Healthy Water NEVER Needs to be Changed!

[@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/

[@elpimpi7135]

@FatherFish just got mines!!

[@brandhark7935]

We must protect Father Fish at all costs!!!

[@hdvictoryford5329]

Worked for a local breeder back in the 60's. He taught me tons about keeping and maintaining an aquarium. All my children were in the hobby as well. And they also learned the things my teacher taught me. And when I would set my tanks up I never, ever did water changes. What I did do was clean the filter every 3-6 months depending on conditions. Never had a problem with fish dying or adding new fish. And to this day I do things the same way. If it's not broke, don't fix it. To many people trying to sell you what you do not need. Don't over think the issue and do not add things when all is good.

[@FatherFish]

Loved your comment. Thank you. Please join us on Discord.

[@gazza2933]

Absolutely! 👍

[@samuhang]

absolutely!!! , I'm still breeding tropical fish with old water for 30 years as “no water change” but It has been running very well without any major problems. just need to give a little feed to the fish from time to time. Sometimes weed trimming is necessary. But After trimming ,I don't change the water. People tell me “you crazy” But I'm not crazy.

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

@@FatherFish I had to re-evaluate water changes when I moved to the desert. I recognize that not everyone is willing to take the time to slowly set up a fully balanced ecosystem. I'm not going to shame the people who don't have the knowledge or understanding.... Completely agree that the water out of my tanks is better than what comes out of the spigot! I actually use plants to clean the water out of the spigot before I put it in my tanks with animals (thank you Kirkland Air Force jet fuel leak). Keep doing what you do, and sharing how to continue keeping fish as life changes us!

[@FatherFish]

@@Lazy_Fish_Keeper pretty smart to use plants to age water.

[@DanishnSonic]

The fish keeping hobby has many opinions and when I look to the elders, they have this different opinion and rich in wisdom. This is a lesson I will never forget. Thanks father fish for this insight.

[@yoyocatfish1929]

Father fish,i am83, I love my fish and worry what will happen if I pass ,i. Follow the experts who say 20% minimum water change every week ,so I carry heavy buckets of water which I shouldn’t do. Thank you for your knowledge and making my life easier.

[@FatherFish]

I understand the concern. Yes, no buckets for me. I am making special efforts to include young friends and family members in my hobby, sharing with them, going to the fish store, collecting, and all. Hopefully some love of the critters will rub off and they will continue my passion.

[@jedjones9047]

Great information does the same apply to salt water tanks thanks.

[@SpiritDragoness]

Yay! Now I know my laziness has paid off. Dove into fish hobby head first without knowing much. Took advice from pet store employees. Started keeping fish knowing nothing. Tried to follow 1/3 weekly water changes, but quickly got fed up doing it. My oldest fish that i bought in 2008 is still swimming strong even though at the pet store I was told it will live 5 years max..... So I take that as a sign that I am doing something right. Last year I was given a 3 year old betta fish to live out its last days in my care. The owners didn't want to flush it down the toilet but didn't want to care for it either.. its colour was dull and it had some swimming issues, its spine curved to one side and the poor guy struggles to go deeper in the water, it couldn't dive, it would just flop around near the surface of the water... All these issues were attributed to age. All i did was pop it into my community tank of peaceful fish and changed its food. Within two weeks little betta boy brightened up into beautiful bright peacock shades from dark purple to turquoise blue. Its fins got longer, its spine straightened and it started to dive without any problem.. seems like he made a full recovery without any effort from my part. He has more space to exercise in,, he has a planted jungle to hide in and rest. I even took videos of him and sent them to the previous owner to show them he is in good hands and doing much better. He has been in my care for 8 months now and going on strong. Even though I know bettas don't live long, I am glad I could give this fella some quality of life.

[@FatherFish]

Delightful story Dragoness.

[@orandafantastico4624]

yes folks he is right cant tell you how many times over the years ive packed this hobby in with frustration. been following his teachings and my tanks have been running amazing no water change's for months just top ups he is a God send to this community thank you!! .

[@FatherFish]

You go orando. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@sethburkhart1021]

Do you have to vacuum the bottom of the tank or will the plants and soil process the waste fast enough? Also, do you use a filter or bubbler etc

[@kbeadle23]

@sethburkhart1021 don't vacuum sand. No need. Sand doesn't hold detritus like gravel. You don't want to disturb the soil under the sand cap

[@sethburkhart1021]

@@kbeadle23 thanks so much!

[@tuncozturk641]

Kss

[@dawnt6791]

I'm at least a year out from my last water change (I'd have to pull my notes to check when the last one was on any of my tanks), and I've been amazed at how stable my tanks are. I keep them lightly stocked and heavily planted. Top off each weekend, to whatever degree is needed to replace for evaporation. Other than maintaining the plants (trimming & thinning on occasion), all I have to do is feed and enjoy my fish. I love it! Being I live in the desert, the water conservation of NO water changes has been phenomenal, too, so that's a side benefit of ecosystem tanks. 🙂

[@FatherFish]

Yes Dawn! Thank you for the post.

[@abby9954]

You are 82 years young and amazing!! Thank you for all the wonderful information about the hobby 🐠🐟🐡🍥🎣

[@FatherFish]

I appreciate that Abby!

[@yashwantn5533]

@@FatherFish Dear Sir, your videos and approach to aquarium is really great. I have a question on Snails. Have you ever experienced excess Snail population , Since Snails lay 30-40 eggs ? Snails in my aquarium have started eating Guppy grass after finishing all the algae. I am wondering whether I should start removing Snails. Thanks,Yash

[@yahya_176]

From this video I learned "OLD IS GOLD"

[@FatherFish]

Yes indeed. OLD IS GOLD!!

[@D-Man-lv9vu]

Father Fish is GOLD just like my Pops he's 81..7/4/1942

[@rasabernota445]

Isn't that the truth😌♥️

[@yahya_176]

@@rasabernota445 absolute!!❤

[@Dave_N8CR]

I bought a 10 gallon tank 10 months ago. I have yet to change the water. I use a sponge filter, some snails, an albino dorio catfish and my water has never clouded the pH is near neutral. My Danio’s, Tetra’s, Oto’s and Loach’s are thriving. I use water I keep in a 2.5g jar with snails, substrate and some plants to refill the main tank when it gets low from evaporation. I hemmed and hawed about changing the water, but after much research and recently finding your channel, I’m glad I haven’t change the water. Thanks for you knowledge and wisdom.

[@FatherFish]

Sounds excellent.

[@Heartshackles]

I gave up on aquariums 15 years ago because I got fed up with the constant cleaning, water changes and general ruckus I was told I have to do. I was told keeping an aquarium was laborsome and difficult... and it was, with how I took care of it. But it only makes sense. Nobody goes to the ocean or lake to change its water, nature has its ways always and I should've known better since I was so engrossed with biology and all things living as a young teen that I was back then. I'm very extremely happy that I've ran into your videos while researching for my new small tank that I tentatively thought about getting. Now I feel more secure than ever, thank you, sincerely.

[@stevedenruyter4902]

Just found this video, this is what I’ve been searching for, I’m a new holder of a 20L tank, planted the entire thing, and nobody believes me it’s going to work to have the smallest nano fish and shrimp in. The way you talk about water, made me cry as a diver ☺️

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Steve. I too am certified and love diving. Too old now to try it again.

[@rhagins7955]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I started a 5 gallon for my desk. When I tell you that the past few weeks have been so stressful. I was ready to give it up, and then my 2 guppies birthed more than 40 fry. I feel responsible for them now. BUT I knew that I couldn't deal with the continued stress of maintaining a larger tank. Then I came across your videos. Here you are saying nature knows what it's doing. I just need to replicate that in my tank and let it be. Following and binging on your videos. I will follow your formula for the large tank and redo my 5 gallon too.

[@FatherFish]

Join us on Discord and share the journey;

[@sparkhormonetherapy]

Six months with no water changes and my tank is doing amazing! Thank you father fish. :)

[@FatherFish]

Fantastic!

[@BotitoyConcha4701]

Did u get the algae out? Or just leave it?

[@danielsh1015]

@@BotitoyConcha4701 Leave it!

[@yournumberonepal]

I think the main concern is if you have dissolved solids and you are adding water to your tank due to evaporation such that your TDS rises over time. If you are topping off with RO or Distilled water, this process is slowed down and delayed.

[@Karma_would_return]

You have changed all my thoughts and learning i gained over a period of time in managing my aquariu.. Ur videos made me think about what I have been doing all these years changing water , replacing old water and giving that to my plants and never saw that my plants were growing really well cause of beneficial bacteria.... That's what I call a complete experienced professional who knows all what he is doing. A grand salute to you sir.. I wish I could get an opportunity to meet and learn from you in person. You are my 🐠 🐟 AQUA GURU 🐟🐠 🙏

[@MM-Para_J]

After i came over your channel, only few weeks before i set up my first tank over 1 year ago i haven`t had nothing but success. No chemicals (except dechlorinater), maybe 5 water changes total and no fish. lost Everything is thriving. Greetings from Norway God bless you Father Fish. ps.. Sorry for my bad english

[@FatherFish]

Your English is excellent MM. Congrats. Glad to hear the good report.

[@kickassclone75]

I forgot what book he bases his whole aquarium approach on but it was written many decades ago . When you have a deep enough substrate that can sustain anaerobic bacteria that remove the nitrates you basically have yourself a truly complete ecosystem in a glass box. This man knows a lot about a lot of things and everyone can learn something from him. I’d trust this man telling me something about an aquarium over some Rhodes scholar with 5 degrees in natural biology .

[@FatherFish]

That's a kickass comment Kickassclone! 75!

[@manderson4803]

Will the deep substraight work if you didn't do the dirt portion. I used rough black sand. I made it deep because I saw that part then....Later I saw to add the dirt. 29 gal 3-4 inches of substraight. A large peice of drift wood and 13 plants that are doing ok with two baby Oranda Goldfish. It took a long time to cycle.

[@andrewmcallister4151]

​@@manderson4803 fish tanks don't cycle... they mature.

[@kickassclone75]

@lolkotya yes that’s the author Diana Walstad.

[@FatherFish]

@@manderson4803 Fish tanks continuously mature. Your tank has by now developed a nutrient rich substrate. Good to go!

[@Ebakyza]

Exactly the video I needed. And the pace I needed. When I got an ad in the middle, that felt way too quick. The world is running too fast.

[@graphixdb2009]

I didn't do a water for over 6 months and my fish where fine. But because I was told to do so, I did a water change and all my fish died within 2 hours. That's even when I added the water conditoner. Great video...

[@FatherFish]

Thank you David. We have all been there.

[@TotalRejection]

Whether you should change your water or not depends on a variety of factors like filtration, number of fish, requirements of said fish, number of plants, experience of the fish keeper etc. I would argue that most people in the hobby will have more success with regular water changes. Not saying that it isn't feasible with profound knowledge and experience however.

[@FatherFish]

Frankly it is a matter of setting up the tank for success rather than to use as a receptacle for everything the store can possibly sell you.

[@tauncfester3022]

I would really like to say that most of the US has hard water, especially the Missouri/Mississipi/Ohio river basins and the great Western desert basin regions. There are parts, like here on the Oregon coast where our water comes out of the tap nearly as fresh rain water. Because we have a clay soil and little to no alkaline earth bedrocks like limestone or Ca/Mg and it's really important to at least add a little Gypsum and Epsom salts so the plants and Inverts can thrive.

[@musicguybguitar1]

I agree with you. I use well water in my house so i never have the additional additives city water has. When i set up a tank, it ends up the only time a tank gets new water. I agree with you that old water tends to be better than new. Ive got a tank that its been 5 years and never had to change the water. I do still test it to make sure there are no spikes. But every test always is the same levels. Rarely every fluctuate unless after a feeding. All are healthy. Happy, and flourishing. Only thing i do is clean out the filtration from time to time as with any filter it gets clogged with the usuals and needs the cleaning.

[@corymiller9854]

Good stuff :] I have a 75g tank done in your style and I can confirm it does not need water changes ty so much! 7 months old and it has had only one water change a week in. Solid as a rock tank! which of coarse it has needed to be topped up but is covered with glass. My water can change a lot depending when and how much you draw from the sink. Water changes are starting to feel like Russian roulette hehe Most cities take undrinkable water and add undrinkable chemicals to make it drinkable ...

[@FatherFish]

Well said Cory. Old water is better than new water.

[@datsuntoyy]

True. I moved a few years back and was forced to leave my 29g green sailfin molly breeding tank. The tank sat with no power to the pumps or lights, no food or any attention at all for 3 months. Not a single fish died. The tank had been established for over 15 years and heavily planted. Finally got down to move the tank and a few weeks afterwards the heater malfunctioned and the pleco was the only thing to survive the 102 degree water. ;(

[@wds525]

I usually change about 30% every 2 weeks, but my tank has an evaporation rate of about a half-gallon of water PER day, that I compensate for every 2 or 3 days. So I'm questioning my need to do that 30% change? You're a star, sir. Keep shining. Regards from Portugal.

[@FatherFish]

I think you got it. The increase in gh only serves to feed the plants and microorganisms. Problem solved.

[@wds525]

@@FatherFish Thank you so much, sir!

[@maltnmetal4085]

Pure common sense by Father Fish . I have a well established Tanganyika tank and the fish are healthy and thriving and breeding . The one thing I did was put the water chemical test kit away to stop my self be coming obsessed with trying to get perfect readings all the time and stop the frequent water changes . Instead I used my eyes and observe the fish , this can tell you more than any test kits I have found. I do deklog the filter sponges every 6-8 months in old fish water . If its not broken don't try and fix it

[@FatherFish]

PRECISELY Malt!

[@Boogerboys1990]

I just smile while watching this. looking at my 16 month old 75 gallon that's had 4 water changes in the beginning. 😊 you FF. Truly a life saver. Much love from michigan

[@FatherFish]

HEY SNAKE> Great to hear from you. Thank you for your constant support.

[@sarahbreisch4750]

We don't have lids on our tanks, so there is a fair amount of evaporation. We top off with water from the local creek. It's been going great, but I realise I do live in a very clean area compared to some in the US.

[@FatherFish]

Water in nature tends to clean itself. You are doing the very best available to you.

[@TheFrozenMind]

Hi! Father Fish, glad I found your channel. back in the 90's my father thought me "don't change the aquarium water" and so I did. took a long break on fish keeping (2 decades) now I'm back at the fish keeping hobby and things have changed a lot and brought a lot of confusion for me. happy to hear those words again and I'm back at the hobby just like how it used to be.

[@FatherFish]

Welcome aboard Ice Wizard

[@hogbong1651]

Father Fish you are a breath of fresh air and speak sense your saying what my soul has always known to be true 👍 Big love from South Wales ❤️

[@JohnDoe-xq8sk]

This makes me happy. I literally get assaulted and berated on Facebook when I tell people I had a guppy that lived 6 years in a 3 gallon fish bowl that sat on my kitchen table with no heater, aerator, filter or water changes. Only top off when it evaporates. Little aquarium salt and lots of rocks to let the poop and debris stay at the bottom with the ammonia until the plants grow enough to start taking care of that. (For those that don't know most guppys average 2 years) love this vdioe. This is my jazz.

[@FatherFish]

You go John.Those FB crowd are troll junkies. We like to do things in a civilized way over here.

[@driftindriftwood7301]

I'll say this. I took care of a planted tank for my Father for a couple of years until his passing last year. He loved fish. Anyway the substrate was straight silica sand only. Placed root tabs under an amazon sword and a few crypts. Lots of stem plants all over the tank. The growth in this tank was amazing. I could not get over it. I took cuttings from his tank to place in mine at home. The only thing I ever did was top off the tank straight from the tap...many times no dechlorinator. NO WATER CHANGES EVER. The tank was 40 long and had a double fluval T5 fixture. Not much algae to even notice. Both were 6400k 54 watt bulbs and were never changed out. As a matter of fact I would say the bulbs were at least 5 years old. One could call this a neglected tank when looking at todays "way to do it"..lol That tank amazed me. Father Fish you know what's up. Forgot to mention. I never ever added liquid ferts !! Couldn't understand that part..lol.

[@FatherFish]

After about a year a substrate will develop a strong biological foundation that will balance the system. By leaving everything in the tank the nutrients never disappear. They cycle through the entire tank over and over. LRB Aquatics -Aquarium Hoarder who just commented above is a natural system Master. His tanks are a beautiful example of simplicity and perfection.

[@villegasdeanclyde6211]

hello @@FatherFish Im starting the hobby right now, can I use distilled drinking water for the aquarium? I wanna do it a budget friendly and a dechlorinator here costs a lot too. I just stumbled upon your channel and I already learned a lot of things about fish keeping and a planted tank, thank you! Ive been worried about the 50% tap water and 50% dechlorinated water. I just hope you can clear things up for me.^^

[@aalborgenser1]

Dear Father Fish. I fully understand your philosophy about (no) water changes. And then again ... evaporated has to be replaced, I guess? If so, how often and at which scale? Thank you for .. yeah for you, Father Fish.

[@ShrimpinAquatics]

Well father you are damn right. The aquarium trade wants you to do whatever it takes for you to spend more money. If they told everyone the tricks of aquarium keeping, no body would simply spend much money on all sorts of treatments and medicines they create.

[@malimarch8993]

This guy is amazing, when I first started I watched other videos that told me to keep changing the water and adding stuff to make it clear, I accidentally found his videos and he said "stop cleaning your tank" and I did just that, the water cleared and haven't had any issues with my fishes so far, now I have 3 aquariums because of this guy... Amazing!!!

[@chasegordon2230]

I agree with you that not all tanks require water changes. My saltwater tanks get water changes very rarely and do great. I have an african cichlid tank though, and the only time I have had issues with it is when I don't do water changes. I've had cichlids grow to 10" in a year doing 75% water changes per week. Totally agree with you about your methodology, but I also don't think its a one size fits all for all fish and aquariums. Your tanks look great!

[@FatherFish]

It depends entirely what is being put in the tank. Fish hare fed heavily with little substrate will require water changes.

[@kevinn4735]

I've been keeping different species for around 20 years (I'm 35 now) and can confirm to never do waterchange unless it's needed for some reason. I've never had a sick fish and always have offspring (even with difficult to breed species). There are a few rules I keep to: - Only do water change if it's needed, else it's fill up the vaporized water - Don't overcrowd, - Use groundwater - Use a sponge over the inlet of the filter (get's the first filth => clean this when you see the flow lowering down of the filter) - Every other day a bit of food (the rest they get from algea) => they are not starving when the tank is established, but I keep an eye out for them to keep in shape That's it for me, for the bigger aquariums I got, I only "need" to clean it around once per year and thats more an aesthetic clean. The smaller once are the trickiest. And for those wondering, yes the tanks are almost crystal clear (I always get this question if I tell that I don't change water unless needed). During those years I've tried different water sources to start up a tank, ground, city and rainwater. And with groundwater, I've never had a tank start failure. Then 2nd best was city water to startup (need a long waiting period before you can add fish). Rainwater is 50/50, but when if it was a hit, then it flourished. So I kept with the groundwater for every specie. But this depends ofcourse of your location.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Kevin for your insights. Please visit us on Discord. Your experience is invaluable. We have lots of folks there who would love to hear about your hobby.

[@Jash3811]

Will this also work for goldfish tank please without water changes every week

[@nickmclainsaquaticswildlif237]

Water is Life. When I was in middle school we had a bingo night at church and my favorite science teacher brought the series for a prize called “Water Is Life” and it teaches about all the ecosystems water comes in and the life forms from microlife to the top of the food chain that depends on it. My favorite to watch were triops in the desert! It’s insane how long I’ve been researching everything about everything in water. This video is perfect!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Nick. For many folk there is a moment when they understood water as the foundation of life. It holds everything needed to nurture.

[@scarjaf]

You're absolutely right. I have found through trial and error, that simply leaving things ALONE has reaped far better rewards both in aquarium keeping and gardening. Of course I still do minimal maintenance if necessary, but I hardly need to.

[@TigressPhoenix]

Thank you for making this video. I’m new to fish keeping. Got a small 3.5 gallon top fin tank filled with two neon tetras, a mystery snail, a pathos plant and four moss balls. Your method makes more sense to me than any video I’ve seen on KZbin. Please keep sharing your knowledge with us. God bless you

[@miagifish]

Hello Mr. Father fish. God bless you because I learned many things from you in last days. You saved my fish from ich with your ich treatment video. I have done like you described 2 days ago and all ich disepeared from all of my fish with your described method. God bless you again. Greetings from Romania. Alex

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Miagi. This is the miracle cure. Join us on Discord and share your story.

[@miagifish]

@@FatherFish by the way, I started my acvarium in Mai 2022 and did not changed the water since then. Also i have deep substrate but only sand becauze not cnowed you then but is not o big problem in a 14 galons acvarium right?

[@hosseinafshin395]

I have a 29g tank. There are two angles and 4 cherry rasboras there. I have a big java sword some drif woods and rocks here an there. Sand substrate and 10,12 almond leaves in there. I have also put some pathos on the top. And I haven't changed water for almost two years now. Once a while every two months maybe when I am drinking water and pass by the tank I dump the water in there to make up for the evaporation :). Thanks for giving this to us. I owe it to you sir.

[@niemand1231000]

Please only dump with Reverse osmosis or rain Water . Otherwise you are concentrating your water with alkaline salts that will over time get your pH way over 8. Which will create ammonia!

[@enfasia]

The fact that some of your tanks are as old as me is amazing, what a beacon of knowledge you are, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom

[@FatherFish]

Happy to be here PL

[@enfasia]

@@FatherFish any chance you could make a video on how to get rid of Black Beard Algae. It’s taken over my tank and I’m so frustrated :(. I also set up this tank without any aqua soil it’s just a gravel that I bought that has “nutrients” and is for “plants” and 9 months later, my tank looks decent, but definitely not where I know it could be. Could I put some aqua soil in mesh bags and put it under the gravel? Thank you 💕💕

[@capuchinosofia4771]

@@enfasia gravel with nutrients? Thats the first time i have heard about it. Maybe its the excess of nutrients thats feeding the algae and keeping it alive. Its either that or too much light. If you are keeping the light on for 8 hours try 6 for a while.

[@karolvizone]

I’m planning to start my first fish tank and I’m researching as much as I can. I was very confused by this people doing full water changes every week. My dad used to keep tanks when I was a kid back on 80s and 90s and he rarely changed the water. I remember he saying it wasn’t good for the fish and I only recall he doing one half tank changing. People nowadays complicate everything 😂 thank you for this video!! ❤

[@FatherFish]

You are very welcome. Stay plugged in. More advice about water changes to come.

[@Adam-vv9co]

I do 10% water changes once a week

[@allisonwendell9942]

I only change the water if the parameters are off. I just do a top off to replace water that's evaporated. Why fix what's not broken, people don't realize they upset the biological cycle of the tank when they do these massive water changes.

[@FatherFish]

@@corindusfanjoyz6301 MY! Such a fuss budgit you are. What else can you complain about? You have not watched my videos or you would know that I have given MANY people credit for what I am teaching.

[@burisngag7529]

Thats why i just buy a really good filter and top of my fish tank with water when ever. Cleaning my canister filters once a month and toping off water is all i do. And most the people dont go into fish hobby cause they thought its a time consuming thing to do especially maintaining water change. If only they know what to do. Thats whats inside my mind when ever i hear people say this. 😅

[@mr.octopus6972]

Hello Father fish ! Thank you for the great video you are an inspiration. You actually gave me the courage to get back in the hobby. I'm sorry if I am hard to read, englush ain't my mother's tongue and I have a hard time with some technical therms. My first try wirh a tank a decade ago turned into a disaster, the tank was sterile and needed constant water changes. Fishes where constantly dying. This time I will try to follow your instructions to get a balanced ecosystem and let things thrive as they should. I gathered 8 different sorts of aquatic plants from a lake near where I live. Along with wood and rocks. My soil bed comes from a small river and the sand from a pit. I've also saved many animals from a swamp that will become my fishes only source of food. I have microscopic water fleas, at least 2 sorts of worms, aquatic snails, that I keep in jars just like you do. I'm pretty sure to find many other insect species popping up in those jars soon enough. . . . I did not put anything other than cotton in the filter, just to clear the water a little faster after setting up the tank. It took only a night. I will keep water circulating but without any filtration. I wanted to let the tank cure for a month before getting fishes inside but my wife has guppies in her own tank in which the babies keep getting eaten by their parents. So I transfered them in my tank after only 1 day. In 24 hours they got from 1/8" frightened tadpoles to 3/16" actual fishes that have a lot of fun to explore and hunt insects. We lost a great deal of them in the unnatural thank but so far not a single one died in my natural thank and they seem SO HAPPY ! It's just beautiful. QUESTION : Do you recommend activated coal in a natural tank ?

[@FatherFish]

activated carbon will absorb heavy metals until it is saturated.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

People don't do water changes in ponds as it's not practical, I don't on mine. They just get topped up by rain or from the tap during hot summers. Fish grow massive and are usually very healthy. I don't know why the mentality for aquariums is so different.

[@thesolaraquarium]

exactly. the outdoor artificial pond is the blue-print for the indoor aquarium. we are told endlessly that ‘natural systems’ have regular water changes (water moving through the substrate, inflow water after rain) BUT what they don’t explain is WHY the artificial pond with liner (which does not behave like the above) outside in a tub is such an effective habitat for wild organisms? They love it. Why? There is no movement of water through the walls, and new water inflows in very large reservoirs (farm dams) may not happen. You do not use a hose to refill a farm dam. They only get rain. Yet some are ideal as a habitat. So the ‘natural system’ argument is not necessarily relevant to the aquarium imo.

[@lauratiller7628]

I hate I didn't find your channel before I begin pumping chemicals in my water to cycle it, and spending so much money! Just because I listened to the so-called experts. I'm just going to buy a new tank and start over with your methods! Thank you for making this less stressful!

[@sarahbreisch4750]

when we bring new fish home, we do a two scoops out, two scoops in, method of slowly changing the fish store water over into mostly tank water. I have to tell you, my kids feel such a sense of pride in our two FF method tanks. They can't wait to bring new fish friends home and they tell them, "you're going to love your new home".

[@FatherFish]

That's fun. Would love to share with your fam on DISCORD.

[@sarahbreisch4750]

@@FatherFish I'm there-- under the name Gumbiecat42 :) it's been super helpful. I feel like i know what I'm doing!

[@linguaphile8533]

I love this! Finally, someone with authority and lots of experience confirms what some of us were secretly thinking about all that water changing nonsense. I have a ten gallon planted tank with a few Cherry Barbs, two Nerites, an Amano shrimp, and a bunch of Dwarf Cherry shrimp. People think I'm kidding when I say I haven't touched the water in over three years, except to add a tiny bit every few months for what has evaporated. I recently became curious about how long Nerites and Amanos generally live, and what I am finding is 1-3 years. Imagine how shocked I was, because mine are going on 6 years old! The water is crystal clear, the plants grow and the leaves that die back are super snacks. I just watched a berried mama shrimp grab a piece of melting Tiger Lotus leaf and swim it over to the rock pile! No illness, algae blooms, films, or other problems. The Barbs and Cherry Shrimp are breeding (the Nerites need brackish water and there is only one Amano) and life is good! Thank you Father Fish! ❣🐌🐟🦐

[@sayyeddeyyas]

Thank you. You have changed the way I keep fish. It is easier and more relaxed

[@YOUNGTROPICA]

I agree as well I’ve realized that old water is packed with so much benefits for fish that it is so healthy for them and can actually promote rapid growth for them I’ve witnessed it

[@MichaelClifford2020]

Just found your channel! I only top off the tank when it needs water. I did a lot of freshwater snorkeling when I was younger, I owe my appeal for a natural setup to that. I have not watched your “large fish” video yet, I wanted to say an algae bed grown over rocks and wood looks amazing if you can’t keep plants.

[@isaacmarks8009]

I saw that you are replying to all the comments so I just wanted to thank you for this wisdom. You are amazing and I am very grateful I found your channel!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Isaac.

[@arniesmith6033]

Only just found Father Fish and you are amazing. Has opened my eyes to how an aquarium should be.

[@precise3291]

Good topic, I gently gravel vac my aquarium occasionally, I'll add a few drops of Prime or Aquasafe to neutralize any heavy metals or chlorine, I have live plants which are thriving! Father Fish I would love to meet you, I appreciate your knowledge and insight, much respect, shout out from New Britain CT!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Precise. I will be attending some conferences in the NE. Maybe have a chance to meet. Thank you for your kindness.

[@danielsh1015]

Thanks, for your quick response. Your method of using dirt, sand and lots of plants, not to mention the “resurrection jar,” are counterintuitive to all what I’ve been told all these years, and my fish are ready to take the proverbial plunge, lol.

[@melissaskinner4501]

I’m a killifish keeper in NZ and have learned so much from you.Many thanks for passing on your wisdom

[@FatherFish]

Killies are a favorite. Remarkable fish. Would love to share with you on Discord about your killies.

[@lycheesue]

This is what i keep telling to my mom and to everyone in our house .. I am happy that i am aware before i found your channel, love you grandpaaaa

[@petehamada7073]

Your knowledge blows my mind and is teaching my the right way to keep my gaint betta. Thank you

[@FatherFish]

You understand more and more.

[@droeksonfishkeeping]

Been keeping fish for about 40 years now. About two years ago I set up a 29 gallon using your method with the deep dirted substrate. Used a mixture of two parts peat, one part organic potting soil, one part organic compost, a handful of bonemeal and a pinch op Epsom salts (I am in South Africa so can't get your supplements here) for the dirt layer. Used a mature filter from one of my other tanks and monitored everything. There was a initial spike in the nitrates going up high in the 100's for the first three weeks so I kept doing water changes for that period. Then the nitrates just went down and down until it is hardly detectable around only 3ppm. Very stable tank now, people are astonished how little maintenance it requires. Absolutely overgrown with plants. Converted two of my other tanks (75ish and 7 gallons) to the same deep substrate (3 inches) as well, same experience. The smaller one took a little longer for the nitrates to come down, but it did eventually after 6 weeks or so. It is definitely a much easier long term way to keep a healthy aquarium. I have a 5 gallon that is just a bit too small for the deep substrate without spoiling the aesthetics which I do the regular way with a two inch inert substrate with root tabs. That little tank is about double, triple the work!

[@FatherFish]

Yes. This is an amazing system. In our arrogance we believe we can improve on nature as if the natural world were somehow inadequate. But of course it is not. It is perfect. We need only try to provide an environment where it can thrive and it will. Do not be concerned about nitrates. Plants consume it as nutrition. A good sign plants are not keeping up is the appearance of algae. That is a good time to do a minor 10% water change.

[@abhishekDeepankar]

@@FatherFish How to reduce the nitrates without water change, I have a pretty understocked 20 gallon tank and feeding is minimal, but after not changing water for 2 weeks I start seeing algae.

[@Ad_Astra_321]

I've kept ponds for years & so tanks were newer to me. I set them up & run them the same as my ponds, no water changes cause I didn't know that was a "thing" ! My tanks are better than fine =) Thanks for the video!

[@FatherFish]

Thanks for sharing Ad. Fine it is!

[@way2real364]

Hello FF.... You are the only KZbinr who will tell the truth about fish keeping. Myself and many other Cichlid Fish keepers have always doubted the weekly water change crap. I STILL DO WATER CHANGES, I THINK SOME WATER CHANGES ARE NEEDED, DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF FISH YOU KEEP. I have 3 large Central American Cichlids that are very messy eaters - but, i only do 10% water changes every 6 months as opposed to that 50%-80% weekly water change garbage.

[@FatherFish]

Extreme water changes are done by those who do not know how to establish a healthy tank.

[@adamrudge6480]

Got a 6 foot heavy stocked and heavy planted tank. It basically looks after itself. Worked for me for years, so it stands to reason what he says. I actually have to dose nitrates for the plants, as they suck it all out the water. Which is one of the main reasons people do water changes. Once fully matured anyway. But I do have about 12kg of highly porous bio media, which is also likely processing nitrates as well.

[@FatherFish]

Likely, yes.

[@taurusofficial3511]

Since I build my first 15 gallon tank they said 1 month you need change the water but due to my busines in work, I never clean them and change for almost 3 months. And my tank are still the same 6 tetras and 3 guppies with lots of snails. They are still the same clean and crystal clear. Thanks God I watched this video ❤

[@jefflistner4516]

Absolutely incredible! Thank you for your input🙌🏼!! I’m an aquarist living off grid in New Mexico, where water begins as gold. I’ve just added my 5th aquarium to my living room and currently do monthly water changes, but needed your assurance that (in a healthy environment) water only gets better with time. Very excited to subscribe to your channel, keep up the great content!

[@FatherFish]

You have my comp[lete assurance Jeff. lol

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

Hey Jeff!!! Do you ever show up to the NMAS meetings?

[@nitashamukherji5861]

This is truly spiritual thing and the only way life works at all levels, being in tune with it is so effortless as the ownership is in creator's hands, so it works out, I only wish i had come accross these vodeos from father fish before, 6 years into this hobby and nothing ever felt right so i kept searching for some advice that's true and when we seek we don't have to find it, it finds us, absolutely grateful for these videos and wisdom shared here🙏

[@martincamenzuli4774]

Great video and an eye opener. I do a 40% water change on my 125 and 75g heavily planted tank once every 2 weeks. I am definitely gonna leave it be with just water top ups and see how it goes. Thank you Father Fish!

[@FatherFish]

Watch your perameters. Work toward a deep substrate and quality, not quantity feeding.

[@andreapeden1424]

This is such wisdom! I always tell people with “ new tank” cloudiness just let it run its course!!

[@janicelundberg1956]

Hi FF, age is just a number! My father recently passed at 90 and he was always active still doing carpentry in his shop. Unfortunately a severe infection in his pancreas took him away from us. So forget “old” #number and keep on keeping on! Thanks as always for another great video! Much love and appreciation ❤️

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Janice. Opening minds until its over.

[@zeb33369]

Sorry for your loss 💞 lost my dad a few years ago but he made it to 100

[@janicelundberg1956]

@@zeb33369 Sorry for your loss as well! It sucks losing a parent no matter what age

[@Yugo.driving.school]

It’s nearly 7 months since I did my last water change, it’s a heavily planted aquarium with many species of shrimp, snails and small fish. I just top up with aged water so as not to introduce any chemicals. Seems to be well balanced, everything is giving birth and the tank visually looks spotless. I’ve left it as natural looking as possible. I’m now looking at introducing some daphnia

[@Arcadianx98]

That’s great for some. However I enjoy absolute crystal clear water by doing 10% changes a day and double the polishing filters in my canister. I’m addicted to crystal clear

[@FatherFish]

Your new water will never be as clear and warm as my old water.

[@Arcadianx98]

@@FatherFish 😂 perhaps not. Your video is first I’ve heard on this topic. I got thin substrate. Will have to do some more research on this you got me intrigued

[@SS3paranormal]

I just top up from evaporation. Love loads of plants and caring for them and the fish.

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome!

[@djljung1]

That is what I started doing as well and my tank is beautiful! All the fishies are happy!

[@johnlynch5167]

2 questions. As evaporation happens and you add more water, you are increasing the mineral content. I'm on a well. high mineral content. Second I have Discus. Every breeder and expert states change 30% every week to mimic the continuous fresh rain water entering the river system.

[@FatherFish]

It only rains for 6 months. The other 6 months everything evaporates and the water become more and more hard. Plants consume gh, reducing the water hardness and requiring its replacement.

[@boniw698]

I’ve tried to keep fresh water fish from 50 gallon to nano tanks keeping as many as 4 tanks at a time since the middle 1980’s. I’m 73 and loosing my last 20 gallon 2 years ago due to hurricane power loss and water change even with using my declorational the water had so much additives I lost my tank of 3 years. I started looking for ways to keep fresh water planted tanks without chemicals. Thank be had no luck till last night and found your blessed channel. I’m going to watch watch watch before deciding to set up another small tank. I live in an apartment so large is not an option anymore. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’m in Florida I watched your video on substrate and sand. I used packaged substrate and sand in my older tank that I lost. Best tank ever but I want to try to make your formula now. 🙏💕🫶

[@FatherFish]

Collect everything from native water, including the water. Join me in the Shoal for assistance in this: discord.gg/father-fish-shoal

[@BetterPlay]

Good video, old man. 10 % water change from gravel vaccuum once a month has been sufficient for me for 5 years. planted tank is thriving.

[@FatherFish]

Keep it going BetterPlay.

[@retropunk111]

I love the nice quotes in your background Father Fish, “Live, Love, Teach” very inspiring🌻

[@kyleredburn4223]

I have just recently found your channel. You seem very knowledgeable as well as very wholesome. You are the fish keeping world's official grandpa. I love that you include a personal touch along with great information put Into simple terms. Keep doing what you're doing. You officially have a new fan and supporter out of me.

[@FatherFish]

Welcome aboard Ryan! Thank you for your encouragement. Come join us on our DISCORD channel where you can meet fishy friends and share your tank with others.

[@MichellePhillipsNC]

I have learned so much in a brief time watching @FatherFish and I thought being 53, I had learned enough through the many aquariums I’ve had. I know nothing…

[@ksnkbvqy103]

A lot of respect to father fish. Thanks a lot for your life experience.

[@welshknight1456]

What a lovely relaxing video, helped calm my mind ,so thank you very much.

[@FatherFish]

Lovely, Welsh knight!

[@Mr3RYCK]

I agree that water changes are not needed or that one partial water change (30% - 50%) every 2 - 6 months is more than enought. But if you say "water is just water" that also mean "new water is just water". So when you do a water change, it's just water and it also means nothing by your definition. Also the "memory" atribute of water you mentioned is caused by other minerals or atoms in the water. Pure water has no memory or eletric, eletrostatic values. Thanks for sharing your knolledge with us

[@FatherFish]

It is all aboout what is in the water. That was the purpose of the video. ThoughtI made that clear. Gotta try again.

[@pulsedp]

I think as many people have said it comes down to the species and set up. I have a heavily planted 85 gallon community tank with a sand and soil substrate running a 407 for filtration and a HOB for polishing and aeration. I rarely need to do more than top ups and also 6 monthly filter maintenance on the canister. I did have a bad Cyno outbreak not long ago because my Co2/fert/lighting balance. I had to treat and change water for the first time in ages but all good now. ON THE OTHER HAND...... My africans are bi weekly 50-70% water change. Without the benefit of plants those suckers turn a nitrate test kit red in no time and given that the tank is over stocked to minimise aggression it would be a death sentence not to change water. They also seem to love water change time. EDIT*** I should add In all the years I've been keeping fish, I've never lost one to a water change. I am glad my planted tank is pretty much a self sustain little ecosystem though. The cichlids while I love them are not for the lazy.

[@FatherFish]

lol you hit all the tags! Water changes are a function of biological activity, If the load in the form of fish and feeding is above the ability of the biological system in the tank to maintain balance water changes are critical. If, however, the bioload is kept within the limits of the system to contain and balance no water changes are needed. Changing water has nothing to do with the water. It has to do with what is in the water. If that is functioning as a pollutant it must be removed or controlled. The most extreme form of remove or control is water changes. Others include filtration and restraining the fish keeper.

[@wchreidi78]

I have 120 gallon african cichlid tank and I huge oscar in it .... they been living and breeding in it for years and I dont do anything but canister clean every 6 to 8 months ... there is over 75 fish in there now cze i have to take out a lot to other tanks because they keep breeding . they all happy and no water change needed

[@devindonovan8201]

​@@FatherFish"restraining the fish keeper" like tying their hands behind their back?! 😂

[@lizardFS]

I really wish I found you 9 months ago when I set up my tanks, I've been having trouble maintaining them and with work has shorten the time I can spend working on them. I've only watched about 15 of your videos so far and now I am taking the tanks down to set them up the Father Fish way. your knowledge has me in ore. everything I've learned over the years has been a lie and only now I am seeing how wrong I've been doing things basing my knowledge off the questionable information picked up from others. I see the beauty in the tanks you've presented and what you do is incredible. so thank you for sharing your years of experience, it has opened my eyes and mind to the beautiful cycle of life and how it should be. you are God Father Fish!

[@mattbatcher802]

I like what Pops said about water, it is truly an amazing material and an absolute key to life. I try to get my water to fold over itself in the filter return. If you haven’t heard of Viktor Schauberger, well, you should. Water becomes ordered, this can be encouraged mechanically and electromagnetically. I think it develops like a kind of resonance.

[@FatherFish]

An early natural farmer who studied fish in streams.

[@jarek.zegarek]

Didn't change my water in -+ a year now. Life is thriving! The filter? I only cleaned it after approx 2 years because it was leaking. After the clean it stopped leaking and I didn't open it since then.

[@gazza2933]

I've just returned to keeping tropical fish after 35 years away from the hobby. Someone gave me a 12 page booklet to learn about tropical fish keeping, all those years ago. I had no problems. Some of the 'snowflaky' stuff I hear online about keeping fish is ridiculous!! Thank you for this sir. A bit of common sense. Subscribed. 👍 🇺🇸 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@FatherFish]

Appreciate your presence.

[@darrenwallace7471]

I totally agree with this but must add, this is only for well established aquariums not a new set up this will not apply. You will have to monitor your PH to maintain the tank water to be established over time. Partial water changes maybe needed if it’s not stable. I find catappa leaves help and others like peat moss if you need to lower your PH. Depending on your water of course, test water kit is vital to check where your water is at even after it’s cycled. Great info as usual FF just wanted to add that not only is old water is gold but just what you’re putting into your tank is also golden! 👍 🐠

[@FatherFish]

Rather than shooting blind you need to test the system so that your opinion will have merit. The comments you made are simply not relevant.

[@darrenwallace7471]

@@FatherFish I think I realized I was meant to reply to another message and it sent as a general message lol. Technically challenged sometimes! 😂

[@MindManiacMarcus]

This man's voice is absolutely beautiful Does this sort of methodology work for goldfish? Do you need a really huge tank?

[@FatherFish]

Yes it does!

[@larryhenry719]

I skim the sand if it gets too dirty but for the most I just add water when it evaporates.

[@FatherFish]

Good job Larry.

[@Xoo57]

I agree with the simplicity of this video and would say the main point is basically import / export control of nutrients. Water doesn’t “go bad” necessarily but it does get polluted so you need something to balance out the other side of that whether that’s a established microbiome or water changes. Nature is pretty resilient and will figure itself out with stability in most cases in my experience. I think the last part is anecdotal in the sense of matching water but there is some intuition that I’ve developed through time in the hobby with what you’re saying. I always have some hesitancy in moving my fish from their established tank even if the water is chemically similar in most capacities through RODI and re-mineralization. Whether freshwater or marine.

[@ForeverAlone100100]

Water can change, water can form, water can age, water can be memorizable, be water my friend..

[@FatherFish]

There is romance in your soul R game.

[@FoolyLiving]

I have to change out my water softener water for spring water in my 75 gallon tank. Having issue after issue. pH is higher in spring water than water softener water. Can't figure out how to replace the water, except doing 5 gallons at a time.

[@brianwatson7544]

I only replace evaporated water. I haven't checked the values in forever. I should probably do that. :)

[@FatherFish]

Why agitate yourself Brian? It's fine, right? Leave it alone.

[@evansmoak7182]

Same here. No lids. Lots of plants and pathos roots coming from above as well.

[@denniscoughlin7437]

I have learned so much from you. I always had tanks with gravel fake plants and was always fighting ph and clouded water. I havent had a tank for 20 years now always wanted one. With your wisdom im goin to pull the trigger and get a small tank mabey a 20 gallon. My last tank was a 55 gallon. But i am dieing to set up a tank with your methods and will move up to bigger tanks. Thank you Sir for you time and expert knowledge

[@enhncr]

I just want to know how to find other reasonable and smart people like father fish here on KZbin. For years I’ve been fighting with the hobby. Water changes are just a stupid idea! That’s it. Btw I am a biologist and scientist. Good job father fish!!! I love your content!

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

👋

[@yaboijardo2319]

Few people seem to appreciate the contained ecosystem, I've always loved animals and fish especially and a fish in a bowl or tank with nothing but plastic rocks and water always felt wrong. It's an amazing thing to see an entire environment thrive, so much more interesting than fish in a sterile box

[@chuantongliahkane6501]

Easier to keep little fish, but what about bigger fish like oscar, how do you plan to keep them in a tank with plants sand and deal my the load of dejections those fishes do without changing water?

[@plantlifeproject]

So glad to see your videos getting a lot of views, FF! This topic especially, constantly changing water is definitely “a form of insanity” and not necessary when we emulate natural ecosystems in our tanks. Thanks again for all you are doing on KZbin!

[@FatherFish]

Yes! Thank you PlantLife!

[@mitch1611]

Been a aquarium hobbiest for over 20years now salt and fresh water and my experience is that stability and consistency is the most importnant thing, And a good way to achieve this is to make sure u have a well balanced bio system, But i would not encourage not changing water at all, I hope i this helps some people with their care.

[@FatherFish]

The principle of no water change is important to avoid making changes for no apparent reason. If the tank is foul then it may be necessary. There must be a very good reason to change water, not simply some rule someone makes up.

[@blueXcss]

Amazing video father fish, next time I have to do take water out of my aquarium I would keep it and let it sit for a few days before putting it back in..I never knew this can be done it blew my mind haha Your fish keeping philosophy is at a spiritual level I would say, no other fish keeper on you tube is like you

[@FatherFish]

We a re gaining converts daily. lol

[@nareshkharat]

Sir, thanks much for very informative videos, plz guide us on how to deal with fish poop if we are not cleaning the tank?