TOP 9 QUESTIONS FOR A NATURAL AQUARIUM

[@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/

[@gilbertreinert]

I would just like to say that I’ve gained more knowledge and insight from a handful of Father Fish Videos than the hundreds of other KZbin videos I’ve watched! I will certainly be watching the rest of your content and plan to place a few orders to purchase some of your plants and soil. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and knowledge, God Bless You!!

[@FatherFish]

God bless you Gilbert. I hope to keep churning these ditties out for another minit.

[@claytond6898]

Agreed and subbed 👍

[@deborahpeterson9045]

AGREE!

[@rasabernota445]

Amen, Gilbert! Me, also. What a blessing Father Fish is.

[@henryrooyakkers8510]

Al the religious mor.ns here, why ?

[@nharrison81]

It’s never boring listening to information from someone who enjoys what they are doing to help you what you enjoy doing.

[@NEnigma777]

I was so skeptical of your method at first. I remember thinking, “Potting soil and sand in the tank? That’s filthy!” I can’t tell you how much happier my fish have been since I got rid of all the fake plants, filled the tank with real plants, and added soil and sand. I had a minor problem when I first did the sand because I didn’t clean the play sand enough but I just drained all the water (it took a while since it’s a 40 gallon tank) and now the water is beautiful, the plants are thriving, and my fish are so much more active! I thought they were healthy before but omg, they are in heaven now! People! Please listen to this man! He is absolutely correct about adding soil, sand, and plants! I also discovered I was over feeding, so that also contributed to the huge ammonia spikes. He literally had a video for every issue you are having with your tank so check them out!

[@fritzhoffmann9746]

My concerns are with cleaning the sand. I'll be using a 40 gallon tank then eventually a 75 gallon tank. What kind and where did u get the sand? How did you properly clean the sand. Also, the potting soil. I'm moving to South Carolina at the end of July & need to break down tanks. I'll be saving as much water as I can. Currently, I use a hang back filter, gravel, drift wood and live plants.I want to eliminate the gravel & switch to Father Fish methods. I've been fairly successful over the years without needing to measure chemical water levels. When I do set up the tank with soil & sand, Can I introduce the plants & fish quickly? I can't have them living in buckets. Thanks for any info you have. I normally keep, a beta sorority, balloon mollies, cardinal tetras, variety Cory cats, bamboo shrimp, hatchets and plan to add gold & German rams.

[@andrewderksen3342]

I did the 'Father fish ' method I put the whole tank together including fish from day 1 And didn't lose any fish 👍

[@hendywijaya3213]

No, father, your lectures are not boring! I could even listen to them for hours.. I even watch your videos throughout the sleepless nights. I love them! Please, don't stop teaching us the importance of the natural way of fishkeeping

[@TonyettaPerry813]

I could sit through one of his lectures twice a week easily. I do. Much more than that 😂

[@stevethompson9007]

I'm a plant pathologist by qualification but also a horticultural agronomist by profession - 23rd year doing this after 6 years of academia . Gotta say the 'natural' soilfoodweb approach to tank set up makes so much sense instead of relying on massive chemical and filtration inputs to control water quality and thus plant and fauna health - especially the dirt / soil substrate approach. Thanks for all your posts and insight and communication skills to get the messages across. I'm in the UK BTW so your voice is heard this side of the pond too. Cheers and best wishes!!!

[@FatherFish]

Steve. Happy to hear from you. We have a research team working away on these issues on our FATHER FISH SHOAL channel at Discord. Please join us and meet the team! discord.gg/yzCfH6P3

[@stevethompson9007]

@@FatherFish Thank you sir.

[@medvital8702]

I’m not a English speaker and I had to use subtitles, and let me tell you that you are a genius, all your information is based in facts, muchas gracias amigo.

[@MrBigscarythingy]

This is not just exceptional aquarium wisdom, it's a philosophy for life

[@Anp8]

You are a wonderful person father fish, I set up a aquarium for my 75 year old mother and she adores it so much, shes had this aquarium for 20 years, I loaded it with a thick soil under sand, with plants, Rotala, Val and Crypts Thank you father fish for all the help, She loves your channel.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you An. Please give your mother a big hug for me.

[@sparkdrive2900]

20 years, thats huge achievement. Can she still do water changes though?

[@jodyrudd1831]

You don't do water changes.

[@davidjames1815]

Excellent fish vid. I plan to join tomorrow or day after (got some sorting to do first)😂. This channel deserves all the generosity and good energy it receives and more...😮❤.

[@gryaznygreeb]

As a young man who wants to study biology and keeps 30+ house plants and 4 fish tanks, your approach makes a lot more sense to me. This is how you truly create a mini ecosystem - which is what I want to do - not have living decorations. I am extremely excited to see that research paper as I have been diving deep into tannins and leaves that are safe for aquariums. I have been wanting to replace the beginner blue gravel in my first aquariums for several months now, I think I may try your soil and sand approach in that tank and expand it to my others if I have success. Thank you so much for these videos in a world bent on selling us as many aquariums products as possible that really are not necessary.

[@FatherFish]

Грязный Гриб , please join us on FATHER FISH SHOAL at Discord. discord.gg/yzCfH6P3

[@vipinpandey9713]

Father Fish, we are fortunate to have you. You are real Father Fish. You have changed my perception totally. Your every words are mind opener for me. Thanks for your most valuable guidance that everyone can do. Only thing they need to trust. I HAVE FULL TRUST ON YOUR WORDS SIR. I have great respect for you Uncle "Father Fish". Really you are ......Great....

[@FatherFish]

Wow, thank you My Hobby. My advice and thoughts are based on my personal experience.

[@alexyahardwick7442]

I’m full convinced to go natural on my 55 gal tank now thank you it makes me feel better about my self about the fish and also saves me money lol

[@leem200]

By the way you are not boring. I hear you loud and clear, and I do not have to back track to rehear what you say. Wonderful presentation and vocals. Thank you so much. I love it a living book on fish tank care. You seem to have so much knowledge on it and I love learning. Thank you for this. Peace! I set my other tank up except for the mud but sand and rocks I did. This one I am going to go to the lake and get me some mud. My yard is sand, I live in Florida. Haha! Been years since I had a fish tank. I am so excited. I find it relaxing and I could watch fish for a very long time. Had to give away my tank for I had no heart to sale in when I did foster care. One little guy I had loved a head connection to it. I have not done foster care since we adopted two at 15 yrs old and now they are grown and off to life's adventures. So, I have missed having a tank. Peace!

[@rusty8735]

Anyone who owns an aquarium should be Subscribed to this channel thank you for the important Knowledge Father Fish, I’m from south florida east side so I get all the freshwater lakes and ocean full of life, i always collect my own sand rock water fish etc. it’s what make the hobby so exciting for me

[@FatherFish]

TJ, I lived in SW Florida for 32 years. I know exactly what you are saying. I will forever miss the magic of catching pygmy seahorses.

[@dwarfhernandez6636]

@FatherFish Is duck weed covering the top of my tank ok?

[@yahya_176]

@@dwarfhernandez6636 no don't get it fully covered your aquarium....!!

[@NotSure876]

Haha, I find it amusing too when people ask how many fish can go in their tank. There’s way too many variables to answer that and if that’s their question, they’re not ready for a tank IMO

[@rusty8735]

@@NotSure876 who said that?

[@cathyhendrix7552]

This was not boring. Not at all. It was very informative. I really enjoy the Q&A videos. It shows that people are wanting to learn about the hobby and are asking someone they trust to give them the best answer. And it also helps the ones who are to timid to ask questions or the ones who were given wrong advice from people who think they know it all. I digress, sorry. But yes, please do more Q&A videos.

[@FatherFish]

Awesome! Thank you Cathy! I enjoy doing this on live stream but it reaches far fewer hobbyists. Thank you for your Support.

[@cathyhendrix7552]

@@FatherFish I'm looking forward to seeing more of these. I'm not a big fan of live feeds. Sorry to say that. It makes me feel bad to say it but I much more prefer these types of videos. So I'm tickled to hear that you'll be making more.☺️

[@rajshreedhakde8510]

Father fish, You talk spiritual and scientific at the same time. Words of wisdom. I am glad I found you. Thank you.

[@FatherFish]

AH! Rajshree you are wise to see behind my words.

[@rajshreedhakde8510]

@@FatherFish Thank you. I am very happy to receive your reply. I set up a dirted tank. Nano one. Three months back. Now I want a large one. But I had some doubts. After going through series of your videos all the doubts I had got cleared. I am trying to learn fish parenting since last one year. I felt that water change every week is a hyped thing. You cleared my doubts about soil, filter, water change, fish stock, plants. Almost every required thing. Thank you so much. It's very nice to have this conversation with you.

[@stevewarren4813]

I love your "boring videos." I'm sure that you have answered those 9 Questions a few million times, but thanks for answering them one more time.

[@FatherFish]

True. But it alway fun.

[@porkyvonchop6458]

when im just starting ive encounter lots of problem, just dont give up and listen to father fish 😁 it will work out dont rush nature. now my tank is balance and i just 25% water change periodically.

[@FatherFish]

Yes Porky. Trust nature and enjoy.

[@djs4Him25]

Subscribed! Your personality is contagious. I can feel your love through these videos. I'm 34 but I want to be like you when I grow up!

[@FatherFish]

Thanks Daniel. You do not have far to go. Just keep that lovin spirit.

[@jaymilo8425]

I was in the hobby as a pre teen I guess you could say but it was basically 55 gallon tank plastic plants killer fish and bad decor...fast forward 30 years later and me and my girlfriend have a fish addiction and have watched all the videos with all the expensive products and must have chemicals but I knew there had to be an easier more natural way so I youtubed natural aquarium setup for plants and I got lucky and found your channel! I'm now starting the process of converting all 8 of my tanks using your method and can't wait to have fish the way God intended.

[@FatherFish]

Bravo Jay./ Join us on DISCORD - link below - and post pics of your tanks. Get advice and bragging rights. Make fishy friends.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

I’ll be setting up my first aquarium in decades and first ever planted tank. Before I became disabled I was an avid terrestrial Gardner. I’m so happy after decades of no digging in the dirt to find I can plant an aquarium! It will be 15 gallons, with nano fish and Corydoras. Great video!

[@FatherFish]

Wonderful. Delighted to get to know you and your new tank.

[@adalbertofrugoni1981]

Thank you so much FF 🙂 In less than 20 minutes you've sum up the most important topics of your method (and likely the knowledge of a life). Your vids deserve to be spread as much as I can. 🙏

[@FatherFish]

You're very welcome Adalberto. Thank you for your continued support.

[@darrenward5978]

Can I take water from ponds and lakes for my fresh water tank.

[@TheDISSHonoredOne]

Before I found your channel I did so many things wrong, now I do most stuff right, still make mistakes and still learning. Thank you for teaching and sharing what you have learned with us Father Fish. Natural is best like you share 🐠🐟🐠

[@FatherFish]

Great to hear! Keep on learning.

[@rylanblack8571]

I struggled greatly with my aquarium for a long time. I was taught on countless water changes and bare bottom tanks. Constant problems and death. Once I decided to create more natural scapes for aesthetic reasons, I quickly learned that the water changes and fussing seemed counterproductive. Once I left the tank alone (I didn’t even move plants, I just let everything do and behave as it pleased) I watched the tank ever so slowly begin to balance out. I am learning so much from you, thanks for all your valuable knowledge!

[@pawananimus]

Thank you father fish you are a lovely human being and have deep insight about life itself.thanks for being there.

[@HorizonBroadband]

First! Food Webs are important. Great information as always

[@FatherFish]

Yes! Thank you!

[@rolandoyuson9236]

Never bored w/ur lecture sir,i learned a lot,i do now started my 1st planted and dirted aquarium..looking good after two weeks...just added 3 neon tetras after my 3 local goldfish on the 1st day i started it...im still following ur videos and still learning a lot...wiz i cud perpect it and be the next father fish in the phillippines...

[@FatherFish]

You can do it. Only one rule. Never quit!

[@TheFurlock]

This is why we should not be burying our dead in boxes and filling us with chemicals.

[@richardmulder9751]

Father fish...whis you the best...❤

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Richard.

[@pannobhasa]

My biggest question: I found out about Father Fish AFTER I set up an aquarium, so I have no layer of soil under my sand? What is the best way to compensate for this without taking out all the fish, plants, etc. and starting over? Adding leaves and resurrection jar material?

[@FatherFish]

build a food web

[@briandixon4931]

❤❤❤❤ i have to take my hat off for you. You speak the truth .A store owner told me the same thing .Thanknfor the wisdom and educating us out there . I have not change water over 2 years all i do is add tap water in the tank when some water evaporate i have plants and everything you just said .

[@dominickvp70]

Father fish, the one the only the legend 🏆🌟🥇

[@FatherFish]

Hey Dom!

[@dominickvp70]

@@FatherFish where do I buy the material so I can place under the sand and have my fish tank last for years with nutritious.. dirt mud ???

[@ownup440]

I’ve learned so much in such a little amount of time from you. Thank you father fish 🧙🏻‍♂️🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@FatherFish]

Glad to hear it Own Up.

[@paulgallwey8394]

So glad I came across this channel.

[@tarakkhouja]

father fish you really are a school. what I learned from your videos in a short time is impressive. I wasted years following other fish youtubers. thank you very much for the dear information you share. a question, for dead leaves can fruit tree leaves be used? like Lemon or fig leaves or others? the leaves of a ficus? because there is no forest near me I live in town.

[@FatherFish]

Fruit leaves are superior because they break down more quickly. They must, however, be tree dried and fallen.

[@superseshiro]

I have a question: as you know, I am not a fishkeeper myself, so my question is: When you tell us to put dirt or humus or microfauna rich water from a local pond into the aquarium, wouln't the microfauna die out in a tropical aquarium because it is too warm?

[@Desmond000007]

Excellent question! Some will die some will thrive. There are so many that it is impossible to say which macros and micros you will end up with

[@JTCT371]

I had my aquarium built before I came across your channel and really started listening. Deep substrate, Fluval Stratum for plants....alot of wood so put a couple of Nerites to jumpstart things...One passed, and in its death, and not related to the Nerite, I had eggs come in on plants and now have quite a few baby snails doing their thing. Also little white worms, which I dont believe are planaria...but I've adopted your approach... dilute polluted water while going through the nitrogen process. Im doing nothing else. I track parameters, Im not feeding the snails anything extra. When my aquarium can no longer support them, they will die off....and they will rise again when needed. Ive handed the reigns over to nature....and this is because of this channel. Thankyou to all at Father Fish!

[@jingergrundy6649]

Hi there. What kind of wood did you put in your aquarium? I'm trying to set up mine. Thanks

[@JTCT371]

@@jingergrundy6649 I sent a response but it seems that it failed to post

[@JULi3T16]

I love that I can learn so much from father fish sharing his experience with us! Thank you so much sharing your wisdom with us ♥ Oh, and is it still ongoing, or did you finish the study on the leaves? Would be so interesting to read into it

[@FatherFish]

The book will be available this fall, we hope.

[@raventhomas3998]

I have learned so much from you, Father Fish, over the years. Mostly the simplicity of the natural tank and to ENJOY your tanks. Thank you.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Raven. You are very kind.

[@RamKumar-ej3sy]

Hi Father Fish, You are only one, who replys to everybodys queries in you tube..👏, Thank you very much🙏 About leaf litter collection from pond, My near by pond is deep enough to collect leaf litters, so i plan to tie a net full of leaves and tie it near the pond, in whuch the leaves will be dipped inside water, and leave it for a week or two...and collect the leaves Will this method works to create a foodweb in my Fatherfish aquarium..?

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Ram. I am keeping up now. I hope I can when there are many more mails.

[@dianasuckling4475]

Absolutely fantastic advise....3 years into my tanks. They are awesome...but wont clean them so much now....makes total sense...thanks 😊

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

You’re describing the kind of tank I’ve decided to build…based on months of research…I feel validated!

[@FatherFish]

Delighted to hear it Sharon. Keep us posted. Join us at FATHER FISH SOOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

@@FatherFish I will…thank you!

[@susansanford9846]

Great thank you for your time on teaching people how to create a natural aquarium .

[@kathleenbronson9849]

Father Fish...thank you for your generosity in sharing your years of experience in keeping healthy fish. Your videos are life changing to the hobbyist community. I am interested in buying your soil supplement. Do you ship to Canada? Thank you!

[@FatherFish]

Yes. I do ship to Canada. Shipping is 20. Go to www.father.fish to place your order. I will contact you about the extra shipping.

[@splitcanerods1]

I've never heard anyone explain any subject (for that matter) with such clarity! I've kept fish from a kid and i've learned plenty from your videos. You must have helped thousands of people in the process. Many thanks from the UK 👍

[@FatherFish]

You're very welcome!

[@mrelveriel]

Thanks you so much for all these information, I cant tell how much I benefit. I Wonder if the paper is published, on the type of leaves that can be beneficial in aquariums. I would love to see it!

[@vickijeanne9958]

Hi! I have a 50 gallon tank and have TONS of snails, what to do with them? Can I put sand over my rock that's already at the bottom of my tank? I have 4 albino catfish and what do you recommend feeding them and how often?

[@FatherFish]

Deep questions. Watch some vids and join us at the Father Fish Shoal: discord.gg/GaGFM6aQ

[@brucemilbury2060]

Love the Father Fish Method!!! Would be great if you had dedicated tanks of the method where plants are not yanked out and sold. Emphasis on presentation on a few tanks would be nice since you have over 190.

[@FatherFish]

Coming soon! We will be creating a tank at SUPER CICHLIDS in Dover, Del.

[@simongordon4196]

FatherFish (if i could name you by first name i would!!) You are a True Legend and You for daaaaaaaaarn damn sure DESERVE yr "fkn" Trident for the Truth~Full matters of which you speak and the emphasis upon

[@FatherFish]

HELLO PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA, THE MAMACITY OF THE DEEPEST SOUTH. AND A HIGH SALUTE TO SIMON GORDON THE HIGH BLUSTER OF THE MAMA CITY.

[@simongordon4196]

Cape Town ;)

[@simongordon4196]

is there a way we may chat?

[@Mrgasman1978]

you are a blessing. truly. i ve been dealing with ammonia problems before discovering your channel. I switched to your method and just magic happened. my question is: in my 10Gallons tank, how many leaves should i introduce? i mean generally, should i cover the whole bottom? or should just i put 4 or 5 leaves, just to give microorganisms a food source?

[@ASMRkiddo]

Another great video thanks! After my 38 years in the hobby, I still got excited by your channel, knowledge and enthusiasm and learned some new things. You remind us how unnecessarily over-complicated (not to mention expensive) modern fishkeeping and methods have become and the simple pleasures of keeping aquaria. I'm looking forward to setting up my first natural aquarium very soon after watching loads of your videos in recent weeks. Please keep them coming 🐟🐠

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome!

[@letsgrow2]

This fellow has made me build my first planted tank , people out there miss guide you a lot making it difficult to have a planted aquarium but with help of father fish it's just easy and simple... Thank you Father fish my fish are now happy any breeding 😊

[@beyond2809]

Your videos are so affirming for me. I setup a 20 gallon long and decided from the beginning to try and make it is natural as possible. I started with an aqua scape and then let the plants take over. I trim them from time to time, but I never vac the substrate and let it do its job. My next tank I'm going to attempt filterless and no water changes (just top-offs). Your videos are inspiring me!

[@FatherFish]

You can do it Beyond 280! Come share your journey with us at FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord. discord.gg/szj4Gzfm

[@adkgaladkgal1799]

Invaluable information, I can't thank you enough. I have to wait until the ice melts. Here in the mountains, we don't go near the water 'till the end of June. Hopefully May will be warm. I hope. We still get snow in April. I can't wait to set up my aquarium. Right now it has water and a sponge filter, Thank you

[@FatherFish]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sghettinona]

Thanks, Father Fish. All the Best to You in this new year! Stay Safe & Take Care. It was good to see you 😊

[@FatherFish]

Same to you Sghetti! We are gonna have fun this year.

[@theflynns9783]

Hi Father Fish, i have just stumbled upon your chanel, and very happy i did 😊 I have had tanks most of my life, (45 yrs ) and only ever known filters chemicals water changes ect... watching your videos has now put my mindset in another direction. In these tanks do you ever agitate the surface, use heaters for tropical fish or use air stones? Love your content ❤

[@FatherFish]

I do use heaters. I prefer sponge filters but use air stones sometimes.. Do not specifically try to achieve surface agitation.

[@theflynns9783]

@@FatherFish thank you 😊

[@xan77]

you are a wonderful man, you remind me of a very dear aquarist, from whom I bought fish and plants 30 years ago. God bless you

[@FatherFish]

So nice of you Chelan. My most precious friends were fish shop owners.

[@clairefaie5816]

I had an aquascape planned for my 2nd tank but now I'm scrapping that idea and trying a natural aquarium. I love this idea so much. Thank you for all the info!

[@FatherFish]

Keep us posted on Discord. Pics and vids please.

[@VirginiaHoneycutt]

A IS FOR *YEAH! OR..awesome,wor?k

[@BaronVonCarrot]

im starting a new tank right now. a few days in. will follow all this advice

[@FatherFish]

Be sure to watch the beginner videos about setting up a dirted deep substrate system. Don't guess. Get it right the first time.

[@BaronVonCarrot]

@@FatherFish I have a 20 gallon with organic potting soil and 2 inch all purpose sand cap. building from there.

[@Perikkel]

Good evening, Thanks for the information. I am starting a 105gallon tank in a couple of days. I have already bought sand and Dennerle Plants substrate, but I want to add the dirt you are recommending. Is that possible and do I put the dirt at the bottom or the subtrate? Thanks in advance!

[@mach389]

Some of the best advice out there.. thanks for another great video

[@FatherFish]

Glad you enjoyed it mach389.

[@andybilakshow260]

I've been using your information on aquariums for a few videos now. It all makes sense. IMagine that~! Only difference, I'm putting this additional logic in my aquaponics system. There's little difference between the two. I currently have (4) 20 gallon tanks with 4' towers flourishing~! Tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, swiss chard spinach & strawberries. No vegetation in any tanks. Only about 15 plants per tower. NO sand biomass dirt / sand base either. 🤔 I been thinking of ways to incorporate this natural filter but I think I'd better not touch it. I made my bio filter using landscape fabric rolle tightly around the incoming pipe in such a way the incoming water has to go through all the layers. Thus trapping most fine solids. This filter is up to 1-1/2" x4' tall. Thank you for all the help you're providing those who seak logical practice.

[@FatherFish]

Remarkable.

[@deppurple700]

Wow 100% correct " life thrives on dead things"

[@susanshepard4688]

Thanks FF, I love this all natural approach to Aquarium keeping!!!

[@FatherFish]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@hannanirina1529]

Happy New Year ! These tips and facts surely need to be on every new aquarium keeper's watch list. Update on my 6 gallon with potting soil ! The terrestrial Pennywort from my grandma's garden has adapted and sent up new aquatic leaves to the water's surface. Got 4 sunset platies that always swim up happily to greet me. Even the flat ramshorns have rapidly exploded in number. I don't mind them, they help with shifting those hard to reach corners and getting algae off leaves.

[@FatherFish]

Excellent Hannan. Good job with the pennywort. Sounds like you are enjoying your tank.

[@peterfranzen3538]

G'day Father fish I've been watching your videos about using sand not gravel and would like to know if it matters how fine the sand is. I have washed play ground sand that seems to be fine beach sand is this suitable for aquariums ?

[@FatherFish]

Ye. I have my best results with the finest sand.

[@xray4326]

Hi FF! Glad u r healthy and well. This video is absolutely amazing! Aquatic husbandry 101.. Tq for the knowledge. God bless u FF ❤️

[@FatherFish]

Thank you X Ray.

[@1989filip1]

Thank you so much. I live in Germany ,Stuttgart and I make a Aquarium with soil,sand and many plant just like you say. I have some dirt from a creek in the near. Thank you so much for your advice. Good bless you.

[@madebykm]

Very informative video Sir, thank you 🙏

[@FatherFish]

Thank you KM. I would like to collab with you.

[@kdr1048]

Best channel on you tube. Amazing. ❤️🙏

[@FatherFish]

Wow, thank you Kevin! You have helped me keep going.

[@blancaivonnemontanorodrigu3706]

I just love your information, I started my first aquarium for me and my 4 years old boy because you inspired me. Thank you so much!

[@14SEahorSe]

In a natural aquarium, is it necessary to add an air pump or the plants will provide enough disdolved oxygen? For bettas, guppies, angel fish and goramis ? I mean, how far can we go with the low-tech concept?

[@FatherFish]

i use sponge filters

[@codyopenacc]

You are amazing Father Fish! Everything you say makes so much sense! Has anyone got a link to that research paper on the leaves to use in certain areas? I'm in Australia and very curious

[@FatherFish]

It is in publication and should be available as a pdf in about a month.

[@davidrix804]

I can listen to your lectures allday long,so fascinating,take care now👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@FatherFish]

Glad you like them David!

[@jasimanees9492]

Great video father fish!

[@FatherFish]

Thanks Jasim!👍

[@dn7096_]

Do you have to top off this kind of tank with RO or distilled water? I’m wondering if the hardness would dangerously increase over time.

[@FatherFish]

The plants will maintain water balance.

[@jakoboutzen9543]

Thank you for your many videos explaining things in a simple and informative way - one question though ... after putting soil on the bottom of the tank - and capping off with a layer of sand - can I put gravel on top of that? Im about to start up a 240 lit. planted tank, and dont like the white sand - prefer dark (black) gravel (2-5 mm), but worried that it will be too hard for the plant roots having to penetrate gravel and then the sand layer before reaching the soil at the bottom. Any thoughts on that? :-)

[@FatherFish]

yes. Perfect.

[@vettechyprepper2955]

And skip the plecos unless you want a huge fish who destroys your tank nightly 😢.. cute when they are little.but my 4 year is nearly 11 inches....

[@FatherFish]

They can grow to 4 feet long. Should never be sold.

[@lisastevens128]

In an earlier video you said 3" of soil in the bottom; in this video you stress no more than 1'. Please clarify! Thank you, FF.

[@FatherFish]

Not 3" of soil. 3" of substrate of which only 1" issoil.

[@williewilliams6163]

I have a 125 with cichlids do I keep my canister filters Or just use a sponge filter?

[@FatherFish]

Large tanks do better with canisters.

[@laureradloff1616]

I would like to try your method. I already have a 55 gallon that is four years old and has about an inch of sand/gravel substrate. Do I need to start all over to include the dirt ? Thank you.

[@FatherFish]

Watch some of the videos on setting up a deeep substrate system and decide if you want to do that.

[@laurabilger8910]

Hey Lou. This makes complete sense!! The aquarium hobby has it all backwards & wants us dependent on buying products to TRY to "maintain" a tank that has been stripped of what mother nature has perfected. This same wallet emptying & destructive method is also used in the lawn "care" industry. Rake up the leaves (which is fertilizer) , then use chemicals to replace what we were instructed to take away in the first place! Wood mulch around flower beds & shrubs blocks water & other important nutrients, etc. Then we have weak grass & plants that attract more pests & diseases! Then we buy MORE toxins to combat those problems!

[@DZSabre]

Thanks for providing your guidance. I first became interested in the whole idea of natural aquariums over 30 years ago after reading a book on benthic fauna. For some reason, I only pursued that in my water garden. This year, I am setting up my first all natural aquarium and watching these videos has convinced me that I can go with my gut (and what I learned from my watergardens) to ser up a healthy South American Pencilfish blackwater aquarium.

[@FatherFish]

VERY exciting. I had a pencil fish black water system in my shop. It was remarkable./. Please join the FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord and share your tank.

[@brettwilcock3341]

Thank you.

[@FatherFish]

You are welcome Brett

[@og5607]

Can you add sand directly to the water column, won’t that make the water cloudy? Thanks Father Fish

[@FatherFish]

Clean sand will not.

[@jaylenagerbrandt2868]

So as long as I have 1 inch soil plus 2 inches of sand, some dead leaves and lots of live plants, then I don't need my hang on back filter anymore???

[@FatherFish]

either way is fine

[@splattered63]

How many fish? How longs a piece of string?

[@FatherFish]

Precisely Jack!

[@janicelundberg1956]

Hi FF! I worry about putting tannins in my tanks. From what I’ve been told it lowers the PH. My PH is usually around 6 or less. Is there certain things that shouldn’t be used…like any type of pods, cones ect. Thank you! ❤

[@FatherFish]

You need to buffer your Ph. Use small, tiny, amounts of baking soda to stabilize the Ph.

[@bearsroar9135]

😮thank you you are a wizard I had a tank that thrived but sadly died years ago I have two new kittens I'm getting into the hobby you answered everything that went wrong with my old tank thank so much sir my cats thank you too I have a natural tank that doing well

[@lizaquiring7175]

Can I use leftover soil from the mushroom farm for my substrate? I use it for my gardens.

[@FatherFish]

yes

[@davebnsfnscale4433]

FF method tank is nearly self sustaining, I love this method,so much easier than high tech.

[@JulyRobbins]

I want father fish to be my grandfather ❤

[@FatherFish]

I am happy to be your grandfather Heather.

[@lindataylor8302]

Thank you for sharing

[@FatherFish]

My pleasure Linda. Thank you for your support.

[@introtwerp]

Why cant we put a thick layer of soil considering it gets used up eventually

[@FatherFish]

Because your water will turn to mud. Watch my videos and learn this and much more

[@24califrank]

Mr father fish my plants look like SHIT!!! do I dose it "All in one " ?

[@FatherFish]

Please join us on the Father Fish Shoal to get help. discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@electronicatutorial]

I am hook to your channel Father Fish. Yo remainded me of an old Japanise man in LA on Whilshire Blvd. called "Kyoto Aquarium" he said the same as you do.