Enrich Your Substrate

Discover the Essential Supplement Ingredients for a Thriving Deep Substrate Father Fish Foodweb Aquarium! In this enlightening KZbin video we dive deep into the world of aquarium building and explore the crucial supplemental ingredients required to foster a flourishing environment for the entire food web.
How to Setup a Natural Aquarium
• How to Setup A Natural...
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**How to Set Up a Dirted Substrate**
DEEP SUBSTRATE INSTRUCTIONS
KZbin/FATHER FISH
1. Mix 2 quarts peat moss, 1 quart potting soil, ½ quart compost, and 1/2 cup additive per 20 gallon tank.
2. Add water to create a thick mud pie consistency, similar to wet concrete Let sit for 2 hrs minimum or overnight.
3. Carefully place 1” of the mixture into tank. Spray to rinse mud splashes. Do not add more than 1” of the mud mixture.
4. Add 2" of dry or rinsed sand to cover soil.
5. Carefully add water. Use a cover on the sand
(plate, bowl, plastic bag…) to prevent disturbing substrate.
6. Add hardscape, decorations, filter, and light.
7. Plant heavily with fast growing stem plants (anachris, watersprite, Val, cabomba). Bury roots 1" into the sand.
8. Lighting should be left on 24/7 for at least a week.
9. Add a few small fish on day 2.
10. Do not feed for 3 days. Then very tiny amounts. More fish can be added weekly.
11.Week 2 add portion of your resurrection jar ( • RESURRECTION - BRING M... ) to begin developing a food web.
Sit back and enjoy your masterpiece. You have successfully created a Father Fish Deep Substrate Living Aquarium. Congratulations!
0:00 Intro
0:10 Substrate Supplement
1:24 Biochar
1:55 Worm Castings
2:13 Diatomaceous Earth
3:41 Dolomitic Limestone
4:28 Baking Soda
5:14 Epsom Salt
6:05 Ferrous Sulfate
6:54 Blood Meal
7:07 Bone Meal
7:26 Mycorrhizae
8:00 Natural Fertilizer
8:36 Not a strict formula
9:23 First order gets THIS bag
#FATHERFISH #deepsubstratetank #naturalaquarium #plantedtank #plantedaquarium #dirtedtank #walstad #naturalaquarium #deepsubstrateaquarium #balancedaquarium #selfsustainingaquarium #healthyaquarium #sandsubstrate #deepsubstrate #naturalsubstrate

[@genewebb9810]

Wife got a 5 gallon tank, put just gravel (black w/ specks of color). She then wanted a 10 g to add more fish. Had a fish die off. I said, NO. I have to figure this out. Stumbled on a different video of yours about adding mud then cap it with sand. So I got my own 10 gallon (little comp with the wife). Saw plenty of growth with the plants and fish did well. Got another 29 gallon, after watching more videos from other KZbinrs and you (I like your way the most). Decided to go with a small amount of natural gravel, mud from 2 different sources. Mixed in some leaves, put some beach sand to cap it (had to sift some the the debris out) it is an untouched beach so nothing bad. Took your advice over others. Now, I have seen this video, I want to make this and do another tank now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, you are one of the main inspirations to my new hobby. It was so much fun to get the materials with my girl and putting it together. It’s going to be a sad day when I have to move due to being in the military. My plants are growing right before my eyes!! Fish are loving it!!

[@FatherFish]

When you move, if possible do not disturb the substrate. Leave one inch of water and the plants. For a fews days this will work. Otherwise pack the plants in ice to carry them.

[@MiserableLittleDoomGoblin]

I cannot express enough respect and appreciation for you sharing your knowledge and wisdom from your decades of experience. The idea of creating a natural tank with a soil-based substrate and sustainable food web has completely changed my perception on the care of fish. Thanks to you I am helping to teach my children responsible stewardship of the life in our aquariums.

[@FatherFish]

You are very welcome

[@krystled2944]

I couldn’t have said it better than myself! I second this comment, been in the hobby for years on and off and now that all my aquariums are converted to the dirted deep substrate with food we’d method, I will never take a break from the hobby ever again.

[@Aqua-territory]

I put tank outdoor. So the lighting is based from sun. So is it ok?

[@butterflylanding3592]

Been doing the 1 inch of gravel thing for 20years. I took care of my out of town uncle in his final 3 months on earth. My tanks became horribly neglected. Most crashed and killed all my fish while I was absent. One survived and seemed to even thrive while I ignored it. It was my 1 heavily planted sand bottom tank. I’ve been doing research and found your channel, spent the past week binge watching your vids. The pain of losing my uncle and my tanks was hard. I’ve cleared my schedule next week and plan to get them up and running again using your nature method. Thank you! ❤️ Who knows what life is going to challenge me with next, it will be comforting to know I won’t have to stress over my tanks while I face it. It gives new meaning to the phrase, ‘Just give it to God!’

[@FatherFish]

Amen. Join us at the Father Fish Shoal for support and friendship of the fishy variety.

[@theReExzus]

@FatherFish need supplement shipping to germany ...

[@Ewaabb]

I don't know any other person who can make a boring subject into a Science fiction one 😅 Super informative and enjoyed watching and learning. Thank you FF ❤

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Ewaa.

[@krystled2944]

👍 Ditto!

[@rythmjunky5292]

Wish we could get the supplement in Canada,or find somewhere that sells something similar.

[@azza7717]

he's making a rain forest in a fish tank

[@LogacysAquaticLove]

Wish this guy was on KZbin sooner, it’s gonna be a great loss when this gentleman isn’t on here anymore! ❤

[@Just_Lurking8]

Don’t jinx him,we love him 😬

[@oliewray8357]

Thats a pretty grim thing to say like you think hes going to die really soon that not a nice thing to say to someone

[@jaybasil3694]

I was going to say that the other day but yeah grip thing to mention

[@PaulMcloughlin-it8qt]

Delete ur account and this comment logan dizzle

[@user-ms6ct3mz5t]

He will always be there

[@toniemojekonto]

I was planning to assemble it on my own and then you started packing it into the bag and, what a relief, I don't have to buy everything separate thanks for what you're doing!!! The perfect mud composition that I was able to create based on few videos from your channel : 50% peat moss 25% compost, pond muck, black kow, 25% soil 10% FF suplement 1 cup of each Buffers Lime (dolomitic limestone), bonemeal, sodium bicarbonate, diatomaceous earth, Biochar, worm castings, Baking Soda 2 table spoon, Epsom Salts 2 table spoons, Magnesium Sulphate 2 table spoons, ferrous sulfate 1/2cup, 1/2 cup, blood meal 1 cup, bone meal 3/4 cup, mycorrhiza 1/2 cup, natural fertilizer 1/2 cup (reach in phosphor) 1" soil, 2inch of gravel/sand

[@FatherFish]

The items after FF supplement are included in the supplement.

[@totamaurice6585]

i used your recipe from the 3 years old video on this channel. my 3 beta are still alive today, my tank is a jungle, and i changed water once. its perfect. thx you.

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome!

[@mattbatcher802]

I am impressed by the mix. On another note, I just set up a 10 gallon tank with Miracle Grow potting soil capped with play sand. The play sand specifically said that it was not for hardscapes aquariums or traction which I found strange. So I put it in and filled it up with seasoned aquarium water and made a mess out of that but I got a little hang on the back filter and it cleared up in a couple days. Anyway my point is that I have had no problem with the soil, I was a little worried about the soil and ammonia but I put in a lemon yellow Labidochromis caeruleus mother with a mouthful of babies and they are doing just fine. Oh, and I went to the stream and got some leaves and water and ran my brine shrimp net around and put that in there too.

[@bubblerings]

Wondering if it is beach sand, so fine and tumbled that it doesn't breathe at all... or has salt in it.

[@FatherFish]

Sand does not compact. Gather it from high u- on the beech where the tide does not come and it is rain washed.;

[@deborahwolititch5005]

Love the hair cut!!

[@onlytanks]

Next weekend i will set up my first dirt tank, i've been collecting information and knowledge mainly from FF and i think im ready. Thank you FF 😀

[@FatherFish]

Here to help.

[@HealingWarrior-ic6os]

I was thinking about making a smaller batch of this but I think I’m going to make the same batch size that he made and use it in my tropical plant mix as well. It’s an amazing fertilizer!

[@michaelgrey1958]

This man is amazing. He opened my eyes to how I am doing fish keeping all wrong.

[@johnlarsen8308]

Fish stores have been failing the industry since day one.

[@2004jpepper]

Wow this is advanced! If humans ever need to rebuild an natural area like a lake this may be helpful as well.

[@user-ce2jm1hz4t]

I boght this substrate supliments through my friends from US. I can't wait until the treasured package arrives. Thanks Father Fish! In stores, everything is sold in so huge bags 😮. ❤❤❤❤

[@FatherFish]

So nice of you

[@user-eb3pd4dn9y]

I am new to all of this, Father Fish do you sell the substrate supplements online. I was given a 39 gallon tall aquarium and would love to learn your method. I'm scrolling your videos now what all is needed to set up. I just purchased the peat moss, backhoe manure and organic potting soil.

[@user-eb3pd4dn9y]

Sorry I meant black cow and also purchased filtered pool sand for the cap

[@Abadoo117]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!🙂

[@dubselectorr345]

Great background music! I generally use that Japanese style aqua soil just to avoid the mess, can this increase the life of stratum style soil too?

[@seannunes2041]

This is great stuff. I enjoyed this video. This pack will definitely ensure long-term supplementation for the soil. Thank you FF.

[@jamesjamesnet]

Video so true thanks Father Fish keep it coming.

[@FatherFish]

You bet

[@Alexsandro.Trajano]

Seus vídeos são viciantes. Todos os dias assisto 2. ❤

[@DashDrones]

Thanks for sharing the holy grail! Will add this to my next tank. Already excited! Happy Sunday from your friends in Ireland

[@aisuryab]

Thank you for sharing it 🙏 This is amazing.

[@jennifermartin506]

Your hair cut looks great

[@langamata2456]

thank you father fish for so much info.

[@mrnasty2757]

Working on setting up a 90 gallon in my office using your method! Just waiting for a few items and warmer weather. Planning on stocking it with fire red cherry shrimp, otocinclus, and snails.

[@Kirbythediver]

Just ordered some for a build im doing with a 55gal. Using Scotts top soil and black diamond blasting sand for the cap. Great way to support FF

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

I have 3 thriving planted aquariums No CO2 no ferts Oldest has been running for many years. As Father Fish says, deep substrate is the key.

[@jamesnguyen7069]

how often do you do water change?

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

@@jamesnguyen7069 Very rarely, I mainly just top them up. They are all open top tanks so they lose a lot from evaporation. I do check them for TDS (total dissolved solids), if it gets high I do a partial change. The inverts take a lot of the Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphates out and the plants take care of the Nitrates so I don't need to change water very often.

[@orvillemendonca6586]

And keep in outdoors in natural sunlight. It will be fully self sustaining

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

@@orvillemendonca6586 Not in Ohio my friend, an aquarium would freeze solid in winter.

[@jaybasil3694]

im barely know anything about keeping aquarium, but i found a 75 gallon tank that was half off, so here i am before i do anything to it since its so freakin heavy, i dont wanna have to mess with it all the time

[@FatherFish]

perfect. Join us on the Father Fish Shoal where we can help you set up and maintain your system. discord.gg/G4fkAE6qNw

[@survivalpodcasting]

Just a bit of a tip, mycorrhiza is pronounced like "Mike-CO rise ah" best I can do with phonetics. Anyway this is awesome so similar to what I use in substrate, you're the first person I have seen use worm castings and biochar both which I use. I have been kicking around adding fungal innoculum to my next tank rebuild. Now I definitely will. DE was another one I had considered but never did. I tend to use green sand and basalt as mineral supplements. Basically I use mostly the same things I use in my gardens. I also use Dr. Earth 4-4-4 organic fertilizer which has both some beneficial fungi and beneficial colony forming soil bacterium in it. Dude I gotta say it, you're one of the best fish people on KZbin. While it has nothing directly to do with keeping fish if you want a real deep dive into biochar and how amazing it is, how it works, how to make it, etc. I put weeks of work into this presentation before I gave it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKumJ2lj52NY9E

[@FatherFish]

Outstanding. Please join us on the Father Fish Shoal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKumJ2lj52NY9E a source for lots of amazing stuff, including a book in the writing about food web and deep substrate nutrients.

[@Acrathor2]

I really cant believe this video is here, I just ask about the sustrate and garden dirt.... Really thanks Father Fish, you are really the best 😊😊❤

[@FatherFish]

Glad to help

[@Acrathor2]

@@FatherFish hey ! I hope your day is going great !!! I wanted to know if you have the link or something of the natural fertilizer, i tried to order one of your bags but unfortunately i live in Chile and i think you just deliver into US u.u So i order everything of the list, i can't find the natural fertilizer anywhere here u.u just the liquid ones from the stores :(

[@FatherFish]

@@Acrathor2 You will need to make it. The list of ingredients is being posted now at discord.gg/xsdmkYgu on the Father Fish basics channel

[@damita7758]

I'm in the same situation

[@johnlarsen8308]

Great video FF

[@marymendez4178]

Thank you so much for the educational subject, I love you too father fish.

[@FatherFish]

So nice of you Mary.

[@DonnaArnold1981]

Really enjoy your content ff. I really liked the outside setting with your vast knowledge being shared with us all. I thought that forward facing camera worked a treat. Keep up the great content ff 😊🐠🐟👌🏼

[@FatherFish]

Thanks Donna

[@antonhariwirawan8117]

Hello from Indonesia ❤

[@assadahmine-ud3uv]

Nice cut Father Fish much love ❤

[@FatherFish]

Much appreciated

[@alantooth48]

Hey father fish, I like the outdoor backdrop, like the new haircut you got too looking sporty 😃.

[@FatherFish]

Nice to hear from you alan. Haver you joined the Rather Fish Shoal? I think you will love it. discord.gg/xsdmkYgu

[@abhishekthakur14378]

Love you sir

[@jenniferbunker2757]

I love listening and learning from you ❤ thank you Question when you did the betra bowl did you add this mixture to the bowl ?

[@FatherFish]

I believe I did.

[@gr33nthum6Aquatics]

Thanks for sharing. I'm also into potted house plants and thinking of adding all these ingredients in with my airy aroid mix. Thanks Father Fish!

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

My planted Neocaridina shrimp tank has a bout 4 inches of plain old house plant potting soil covered with a half inch of masonry sand. Been running for years, no CO2 , no ferts. Plants are growing out of the top of the tank, my Crinum calamistratum just bloomed

[@gr33nthum6Aquatics]

@@MichaelClark-uw7ex great conversion!

[@anthonycarbone3826]

Would that be enough calcium for snails and shrimp or would more be needed to be added periodically? I have one more question too. One aquascaper on KZbin puts the soil substrate portion in small quart size laundry bags to cover the bottom. He claims the pores in the laundry bags is big enough for the plants roots to go through the mesh for the nutrients. The benefit of using the bags, it keeps the soil from mixing with the sand and clouding the water as many of the fish will dig though the sand. It also will enable the soil to be used later on in other tanks with all the lifeforms contained within. I believe the soil will still produce the bacteria and small micro fauna which will in turn migrate to the sand for all of the other life forms living within the fish tank. Do you think the idea is OK or will it rob many of the denizens of vital nourishment?

[@Iron-Claw-Tiger]

I know who your talking about and he's putting aquasoil in those bags which is completely different to what FF is doing, the soil substrate FF uses is not suitable for those bags,it just goes in a layer on the bottom of the tank and is then capped with a sand layer, that other youtuber also rips his tanks down after a few months to reuse the materials so it's also the opposite of the Father Fish method

[@FatherFish]

Yes, Iron Claw. It also makes it impossible to move plants or the bags with their roots burrowed deep into the bags.

[@jeremymoore450]

Father Fish, Wow thank you for taking us on the adventure of what you make for the supplement. This is added with the Dirt that we use and the sand correct like we mix this in the dirt or something else?

[@FatherFish]

read directions in the description

[@Idgiefem]

I was wondering how I would put this in my 10 gallon betta tank that is already set up? Thank you.

[@justbettathings]

On the last video you told me to put sand on top of my gravel, i did put sand and my overall aquarium quality is getting better! Now to add more and more plants that goldfish wont eat 🤣 if you know any please let me know 🤘

[@FatherFish]

Try hard lweaf plants. Swords, java fern, crypts, vaal, ....

[@Slawsers]

I find any thing growing very fast or with thick hard leafs like anubis and java ferns would most likely work, jungle Vallsenrria also may get eaten but I always see gold fish keepers use it and the bigger version of it, guessing due to the fast growth.

[@justbettathings]

@@FatherFish thank you!

[@justbettathings]

@@Slawsers thank you!

[@EireFirst2024]

Can I add limnophila sessiliflora... for speed of growth 😇👍👍

[@majorbruster5916]

Great mixture FF. I wonder what the mysterious phosphate fertiliser from Indonesia is? With regard to diatomaceous earth, I (as a mere bystander) would like to throw in a couple of cents worth: DE is composed of the skeletons of marine diatoms which are mainly silica, silicon dioxide, a common component of many types of sand. Calcium content should be negligible. It is a major component of the white sands found in many South American rivers, surprisingly derived from the spicules of freshwater sponges. It is chemically inert and virtually insoluble in water, although it absorbs water to a large degree. Therefore, it will not add any buffering capacity. However, it is important, possibly crucial to plant physiology. The buffering capacity will come from the dolomite, a mixture of calcium and magnesium carbonate, which will also supply the plants with these two important nutrients. Epsom salt will contribute some buffering to the substrate mixture. It would be interesting to know the final pH of the substrate following saturation for a couple of months.

[@FatherFish]

Excellent analysis. Some recent research indicates diatomaceous earth is an important influence on plant growth. Join us in the shoal. We would appreciate your input as we try to document this approach. Ask for Tommy D. discord.gg/father-fish-shoal

[@rebeccadelph8385]

Loving your videos!!! I need help - I have a 55 gallon tank with 1 comet and 2 goldfish. I am wanting to do a natural tank. I currently have a bare bottom - no decor. What is the safest way to add soil/sand and plants to get them started with minimal stress? I will keep my bubbler but I am also stumped on what else I need for a natural tank (what filter to use , do I need a heater, etc) Thank you to anyone offering help.

[@FatherFish]

If you are not willing to drain the tank and start over, then add 3" of clean sand and begin building a food we. Links below.

[@StreetArtistsOfTheWorld]

Just followed the link to go to your online store... unfortunately you don't ship to Europe :(

[@jenniferbunker2757]

Thank you ❤ do you ever have to put this in your tank again over the years or just at the first set up ?

[@FatherFish]

Once.

[@alantooth48]

Hey Father fish great video I like the outdoor backdrop It looks like you got a new haircut looks good. I have a question I have some emperor Tetris that I got from the last Pasco meeting in a few of them are developing these white clumps on their front fins quite thick doesn't look like ick and it's only on the two front fins. And it's thick white clumps what would that be do you have any idea

[@FatherFish]

sounds like virus. They are not deadly if that is what it is (itiwii) can be removed with tweezers or a razor. if you dare

[@adamdahlberg4403]

I was looking to put the formula together myself. Wow, that is a lot of thought that went into this product. Ended up purchasing from your website. Thanks, F.F.'s excellent video, btw. Would this help with the cherry shrimp tank water quality? After it is established, I would add 2 Pea Puffers, probably 2-3 months. All this would be going into a heavily planted 20g long with an established Food web by the time the Pea Puffers are added. Ps, there are 2 freshwater crabs I could put in there, but I may leave them in one of the other (3 total) 20 g long tanks.

[@ahosansharifnafi8743]

I need a pdf about the Father Fish method, like with clear instructions and serialized content,

[@FatherFish]

In the works. See description here below.

[@LuiBove]

Hi Father Fish, how does one in Canada get your supplement?

[@Gear_5_Luffyy]

nice shave!

[@deanpeak5388]

Question concerning the Resurrection Jar. You mention adding part of the Resurrection Jar in week 2 to the aquarium. Are you only adding some of the water from the jar to your aquarium or some of the dirt from the Jar also?

[@FatherFish]

add the leaves.

[@zaferboran5343]

Baba senin bilgiler mükemmel 🖒

[@FatherFish]

आपकी कृपापूर्ण प्रशंसा मेरे दिल को प्रसन्न करती है! aapakee krpaapoorn prashansa mere dil ko prasann karatee hai!

[@svrkl15stnbld17]

Surprised to see a fellow Turkish speaker here.

[@jessicanew3726]

Hi Father Fish! When you say a 1 quart bag of this formula is enough for 100 gall ons, is that 100 gallons of soil, or all the soil necessary for a 100 gallon tank? Can't wait to set mine up!

[@FatherFish]

100 gallons of tank.

[@sergepasquasy853]

Hello Father Fish. I am working on a new aquarium. I want to make your mix. I was wondering if I can add Laterite to your mix? I bought some but I am not sure if I can use it in your mix. My English is not that good but I do my best to learn everything from your videos. You are the best teacher. Greetings from Europa Belgium Bruges.

[@FatherFish]

laterite is excellent additive.,

[@sergepasquasy853]

@@FatherFish Thank you for your answer. I ordered everything last night to recreate your mix, I'm so curious! A whole new world opens up for me with your videos. I sometimes watch all night and fall asleep with your videos. I try to like as many videos as possible and I want to become a member soon.

[@kaliorify]

Thank you FF. Please let us know how to use that supplement. I am an absolute beginner.

[@FatherFish]

Follow the directions.

[@FoolyLiving]

I'm redoing a 75 gallon tank that crashed. Should I completely empty my water out or can I add this slowly and cap it off with sand, with water already in there? If I do that with water in it, how long until I can add my fish back in? Would it be better to just scrap the water I have in there now and start all over?

[@FatherFish]

Depends on your substrate and what made it crash. Join me on the Father fish Shoal so we can examine this in depth. discord.gg/G4fkAE6qNw

[@TJBlackHearted]

Hello FF can I use just one of this (pure epsom salt) in my potting mix below my aquasoil substrate? Thank you.

[@FatherFish]

epsom is nt the most important

[@kenrooke9047]

Just received my soil supplement today. I am in Canada. Only took around a week from Vancouver. Would it be better to add this with an inch of mud from my pond or use it following the instructions that are provided which mentions peat moss etc. or a combination of both. ?

[@kenrooke9047]

Need an answer to the question thanks. 😊

[@Endtimescoming]

This video was very interesting and I found it very interesting when you talked about the dolomitic limestone to keep the soil from becoming acid, in early 2021 I started my first "Father Fish" style tank. I didn't realize at that time that you were supposed to add supplementation to the soil so I got some soil from my garden some potting mix that I believe was mostly peatmoss and some soil that I had dug up from near a lake when I moved some jewel weed to grow by my pond. mixed all of that together very well put an inch or so in the bottom of a 20 gallon tall aquarium covered that with the sand cap for which I used black diamond blasting sand planted some plants and we were off to the races now almost 3 years later that tank is still going I havn't done a water change in a loooong time. Just the other day...2 days ago to be precise I got to thinking....I wonder if my PH has dropped significantly in this tank I cant remember the last time I did anything but top it off when it starts to get a bit low. I got the test tubes and the bottles and it immediatly turned a dark purple color. Now my water ph used to be around 8.2-8.4 and this tank reads as 8.4...the water coming from my tap recently has been around 7.8. I tested it for nitrates nitrite and ammonia as well just to be sure...not a drop registered. I was a bit suprised not by the lack of nitrates but that the PH was still high....but our water here is very very hard and our soil likewise has a great deal of calcium in it. I guess the fish load and amount of waste this fish make has not yet been enough to overcome the buffering capacity of this soil/water. Just thought I would throw that out there. Tank is doing very well. I have 1 other Father fish tank that is also doing very well. More recently I have tried some other systems for nitrate removal that have not succeeded namely "biocenosis clarification baskets and plenums". I see that people have success with that. But I have not probably I am failing to do something properly. At any rate I have a 60 gallon tank in the basement that has been languishing for awhile now...has 2 angel fish and a few cories in it at the moment. It is my intent this weekend to turn it into a Father Fish tank. Get more fish in the near future for it and one I feel its fairly well established I will try to put some german blue rams in the bottom. I know the temperature needs to be in the 80s, I have tried to have rams before but they failed miserably....I fear it may be the hardness of our water here but I have been able to have all kinds of other fish that they recommend much softer water for and they have done just fine. I am thinking that the denitrification may be the thing that tips the scales and allows me to keep these fish. Thanks.

[@FatherFish]

We need you in the Shoal: discord.gg/father-fish-shoal

[@Endtimescoming]

I am in, my handle is Bill, not the Megalodon merely Bill the Snook but I'm there. Perhaps one day if I attain enough knowledge to actually give advice I will have to change my name so as not to cause confusion.@@FatherFish

[@Ceretrea]

Excellent point. If you have hard water to start with, do you even need to add a buffer?

[@Endtimescoming]

@@Ceretrea I guess I would follow the Father Fish recipe. I already had a great deal of buffer in my water and in the soil. But you can have hard water and if that hardness isn't mostly from Carbonate hardness it will eventually deplete and go soft and acidic on you.

[@Ceretrea]

@@Endtimescoming Thanks!

[@williamavery1758]

Just ordered my father fish soil supplement im definitely gonna do the father fish way with 1 inch soil and 2 inches of sand. Father fish i have a 55 gallon fish tank with electric blue Acura1 male 2 females with about 150 fry. 3 Cory cats 1 rainbow shark and 2 ottos. I have a Divider in the tank cause of the fry, and there about a month old once all my fry are old enough to give away im gonna do your method with 1 inch of soil and 2 inches of sand. Not really looking forward to draining the tank but oh well im going with your method father fish cant wait to get your soil supplement and get a bunch more plants

[@FatherFish]

You will love it.

[@williamavery1758]

@Father Fish I know im excited. Will any potting soil work father fish?? Or can I just go outside and grab dirt from my yard.

[@crzrck]

I have well water that has dissolved lime in it because the aquifers Lyme Stone. It also has a little bit of iron and a little bit of sulfides can I leave these ingredients out of the supplement? I have all these other ingredients at hand

[@FatherFish]

Yes, but it will not hurt the substrate to have these elements in it.

[@jasontongue5685]

Hi, what are your thoughts of digging your substrate straight out of a local healthy water source. Should it have the ability to be my substrate if I cap it with two inches of sand? Looking to start my new tank and I want to do it as right and as naturally as possible

[@FatherFish]

You certainly an do that. I have decided to create the richest soil possible by combining known ingredients that benefit the food web.

[@deanpeak5388]

This is great information... I am getting ready to setup a 195 gal planted tank. Is it still a good idea to use Root Tabs every 4 months or so or will this substrate mix hold up well enough and not need root tabs?

[@FatherFish]

If you use the supplement no ferts are necessary.

[@JavierPortillo1]

Hello Father Fish, tank you so much for your videos! I just wanted to ask you for advice on making an alternative substrate for people in other regions where some of this ingredients are hard to find or are only sold in big quantities to agricultors. In my case I could not find: Dolomitic limestone, Blood meal, bone meal (could maybe make it myself) and the phosphorus fertilizer. I whish I could just buy some of your product but importing from another country is very cumbersome. What could be good alternatives for some of the ingredients?

[@FatherFish]

iron and baking soda are the most important. Sub with what you can find.

[@ali84uk]

How many ML is one of your Cup as your Cup looks large ? Thank you

[@FatherFish]

It holds 2 cups to the brim.

[@luckydays8239]

50th like 😉

[@FatherFish]

Yay! Thank you!

[@fagan4119]

I have "Fish, Blood and Bone" meal on hand. Can I use that? The fishies won't be offended will they?

[@FatherFish]

excellent. Hide it under the sand. They will not notice.

[@simongordon4196]

FatherFish are you able to ship to Cape Town South Africa? Thank you so much for your absolute knowledge and simplicity in and of the natural and aquatic world

[@FatherFish]

Sorry Simon. WAAAY too expensive

[@simongordon4196]

@@FatherFish A Hello from CPT :) Is it critical to have all 11 ingredients? I've managed to get all ingredients but can't seem to find bloodmeal or ferrous sulphate.. are there perhaps alternatives? Also just outta interest I'm guessing that activated carbon is basically same~same~but~different to biochar? Thanks again for all the knowledge that you share and everything you do for the hobby and the life&livelyhood of it

[@jenniferbunker2757]

Question instead of the added mixture to the dirt could you not take mud and dirt right from the bottom of the lake ?

[@FatherFish]

Pond mud is typically too dense and rich and must be lightened with peat. It easily can overwhelm the biology of a small tank.

[@abrahamnutrition]

FF, all the plants are doing well that I got from you. One is reaching the top of the tank. What should I do about the runners that are developing? One more unrelated question: I have snails and shrimp. Should I put a cuttlebone or some type of calcium in the tank for them? Thank you, my friend!

[@FatherFish]

You can either let the plants do their thing or be a gardener and trip and replant. Important not to remove plant cuttings. This reduces the nutrients in the system.

[@abrahamnutrition]

@@FatherFish Thanks!

[@humbertovargas1211]

you can actually use this as garden subtrate as well and everything will thrive .

[@UKRANINSKY]

Hi FF, I'm in the process of doing a dirt tank following your instructions I prepared the ingredients, but I went on vacation for a week and totally forgot about that dirt that I left in the backyard, so I got back last night, this morning I checked the bucket and it was to dry on the top with mold and smell like I just open a sewer🤢 so I took the top and remix everything. I added a little more water, soil, biochar, and pea moss. the smell went away but still kind of a strong smell, my big question is if I can use this mix? Any suggestions?

[@FatherFish]

Yes. Use it. Cap with a minimum of 2" of sand.

[@ahmetemiraydemir4662]

Hello Father Fish, What can we used to replace dolomitic limestone in the supplement?

[@FatherFish]

Thinking....bone meal or epsom salts. To supplement magnesium and calcium

[@777midori]

Hey FF, I’ve got a 14g that has been set up with Fluval Stratum capped with about 2-3” of aquarium sand. It’s heavily planted and has 12 chili rasboras and 3 Pygmy corys. Noticed some black areas forming under the sand…some say anaerobic bacteria is bad, but I feel like I’ve heard on your videos that you actually want anaerobic bacteria to form. Should I worry about this or is it a good thing?

[@FatherFish]

Sounds like your tank is in great shape.

[@umbito69]

Perfetto, ma mi chiedo, dopo uno o due anni, bisogna fare qualcosa al substrato, cioè bisogna reintegrare degli elementi o va avanti da solo? Grazie molte

[@alexhoudini8296]

Ive recently set up a 50 gallon tank with about one inch of potting soil and 4 inches of sand. 2 of my fish (four line catfish and a pleco) have been digging at night and already have brought up quite a bit of dirt and keep uprooting plants. I want to set up my 60ish gallon tank specifically for them and a few mystery snails who have been eating some plants. Is there a better way to go about setting up a tank for bottom dwellers or just let them have their fun in their own tank . And are there any recommendations on plants for that tank ? I was thinking about going to the lake behind my house and putting mostly hornwort in there so they can have their fun and im not spending 20 dollars on plants every other day

[@FatherFish]

I think you have a good handle on the situation.

[@Good13man]

Father fish... can you help me understand something? In my area, well water in my area is relatively hard. All of my tanks have had a high PH (8+). To combat this, I use reverse water with Seachem Equilibrium. With plants, PH is still high. Whenever PH is high, algae goes crazy. I'm using CO2 to bring the PH down, which has resulted in fairly good plant growth, but what I can't figure out is how to do a natural aquarium with well water or RO water. What do you recommend? (BTW, I started my first reresection jar this evening. Already have a crazy number of lifeforms. So cool.)

[@FatherFish]

Nothing wrong with hard water. Just use it and let it be.

[@drtek1329]

I ordered a bag of your supplement and am anxiously awaiting its arrival! Thank you for your knowledge!

[@FatherFish]

Yay, thank you!

[@michaelgrey1958]

I have a question, I will be building a 3,000 aquarium, larger fish tend to knock down any plants or kick up alot of sand/substrate. In my main tank, the 3,000 gallon, I would like to use tile. And, as all the overflow water goes into a sump filtration, it is there I would like to have all the plants and substrate. Would that work?

[@FatherFish]

Yes. That will work brilliantly.

[@cainereece2047]

Hi dear sir,would your substrate mix be ok for planting water Lillies in pots,capped with sand,cheers.

[@FatherFish]

Yes, absolutely.

[@cainereece2047]

Forgot too ask dear sir,should the submerged potted Lillies have drainage holes in pots,I have noticed alot of videos in U.S.,where there pots have no drainage holes, thankyou.

[@rebekahhpr]

So, i'm a bit late to the game. I set up my tank last week with no supplements (had no idea they were needed) do i drain everything and start over?

[@FatherFish]

No

[@ryanrogers8211]

FF I’m considering setting up a 90 gallon African Cichlid tank and want to get your advice for which plants to go with? Also any tips on stopping them from digging through the sand cap into the soil underneath?

[@FatherFish]

Lots of rocks and make the sand deep, 4-6 inches. Aponogetons and swords, java ferns, crypts and anubias all work well.

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@FatherFish awesome thank you FF!

[@kylefinnegan985]

I just ordered some of this for myself and I was wondering if somebody could inform me if I need to add my own potassium source like pot ash or is there? Already enough potassium in the mixture.

[@FatherFish]

yes. You can mix in potash, not a bad idea.

[@codenameswe7188]

The Plantlife project on yt has a method of freezing cubes of dirts to add to established tanks whatdaya think of this for tanks I need to add supplement to Thanks

[@FatherFish]

That can be effective.

[@hellosambit]

Thankyou sir. You are a treasure. One small query on last ingredient. As you said it's very high in phosphorus, can i use crushed rock phosphate? I am not able to find any phosphorus natural fertilizer. Could you please explain the last ingredient. Thankyou so much.

[@FatherFish]

yes

[@hellosambit]

@@FatherFish Thanks sir.

[@candycaneunicorn8024]

Father Fish: My concern with diatomaceous earth. It's used as a pest control against insects with an exoskeleton. Diatomaceous earth used as a bathing material for chickens later develop an incurable lung disease similar to asbestosis as it is a chronic lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos dust and or Silicosis which is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling unsafe levels of silica dust. The microscopic structure that diatomaceous earth has are extremely sharp serrated edges that might negatively interfere with the natural fauna of the bedding system. It is an opinion of course but worth considering. What do you think?

[@FatherFish]

in the deepest substrate bacteria is king, tiny enough to make diatoms their home.

[@crazitaco]

I'm not father fish, but diatomaceous earth only kills insects when it is dry and does so by gently rubbing against the exoskeletons of those insects so that they die from dehydration. It is only harmful to chickens because it is dry. Diatomaceous earth is 80-90% silica, aka nearly the same material as sand.

[@scotthood4789]

is there any benefit using Zeolite gravel mixed with substrate?

[@FatherFish]

no

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

Hi...I am confused sir. In another video you advised Iron oxide but in this one you are using ferrous sulphate. Can we use either one of them?

[@FatherFish]

yes

[@gilbertreinert]

I hope this question isn’t too mediocre. With this supplement, will I mix this into some more basic substrate, like potting mix or volcanic ash for instance? Or use this by itself?

[@FatherFish]

Watch any of my videos on deep substrate.

[@michaelthemo5783]

Hi Father Fish, I have a 3 gallon filtered bowl with a sick anubias congensis plant. The leaves are getting black spots or yellowing and the tips are melting. Is this something I could mix in with my sand-only substrate to help my plants recover?

[@FatherFish]

it is a water column fed plant, must be kept with fish and snails

[@michaelthemo5783]

I have 2 snails, a Betta, 2 corydoras, and 6 neon tetras/guppies. Could I add this product to my tank if I only use sand and nothing else?

[@ali84uk]

Hi Father Fish I am from the UK and have to build the Substrate supplement myself and managed to buy all of the Ingredients but cannot get the special Fertilizer from Indonesia which is the 0-7-0 one with a high Phosphorus content. Do you know if there is an alternative I may be able to use please ? I can get a hold of a 7-7-7 Fertilizer or a 0-46-0 but not sure if it can be used instead of the 0-7-0 one ? Thank you

[@FatherFish]

I would go with the 0 46 0 high in phospeerous. Use a small amount

[@ali84uk]

@@FatherFish okay I thought so, thank you. If you can think of a different alternative one then please let me know. Thank you again and and God bless

[@majorbruster5916]

In the UK you can buy superphosphate of lime from garden centres, which is the P content in N P K fertiliser. Or, just get calcium hydrogen phosphate on its own. This will provide the phosphate for your substrate. You could substitute sodium (mono) hydrogen phosphate if you can't find it, both are available on ebay.

[@firewoman7722]

So if we set up without this, can we use homemade fertilizer spikes to drive it in?

[@FatherFish]

Yes. There are risks of burning the plants and fouling the water.

[@ryanrogers8211]

FF what do you think about a slow moving water plenum tank? Have you tried that method?

[@FatherFish]

Yes. It makes balance and stability impossible.

[@tolgagurcimen2957]

How can we put this in an already set aquarium if possible?

[@FatherFish]

Build a food web

[@curgunner]

Does supplementing the fungus at all increase the odds of your livestock contracting fungal infections?

[@FatherFish]

no. Fungus does not harm what is already dead. Bacteria is the real enemy.

[@lacreiataylor8838]

So where can i get the sand from? Can i use the sand at a pet store or Amazon? I live an hour and a half from the beach but its a very popular place. Im not sure if that sand is any good.

[@FatherFish]

Beach sand is good, just get it from above the wave line

[@lacreiataylor8838]

@@FatherFish thank you 😊

[@AliAhmedAbbasi1]

How much your soil supplement should I use for my 15 gallon tank

[@FatherFish]

1/4 cup

[@louisapalacios3625]

Any ideas how I can do this myself without having to spend 200 EUR on all the ingredients? Most bags of this stuff you find online are big. Unfortunately FF does not ship to Europe

[@FatherFish]

We are shipping into the EU through the UK. Father Fish - 09/17/2023 5:53 AM We have a new distributor, Maiev, in the United Kingdom. She will be supplying the supplement to residents of the Kingdom. Contact her at [e-mail].