How to Clean a Planted Tank… The Easy Way!

[@GirlTalksFish]

*What tips do you have for cleaning a planted aquarium?* And if you don't have time to do a detailed clean, here's my 5-minute tank cleaning that I did for my betta tank: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWS5h5KZa552r7M

[@shiyadh7355]

I love how your videos are edited its good 💜💜💜

[@mattgray9297]

My tip is to have a young son help 😄 works well for me!

[@GirlTalksFish]

@@mattgray9297 😂 I guess I should start getting my kids more involved, at least with feedings and water tests for now.

[@GirlTalksFish]

​@@shiyadh7355 Huge props to my editor TF!

[@rynestevens8069]

Towels, towels, towels 😂

[@typicallyusual6984]

I learned nearly everything I know about plants from you. I’m having some algae problems atm but I haven’t killed a single plant I’ve tried to keep yet! I thought I killed my bucephalandra because they’ve been melting back for a while now, but a few days ago I saw a new little leaf! Thanks Irene! 🙏

[@dusk1947]

I think this is a great video. Here’s a few side notes Low nitrates: Don’t worry about lower nitrated readings, unless you see nitrogen deficiencies in your plants. When you test, you measure excess nitrate dissolved in solution; but you completely miss consumption. What’s happening is your fish’s metabolic activity; as well as, fish waste and food decomposition is still producing ammonia (where some of it will convert to nitrate). But, the plants are always up-taking nitrate and ammonia as soon as it’s produced. You don’t have to have 20 or 30 ppm nitrate to be successful. You can easily be successful at 1-5 ppm, so long as you actively monitor it. If it’s truly in optimal balance (which is exceedingly rare), the plant uptake and bacterial load perfectly matches the fish load. In that situation, you don’t need to fertilize macro nutrients. It’s when we exceed either the plant load, or the fish load; then we have to act. If we heavily plant and heavily favor plants; you will notice deficiencies, and you must test and fertilizer. Opposite that, if we exceed and favor fish stocking; you will see nitrates and phosphates continually climb, then we need to chemically filter or dilute (water change). However, if you are near true balance: your tests can read almost no nitrate and still have thriving plants, as the bio loads match. What this means: watch for deficiencies. If you notice any: fertilizer. Because then you confirmed your tanks’ plant side of the biological equation is larger than the fish side. The Bubbles: people worry about bubbles coming from substrate because they worry about hydrogen sulfide. You likely don’t need to worry about it at all, that heavy plant load will keep the majority of your substrate oxygenated; given your tank size and substrate depth. When you have to worry is deeper substrate with low plant concentrations and low substrate porosity. In those situations, you can exceed aerobic and anoxic conditions and create fully anaerobic zones. You can see it as a very dark brown almost blackening in lighter substrates. However, even in anaerobic conditions, bubbles are a good thing; that is gas escaping to the atmosphere and leaving your tank. The worry starts when you disturb sediment, it bubbles, and then you see cloudy or turbid water emanating from it: that’s when to worry. If you have darkening spots in sediment and it emanates turbid or murky water: that is a sign the dissolved organics, that where fermenting in anaerobic conditions; reached your main water column. Which often results in toxic conditions, and die-off’s. (it's most often turbid, because most organics are clear. Other than odd light refraction, they are very difficult to see) But, you don’t have that. That tank is fine, and doing quite well. Great Job Your spread sheet is also fantastic. spotting trends is very difficult without recorded data. So that's awesome.

[@sarahwoodring5587]

Oooh, new packaging on the root tabs?!? Great idea! Before I insert root tabs, I pierce them with a straight pin to let the air out. Keeps them from floating and makes them easier to use.

[@MrsShocoTaco]

Same I never thought about it until the gel caps started breaking down, formed a bubble and floated right up out of the substrate 🙄

[@GirlTalksFish]

@@MrsShocoTaco Haha that's totally happened to me before and I freaked out because I thought it was some kind of weird fungus. 🍄

[@helengilbert4864]

I still use the ol' bucket method for water changing using a syphon, as I like to know exactly the volume of water I'm taking out. My bucket has measurements on the side of it in gallons and liters. This allows me to know exactly how much water conditioner to add no matter the product (metric or imperial directions)

[@noelbrucker135]

Very practical (and fun!) tips -- I love that I'm not the only one that talks to all my fish/snails while I'm cleaning the tank :)

[@joeyfugazi6022]

I glad to see that I'm not the only aquarium hobbyist who relies on a spreadsheet for aquarium plant and fish husbandry. Thanks for your videos reminding everyone that the work should indeed be fun.

[@nataliebarroga6682]

This was a great video! I’ve started to dread my water changes because of the buckets of water I have to lug around - I’m a little scared of the python system for some reason though. This video does make it seem really easy though! I have 8 tanks ranging from 5 gallons to 55 gallons, so I imagine this could make my life a lot easier ❤️

[@GirlTalksFish]

Yay, glad I could help! Yes, the lack of buckets really makes everything so much easier. I still have to use buckets with my 5 gallon tank though since I think this siphon is too fast for it. Maybe I should try it some day!

[@RoccosVideos]

The red platies look great with the green plants.

[@GirlTalksFish]

I know, right? And the little babies everywhere always cheer me up. 😍

[@barrkorrd27]

I am new to fish keeping and your videos are such a joy to watch :) thank you

[@lemonthebudgie]

6:47 the fish tryna chase the water droplet trickling down from outside the tank 😂

[@comment.highlighted]

02:39 The water drip effect was smooth 🙂

[@FLNYFish]

One of the better videos on maintaining planted aquariums. Thank u for making this video.

[@audrameyer9558]

Thank you, Irene! I love your content so much. I recently started keeping track of my maintenance in a planner. Yeah, I'm "nermy" like that 😊

[@shell7629]

AWESOME break down video. A lot of your videos gave/give me that extra push for the planted tanks. THANKS 🥰

[@gabijones2445]

You're an awesome super nerd. Have a wonderful, fun, safe vacation. Stay well.

[@kaleblamar2232]

The XS z a/

[@BoundlessEyes]

04:32 you need the sandwich bag trick in your life! You just gently shimmy a little plastic bag (e.g. sandwich bag, empty bread bag etc.) under and around the outside of the spongefilter, then carefully lift out the bag from the top catching the filter along with whatever water is in the bag - and all the debris that clouds off the sponge the moment you disturb it. Then you have a bag of tank water ready for cleaning debris from the sponge, and no need to wait two days for your water to clear up properly, or else half-clog your filter up again trying to clear all the debris from the water after you just got done cleaning your filter. :)

[@AussieAquatic]

Nice tip :)

[@barrkorrd27]

I am definitely going to use some of these tips because my brand new tank (which just finished cycling 4-5 times for the first time) is heavy planted...

[@ifoundjesusbehindthecouch6261]

I juuust set up my first nano tank to cycle and was youtube searching this! Thanks for the video!

[@CarolynnMc01]

This tank looked great with the overgrowth, and also after your trimming. I love the fish you have as well! Best regards and thank you

[@jamesgeniesse3046]

I like the water animation you added in I had to rewind the video just to make sure I wasn't seeing things 🤣

[@bhagyamaithripala6642]

Love the step-By-step presentation

[@TriniFishHobbyist]

Interesting content. Thanks for sharing the detailed step by step process

[@marciefinney6066]

By far the best video on complete tank maintenance I have ever watched. Thank you so much!

[@geekbot5000]

I love the fact that you use excel to track your data. You have come a long way and have helped me in the process. Having a sucessful planted tank is a life goal for me. I'm living the dream!!!!!

[@imjustabee]

I know this video is a little older but I loved it! I'm moving into a permanent house soon and I'm hoping to start my first ever fish tank. I can't stop binging videos and I want to give it a go, but the maintenance had always been super intimidating to me, but this video made it look pretty simple and I'm sure after doing it for a while it'll become easier

[@HallowPlaysRoblox]

I love the way how you control the water way of the siphon to release that red platy fry!!

[@Aquafinity]

Me too! It’s really cool! Platies are cool too! Do you keep Platies? 😃

[@deniserichards4280]

I recently started a 5 gal. Betta planted aquarium and when I am finished cleaning I put the fish water on my out door plants an they are looking awesome. Thanks for your videos

[@Cbtrainnut]

Wow, the tank looks so much better after the haircut! I guess I need to buy more test kits for the plants. Thanks for all you do for us new guys!

[@theresaabshire711]

I just use an old fashioned system for my tank maintence (I only have 2 tanks tho). I just use a notebook & write what I to each tank & the date I do it. I can never remember what exactly I do or when I do/did it, so all I have to do is look back at my notebook. Works for me & helps keep me straight & my fish healthy & happy !

[@bubblerings]

Wowww!!... from your January How to Balance vid... Looks like a whole new world!! -Great work!

[@HewesNews]

Hi Irene, great video as usual. I just purchased the same wireless microphone for the videos I produce at church. Nothing wrong with keeping a spreadsheet - in fact I do the same thing, keeping track of weekly water tests. That way I can keep track of things, know what "normal" is for my tank, and detect when things go haywire. I use Google sheets, which is all in the cloud and accessible from my phone, easy peasy to record the data.

[@bunnyviperaquatics2108]

Im sorry, Irene- I didn’t understand the correlation between gas bubbles in the substrate, & the air stone & sponge filter. What does the former have to do with the latter? If you get the chance to explain that further, it might help me understand. I know that I, for one, would really appreciate it! Love your videos and you’re an absolute doll!! Thank you so much!

[@flaminglizard7486]

I'm definitely not Irene but I can tell you the gas bubbles in the substrate can sometimes be harmful gasses that build up and when released can harm your fish in your tank. The air stone and sponge filter help mitigate this problem because they creat surface agitation which allows for more bad gasses to leave the tank and more good gasses to enter

[@jonathanperezmiguel5535]

I believe Irene is referring to the nitrogen gas that anaerobic bacteria release! Regards

[@laurag1076]

The gas bubble go straight up to the surface and pop and expell anyway. Nothing to worry about. Some people worry about this.

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I always learn something new watching your videos, thanks 😊 👍👍

[@debrascheer4577]

It's good to know I'm not the only one who documents what I do to the tank ❤😄 good video

[@adelesandry]

Thanks for the reminder to keep a record of conditions and dates. I always tell myself I'll remember when I dosed fertilizers but that's a lie! I definitely need to start keeping a record

[@jqc5]

I love the shyness of your dog when caught on camera.........

[@GirlTalksFish]

Haha, she was like, "What did I do, Mom?"

[@riochez3252]

Set up my first tank with help from your videos 🙌🏼 really appreciate the content! Had to make sure I followed after the AOT mention

[@HallowPlaysRoblox]

I Really like your videos irene HUGE fan by the way❤❤

[@techwithbec]

Thank you for this video! Super helpful 👍

[@kareemessam5267]

Great as usual, Irene ❤

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Great Job! Precisely how I do mine.

[@manalili7310]

“One more for good luck.” 😂 we are all the same.

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

Perfect timing! Wish you could post pictures in comments, lol. My tank needed a minor overhaul.

[@Aquafinity]

I wish we could post pictures on comments too! What fish do you keep in your tank? 😃

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

@@Aquafinity I have a pico tank of amphopods, a dedicated snail tank, a turtle with a guppy 'pond' in her enclosure, I breed zebra danios, and I am working on developing a line of guppies. I have downsized over the past couple decades.😅

[@joydillard2038]

Thanks for this video! I really appreciated all your experience even mistakes. I'm not very good with plants, and am planning my 29 gallon nano community plant tank. I haven't had a tank in a long time. I really enjoy your videos!

[@xXdutchieeeXx]

This is a really good guide

[@sophiedawson8307]

Love that laugh when the fry wouldn't leave the syphon 😂

[@zittilover]

Thanks for another great video. i have approx 35 tanks and all planted and they do great. i am contemplating co2 on a couple of tanks but nervous. My Fish room is a lot of work and really enjoy your tips to try and save some time where i can. Eddie

[@louisedery1049]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate that you explained what you are doing and why. I would like to have a planted tank. I think I could do it now because of this video. I will also watch for your others. Thanks so much ♥

[@alexandratiesma1256]

Thank you for such a wonderful tutorial video! It's really helpful to hear your experiences! :D

[@jackpeterson6808]

Irene, what a great video. Very informative and super helpful. I have been keeping plants for years and am learning new things from you all the time! Thank you! Also attack on Titan!!!! Let’s gooo!! Haha big fan myself. Tank looking beautiful, keep up the amazing work🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@zafrasama1917]

Wow prefect timing! I was just taking a 10 break in between maintenance😂

[@cesarmeraz1450]

Thank you for taking the time!’

[@jimmyjames2022]

Totally useful idea to use a spreadsheet (eg Office Excel, Libreoffice Calc), they're great to see trends and keep long term records, in aquariums. Technical people will need little coaxing. For the non technical person, the benefits of the tool across many types of tasks (eg casual book keeping, fitness and health statistics, any kind of comparison tallying) make learning how to use spreadsheets a useful challenge. But it's definitely not for everyone.

[@ashleyknight2344]

Awesome content as always. Super helpful. Thank you!

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

7:55 What is that quick-connect adapter that you have on the Python to connect it to the sink faucet? Where did you get it and how did you install it? Did you make a video about it?

[@a2thenita172]

Yesi was wondering the same thing. I need one. I cant remove the cap from my faucet. Its stuck!

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

@@a2thenita172 Yeah, it's a lot more difficult to connect a python to the newer faucets.

[@RyanRoux]

I was wondering the same about the "do-dad thingy" that came with the python. Is that something new?

[@vampgaia]

Nice tank. All my stem plants need a hair cut. LOL. I recently set up a new planted tank. For the first time, I set it up with root tabs in the substrate. My plants are happy plants! I didn’t realize how much of a difference just adding root tabs would make.

[@cosmoplakat9549]

I keep a safety pin in with my bag of root tabs, and poke a hole in each end so they won't pop out.

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

Cheers just nice and a nice video as always, and i am in process of setting my 2x 3ft aquscape planted tank :D and attack of titans is super addictive as well

[@strangertown_ale4626]

Your videos are so helpful! Thank you!!

[@johndragao]

Loved the last step i cant say how many times the slime on the top of my tanks has annoyed me and no else has given any ideas to remove it much better

[@hakman239]

The intro is so much better you should do you videos like that all the time

[@GirlTalksFish]

I'll let my editor TF know!

[@csharpe5787]

I used a magic eraser on the go glass. I works Brilliantly.

[@AgressiveInliners]

That long hose system is pretty nifty. Buckets may be easier for me. Gonna have to think about it

[@lennardspijker3835]

I have a serious problem with Green Spot algae, I have a nerite snail aswell to help get rid of it because it takes a very long time to scrub it off with a toothbrush because I am too lazy to get anything else to clean it (I know it needs micronutrients and I’m supposed to go get them this week)

[@butterflyera4628]

Have you tried ramshorn snails or cherry shrimps? They're good at fending off spot algae on my Anubias.

[@joshuastover1047]

Magic Eraser gets green spot cleaned pretty easy

[@ityo39]

Gsa solution is upping your phosphate levels and/or lowering the light intensity (wattage not duration) Dont worry its not toxic, you can easily go up to 4-5 ppm. For scraping without ruining your glass with scrapes, I suggest filter floss and a fit and strong arm/fingers.

[@mollychrisa1]

Wow, thanks girl for uploding this amazing 🎬🌿🐟🌊☯️☮♻️😊🐕😄

[@carlossalinas6234]

I’m going to give those root tabs a try…I’ve used another brand that resemble fizz tablets and they break apart and release a lot of particles in the water when putting them in :/

[@mattgray9297]

Aquarium Co-Op tabs are the best! And as others have said, good tip to poke a small hole at the ends to let the air escape so they don’t float up out of the substrate.

[@raymondcanute8742]

Your kuhli is so active ;)

[@dailydoseoftiktok7732]

Quick tip for fish keepers If u use poly fill for filtration and u decide to change it don’t throw away the filter floss . Instead clean it really well and use it to scrub/clean your glass of the aquarium. Trust me i have tried using razors and they clean the glass pretty well but they don’t give the side glass the mirror look i hope this comment helps u

[@GirlTalksFish]

Ooo, I might have to try that trick, at least for the areas higher away from the substrate.

[@dailydoseoftiktok7732]

@@GirlTalksFish when u use razors they leave marks when u don’t clean it properly But with filter floss it cleans with ease and it doesn’t leave any marks of lime or algea

[@butterflyera4628]

First omg! My tank was overgrown too but luckily we have goldfish so I won't have problems abt it for now...

[@simonsaquatics6869]

Nice shout out on Attack on Titan! love your vids.

[@xJustinxP]

Excellent!

[@hampton1315]

Perfect I’m cleaning my tank today! I had my 20 gallon filter off for such a long time that all the beneficial bacteria died. So I’ve got allot of ammonia in the tank and I hope all 17 fish survive :( I bout a python but I’ve got no idea how to use it or where to put in into. (I use a different brand of vacuum)

[@jigokutsuushin]

How long did you leave that off? My tank's pump died once and I discovered it only in the morning, so that was probably 7 or 8 hours. I hooked up my extra pump and everything was fine until I was able to buy a new one (the extra pump was a bit too weak for the 50 gallon tank). If your tank has a substrate your beneficial bacteria shouldn't all have died off.

[@sneekyalexa2657]

If it was dried up I could see that killing off the bacteria but generally plants like to use up ammonia and nitrates, how do you typically clean your tank before you got the python? Also, with the actual python you can connect it to a sink or bathtub facet typically! :)

[@jigokutsuushin]

@@sneekyalexa2657 In my tank it was an overhead filter, so the media was no longer submerged in water for a few hours, but the bacteria didn't die off.

[@hampton1315]

@@jigokutsuushin it didn’t all die because of the live plants and gravel but all of the filter bacteria died.

[@hampton1315]

@@sneekyalexa2657 I clean it with a much smaller vacuum so it’s easier to handle and clean the tank. Plus the tank is in my room and our house is old so the sink is really shallow and I can’t hook it on to the faucet. But in my other tank where the filter broke I saw the dried white stuff. I do have live plants though

[@cindys.4409]

Irene can you please do a video regarding nitrates and fertilizer? You have mentioned this in several of your videos over time and I don't understand what you mean by this. Thank you! Love your videos 💓

[@kilrkitty0818]

Great Video! Thank you so much for the information and Fun 😀 What light do you use on this tank? Very beautiful setup!

[@GirlTalksFish]

Thank you so much! It's a Fluval 3.0 Plant LED light amzn.to/38AS8ip

[@unclebigmac9303]

i always love the videos keep it up

[@Iamaguienapig]

P.S; your eye make up is always beautiful.

[@LostSoulCorner]

TY for the video. Where can I get that "widget" (at the to top of the faucet python green piece) that quick connects (chrome thing at top). Has a green lip at top chrome on rest

[@johnwood738]

I like the jungle look as long as there is room for the fish. Question I have a bow front tank and I have tried mag scraper on the front but it looks like it is held out by the bow any tips?

[@joshuastover1047]

Magic eraser is the only thing I’ve found that’ll clean my bow fronts properly. No other scrapers with contour with the curvature of the front

[@johnwood738]

@@joshuastover1047 thank you I’ve herd that but was wondering what it would do to the fish and plants. Going to try it.

[@adelesandry]

@@joshuastover1047 I use them for household cleaning but always thought they must have a secret chemical mix to clean so well. Gotta say I'm still a little apprehensive to use it in my tanks but I've seen several people suggest them. I'll have to give it a shot

[@joshuastover1047]

You’ll want the one without any added scents or cleaners. I’ve been using them for years with zero issues.

[@johnwood738]

@@joshuastover1047 ok trip to the store,thanks again.

[@vonicenhernandez7060]

I just love you talking

[@stanleyfung5529]

What is that adapter on top of the python doo-dad at 8:00 called? I need help adapting to a sink

[@jabrak1]

I need to get one of those long tubes. I hate having to keep going to the sink for water changes.

[@Iamaguienapig]

I never gravel vac my tanks either. Ever. 😂😂

[@x5x993]

Why

[@reefhugger100]

part Hi Kitty...I'm fairly new to aquariums. I thought it was a "must do" part of aquarium cleaning, so I'm very curious about this concept. Can you give me some info on this? Thanks.

[@bluegum6438]

@@reefhugger100 I don't gravel vac my tank because it doesn't need it. Snails, bottom scavenging fish, sand capped substrate and a lot of plants means you don't really get much mulm build-up.

[@reefhugger100]

@@bluegum6438 Thanks for the reply. This is a fascinating hobby. I learn something new daily. I used gravel instead of sand so mulm does build up some, but I'm using lots of plants and have fallen in love with mystery snails. So as you pointed out vacuuming isn't needed as much in this tank. Thanks again

[@shawnstevanovski4755]

Fish for thought should do a collab with you

[@GirlTalksFish]

We actually did one a while ago! I interviewed him for my channel about his experiences as a pet store employee, and then I taught about honey gourami care on his channel.

[@mrbugibugi]

I saw you put tap water directly on the aquarium and then add anti chlorine....shouldn't the water be treated first? I need advice I'm new to this

[@katiebrackmann8098]

Hey, Irene! My 50 ft python siphon comes in tomorrow and something I've been wondering is how do you clean/disinfect it? I've watched videos of people talking about how they do it but I am having a hard time visualizing it.

[@GirlTalksFish]

Hmm, I don't think I've ever cleaned my 50 foot one, but for my shorter siphons, I basically clean them when I'm disinfecting a tank or quarantine tub. I put the tank inside my bathtub, make a diluted bleach mixture inside it, and then start siphoning out the bleach water from the tank to the bathtub. Then I flush the siphon with some tap water. Finally, I hang the siphon until it's completely dry. For my 50-foot siphon, I generally use it to siphon out dirty water. Then I connect it to a sink and flush it with tap water until the tank is full again. Then I store it in my dark, cool basement. So far it hasn't gotten moldy, but if it does one day, I may try the bleach method above and then not sure how I would make sure it was completely dry. My husband does have an air compressor... 🤔

[@katiebrackmann8098]

@@GirlTalksFish Thank you for the feedback! I'm in love with the large siphon. If I feel the need to clean it I will let you know how it works out XD

[@AynOtori]

Question about the 0 nitrate and plants. What can one do to fertilize the plants? Should the nitrate and nitrite go up?

[@BlackieChan21E]

Love your videos. Are you watching the final season of AoT?

[@DivinityinLove]

I skipped the python method as I saw kaveman aquatics talk about the pump method as an evolution from the python, and I hadn't even heard of the python. I was using a siphon with a manual pump in the middle from fluval brand, it's great, but with buckets, I didn't like the spills and carrying buckets manually, so the pump is great, put pump in the tank, hose end into the back yard, plug in pump and watch it drain. Fill large container in bathtub with water up to the volume needed (I use a 100 litre because my 60W pump is a bit large and must stay submersed, I usually need to refill 50l from a 90litre tank change, check temp with a thermometer, put hose end in tank with a clip to stop it coming out, plug in and pump back in.

[@Micahmancer]

omg i do the "1 more for good luck" too!!! 😂 i just get so scared! what if the standard amount not enough!?!?

[@mobstercrow7515]

Can you make a video on how you do the spreadsheets?

[@lam2558]

What about the fish poop. Do you need to gravel vac that or does the plant handle it?

[@yillo1147258369]

What is the CO2 injector that you use for this 20GAL tank? And thank you for all your videos, they've been extremely helpful!!

[@NickMillzzz]

Irene, could you please link the connection you used for the python hone/sink connection. Im unable to remove my aerator, but still would like to uses the python!!!

[@abhinandvysakhi]

Is there any home made fertilizers for plants madam

[@brianklimaszewski]

Thanks for the reminder! I just finished up black clover and wanted to finish attack on Titan!

[@jigokutsuushin]

My cryptocorynes, dwarf aquarium lily, and hygrophila polysperma take over my tank like crazy. In fact I had to uproot several crypt plantlets earlier today as the roots were growing everywhere. But hey, I'd rather have my plants grow too fast than have them not grow at all or worse, melt away.

[@GirlTalksFish]

Ditto! I'm so glad that I'm at the point in my hobby where I can keep most of my plants thriving.

[@SusanforSLCAquatics]

I really love this!!!

[@alexiaalbiezengenius9941]

Hi Irene I have the same issue with super low Nitrate levels in my planted tank. Do you have any other solutions despite fertilizers and feeding more fish food?

[@elizabethsweeney938]

I only have two really tiny java fern in my 5 gallon betta tank. Is there anything that I can put in my tank that is way bigger and cheeper because i got my java ferns for $12 and there probally the same size when I bought them.