FORBIDDEN AQUARIUM TALKS - Advanced Fish-keeping in Natural Aquariums

In a this video on LRB Channel, Founder Lucas Bretz engages in a captivating conversation with Father Fish, delving into various aspects of aquarium care. They discuss unconventional methods of fishkeeping, like growing live fish food such as daphnia without water filters, emphasizing natural processes over technological interventions. Rejecting the common practice of incessant water parameter testing, they advocate for a balanced ecosystem where nitrate levels aren't obsessively monitored. The duo challenges the fixation on pH levels, advocating for a more hands-off approach. Moreover, they shed light on the misunderstood role of algae, highlighting its potential benefits, and praise the nutrient-rich mulm buildup in substrates.
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FATHER FISH is an advocate for natural aquariums. His research over 25 years provides a wealth of information about the creation and maintenance of natural aquariums.
On this channel you will find scientific research as well as personal testimonials by countless hobbyists who have applied the Father Fish System and are enjoying its amazing benefits.
THE FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord is a wonderful way to meet and make new fishy friends as well as get the help you need.
24/7 live on Discord: / discord
You can buy plants, soil supplement, leaf culture & more:
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For FF store links in other countries:
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Buy Merch
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0:00 Detritus
01:05 Algae
02:10 Dirty Filters
03:34 pH
04:27 Nitrates
05:19 No Filter
06:07 Stop Messing
06:54 Natural Tanks
08:01 Cheapest Plants
All clips and images are used for illustration purposes only.
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#fatherfish #aquarium #naturalaquarium #balancedaquarium #selfsustainingaquarium #balancedaquarium #deepsubstrate #deepsubstratetank #deepsubstrateaquarium #walstad #algaeeater #fishfood #fish

[@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/

[@claywise43]

I love how so many people in this hobby say “there are multiple ways to enjoy this hobby” but then turn around and discredit the natural aquarium method. Keep up the great natural work Father Fish and Lucas!

[@clayhopewell4409]

I have had my 46 gal tank since 1999. February, 2024 I transferred my remaining fish into a small 10 gallon and cleaned out, resealed my big tank and set it up the Father Fish way. I bought your 15 stem plant pack and and a bag of nutrients to add to the dirt i mixed up. It has been running since February 23 and plants have grown crazy fast and the fish love it. I went to the local fish store and got a few more fish, 6 red eye tetras and a pair of Boesemani Rainbows along with an amazon sword plant. The sword plant has grown to the top of the tank and is huge and some of the tetras have had babies because i found a tiny red eye the other day swimming in the forrest of hornwort and anacharis!! I have never had that happen before!!! If you have read this far, do what Father Fish says and you have a happy tank, it works!!

[@thefisher6273]

I started a couple years ago with a nano 2 1/2 gallon Beta tank. It has gravel. I was changing the water and cleaning the gravel constantly. Then I saw your youtube channel and studied what you taught. l then introduced some floating plants and anubia and eventually the tank and gravel stayed cleaned. Never changed filter in two years. There is slgae growing in the pump space (tank has a separated by plastic barrier area for pump filter). Water stays crystal clear. I have guppies snail and a shrimp in the tank. It seems to be very happy. Thank you for enlightening me on easy eco maintenance!!

[@jonstfrancis]

Cool seeing Lucas on your channel Father Fish!

[@oldfox0015]

You explain things perfectly. My dad told me about the effortless natural tank method yrs ago and I thought he was crazy. But now I see. It all makes sense.

[@chrischan6150]

I love you Father Fish. You're my fish keeping grandpa. You're the Yoda of aquarium ecology. Wish you a happy and long life. ❤

[@bluecobra6294]

Thankyou Father Fish,,, Im resurrecting my abandoned hobby thanks to you .. this time following your instruction I won’t be feeding fish dealers on a weekly basis.

[@letmewin]

You saved my fish. I could never keep anything alive. Betta or guppies would die! Thank you, Father Fish! I can relax, sit back, and enjoy my fish.

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

Father Fish, your love will never fail !

[@paulbjork5976]

Dirt and sand all the way baby. Did the pet store way for years. Switched to dirt and never looked back. Nature gives me everything I need to get a top notch aquarium going.

[@janemarriott3389]

That song makes me cry. His presence with us all will rock on for all of us♥️

[@mariogonzalez6834]

Don’t tell me i go is gone 😢, im a knee follower from here and TikTok

[@WilliamWelch-ow7kb]

I love both of you so much!!!! I add Tony (Phillipsfishworks) for my scuds and fauna. I started this adventure 1 1/2 years ago and now have 9 huge jungle, South American, tannins, wood, river rock and river water/well water, I have never tested anything!! I trust my gut feeling by listening to you 3 people, and I have never lost a snail, shrimp, fish or anything living. I am so obsessed I need a tee shirt 🤣 MTS!! My coworkers and friends are begging me to help them start! I am telling them to watch you guys and I will help little bit but they should learn from you guys like I have. I told my husband I want to get a storage building and move all my tanks into it so I can drink coffee all night when I can’t sleep and watch you guys play and put my over thinking mind at peace 🤣❤️❤️❤️

[@MadiTayl]

Don’t know if you will read this father fish, but I just wanted to say thanks. It was because of your easy, nature heavy approach that I got into fish keeping. It’s been about 6 months now and I have 5 tanks that are all thriving. I almost never have to change water. I barely have to feed. And there’s only been a couple small mishaps. A hobby that i originally thought to be not only a hassle but borderline cruel to the fish, I now see as a simple but massive boon to my life. Thanks a million man. You’re doing great work.

[@tomwhittington6790]

I have Duckweed growing in my tanks and plants thriving and no algae problems, I do have clay type gravel and good lighting-over tanks.

[@RichardGoodman66]

Very educational and refreshingly non commercial honest and good natured

[@johnnybest6386]

We need more things like this in the hobby i am loving this content good job @lucas & f.fish

[@shishirkumarsingh]

Great song.

[@zaferboran5343]

Baba insanlara balık beslemenin püf noktalarını ve en az maliyetle akvaryum bilgileri verip onların bu hobiyi sevmelerini sağlıyorsun .Muhakkak bu dürüstlüğünü Tanrı seviyor .İyiki hayatımızda varsın .Sana sonsuz teşekkürler .

[@johnnybest6386]

Lucas u hit the spot about running no filter for live food i always been doublemind about this

[@jammy7670]

It's really funny watching your videos as I do research for my future tank, because so much of this stuff actually applies to my pond outside. For example, the detritus: always call the detritus a "self-made substrate". My mother calls it "pond gunk". It is indeed unsightly and MAN does it cloud up the water when I have to do weed control, but it's definitely serving purpose in there. I don't use any soil at all in the pond; it's all river rock down there. But all of my plants are thriving to the point where they multiply like MAD and then I have to cut a lot of it back because they can clog up the filter pump. The algae also thrives in it, which I'm slowly learning to be okay with. Now it makes sense why the pond is thriving with no soil: it's made its *own* soil, essentially. It's own weird, fluffy water soil. I also don't clean the filter itself; it cultures bacteria really well. I haven't had plants grow out of it, but it's proven to be a good place to raise baby snails. Since the actual filter media is in the waterfall, I may see if I can try to grow plants in it. Bet I could grow some pretty good stream plants in it now that I think of it. In hindsight it makes sense that natural aquarium keeping and pond keeping would have such similarities. Essentially it's the same goal: creating an aquatic environment for the organisms you want to care for. The difference is a matter of if we do it indoors, or outdoors.

[@FatherFish]

Perfect understanding

[@justinherbert8942]

You guys are the best and make the most sense on you tube on how to keep a fish tank naturally keep up the good work

[@GregGuppyGuy]

THANKS!Father Fish!🫶

[@kimwilliams3596]

Thank you for information about filters cause i haven't cleaned mine since start up in October.

[@GR1MMR3AP3R187]

The only thing I don't like about natural tanks... is the idea of having to explain to everyone that sees it, it's supposed to look like that lol. Everyone (including myself) have been brain washed and trained into believing the tank is supposed to be clear and detritus free

[@felipesanchez1764]

Truth

[@pcproducer3036]

It definitely should be clear and definitely keep the detritus

[@pebblecreekmodels]

Got our natural 75gallon aquarium going. Ordered FatherFish’s plant bundles. Guppies are absolutely loving the new environment. Thanks Father Fish.

[@edgardanishh]

2:00 that’s my tank. The betta keeps killing the shrimps but don’t eat them. So the algae is there to control the ammonia produced by the shrimps carcasses. And there’s also snail eggs all over the glass too.

[@edgardanishh]

The tank is full of plants, but there’s no water movement in the surface and that causes biofilm.

[@FatherFish]

Try a small sponge filter

[@Jacy320]

I enjoyed this, thanks. I've been treating my tank in the house the same as my pond outside for years and everyone always tells me I'm crazy. Yet I haven't cleaned any filters in years, I don't put chemicals in them except to neutralize chlorine when I need to add water and all my fish are thriving. I put 15-cent feeder goldfish in my pond 3 years ago when it was built and I haven't done anything to it other than add water and plants and now those 9 goldfish are about 10 in long and beautiful. The fish in the house are the same. It's really nice to hear other people that understand that a good ecosystem will take care of itself.

[@bluecobra6294]

And Thank you to LRB

[@pattys_aquatics]

I absolutely love the collaboration between the two of you. The two of you are the sole reason my fish room is dirted and no filter. Thank you for sharing such great talking points every hobbyist should hear. Thanks FF 🙏 Ps love the song at the end 😁👍

[@user-pf1st2fy5n]

Thought the conversation with Tony Phillips was great. Educational and a great tool using microfauna and scuds. This one however with Lucas was pretty much as one would expect. Great conversation and entertaining as well. I don't care how long I have fish tanks and what I know, I still keep learning something whenever I listen to discussions like these. Thank you!

[@leoben7842]

Cool Outro 😍🤩!

[@thesolaraquarium]

LRB nailed it on the maintenance. The main reason I am low maintenance (almost zero in some cases) is because I have 15-20 aquariums and a few mini ponds. There is no way I want to micro-manage all that. I can also go away for 2 weeks and all is good. I manage my tanks like they are ponds. You don’t tinker much with an outdoor pond. Water changes are not even considered and I never measure anything. Set up my first no-water change father fish stlye planted nano-aquarium with a fish in it 3 months ago and so far all is good. It is quite low stocking and the fish looks happy and the plants too. Never tried a no water change fish tank before. First time and so far am pleased with it. It is small because it is a trial. If all works out I will go bigger.

[@SilkMilkJilk]

you two are the best aquarium combo on youtube

[@DashDrones]

Father Fish's Nature in a Tank is the only way to manage an aquarium.

[@robertvaughan7822]

Great video!

[@zaferboran5343]

Baba her videonda gerçek , doğru verdiğin bilgilerin için sana sonsuz teşekkürler.İyiki varsın.

[@thefisher6273]

Love the song!!

[@LadeanaWhite]

Loved this collaboration! You and LRB rock!😊☮❤🐠🦐🪴

[@TurtleAddict]

Father fish theme song, coming to a record store near you! 😂😂

[@JamieMyburgh88]

I feel so blessed that I happened upon this cool community @FatherFish! So much wisdom beyond my years, so much respect - and being able to learn and experience. This hobby has been a lifeline of therapeutic support during many tough and rough times for years now, catch you on Discord!

[@dn7096_]

Love the outro song.

[@rolandtraynor]

Great Show .... Many thanks to you both .

[@themoon9550]

Father Fish thanks for the PL subtitles :)

[@Aqua_M963]

this is amazing!

[@PsychoPlantLady]

This video is gold to the fish keeping hobby!

[@harrytruax5195]

Great video Father Fish, and love the tune too! Cheers!

[@bryanjennings7410]

Love both you gents

[@beastamer1990s]

I think my tanks might be overstocked with small ramshorn and narite snails, if the filter sponge clogs with mulm (pull not push filter) then it spikes with ammonia overnight. 24 hours without the filter running and its like the tank hasnt even been cycled. Should i maybe increase lighting?

[@mickeysr5817]

Great video and team work 😊 Detroit

[@jeffreybowers1220]

there needs to be a father fish convention tbh

[@SarumanDeWhite]

So I really have nothing to be concerned about regarding the mulm in my two month old tank. Makes me appear paranoid when I ask about mulm haha.

[@QL16202]

Oh i love the song haha

[@007tj5]

Great song at the end 👍👍👍👍💥💥

[@user-oz5rr5wh3m]

Can you do a video on how to lower your PH

[@AlinefromToulouse]

Those are simple principles that make fishkeeping easier and above all, less stressful. I don't measure pH but just because in tests, the colors never correspond to any color of the comparative. The problem with letting the filter be is that trumpet snails stay stuck and die, the same in hair algae, it's a shame.

[@user-ge7my1mw9m]

Cowboy song john denver type song ha like it❤❤

[@kenrooke9047]

Some important points covered here. What’s the take on air stones or bubblers? Isn’t using them gassing off the co2? Which the plants need.

[@FatherFish]

a small filter with limited bubbling moves water to create co2/o2 exchange.

[@kenrooke9047]

@@FatherFish okay thanks 👍

[@jabarriley3799]

Thank you father fish

[@Stuartone7]

The song 🎵 ❤

[@Stayyyyy4life]

Good Job with the tank

[@LLynch-ml3kj]

Hi Father Fish!! I am a huge fan, I found your page about 9 months ago when I started looking into more natural ways of keeping fish! Following your methods have lead to the most successful tanks I’ve ever had and have now upgraded to a 20 gallon! It is heavily planted and in there currently are some snails, 8 kuhli loaches (my favorite), and 7 rummy-nose tetras. I’m hoping you might be able to give me some advice on 2-4 more fish that would be a good addition/ statement swimmers!

[@FatherFish]

Almost anything. Live bearers, tetras, danio, small cichlids like rams and angels - all are good choices.

[@LLynch-ml3kj]

Thank you @@FatherFish you’re the best!! I’m thinking I’ll add a male and two female dwarf gouramis for their pop of color! You’ve taught me so much, my fishies and I are forever grateful!

[@bullyarena3923]

I like the whole idea of a planted tank and trying to mimic nature in it but water changes are essential for healthy fish and shrimp conditions. I think alot just over due them. Sure, if your on a budget going to your local water source, creating a jar ecosphere and seeding your tank is 1 way to introduce those little critters..both good and bad to your tank..but keeping a separate live food culture is probably the better option for most people. I think Father Fish is on the right track but his hands off approach is better suited for live food conditions as most would prefer a sightly aquarium. The additional live did source is just a bonus..for some species anyway. Im not convinced on his deep sand bed method, not to mention the different paramaters other species require. FF has still has lots to learn and consider. jmho.

[@FatherFish]

Repeat

[@cookiemonster2299]

6:37 anybody know what the red plant just to the right of centre is please? ❤️🇬🇧

[@pieterboersma5518]

Like the song🇱🇺

[@andrewnkunda7]

Ah !...father & son !☺

[@alfredogonzalez2857]

Where's the full video? I mean this looks like an extract from some live. I would like to know more about detritus since my tank is full of it, and I want to know what to do

[@FatherFish]

The live is on Lucas' channel

[@hilaryschacter4072]

Hi guys. Here's the tale of my 5 gallon FF tank. Two months ago I purchased the appropriate amount of FF soil with special ingredients and created a one inch layer. I then capped it with 2" of Carib Sea Moonlight sand. I filled it with 5 gallons of drinking water and added a small sponge filter for water movement and a heater at 78 degrees. I purchased the FF plant package which appropriately filled the tank. After two days I added 5 male Endlers guppies.Within 5 days all the Endlers were dead. I did a 20% water change and after a day I added 4 more Endlers. Within a week, one by one they were all dead. Today I took a water sample to my LFS and they noted that ammonia and PH were through the roof. I think I'm going to take down the five gallon and continue to enjoy my 65 gallon heavily planted and stocked freshwater aquarium. Thanks but no thanks FF.

[@FatherFish]

Your experience is unique. What made your tank different from anyone else? There should have been no ammonia. It is likely your sand cap was shallow and soil was leeching into the water column.

[@user-ge7my1mw9m]

Hi ff trying to come up on your live but having difficulty doing it i will keep trying❤❤

[@Dtt4]

What if all that bio mass in the filter media is restricting the flow or at worst stopped the out flow of water?

[@FatherFish]

If it stops flow it is time to clean.

[@BidoTech]

Wouldnt the water get all stinky and stink the whole room where the fish are? Honest question. Im liking it this way. But I'm concern about growing an amount of bacteria that might be harmful for the fam.

[@FatherFish]

It will be fine.

[@johndough5854]

Just under my sand there is a line of black growing. Just ignore it? Or should i take some measures to fix such a thing? It is a month old fresh water, heavily planted 10gallon. Soil base 1" sand cap 2". Just below the sand has turned black 😮

[@FatherFish]

It is perfectly normal. Means your system is working.

[@leanderfoldy9293]

Really?? bubblers are bad for daphnia? I never knew, but they’re thriving in my tank though. could be because it’s on a low setting, with very fine bubbles and only a portion of the water is agitated but mine are absolutely fine.

[@BionicBee_]

Hi father fish, how would you recommend setting up a tank for an axolotl?

[@FatherFish]

yessssssss. Mind do very well in a dirted, planted tank with a small gooseneck lamp

[@descargaelbano]

From what I hear some people say do not use an AirStone in a planted tank because it depletes co2, yet others say it is good. What is your take on this? in my planted aquarium I have a large sponge air powered filter and was thinking of putting a small electric pump in it instead to help get a little more water movement without the noise of the bubbles and air pump. The Sponge Filter has a 90° elbow on the outlet which directs the flow to one side but it is not very powerful in the 40 gallon tank. This tank is not been doing that great with the plant growth compared to the others, possibly because I believe that I used to fine of a sand in the bottom. The ones with coarse sand or Tractor Supply slag are doing much better. The one with the Tractor Supply slag has like four times the growth rate of the ones with the fine sand, even though the substrate underneath is the same

[@FatherFish]

I use a spong filter to provide a small current.

[@metalheadz07]

Hi I’ve done the father fish method but haven’t added the resserection jar is this important to do this my water is lovely and clear and really don’t want to dump a load of mud and gunk in 😂😂

[@FatherFish]

decaying leaves and the microfauna eating on it will make your water healthier than it is now.

[@metalheadz07]

@@FatherFish that’s awesome father fish thank you for taking the time to reply to me 🙏❤️

[@lindasidor7165]

I go get water from my pond and add it to my tank I haven't lost any fish compared to when I kept everything perfect. I have a question ? I bought beautiful big snails I got 9 I put 6 in my 40 gall. And 3 in my 20 gallon. 😢😢😢Why are they dying 3 died our they old?

[@FatherFish]

I think that happens

[@tracystevenson6210]

Hi. Can this be used dry on wounds?

[@FatherFish]

?

[@lorishellman1263]

I just changed my Betta water after 2 months.the p.h was reading 7.6 now I'm ys 6.4 and I am afraid I'm going to kill him and his snail buddies.What Should I do??

[@FatherFish]

learn from your mistakes

[@lorishellman1263]

Good news the PH is back to 7.4

[@gibi498]

Hi! Father fish please advice me i really want to setup an aquarium but i bought a soil substrate on online please help.. i'm from the philippines

[@FatherFish]

I suggest you go to my discord for individual help discord.gg/father-fish-shoal

[@andersbergman457]

mulm is a filter in itself.

[@Good13man]

Hydrogen isn't a molecule. Just say'n. 😉

[@chrismorin4817]

@Good13man your the one thats wrong just saying. Hydrogen is the smallest, lightest and most abundant molecule in the universe. On Earth, it does not occur by itself naturally, but can be separated from water (H 2O) or hydrocarbon compounds (fossil fuels) like gas, coal and petroleum to be used as an energy source

[@basis2308]

What is a hydrogen molecule then?...

[@Good13man]

@@basis2308 H2

[@shellyklein1408]

Great video!!!