HOW TO: 3 GALLON FISH BOWL AQUASCAPE - George Farmer Style (No Filter, No Ferts, No co2, No heater)

How To: 3 Gallon Fish Bowl Battle - George Farmer Style - (No Filter, No Ferts, No co2, No heater)
Follow my INSTAGRAM: / md_fishtanks
As you guys can see from the start of this video, George called me this week asking for some advice on making a no filter, no ferts, no co2, no heater tank.
To start with....I was a bit taken aback because I've been watching George for the past year and a half (when i first started keeping fish) and to me, it was like talking to a celebrity.
So George scaped a small fishbowl and challenged me to a "fish bowl battle" haha.
Georges Channel: / @georgefarmerstudios
Georges first No filter, no ferts, no co2, no heater tank:
• AQUASCAPE FOR UNDER $1...
I have the same fish bowl as him, but it is very limiting in what you can do because of the size, so i went and found this IKEA lampshade and converted it into a fish bowl.
This way, I can scape a real no filter tank and keep some fry, shrimp and snails in it, rather than it just being plants only.
So seeing as George opted for my style....i thought i would try his in my no filter tank :D. Usually my scapes and very short of actual hardscape to make room for more plants, but in this case, i crammed in a lot of stems behind the hardscape so we are all good.
Anyway, I hope you like the video. I think it is probably my best work yet.
#nofiltertank #nofilteraquarium #fishbowl

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Great job mate! You smashed me fair and square 👍💚🙏 Love the video and scape. So cool to see you creating such lovely content and inspiring so many folk with your passion and hard work. Looking forward to meeting you at some point soon hopefully 😃

[@MDFishTanks]

Thanks George. I've got some beers ready for next Sunday :)

[@bluerun22]

George Farmer you have to 👏🏼 back!!

[@daspinmonkey]

Wasn't a fair fight to be honest haha. Would like to see a battle using the same materials and plants :) but I did enjoy the videos!

[@MrSneakerhead1994]

You guys are both great inspirations to this community

[@georgiealbay8322]

2 of my favorite aquascapers. love both of your work!

[@MDFishTanks]

Hi all. First of all, big thank you to George Farmer and his really nice comments about me in his recent no filter fish bowl video (link to Georges channel and the video in description). So the whole fish bowl battle was a bit of a joke we were having in a telephone conversation but we've ran with it for a bit of fun. So i've scaped this tank in a signature George Farmer style with my touch on it to make it sustainable as a no filter tank (basically tons of stem plants instead of crypts and floating plants). I hope you all enjoy the video . If you do, please share the love by clicking like and subscribe if you haven't already. ...and remember, keep on bowling :D

[@evelynsilva5859]

MD Fish Tanks there’s no filter

[@MDFishTanks]

@@evelynsilva5859 yes that's right :)

[@evelynsilva5859]

Amazing job I try to do it but I made a mistake lol I saw another video were George farmer were he try to do your steps and looking at his video I saw what mistake I did basically we did the same mistake but he fix it he mention you on the video ; his like I wonder what he would say if he saw my video lol ,amazing job!! I will try it again following all your steps !! Thanx

[@RebeccaElice]

What do u do for excess fish waste?

[@amusingkiwi9586]

Were can i get a fish lamp like that?

[@ThePlantedTankTV]

Bro you killed it. I don't think most people here realize how much patience it takes to scape a bowl tank. Love it! ✌😊

[@MDFishTanks]

Yeah, It takes longer than people think. It even took me longer than I thought it would 😂

[@dairyist]

The Planted Tank I realize it now! I’ve got the most of my materials but keep picking up more plants as I search for inspiration!! Arranging my few rocks is not as simple as it looks!! Today is the day!

[@juliebutler8241]

Made one with Rocks and plants from my yard with a tiny pump with a little geyser effect. I got all done and replaced the plug into the lower outlet and it all went wonky!. A couple of hours later and many more cuss words and it is real nice now. Patience my butt. But ya can't quit when you want one of these for ambience in a room.

[@GiantParfait]

My partner showed me this, saying they're inspired now to make use of a bowl they have. I really like how you explain what you're putting in and, often times, *why* you're using what and where. It really elevates your videos and it's so helpful. Thank you. Super entertaining.

[@graphite2786]

Good one Mark! What a blast to be noticed by George Farmer, one of the most known and respected scapers on KZbin! I really love how all the best scapers appreciate and support one another ( unlike a lot of other KZbinr categories, even some of the pet tuber and tank tuber communities have turned rather toxic and drama centered ) and it makes me proud to be involved with such good and talented people. Cheers!

[@MDFishTanks]

Yeah, the aquascaping community is zen like :)

[@TinRoofVintage]

What a gorgeous bowl! I laughed at the baby guppy watching that weird shrimp swim by. I am really trying to learn to densely plant a tank with the right plants. Also, I liked that you added plant fertilizer to the sand and substrate, instead of making it a dirted tank. It seems a lot cleaner and much easier. As much as I love the idea of the Walstad jars/bowls, I have been failing miserably ... I won't give up though! Thank you for such beautiful work. Peace & blessings from Texas ♡♡♡

[@MDFishTanks]

Walstad is great, but we have other materials available now for not much expense, so why not use them.

[@Zipnologic]

One of few communities that engage in such a synergistic manor, it is so refreshing to see. You guys made a new fan out of me. Saving up for my first tank and will probably be doing something similar. =)

[@MDFishTanks]

That's exactly what we want to hear :)

[@scallywagintexas7648]

Your the best nano aqua scaper I’ve yet to see! I love your work! Continue to blow our minds with your art!

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you :)

[@jessicametzger4662]

Nice to see you both challenging each other to go outside “your normal” and try something new. That’s how growth happens. When we step outside our confines and take risks. Well done gentleman! Both are winners in my opinion.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thanks jessica

[@eugenb.8448]

So glad I found your channel. I’ve been watching George for a while and thankfully it led here. You’ve resolved a mystery for me. Years ago when I was heavily into the hobby I got my tanks to be no-CO2, no-fert, etc. But I didn’t know how I did it, it just kind of happened. But because you explain what is actually going on I can now replicate a similar tank with less trepidation as I re-enter the hobby today. Thanks so much!

[@rickyabdullah4758]

I never skip the process from the beginning until end, it’s fascinating to see how you work for the aquascape

[@martisl9652]

Man i dont know what to say.. im like speechless, its so beautiful! And you make it look so easy. For the record, I took the plunge yesterday and scaped and planted my first tank. Thank goodness the closest big fish and scaping store is an hour away, or id be in real trouble!! Thank you inspiring all of us to become more creative.

[@MDFishTanks]

Wiw. That's great to hear that I've inspired you. Take your time with everything and you will be fine.

[@fshlvr]

Inspiring and beautiful video... I feel I’m ready to create my tribute tank for my beloved sister Ana ❤️ Your video and George Farmer’s video continue to inspire a novice like me. Thank you so much ❤️

[@MDFishTanks]

Very good 👍😊

[@sadboisaboiskii9046]

HOW DO YOU CLEAN IT PLEASE TELL ME EVERYTHING I BEG YOY

[@aikanuar2234]

Just let it sit overnight

[@ousssskh]

so beautiful ♡ i hope you will make a maintenance video on this scape . i love your work man

[@MDFishTanks]

Yes of course.

[@williammcdowell6257]

Excellent - ordinary NPK is fine (contrary to some advice) if used carefully, duckweed a really good idea, at least for the running in period, Ramshorn snails are wonderful - just watch out for daylight issues & thus algae and is your background central heating going to keep water temperatures above 20 in the winter? Really cool and I love the DIY skills and imaginative adaptation of materials in your videos.

[@MDFishTanks]

18 - 20 degress. The studio is hugely insulated and no daylight gets in :)

[@TinRoofVintage]

I viewed George's bowl ... he did great for a first time no fert, no heat, no filter bowl! Bravo!

[@MDFishTanks]

Yeah, it's harder to do than you think.

[@YsabetJustYsabet]

Okay, watched 'em both. George Farmer's was lovely, but I have to say that using your rocks as such a focal point did a huge amount for your tank-- it gave yours a *lot* of contrast, and as pretty as all that green was in George's, it had little contrast-- it was very full. (I did really like his lighting, though!) Of the two, I prefer yours. But both were beautiful!

[@siobhonphillips2295]

Wow that's stunning! You are fast becoming up there with George as one of my favourite channels! :-)

[@monapaler5056]

You and George, i love you guys and the World is so small, but much more beautiful with you. 👍❤

[@MCAQUIN0]

the plant fertilizer pellet that you put is okay with the cherry shrimp? no copper?

[@MDFishTanks]

I have it in most of my tanks and all is ok.

[@uomorana71]

08:25 these small guppies are so nice!

[@MDFishTanks]

Yeah, they are endler guppies. They will stay nice and tiny :)

[@pile_ofsalt]

I pretty much discovered you thanks to George Farmer whom I am following some time. You are true inspuration #MDFishTanks. Not only because of your amazing vivariums, but also because of your obviously very good time management. You have family, house to keep, healthy body, I bet you are working too and quite time consuming hobby, plus doing these amazing videos. Well done, I am seriously impressed. I would appriciate (and maybe even other slackers like me) if you would make a video of you explaining your time management.

[@kenfriesen6873]

I'd say you won, but maybe give George one more shot at it, first time and all.

[@MDFishTanks]

We both had fun so we are both winners. That's what it's about.

[@kenfriesen6873]

All in good fun, love both your vids.

[@michaela-be4le]

So much character in so little space....beautiful !!

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you 😊

[@carlapappalardo1901]

Really enjoyed watching that. Puts my old 4 gal tall oval bowl to shame. I had plans to do something again with it. But, I always found it awkward to keep the substrate clean. It appears though that you will be leaving yours alone (am I correct? and that doesn't ever create problems for you down the road/). I will have to go back and check out George's, but clearly yours was the winner.

[@vampgaia]

Gorgeous! I came to your channel because of George's video. Even so, you won the bowl challenge hands down.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thanks ginger

[@ErehErehErin]

God, that turned out so beautiful! You have a gift.❤❤❤

[@Triliton]

So much beauty in such a small bowl. Wow :) Music was perfect too!

[@aceachu]

Really inspiring tank. But the cleaning part. As u added the guppies. They are the messy eaters and the tank will be bad after a week. 25% water change will help ??? But how it will be the monthly wise ?????

[@MDFishTanks]

It will kot be messy. They are tiny fry. The snails and shrimp will clean waste, plants purify the water. I've done this many times now, it works 👍😊

[@davescheer5038]

I also have a 9” inch waterfall globe made by tetra that I got at a second hand store that didn’t have the filter set up , I have a sponge filter in it and I set it up for a shrimp tank , I’m really interested to see how your globe does please keep us posted on how it’s doing in the future 👍🏼

[@phrababushkath2350]

That is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!! What a MAGNIFICENT job!!!

[@ArnoldQMudskipper]

This scape has really bowled me over.

[@MDFishTanks]

Hahaha. Brilliant.

[@deletingsoon.3790]

That looks absolutely amazing, more people should aquascape betta bowls.

[@MDFishTanks]

Hopefully they will 😊

[@invboi]

Absolutely gorgeous. Ur so inspirational that’s for sure 10/10

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you Ali

[@favorgrace9041]

Love it. It would be better if you post a recent update of this scape. Thx.

[@peculiarone339]

I recently found this channel & have been binge watching a TON!! I'm inspired to do a no filter, no heater planted tank. My house is COLD right now though sooooo, I'll see. 🤷‍♀️😊

[@saadchowdhury781]

Can you make a short video on how you prepare the substrate and how can I use something else other than aquasoil because it's really expensive in my country.

[@RAZOR12334]

Im from India and I use organic potting soil for more than 16 years. Its very cheap and effective.

[@saadchowdhury781]

@@RAZOR12334 I've tried it but it gets so messy.

[@jayanpatel4409]

I love your work MD. Always awesome and always inspiring! You got me in to fish tanks... So peaceful. Thank you. But...Crocs with Socks?!?!!?

[@chadr3376]

It looks so nice.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you Chad

[@mesterh6402]

Been looking for a decent sized bowl to do a nice litle scape to keep shrimp in for a long time.. Where do you find them? Typical fish bowls are illegal where i'm from so they're very hard to come by.

[@MDFishTanks]

Like I said in the video, I made it from a lampshade I brought in IKEA

[@promisepenton6669]

Walmart sells a 3 gallon bubble bowl near the silk plants for under $12! It is sorts fragile so you gotta be gentle but I’m using mine to do this same thin. Good luck!

[@nijojacob8513]

Superb work man.... I always watch youtube searching how to do aquascap.. many videos I have seen in that this video is awesome and your effort made that small tank marvellous... had good time watching it... love and wishes...

[@MDFishTanks]

glad you enjoyed it Nico

[@robertfletcher3421]

I think the challenge was a great idea. I am just glad I am not the judge. Wonderful stuff.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank robert

[@nightowl760]

Amazing. You are my favorite channel right now. I need a nap... So relaxed

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you. That's great to know

[@sidmac5521]

Incredible you make it look effortless

[@MDFishTanks]

It really is quite easy to be honest. Anyone can do it and because they are small, you can just redo things very fast if you are not happy.

[@marcdunord]

silicone does not stick well to acrylic. You could have simply silicone-glued the "bowl" to a square of thick glass with beveled edges to both seal the bottom and add the base at once. PS. too bad they don't sell bigger bowls. Even in acrylic they would be great; i've seen only big acrylic cylinders. PPS. i assume robotic algae scrapers work ok on a concave surface...

[@jasminsanchez945]

beautiful!! I want to make something just like this! How do you clean it and maintain it clean?????

[@mysticodyssey4013]

Beautiful bowl set up. This video is very informative and helps a lot.

[@martinzaba3912]

great battle.. no winners, no loosers, just beautifull world of aquascaping ;-)

[@arcangelgf]

Love your videos and minimalistic style!! but please lose the socks with crocs jajaja

[@MDFishTanks]

Haha. They are very useful for nipping in and out of the studio/house. I've become one with the crocs lol

[@craxis3]

That's off the hook. Your scapes are awesome.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you :)

[@mayan4336]

This is beautiful hope your channel keeps growing fast and you keep producing amazing content.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you. Me too :)

[@StampingWithDi]

those little shrimp are hilarious!

[@1reefluvr2]

That scape is insane, off the hook!!!! Speechless

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you :)

[@chetankumar2274]

This scape is very very beautiful .

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you

[@firosmuhamed3158]

always loved ur no filter no fert tanks...

[@MDFishTanks]

Me too. More to come.

[@John-pp5vr]

You should put a school of piranhas in there they would fit great!

[@a.m7059]

Finally someone that know how to decorate a bowl aquarium hahaha some people just know to talk bowl is not good for fish.....

[@ralphmills7322]

How often do you do a water change? Since there is no filter would you need to put in an air stone at night (or when not on display) to help agitate the water for oxygen exchange?

[@dhruvshrivastava1042]

Nature is. The world most beautiful bthing Well done MD

[@kevinpilon11]

Well that was amazing. How in the world will you be able to keep it pruned tho won't it be out of control?

[@MDFishTanks]

Not at all. Long curved scissors are our friends.

[@deweddingbells]

Great job. I want to know how you taking care of these plants without CO2

[@atticustong7506]

My new favorite scape by you! 👍

[@MDFishTanks]

Me too I think.

[@beastly_brisket_man6249]

Starting to like these more than regular tanks

[@aquaterraexoticpets]

Also looks so cool I will definitely do one of these

[@MDFishTanks]

Yeah, give it a go 😊

[@someguy3186]

Triceps looking good in the thumbnail. Great scape too.

[@MDFishTanks]

lol. just started doing a bit of training again.

[@fhpd350]

Gorgeous and inspiring as always! You were my inspiration for my first planted aquarium, a 4 gallon cube. Still wondering what to stock it with as far as livestock. Any thoughts? Will definitely try the bowl scape next!

[@MDFishTanks]

I'd say 4 gallon is a good size for a betta. Glad I inspire you

[@Zipnologic]

I know I've already commented, but i have an idea for more collaborations I thought id just throw out there, one person picks a prop (comical or serious), hardscape peace, or other item and you have to feature that in the builds....

[@MDFishTanks]

Hmmmm. Sounds interesting...

[@joicemanueltom6688]

Great job Love your videos I even made a 35 gallon tank inspired by your Asian aquarium. Could you please share me the details of the light you used in this bowl tank? I really liked the light, perfect for nano tanks. May be a link or something Thank you

[@Sispheor]

Nice and relaxing video. Very good job. Is there an update video of this bowl after a couple month?

[@MDFishTanks]

No because I accidentally smashed it with a drill 🤣 was doing great before I did that

[@martinicu]

I have a vase tank inspired by yours. The addition of the miracle grow doesn't harm the snails and one small whitecloud I have in the tank? Its about 6 mos old and plants need some help.

[@MDFishTanks]

It has never hurt any of my fauna before.

[@jonydupre]

It looks amazing! Great job once again :) Btw, what does MD stand for? Kinda curious.

[@tianeyy]

I thought it his name

[@MDFishTanks]

It's the initials of my name.

[@AfnanStudio_]

Major Dingus

[@brettscapes9801]

Definitely won mate.... I love all of your scapes Mark keep up the good work, You and George need to do a scape off 🌱 🌱

[@tropicalterrarium1742]

MD you used miracle grow with fish?

[@alexjackson7647]

This is stunning!!! You inspire me to do more with myself and the no filter small style and your work is just amazing! Presentation is amazing and makes it look so natural and smooth! I wish I could be as good as you one day! I have only just started doing fish bowls over on my Facebook page @REALAQUARIUMS and I know I can get somewhere good by learning from you, thank you so much for what you do! Subscribed for ages and liked every video I have seen!

[@MDFishTanks]

Cheers Alex

[@ElijahLM01]

what should i use if i dont have mature water? also what is aftercare for something like this? do i need to change the water regularly or anything or does the ecosystem handle it all for me?

[@PlantedElement]

This is great. Bowls coming back in the game!

[@MDFishTanks]

I hope so :)

[@aquaterraexoticpets]

The tank will be fine with no filter? Of course the plants will take care of it but wont the water have to be constantly changed?

[@MDFishTanks]

For the first week it will. But then after that, the water takes care of itself. I have smaller no filter tanks with fish and shrimp in and they get a water change once a month.

[@aquaterraexoticpets]

Wow I thought it would be weekly

[@shesellsfish]

It's all in the details. Amazing bowl scape. 👍💕👍

[@user-gw2st2pu7l]

дуже гарно👍very nice

[@MDFishTanks]

😊👍

[@AleZakko]

please can you tell me how many time do you cut the plants, how many times do you change the water etc? I'm new from this hobby, and i would like to build my first fish bowl without atrificial elements, like co2, filters, etc... My sister can give me some guppy and water matured from its aquarium ... many thanks! :)

[@MDFishTanks]

Changed 50% water everyday for the first week. 50% every other day for the second week and then once a week after that

[@AleZakko]

@@MDFishTanks thanks my friend!

[@aswinviswam3249]

Great wonderfully arranged and it was so beautiful❤️

[@micoestrellagolddiggerbitc5313]

MD Fish Tanks always rocks!!! So inspiring. Love you guys. Keep up the great works!

[@josiehead5103]

I love this, I also have a planted 30l bowl wish I could share a pic of it!

[@brucelord3801]

Once again my friend, Amazing

[@MDFishTanks]

Thanks bruce

[@fishermen21]

The ramshorn snail will start to lay eggs and populate the wholembowl.. How did you control it? did you need to clean the tank glass wall regularly?

[@christinanicole7000]

What is that little wispy/ fluffy plant in the foreground, just behind the stones?

[@JuanMartinez-kf5mq]

Can you make a video on how to maintain and clean your little paradise please

[@FiginosFilm]

Wonderful 👍 love you scapes

[@BumderKing]

This is fantastic... does the lamp provide adequate warmth to heat the tank, or are you hiding an internal heater? (I am new to this so apologies for my ignorance)

[@BGomez-tk7lu]

You could've isntalled a small sump system as you already had a hole pre-drilled...

[@MDFishTanks]

😂😂

[@pastadrmartinssempa6295]

Man I like bowls without animals inside. Especially without fishes. What you have there after the scape? Maybe 3 liters of space?

[@vinniejudilla3921]

Nailed it!! Great job👍👍👍

[@MDFishTanks]

You think? Thanks for the comment.

[@vinniejudilla3921]

I think it's great what you do brother and it's fun to watch talented people challenge each other in their craft. Keep up the great work. Videos like yours, green aqua, Jurijs, George and so many others keep me inspired and motivated to continue enjoying this great hobby👍👍👍

[@Populiervogel]

Wow a Superbowl! Magnificent work, well done, this is the best Scape channel on KZbin at the moment, please do more battles with George.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you. Haha. He would kill me at everything else lol.

[@sidwellavfc]

Beautiful work

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you

[@angry_morbo]

Отличный выпуск

[@MDFishTanks]

thank you :)

[@felonyflowers8492]

If you don’t have mature water, what kind of water should be used and how to prep it?

[@davidarzeno1177]

I love it. Could this support the demand for a betta as well?

[@pnw_element9822]

Always a good job when Md builds something great work man

[@AxoO69120]

Hi ! great work :) Little question : you dont need pump for water movement ?