Electric Blue & Royal Acara Tank EPIC 4ft Aquascape Tutorial

[@MDFishTanks]

Subscribe to API on KZbin: kzbin.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/4DDC92AA-7C48-4642-B78B-976F366054E6?channel=MDTANKS AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/8944F2D0-1A19-446A-B103-48DE826BA3B6 👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com Find @Fish Shop Matt here: KZbin: kzbin.info Insta: instagram.com/matt_swfishkeeper/ Equipment (all links affiliate): LED BACK LIGHT: US amzn.to/3NCSHxo UK amzn.to/3NAU8w9 LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3m3cEz9 UK amzn.to/3orIdRv GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL API® products Subscribe to API on KZbin: kzbin.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk/where-to-buy/ AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY kzbin.info/door/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/md_fishtanks/ FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: [e-mail] #plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

[@Flurry_rush327]

Md can you make a crayfish tank build?

[@Flurry_rush327]

@@spp2000 how is he bullying💀 they friends dum🍑

[@graffic13]

Can we get a victorian tidepool aquarium... how close to the coast are you?? The museum of aquarium and pet history has loads of videos about Victorian fishkeeping .. y'all should review some of his antique aquarium videos!!! Boys you need electric blue jack dempsey cichlids .... and jaguar cichlids ... not together tho.😅

[@milesnapue]

I missed the 2-4 minutes of just fish shots at the end, please bring that back!

[@Gerardus696]

Are you going to grow out a group of clown loaches for the 8 foot ?

[@vengeance7092]

Hi MD I have been following you for a while. To be honest I was going through a hard time in my life with work and home when I discovered your channel. I used your videos while I’m working to control my mood. Very calming and educating. I appreciate your service to KZbin, continue being awesome today! PS love the TeamUp with Matt he is a really cool person love listening to him educate. You guys are really kicking butt organizing that studio. Is Kate jealous of Matt? Lol jk

[@cameronstoneadams1183]

Feel better. You're not alone in the world.

[@DavidDavis311]

KZbin and the right channels can really bring peace which sounds weird but if you know you know.

[@Hether6971]

what happen my friend

[@saduttaquarium]

​@@DavidDavis311great

[@MDFishTanks]

Hi mate. I'm really glad my videos help you and you enjoy them. Stay safe 👍

[@TheCuggsmeister]

Gotta say your decision to buy that huge piece of wood was a great call. And I love how Matt is introducing you to new species of fish. I think this is my favourite tank you've done so far.

[@Ingu.z]

Such a lovely team the two of you! I have a wish of something I'd like to see, and that would be a Q&A video once a week/biweekly or such because the two of you have well-rounded knowledge for answering a lot of viewer questions! (Also, Matt nerding out about fish facts is always so cute and fun to hear, I can see why you wanted him on!)

[@nickfeldman2996]

Even once a year would be appreciated!

[@AaAa-je5eo]

I think a Reddit style AMA video on here would be the best bet, weekly or anything like that sounds like too much but 6 monthly or something would be amazing. Especially now with Matt on the team there will be loads of questions for the lads

[@ms_katia2267]

This tank came together really nice, great job.

[@moffitdrew]

Live stream Q & A

[@Ingu.z]

@@moffitdrew they dont need to do it live but that works too

[@oakharts]

In love with all of that dragonstone that you have lying around there!

[@PredictableEnigma]

Right? Would you like to share some with the class, MD? 😂

[@surfer101ist]

THE FIRST COLAB TANK SINCE THE HOLY UNION!!!! Was looking forward to this one!

[@grunge.garden]

Great video, love watching you guys! But your video is missing B-roll of the fish and tank at the end!! 🐠🐟

[@prof.fishtanks]

As someone who does both fresh and saltwater I’m so excited you’re venturing into the world of marine aquaria!

[@shawnal6412]

Are you referring to a different video? the fish in this video are freshwater only.

[@prof.fishtanks]

@@shawnal6412 He mentions how they are going to be setting up saltwater.

[@shawnal6412]

@@prof.fishtanks I didn't notice that. But I was watching with a low volume.

[@caseyshaw8253]

Love the scape! I really like that you're starting to bring the maintainence and feeding into your videos. It's nice to see exactly what it takes to maintain and keep a tank so big. Would love to see more content like this in the future!

[@aidandalton7404]

I used to read books. 📚 no Internet in my day.

[@BeagleRescuer13]

Holy Schnikies Batman! This build is my new favorite!!! This turned out so gnarly. The fish look just brilliant in this tank. Loving having Matt there as well. The humor & dumb jokes ..... keep 'em coming!

[@cglenn1457]

I'd like to see a challenge where you both get your own nano tanks and access to the same materials, are given a theme, and you both make your own versions of that theme and we can see how different they are. Pretty please? This was a fun video, gentlemen. Thanks!

[@eHodge82]

Would love to see a Scape-off between MD and Matt, same size tank and that’s it, no winner just a fun video between friends.

[@davidsidebotham1666]

Great video! The only thing I missing is a video of the fish set to a bit of music at the end of your video like you used to do. Keep up the good work

[@topheliflyer]

Another great scape, you make it look so easy! Loving the banter between you both, teaming up like you have was a brilliant move and watching you grow your business together will be compelling viewing!!

[@aeronjoshuailanga8385]

Hi MD. I just set up my very first lowtech planted tank all because of you! Thanks for giving me inspiration on doing this hobby. Im from the Philippines

[@davidharding1694]

I got two albino hoplo catfish almost two years ago. They're fully grown now, housed in my community nano aquarium, and are truly fantastic fish! Really peaceful and a bit different to what you normally find in an aquarium. They usually come out during the evening but will sometimes venture out during the day for live food like bloodworms, so you might struggle to enjoy them fully away from a home aquarium. I'm glad to see them finally make an appearance on the channel.

[@LH-S1]

This has got to be in the top best tanks you have made. Great job

[@markhamilton2329]

This is your best tank scape yet,can't wait to see it mature.

[@86Kera]

That big piece of wood gave the tank a fairy tale look and the fish really complimented the other . Definitely one of my favorite scales. Perfectly put together.

[@Lorgayle1]

I love the camaraderie between you two. Beautiful build!

[@levibennett5166]

I would LOVE to see more maintenance videos. Instruction from experienced keepers would be hugely beneficial. Equipment maintenance, tank maintenance, etc. There are so many videos of setups (which are amazing) but it's a long process and there's plenty that goes into it besides setting yourself up for success. Much love!

[@dannemellin8167]

Ive watched this channel for years now and i always found it to be perfect for having in the back when i work or just messing around in the hobbyroom. I hope you read this guys, since Matt started working in the studio the quality have skyrocketed. Your channel is now hands down the best in my whole list of channel tyst i watch and get this… im not even a fish guy, im on that reptile ting. Bravo guys, bravo! Best of luck in the future and bit love from Sweden bois

[@Kyddoemiko13]

It's a proven fact scaping is a good idea with a second person just to get that second opinion. Lovely set up and happy you both broke the rule in placing that drift wood dead center.

[@ulianadeshannon9444]

We really love the back wall shelf set up you did with the holding tanks. You and Matt work so well together. Sigh, wish our house was big enough to accommodate such big tank scapes. We love you guys. You gave us so many great ideas for our future scapes. 🎉

[@emilyjane61]

Another wonderful tank! A friendly suggestion...try removing the piece of wood on the wall behind it...I think it interferes with the lines of the tank's awesome piece of wood. I love your channel so much.

[@akuehn95]

I'm so excited seeing you going to try saltwater aquariums, It's fun being on both sides of the hobby

[@mcashw]

Love seeing the behind the scenes of maintenance and keeping things going

[@jonnytech7953]

Great video, as usual. I was lucky enough to meet Matt at Aquashella over the weekend in Daytona and appreciate you taking the time to talk for a few minutes. Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to run into you at another one in the future.

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

You can take pothos cuttings and get them to make roots adapted to plain water so you can get rid of the soil easily. Just make the cut between the leaves and the bumps in the stem will produce new roots. Easypeasy Love the tank! 💚💙💚

[@leefi1]

I always use closed captioning because although I mostly watch British content, (and can even understand Scots) I hate to miss a single word of banter. The captioning service that you use is so exacting (most are often hilariously wrong) that today it read 'divver fish' for dither fish. Apparently, it has MD down perfectly! Your partnership is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. This was a very enjoyable start to my dismal, rainy Portland Oregon day, thanks to you two!

[@ggoannas]

Ah! I miss the footage of the fish at the end. That is what makes your films so successful. I always wait for that part the most. Ties it all together.

[@whitewolfpack0]

I just recently aquired and aquascaped my first aquarium (since childhood, anyway) because I was inspired by your channel, I love how simply you break things down and how much enthusiasm you both seem to have for the world of aquascaping and fishkeeping. I'll be introducing some shrimp, a few snails, and some corys to my tank in a few days, and I'm stoked! In doing my research, I found myself wanting some videos that go over good combinations of fish to keep in community tanks - I know you guys do consider and discuss how the fauna you're putting together get along for each specific project, but it would be cool to see a longer video where maybe you review some of the communities you've made, issues you've had with species not getting along, or how water parameters made keeping two or more species together more difficult than you thought, that sort of thing. Anyway, love the channel, keep it up!

[@ggoannas]

I am just so happy your whole adventure has taken off. Amazing how you were able to build such a studio and live from doing what you love best. And to team up with Matt is the cherry on the cake. We love you guys.

[@joshdillen4899]

Love the videos. Was a pleasure to meet yall at aquashella daytona! Unfortunately, our picture never made it, but I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. Look forward to the saltwater adventures.

[@dlb388]

I would just like to take a moments to appreciate how much hard work you put into this channel. You always have a great attitude and I love your mindset of jumping on an idea as soon as you have it instead of kicking it down the road until it never happens. I have recently incorporated that into my own life and it makes an incredible difference! Thank you for everything you do for the community and keep up the good work!!

[@f00mp]

“Screw the RULES!” ~ Literally love MD😂😂 **Also, Would love to see local access to NutriBase here in the US, thank you for being an interlocutor in that conversation!! PEACE 🤙🏽

[@gregwilson5910]

One of the best scape's ever . Shout out from Sydney

[@dr-k1667]

Incredible result! You two are going from strength to strength! I'm looking forward to future updates on this tank!

[@sportmanguy]

Flow needs a raise for all the work she does 😅

[@rettag2020]

The Dynamic Duo at it again !!! That tank is gorgeous and you guys are amazing 🥰

[@diegopc1357]

hahahaha this duo is incredible! Just the chemistry and the combination alone is enough make anyone jealous. Keep it up!

[@cherylmartin9994]

Great build!! That giant piece of wood😱 the fish look amazing in there and as usual the banter between you guys was hilarious. Very entertaining 🤣🤣🤣

[@thewatcher720]

Go big or go home! Loving the giant hardscape it works so well. More tanks like this please. 👍

[@williamannelli9822]

Beautiful tank. You and Matt are an unbeatable team, superb creativity. Thanks for the videos I am always learning something.

[@Foogle..]

Amazing build! Lovely to see both yours and Matt's creativity come together with the banter haha. Such beautiful fish, maintnenance videos sounds very interesting! Also can't wait to see and learn about salt water setups! Great work guys

[@sui-generis]

Epic piece of hardscape! I would utilise the rear shelf as part of this hardscape and use more wood and terrestrial plants from the shelf to give the overall scape more depth.

[@God-1111]

Exactly! To not utilise the shelf within the scape is a waste, and using the shelf behind the tank for anything else will be distracting, I am sure MD and Matt will realise this themselves.

[@somb84]

Love the tank! Hey MD, you NEED to do a mini-scape for some Dario-Dario. TRUST me on this one!

[@johndowning5826]

I’m so glad you guys are trying salt water, I was going to comment about you maybe getting nemo’s and anemone’s, but thought it was a bit of a stretch..

[@stevecox8066]

I don't know if I like watching this channel or if it just makes me sad for my tanks. No, seriously I LOVE watching and my tanks are doing great!! Fantastic that you have Matt onboard with the studio as well. I have been seeing the Electric Blues in my local store for a few months now and finally got my own. He's (actually think she) is incredible and luckily ignores my Gold Ram who also ignores her as well hahaha. Incredibly happy to see that you plan to crank up a few salt tanks as well. I've just setup my first salt tank since 30+ years ago when there was little to no help if you needed it. Keep the great videos coming and we'll keep watching. This video turned out a fantastic tank and properly nice home for these beautiful fish.

[@ClaytonO-fish4life]

The best one so far in my opinion. Good job guys.

[@Paul-044]

I absolutely love the Blue Acara such a beautiful blue and orange colors. Brilliant well done mates. What a great duo. See ya

[@rebeccagaree635]

Absolutely natural and beautiful!! Love this tank

[@splittheredsea]

You guys are really getting after it. This channel is officially next level. Best tank so far. You can never go wrong with Acara's

[@Loonza123]

This is one of the best tanks yet and you guys are just getting started. Amazing

[@shel.b.1090]

Such an amazing scape guys. Your team up was the best thing. Loving the education , banter and the amazing tanks you create. So amazing MD to see your channel grow from the shed in the garden 👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐠🐟🐠🐟

[@NinoMarcantonio-ry6mh]

Excellent job guy's love that piece of driftwood and the way you incorporate the rocks and plants.

[@TheKiwibirder]

I absolutely LOVE Electric Blue Acaras, so i was so excited to see this video. Another stunning aquascape…wow. Amazing. You and Matt make such a good team. It must be a nice feeling to have some regular help with the tank maintenance. The new studio looks fantastic!

[@IgorEngelen1974]

really cool scape with that combination of wood and the dragonstone. Only about a year ago that I learned this about it. My shrimp love exploring all the crevices in the stones.

[@sriprasadm3787]

Your both combination is superb, and your tank setups are going amazing .giving me a lot of new inspiration to go on with . Thank you for the effort.❤❤

[@FredericEffe]

Nice scape that shows clearly you can never go too big with hardscape.

[@theseaweedsalad3188]

SOOoo excited for the saltwater tanks MD! I cannot wait to see what you create with Matt

[@christopher_scott]

This week in Daytona is going to be 🔥

[@Hamishtarah]

A bunch of new and interesting fishes, specially the royals and the catfish.

[@jaideepsaindane6145]

Hey MD, I've been following your channel for long and gotta say- super happy about the progress and the new studio and partnership with Matt! But I miss the short videos (10-15mins ones) where you created nano tanks. Lot of us cannot afford/commit to such large tanks, so the smal cute and beautiful nano tanks really inspire us! I hope you make similar shuch videos soon too! Cheers!

[@danieljensen4797]

Nice job! I hate it that you're taking the molly/swordtail tank down, because that's probably my favorite, but I'm sure the re-scape will be both interesting and nice. You all ought to do a mini version of that in a two foot tank, except with Red Wag Platies and Black Tuxedo Guppies. I think the red of the swordtails against the green plants is what makes it an eye catcher and fan favorite. You and Matt keep up the good work!

[@norbertthoens3561]

Das "Dreamteam" hat wieder ein wunderschönes Aquarium geschaffen! 👍😍 Die Wurzel bietet sehr viele Versteckmöglichkeiten für die Chichliden und die Welse. Es wird aber schwierig sein, diese Hohlräume auf Dauer sauber zu halten...🙄

[@MeiTama17]

oooh, Christmas tank! the red mollies would be great for it.

[@debstewart4558]

Hi guys, MD you are correct. Nature has no rules. Do what you want.

[@jimmyhitide]

Stunning. You guys have got me thinking I might take up the hobby again, after a gap of many years.

[@sparrowsfish]

Electric Blue Acara are my absolute favorite. They have the best personalities! I don't know if common but I have a pair that pull up my stem plants daily.

[@SP-qs4yh]

If they are breeding they often rearrange their breeding territory so this sounds like what they are doing.

[@jodysees19]

I currently have a 29 gallon community tank for small fish. I am planning on a 55 gallon cichlid tank, excited!

[@gemmacorinne9487]

You two make me laugh! Great video as always… and you’ve inspired me with my aquascaping. Hope you’re having a great time in America

[@Scaperoot79]

Can't wait to meet you both this weekend!

[@KNCO92]

You guys really make me wanna get back into fish keeping haha, brilliant tank build! Love the whole thing 😊

[@Jamesk1212]

Best episode together for sure! (Not that the others were bad) . Keep it up guys! Energy is starting to blend 🙏

[@zeb33369]

As much as i love your channel (and thats a lot) i do wonder about how much to take on with regards to how you do your substrates considering you break your tanks down after such a short time 🤔 And i know you'd like to see your tanks spotless all the time but i honestly learn more when you show them a little "in need" of maintenance, looks a lot more like my own then 😁

[@ddubzuk7793]

Loving the amazing videos, you 2 make a great team. With the chill out sofas it just gives me the impression that a podcast or Q&A could be hosted from that spot, would be an amazing addition to the channel or the MD brand. Even if not, i still really love just watching the content you guys put out 😀

[@jeremy4602]

Amazing build guys! Imagine having a branch on the wall behind it following the line of the branch in the tank! Would look like a huge piece .Love the channel even more now that you've teamed. Keep up the good work

[@andreacasoli3371]

I really like the wall rack but one of my favourite things about new scapes is when you go to the shop and buy fishes and you sort of take us with you, hope that shopping with us will come back, very nice scape as always btw

[@nickdarke2138]

Yes! Hoplo cats - I love these! Big personalities (for a fish). Have had several of these over the years

[@Ristikettu]

Hoplo catfish are my favourite bottom dwellers 😍 Not the flashiest, but the most personable fish I've ever owned. Always greeting when I walk by the aquarium and begging for food, banging the lid if food is too late 🤭

[@grantgwyn1992]

Love everything about this tank. Stunning. I'd love something like this in our home

[@lloydsmith63]

Love this channel! I love watching the two of you working together. Entertaining and educational! The shop is looking good. Your scapes are so impressive. Makes me want more tanks (don’t tell my wife). Can’t wait for the 8 ft tanks! The fish wall looks so good. Gives it the fish shop look. Do you guys give tours of your studio?

[@oliverjanssen]

loved the tank, teamwork and the fish. excellent video

[@tedtots]

I was really worried when you chose dragon stone with that wood, but seeing the final vision come together was super awesome. Great work guys. Really nice scape.

[@lukealmighty8828]

Hi team love the fact yous two are working together now very entertaining plus nothing better than working with a friend. The tank is amazing! electric blues have to be in my top 5 favourite fish would love to have some one day!

[@alanpitkeathly6752]

The hoplos will take a week or 2 to settle then you will see them out all the time especially when it's feeding time. Great team you 2 keep the content coming lads

[@zach3451_]

You might regret rescaping the plant stock tank it grows plants so well. Looking forward to seeing fish settled in and confident. Also sure we're due a fish tour soon before the big tanks come!!

[@darylcavanagh3977]

Loved this, ripping out my 230 litre soon and have been looking for new ideas for a new scape. Love how youve youve gone with annubis and bucephalandra. I seem to struggle with Java Ferns 🤔 Love how you generally go with non CO2, great for us guys on a budget Nice one guys 👍

[@frittibreezedancer]

That is such an amazing result, the experimenting with the dragonstone combined with that massive chunk of wood really came out well! Even if it's a bit low-lighty, it will definitely develop vibranty and brilliantly, I'm sure of it. I really like those catfish as well, I'm gonna have to see if I can get any around here somewhere sometime!😄

[@MKSouthernStar]

Wow I think this is my new favourite scape and fish selection.

[@The_Wolf_-1826]

I love all the videos you guys come.out with ita fin to see what tow great minds come up with for a set up.

[@ianwood3143]

Stunning system fellas, it really works especially with that mix of fish !

[@Bobbitthehobbit]

I love the rock on the the stump 16:55

[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍🏻😎I just got one the other day (Royal Acara) and it's about 2" long. I can't wait to watch this fish grow out.

[@AckoMunze]

Great build! I have had a Spotted Hoplo in every larger scape I did over the last 20 years. They are extremely hardy, live very long, trully benign, they brathe air from the surface aaand then they fart large bubbles to equalize built up pressure, hilarious behavior. Just be mindful that the bunch you poured in will produce a ton of waste as they eat a lot, it's like 1x Hoplo = 10x Cory cats.

[@SP-qs4yh]

So glad you tried hoplo catfish they are a really underrated catfish that don’t get massive and also don’t have a massive mouth. I’ve had my 3 for almost 3 years now and they are around 5” so I don’t think they will get much bigger but they have the best behaviour!

[@mancini2020]

Looking great guys. Can we get a tank tour with music? Showcasing the fish and aquascaping? Cheers!!

[@Dislike2011]

I wish these guys did home visits and scaped tanks for clients!

[@marcbonnmagno9893]

Always watching your videos and ive learn a lot. Thanks for sharing ideas