🪴🐟🪴‼️How to Build a Beginner Houseplant-ed Fish Tank (RIPARIUM)🪴🐟🪴‼️

[@kevinbrowndc]

After watching 100 videos I found this. I am at exactly this point. Starting with a second hand 80g 4 ft. It all about the plants.

[@bournebrawler9012]

This is exactly the video I've been searching for. Tons of experts on youtube showing off their beautiful tanks, but not much help for a beginner. Thank you so much!

[@plantlifeproject]

You’re welcome! Glad you found the video!

[@RoyalMetal9]

I had an ingenious idea come to me when it came to suspending plants in the water. Rather than use unsightly plastic holders or styrofoam, and fumbling with clips and zip ties, I grabbed two spiderwood chunks I had and hooked their roots over the edge of the aquarium. This provided plenty of areas to stick plants into. It actually looks amazing because it continues with the natural look a riparium is all about. And they are easily adjusted and moved. I also positioned a long piece of driftwood so it was sticking out of the water by about a foot. I used this to clip my light to. Again, no fumbling with brackets or shelves or hooks.

[@plantlifeproject]

Sounds great! And keeps the materials natural

[@lisadouglas2963]

Hi, what is spider wood?

[@RoyalMetal9]

@@lisadouglas2963 Oh hi! I forgot I even made that comment. Spider wood is a type of aquarium driftwood that comes in pieces that have a lot of long thin bent, twisty roots.

[@lisadouglas2963]

@@RoyalMetal9 ok thanks. I used plant stakes with zip ties. My plants are established already. But thanks for the reply. I’ll keep it in mind when/if I setup another planted tank.

[@FatherFish]

Good job. Great to see new channels on the same page with deep substrates. I love your theme. Good photography. Good content.

[@plantlifeproject]

Sorry, For some reason, I can’t access your last response. You mentioned something about a live video???

[@MountainDewNinja99]

Thank you so much for the caddy idea. Nobody's really given me a good way to hang these plants up until I saw that caddies are an option. Thank you! Informative, beautiful, and overall a fantastic creation. Loved this

[@HitsFromThePast]

Hello Mr. PlantLife, I am very new on aquarium Fish/Plant hobby, I wish i watch your video first before i went hunting for the supply. I will continue watching for info, I nearly gave up until i remembered your words "dont give up and give it time"

[@plantlifeproject]

Glad to hear that the videos are helping and that you are encouraged to keep trying, it is an encouragement to me to hear from you!

[@adavis_1]

This was extremely helpful and easy as we had all these houseplants already!! Thank you for the tutorial!!! Our fish are loving it!!

[@plantlifeproject]

Sweet! You’re welcome! Go for it!

[@AveCaesar2025]

I made something like this about 26 years ago in the dining area of the house, it got the sun almost all day long so the plants had plenty of light. I used an old plastic babies bath as my water container and used a small filter mainly to ensure the water got plenty of oxygen added in. I grew ferns all around the outside and had papyrus plants growing in the water along with whatever I found in a local pet shop. It grew very well, the fish were happy and loved it, grew quite large. The problem came when we moved, the new house wasn't as good and the rooms were a lot darker. It only lasted another few months after that, the plants died off and the fish didn't appreciate being moved into an aquarium at all, leaving me with a fairly new aquarium, filter system etc and nothing else. But would like to do it again because it seemed, for the 10 years or so I had it running successfully, that both the flora and the fauna were happy with the arrangement. Thanks for a great video, and I think you've spurred me on to trying again, this time using an aquarium from the beginning.

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks for sharing, sounds beautiful, I’m glad you feel inspired to set it up again!

[@robertwatson6359]

​@@plantlifeproject I use plant clip so it hold my pothos and philodendron and monstera plant in place so it grow on the trellis on my wall so the leaf away from the aquarium

[@jacamper]

This was a great intro to the riparium hobby that didn't make me feel dumb 😅 thanks for the video!

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks, I’m glad it was relatable

[@Sorraiamustang]

This was great .... definitely liked and subscribed . Clear, concise ,straight to the point with a relaxing voice . Very well done and Inspiring. Many Thanks 😊

[@plantlifeproject]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the sub, I hope you also enjoy the channel!

[@shedlife9599]

Love the Moon light and your beautiful plants

[@celticgypsy6067]

I’ve seen Peace Lilly growing in a Shopping Centre in water. There were several in a Waterfall display.

[@plantlifeproject]

Sounds beautiful!

[@nbvlbbsr320]

Its really Good, Informative and much Kudos to you for sharing such videos.

[@arunwithaviewmedia]

I’m so glad I found your channel. Thanks so much for sharing all this great info. I’ve been wanting to convert one of my aquariums into a riparium for ages - and you’ve inspired me to finally just do it. Thanks again.

[@plantlifeproject]

Awesome! Go for it!

[@Fishnkitts]

Wow, what a great tutorial!! So glad I found your channel. Thank you so much!!

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks, you are welcome!

[@melechf8712]

Excellent Excellent work!

[@dominicflorio5708]

I have houseplant rooted cuttings in some of my tanks, but I am really inspired by this and it is going to be my next aquarium, number seven.

[@cosmicjoy6874]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!!

[@man_ofthe_year6568]

Dude you’re amazing. I have been growing pothos in my tank for a while they have grown a little since i put them in but havent done much. Now i have hope that i can make them flourish

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks man! You can do it!

[@cathyaponte4192]

This was an awesome video, the caddy deal is the best idea ever, ty

[@plantlifeproject]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisadouglas2963]

Love it. By the way, what do you use for climbing plants? I noticed one in the background in your other tank. Wish I found you before I started my aquariums

[@plantlifeproject]

Pothos is a great climber, also Monstera adansonii, ficus pumilla, sweet potato vine

[@KeepingFishSimple]

you deserve way more subs bro

[@plantlifeproject]

I appreciate your encouragement! Your latest fish room tour video (Hobbyist keeping fish for 45 years) popped up on my feed yesterday and I loved it!

[@yomommajumprcables]

That look really nice, Thanks for showing

[@leahsandow9300]

Love the shower caddy idea! Liked & subscribed 😊

[@plantlifeproject]

Yay! Thank you!

[@singh11373]

Are the roots completely submerged in water or halfway

[@plantlifeproject]

In this video, most of the plants have roots half way in water except the peace lily.

[@jaxxkane7504]

This is very cool Im gonna try this my 28 gallon tank thanks love your ideas

[@sambatesy1079]

Thankyou...this had given me some confidence to try!

[@meggrotte4760]

Oh wow this is a great channel and highly underrated

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks!

[@baxtikbzs3298]

Good job man, just beautifullll riparium respect👍👏

[@deebee4751]

Excellent information and tutorials. Thank you so much.

[@plantlifeproject]

You’re welcome, glad you like them!

[@chriswheeler6092]

I like your videos. Pothos is a great plant for all ages and experience levels.I really like Fittonia too.I have propagated several plants from the original ones that I bought. I clipped some pothos down to one leaf and one node.Its been about a year, but I have a good size plant that has grown from the clippings.

[@ineel74]

Loved the video. Very informative.

[@plantlifeproject]

Glad it was helpful!

[@serkanyilmaz7065]

I love it, it's so beautiful

[@bernandoturner4840]

Very Educational..😀

[@KariIsSoVery]

Great idea! This will be my next project!

[@plantlifeproject]

Have fun!

[@ncbniks547]

I love your work and ideas. Best wishes from India 🇮🇳

[@plantlifeproject]

Welcome to the channel! Thank you!

[@vidaripollen]

Great work,love it 👏👏👏

[@rdred8693]

You can use plastic orchid pots instead of shower caddies.

[@mogwaii2912]

Great video, thanks! Gonna start on this project asap. Will look for part 2

[@plantlifeproject]

Here’s the playlist for this tank! Hope this helps! Beginner HOUSEPLANT-ed 10 gallon tank story kzbin.info/aero/PLc-MnFcyYUASdftdWUJStEwNJceOwIlEW

[@chandelleross9397]

Thank you for the detailed explanation as I am completely a novice and abit dim😂🤦‍♀️

[@plantlifeproject]

You’re welcome 😊

[@allyc5210]

this is exactly the beginner video ive been looking for. i have a planted tank but after 6+ months its still struggling. my aquatic plants just arent growing at all, and many times ive considered starting it over again. and this is exactly what ive always had in mind! im wondering what is the purpose of the cat litter in the soil?

[@plantlifeproject]

Glad you found this video! The clay (cat litter) in the soil adds minerals and can help store plant nutrients

[@jgoeg8922]

Great camara angles! It looks beautiful!

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks man!

[@YoungBoyTim]

Hello Sir, I'm new to your channel and you've fascinated me with the simplicity and beauty of those rypariums. Could you explain a bit better how you hanged those plants?

[@plantlifeproject]

There are many ways to do this, here’s a video that hopefully explains it more thoroughly. 🪴🐠How to: DIY Riparium planters for Small and LARGE fish Tanks !🐠🪴 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aovZZ4l_l7elo9U Please Let me know if you have more questions

[@arda1094]

@@plantlifeproject Do you use filters

[@ginzero]

I'm very glad I found your video! Thanks for posting, always admired seeing these at the tropical fish stores but didn't know how to start building!

[@plantlifeproject]

Excellent, welcome! Once you build a Riparium, you will realize how simple it really is, and it opens up a whole new world

[@rdred8693]

My favorite channel. Please tell me what is that silver lamp fixture?

[@plantlifeproject]

here is a link to the clamp on lights I use a.co/d/gIorU61 I use a household LED light bulb 800 lumens, 5000 kelvin (or higher) or the grow light bulbs in this link a.co/d/0NmbKzT

[@kincadedm]

Great ideas and doesn't break the budget!

[@plantlifeproject]

thanks! I really want people to know how easy and affordable ripariums are

[@melchantz]

Soooo beautiful

[@christinaturner6883]

Thanks for the cheaper ideas on this

[@plantlifeproject]

No problem!

[@brandonterry6194]

GRATITUDE💥🌴🐟💥

[@Trainyourbrain9792]

Your videos are amazing! So stoked to build out the lush plant wall. But, I have a parlor palm that got dull and pale. Will reducing the hours of light it is getting help bring back it's color or should I think about getting a less intense grow light? How many hours do you have your lights on for your palms and peace lily?

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks, glad you like them! I think reducing light intensity and possibly giving it liquid iron and/or nitrates depending on your water parameters should help with getting them greener. I have lights on mine 10-12 hrs a day but it is 6500k white light at a distance of about 26 inches above the plants.

[@BB-bv6uq]

Awesome tutorial, new sub now... Thank you for the soil recipe 👍👍

[@plantlifeproject]

thanks, You’re welcome!

[@melaniec463]

This looks amazing!!

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks!

[@lastdays7855]

Love your videos ❤️

[@BigShrimpin416]

Would suction cups be an easier option for holding the planters? You would be easily able to adjust height and placement also

[@plantlifeproject]

Suction cups drive me crazy, I can’t depend on them staying attached!

[@sureshzala5207]

Supper Dupper yar 😋 😍

[@mazlanhasan]

Very informative. Can't wait to build my first ripariums! Thank you!

[@juliebrown1510]

Can you make a video on a planted 29 gallon Aquarium please??

[@plantlifeproject]

Here’s one of a 29 gallon tank with houseplants Transform Your 29 Gallon Fish Tank into a Breathtaking Riparium kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnjEpK2BorSLhs0

[@meggrotte4760]

You know I always wanted to actually include potted plants inside the tank but since my tanks are a bit limited because of size what I did was I actually just put potted plants next to the tank and on top of the filter in small pots It looks really good but one day when I have my own fish room I'm going to actually attempt to try what you did Another thing is my potted plants I can actually set them in the window seal during the day and they can have light and then at night they can just sit and look cool. how many subscriber of your channel by the way can't wait to see the fish

[@gabrielhendriksz4090]

We followed your recipe to a tee, both with substrate and plants but after six weeks we still have ammonia off the charts. Would love to hear your feedback.

[@plantlifeproject]

Oh no! I’m curious about a few things: Are the plants growing? How much light are they getting? Have you been keeping fish in the tank and how many? How deep is the soil layer? How deep is the sand layer? I never had problems with ammonia, this tank is still growing and healthy after one year. Hopefully we can get this problem worked out for you!

[@gabrielhendriksz4090]

@@plantlifeproject The plants are growing and seem very happy. We have a mix of house plants (peace lilly and others) as well as submerged aquarium plants. We made a rookie mistake by adding 10 neon tetras two weeks in but they all kicked the bucket. At that point we started testing with a master API testing kit at home. The soil layer is 2-3 cm, sand 3-4 cm, pebble substate approx 3 cm everything sloped to the back. We have a decent LED light system suspended above. The tank looks awesome, but the ammonia readings are consistenly above 8 ppm. I have been using Seachem prime, zeolite in the filter and supplemental bacteria (Dr Tim's) to try to get the ammonia down, but no luck so far.

[@gabrielhendriksz4090]

Forgot to add, the LED lights are on about 6 hours a day

[@plantlifeproject]

@@gabrielhendriksz4090 I would recommend a sand layer of 2 inches (6 cm?) at a minimum. This sand layer acts as a cap that keeps the soil nutrients separate from the water column. The plant roots will still penetrate this layer and feed on the soil but the sand will still be able to maintain a “seal” around the roots. I ran into a similar problem in a different tank except the problem was high nitrates and adding more sand did help to correct the problem. Here’s a video about it. 🌿👉How to: Add sand to substrate and protect the BIO-Filter 👍🌿 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqe5i56ji5J8h9U It also may be helpful to run your lights 7-8 hours per day to allow the plants more time to feed on the ammonia. I hope this helps you!

[@ruidadgmailcanada8508]

Not sure if this was solved, I’d recommend water change 50% every 3rd day until it’s near 0. Staying at 0 without water changes for a week, then try a few fish. Wait a week, add some more. Also need more fast growing water column feeding plants, like Hornwort, Pothos, Water Lettuce. It’s a balance.

[@scottgordin9709]

I like the shower caddy ideas, been thinking about adding live plants to my 125gal for some time but didn’t want to bury the roots in the substrate cause my fish will just dig them up.

[@plantlifeproject]

What kind of fish do you have?

[@1Devonpen]

Great ideas, thanks for sharing

[@mellewedin8221]

See I have always used plants in all of my Aquariums. I have even gotten pothos to grow underwater. It grows extremely slow but still none the less is grows. I have a so many plants that have no rooted themselves into the water systems I have to use root tabs. I have even gotten mini plams to grow and live submerged in water. Thank for some of the tips. My question is though, what do you do about the the tank settling. Soon it will flatten out over time and gravel and sand will mix.

[@plantlifeproject]

I don’t worry about the sand and gravel mixing over time, more natural that way. If it loses slope over time I would just push the sand back to a slope. Sand should be deep enough to do this with out disturbing the dirt layer.

[@sarahk4047]

Looks fantastic!

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks!

[@arda1094]

Do you use filters

[@kelseyyshort7759]

I seen in another video that if you have aquatic plants in the tank, the plants like pothos etc will take away the nutrients from the other plants killing them?

[@plantlifeproject]

Pothos can definitely take nutrients away from other plants that feed on the water column, like java fern, moss etc. especially if the tank is understocked. I have experienced this. But substrate feeding plants should be fine even if Pothos roots grow down into the substrate as long as you have a nutrient rich substrate like dirt. If the Pothos does seem to be competing too much, you can reduce the amount of Pothos, or fertilize the substrate.

[@CharliRose-mf8bz]

Where did you get the big plant holders?

[@plantlifeproject]

They are shower caddies from Walmart spray painted

[@southwestoffgrid]

Awesome video

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks!

[@Nexuzen04]

for lighting system, how many watts did you use for this project?

[@plantlifeproject]

10 watts for the riparian plants light and 7-10 watts for the aquarium light

[@Nexuzen04]

is it enough for the entire plant you are using in this project? thanks for replying my comments btw

[@plantlifeproject]

@@Nexuzen04 here’s my most recent video of this tank and I talk about the lights I use. They are LED bulbs that use 10 watts for each bulb

[@wayne2411]

Great content and thank you. I know this is an older video, but your audio is quite low making it harder to hear. Disregard if you've corrected this now.

[@plantlifeproject]

Please Check out the newer videos, audio has been updated.

[@angiejoy3802]

A wonderful video, thank you for the inspiration :)

[@bettascarlosgildemontes9980]

Good job I have several ripariums in my house

[@plantlifeproject]

thanks! What size are your Ripariums?

[@bettascarlosgildemontes9980]

@@plantlifeproject 20 gallons

[@felipesanchez1764]

Do you have any suggestions of type of plants that can be plantted into a 18" deep tank. Something that will come out of the tank

[@plantlifeproject]

Are you talking about emergent aquatic plants? Giant hairgrass (Eleocharis montevidensis) comes to mind also dwarf umbrella sedge (Cyperus alternifolius ‘Gracilis’). Some Amazon sword varieties may work, the taller varieties. Even lucky bamboo can grow up out of the water.

[@felipesanchez1764]

@@plantlifeproject yes emergent plant thanks for the feed back I appreciate it

[@claypyrotech7473]

Why the cat litter what the Benefit could you use sand in that mixture or not I am just curious.

[@plantlifeproject]

The kitty litter is a baked clay which is able to “store” nutrients and makes them available to plants roots while also helping process excess nutrients in the water, also makes a good material for beneficial bacteria to grow on. You can mix it with other things too, like sand or aqua soil or gravel.

[@afmyoutubechannel774]

Good job

[@plantlifeproject]

Thanks!

[@karenwilson9218]

This is wonderful! I only worry about my fish jumping out of the aquarium. Does that ever happen? I had a kamikaze goldfish do that once.

[@plantlifeproject]

I have not had any issues with fish jumping , most of the tanks have lids. I have a video coming out this Saturday about how to make tank lids that Accommodate Riparium plants

[@nellygmclean9069]

Id i dont have plant lights xan i put by window for sunlight

[@plantlifeproject]

yes you can place by a window with sunlight, just make sure it is not direct sun, but bright indirect light

[@reynahernandez2536]

Can you use leca in the planters instead of the pebbles/rocks?

[@plantlifeproject]

Yes you can! I like to use lava rock too!

[@rufusheredia2786]

Is it okay to submerge peace lily half way of its stem in the water?

[@plantlifeproject]

As long as the leaves are above water it will be fine. The peace lily in this video is growing that way and the tank is over 1 year old now. Here’s a recent video on this project. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5evl4icp5Wqq9k

[@BruceWayne-xg2cz]

Can i know if this tank set up is alive and healthy as of today June 2024? 👍

[@plantlifeproject]

I took it down a few months ago after 2 years. The peace lily and parlor palm were outgrowing the tank, and they overgrew the waffle plant and fittonia after several months. I have several videos of other riparium tank setups too. I usually leave them up for a year or two then redo them to try out new ideas.

[@plantlifeproject]

Here’s another riparium set up slightly different Transform Your 29 Gallon Fish Tank into a Breathtaking Riparium kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnjEpK2BorSLhs0

[@dingodyno9016]

How do we mix the soil, kitty litter and fertilizer together?

[@plantlifeproject]

You can mix them dry as you add them to the tank or moisten the potting soil and kitty litter and mix them together then mix in fertilizer.

[@dingodyno9016]

@@plantlifeproject Anyway maybe you can make a video of it? It would be another video and good content for the channel and ive searched KZbin to see if anyone has a video of them doing it and no one has so you can be the first to give a tutorial on it. I know there are guides online on how to do it but it isn't the same as watching someone actually doing it.

[@nellygmclean9069]

Can i use miracle grow soil in my aquarium

[@plantlifeproject]

Yes but I recommend the organic version

[@MMed2472]

And the spray paint is ok in the water?

[@plantlifeproject]

Krylon fusion and Plastidip are safe once they are fully cured

[@tasha770ify]

Can you describe or link the pea gravel you used? Thanks.

[@plantlifeproject]

It’s just plain pea gravel from Lowes, in hindsight I would probably use crushed lava rock instead but the plants are still doing well with pea gravel! www.lowes.com/pd/American-Countryside-0-5-cu-ft-Pea-Gravel/50409164?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lwn-_-ggl-_-LIA_LWN_179_Landscape-Products-_-50409164-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W-sLJYbaBqU6aYXhjxbk6i_c&gclid=CjwKCAiAvOeQBhBkEiwAxutUVG35JOxeZgX8g4FQvVxaA3Cg2emYiXtk97cRjqNMzYza52AeC14w2hoC9aUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@tasha770ify]

@@plantlifeproject lava rock is very hard to find right now. I was looking for it for a different project. The gravel you linked looks a bit darker brown than the one you used though. It could just be how it looks on camera I guess. Thanks.

[@plantlifeproject]

@@tasha770ify it may look a little different but it is the same gravel. Sorry lava rock is hard to find, is there just a shortage in your region, I wonder?

[@tasha770ify]

@@plantlifeproject I guess there is or I just have to wait until the stores stock up for spring.

[@katherinewright5199]

Do I put a pump in my 75 gallons and if so what size do I put in there

[@plantlifeproject]

You can use any pump, filter etc rated for a 75 gallon tank or smaller. I personally prefer a smaller size just so the water flow isn’t too strong

[@benheaney570]

Do you have to do anything to the plants before adding them to the tank or can you put them straight in?

[@plantlifeproject]

Thoroughly wash the soil from the roots wash the leaves and trim off the roots if it is root bound and place the plants in the water. I may have to do a video of this process, others have asked me this question too!

[@HewlandM]

PERFECT!

[@MatthewFarnell2009]

Do you know if it’s ok to grow Dumb Cane in an aquarium? It looked like a type of Pothos to me. Thanks!

[@plantlifeproject]

It can, I’ve seen it done. I’m currently experimenting with it myself and have discovered it doesn’t seem to do well with roots fully submerged. So I’m going to try with partial roots in water. It also might work better if grown from a cutting instead of trying to adapt a mature plant to grow in water. All that to say, “I’m working on it!”

[@kharsagi]

Can u just use dollar store wicker baskets? Do u have to spray them with krylon?

[@plantlifeproject]

If the containers are plastic and strong enough, they should be fine, painting them is only necessary if you want them to be a different color

[@arda1094]

Can I use a hanger filter?

[@plantlifeproject]

Yes you can. I use HOB, under gravel plenums, sponge filters, and some times no filter.

[@arda1094]

@@plantlifeproject i will use a waterfall filter (eheim liberty200) ??

[@53muse]

Put a peace lily in tank water and now it's drooping and appears to be shriveled up? Can you tell me what to do?

[@plantlifeproject]

How did you prep it for the tank? What size peace lily is it? How long ago did you add it to the tank?

[@53muse]

@@plantlifeproject I put it in about three days after I set it up. It was one from the pet store in a sterile inviorment and the roots were in a gel. I gave up on it and separated my peace lily and put that in the tank, so far so good 3 days no melting.

[@owenjeynes8248]

Lovely idea but the soil concerns me as it may be toxic???

[@plantlifeproject]

Soil is perfectly safe as an aquarium substrate as long as it’s capped with sand !

[@lasvegas9426]

Any recommendations for cat litter that i can buy. Thanks for the vedio.

[@plantlifeproject]

I like to use Special Kitty brand, non clumping and unscented

[@intriguingnotion]

@@plantlifeproject what's the purpose of the litter? Can I go without it?

[@plantlifeproject]

@@intriguingnotion I like to use the cat litter mixed in the soil because clay contains a lot of minerals and is good at storing them long term. It can reduce the amount of soil fertilizer needed like root tabs. Clay is an important component of natural soils, it’s not absolutely necessary in the tank substrate but it will give a more stable nutrient supply for the plants

[@Strangekitty2000]

Thank you so much for the shower caddy hack! I have been trying to figure out how to get more houseplants in my tank without my angels eating them!

[@plantlifeproject]

You’re welcome! Hope it works out for you! So your angels are eating plants?

[@Strangekitty2000]

​@@plantlifeproject She has eaten every plant I have put in the thank. The ones in the filter do well though!

[@Jstroman221]

Why did you dirt the tank if your not going to plant directly into the substrate itself?

[@plantlifeproject]

The dirt substrate is for the riparian plants roots to grow into, which they did and are thriving

[@FirstStepsMTB]

do you need substrate for all these plants or can any of them just thrive with roots in the water column ?

[@plantlifeproject]

They would be able to get enough nutrients without a dirt substrate if you have enough fish waste being produced and you feed the fish a variety of foods.

[@desireearnold1987]

So I can add hanging Caddy’s in my typical aquarium without substraight? Plenty of waste, trying to figure out how to help purify because my vacuuming and filter changes aren’t enough. Thanks for your time!

[@Ryaa680]

I’m confused on adding the air/water pump. Is it really necessary? And why? Is it more for the mixing of nutrients or delivering air somewhere? Or neither?

[@plantlifeproject]

I use the air pump mostly for circulating nutrients, but it’s optional especially when the system is established

[@K.PaigeViani]

Will algae be a big concern with a tank like this? I have a plant room that I want to add one too, but it gets A LOT of sunlight.

[@plantlifeproject]

I'm actually working on an algae video series at this exact moment! Planning on posting part 1 soon!

[@arda1094]

@@plantlifeproject Can I use a hanger filter?

[@charlsNG52A]

I get those palms, in less than 15 days, I don't know why.😢😢 I even have them with less gravel, I just cover the root. but nothing. They rot.😭

[@plantlifeproject]

Oh no! I’m not sure why they rot, that’s interesting,

[@ellam1841]

Hey this is a great vid. I am concerned of emerged plants taking the nutrients out of the water, away from my submerged plants. If anyone has any tips? I'll get a fertiliser, and cross fingers none of my plants die!

[@plantlifeproject]

This could be an issue for submerged water column feeding plants like Java fern, anubias, etc. I personally did have this problem in a tank before I put in a dirt substrate and changed to rooted plants growing in substrate.

[@sarah9314]

Do you have a favorite plant for gravel only aquarium?

[@plantlifeproject]

These plants will work for gravel only! I’m not sure I have a favorite, they all work with a variety of substrates, they may require liquid fertilizer , In this video I setup a tank with gravel kzbin.info/www/bejne/pomcgGaagb6pd9k

[@sarah9314]

@@plantlifeproject ok thank you! I’m glad you mentioned using the osmocote or the liquid fertilizer- I was worried about those hurting or poisoning the fish!!

[@plantlifeproject]

@@sarah9314 if you use osmocote, you need to have a dirt substrate with sand cap. Otherwise just use liquid fertilizer that’s made for aquarium plants, I like the aquarium co op easy green, I use it in the video I shared