Did You Know You Could be Accidentally Poisoning Your Fish Tank?

[@LRBaquatics]

Great video! Ive been trying to express this message for a long time. Well articulated and orchestrated! Plus the tanks in it were lit!

[@FatherFish]

You are the Master, LRB. Because of you I am here.

[@JasPR1000]

I would like to see a Father Fish/ LRB create an honest list of recommended species for dirted, no filter, no water change aquariums. I'll start--- guppies& Endlers, platies, the small Tetras of the amazonian flood zones, mountain cloudies, any of the nano's, shrimp, killie fish, etc. That is my white list. My black list for DNFNWC aquariums would include Discus, African cichlids, Emperor tetras, Altum angels, Shell dwellers, clown loaches.

[@EireFirst2024]

Get a room yous pair 😂😋

[@JasPR1000]

@@EireFirst2024 Thank you for your reply my friend.

[@LRBaquatics]

@@JasPR1000 It would be easier to just black list anything that grows over 8” and even then with a big enough aquarium you can. Most all the ones you blacklisted besides the big Africans cichlids the small ones you can all keep in unfiltered aquariums I’ve kept community aquariums as such

[@adriaanvankammen8375]

For a short time I am the owner of a 33 Gallon tank (125 Liter). Because my son started a salt water tank and wanted me to have his old sweet water tank. First I did not wanted an aquarium again. Earlier (years ago) I was busy with fish and tanks. It was fun. But it also took a lot of time. Now I started again and was looking for info on YT I fell in FF his account. Father Fish learned me that if you keep your tank in a natural way you don't have to put so much effort. Try to get a natural balance and you are on the right way. I love the way FF teaches us how to keep a natural tank. Thow I think the You Tube community only see the titels of his vlogs. And they might think...... oh I don't need to clean my tank. I don't need to feed my fish.... without getting the concept of FF. But I am proud to say I have a very well planted tank with a lot of small fish and other animals who seem to be happy, eat well and look strong. I even have youngsters in my tank. I like that very much. It is a shame we cannot put a picture here on YT. I would like to share the look of my tank. Please Father Fish.... Keep up the GOOD work! (Disclaimer: I am from The Netherlands so please pardon my bad English / American writing).

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Adriann. If you will join us on the Father Fish Shoal at discord.gg/GdakStEjAy, you can post pictures of your tanks for us to enjoy. Ask to meet Tommy D. He is also from the Netherlands.

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

Yes Adriaan, we would love to have you in the discord with us.

[@oscarcantera1924]

Yo soy español doy fe de que este señor es un artista

[@johnwhodat8135]

Your English is better than some natives here believe me. Lol.

[@קרןחיון-ו1ש]

this one should and must be shared all over the world!!!!!!

[@jmase19]

Agreed. A timeless message

[@dixieblasberg9565]

THANK YOU! I get so tired of seeing posts in Reddit groups & Facebook groups where new, enthusiastic individuals set up their aquariums & immediately someone starts harping at them & questioning if they have cycled it. And God forbid if they add fish too soon. You would have thought they were criminals! They make it such a time-consuming, tiring job to have an aquarium with all their testing & water changes. I love your way. It is so natural & beautiful. I have recently changed from the "old" way to the more natural way. My 2 tanks are beautiful & I anticipate that once the plants have had time to fill out more it will be even more beautiful. My fish & snails are happy & healthy & I'm not always having to figure out what is wrong.

[@VeraVSilva]

I love this! I've been feeling very bad the last few years because I don't change the water enough and don't keep everything neat for lack of time. But the fish, shrimp and plants are thriving and the pH is always stable. The only thing I do is feed the fish and add water. And now you taught that this means my aquarium is balanced and healthy. Thank you Father Fish!!!

[@johnwhodat8135]

Does it have a filter?

[@bojohannesen4352]

​@@johnwhodat8135YOU'RE a filter.

[@VolCanixWorx]

I have a 2.5 gallon and a 5 gallon, neither need water changes cause I have healthy planted tanks with locally sourced substrate, plants and aquatic life. It really makes the world of difference in fish keeping. Thanks for all the wonderful videos that have helped me start my little hobby.

[@endur5nce]

Before Finding Father Fish and Lucas at LRB I was in the lots of my fish die every 3 months or less of purchasing them. That made me sooo sad, so mad, so frustrated like I was doing something wrong even though I was following the instruction of feeding my fish everyday, adding liquid fertilizer every week and doing 25% water changes every week. I know now it was Not my fault, I was following bad advice. The bad advice killed my fish and plants over and over. I had to buy more product, more plants and more fish. NOT ANY MORE!!!! I have 18 tanks that are healthy. Healthy plants & fish! I could not be happier. Thank you Father Fish & Lucas and I cannot forget, Alex is very helpful as well. The 3 of you give the best knowledge and advice 💯

[@FatherFish]

The 3 Fishkateers!!

[@endur5nce]

@@FatherFish I think that's a great partial title for a colab video between the 3 of you ‼

[@mememe84]

hello. were you able to keep high stock (overstock) in a fish tank? or you keep just 1-3 fish in each smaller tank?

[@AC3HT]

Thanks Father Fish for giving common sense to our hobby. I have several aquariums with deeper substrates and haven't changed water in over 6 months. Aquariums do have a lot of plants and lots of fish. Water checks good for as much as I have means to check. I.E. TDS, nitrate, KH, GH, pH, etc. My fish are very healthy and breeding well.

[@FatherFish]

Wondeerful David. Be sure to share your pics at the Father Fish Shoal - discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@geofffridley3710]

It's amazing what 40 years of experience can do. Isn't it?

[@dominicflorio5708]

Two points: I do water changes in my deep substrate aquariums when they need topping off. The reason is becasue Florida water has a very high mineral content and I don't need to raise it as my water evaporates. BUT! I'm not doing water changes becasue a certain amount of time has passed or becasue it is a certain day of the week. And of course, I never touch my dirt topped with sand substrate in any of my tanks. The second point I want to make is about houseplants. Most houseplants will adapt to living with their roots submerged in an aquarium. Some roots will grow long enough to even get into the substrate. Obviously, the plants are going to get their nutrition from that aquarium, further improving the balance.

[@FatherFish]

Excellent Dom. thank you.

[@martinepoisson6226]

Excellent video! Your Discord channel is amazing and I'm so glad to be part of the group. Without you and all the amazing people that helped me to learn and understand the best way to keep fish, I wouldn't be able to enjoy my 6 aquariums as much as I do now. Love you, bye for now 😉

[@FatherFish]

Thank you. Very kind indeed.

[@sosonic12000]

A big Howdee from London England Father Fish….Love you and your channel 😊. I have a 4x2 fish tank set up using your technique essentially soil capped off with sand total depth of 5 inches. A week ago put a few plants in. And so far so good! Will introduce fish in slowly.. You are a delight to watch and your advice is a game changer… Love and peace..

[@ryanrogers8211]

How slowly do we need to add fish into the system?

[@sosonic12000]

Once the tank has been cycled (nitrogen cycle) takes place approximately 2/6 weeks about sufficient. You can accelerate the process if you remove the old filter from an already cycled tank and simply squeeze sponge into your new tank. This method transfers all the important beneficial bacteria into your new tank and speeds up the cycle process. Please take your time introducing fish a few at a time. Best of luck 🤞

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@sosonic12000 Thank you, I have had it set up for 2 weeks now and I'm getting ghost shrimp and scuds in the mail soon. So far a have 2 rosy red minnows and 2 otto's and 1 mystery snail doing great with around 20 small plants.

[@sosonic12000]

@@ryanrogers8211 ❤️

[@NEnigma777]

@@sosonic12000how are you commenting on Father Fish’s videos and saying something like this? He has several videos on this whole cycle crap. I have 4 tanks and I never cycled any of them. I just have a bunch of plants and sand substrate, and the fish all went into their tanks right away and were fine! Stop spreading this crap. It’s wrong.

[@yaboijardo2319]

When I was a wee lad I tried to keep fish many a time, in a small tank with a little little and plastic rocks and canned food. Always ended in skim milk water and dead fish. It took me about 3 years of fumbling blindly to figure out how to make a stable ecosystem but it's a lot of fun and one of the few things keeping my sanity these days

[@FatherFish]

Adopting the rules of nature makes everything so much simpler.

[@reinisip6351]

A very informative yet easy to understand video with few words that might be unfamiliar for some but are easily comprehensible. I've been watching your videos since before I get my very first planted tank and you've helped me a lot and I thank you for that. Keep up uploading great mind opener videos!

[@supremepeace.]

That's the best video I have seen so far. All my tanks do not even have a filter, are filled with plants and I never have to touch it. And my fish never die or get sick. The only thing I do is clean the front glass and refill the little water which evaporates, since my tanks remain open on top because of the plants.

[@nikhilkharkar1753]

Agree Father Fish! Have a tank on which have not made any water changes for about 18 months now. Just top ups. Have just vals, some guppy’s and three Angel fish. No filter just air stone. This tank is self correcting with hardly any algae

[@carlsfishroom632]

Thank you, great video Father Fish! I was reading some posts on a FaceBook fish group page. And I saw a newer hobbyist who had noticed someone's picture keeping bare bottom tanks. This newcomer asked, "Is it better to have a bare bottom tank to keep your fish in?" The more experienced fish keeper answered, "Yes, bare bottom tanks are easier to clean". Father Fish I am inclined to agree with this person, if you like cleaning your aquarium all the time, bare bottom tanks are the way to go! However, if you would rather spend more time enjoying watching your fish and not having to do all that extra work and cleaning like I do. A deep sand substrate is what you will want! 😀

[@FatherFish]

Cleaning I understand. Maintaining a cesspool I do not. Do you really think it is a good thing to clean out your septic every 10 times you flush your toilet?

[@DashDrones]

You should not clean tanks all the time. This person is clueless, nature tanks are far more beautiful in every way. Haven't changed water in well over a year..

[@carlsfishroom632]

@@DashDrones Agreed! I haven't changed the water in most of my tanks with deep sand and dirt substrate for over 2 years with some up to 3 years. All inhabitants are doing so much the better for it. I no longer require any medications and chemicals. Water parameters all tests are all extremely good. Due to all my plants and the sand. My nitrates are now always 5ppm or lower. Better results than when I was doing all the water changes to lower them. Fathers Fish's Natural Aquarium all the Way!

[@DashDrones]

​@@carlsfishroom632wow! Amazing 👍

[@Iron-Claw-Tiger]

Thanks Father Fish, putting the fish first👍

[@ThunderingMilwaukee]

I am no pro but I have been in the hobby for years, and what you say is very true. Set up a balanced ecosystem..... it saves fish, plants, and money! I'll never stop learning, Thank you Father Fish your videos are very interesting and informative.

[@jorgediaz8382]

That was great Father Fish ! Totally true and I'm sure it pushed a few buttons😄

[@gregoryhumik4533]

ever since i added sand to my planted tank, everything changed for the better. It's now a heavily stocked and balanced tank.1.5 year old tank now.

[@tinaprice2286]

It seems keeping many types of animal things are changing in wbats the best way to keep them. I have 2 bioactive tanks set up for tree frogs and they are doing great. I have now completely changed my fish tank and have done what you have suggested. So far so good. And its so lovely to look at. My living space is like a jungle. Plants everywhere. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Wbharrington]

My favorite video by far. I spent years trying to have planted tanks growing up even bought the FAMA magazine. All while trying to do it with an under gravel filter and gravel. I remember reading an article where they used cat litter and gravel way back then. I couldn’t get myself to use it but this finally makes sense to me. Looking forward to having an aquarium with more than just Java moss and Java ferns. After going with a more natural approach to my own health it just makes sense that natural doesn’t screw things up we do.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Right on❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I have been waiting for a long videos for like this for Father Fish!! 🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@FatherFish]

Talked with Andy. Call me!!

[@Kactoily]

Thank you Father Fish for showing us simple but practical way!! I've replied to your email and look forward to speed up our collaboration on our newly launched 6-in-1 water monitor. Thank you!

[@jeffcarpenter6306]

Thanks for speaking up! Great information!

[@BJ-ty5tj]

Thanks for your content father fish its helping me a lot, greetings from Bolivia

[@francinedufresne7514]

Totally agree with father fish,subscribed to him and follow all his natural fishkeeping methods,thanks for your help father fish,its very appreciated here in Canada and by my fellow fishkeepers here in Northern Ontario eh...wish we could order from you,but we do what we can to follow your method,be safe and take care eh from 45 fishkeepers whom follow your method to the letter in a small community of 1,100 people lol...happy fishkeeping Father Fish

[@nexusfairy3038]

Northern Ontario here as well!! Temkskaming shores area. I love his channel. Got sick of my fish dying, and constant issues. So far so good doing it his way!

[@FatherFish]

Ask your friends to join the Father Fish Discord. We will reserve an Ontario chapter just for you. discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@nexusfairy3038]

@@FatherFish Absolutely! And thank you :)

[@damita7758]

Here from angus Ontario, I joined, spreading the word down here

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

Thank you Fathet Fish. Sure do love you and your videos. Keep fighting the good fight 💪🏽❤

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Daniel

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thanks for this timely and helpful 👍 video

[@darrylmoore5847]

Thank you for another excellent video, and for being the person you are.

[@hummingbird3771]

Hey Father Fish, Thanks for the love and educational experience!! I admire your respect for life and mission to better the lives of fish in the trade. Pretty soon aquariums will be the only aquatic life left, and we need to know how to keep each precious spark alive and thriving.

[@yuribetancourtmorlote8909]

Un gran video, usted ha cambiado mi forma de ver el mundo de los peces con la verdad y eso significa un montón porque amo el mundo de los acuarios y con su método he visto el cambio.💪💪💪

[@FatherFish]

Gracias Yuri. Es un placer llegar a los amantes de los peces de todo el mundo con el mensaje de los sistemas naturales.

[@MrSchuetzendorf]

Tis was the best explanation and advice possible. Thank you!

[@caewalker9276]

Thanks Father Fish 👍💚🇦🇺🙏

[@sammyvh11]

Excellent advice!

[@nathanielreichert4638]

Keep preaching the gospel father fish :)

[@ryanrogers8211]

He’s not preaching the gospel. He does know a ton about fish 🐟 keeping though

[@candacemay7187]

I love you, Father Fish, and have converted my 2.5 gallon and my 6 gallon tanks over to dirted tanks recently. I also started my Resurrection Jar. Do you ever have to clean out the old dead leaves or do you just leave them to disintegrate and occasionally add "stuff" from my Resurrection Jar? How often to you add from the Resurrection Jar? Thank you!! You have helped me so much and I'll admit that I used to compulsively overfeed!! Now I only feed the fish twice a week!

[@FatherFish]

Think of the leaves as food for the micro critters that then are food for the fish.

[@cornelius4344]

Amazing video as usual! If I am setting up a 20 and 10 gallon tank if I buy peat most, composted cow manure, and your soil supplement, would this be all the dirt I need below the sand?

[@FatherFish]

yes

[@geofffridley3710]

Aquarium gravel was the bane of my existence in the hobby until I found u a few years ago.

[@ljubicatattoo7331]

Hallo Father Fish, your videos helping me about fish keeping, i learn a lot about aquariums and other important things in this hobby. Maby you can make some video about hydra in aquarium and other not welcome creatures. Thanks for all great videos! 🤗🤗🤗🙏🏻

[@FatherFish]

Glad to help. Here is a good one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIWsg6qsgbGHq5I

[@arnicamoana7861]

I love the beautiful stock footage in these videos!

[@Stallion-Koi]

Great video again sir father fish

[@ILIKEUALOT]

Thank you for the instructive videos! I'm learning sooo much

[@FatherFish]

You are so welcome!

[@visionaryprem]

Wonderful information 😊❤

[@ikadeksatyaadnyana9155]

Im totally agree with u pop…thanks for the info young man

[@theghostrider430]

What an immense sea of knowledge ! Thank you sir for sharing all these on your channel. It would take years to learn this on our own. Knowledge sharing is indeed the best way to achieve evolution in the hobby.

[@davidjames1815]

I have 15 green neons, 8 bushy plants, 4 cherry shrimp, and about 6 snails in my 12" cube. It's bursting w beautiful life and no problems thanks to what I've learned on Father Fish.

[@ctsfiddler]

After keeping fish for many years you get a feel for water changes. If i feed too much one week, i know i have to do a water change. If i have a lot of plant growth and i do some trimming i can let it slide. I don't like just adding water for evaporation as bad things may build up , so an occasional water change is needed for longevity.

[@FatherFish]

Only if your water is being fouled. If organics are being removed biologically and there are no toxins being put in the water is perfect.

[@ismailroyer466]

When you hear a teacher speaking the truth, you know it: not because he's teaching you something new, but because he reminds you of something you already know. That's what @FatherFish is doing here.

[@pennypiper5857]

Thank you great information.

[@OuroborosPrinciple]

Thanks for driving this bit home!

[@FatherFish]

Taking flak. Must have hit the target!

[@OuroborosPrinciple]

@@FatherFishFeedback loop. See it through

[@EK4rguy]

Awesome video! I’m sure this upload/info will yet again stir anger amongst the fish community haha as soon as you mentioned chemicals OMG i knew a response video will be uploaded haha

[@FatherFish]

We are taking flak. I think we hit that big one down there.

[@EK4rguy]

@@FatherFish yes I’ve noticed that, I got into this hobby a month ago and followed/ following your way which is working, everyone and everything is flourishing no need for harmful chemicals! I’m on tank water so big bonus there as well! Keep it up you’ve got army behind you!

[@zeb33369]

Nature vs your LFS I'll take Nature any day

[@EK4rguy]

Waiting patiently for the backlash video amongst the fish community 😂

[@geofffridley3710]

I took mud from our water front park and put pool filter sand on top, and planted my plants that needed to be so. The others are on my drift wood ans rocks. Java fern is a great pant. As are Amazon sword. They saved my crashing tank. I've never used chemicals. Just seachem prime and stability when I add water.

[@AmericanProspector1776]

Yeaaaah boyyyy! Love You Father Fish. God Bless your eternal soul

[@mohiildeen12]

Hello, please, I couldn't get river sand. Can I use pool filter sand as a top layer in freshwater aquarium substrate?

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

You can!

[@AaronW315]

All Silica sands are chemically inert so it will work.

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

@@AaronW315 the black sands made from slag don't seem to work the same way, I'm adding white sand areas to mine

[@adgrimes1981]

So you can’t just put any sand in the aquarium? It needs to be a specific sort?

[@howardvantassel7557]

I have black blasting sand in a tank and sandbox sand in others and pool filter sand in another. It all works for me. Oh and lots of live plants. Hadn’t done a water change in somewhere around three years.

[@nicoletiana]

i love the 1080P quality!!!!!!!

[@inlikeflynt56]

Hi father fish. Thanks for the plants. I have a question about the bag of debris you included in the box. What should I do with it?

[@FatherFish]

Do not knoww what you are referring to. Contact me by email.

[@inlikeflynt56]

Hello Father Fish, I just changed over my tank to the soil/sand substrate from gravel. I used a sand that is quite fine over the soil. The Corys absolutely love it. Will the fine size of the sand grains hurt the filtering system that I’m trying to create? Thanks and I look forward to your response. Keep up the great work!!

[@FatherFish]

My experience is the grain of the sand makes no difference at all.

[@KitchensbySavina]

Thank you for this. Good lessons for the tank and life in general. :)

[@FatherFish]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@freefunlovin1]

Was about to set up the typical mainstream tank until I seen your videos, now I’m setting up a dirted tank like yours. Have finally sourced a suitable soil, have my sand, plants, and leaf litter from local creek (which I will source my rainbow trout from). (Even set up a resurrection jar at same time). Only thing I’m not sure on, is I have got some branches and logs from the creek as well and I’m not sure how much tannins the logs will leach into the tank. Is there anyway to minimise this? (They are too large to boil even if I wanted to). Just wondering if there is anyway around this or just accept the water maybe slightly yellowed with this set up. Thanks for all your videos and info. Much appreciated ❤️❤️

[@FatherFish]

Well aged river hard wood is typically leached out.

[@jjz3192]

Hi father fish, how do you NOT do water changes in the large aquarium with all the huge fish @ 7:14? It doesn't have the number of plants to balance the aquarium in your typical planted tank. How does that tank deal with the bio load?

[@FatherFish]

I have a canister that is cleaned about once a month

[@chilirasbora]

That's right Father fish you tell us, Don't overfeed our fish, try and stay away from chemicals and get some plants.

[@FatherFish]

Don't forget the sand Robert!!

[@mannyaraujo1]

plants..?? sure.. if your fish don't eat them, he is talking about small tanks and fish,

[@jeremymoore450]

@father fish, I have 2 planted tanks a 55 gal and a 20 long. I have noticed i haven't had to do water changes as much but how many plants ahould you add to a tank. I have bottom swimmers and middle and top swimmers? Those tanks i can manage with more plants if needed. But my 90 gal tank is the bigger issue. I have a red devil cichlid that completely rearranges my substrate how can i have a planted tank with big cichlids that tear up substrate and plants? Thanks appreciate any advice you can add?

[@FatherFish]

Some competition will reduce the generalized aggression. Substrate needs to be very deep, at least 5 inches. Plant large heavy plants and floaters such as hornwort.

[@CHRISBUCKLANDjohn]

Great work father just set up your system here in Plymouth Devon.

[@sttill81]

This is awesome FF. I got caught in all the marketing and your way just seems right to me. Ive got 25 tetras and 3 otocinclus in a 35gal tank, ive lost 3 recently, no apparent cause, water tested all okay. Im thinking ill make some toot tabs, load my gravel and put 2inches of sand on top. How would i do that with all the fish? Move them out into another tank and slowly reintroduce them? Thanks

[@FatherFish]

pour clean sand in slowly and no more than 1/2" a day until 2".

[@sttill81]

@@FatherFish thank you. Ive got loads of plants, I guess ill just shift them up with the sand. Bought a new smaller tank to do a full dirted substrate and all your ingredients, tried the jar from the creek too and its just looking after itself with a few guppies. Great time out with my son collecting material. Thanks again

[@celticlady4821]

My tank had only a thin layer of gravel so I emptied half the water out and with a cup slowly added two inches of sand, then filled up. The fish were all fine. Don’t switch filter on until sand settles as it may block the impeller. I also added plants a few days later and lots of dead leaves. This was about 4 months ago and the tank has never looked better.

[@sttill81]

@@celticlady4821 thank you for the tips. Ill do the cup method and slowly release at the bottom.

[@rcort4864]

Great video.

Hey @fatherfish, would love to see a video on catching/netting fish in a heavily planted aquarium. I seem to be in a position where i can put them in, but can't get them out!

[@FatherFish]

I have at least one and will search for it but will do another.

[@DashDrones]

Brilliant advice. Thank you

[@RAZASHARP]

GREAT VIDEO FATHER!! I NEED PLANTS FOR MY 55 GALLON . 3 IRREDESANTS. WHICH PLANTS SHALL I GET?? THANK YOU!

[@FatherFish]

visit the Father Fish store and make your choice: father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com/

[@canozdemir2776]

Hello, i am a beginner from cyprus. Set up my aquarium 2 weeks ago with live plants, wood and lava rock. Got a heater and a filter but i have gravel substrate as a mistake. Got few little neons and guppies in a 15gal aquarium. How can i turn that gravel mistake and put sand or natural substrate without hurting fish or live plants which i have both rooted and surface plants. Thank you

[@FatherFish]

pour clean sand in the tank 1/2" at a time every 3 days until you have 2" . The sand will not hurt anything.

[@canozdemir2776]

​@@FatherFishthank u, after doing that i will get some pond water and dirt to get some variety of orgamisms in

[@emmanueldecastro4659]

Good day! Father Fish. Asking how do I keep clean my tank or aquarium that is without filter and aerator.

[@FatherFish]

I like sponge filters for this

[@luckydays8239]

Nature 😉knows everything

[@FatherFish]

That is the greatest truth one can speak. NATURE KNOWS EVERYTHING!!

[@providedjoker2649]

Quick question…so I have a external canister filter for my 90 gallon tank…(deep sand substrate n plants) should I remove the bio media in it n just use the sponges/filter media? Thank you..FF 👍🤡👍

[@FatherFish]

That has been my system but it does not matter. In a large tank with large fish a sump is most helpful to provide added volume. A canister does much the same by providing some additional filtering capacity even though it is removed from the system.

[@stilesslosson7403]

So I have a 75g planted tank w deep sand...I have 2 angelfish 3 rose line barbs 2 huge congo tetras 2 sword tails n 3 Cory cats...am I over loaded or can I put a couple Bolivian Rams in as well?

[@FatherFish]

Sounds like with good plantings you could have another 25 2-3" fish.

[@stilesslosson7403]

Cool thank you for your quick response and your videos 👍

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@stilesslosson7403 did you get those Rams?

[@stilesslosson7403]

Yes I got 7 rams Bolivian rams n I love them I also got a group of blood tetra's...I've had them for over a month now...my water is great n haven't even done any water changes so all is well👍

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@stilesslosson7403 awesome

[@DottonTuffin]

I stop changing the water in my tanks unless I am doing a big change in the tank because its overgrown with plants. But normally its just a top off. The plants in the tank do most of the work.

[@mattsmall3942]

Hi Father Fish! I was wondering if you could help us. We have just bought a 40L tank and you have amazing videos on how to keep the tanks healthy and thriving. We were wondering if you could use compost as the base mud layer before the sand and gravel or if compost will be harmful to the fish?

[@FatherFish]

Follow the conversation about dirt here at the Father Fish Shoal: discord.gg/GdakStEjAy Compost is a perfect 25% portion of the dirt layer.

[@mimiru1995]

Is there a good way to start with the bacteria and organisms from the wild, and watch to make sure theyre not dangerous? Is there a way to quarantine it?

[@FatherFish]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jai9YYWPirCJsMU

[@alexandrajeffries9273]

I have guppies that overbreed in my tank. I have a betta that hunts and eats them as well as a few danios but they don't keep up. My tank is only a 20 gallon, should i get another predator fish? It seems contradictory to add another fish and i love all the colors of the guppies but im not sure how much more my tank can handle.

[@FatherFish]

When the guppy population reaches 500 there will be too many. Add more plants. THAT is the key to population control. The more plants the more fish.

[@AA-nx6sk]

Hey father fish I just had a quick question about mold / fungus growing on driftwood, I know this is common with newly introduced pieces and eventually it will stop after it’s been in the water long enough, is it harmful to fish ?

[@FatherFish]

It is nutritional. Fish and inverts like shrimp love to eat it.

[@therealfidz286]

God bless you Father Fish! I have an average of 2in of sand as substrate , lots of plants. But unfortunately I setup the tank before discovering your channel so I did not know about the inch of dirt. Is the tank going to be ok ? (Black water 55 gal tank). I have not done any water changes. Thank you for your advice 😇

[@FatherFish]

the substrate will build up soils as it ages. Not to worry.

[@ryanrogers8211]

Hello Father Fish, I’d like to set up a no maintenance planted tank and would like to have several Angel Fish. What size tank would I need for 10-12 of them?

[@FatherFish]

At the very minimum a 55 gallon tank.

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@FatherFish ok I was thinking to go at least double that. Thank you sir 😀

[@msoptimus9928]

Sir, could you please suggest lights for planted aquarium. Do ordinary LED or tube lights work fine or I have to invest on something expensive WRGB lights? What should be the intensity and duration of lights? Thanking You.

[@FatherFish]

I use cheap LED lighting, the strongest I can find, on all my tanks.

[@EireFirst2024]

If you've patience almost any light will do, in my opinion 👍👍

[@jmase19]

@@FatherFish love it

[@automateconstruction]

I believe in the father fish method!

[@mariuszwojcik7955]

Hi, what do you think about black water aquarium? PH about 6 or lower, the same with GK and KH? With just a sand and leaves at the bottom? Can that be a healthy enviorment for fish?

[@FatherFish]

It is a perfect envir for fish that require 6.0 or less Ph. there are very few and you are not likely to encounter them without substantial effort. they are rare and hard to find. Most are from Madagascar and Borneo. A tannin tank gives you the same xperience without the difficulty of maintaining a sub 6.oPh system.

[@philipg7238]

So do we not do water changes if our planted tanks do have deep substrate or no plants for that matter?

[@FatherFish]

If it is not needed, yes.

[@carlbutchers486]

How often should you clean the filter,i have a 33 gallon tank and running an external filter.

[@FatherFish]

once or twice a year

[@carlbutchers486]

Thanks Father Fish at the moment I clean every 3 months will now look at extending .From sunny Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@canozdemir2776]

Hello, can i get sand from the sea to put in my fresh water aquarium.

[@FatherFish]

Yes. Go high up on the beach. Avoid the cigarette butts and sunscreen lotion

[@day2daysahmllc]

Father Fish, do you have a video on the recommended water levels? What do you suggest should be the levels for Ammonia, Nitrates, Water Hardness, Chlorine, Alkalinity, and PH levels?

[@jmase19]

Hey Father, I have African cichlids, I put plants in my HOB filters, I’ve even tried hornwort in there and they have eaten that as well! Any ideas on African cichlids and plants? Great channel by the way

[@FatherFish]

algae is their favorite food.

[@jmase19]

@@FatherFish thanks! I just did a few days research and found a couple things I liked to do with it in my tanks, I can’t wait to see the results

[@jacobgordon6782]

father fish, do you know where I can find information on native Floridian ornamental fish species. All I'm finding on google are things about catchable fish (bluegills, bass, tilapia, ect.). are there any books or websites you recommend?

[@FatherFish]

There are a group of fish keepers who study this population. They are members of the Tampa Bay Aquarium Society, TBAS. Contact that organization www.tbas1.com/

[@jacobgordon6782]

@@FatherFish Thank you! Cant wait to go out and observe the native species.

[@way2real364]

FF...you are the ONLY person on KZbin that is speaking TRUTH about how to keep fish ALIVE, HAPPY and HEALTHY in a Glass Box (Fish Tank). I never did understand the point of doing 50%-80% weekly water changes. If we are adding all these "Man-Made" chemicals to the water that are "supposed" to keep the water clean and healthy, then what is the point of removing all those "supposedly good MAN-MADE chemicals" weekly?

[@desmondproulx8573]

Good day MR Fish I have a 10 gallon tank and I want to put live plants in it but I don’t know what to do and is it costly in which I don’t have much money. I have a beta fish and plastic plants in it and I don’t want it to be like that but I’m not educated enough when it comes to Fish it’s my first fish that I’ve owned and later on in the future I would like to get a much bigger tank and a half life plants and I’ve been watching your show and I like what I hear So if you can give me a summary on how to start this, I would appreciate it

[@FatherFish]

Come over to the SHOAL and learn all there is to know.

[@32bluewing]

Hello father fish, I need you’re help. About 4 months ago I set up a 29, and 2 20 long father fish tanks and they were all doing amazing. I wasn’t having to feed as often, the tanks never had nitrites, ammonia, they are all planted, they all had nature and life in them that I had gotten out of ponds, rivers near me and they had things in them I had gotten off you’re web page. This all took a harsh turn when I got 3 new fish 2 weeks ago. I put 2 clown loaches and a green barb that I had gotten from country max near me, I put the barb in a 20 long with my Featherfin catfish and my blue marble Betta and I put the clown loaches in my 29 gallon with my 2 small fancy goldfish. It wasn’t til after I quarantined them and placed them in my tanks I noticed these they infected my tanks with either NEW ich, or episylis. The clown loaches quickly died of the parasite and the barb followed by not long after and I tried to put them in my quarantine tank even though I seen sighs the parasite medication I was dosing was working for them. After taking the fish I knew were infected out about 2 days later my Featherfin cat fish is now covered in whatever this parasite is, but my blue marble betta is fine. now the Featherfin is being quarantined and is slowly getting better from a light salt bath, some meds, and 84 degree water. My question is, how do I save my newly setup and thriving tanks to rid it of this parasite without fouling my tanks? 😢 the spots on the fish are bigger than a grain of sand, covering almost the entire fishes body and fins, and causing stress because the fish are flashing and rubbing on objects. The spots aren’t on the fishes eyes though. There is so much misleading information on subjects like these. Any knowledge from father fish would be greatly appreciated.

[@FatherFish]

Join us on the Father Fish Shoal - discord.gg/GdakStEjAy - and post some pics. We can help you.

[@henryguajardo5334]

Hello good day to you all.

[@lorelei8301]

Hello FF. My 3 week old tank has a thick layer of green algae on the wood and there are tiny patches of tiny bubbles coming from it. What is this?

[@FatherFish]

probably a fur algae. Let it alone and watch. There should be plecos and other fish that will eat it.

[@lorelei8301]

@@FatherFish I was just getting ready to ask what to get as cleaning crew. Beside placo, what else should I get for in there? I have 3 white cloud, beta and a. Cory.

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@lorelei8301 how about some ghost shrimp and a few ottocinclus

[@lorelei8301]

Thank you for your reply. Its only a 10 gallon. Does that change your suggestions?@@ryanrogers8211

[@stacystubbs7874]

Had to set up a tank right quick like cause my other tank started to leak pretty bad. Long story short I got my dirt in got my cap on it (father fish way) but had to put to many fish in at once, no other tank for them. Ive had a time cycling my tank and have lost 2 fish. I decided to use fritz complete to help and try to save as many as my fish I can. I have many plants in this tank but Im still having to change the water and use Fritz complete for help. Im not sure of any other way till this tank balances itself out. @father fish

[@FatherFish]

Join me and my fishy friends in the Shoal. Sounds like you need help. discord.gg/father-fish-shoal

[@stacystubbs7874]

Pretty much got no other advice in discord, one person made a comment but really no other advice. I lost a total of 5 fish. Heartbroken over that, anyways found out that my Kh was pretty much 0 and unstable, I have never had this issue but, for whatever reason now my tap water Kh is 0. I have some Oolitic Aragonite substrate arriving today that I'm going to add to help with the low Kh and hope it helps stabilize my water and minerals. Going to add like 1 to 2lbs at first (40-gallon tank), I don't want to raise it to high real fast, anyways just thought I would this for anyone that maybe having an issue with low Kh.....Wet pet owners keep an eye on your Kh.@@FatherFish

[@LiSkyFox]

Can you do a video on yellow water?

[@FatherFish]

sure

[@plumber1331]

That's what I've been doing loading up my large planted aquariums with micro fauna from Philipsfishworks. Making it as natural as possible ..

[@FatherFish]

GREAT source of macrofauna.

[@porecemusnox8805]

I would like to argue, that not all chemicals are bad - dechlorinators work a charm if you happen to have amounts of chlorine in your tap water that would otherwise harm our dear inhabitants.

[@FatherFish]

Clearly true. I use sodium thiosulphate to break chloramine molecule.Chlorine will gas off with some agitation. I like to spray chlorinated water into the tank to release the chlorine before it hits the tank water.

[@porecemusnox8805]

@@FatherFish My current water conditioner is pretty much the only commercial product I am using. Since my plumbing has a lot of copper components, I also have to rely on a safe way to get rid of copper. My brand of choice has a good amount of humic additives, too. From my personel experience, botanicals/humic substances in combination with a lot of healthy plants, sufficient flow and and a focus on nurturing beneficial bacteria and microorganisms is key to creating a balanced, long term sustainable environment.

[@djs83]

I have just set up a tank and my ph is reading 6 or below. I've got bogwood and tropica aqua soil which is lowering the ph. How do i complete the nitrogen cycle? Ive got loads of plants. Java fern is going yellowy brown

[@FatherFish]

have you capped the substrate?

[@djs83]

@@FatherFish no but I will do. I was told it didn't need it because it was a complete substrate. Will it cycle then without the pH crashing?

[@FatherFish]

@@djs83 by itself it is not complete. It is leaching into the water column and it is not capable of establishing an anaerobic level without substantial depth.

[@djs83]

@@FatherFish thank you. I will cap it and hope for the best

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@djs83 How did the sand cap help you out?