I Made a Mini DESK AQUARIUM Without a Filter! (Aquascape Tutorial)

Thanks FZONE for sponsoring this video! Check out fzaqua.com and use code MJAMSTERDAM for 10% off!
Everything I've used to create this aquascape (affiliate links)
TANK
US: bit.ly/3YMbYA4
EU: bit.ly/3Q49ZDj
LIGHT
Creaqua Nano S
SUBSTRATE
EU: bit.ly/3Ci1uPv
SOIL
US: bit.ly/3Rea86F
EU: bit.ly/3WJnE4J
WOOD
US: bit.ly/3FRRtZQ
EU: bit.ly/3HZfhhk
ROCKS
US: bit.ly/3FPISXJ
EU: bit.ly/3PQpWMV
SAND
US: bit.ly/3A9JKV4
EU: bit.ly/3v9YhgG
PLANTS
Fissidens moss: bit.ly/3WEIMsN
Rotala H'ra: bit.ly/3BUsNyY
Eleocharis: (hairgass) bit.ly/3WEiRBn
Christmas moss: bit.ly/3vbxH6H
Crypt walkeri: bit.ly/3rSxBzu
Bucephalandra: bit.ly/3FNF60V
Equipment I like to use (affiliate links)
Tank
US: bit.ly/3EbkdxH
EU: bit.ly/3S3y9ht
Light
US: bit.ly/3S2WxjC
EU: bit.ly/3z6R16F
Filter
US: bit.ly/3yxFttR
EU: bit.ly/3eoYxUn
Clear Filter Pipes
US: bit.ly/3RsFJkT
EU: bit.ly/3AL5oyv
Substrate
US: bit.ly/3bux8yR
EU: bit.ly/3qhHDt4
Wood (similar)
US: bit.ly/3VmDUJ0
EU: bit.ly/3MwgKfm
Rocks (similar)
US: bit.ly/3yAO7Yk
EU: bit.ly/3Tn0tLX
Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula)
US: bit.ly/3VsJIR5
Umbrella Hair Grass (Eleocharis Vivipara)
US: bit.ly/3MpO9br
Riccardia moss
US: bit.ly/3SR3Zy9
Juncus repens
US: bit.ly/3yyJjmo
Crypt parva
US: bit.ly/3Cs0APn
Crypt lutea
US: bit.ly/3yBGDo7
Crypt walkeri
US: bit.ly/3rSxBzu
🚨Watch this next!🚨
Inspiration playlist! • Build Videos
CO2 buying guide! • BEST CO2 SYSTEM FOR BE...
How to SETUP your CO2! • EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO...
Simple fertilizer dosing! • SIMPLE AQUARIUM PLANT ...
👉🏻Cool Aquascaping T-shirts: mosscotton.com/ Code: mjaqua10
👉🏻Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my KZbin channel: / mjaquascaping
👉🏻 Use Code ''MJAMSTERDAM'' for 10% off Fzone products
#plantedtank #aquascape #mjaquascaping

[@MJAquascaping]

Thanks FZONE for sponsoring this video! Check out fzaqua.com and use code MJAMSTERDAM for 10% off! Everything I've used to create this aquascape (affiliate links) TANK US: bit.ly/3YMbYA4 EU: bit.ly/3Q49ZDj LIGHT Creaqua Nano S SUBSTRATE EU: bit.ly/3Ci1uPv SOIL US: bit.ly/3Rea86F EU: bit.ly/3WJnE4J WOOD US: bit.ly/3FRRtZQ EU: bit.ly/3HZfhhk ROCKS US: bit.ly/3FPISXJ EU: bit.ly/3PQpWMV SAND US: bit.ly/3A9JKV4 EU: bit.ly/3v9YhgG PLANTS Fissidens moss: bit.ly/3WEIMsN Rotala H'ra: bit.ly/3BUsNyY Eleocharis: (hairgass) bit.ly/3WEiRBn Christmas moss: bit.ly/3vbxH6H

[@mellewedin8221]

Beautiful set up. I have had a few in my day. I still have one one of Bettas has tank that only has a heater in it. No filter. His plants filter his water. I use many house plants that live to hydro grow. He has fast growing aquatic plants as well. His tank is very balanced.

[@emnorfolk5559]

Do you just use tapwater for the water changes? Or do you use rainwater? Or something else e.g. spring water?

[@killerstream1744]

Hey can you make a video of what lights to use for planted aquariums? I’m buying a giant fish bowl. And idk what light to get for it

[@christophermartinez7202]

dude what plant is that growing out of the water!

[@oldfishermanplus]

Yo, your videos are crazy chill. Could you do an @MJAquascaping megamix with only your chill music and clips of your tanks, closeups and zoomed out. No education, just beauty. With your voice also, talking us through it, cuz you've probably got the most chill voice on earth.

[@corbeaudejugement]

i _love_ how you mention that these tiny tanks aren't suitable for fish. i see so many "fish tanks" at the store that are too small for any species and it makes me sad to think about how many people put some fish in there without doing the research. beautiful build! the shrimp look happy imo.

[@stevecarrell8765]

Can I ask why you couldn't put a couple small fish in something this small? If you have a filter and aeration? Thanks.

[@MargotLemaire]

​@@stevecarrell8765 Because the space itself is too small :) It's the equivalent of raising a pig in a cage.

[@corbeaudejugement]

@@stevecarrell8765 fish require roughly 2 L (1/2 US gal) of water per cm (a little less than half an inch) of length. even a tiny fish would require a tank much larger. now take into account that many small fish are schooling fish, meaning they need tank-mates, and now you see the problem. fish have quite large habitats in the wild, and while it's impossible to recreate that, we have to respect the minimum requirements for their well-being. think of it this way: you wouldn't force a dog to live in a crate its whole life, so you shouldn't force a fish into the same environment. hope this helps! have a nice day :)

[@ThePlough1978]

​@@corbeaudejugement could 1 rasbora not be happy in there... 🤔

[@corbeaudejugement]

@@ThePlough1978 i'll consider the bora bora rasbora as an example, as they're extremely common in aquaculture and have a very fun name. bora bora rasbora get to around 6.4cm, or 2.5in, in adult length. a single rasbora would therefore require 12L of water, or about 2.5 gal. rasbora are schooling fish and cannot live happily outside of a tight school, so count on keeping at least five, but preferably eight or more. that means, at the most conservative estimate, you'd need a 60L (approx. 16 gal) tank to house them properly. tl;dr is no. tank's too smol.

[@Chompchompyerded]

Look at the bubbles on those plants! They are pumping oxygen into the water like no pump can do. When you see bubbles rising from plants, you know that the person who owns the tank has done a fantastic job making an environment which is healthy for plants. Such an environment will also be healthy for whatever aquatic life you decide to add, whether it is fish, invertebrates, amphibians, or nothing else at all. What a perfect environment! Great job! Thanks for demonstrating this art for us. it is the perfect mix of art and science!

[@steff4413]

bro thought he would get a heart from the channel 💀

[@i_nvade8098]

​@@steff4413he really went all out and got nothing. Damn 😢

[@corq]

I'm here for the aquascaping, but the kitty joining the video was a lovely bonus! 😻

[@marcopolo208]

Great tank, especially because it can be viewed from so many angles, would love such a tank on my desk. This is like many other no filter tanks give me a relaxing and serene vibe.

[@Xeract]

Thanks for all the amazing videos MJ. I'm not in a position to build my own aquarium at the moment, but watching your content is almost as good. Have a great Christmas!

[@criteschristine]

The cube looks fantastic! The oxygen bubbles in the Fissidens are so magical ❤

[@rickkearn7100]

You have a keen eye for good composition, and your knowledge of hardscape, substrates, plants and fauna is extraordinary. Thanks for posting. Great content, production and presentation! Cheers.

[@petrfrolich7544]

So nice little aquascape, you inspired me to do it for my bedroom. No noise just beautiful piece of nature. Thank you.

[@scarlet_tiela]

I reaaaaally, really love your tanks! I was searching for a long time for someone who makes, too, "no filter-aquascapes". Because that's what I do! So I really need inspiration for my Nanoscapes.

[@oggie3105]

me watching this without having any fish

[@bojohannesen4352]

Get some Fish, noob.

[@thee121]

i dont know how i didnt know you already, been looking at aquarium videos in youtube for several years. Just suscribed, amazing video! I lived in the netherlands for several years, and you have a small dutch accent. Love hearing you speak, brings back so many good memories!

[@Hren_C]

Literally perfect. Thanks for your knowledge and inspiration!

[@jenpink4298]

What a tiny beautiful jewel box of a tank, it’s lovely!

[@tomelliottguitartutor1325]

Fantastic little scape, I never tire of the creative process it iso enjoyable to do and watch.

[@mandywenzel6038]

Thank you for this video! I really like it to see such tanks also some weeks later. This little one is so beautiful!

[@user-zy4wv7yx1z]

I just found your channel. Lovely tanks and I like how you display them. You don't put too many tanks, so the viewer can see each individual tank. Nice arrangement

[@madeyemary]

Your videos are so great! I have a shrimp jar which has an airstone but realized I may not need it as there is a lot of dwarf saggitaria taking over and creating oxygen! Great tips and always love your nano setups

[@jamespozone5238]

that "FZ" etched logo is disappointing on these tanks, especially the placement. Great video as always!

[@MJAquascaping]

Yeah a bit too visible

[@pawesz5349]

I totally agree 👍 but we can always turn tank around and cover up with scape so will be less visible😁 Regards

[@Tdogg819]

If it’s the sponsor, I’m totally cool with seeing it

[@derp195]

@@Tdogg819 I think it's less about us seeing it, and more about nobody wanting someone's logo etched into their tank. It's a bad look, and probably turns a lot of people away from buying from them.

[@JerelTeh]

Why no just put the side with the logo facing towards the wall

[@devia1988]

That superglue/cotton trick is pretty sweet, thanks!

[@dancer14280]

Oh ps: thanks so much for clarifying about the no-filter setup approach, it really helped :) Stunning tank today MJ, have a wonderful Christmas my dude :)

[@michaellong776]

Beautiful little no-filter cube... Kudos!

[@r0dani3lb]

Thank you very much for this video ! You just convinced me to try this out myself ! Amazing tank !

[@shans606]

Please talk about feeding your inhabitants. How much and often do you feed your shrimp?

[@pugger420]

i am signing up for an aquascaping workshop soon for a 2g tank, i'm excited for it and this was helpful & inspiring, thanks!

[@JPHET37]

Beautiful aquascaping !😊

[@martincregg]

Wonderfully produced content. Great to see your channel growing in subscribers… and for good reason. Big fan!

[@MJAquascaping]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@DoorsToHideBehind156]

Simply beautiful

[@kylethompson7354]

It turned out awesome! I can't wait for the big shallow rebuild. Have a very Merry Christmas!

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy holidays!

[@TheFirstAmendment]

You and Serpa Design are my go to’s!

[@WhiteCottages]

A gorgeous little tank

[@1Kent]

Merry Christmas Mark! 🎄

[@ronlafond5288]

Wonderful tutorial. Thanks.

[@deepblue1909]

I loved it MJ. Will make one for myself

[@philcarlino6942]

Merry Christmas, MJ! Great job as always. Take care.

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy holidays!

[@Backoutthere]

Enjoyed watching your videos. Well done and good information. I am just about to start my no filter planted tank this weekend. Hopefully it turns out as good as yours.

[@arlinelamprecht269]

STUNNING

[@jaspermorse8210]

Absolutely love this tank

[@leesapollo]

So relaxing. Namaste 🧘🏼‍♂️

[@yaroslavbozhkov1567]

Many thanks! So cool! 👍

[@abfmkarin]

I have a tank in which I've thrown plants from a tank that I redecorated.They have been in there now for 2 month without a water change as I'm busy with work. I only topped the water up a little when it evaporated. The water is crystal clear, no algae and smells nice and fresh.There are a lot of plants in there I have to say.

[@gfunkHP]

The outcome is fantastic. Considering something similar but also incorporating some pothos to hang down-outside the tank. Super hardy plant, easy to find and propagate by cutting. Thanks!!

[@MJAquascaping]

Great idea

[@Zingo89]

Beautiful

[@trak957]

Another great video mark, looking forward to all your new inspirational tanks in the new year! Happy Christmas :)

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy holidays!

[@mesenev]

Amazing vid, thanks bro

[@canlale9869]

finally someone is using crypt legroi!! cant wait to see how it grows and colours up

[@mobpsycho6658]

Very noice! Might do one for my desk.

[@LushSaltyAquariums]

Brother, this tank is spectacular! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ... From frigid Chicago!

[@maciejfil6309]

Coś pięknego !!! BRAWO !!!!

[@user-vg3os8ds7m]

Watching this during the last few minutes before Christmas. Thank you for this, MJ!

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy holidays!

[@PastaCat0]

dit ziet er zo leuk uit omg

[@AquascapingLiverpool]

Nice lad 👏🏼 great take on an old classic 👌🏼

[@jasonjacobs2095]

Having a lot of aquascaping tanks made by myself sitting everywhere at my home is my ultimate goal!

[@sophiahanes66]

love your work 👍

[@HaizeyWings]

It's truly a testament to your aquascaping prowess that that unsightly FZ logo becomes completely unnoticeable in the post-one month tank shots! All I see is plantsplantsplantsplants

[@bluemangofrosting]

Great video thanks for sharing! Cat is very adorable too

[@mopeaceproductions218]

Man I love your videos the set ups you share ate awesome 👌 👏

[@jamesfranklyn8547]

Beautiful xx

[@fishysnowman9082]

Really nice little tank. 👊🏻

[@biker55]

Love your work bro , absolutely stunning. I was wondering how the plants thrive without co2 injection ?

[@Bruno_Amaro]

Merry Christmas 🎄😊

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy holidays!

[@WifeOfTheBeast]

Your music choices are perfect for these videos :)

[@MJAquascaping]

Glad you like them!

[@LeeBoost]

looks pretty awesome! You could use a strong, litte magnet to catch the soil in the front.

[@paulgray5678]

Do you have any recommendations on which magnet works best? I'd love one for my tank. Thanks!

[@rickyabdullah4758]

Nice mini desk aquarium

[@GrayRaven.]

Love your vids

[@lewishoward9568]

Did you add any fertilizer and how often did you do water changes?

[@tombarb2864]

This is a great design. Happy Holidays. Enjoy this time 😌

[@MJAquascaping]

Thank you! You too!

[@jaspermorse8210]

Amazing scape

[@MrCarson66]

thank you

[@E7orEJ]

nice thank you

[@IndoorEcosystem]

This is a great sized tank for a desk. I have a small 5 gal on my desk and it's great but distracting some times 😄

[@MJAquascaping]

very distracting 😂

[@kfajrr]

NICE!!!!!

[@pawesz5349]

Looking good 🤟💪 Merry Xmas!

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy holidays!

[@reigh_leigh]

Hadn't seen your kitty in any videos before. Gorgeous! :D

[@daphnia-magna]

That's a nice kind of Christmas present 🎄

[@MJAquascaping]

It really is!

[@davidlangston9595]

This was awesome! I was just wondering about the fern you attached to the top of the branch on the right. I couldn't find anywhere in the video where you explain what type of plant it is or how you attached it.

[@EliMooner]

Scrolled through comments for 15 minutes looking and it’s called an asparagus fern

[@kevinsam9278]

Happy Christmas

[@MJAquascaping]

Same to you!

[@warpo007]

these are lovely little tanks. but for anyone looking to start out, small tanks are very delicate and hard to keep balanced. MJ is a fish in real life and can make it look easy. Please, if your new to the hobby, get the biggest tank you can afford /fit.

[@lucktrevor8]

So cool

[@rtsabado]

Wow, I love your videos very well thought of , just subscribed

[@MJAquascaping]

Awesome, thank you!

[@WONDERFULREPTILES]

LIKE A PIECE OF NATURE IN ONLY 20 LITRES AMAZING

[@PetrJandus]

Nice one

[@alino61]

thnx merry xmas 😁

[@MJAquascaping]

Happy holidays!

[@sokinecola9361]

amazing

[@gigathang2233]

So impressive that your cat doesn't eat your fish in the whole video :)

[@jacksontieng9853]

very nice setup! may i ask what's the emersed plants? looks very nice!

[@MANIC3420]

This is exactly what I want

[@user-ei6pd2un6n]

Great, very inspiring work. Thanks to you, I'm going back to aquaristics and am now trying small and low-tech instead of big and high-tech. Maybe you can answer a question for me. Do you harden your osmosis water when you change the water on the desktop cube? If so, to what degree of hardness and by mixing it with tap water or do you use hardening salts? Thank's a lot!

[@Agnus78]

Very beautiful little gem! And you covered a lot of aquascaping tips while preparing this tank :) Thx

[@biker55]

Hello , greta work ! how are the plants doing with out co2? pls share a list of the plants used. cheers

[@DanilloMagalhaes]

pretty cool learning fish stuff from the faceless man

[@davidarzeno1177]

Great tutorial! This could work with just daylight?

[@MJAquascaping]

Yes, definitely

[@AquaticZone]

Beautiful . Everything . ❤❤ What camera you use bro ??

[@blueboogey]

So I was thinking about making a reef tank with one of my small tanks, have you ever tried saltwater aqua scape setups?

[@jt.633]

What is that cute mini Bamboo looking plant??? I need to buy that RIGHT NOW ❤

[@i_nvade8098]

You can easily put some guppies in there as long as they don't breed. I have 10 young guppies in a 3 gallon planted tank and their father in there with them. You can tell if fish are happy just by their behavior. If they are all over the place exploring the tank I think they are happy. If they sit in one spot like top or bottom they are probably unhappy. But again it depends. Mine love to chase bubbles especially and are extremely happy in there. So people saying you can't put small fish in little tank aren’t really right. It just depends i guess how many plants. Too many plants could suffocate the fish.

[@7suspence]

When you did the water changes did you add stability each time?

[@rogierdikkes]

Nice cube! I let a glass cutter create 50 aquaria from my time I kept Betta's. I started breeding these HMK, but their kids all had massive tumors after trying to raise them which demotivated me so much I quit fish keeping for years. Slowly starting again with shrimps now, already bred 50 this year so far. I don't like the "red" plants, they turn brown.

[@vaflooo]

Really nice tank. I've also tried small no filter tank but I struggled with oil film on the surface and eventually I've added small internal filter to move the surface a bit and destroy the film.

[@jordanforever2345]

Great tutorial!!! Thanks for the answer!!! One question, does FZ nano aquarium come with a lid?

[@MJAquascaping]

No lid unfortunately