtory]

Anything but limestone based sand. So hth brand pool filter sand is my choice, some use blasting sand for black, some use play sand ( it's too dusty for my liking)

[@westernization]

@@Fishtory can i use crushed lava Rocks as Sands cap?

[@rakiest]

additionally -- the work that goes into your videos is fantastic and worthy of applause. Enough for us nerds but not too complex for a new person (someone like me, not new to any of this in theory, but new to planted tanks!)