Ending the Mystery of Cloudy Water - Understand and Eliminate Cloudy Water Forever!

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE CRYSTAL CLEAR AQUARIUM WATER USING AQUARIUM PLANTS AND OTHER NATURAL HACKS ? Having a crystal clear and vibrant aquarium is the goal of every fish keeper, but achieving it can be a challenge. Cloudy or murky water can be frustrating and unattractive, not to mention potentially harmful to your fish. That's why in this video, we'll show you everything you need to know to get crystal clear water in your aquarium.
We'll start by exploring the most common causes of cloudy water and how to prevent them, such as overfeeding, overstocking, and inadequate filtration. Then, we'll dive into the steps you can take to fix cloudy water if it's already a problem. We'll cover topics like water changes, substrate cleaning, and adding beneficial bacteria to your aquarium.
Bacterial bloom, detritus in your gravel substrate, micro fauna such as paramecium, green water or micro flora problem, yellow water or old water issues, particulate matter or brown/black water (tannins) can cause cloudy water.
FATHER FISH is an advocate for natural aquariums. His research over 25 years provides a wealth of information about the creation and maintenance of natural aquariums.
On this channel you will find scientific research as well as personal testimonials by countless hobbyists who have applied the Father Fish System and are enjoying its amazing benefits.
THE FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord is a wonderful way to meet and make new fishy friends as well as get the help you need.
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0:00 Intro
0:18 10 Reasons for Cloudy Water
0:32 Bacterial Bloom
2:00 Detritus
3:33 Micro Fauna
4:33 Micro Flora
5:25 Yellow Water
6:35 Plants Sale!
7:09 Putrid Water
9:47 Particulate Matter
10:32 Dust
11:33 Tannins
12:43 Solution
13:52 Conclusion
Edited by ‪@deadmanswill‬
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#fishkeeping #fishtank #clearaquariumwater #fatherfish #deepsubstratetank #naturalaquarium #deepsubstratetank #naturalaquarium #plantedtank #plantedaquarium #fishtank #fishkeeping #dirtedtank #walstad #foodweb #fishfood #naturalaquarium #deepsubstrateaquarium #balancedaquarium #selfsustainingaquarium #healthyaquarium #sandsubstrate #deepsubstrate #naturalsubstrate #naturalfishkeeping

[@FatherFish]

STEM PLANTS BUNDLE SALE - Over 75 plants - 15 Species for $59! Limited Time OFFER so HURRY! father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com/ For Special Soil Supplements, Plants, FIsh & Merch in your country: fatherfish.fish/

[@afh9237]

That cartoon skit was the best thing I've ever seen. I died laughing. Please, more. Please. ❤😂

[@FatherFish]

It was delightful. Lots of work. Virtually no response. VERY disappointing. IfI can figure out how to increase views I woulde love to do another one.

[@feliciatee]

It was so so funny 😂😂

[@andrewlindenfeld6222]

The female character with father fish's voice explaining feeding instructions was comedy gold. More people need to see this so it happens more!

[@n.2597]

I’ve been subscribed for 2 weeks and have learned so much. So much in fact I’m redoing my 65 gal aquarium to follow father fish, thank you father fish!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you N. Happy to help. Join us on the Father Fish Shoad. discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@lexas1234]

Same for me :)

[@Boogerboys1990]

U won't regret it

[@melodysetliff]

I used to never change my water in the 80's! Never heard of it! My tanks were always clear.... got out of the hobby for about 10 plus years and got back in about 7 years ago and everyone screaming water changes so I have been doing them.😮 I think my water is clearer without them. I have lot's of plants and a low fish load. 2 big Angels in a 55 with a couple Bolivian Rams and some small Tetras. I'm going to add some more small fish. Ty for your knowledge 🐟🐠🐌

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Welcome you have definitely found the right place❤❤❤

[@Chris-oe9mi]

I had a constant issue with cloudy water. As soon as it was cloudy I changed water, soon after the problem reoccurred. I stopped changing water and left it alone. Guess what? No more problems with cloudy water in the tank. Now it is super clean😊

[@hamzaferhat4627]

How long did you have to wait before the water cleared out ? I just set up mine and as soon as I put the fish it became very cloudy and haven’t changed the water yet

[@Chris-oe9mi]

@@hamzaferhat4627 About one week.

[@striving.catholic]

For some reason, Father Fish has a special place in my heart whenever he chuckles.😂 Love your channel😊

[@oscarstrelkov4705]

I recently followed your advice to top off gravel with sand. It made a huge difference to that tank. Thank you!

[@ashikrafi290]

Can you tell your obsertions briefly....

[@oscarstrelkov4705]

@@ashikrafi290 After 1 year, I started getting cloudy water after every water change. Fish started getting sick too. After adding the sand, all the problems went away

[@johncenainvincible]

@@oscarstrelkov4705 Did you use normal sand from the beach?

[@oscarstrelkov4705]

@@johncenainvincible no, I had some leftover pool filter sand from another tank

[@davidrix804]

Hi father fish✌️✌️🇬🇧🇬🇧been a great fan for weeks now!! Had problems with brown algie for at least 6weeks,you gave me hope,so i persevered,put more plants as you suggested and after the 6week period it has gone and with your help in dirted tank advise,my tank looks fantastic,thanks father fish✌️✌️✌️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧peace to you and your family✌️✌️

[@laramieclarke5439]

I always maintain a low level of sea salt in the aquarium water because Green Swordtails benefit from it. But the parasites don't. My water comes from my water butt (Rainwater) as nature intended. I have loved watching your videos, which were not available when I started fish-keeping way back when. Keep up the good work from Larry.

[@NatsNotHere]

Clear, concise and informative! Always a treat to watch your videos!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Nats.

[@alexe5683]

That cartoon bit was gold

[@themermaidslairaquatics]

You r so helpful & cheerful! I love it!

[@Sybil_Detard]

Years ago I had a fish tank. Nothing but heartache. I banned myself from having fish after that, called myself a fish killer and decided to stay with air breathing mammalians as companions. I still have bad fish tank dreams. BUT, I have still am desirous of having a fish tank. Your advice has returned hope to my murderous heart. Perhaps I will try again, and my fishies will live. Maybe I'll just start with plants.

[@FatherFish]

And a few fish. Go slowly. Be gentle.

[@Sybil_Detard]

@@FatherFish Thank you for the encouragement.

[@Ankjell]

Can't help repeating to myself every now and then: Crystal clear.... Love it lol! Wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I discovered your channel yesterday. Today I have a father fish tank ❤ I am revisiting my old hobby and when looked a bit on youtube I bumped into people that are doing 80% weekly water changes. I was feeling anxious of all the unnatural fweling of it all when one of your videos came up and man, what a relief. I have been wading a pond to recolect stuff. Love it. Thanks ❤❤

[@JOSnTHELORD]

Whatever questions I have I always come to father fish. I've watched a lot of channels on aquariums but father fish is the only one I turn to now!

[@DashDrones]

Guess who's got crystal clear water thanks to Father Fish??!! I'm your latest patreon, woohoo, all the best from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@Cougar139tweak]

Thanks for the advice as always, not just a chemical fix for every problem like many others

[@FatherFish]

You betcha!

[@jeanmichellouis4]

Excellent 🙏 merci

[@markfranklin8831]

All great information thanks for sharing ✌️💗💯👍

[@rileystewart859]

I really appreciate and admire your expertise in aquariums, you are truly the best aquarist on KZbin.

[@FatherFish]

You are very kind Riley. Thank you.

[@billwnyj]

I LOVE Father Fish!!! That animation with your words was hilarious!! It’s happened to us all

[@DistributistHound]

I don't even have fish nor fishtanks but I enjoy the great and straightforward explanation and appreciate the share of knowledge :] thank you

[@BiGenXGardener]

This is my favorite channel on the entire internet :)

[@lebianitadc7572]

Quality as usual. Great video father fish!

[@FatherFish]

Thanks Lebi.

[@bambimccluskey]

Thank you Father Fish! Loved seeing LRB in there! 😊

[@FatherFish]

Lucas is an amazing fish keeper.

[@anthonyudovich7524]

Awesome video FF!! This hobby will turn around with people like you.

[@FatherFish]

Thanks Anthony

[@anthonyudovich7524]

@@FatherFish your very welcome

[@according2joel450]

Great helpful video. I never change water. Thank you

[@charliemalinis5028]

You are awesome! Thanks for teaching us dummies on how to have a thriving happy community of fish😀 Please continue to educate us Philippines😎

[@derpdurp6200]

Father Fish, awesome videos! Watching these has been instructive and helpful. I have had a few nerite/mystery snails die in my small 3 gallon tank. I have removed them and done water changes, administered Prime a couple times and have two filters... but there is still an ammonia spike (as I understand it, the dead snails release a lot of ammonia...) and cloudy water. Interestingly enough, fish do not seem bothered and are just fine. Would you recommend just letting the cycle handle the ammonia?

[@archnemi1327]

Very informative as usual great content

[@FatherFish]

TY Hester.

[@mathildakd1]

Amazing.

[@Jaypriestley]

Im going to check out your website now thank you

[@Lyunpaw]

That animation was brilliant.

[@alexbwja]

The amount of true knowledge this man holds! Thank you sir for sharing what amazing info for free! Is there any way I could help support or donate brother?

[@FatherFish]

Yes. Please join our Patreon group to provide support for our work: www.patreon.com/user?u=25478137

[@erickborling1302]

You are SO right about fish-sitters. They booger things up EVERY time.

[@pigeonsontraining]

I agreed with you 100 %,honestly I been having fish for more than 30 years, I tried to fallow those fishkeepr online and that was a big mistake because weekly water changes keep killing my fish so I decided to go on my old ways (not changes water)and now my aquariums are driving better than ever

[@chila1236]

I've been doing dirted fish tanks for 10 years but i didn't know the biology behind it until I watched father fish

[@regosilver1147]

Love the video 👍👍

[@FatherFish]

Thanks Rego. It is a wonderful video and very few will see it. the algorythm hates it.

[@ctsfiddler]

Good advice and love the cartoon.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Tom. Please share this vid. Help us get more viewers.

[@milekh6681]

Enjoying the discord. It’s entertaining to see people on there putting a marineland 375 hob in a ten gallon tank and asking why is my substrate is moving around? Lol

[@FatherFish]

woops

[@whataboutrob442]

I had a couple of goldfish that were tormented for a few days by a common pleco. The pleco was attaching itself to the comet and the fancy tail. They both looked terrible and I returned the pleco but the damage was done. I watched your video that said crank the heat for a few days. I also added some salt, API antibiotics and Seachem Stress Guard. 3 days later they were almost back to normal. The comet looked so bad that he looked like really bad chapped lips. I thank you for the video.

[@TomLeedsTheAtheist]

Man, YOU ARE NOT KIDDING about letting someone feed your fish while gone. I left for two weeks and a friend was watching the cats and I said she didn't have to but couple feed the fish a pinch a COUPLE of times while I was gone. I think she used about 6 months worth of food. Nothing died but the filter was just gunked and I had to do a 50% water change. Now there are enough plants and other things that I think NO food for 2 weeks will be fine. But yes, don't let someone who feeds your mammals to feed your fish.

[@chelseasavage1129]

I have learned so much from you this past week! Being fairly new to the fish hobby, I am excited to give the dirt and sand method a try! I have a couple questions If you don't mind. Do I need to treat driftwood prior to putting it in my tank? I also purchased Kellogg's all natural raised bed and potting mix. Do you think this is safe to use as a base for my tank soil? Thank you so much!

[@FatherFish]

do not kill and use the dirt

[@devkotasudeep]

I don't know why but I love to watch your videos than any blockbuster movies. Thank you Father Fish.

[@wandarivera713]

Bless you too father fish 🐠

[@leem200]

Love ya back.

[@williamleidy6713]

I had this when I set up my tank weeks before I added fish . I just started my internal micro canister filter and it was gone in a few hours. No problems since then.

[@danieljjvasquez2854]

Your videos are so helpful and your aquariums are amazing! I’m curious if you’ve ever had turtles and if they could live in one of those ecosystems? I would love to see a video on that, Anyway, thanks for sharing your knowledge and approach in the natural way

[@FatherFish]

I have had turtles. They are a bit of a problem because they are diggers and they tend to dominate a tank. Sp[ecial consideration for their needs ameliorates the problems

[@anielerubio2563]

​@@FatherFishjust followed one of your videos on setting up a tank and the turtle tank. I unfortunately failed to read the instructions on the sand was not aware the I had to wash it. Tank has been milky for 6hrs now. Anything you recommend?

[@iamvictorperez1482]

Thanks Father fish and the team See y’all in the discord

[@Zepters5]

I’ve had cloudy water in my guppy tank for months but it causes no harm to them,no deaths and they are all healthy and active but I’m not a fan of the cloudy tank

[@MaureensMenagerie]

Situation- water started stinking (like rotten eggs!) 5 yellow labs started erratic swimming and dying before my eyes! Had powdered - activated charcoal- knew it’s medicinal properties for me- so I blended it with a cup of water- told them I was sorry and poured it in… turned off filter and air stone- let it settle for a few hours-- My tons of lovely plants had begun to crash before - looked awful!! Had got 8oz container well before- activated charcoal crushed pieces… Turned back on filter and stone- rinsed filter parts, kinda wiped plant leaves too… Took 4oz of AC from jar and put into a cloth vegetable bag- and stuck to the side of tank. Put in a Miracle Shell today-(bought a month ago) Think my 2 Mainganos and 2 labs that survived the crash are acting like happy little fish now- so glad for your videos- Maingano is gulping sand and spewing it off to side- never seen her do that- afraid she’ll get down to compost! I have 3” pool sand- they love that stuff! May need to get another inch in-- so this just happened when we got back from camping- not saying but I may of touched something with Neem on my hand- or like FF say never ever never ever let anyone feed your fish while your away- I buried my lovelies in my garden…

[@FatherFish]

Great story. Would love to see pics. Join Father Fish Shoal: discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@zeb33369]

Total noob here having just set up my tank a few weeks ago using an almost coarse sand type of gravel, but looking fwd to trying a dirted tank asap, thanks for the inspo, @Father Fish, this was really informative 😀 👍 👌

[@Boogerboys1990]

Yea it's amazing I don't do maintenance or water changes just top offs and plants. Love it. Make sure u add lots of slow breaking down ingredients to the mud layer under the sand. Enjoy

[@zeb33369]

@@Boogerboys1990 sounds fantastic.. what sort of slow breaking down ingredients would you recommend?

[@kevinf7471]

Hey father fish I've received found your page and absolutely love and agree with your content. My question is if you would be able to have an instructional video how to incorporate your dirted tank techniques into an existing setup, many thanks

[@FatherFish]

EXCELLENT suggestion. There are constant questions about this.

[@sketchysebby7516]

I need those plants 😮

[@alexandrajeffries9273]

Ordering more sand tonight. ❤

[@gadogadoikanhias1289]

I have known this channel. A week ago. Helo from Indonesia.

[@stuartnewman6968]

You got a new subscription farther fish

[@beliverfaith4766]

Thank you so much. Explaining how different colours and the causes really make things a lot clearer for me! Love you Father Fish! Happy Father's Day✨️✨️✨️

[@FatherFish]

Wonderful!

[@beliverfaith4766]

@@FatherFish i followed your tips and i got my crystal clear water. The fishes look very happy and more lively than ever. Thank you so much Father Fish ✨️

[@jornguatu5315]

I love the animation! Lol

[@chasekitching1056]

Idk if anyone knows but clams help filter out the water a lot you can find them in sand bars in rivers and lakes and they are free just make sure they arent protected, i use giant duckweed to help with algae, its easy to control unlike regular duck weed, but thank you father fish for showing us the way to really take care of fish without it being a chore and a struggle

[@DerDerIstOhneZUSein]

One trick I know for dusty water or unsettled mulm is to add bentonite, that is clumping kitty litter. like 1 tsbp per 100l or so. that will make the water cloudy as hell for a day and when it settles it will take some dirt with it. i think thats something they do in natural bodies of water which have a problem with turbidity. it may not solve the systemic problem, but if the mayor is visiting tomorrow and your living room tank is looking cloudy, it may help save your rep :)

[@FatherFish]

Never used it Josi. Will try.

[@incognito1624]

Good evening Fatherfish First of all thank you for your very useful info, here's a question from the Netherlands. What is better as a ground cover. Garden soil from the store or potting soil. And what kind of sand do you recommend to put over it. Warm greetings from the Netherlands

[@FatherFish]

I do not believe it matters. With adequate supplements the substrate will continue to provide nutrients to plants and the system in general until they are thoroughly assimilated and cycled through the system.

[@alexalegado8743]

I love watching father fish..why i just discovered him ? He's knowledgeable in so many levels...😅😂😊

[@jaymeloy1984]

FATHER FISH IS AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO WATCH AND LISTEN TOO 😊

[@GreenthumbsGarden]

The cartoon was hilarious and spot on.

[@kukukaka968]

FATHER FISH IS AMAZING!

[@sophiak6204]

Hello Father Fish! I hope all is well. Greetings from Dublin, Ireland! I have plenty of fine sand available and John Innes No.3 Compost and would like to use both in my fish tank. I wonder if this soil is good/safe to use, what is your thought on it? I want to lay it as a base layer with a 2-inch cap of sand on top. If I were to use this particular soil should I rinse it under water a couple of times beforehand so that it is not so nutrient-rich? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you, Sophia! An online website showed me this as the soil composition: John Innes No. 3 Compost Sterilized loam, peat, sharp sand, and ground limestone 8mm Loam: 55% v/v Peat: 25% v/v Grit: 17% v/v Contains Super Phosphate Contains Potassium Sulphate

[@FatherFish]

Thank you for that Innes content. The sand you are suggesting is perfect.

[@stargazersmom4075]

❤

[@capt.nothing1192]

I've learn a whole lot in just a week watching your videos. In case you didn't know it your links to your website doesn't work for buying plants and or looking at what your selling. It comes back with a 404 error or unsafe. FYI.

[@FatherFish]

Had to create a new store. Up and running now: father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com/

[@capt.nothing1192]

@@FatherFish Thank you

[@user-zv2xw6mj1b]

Hello Father Fish!! I have had a 30 Gallon fishtank that has been running consistently for two and a half years. I decided to redo the tank. I removed the fish, added another inch of substrate. Ensured that the tank had plenty of time to cycle. I them changed the type of fish I kept in the tank. I changed the tank from tetras with little bio load and now have plenty of mollies stocked. Much higher bio load. Now I additionally admit what I believe could be a mistake, I poured an entire bottle of the beneficial bacteria in into the water. Enough the bottle says will treat 1,700 liters of water. After a couple of weeks, The tank became so cloudy that i could not see through the tank nor could I see any fish. My ammonia and ph indicators showed no harmful signs. I have been keeping up with regular water changes. I never disturb the substrate when adding clean water. But I tell you. Two months or more later, I still always have cloudy water? Could this be a long bacterial bloom? My filters always run and are clean? Any insight is appreciated. Fish are happy, well fed. Zero fish loss.

[@FatherFish]

Put 2” of sand cap and no water changes

[@user-zv2xw6mj1b]

@@FatherFish Shall do! Thank you Kindly Sir!

[@sretenduric]

I am unsure about one. In some previous topics we said that we need dead matter in the water. When any fish dies, and the tank seems fine, no cloudy water, should we remove dead fish or leave it to dissolve? Suppose we have everything done correctly, from 1" mud and 2" of sand.

[@odustyo]

Bruh, that cartoon.. If that was a running series, I'd be watching it hahahaha

[@dinesendk]

Hello Sir. Thank you for the informativ video. Very helpful. I got back from 2 weeks vacation to find my tank (39Gallons) all cloudy, and with death fish in it. I'm sure it isn't because of overfeeding it, since I had my old dad to do that, and he knows already about not to overfeed them. So I want to ask, if it can be my Ansistrus Pleco (He is about 3-3.5 inches), that digs too deep in the sand, and then releases stuff from the soil beneath the sand?

[@FatherFish]

My money is on your old dad who overfed the tank and allowed the water to foul.

[@gerlandkent6377]

[my, wild catfish which is 3" long they keep everything clean bottom feeders]

[@PaulZyCZ]

Tannins don't last long in the water, a root can release them for 6 months, but then I need to start soaking almond leaves. There's a dark side to the tannins. Without previous leaching some roots/woods need daily water changes for a week (with optional help of charcoal or Purigen in the filter). Otherwise the water starts resembling purplish coffee or a paint in a can. When this happened to me, I had to replace half the plants and all the water (which smelled). Luckily it was a new tank with no snails or fish at the time.

[@FatherFish]

Important to use well dried, fallen material. Of heavily washed with creek water for an extended period. If there are still organic sugars in the wood or leaves it can pollute the water.

[@caewalker9276]

G'day Father Fish. Thanks for the video. I think it's starting to sink in to people and their tanks. Congratulations. I have large gravel and aragonite in a 100 gal. It's been running for 10 years. My pants are starting to go backwards and I noticed that the mulm seems to have compacted. I was trying to plant Valisinaria and struggled to get the tongs in. Is this typical and is there a way to "fluff it up" again? I've never gravel vaced it.

[@FatherFish]

Add about 4" of sand and it will completely change the quality of everything for the better. Do not clean the gravel first. that is very beneficial.

[@caewalker9276]

@@FatherFish Thanks for the reply👍

[@blaznmax8877]

Thank goodness I have common sense and follow the father fish dirted tank theory.. or I'd have these issues like many do .. live learn .. thrive teach... thanks brother

[@FatherFish]

lol Thanx blaznmax!

[@larryhenry719]

Last time I got cloudy water I just put some floating plants in tank and it all cleared up by the next day

[@FatherFish]

Good thinking

[@Jilldoid]

Hey Father Fish, you’re the best! I believe my new tank may have a bit of a brown algae overgrowth & so I’m wanting to try your advice for a carbon filter + sand, but the filter said on the box specifically not to use with sand. Should I go ahead & try the sand on the gravel anyway?? What do you think?

[@FatherFish]

A HOB? It will not be able to suck up sand.

[@Jilldoid]

@@FatherFish awesome! Wow, thanks so much for the reply. I’ll go ahead & give that a go today 😁

[@mr.octopus6972]

I am pretty amazed that almost all your solutions to cloudy water doesn't even include a plain change of water but instead keeping that "foul" water and just clean it. 😮 That is pretty interresting and I will try to do exactly that when times come. QUESTION - From your lifetime experience with tanks, do you recommend to always filter the water (I'm thinking sponges and activated coal) or is it better to try and have an healthy unfiltered tank and filter only when needed ?

[@FatherFish]

I prefer to use sponge filters. In some tanks even the y are not necessary but I like the current and availability of bacteria on the surface of the sponge.

[@MandyJane123700]

I've got a 75 gallon that my sister left with me when she moved out. It has tons of gravel (I got rid of her plastic plants). I have added some sand, but I'm waiting until I can put the common pleco in a 300 gallon outdoor tank I am setting up to really fix this tank properly. I have to say, this tank with gravel substrate is the one I have the most problems with. The fish poop gets stirred up every time the fish get excited. It's a pain in the butt, and I can't wait to get the gravel out and some dirt and sand in.

[@FatherFish]

The large pleco makes a nice meal. Cook in his shell

[@MrChidorinagashi10]

Father fish your methods work! And my fish stopped dying after i added bacteria from another pound! Now if i coulr only get the turtle to stop chasing them😂

[@Hrogthar]

Curious what the cons are of running sand on top of gravel? I've been doing it for the past month or so at your suggestion (2 inches of river gravel capped with 3 inches of sand) and it is working very well and my plants are doing just fine with the food my fish are providing them. Long term, what are some issues I will run into as opposed to your standard 1 inch of soil underneath the sand? Thank you again for your knowledge.

[@FatherFish]

NONE> The gravel captures and holds detritus and the sand makes it possible to convert to soil

[@Hrogthar]

@@FatherFish That was my theory, glad to know it works. Already have the dead leaves but now I need to get some daphnia and other organisms to eat it. Hoping to harbor the ideal cold water stream ecosystem.

[@albyturner8677]

could you do a video on what substrate to use

[@FatherFish]

I have probably 50.

[@marclapointe368]

Did anybody import fish diseases when '' seeding'' the tank with water from water that has wild fish in? Do you, instead, use water from a fishless pond?

[@3171]

Just started a nano tank today using your soil/sand method. Added plenty or plants and floating plants too. Water is looking murky from the sand (I did rinse the sand many times), but it’s only been a day…how long should I wait before I should consider doing water changes? No fish have been added, but there are snails that hitched a ride on the plants.

[@FatherFish]

It will clear. Give it time.

[@bumblesby]

If I buy your stem plant package, would those have lots of the micro-fauna included with it or are these "sterile"? Thanks!

[@FatherFish]

They are not sterile. they are, however, shipping dry to insure they do not rot. Microbes would be at a minimum. I sell a muck culture that is loaded with microbial life.

[@yeders]

Father fish! How do you manage Gill flukes particularly in discus or discus fry?

[@FatherFish]

Initially, isolate and treat with garlic clove crushed and 1 tblspn salt pg. If worsens praziquantel, mebendazole,

[@nandasarva1133]

Thank you sir for your valuable information and guidance. Please advise if i make planted aquarium do i need to clean fish poop. I am sorry sir but i am very very new and internet is full of gurus without valuable knowlege. I am planning for planted bowls for my bettas

[@FatherFish]

The plants will eat the poop if you have sand for the poop to go in.

[@SadGamingCat]

I need help, i set up and new tank 2 days ago. The water is currently going through a bacteria bloom, should i run my airstone? Or do i keep it off until closer to the time of getting fish?

[@FatherFish]

a sponge filter would help. WHY bacteria? Is something dead in the tank? Probably just dust not yet settled. Put a cou[le of fish i the tank now.

[@danidavis5915]

Hello from Mexico Father Fish! Ok, so I live in a small beach town with no fresh water stream in the immediate area. is it ok to collect rain water from an old fountain? I'm thinking I can add some of that and leaves. What do you think? BTW: I took dirt from my yard and sand from the beach and created my 2 gallon tank. It's super clear and the Betta loves it! Yesterday I fed him fresh tuna - he's been so active since. Thanks!

[@FatherFish]

Sounds delightfu. Yes the old fountain is perfect.

[@eoglander]

Hi Father Fish. I'm hoping to visit you this month when I visit my parents in Englewood. I'm very much looking forward to it. I have a 16 gallon tank with 1" of soil and 3" of sand. It's heavily planted with 5 amano shrimp, 3 nerite snails, 5 pygmy corydoras, 9 galaxy rasboras and 1 Bolivian ram. I'm having an issue with detritus, fish mulm etc floating around in the water column, settling on plants and getting stuck there in the form of brown algae of sorts. I have one suitably sized sponge filter. The detritus does not seem to be making its way into the sand and is gradually smothering my plants and mosses. Do you have a recommendation for how to solve this? Will I have to clean my aquarium after all? Thank you so much for all that you do!

[@FatherFish]

Yes, add another inch of sand. I have closed the shop so will not be able to welcome you. Enjoy Englewood. Get into the water at Indian Mound with a dip net and catch a pygmy seahorse!

[@eoglander]

@@FatherFish Will do! Thanks so much. Sorry to hear that you closed the shop but I’m sure it was for the right reason. Be well and thanks again for all of the knowledge and positive energy.

[@ochoonda]

Hi Father Fish. Will your plants survive the winter in Ireland?

[@silly2926]

What fish would you suggest keeping with shrimp to mitigate the microfrauna populations?

[@FatherFish]

pygmies like scarlet badis, elessoma, endler guppies, there are so many.

[@rickykridelbaugh7856]

New to the channel, about a week or so, been thinking about a new aquarium or pond. My question is, are stock tanks good indoor ponds? They come in so many different sizes and styles

[@FatherFish]

They are excellent.

[@rickykridelbaugh7856]

I am limited on space, so I was thinking that a 30 to 50 gallon stock tank, would be about maximum. The set up would be the same, correct?

[@rickykridelbaugh7856]

I have seen some videos on clay(kitty litter clay) my area has a lot of clay and sand in a local stream. I'm going to try the potting soil and sand from the stream. With a bogg filter at the top of the wall, 3 or 4 of them before returning to the planted pond. I think it would work in a stair step layout.

[@tahmeedmazumder6877]

and does father fish have a discord or any other medium that we can really deep dive into problems and solving them on a personal basis?

[@martinepoisson6226]

Yes and it helped (and still) me so much!! discord.com/invite/WeHwVjxJND

[@dantemoore2338]

So I have a few questions if you could be so kind as to help me again. I am about to start two dirt sand tanks like you suggest, I am by creeks in the woods, the substrate there looks very sandy but it's not quite sand. Maybe some dirt and clay as well. Would this work as my sand or does it need to be pure sand? Also my second question is one tank already has fish in it, can I add sand with them in it or do i need to take them out?

[@FatherFish]

The sand should be perfect. Do not pour it through water. Put it in before the water. To pour sand into the tank it most be clean,. If tere is clay it will turn the tank milky and may never clear up. Clean sand can be poured with fish in the tank No proble,

[@dantemoore2338]

Thank you for your help!

[@reneesnugent3358]

I find after I added plants i got snail's and caused ph fluctuations and killed my fish . My ph is well water @ 7. Mainly when doing water changes. Lost 21 quarter sz. Angels. But, this was NOT ff substrate.

[@Perspective_Outdoors]

This guys voice is like a peaceful stream lol 😂

[@sketchysebby7516]

How long does it take particules to settle

[@FatherFish]

a day, no more.

[@bublt4me]

My mulm just sits on top. It doesn't get down below the sand unless I rake it.

[@FatherFish]

add an inch of sand