DON'T Buy Aquarium Fish Without Watching This First!

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Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!
keepfishkeeping.com
🛒 Links to popular products we use:
Seachem Tidal Filters: bit.ly/3fjkjXF
Sicce Shark ADV Internal Filter: bit.ly/390JuKn
Fritz Guard: bit.ly/3csfNUR
Fritz Complete: bit.ly/3spgtQi
Fritz Dark Water: bit.ly/3sx49gQ
Fritz Betta Guard: bit.ly/3svhExw
Aquarium Salt: bit.ly/3svcIsz
Algae Remover: bit.ly/3sx8nVR
Plant Fertilizer: bit.ly/31lwGKy
General Cure: bit.ly/2PcjXr1
Paracleanse: bit.ly/2NXlqkm
Maracyn: bit.ly/31n8dVh
Ick Medication: bit.ly/3fkZZoS

[@microwave3254]

**laughs in “I decided on a fish before I started to put together a tank”**

[@Laeiryn]

don't @ me, i love my mollies and corys, and i actually DID end up getting a 40gal when the 10gal i had was insufficient >_>"

[@shecomments2much189]

That’s great! Good to know what you’ll be getting into.

[@shecomments2much189]

Laeiryn hey, now you have a ten gallon for a feeder culture; Daphnia, shrimp, etc.

[@carpefuego]

Legit

[@josebarrera4389]

@@Laeiryn did u love it

[@jennifergirard4304]

I got into the hobby in the weirdest possible way. Several years ago I started at a new job and my co-worker had a betta in a lily vase, our office was always cold, he was fed that nasty cheap-o flake food, and water changes were sporadic at best. Just looking at the poor little thing made me sad so I started researching. About a month later and with permission, I upgraded him to a 5-gallon tank and slowly started working in plants and such. Essentially I adopted the work betta. Looking back, I definitely made mistakes but it has been a wonderful journey as I keep learning.

[@adrianpalomino6450]

Your story is awesome and I just wanted to let you know it made my day!

[@papai007ful]

A

[@andrewlindenfeld6222]

So great to hear this. How long did the little fella live?

[@stu92viner]

I don't understand how these videos get disliked they are so useful to the community beginner or not

[@Frannyyt.4012]

Stuart Johnston yeah

[@someonethesomeone6127]

Right

[@manngutt8405]

That is why only 0.02% has disliked the video, this video has almost no dislikes, some of them are even bots

[@Transcreations_]

It's the people who like to figure it out as they go who disliked

[@perryclark7994]

People like to believe they know more than everybody else. They forget the basics they had trouble with and now assume is so simple

[@kaileyenns]

I appreciate all this info as I am just beginning my research. People laughed at me for wanting to research first, thinking its just fish what is there to know. To which I replied with a dead stare and "When taking on the responsibility of caring for ANY LIFE. One should probably know how to keep those lives ALIVE." I appreciated your video and will like and subscribe. Thanks for helping out all us uneducated in the ways of the fish, beginners!

[@snapdragon2441]

I did about 6 months worth of research and careful consideration before setting up my first tank this weekend just gone. I fell in love with wanting a betta, but wanted to make sure I gave both myself and fish the best chance of success. As you point out, you are responsible for another life. It makes no difference if it’s a child, a dog or a fish.

[@litloot6057]

Yeah I was not like that at all I bought a female betta I saw at petsmart cause it was so pretty… I didn’t have a tank so I just put it in a bowl. It seems happy!

[@kaileyenns]

@@litloot6057 Well I hope that you love your beautiful little buddy so much, that you decide to save up for a 5gal tank, filter and heater for them. They can survive in bowls, but surviving and thriving are not the same. Not trying to criticize, just advocating. What ever you end up doing I wish you and pet a happy life. 😊 👍🏼

[@deborahjeanne2141]

I did absolutely no research ahead of time - I did it as I went along. BIG MISTAKE! 🤦🏻‍♀️ And I was impatient. Two big things that got me off on the wrong foot were adding fish before the tank was completely cycled, and not quarantining fish. I wasted hundreds of dollars due to impatience and stupidity. I recently moved and I’m essentially starting over. I had to be out of the old place before my closing date, so I set up a temporary tank at my brother’s. My 55g is cycling with new sand instead of gravel, new plants, and everything else was thoroughly cleaned or sanitized in boiling water if possible. If you’re not a patient person, fish keeping probably isn’t for you. You have to wait for your tank to cycle, you have to be patient while the plants establish themselves, you have to add fish slowly - just a few at a time, and most important, you really need to research what fish are compatible rather than just spontaneously buying a fish because it’s colorful. 😅 I wish I had done all this the first time - I know I wouldn’t have wasted so much money. You are so very smart to do your research ahead of time. I haphazardly bought 3 tanks - a 15g, 20g, 55g, and 2 5g tanks for quarantine and sick fish. And I was considering another 20g. Although I was thinking about space, equipment, etc, I didn’t even consider the effort to do water changes on so many tanks. Fortunately, I came to my senses before I bought another 20g!

[@Tipman2OOO]

@@kaileyenns took the words out of my mouth!!!!!

[@toreyunderwood2938]

“The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of a biologist, chemist and veterinarian.”

[@KGTropicals]

Very true!!

[@Cavegeckosol]

And the plumber lol

[@MarliQQLuv]

@@Cavegeckosol 😂 So true. We spend a lot of time with tubing, valves, hoses, filters, wet hands and arms. We wear all different hats.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@Cavegeckosol 🤣👍

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Well said!

[@foxinthetwilight4046]

"It's more than just filling up a glass box with water." LOL I LOVED hearing you say that! My boyfriend says to me all the time most people just go out get an aquarium, put water and fish in it, and they're done. He thinks I'm making it more involved/complicated than what it needs to be, with having my multiple tanks, testing the water, making sure new tanks are cycled, quarantining new/sick fish, etc. Because other people just fill a little box up with water and that's it. He doesn't seem to think I should do everything that I do.

[@alexalbertson8174]

thats what I did with my first tank that was a huge disaster for me and my fishy friends

[@charliebankston636]

Going the extra mile to do it right is one thing that makes it fun and a real hobby

[@theholt2ic219]

Most people don’t grasp how complicated fish keeping is. They think it’s like having a dog or a cat that can really do its own thing as long as you just give it food and water. That’s why it isn’t for everyone and imo it’s probably the most advanced pet to keep. And it’s not even that hard to understand if it’s just freshwater. Don’t get me started on a reef tank though lol that’s really advanced.

[@mohamstaz3618]

My sister wanted me to get a fish tank for my nephew for his birthday. (He was 3.) I did as she asked, told her we needed to cycle it. She says, "No, I'm just going to get fish and put them in, they'll be fine." So, she fills it with Mickey Mouse Platys. Next day, I get a call that they're all dead, and she's somehow mad at ME. And I'm like...uh...I told you the tank needed to cycle?

[@theholt2ic219]

Karli Hibinger it is better to cycle first but you don’t need to cycle. You just need to know what you’re doing to do a fish in cycle. I’ve done many times. I’ve set up a two fish tanks for my GF both Fish In cycle. I maintain them at first and made sure they are in good health. I taught her how to maintain a health aquarium without getting over complicated with it. Do water change weekly, vac it, use the aquarium water to clean, add prime and stability, and you’re good to go. So far months later her blood parrot and firemouth have grown a lot.

[@mau5lover2000]

Keep calm and buy more fish.

[@rhyanlumilay6317]

I agree and now I have MTS and my family keeps raising their eyebrows to me :-D and me I just don't care I love fishes!

[@amuseinthecraftroom6257]

@@rhyanlumilay6317 hard same here lol. Too many fish, too few tanks!

[@naughtyboy1806]

You'll get divorced

[@bydezine1]

@@amuseinthecraftroom6257 ee

[@bydezine1]

@@rhyanlumilay6317 rr

[@Billssock]

I'm new to the aquarium hobby. I cycled my tank about 3 weeks before adding fish after watching a bunch of videos like this online. I couldn't be happier with taking it slowly, my tank is super healthy and all my fish go great together. Thanks for what you do.

[@satishbisht1588]

I started keeping fish some years ago. Now I am a plumber, electrician, carpenter, botanist...but still learning fishkeeping.😀

[@Merichguy2]

I'm 68, retired and decided to start a new hobby just 2 months ago. I guess I'm about as new a newbie as one can get. Have had a lot of disasters already because there is so much I didn't know. But I'm learning. Just starting out with a small 10 gallon to learn. So far it's been loads of education and excitement. Just wanted to say thank you to KG Tropicals for all your videos, you'll never know how much help you've been so far.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Congratulations and so cool that you just started the hobby!! This is an amazing channel, I learn so much every time I watch it!! It won't be long and you'll get it all sorted out.. nothing better than sitting back and watching your fish! 👍❤️

[@itsnsti9020]

Sadly most of us learnt almost everything by making mistakes. Nevertheless it only gets better, keep it going

[@lopezfam7317]

God bless you very much!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@lopezfam7317 🙏❤️

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

This is how it starts, lol, in a year you'll have several tanks

[@sydniebeachler4046]

i got my goldfish from a fair (never had a fish in my life) and i can definitely say that this dude helped me sooo much with putting together a last minute tank, fish care and more. this man has the vibe of “hold my hand and let’s do this together”

[@minhtue90]

Which tank did you get?

[@JoeNocella]

Years ago pre-internet, you had to go to the library or buy books on fish. At least now, we have free tropical fish info so it's a lot easier to have a plan.

[@shellebates2648]

I go to Pet Supermarket. He was so nice. He helped me pick out fish "buddies". And told me how many I could keep in my aquarium.

[@gr8fuldad815]

I work for them! The aquarium is our pride and joy. It is a full time job, very fulfilling

[@caewalker9276]

I spent 3 months researching what fish I could keep. Then my husband brought home a Bass.🤬🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@trgtykj]

Grill it on the bbq. Upload onto KZbin for views.

[@yk._.a15]

Bruh that’s dumb, return it

[@CaleenKnow]

Bruh

[@shalomantony]

I feel so bad for laughing so hard at this. Hopefully you were able to work smth out!!

[@abdulbasithazeem]

Cae Walker I spent a year doing research and now I own a fish breeding facility

[@mathilda6763]

That point about support is really important in my opinion. The father of my best friend died suddenly a little while ago and the giant fishtank he owned was actually a problem for the grieving family members. They were neither interested in the hobby nor were they able to take care of such a big aquarium. Keeping it clean , knowing how to take care of it...that takes energy that you don't necessarily have when you are in grief. He was part of a local aquarium club so getting the fishes cared for went relatively smoothly but try to get rid such a giant fishtank. Just getting it outside the house was difficult with 4 men and finding someone who wanted it and was able to transport it was another thing that took time. My point is make sure you've got a backup plan for when you are not going to be able to take care of your animals. It doesn't have to be death itcan also be a longer hospital visit or a travel situation for work/family....Don't expect your family to take care of your animals when you didn't teach them how and didn't talked with them about it. Even if they like the fishes, taking care of them for a longer period of time can be a burden.

[@janicelundberg3156]

What a great topic! I’ve been in the hobby for 2yrs and I still consider myself a beginner. You can never learn enough!Awesome beginner vid!

[@MrsShocoTaco]

I don't care if the store is dirty, as long as the tanks are well-tended🐌🐠🐟🐡

[@21CenturyBreakdownX]

"you don't just go out and buy a cat and say 'okay i have a cat now'" *nervously looks around*

[@teney1351]

Even if you did, the cat would still have more of a chance then the fish will 😬

[@vivianaguerrero2004]

Also on the note of big chain pet stores. I’ve had entirely mixed experiences. My fiancée and I tend to check out every petsmart we cross and the one closest to us we noticed take absolute horrible care of their pets and ESPECIALLY their fish. But this one we found 15min away was AMAZING. Everytime we go in they’re caring for a different tank. Their tanks are all well taken care of. They even have quite of few of their bettas in their own tanks and the others they always change the water and you can see how much healthier they are. It all depends on the store honestly

[@r.syawesh3171]

the fact that you used to tell your customer which fish is compatable with which goes to show how caring you are about this hobby and customers, in my country sellers usually tell you what ever they need to say in order to sell more

[@BigFishLittleFishAquatics]

One other thing i would add to your extensive list would be for any new fish keeper to have a quarantine tank or be prepared to buy one in the near future. It is likely that you will want to get more fish and add to the existing aquarium, but you will want to quarantine them first to prevent cross contamination between your existing or new fish..

[@kpov2533]

How small can they be?

[@BigFishLittleFishAquatics]

@@kpov2533 I personally use 10 or 20g, but depending on the size of the fish you could go smaller

[@samsadowitz1724]

@@BigFishLittleFishAquatics I know this is an old comment, but for a nano tank, can I use small buckets as a quarantine tank? And how long should I quarantine for if that's the route I'm going

[@BigFishLittleFishAquatics]

@@samsadowitz1724 Hi Sam, in theory you could use buckets... but I would not recommend that approach. the size of the quarantine would depend on the size of the fish, I have personally not used anything smaller than a 10g as water parameters become difficult to maintain. You will also want to be able to see your fish, if you do not want to go down the route of buying an aquarium, transparent plastic containers would be an option :) - aim for 10g capacity and use a pre-cycled sponge filter. Quarantine for at least 2 weeks, 4 being optimum in my experience (some diseases or parasites take a while to show)

[@samsadowitz1724]

@@BigFishLittleFishAquatics fair enough. I'll probably go the route of getting a super nano for my quarantine tank (1.5 gallon or so) for my current tank until I get a place of my own where I can get a bigger setup. Right now, I'm doing a rescue of an albino cory with severe fin rot (poor guy has no pectoral fins 😢) and a pepper cory with a much milder case of it (Damage on its dorsal fin) The tank they came from had nitrates through the roof and am currently medicating them for it now that the tank has cycled (it was cycled in 2 or 3 weeks). I plan on adding shrimp in the near future, but not until I get my little guys better. But either way, I'm only getting fish small enough for a nano tank (5 gallon) an yes, I'm doing research on what will go well as a wishlist.

[@martyborst5645]

I am not a novice nor an expert but this video was worth watching because there are good reminders. Thanks!👍🐟

[@gavinlewis3049]

I waited 2 years before buying my first tank, because I was on long hours and I waited till I had the time and resources to provide my fish with the best life, and people need to realise its OK to be undecided and walk out of the store without the new fish if you are unsure if its compatible, I do it all the time, and the fact I didn't impulse buy means the fish I have is happier and safer that I'm making good decisions.

[@KGTropicals]

We need more fish keepers like you!

[@lanieh6900]

I love you, dude ♡

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

Exactly...or if you get any bad vibes about the quality of the stock, even if it's exactly what we've been looking for and we know they're compatible...just better to pass them up unless you really enjoy rehabbing fish.

[@1200kristy]

This is soo true. I do this all the time. I always go in the store excited thinking Im about to buy a couple new fish, only to be disappointed because they are all sick and dying, or the tanks are just plain filthy so its hard to tell the quality of their fish. So I have to leave disappointed. Like you said though it's better to wait and be absolutely sure. Lol I joke with husband everytime I come back with nothing and say I just got back from the free zoo 😂 except the zoo keeps their pets healthier. 😞

[@ambarimunoz9424]

Thank you!!!!! You make me feel better! I’ve been treated like I’m mentally unstable because I’ve had my fish tank empty for the past months until I know for sure the tank is in good condition and I get the right fish. So meanwhile, I’m watching videos like these

[@eros.1646]

I am fortunate enough to live about 10 minutes away from the aquarium co op store, and I love going there to shop for fish! all of them look so happy and look like they're enjoying life

[@ironwolph]

John looked happy making this video. Like he is secretly thinking, im going to buy some fish after this video. Lol

[@melaniesmall6330]

Planning ahead really is a lifesaver, i am so glad i had a backup/carrier tank when my axolotls aquarium cracked

[@XxiiCoookiesiix]

Suddenly realizing I am the “learn as I go” person 🤦🏼‍♀️ I really am learning but I thank y’all for doing these videos!!

[@mach389]

That was me in the beginning. I’d get so mad when the shop would tell me I couldn’t do certain things. After 10+ years I’ve learned a lot and still learning more with videos like this. Down to two tanks now a 27gal with one betta and two snails and a 40 breeder for my painted turtle and a couple feeders.

[@mayaweaver1566]

I have watched hours worth of videos, read several articles, cross referenced info to get the best results and I would like to say your videos have helped a lot. I’m only getting one betta and a couple of squat plants for it to start off, but I want to make sure the fish has a happy, healthy life, in a proper tank.

[@pamelachurchill3279]

That cichlid with the orange kissing lips, I laughed out loud ! Instant love....

[@lilitv2370]

I just knew if I come to the comments someone would say the of that fish lol thanks so much I'm getting one🥰

[@tvshowsnmovies1234]

i think its a midas

[@andyconda9456]

That’s a flower horn

[@tvshowsnmovies1234]

@@andyconda9456 its a midas

[@Poeseewi]

I did all this and in 6 months had 3 over 60 gallon tanks. Thank you for the great information!

[@spoudaois4535]

I like Mom and Pop stores the best but sometimes the hours are limited.

[@kinglyzard]

Amen to that! Mom-and-Pop stores are best for fish, plants, live food and other "wetware". Big box type chain stores are better for "hardware" like tanks, filters, heaters, meds, testing reagents, etc.

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

MadCity Jack Not here. We have 3 local shops and 3 chains (2 PetSmart and 1 Petco) and the main place I'll buy fish is one and only one of our Petsmarts. The local shops always have ich like mad and they just sell them looking all rolled in salt. Or they have obviously sick fish barely clinging to life in with other fish, or dead fish laying on the floor, wrapped up in plants etc in various states of decay or being eaten...no thanks.

[@particular-war-4657]

Ahhh! aquariums are such a gr8 way to chill down! I always sit by my aquariums when I'm stressed, depressed,etc.

[@alaskacosplay]

“Know how many youre gonna get” Me: *takes 2 hours to select fish because I want to be responsible and tries to hold back on buying more because Im a shopaholic*

[@stevedesmet594]

I had Cichlids for years and still learning new stuff on this channel, also saw some mistakes being warned about I made myself. Great channel, keep up the good work.

[@britbrit7796]

I knew immediately I wanted a betta, and I got a Betta, Hades. He is lovely.

[@artisanic9326]

Video: don't buy fish till you watch me Me: too late...

[@khalidhussein7451]

What fish did you get because I’m getting a beta tank but I’m only gonna get one beta to stay on the safe side but also I just need ideas for other fish to add to it

[@kairunissahameed2943]

@@khalidhussein7451 hmm U can add neon tetras

[@paulmccarthy7467]

The 4 new fish are: 1. Ob Bolleye (yellow). 2. Red Empress. 3. Albino Taiwan Reaf. 4. OB (similar to dragon blood).

[@psycobasschick]

I think out what I want for the tank before I even get it. Plans can change, but I also don't put fish in unless I'm 100% certain they are exactly what I want. In the past (like high school aged), I got whatever was available and that's what I had. Now, I intentionally curate each setup. I found a kitten on the street and brought her home. Had to go and get everything, including training litter so she would know where to go. She's now 14. To be fair, she was my 4th personal cat (I was 23 at the time), so I knew what to do, but I didn't plan on her and definitely wasn't prepared

[@patriciadraper5454]

I had an experience with my mom a few days ago and it comes back to one of your previous video's that you have made. My mom has tried to do fish in the past and she never did any kind of research or anything like that and they just never last long. Anyway we were talking about my goldfish that are getting really big and pretty. She was saying how they only get as big as the tank you put them🤦. So I basically repeated what your wife has said on them how if you limit there space they will stay small but how their insides keep growing and eventually have a very slow and painful death. She was pretty much mortified. Hopefully she starts doing more research before getting anymore fish. So in a nut shell thanks for your videos I was able to share some information to my mom as to why she has had problems with her fish in the past.

[@ladyphillips5065]

Just curious on how your goldfish are doing now?

[@jeffreyhildebrand1173]

John, what an excellent video. I wish newbies could be required to watch this before being allowed to buy their first fish. Well done.

[@janetwebster5099]

so true!

[@junohemmingsen6604]

My first fish is a betta that when I got him was in a 1 gallon:( he is in a 20 gallon now:)

[@staciekirkland3922]

Same!

[@s.a.m.simplified4598]

Who else remembers when their channel was only about African Cichlids 8 years ago?

[@KGTropicals]

MEEEEE!!! I remember!!!

[@s.a.m.simplified4598]

Yes.

[@s0205379]

I am an aquarium newbie and I'm SO grateful for this kind of KZbin content! I love learning all of these things about the hobby and preparing instead of rushing into it. I want to know as much as I can before I get my fish. 🐠💙

[@Sierrawhatever]

When I met Temple Grandin, I was 13 and I asked her what I should do with my life as she asked for my interests. She said “Well, if you like animals and like fish, and have these talents, then do something with captive bred fish”. I wasn’t allowed to have fish growing up, but now that I’m 18 I can get my own place, and hopefully deck it out!

[@lanebraver4184]

I have met Temple Gradin on a number of occasions. I would consider her advice more than just a simple statement but a gift. Take whatever she said and seriously consider the words and implications. While the last time i spoke to her was 10 plus years ago and a few times before that before she was a well known person, i look back and recognize the wisdom she carried in all she spoke about. Hope you are doing well. I am starting my second medium size tank 130 gal soon and am trying to decide what fresh water fish to put in. I prefer to underutilize the space and give the fish lots of space. That said, i want about 6-10 fish at most. I prefer passive colorful fish and saw some reddish orange fish on this website in the tank in the background. If anyone knows what they are called i would like to know. Also there was one larger fish that looked like a bass, yes i know it was not a bass but that is the best i can do to describe it. I have poor vision and am old so i don’t always see clearly. The fish are a wonderful thing to have to keep me busy and enjoy my days. Thank you for your post and thank the author of the videos From Columbus Ohio

[@fintasticaquatics8071]

I know the feeling; wanting so many fish but only having one tank 😭

[@kpov2533]

Literally dealing with that right now

[@dawnmcfarland7011]

That's why I keep getting more tanks lol

[@1200kristy]

I know it sucks I want so many but I also live in an apt so Im limited 😭

[@ruthmeow4262]

Or wanting X fish, and knowing that you can't keep a tank big enough for them...

[@lisabek72]

Get more tanks lol

[@Jeswald1]

Another wonderful video, thanks! The last betta a bought was from Petco. The cashier wouldn't ring me up until she was satisfied that I "had the proper setup for this baby!" Ebay is a good source for fish, too.

[@janetwebster5099]

What a great employee!

[@MsDcoy1]

How much do I owe you! Thank you for the encouragement I got from the video where I was looking for the humanely way to euthanize my giant Oscar. He has dropsy flukes and then I found out that white slime was a fungal infection. Other forums have said that it was hopeless and I should put him down. I watched the video when you said that your wife was able to save one of her Oscars but it was a lot of work. Well I’m trying my best. I have dosed the tank for Ick, which started it from a piece of wood that I purchased it was obviously not sterile and the nightmare began. I managed to get that under control and I sterilized everything that I used for the tank. I have done so many water changes I lost count. My other Oscar (Frack) is doing fantastic. Because Frick is still trying to recover Frack is always trying to be a comfort to her mate. It’s been so tough for me to not give up on my friend and he actually has been coming up to the surface and he just drops back to the bottom again. I am wondering if I should dose him up for the anti fungus medication that includes a antibiotic. I am really not sure what exactly I am looking at for the dropsy. The fungus is gone. Thank you for your time

[@mohamstaz3618]

I'm dying to finally buy a house so I can have a 125 gallon tank. My 75 just isn't big enough. xD I need more boesemani rainbowfish!!!

[@Gam3rcat02]

I love having my fish. I put the aquarium on my dresser near my bed so I can watch them when I can't sleep. They just look so peaceful and it's very soothing :) I love getting to know their personalities, seeing them grow and having a bunch of little friends :)

[@1200kristy]

I have one like this too and your right it's so relaxing to watch them on nights I cant sleep. I've noticed it helps with my anxiety

[@adrianpalomino6450]

I used these videos to learn a lot. Now I’ve managed to get a betta fish to live peacefully with Cory catfish, a clown pleco, and some neon tetras.

[@unrelativistic]

I would add, get everything you need to make a quarantine tank and use it from day 1. I have some experience in the hobby from keeping fish with my mom decades ago. Now with little kids of my own, we decided to set up a community tank. 1st purchase from Petco went fine--the fish thrived. 2nd purchase, not so much--mollies and guppies had a disease--treated the entire display tank (expensive) and still lost each fish one-by-one. Seem to have gotten it all straight now, but have also setup a quarantine system and will be using it going forward.

[@ThrivePetDesign]

Buying your first fish makes all of the research and the cycling process worth it

[@martyborst5645]

Thrive Pet Design , I agree. It’s exciting and worth the research as you said.👍

[@dragoncakes1667]

my local fish shop was super helpful in kick-starting my cycling! and he was more than happy to get my some algae for it too I also spent 3 years before getting a betta hes super active happy and loves his driftwood I am planning on getting more plants soon for him, he seems to like the java fern the most!

[@jeffp2935]

Today I went to the store to buy three black mollies. Unfortunate that store didn’t have the mollies and instead the salesman showed me Poecilia Velifera (Dalmatian). The fish was absolutely gorgeous, but I told the guy I couldn’t buy those for two reasons: my aquarium Is 80cm (roughly 25inch) and those fish need 120cm (roughly 40 inch). The other reason is I prefer small community fish and the Poecilia can grow up to 6 inch and become 4 times bigger than my Galaxy Rasbora. The reason why I can make these choices is because I watch channels like yours. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@jeffp2935]

Btw: the fish I will keep are: Cardinal tetras (approximately 15) Black molly ( 2 females and one male) Galaxy Rasbora (10) Diamond Gourami (1 female and 1 male) Prionobrama Filigera (8) Corydora juliii (7) Otocinclus (3) I have some room for a couple of more fishes in my Aqualantis Elegance 80 and thinking of zebradanios and/or Endles gups, but saw some beautiful Chinese Danios. Maybe you can recommend additional fish in my heavily planted community tank.

[@PerfectedEvil]

First tank I ever personally owned was a 55 gallon long tank. I got it after a 'friend' dumped a 23 inch alligator on me. I kept it in that while I got in contact with my local zoo to come get it. After that I raised Texas and Blue Acara Chicilids in the tank for several years before I was forced to rehome them for a move.

[@dragonboybriggs7319]

KJ tropicals I just want to thank you for all you’ve done without you my fish wouldn’t be alive til this day I’m glad you teach people these things thank you for all you’ve done and keep up the good work and god bless you and all of your fish

[@Henryelzie8273]

do top 10 tank mates for goiroumis or just do a video in general about gouroimis

[@BrysonTrujillo95]

I have about 10 years experience keeping fish and I still love to watch your videos. You can never learn too much about the hobby

[@angelventura9882]

I appreciate that you sell your fish to experienced owners and not rookies. I give you props man, I know you love fish just from that customer example. Keep it up mane. 👍

[@braedengates3123]

John, thank you for all the hard work you do to make my life easier. It’s also fun to see some of your older videos especially the ones about stripping cichlids. Again, thank you for the help.

[@rainboiyoroblox3437]

perfect cat toy an aquarium lol. I agree the cycling is the most important aspect of keeping fish. great video John as always. I want that peacock tank. looks like peacock and hap set up.

[@Elifamazgal]

I owned 3 betta fish for the past couple of years! I've became an expert at them, and I'm planning on getting another betta fish tomorrow after Bride, my female betta died after living for 2 and a half years. I know your like.. "What?! 2 and a half years?" But.. yeah. It's true. I believe it because I gave it a 50-gallon tank all for itself.. I still don't know. But I want to say that I love your videos and it helps me a lot!

[@m.hreels9822]

That is so incredible that you can buy fish online! I’ve been owning fish for a while and I had no freaking clue that was even an option. I primarily have done business with big box corporation chains but now I’ve been dealing with small mom and pop family suppliers but I’m definitely going to give that online shopping experience a try now after hearing this! Thank you 🙏🏻 😊 you have a truly excellent channel!

[@cyndicombs1419]

5:46 Why does this fish remind me of Jeffree Star? Lol 🤣😉

[@bettabass1994]

19:13 I literally never thought of that!!!

[@missybuck9968]

Just discovered your content, I'm not a pro , so I started my 1st small tank 2 1/2. Upgraded to a 16 Fluval. My plants are great fish food but i want a beautiful plant scape as well. Yesterday bought a tank i will dedicate to plants. I'll keep you posted. Thanks

[@rafaelgonzalez4175]

Thanks for doing all the videos you have. I rescued my Aunt's 55 gal. Cabinet tank that housed an Oscar, Red Hook, Gurami, Chocolate Af. Cichlid, Monster fish, 3,GRN Corys and a Common Pleco. Since, getting the tank and fish, I swapped out the 55 for a 75. 6 weeks later I see the Oscar seemed stressed. I changed the water and all seemed fine for a few days. Stress appeared again and I changed the water again. I now change the water twice a week. It is a small change, about 30 %. Last night, I went online to shop around for a larger tank and found a great deal on a 125. The Oscar now has a forever home and I hope the stress level will dissipate. All fish listed will continue to share the larger tank. They have been together since the tank was erected. This sudden upgrade to a larger tank, was in part because of your videos, even those on Oscars. lol

[@willieloomis5958]

14:15 is that House of Tropicals in Glen Burnie, MD?

[@HappyHazelDreams]

Yes, definitely lol. Was just there yesterday picking up plants and fish. It was SUPER busy 😅

[@magnusschveing2409]

I work in a big box pet store, I wanted to learn more about fish keeping because I didn't want a tank and your videos were a God send to help customers. Saved a lot of fish because of you.😁 Now I have a tank and thanks to your recommendation, black harlequin rasbora's and some Barb's. Everyone keeps to themselves and it's great to look at. Thank You!

[@CazzyCat]

I worked in a huge petco when I was in college. We had dedicated employees who worked in the fish department, and they were knowledgeable & caring! I learned a lot from them.

[@mymysticaqua2952]

I love this channel. I am 8 month into fish keeping and this channel helped me a lot as a beginner fish keeper. Thank you so much.

[@abdulbasithazeem]

‘Well who knows when you’re watching this’ Me watching this a year after posting😂😂

[@acranimations1498]

I had gold fish as my first fish and didn't no that they would get so big so now they are in a 177 liter tank

[@Raveningly]

I'm getting ready to house a betta with some companion fish in a 120l/~30gallon live plant aquarium(first time!) and my mind is blown in how much goes into this! It also makes me realize that there are no doubt so many people out there who take fish keeping too lightly, it hurts my soul. I guess it's true for any animal, but I cannot understate how much research and learning you have to be prepared to do. Love the videos! Very helpful to get the basics down. I got my aquarium custom made by an aquarist from a small aquarist club store that I got recommended by friend. Great interaction, excellent product, and they have lots of nice fish in there, and also said to call if anything. I also have an aquarist store nearby that doesn't sell fish, but they sell lots of professional aquarist gear and plants. Got lots of advice from them as well. There's also another one that even offers aqua scaping services professionally and employs biologists, and also has lots of nice fish. Before looking into it I wouldn't have known!

[@melissatrent2500]

Really enjoy watching your videos and have learned a lot. I did order some neon tetras online, I was nervous and skeptical about it but decided to try it. So glad I did, they arrived alive and healthy and are still thriving. It's expensive because you need to get next day shipping in order to make sure all arrive alive, but in my opinion it was well worth it.

[@mau5lover2000]

Thats an excellent point there John my mom was soo against me when she found out that I ordered fish online and had them shipped to the house and I did feel bad at first but thats absolutely true they gotta get shipped to the store the same way.

[@conniepeterson3004]

I order all of mine on line too... no freshwater shops near me except the big box pet shops..... mostly good experiences.... one expensive lesson!

[@supertitantsunami9974]

Biggest lesson to be learned: patience

[@nico-3663]

About fish stores: my favourite store is 100% humidity (hot even in the middle of winter), damp floors, dark, but pristine bright tanks and happy active fish/ lush plants. I joke the fish are in a better habitat than the humans inside lol

[@ashleyowens9532]

As a LFS I appreciate and respect this video. Idk what happened on my day off but I've fallen down the rabbit hole of fish videos today, so fun!

[@IronmanWisconsin]

something to remember : knowing what fish you want or what size or color you might want to make a list of what you want to buy.

[@drekiei]

It would be great if there were "Tank Stock Compatability Starting List" xD

[@angelasnyder7209]

I went to a Ma & Pa type of store & the owners were so wonderful. I wanted to buy some cherry shrimp for my tank. I ask & paid for ten but they gave me my bag with ten adults & a bunch of babies. I was so happy & just loved that store. Unfortunately, they are no longer open. 😢

[@ajd8558]

Thank you! I'm busy setting up my first tank and your videos have been so useful to me as someone aiming to have happy fish. I work in animal welfare and have seen all the bad results of people impulse buying animals so I've spent many months researching the tank so that I have everything sorted first (& being told I'm 'over-researching'). Finally put my substrate in today and now to start cycling...

[@jacquesofalltrades1643]

I just wanted to say thank y'all for the great content! I've been watching yall for almost a year, I planned everything out, and finally set up a 75 gallon CA Cichlid tank a month ago when I moved into my new house. I am so thankful for the knowledge I gained from content creators like yourself. I had a few obstacles starting off but it all worked out pretty well. Thanks again!

[@RJGDJ]

First haha, loving your videos guys.

[@connieramonastyve1912]

Makes me so frustrated that there is no questions no resteictions or anything when you go to buy fish/shrimp whatever, so many buy whatever fish they want and put them in a bowl or this toylike nanoaquariums etc... it should not be allowed! Thank God I wanted to know more and sought out information my self! And what do you know, a whole world out there. I love to pamper my cats and dogs and I didnt know you can do that with your fishes too🙏🏼 You have grown up with a notion that fish is just fish in a way.. but ofc they need different things too! I now have 4 aquariums, including a 105L/27,7 gallon for my Betta and Kuli loaches, harlequins, guppys, 1 Bristlenose Pleco and temporarily 3 Clown loaches (I know they need way bigger, they just help with the snail infestation while they are tiny, I have 350L/92,4 gallon too, I will buy/switch to even bigger later) but yeah they all seem to thrive, but I feel I just keep learning something new on all my fish types! Just as with other pets you should find out how you can make them happy not just the other way around🫶🏼

[@UllrT]

I'm a new fish keeper, actually looking to set up an aquarium for the first time. Thanks for going over "cycling" again.

[@rhyanlumilay6317]

I laughed on that white fish with a lipstick on it! What fish is that?

[@crisp7018]

Experienced fish keepers where u at?

[@iamdauntless8451]

Hey KGTropicals! My name is Isaias and 2 months ago I started my Peacock Cichlid tank with your videos as the backbone of my project. My peacocks are flourishing and coloring up way more than before and the tank is crystal clear. Without the help of your videos I wouldn’t have the beautiful tank I have today.

[@slackerofhell]

Completely new to the fish hobby. Somebody I know is giving me a ten gallon so I've been doing nonstop research for the last week and I can't wait to get started! Thanks for making these videos.

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

aquarium and new need alot of care cheers :D "D who else has a new aquarium tank ?:D

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

I have a new one on the way! And I haven't figured out what I want to put in it yet 😁

[@bayouboys7654]

Started mines about 2 months ago I couldnt decide on fishies so now I have 6 guppies, 2 swordtails,7 corys and a gold spotted wood cat who can be a douche sometimes but I gotta move him to a 55 gallon soon theyre all very happy in my 29 gallon

[@particular-war-4657]

@@marypaigeflynn4512 good luck for the new tank!!!

[@drewzero1]

I’m in the middle of setting one up. Taking my time collecting hardscape and plants, and doing research for stocking choices.

[@DavidDavis311]

Drew Knoll-Owen kudos for taking your time. It’s the worst when you have a tank set up for months and then you start wishing you did things differently. Do it right the first time.

[@eyadjamus7126]

Ha ha, this video reminded me of when I started fish keeping. I wanted every fish and hated hearing no one that one with that one. Now I have 5 tanks at home and will probably get some more. Luckily I have a great local fish store with a very patient owner who walked me slowly through everything. And thank God for the internet and channels like yours.

[@johnmanrow2667]

Thank you for this awesome video. I definitely believe in buying from local fish stores, but occasionally a large piece, or hard to find equipment, I may buy online. Keep up the good work!

[@elizabethsumpter9129]

Your tank looks great, those fish are absolutely beautiful! I have been in the fish hobby for 20+ years and I have lost fish for 20+ years. I have been a subscriber only for a couple of months, and since finding you I haven't lost any fish in my 3 tanks. I have learned soooo much from your videos about what I had been doing wrong (which is a lot) all these years. Thank you so much.

[@poopyturbo]

Also my local feeder supply buys fish and snails from me and always has my back when I need something. also have awsome sales like the 60 gallon tank and stand I got for $130 usd

[@riverp9019]

Buying fish is fraught. Caveat emptor is an understatement. We are lucky we have a whole district and six mile street just selling tropical fish aquariums etc but still for me the best place to buy is direct from the breeders or fish farms. On Sundays we have a pop-up market where fish farmers bring their fish. Only draw back it starts at 6am and finishes at 8am so i often miss it. But it's the place to get healthy lively fish that also haven't been through the whole import/shipment process followed by distribution process and finaly into the store. For other shops it's worth while finding out when stock arrives because thats the day you want to be there, shipments arrive on Friday here for all the shops. The less time fish spend in the shop the better in almost all cases.

[@animeggirl]

I've made some of my best friends from petco where I live~ they are all so friendly and care about every animal they have and sell~ I do agree it's not all but you can definitely tell the ones that care!

[@paulmccarthy7467]

Really enjoyed the video especially as the tank you have in the background is the one that inspired myself to set my own African Cichlid tank up. Been keeping fish for years but never kept peacocks and harp before. But got to say I’m enjoying them