Create a Low Cost Beautiful Aquarium

[@WhatIsMisophonia]

On the topic of chlorine/chloramine for anyone reading this: You test for chloramine by buying some test strips that test for "free" chlorine and "total" chlorine. The free chlorine test will show chlorine, and the total chlorine test will be a combination of chlorine and chloramine. Long story short, if your total chlorine tests higher than your free chlorine, it means you have at least some chloramine. Also, you may hear that regular active carbon filters will filter chlorine, but not chloramine; This appears to be yet another copy-and-paste bit of aquarium gossip bs (or just flat out lies by people in the industry who know better) you'll find in random online articles on the subject. These articles say that only catalytic carbon filters will remove chloramine, but the truth seems to be that standard active carbon filters will remove both chlorine and chloramine; It's just that chloramine is a bit more difficult to remove, and requires more contact time with the carbon surface (basically requiring a larger filter). Catalytic carbon filters are simply a more effective form of activate carbon filter, meaning they remove chlorine/chloramine more effectively, but are also sold at higher cost. The cost difference may be minimal with a small tank, but it starts to become important for a larger pond, such as a koi pond, wherein you'll want to make your own large diy carbon filters for an automated top-off to massively reduce costs (unless you're in a decently rainy area). And just fyi, I have well water and city water, though I use city water because our well has a high amount of heavy metals, particularly cadmium, and I ended up killing fish in the past by using untreated well water. Even though heavy metal can be bound up by the EDTA in de-chlorinators, they can potentially be freed up in deep substrate and cause toxicity issues. That could just be fear-mongering, but by comparison, dealing with chlorine is a bit less worrisome.

[@FatherFish]

A remarkable post WhatisMisophonia.. Well worth digesting.

[@WhatIsMisophonia]

@@FatherFish Much obliged 👍

[@SamanthaNickole02]

The carbon won’t rob the plants of natural food in the tank? Like nitrates? Something I heard regarding using carbon in filters on a pretty popular and seems like a well- respected “pro” KZbin channel.

[@FatherFish]

@@SamanthaNickole02 Yes. Carbon should not be used routinely. To remove chloramine during the initial phase of preparation, outside the aquarium, it is helpful.

[@SamanthaNickole02]

@@FatherFishAhhh, got it. Much obliged, sir!👍🏼

[@alexeast3408]

This dudes the Bob Ross of aquariums. The Santa Claus of fish tanks. The Mr. Rogers of aquatic life if you will.

[@JesseALwood]

Lord Protect this man. He the Bob Ross of fish

[@fadelfadel3899]

YOU ARE A GOOD FATHER

[@dmitrimikrioukov5935]

I saw a 19th-century book about aquariumistics. This is exactly how they recommended to set up fish tanks. There were some additional interesting ideas. Like, for example, set up a small island inside the tank with carnivorous bog plants like sundews.

[@FatherFish]

Interesting! AH! YES! Wonderful idea.

[@beastly_brisket_man6249]

What was the name of the book?

[@dmitrimikrioukov5935]

@@beastly_brisket_man6249 That was a Russian book. As far as I remember, the author was Zolotnicki. The title was "An Amateur's Aquarium".

[@yeders]

Wow interesting!!

[@Banana34598]

Just yet another example of create a problem to sell the solution… If it wasn’t broken, they shouldn’t have tried to fix it

[@steviemichelle7271]

Father Fish, I hope you know how much you are LOVED and ADORED by us! Seeing you wading through water, collecting things from nature, then going back and adding everything to your tank was priceless. Hearing you talk about nature with so much love and admiration was beautiful (and soothing to listen to). You really have touched so many of us! Lots of love and hugs to you ❤

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Stevie. That is very kind of you.

[@anju-andrukat]

"Father" is the right word...my Dad passed years ago...he fills that gap, it's like listening to my Dad again ...I can go to sleep now. 😊😊😊...... 😴

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Andrew. Very sweet.

[@anju-andrukat]

@@FatherFish A personal response..I am honoured.

[@jentrelyfrankson6829]

You can boil the water too get rid of chlorine. That how I used do it in Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@davidjames1815]

I like the long view approach of the dirted aquarium. That the tank will continue for yrs if not many yrs.😊

[@nickievans3008]

My son recently found your videos and we are enjoying them so much. My son use to love to care for his fish, but he had death after death. Then around 2 years ago he got into a dark place. I want you to know he saw one of you videos last week and he is all for setting up a natural tank. We went yesterday to our local creek and got mud and rocks. We sat it up yesterday and he is putting in tonight some baby guppies I had in my tank. I am setting up a natural turtle tank soon. Thank you for you advice.

[@shakinbottles]

I can relate just let him know death is part of nature and it's inevitable having the plants and animals to eat and create new life from the dead fish also helps me with it hope yall are doing well

[@Aquarium-hobby-ahmedabad]

Love you too father fish 😮 you make me very comfortable and confident for do aqua scape and fish hobby with river and nature thanks 🙏 father fish love from Ahmedabad India 😊 welcome to India

[@joannaarlenesondavid8189]

thank you FATHER FISH for that wonderfull idea.

[@boebender]

I learn something new ( vitamin C) every time I watch one of your videos. I think it’s time for a Father Fish hoodie!!! Thank you sir!

[@FatherFish]

I have one it teespring. Don't know how to display it.

[@ILM3-6-9]

Thank you, Father.

[@prabhu5903]

It's heartwarming to listen to your speech and laughing 😁. Love you too...❤❤❤

[@brute93]

Bless you Father Fish 🐟 ❤

[@luckydays8239]

🥰This is father fish love you all 😌🤗

[@Lotus_.._101]

Positive vibes from you grandfather Make nature your best friend most and always needed in today world Love from India

[@patrickdy2317]

I'm inspired. Your Biotope style is the best. More powers this channel

[@A100MilesYT]

You are the best guide to fish keeping! I am disappointed that I didn't find you sooner!

[@alexalegado8743]

That was refreshing 😊..reminds me of yesteryears..those were the days ..before all these technologies...

[@JatinPrakash-o3x]

Good morning father fish I'm from India delhi and I love the steps you explained 😊 and I will follow them your knowledge is amazing I love to watch your videos keep making them ❤ thanks 👍😎

[@nathanbriner32]

I wish I had these videos back when I started really getting into keeping fish. My first tank was gravel. I found out later that gravel is horrible. I switched to sand immediately. Awhile later I read on a forum of people using dirt and capping it with sand. Obviously this made me very curious so I got a new tank to try it. Something so simple of adding dirt to a tank opened my eyes to the beauty of the native plants and fish in my area. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world!

[@FatherFish]

Wondeerful to hear from you Nathan. We are all growing together in this deeper understanding of our aquariums life system.

[@swjani]

Best video for me

[@bongkem2723]

it is truely nature in a tank !

[@JB-yl8dc]

Very nice video. I wanted to create my first tank, and this is kinda the way I was imagining doing it. It is so nice to see a video giving guidance and confirming that this is a good idea. Thanks

[@somrubypandey]

Grand paa you really change my view to see an aquarium. Thank you Somnath Pandey

[@azy1azy01]

Absolutely amazing thank you

[@martinepoisson6226]

Your video reminded me that when I was in college, we did exactly what you suggest in my first practical course of biology! It was awesome to study and observe this aquatic ecosystem throughout the school year. Now I started my first 35 gal tank. Observing my tank and the nature around me is therapeutic! Great video! Oh and it gives me the idea to start an other one with my 4 years old grandson! He will be so proud and happy to help me collect what we need in a water steam.

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome!

[@ShiaShnaky]

What kind of experience do you have in the biology feild?

[@martinepoisson6226]

@@ShiaShnaky Diploma of college degrees in Chemistry-biology. I first worked in a biotech company in Quebec, but after that in pharmaceutical companies.

[@martinepoisson6226]

In fact I was specialized in sterile pharmaceutical products so more related to microbiology.

[@FatherFish]

@@ShiaShnaky moi? scholastically, none.

[@dominickvp70]

Love father fish so much true knowledge 🐠

[@FatherFish]

Thank you dominick

[@chamaradhanushka5365]

Yes .. this is the best. I love it❤

[@pedrocalel3317]

It’s very wonderful your advice father fish. You inspire me to get an aquarium in my home, now I have 3 of them 😅.

[@yahier7546]

I'm from Seaford "slower lower" Delaware. I wish I'd known people like you when I was still there. How i wish i could have a face to face convo with you some day. This is true wisdom. Thank you for everything Father .

[@FatherFish]

Looking for fishy friends here now.

[@sekarmelati6465]

I love the idea of putting nature inside the tank, thank you so much for the inspiring videos ❤

[@زفتموفت]

Thank u father , wish u happy healthy life

[@millefolium9303]

This would be fun to do with the kids!❤

[@FatherFish]

Absolutely

[@jabarriley3799]

Excellent video...thank you for all your advice

[@StarsWithScars]

Thank you for shareing your experiences!

[@enemigodelaignorancia9203]

God bless you, father fish It is admirable what you do!!!!

[@Jay9595]

You are the best. Just discovered you and I’m about 3 videos in. I have learnt so much already. Appreciate you father fish. Keep em coming please. Love from London!!

[@joryalicabrera1830]

I don’t have a tank anymore I have a peace of nature at home I wish I could show you😊 thanks father fish

[@FatherFish]

Yopu can show us your natural installation Joryali. Go to our Discord server and join. discord.gg/DZzGDA4A2v

[@alondralima9442]

I love this man.

[@TrickTrackmodel]

The way you explain and transmit passion is incredible! After 10 years from my first aquarium, I'm learning so much from you, and I'm learning a new way in this hobby, far from the commercial products and more close to the Nature! This channel is simply a wonder! Bye from Triest and Thank you

[@FatherFish]

Great to hear from Triest!

[@angieb2007]

I have a freshwater aquarium. Does this apply to me ? Or is it saltwater aquarium?

[@tanksouth]

Wonderful.

[@ManBehindNothing]

Thankyou so much, father fish! Everything you’ve explained in this video is so doable, that I don’t even have to stress anymore

[@EireFirst2024]

Father fish = the TRUTH.. We all love you sir ❤

[@FatherFish]

Love you back eire.

[@rcort4864]

This is one of the best videos you have done so far. Awesome. Thanks Father Fish. I wish I had found you 15 years ago when I started the hobby.

[@FatherFish]

Glad you enjoyed it. I wish I had found me 25 years ago too. lol

[@seannunes2041]

This is a very interesting topic. This is akin to collecting live rock and sand to seed a reef tank. The biome of the living organisms is essential to stable ecosystems. It is fantastic advice, and I always wondered why more freshwater fans don't do this.

[@Admiral_tintin]

This is exactly true! Unfortunately due to over harvesting the natural resources we have caused disaster in alot of Natural Reef systems.

[@seannunes2041]

@Admiral Tintin Good point. I do agree with your statement. Back in the late 80s and 90s, collection of live rock and sand was abused. Now, with ocean planted man made rock sitting in the ocean for years to grow all that good life. Now that sterile man made rock is live filled with organisms needed to balance a tank. More and more reefers and realizing the benefits of nature and long term stability. Father Fish principles are sound. The fact is that bacteria in a bottle definitely cannot substitute nature.

[@FatherFish]

@@Admiral_tintin major fishing yrawlers have created substantial problems with populations of wild fish. Poaching and destructive harvesting practices have created damaged biotopes. By and large, however, it is the non harvesters - miners, loggers, farmers - who have devastated biotopes.

[@jonisolis9645]

Make nature your best friend! YES!

[@FatherFish]

Truth!

[@LizarDestroyer]

I love your videos. I'm from Mexico, keep doing an excellent job. I have learned a lot. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge 🙌

[@patlaacharya1098]

Thanks fish and BTW my tap water is healthy and clean for 🐠 🐠 fish

[@flaminiopacheco6303]

Sir, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us. God bless you.

[@endur5nce]

seriously what an amazing video Father Fish, so sincere, simple and thoughtful and just inspiring me to get out in nature and make a natural tank 🐠🐟🐠

[@FatherFish]

Happy to have struck a nerve Bacon man.

[@christianbarrios6614]

Thank you so much, im a fan now!

[@Admiral_tintin]

My 4th pond I set up was all from a natural creek we had flowing near our house. Now 36 years later I still prefer Nature's water system over pet store.

[@FatherFish]

The pet store is a poor replica of nature.

[@Ramitron01]

Pure wisdom, many blessings to you Father Fish 🙏🏼

[@janemarriott3389]

OK this is perfect teaching. Much appreciated

[@t3dwards13]

I'll definitely try this when I leave Los Angeles to buy my homestead.

[@FatherFish]

Sounds wonderful Dante. where are you planning to homestead?

[@wojtekross4654]

Thank you Father Fish. You are a big inspiration for me :)

[@FatherFish]

Glad to hear that Wojtek.

[@mityjoeyoung8855]

You have to emphasize in detail to us, and you did a great job. You just need a little bit of dirt. It's not a lot of work for a 10 gallon. 100%

[@chaaraapa]

Thank you, so much! You are the best❤✌️🐟🐌🌱🍂

[@Flufferz626]

Still working through a tank I set up and had a minor ammonia spike (like to 0.25-0.5) and panicked, but it seems within 24 hours the natural plants in the tank cleaned it right up. The tank is still only about 6 weeks old and only has 2 snails and a betta at 10 gallons so swings are expected. Thanks for your knowledge and reassurance, it is helping me a lot. Even though I'm still fretting over it like a mother hen hahaha.

[@g41thomas]

So perfect description what the aquarium business doent want you to do, so they make money 💰

[@laurenmuckert4996]

Thank you Father Fish for helping me with my new hobby and keeping it simple. Just how it should be. I love you!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Lauren. Love you right back.

[@Mark-im6pm]

I'm learning much from you. You talk logic. In a prior life you just had to be a famous storyteller with the way you project knowledge. Thank you!

[@FatherFish]

Boom

[@HappyOne2017]

This is how I did my fish tanks when I was a kid... (minus the sand...) Plus tadpoles that would turn into frogs and hop under my bed... 😊😉

[@FatherFish]

Chirping? or drying up to become little statues?

[@HappyOne2017]

Unfortunately the first few dried up into statues but then I learned to keep tadpoles outside in the small kiddie pool in the front yard instead of in my bedroom... 😊😉

[@evertbrand]

I just love the simplicity of all of this! Thank you Father Fish 🐠

[@janicelundberg1956]

I have a hiking trail I go to and it has a beautiful stream that’s crystal clear. I’m making it my spring endeavor to go and observe the stream, not just hike by it this year but find some natural beauty in it that I could bring to my tanks. I set up my 1st FF tank and it’s doing well so far. It needs more plants but other than that it’s looking good. Great inspirational video FF! Thank you! Much love ❤

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome Janice! Keep us posted on Discord.

[@KarunakaranNaresh]

great video father fish

[@svrwthr]

Three tanks, 10g, 15g, 20g. All have this setup, somewhat. 10g is top soil with play sand, sponge filter, rasboras. Crystal clear and only foiled when I had a plastic hide hole for a betta and one of the two driftwood collected shht under it. Both removed, no fouling. The 20g has top soil and colored aquarium sand cap with pebbles on one side and small spiderwood. Molly's, Cory's, canister filter. Crystal clear. Not sure when the last time I vacuumed the sand. The 15g has fluval Stratum for dirt, and caribsea sand. Sand washed heavily, started clear, got the BB cloud and has not gone away yet. Nano nano razzies. Canister filter that had carbon but heard was bad for fertilizer so changed to purigen. All started at the same time. Cannot get it over. I think it's the Stratum or purigen

[@Sollarose_mb7x8]

Thank you 💓

[@abrahamnutrition]

Use plants to bring life. -Douglas Wilson

[@jabarriley3799]

Love all your videos

[@inventions47]

So cool

[@codycollins5763]

Thank you for this video! Trying to teach my 2.5 year old son the importance of connecting with nature and this is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for the wisdom!!

[@andrewfenna7392]

I can listen to Father Fish talk all day 😀

[@FatherFish]

Please share that sentiment with the next 100 thousand people you meet. lol

[@andrewfenna7392]

@@FatherFish I will do

[@OkraPlutonium]

I'm gonna try it!

[@periclesperez103]

Greetings from Mexico with tons of love, wise man.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Pericles

[@tinkertime23]

Thank you Father Fish for all of your knowledge. What a difference a natural tank makes. Putting a plastic bag on top of the sand and filling it on top of the bag is so easy. I am so glad I found your channel❤

[@strengthbydesign]

I’m having a lot of fun following this advice, thank you. I have set up one tank and I’m so happy with it, there is so much microscopic life in it! I can’t stop looking and discovering new life swimming and floating around in it, fascinating. Lots of dead leaves, lots of heathy green plants, decay and growth with tiny animals I’ve never seen before. I’ll have to look up the ones I’ve never seen before, 2mm white balls that swim so fast, daphnia, microscopic, worms, and larvae and crystal clear water.

[@jewel65]

I'm still working up the courage to try! It's nice to know it really can be done by someone not an expert!

[@oakmaiden2133]

Already on track with this. We went to a near by creek, I brought back 2 gallon containers of sand. Next trip I will gather more bits and pieces.

[@FatherFish]

Share!! Join us on Discord discord.gg/XptvbtMuRy

[@vijaykumaraquariumhobbyist1448]

Excellent Video ❤

[@קרןחיון-ו1ש]

wow!!!!!

[@MicheleStJohn-we5wm]

Another enjoyable video Father Fish! Very informative as well. Keep it up!! You're the Bob Ross of Fish. I could listen to you for hours. 😊

[@FatherFish]

Thanks for watching

[@Raphael.P.]

This made my cry. Beautiful.

[@FatherFish]

You aare a sensitive soul Raphael.

[@davidrickard3143]

absolute ledgend! love your channel Brisbane,Australia!

[@FatherFish]

Much appreciated David!

[@chip877]

i love this guy !

[@קרןחיון-ו1ש]

thank you!!!!

[@billpremore9509]

I havent totally tried this 100% however I have just recently took a bunch of gravel and rocks from a local river with some drift wood a couple larger rocks with moss already growing on them and a couple river muscles and so far so good not to mention how awsome the real natural look looks imo. I am going to try it 100% in a spare 40 gallon tank. Thank you sir!!

[@seriouscontract4262]

Just found this channel and loving it. The videos are educational and have a calming effect on the viewer and for that I thank you 🙏

[@drtek1329]

Father Fish, may I inquire about Vitamin C for Chloramine removal. I purchased a bottle of human supplement 500 mg. caplets. I am dosing a 29-gallon tank. (and also further for 1-gallon increments for top-off). I assume to crush the caplets in a mortar and pestle. How many caplets for the initial 29-gallon startup and how many for 1-gallon? Many thanks! You Are A Master!

[@FatherFish]

1000u per 20 gal

[@joycehendry3595]

The watching is the best bit

[@FatherFish]

Yes. Amazing is nature.

[@lordatum8139]

Father for a reason ❤️

[@daveyelian]

As soon as I get my hands on another tank, I'm going to try this :)

[@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/

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I'm wishing you a pleasant day Father Fish 😊

[@FatherFish]

Thank you John. A lovely day to you as well.

[@johnjwedrall4290]

@@FatherFish thank you 😊

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thanks for this easily understood video 😊❤

[@FatherFish]

Most welcome 😊 John!

[@JasonCrenshaw-x9m]

Good Morning Father Fish. I love watching your videos and they are very informative. I looking at starting a natural aquarium using pieces of your advice from this video. My only question right now though is by using water or plants from pond or lake, would there be a cause for concern for harmful bacteria? I know driftwood can be sterilized by boiling it but what about plants and leaves taken from said body of water?

[@FatherFish]

Bacteria becomes harmful in a super clean environment. because it has no competition. In a highly diverse environment bacteria is not able to become a monoculture.

[@jmc2491]

You teach me more and more by the day, even videos I’ve already seen it seems there’s still gems I had not found before.

[@ronron14salanguit-po7jh]

FF, I'm very happy to see this video of yours. My small community are dying because of ammonia poisoning since I've tried doing a natural tank aquarium. I have subrates and some sand but dirts keep going up and float around the tank. I'm currently treating my fish. Now I'm going to the lake near my uncle's and get some soil, water and everything you have recommended. But what kind of sand I should go with? Do I have to add some Gravel? If so, is it below or above the sand? Do I need to wash the leaves and twigs that I will bring back home? Can mud from the lake do if there's no hard soil? Can I get some of those floating very tiny insects in the lake? Hope you help me with these before I started my renovation ❤❤❤

[@FatherFish]

You do not have enough sand and probably too much soil. NO MORE THAN 1" of soil and NO LESS THAN 2" of sand.

[@ronron14salanguit-po7jh]

@@FatherFish it was fish waste FF that float around the tank. It does not settle down so I'm wondering what kind of sand should I go with. I want to know what you use FF