EP4: SELF SUSTAINING TANK - no water changes, no cleaning, no filter

[@MDFishTanks]

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com Equipment (all links affiliate): PENDENT LIGHTS: US amzn.to/4cTQI1q UK amzn.to/3LiVERG GLUE REACTOR: US amzn.to/3VEpN4j UK amzn.to/4cD51YY SURFACE SKIMMER: US amzn.to/4cSV0WE UK amzn.to/3xQDvrn SUPER GLUE GEL: US amzn.to/3xU7Ipm UK amzn.to/4cCJsaw ------------------------------------------------- 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

[@Manablade]

Love this series

[@DraigDrums]

To remember the day, use a wipeboard pen to write the day on a part of the glass and then we can see in the image too?

[@jeffdriver693]

MD! I have been watching your channel for a while now, and you have done it. You inspired me to get back into the hobby and I just setup a 90p tank that's ready to be filled and planted. Thank you, MD!

[@MDFishTanks]

yeeeessssss nice one Jeff! (insert my name is JEFF! CT....meme... here)

[@CascadeCreate]

This format is awesome. Don’t stop the builds of course, but I really like the in between stuff as most of us aren’t building a new tank every week 😊

[@paulinemoonsamy3052]

I have to say I also learnt a lot on this channel. It's not just an aquarium. We're creating an ecosystem. Plants and terrestrial plants help with water quality. I have a 200l community tank. I haven't done a water change in over 3 months. Only water topup. Everyone comments on how clean and clear the water is and how happy and active my fish are. Thank you! I got back into this hobby after leaving it for 3yrs due to maintenance.

[@Chinco_NL]

Thank you for your effort to bring the hobby further, MD. Thanks for your help to newcomers and experienced hobbyist. And your down to earth attitude. Love from the Netherlands!

[@BTQ410]

This is a great series. I am really enjoying it. I have so many newbies that want to argue with me about the benefits of a heavily planted tank being self-sustaining. Thanks for being a snail champion as well. Am really enjoying this series.

[@adamchurchman]

Thanks for doing this video series, theres so many channels doing videos on heavily planted, heavily stocked, heavily filtered and Co2 injected tanks. very refreshing Thank you

[@aqhan]

Remember that saltwater tank goes far beyond your typical trio of ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. If your corals are hurting, then you need to start testing for alkalinity, calcium and magnesium as well, at the very minimum. Since your tank is not overstocked, bigger, more frequent water changes sill replenish a lots of what's missing.

[@jamespozone5238]

well said, i was thinking the same thing.

[@suffysdave]

Great work MD! This series will really help newcomers to the hobby. And indeed shoutout the ramshorns 🎉

[@Hazel-Hill]

I love that swordtail/blk molly tank. It reminds me of hiking in the mountain alpine. Really pretty.

[@benc3214]

I had a load of hair algae that appeared in my tank after I had a stint in hospital. I couldn’t get rid of it for the life of me I tried everything. Then I went to the MD & a few others Tbf method of adding a terrestrial plant. The 2 weeks later no hair algae whatsoever, I battled it for 2 yrs and a philodendron was the answer looks great too btw.

[@KN3TO]

I have a planted tank and also a bad hair alge problem, the plants are healthy, but the alge stays

[@IRONSIDEGAMING23]

Which plants did u use

[@KN3TO]

@IRONSIDEGAMING23 Hygrophila Polysperma, Bucephalandra, Crypt Parva, Limnopholia, Small lotus for the most part. It was my first tank. But I'll move this week and redo it anyways. I had the same Plants in an plant only Fish Bowl and it was perfectly fine. I think wood in the tank was the biggest problem. Mostly the hair alge was around that. If I clean the plants can I reuse them? I won't catch every alge I think

[@benc3214]

@@IRONSIDEGAMING23 philodendron similar to pothos or devils ivy, climbing plant.

[@benc3214]

@@IRONSIDEGAMING23 Philodendron

[@Wygruce]

Opportunity missed for another chilled out pruning video! That first one was gold.

[@williamsmithstrate6124]

Loved the clips of other tanks in between takes. Great way to keep us updated and remind us the tanks you have (almost forgot about the rainbow fish 😅)

[@juliannepatterson3138]

LOVING these daily uploads😮‍💨

[@TheMrDarius]

Snails and shrimp they're both awesome bottom feeders

[@FaridAmel-uc2kl]

Thanks!

[@thefisher6273]

I am really enjoying this series!

[@tonramstijn7401]

Following for long time. And enjoying your content. Your content is actually one of the last remaining I follow. But really love this series! Just wanted to let you know

[@MeanOldLady]

I've got my self-sustaining, Father Fish style tank that I use to innoculate my other tanks with or use it as a "garbage" tank for the others. It's biofilm is very healthy given that it was started with pond water, has a big, heavily-fertilized compost layer & lots of random leaves & sticks in it with random fungal colonies. My guppy tank has lots of food particles in it because pf the babies & I use the water from that tank to feed the other tank from time to time. Water from the SST also feeds the betta tank when I do minor water changes on that one. Water changes also go directly to the garden so no water waste.

[@Diospyros1985]

Diggin' this series, and love this video, in particular. Super chill! Enjoyed the shots of all of the other tanks.

[@taylorhale1035]

LOVE that last outro song you used a couple times! Its a banger!!! lol Lots of new music in this one. Keep em comin!

[@jkgcank9]

Right now I have a bit of a sweet deal with my favourite aquarium store, Planted Aquaria. That’s on the other side of the pond. My Bristlenose plecos have no self control whatsoever, and have repeatedly gifted me with a minimum of 100 babies. I take them to the store and trade for plants, fish, food, etc. Need a couple? I have regular ones and L144s. I can send them in one of those bubble wrap envelopes so they don’t get squished. 😂😂

[@melissadalke6548]

I love planted aquaria !

[@jkgcank9]

@@melissadalke6548 You must be close. Need a Bristlenose or 2? Free.

[@ChrisYevrah]

Love the idea of daily tank updates like this.

[@MyNanoFish]

Love the daily updates, tank is amazing and achievable for everyone, pixelated bit was funny 🤣 Keep it up MD🍃

[@adnanmukaddam1]

Absolutely loved this video especially all the B rolls

[@mrgrey9103]

make a video on how you keep your plants stock healthy and green 18:50 and as a hobbyist how we can store our plants fresh green and healthy

[@TheCozyGardener4u]

Thanks for all of the content and inspiration MD! It’s making it very difficult to not rip my tank apart and re-scape it week by week😅

[@hugoalvord2779]

the macroalgae in your salt tank is beautiful

[@MohYusup-13]

🔴mantap pisan bro,,,inyong wong indonesia🇮🇩,,,🤝🙏

[@Soccerchick66]

Loved the mowing--- can you provide a link for your trimmers?

[@Thedude8450]

The chill tune towards the end: Smart As You by Dylan Sitts

[@pokingHali]

There are definitely snails which eat healthy plant matter, the ones with large reddish brown houses with beige snailbody for example. Ramshorn snails and the small ones with the long houses that live in the soil don't for example. But not every snail is safe for planted tanks!

[@sammiller8725]

I am loving this series! For this type of no-filter tank, do you think you could do an air stone instead of a surface skimmer? Some of the fish I'm looking at keeping would need gentler flow so I wondered whether an adjustable airstone bubbler would be better for them.

[@taylormwilson1]

The duncan is a LPS coral, you should be testing for calcium, alkalinity and phosphates ❤

[@MattManch]

At the minimum I would have just removed the actual Pepsi logo from the bottle, but kept using it 😂 not that hard to take it off haha. Loving the videos as always!

[@The_Crucible714]

It’s not the label… it’s the fact anyone would choose Pepsi over Coke that I find totally unbelievable! Things go better with Coke(a-cola.) 😂

[@richardgutierrez9223]

You should re do your iwagumi with different carpeting plants Monte Carlo dwarf hair grass ect

[@GlenAspinall]

Hi MD love the channel I’ve learnt so much! I have a heavily planted 4ft community tank now also 😊 I am planning my next tank a mbuna cichlid tank. Being as there’s no plants how often do you do water changes on yours?

[@SangNguyen-mm8kq]

Let’s go🎉🎉. Love from VietNam MD

[@TalisaAquarist]

I really enjoyed this style of video!

[@HelderKeyla]

Very nice aquarium, it’s amazing

[@pulungmedia]

Sebuah karya seni yang sangat indah luar biasa saudaraku,

[@explore_off_road]

I took agree about the snails. I got caught up in the "Bad Rap" thing. But then when I just let them do their thing, they just seemed to come and go. When there was a lot of work to be done, there was a boom. Then I was like, "where did they all go!?" So ya, they are pretty cool when you just let them do their thing.

[@giggiwidit5638]

Who else would love to see Timmy, The Puffers, and Chunks in every montage. They are our fishy (and turtle) superstars 🤣🤣

[@gonzsuarez]

Have you been adding any fertilizer to the water? That growth is crazy

[@7Makowski7]

I also wondered the same thing. Any liquid fertilizers? Or just the substrate?

[@unforgivn81]

Fish-in cycling is a bit finicky and requires more attention than I feel like giving, but snail-in cycling works great and is mostly hands-off.

[@MDFishTanks]

I find fish in cycle way easier than having to take a chemistry degree to work out how to get the balance of everything right in an ever changing environment. Honestly always found fish in to be so easy and completely safe. Obviously you only use a few fish and build the numbers and not a whole tank full right at the start. 🤣

[@irx_9gaming436]

Could you guys possibly do a tank with a group of like 6+ yoyo botias? My group of 6 is suuuuuper active and like making big arcing paths back n forth across the tank They're a great (a little odd) feature fish amd are super social on groups!

[@HVG67]

It has been 40 years since I had an aquarium (100x50x50. I knew nothing about it at all. I never did a water change, only topped it up. No CO2 etc. No substrate, just sand and some peat soil. I did have a great Eheim filter. I had so many cool fish: Corydoras, Cardinal Tetra, Moonfish, etc. etc. That aquarium worked for about 4 years without any issues. Then, one summer I got blue algae and that was the end. I never got an aquarium after that again. In hindsight is crazy how long that aquarium worked without me not knowing what I was doing 😃. Except for the filter it was about as low tech as you can get. Just because I didn't know better. I'm really tempted to pick up the hobby again using modern tools and techniques!

[@MDFishTanks]

nature finds a way. And nowadays, there are lots of products that will get rid of that dreaded blue green algae

[@guttertoad383]

MD upload, lets GOOOOOOOO!

[@SierraJenson4]

WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS SAME PLAYLIST BUT WITH A BLACKWATER TANK

[@tree.65]

When you added the Pepsi bottle water topper, I was thinking it would look better if you removed the Pepsi label and hid it among the plants along the back. Like between the monstera.

[@AutomanZ]

Would it be possible to say what kind of tank it is, ie coldwater, tropical and saltwater. Can you guess i'm a novice!! Keep up the great videos.

[@DashDrones]

Tropical

[@michaelagostino3483]

I'd like to see you do something out if the box for you. A tank with mainly rocks (several layers in depth and wood with very few plants, like less than 8 (medium to large Anubis only) in the tank. A Hillstream Loach and Panda Garra (several varieties) tank with a small group of say purple emperor tetras.

[@MyNanoFish]

You lost him at the words, “very few plants” 😂

[@MDFishTanks]

no no, I like the sound of it...will look into it and get thinking.

[@michaelagostino3483]

@@MyNanoFish LOL. On purpose.

[@kennetheroh4052]

Do you have any problems with the swordtails jumping out of the tank?

[@firefighter9901]

What's the scientific name of the floating plants those are really cool looking

[@annmoomau881]

I really like the way the roots of the above water plants look, not sure why that would be considered unattractive.

[@MDFishTanks]

some people like that totally clean look which I can understand in a living space...I wouldn't though 🤣

[@rjvlogs3653]

cant wait for the mega vid

[@benjamincolback7617]

Just a question. Do your black Mollys breed with your red swordtails?

[@johnkegel5468]

Very informative posts, but have you ever designed an aquarium to be viewed from 3-sides? (Like a room divider) I don’t think so…😢

[@cameronbasford8991]

Are you testing ph,alk, cal, mag, no3 and po4 on the saltwater tank?

[@nielsvandenbranden7202]

my snails eat the fast growing stem plant thingy with the thin leaves but yeah they leave the rest (:

[@nicki-k8v]

Hi whats best plant light for 200 litre Aquarium? Planted tank

[@edwardwiddup]

Got to ask - how do you keep Java fern so green or should i say alive? Most of my other plants are great but ferns look awful!

[@MandyJane123700]

I have terrible luck with regular java fern, but I decided to try windelov, and that one seems to be much better for me. I don't know why the regular java fern doesn't thrive in my tanks. I thought I just needed to be patient, but it's been over a year. lol

[@brookebiddle6199]

Extra fertilizers help Java ferns a lot try more ferts.

[@MDFishTanks]

yeah they actually use a lot of nutrients. Any tank I have too many floating plants, the java fern dies as it cant absorb as fast as floating plants.

[@edwardwiddup]

@MDFishTanks it's got to be something like that. I'm reluctant to use too many ferts due to hair algea. Then the fast growing stems are taking everything out of the water - as they should. Trouble is "someone" inspired me to fill my tanks with plants - no idea who that could be

[@MDFishTanks]

@@edwardwiddup haha. You shouldn't get hair algae with Leaf Zone. Use it and do recommended dose. If no change then up it as every tank has different needs depending on plant density.

[@jjjproductionz2834]

Hi I love your videos ,What is your pH can I have a pH of 8 and still have beautiful plants?

[@MDFishTanks]

mine is 7. you can with 8, but some species wont like it. just have to experiment and then use the ones that grow well.

[@JamesCagney-g6z]

This might sound like a daft question , but when you are emptying your fish tank, and you put the hose into the water, do you suck the water through, into your mouth, like you would say, with a car and petrol, or have you a gadget that empty's the tank for you, i am a newbie, who would love to take up the hobby , many thanks JC.

[@cristinoverstreet84]

😂 thank you for keeping it G rated! Booty blurred 😅

[@muaazkhan500]

Where do you get your tanks and cabinets from? If you make them, please can we do a diy

[@tylerdetwiler8836]

Just 14:40 was worth this whole video…

[@jeffncompany]

looks awesome, and i'm enjoying this series. however, the average person starting out is not putting anywhere near this amount of plants. they're certainly not buying and adding more on day 4. they're starting with maybe half that, not adding anymore, and then waiting to see how the tank does

[@MDFishTanks]

appreciate the comment, but I guess the video is showing that it's a wise investment if the tank is going to be this size. If they go for half the tank size, half the plants will be required.

[@jeffncompany]

@@MDFishTanks oh i def. agree with your plant approach and the amount you usually use. even this more 'conservative' approach for this tank is great. i've just seen many tanks on forums with ppl just starting out and not using nearly as many plants. i know it's difficult with your love of all things plants, but if you're going to emulate the new tank owner just getting into this, go even harder and more minimalistic. thanks for the reply. awesome work as usual, MD!

[@shaymaanburkatally3544]

Perfecto❤

[@nata18069]

Can you keep musk turtle in this type of tank?

[@daphnelovesL]

Question! I have a aquarium with to much algae and lot's of swordfish. Which is the best algae eating fish?

[@gamerszone1977]

Great work always love your videos. Huge love from India. I am inviting you to visit my place one day. I will take you to one of the biggest fish and plant market of India.

[@ikhlaqahmedmumtazahmed4591]

Hey MD love your videos and i just wanted to say.. good job at pixelating that part.. i couldnt stop laughing 😂😂😂😂... I can already imagine certain people not getting their wish come true .....😂😂😂

[@Hall-l6u]

And I’m one☹️

[@WildPursuit1]

Where is the video of you setting up the pearl weed tank?

[@lpoolck17]

How old are your Odessa's? I noticed that one of the male still has the black spot near his tail which would signal that's a juvenile.

[@SoggyBaconLips]

Did I miss the build video for the tank at 2:35

[@jrado502_8]

what kind of fish is chunks

[@salemsludge]

Looks great

[@Adam-eh1qd]

Its hard to tell but how deep is that substrate, is it 2 inches?

[@DashDrones]

Please can you do a no water change tank.

[@MDFishTanks]

This and pretty much every one of my other tanks is a no water change tank. Changed it on day one just to get some tannins out, but there won't be any moving forwards unless there is a serious reason.

[@DashDrones]

thanks man! I have 8 tanks now and never changed the water even at the start, should have explained that. Most of the time it's about having patience and letting it sort itself out. Keep up the good work.

[@jodip719]

Do you ever experience the brown diatoms in your tanks? If so, how the heck do you get rid of it?

[@MDFishTanks]

pretty much every tank. cleanup crew help but usually goes after a week or so as the tank balances. very normal.

[@jodip719]

​@MDFishTanks Thank you for responding so quickly! I've been struggling with it for a few weeks now. I have loads of fast growing plants, a peace lily, and pothos growing out of the aquarium and about 20 amano shrimp. I think I'm unfortunate enough to have a high number of silicates in my well water. Any other advice you could offer?

[@jodip719]

​@@MDFishTanks This tank also has an oase filtosmart 250 on it. Is there any filter media you would recommend?

[@Nickc137-tde]

Hi 👋 md absolutely love everyone one off your tank and have been a Viewer for about 4 year thank you for all the help and with Maidenhead Aquatics. is your guppy farm in would love to see it in person....and buy some more fish😂

[@marct138]

For some reason my Amazon Frogbit dont thrive in any tank that has Corydoras in it. Do they eat the roots or something or is it just me?

[@LTS25623]

corydora’s fart is toxic for Amazon frogbit.

[@wirtification]

Hmm, the snail's do eat the decaying matter, so maybe my roots weren't doing well, smh, I might have to get a new order in of frogbit or switch to mini water lettuce 😂 of course the duckweed is untouched 😂

[@The_Crucible714]

@@wirtification “Mini” water lettuce is only big water lettuce before it grows. _just sayin’_

[@LTS25623]

@@wirtification snail’s fart is also harmful for frogbits.

[@wirtification]

@@The_Crucible714 lol, yes, I know, I should have said baby.

[@Chardymc]

Should take a front photo a day then do a time lapse video after a year.

[@chanceallen5826]

Another good vid

[@The_Crucible714]

It’s cost that deters most people from attempting saltwater. Try talking to someone who started keeping saltwater when it became popular (mid 70s - 80s.) Tanks were maintained in perfect balance w/o all the “high tech” instruments. There was a time before UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, etc, etc when only an under-gravel filter, one outdoor filter (Eheim or hang-on box filter) with a cheap hydrometer & basic nitrate test kit along with regular water changes kept tanks going for years. My older brother maintained some of the most delicate fish & inverts in such systems back in the day. Try creating a self-sustaining, “low-tech” marine tank with some damselfish if you have the inclination. Those clownfish have really grown but what’s that “bio-film” on the surface? A little more surface agitation would help reduce it.

[@Lenny.9]

Cool

[@BassEffector]

I'm attempting a self sustaining tank and after 2 weeks, it is riddled with algae. It is a 7g tank, how many snails/shrimp do I need?

[@delax0r298]

do you condition the water when there are no fish in a tank like this ?

[@aaronk4310]

Beautiful

[@on.kars5]

1:20 your flush tank in toilet has an automatic water topper / filler , but don't know if you would want to use that in tank . although its pretty cheap .

[@georginasherman481]

What type of snails are they please?

[@MDFishTanks]

Ramshorn

[@georginasherman481]

@@MDFishTanks thank you 😁

[@santosvalenzuela6055]

Bro how tall are you ? You made that door in the into look tiny

[@AgentTrust]

👍

[@yeashanbanks281]

It’s so crazy how other people get duckweed and can’t get rid of it but I can’t keep it.

[@deinemum6901]

Was there ever an tank that exploded or cracked? Want to get into the hobby but i‘m afraid of flooding my appartement…

[@levibennett5166]

Reason #1 I don't have an iwagumi tank.....mowing the grass

[@adeptusmagi]

well im always told snails dont eat the plants but i had a snail explosion in a tank with no fish and they were just eating the plants destroying the set up seems my snails didnt get the memo that they dont eat plants

[@lilouthree8607]

Nooooo i liked the bebis bottle 🤧🤧😭

[@k1rr2i3h4]

Day 4-7 of asking what carpeting plant is used in the tank to the side of this one?

[@MDFishTanks]

pearl weed as said in the video :)