I Made a Tiny Ecosystem Out of an Abandoned Fish Tank (And Let It Grow)

Accidentally sparking a tiny ecosystem was not what I had in mind when I picked up an old, free fish tank. With a bit of restoration, I hoped to build a new home for the extra critters in my main aquarium, but nature quickly put a stop to my plans.
Watch as the tank develops the natural way; with no filter, and no co2 injection.
Happy to answer questions in the comments :)
Chapters:
0:00 - What's to come
0:25 - Tank restoration
1:48 - Building the environment
4:08 - Signs of life
5:44 - Crustaceans everywhere
6:50 - Adding strange fish
8:53 - Looking for catfish
9:50 - Daphnia invasion
10:58 - Shrimp factory
The light I used in this video: amzn.to/3slTF95
The heater I used in this video: amzn.to/44n1loK
Music:
Morning Mood - Grieg
Frost Waltz - Kevin MacLeod*
In the Hall of the Mountain King - Kevin MacLeod*
Sleepless - C418 (c418.org)
Lightless Dawn - Kevin MacLeod*
Dark Fog - Kevin MacLeod*
Comic Game Loop - Kevin MacLeod*
Tranquillity - Kevin MacLeod*
Volatile Reaction - Kevin MacLeod*
Why Did the Crow Cross the Road? - RoccoW*
*creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
shut up i like kevin macleod ok???

[@jorge627]

Mf made his first video and it´s instantly better than 99% of all aquarists' youtube...

[@Nightmare35464]

So true

[@Nightmare35464]

And I didn't even realize it was his first video at first 😂

[@thewafen763]

He prolly has another channel or works in media creation. Because he has things sorted out very well, from audio to visuals and editing. So he defo has experience.

[@user-yb1hl8cu7k]

Yeah compared to everyone that does this

[@awvanroon]

POV: 2063: remember when we were there to see his first videos?

[@yourenotthatguypal7797]

This guy came out of nowhere and started dropping high quality content from the start

[@SannPisetha]

Yeah! That's awesome

[@blessedbeauty2293]

- I know righhhtt !?!

[@johns.9452]

Showed up, dropped 3 bangers within a month that all hit millions of view and disappeared lol. Hopefully he is banking footage of more tanks. Filling the void that foo the flowerhorn left.

[@epsilonius9063]

I love this guy's editing style. So refreshing and entertaining compared to the boring story style of most other people in his youtube niche

[@liamfader-gibson1633]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😮😮😅😅😅😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😮😅😮😅😅😅😮

[@liamfader-gibson1633]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😮😅😮😅😮😅😅😮😅😅😮😅😮😮😅😢😅😮😮😅😮😅😅😅😅😮😅😅😅😮😅😮😮😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@liamfader-gibson1633]

😅😅

[@Gorgosauruslibra]

The story style is good and there some here just subtle

[@eaaz09]

true

[@sohamsengupta6470]

I am not an aquarist, but this guy here is making me question my life choices which led me to not be one. Stellar content.

[@tanksfornothin]

Joooooooooooooin uuuuuussssssssssssssss

[@hydrocooledcarrot]

It's never too late 🐠

[@jeremyfrost2636]

Come to the dark side, we have cookies!

[@FisDraws]

@@jeremyfrost2636lmao

[@Mind_Crimes]

Sick Magma pfp dood.

[@caramba10]

I have no idea how why KZbin recommended this to me, I'm not a fishkeeper, but have to say this is one of the most interesting videos I've seen in a long time, captivating watching the progress. Great photography and narration, thank you.

[@tanksfornothin]

No, thank you. Give it a go!

[@ivannsalazar9536]

​@@tanksfornothin missed (mist) opportunity to say no tank you

[@SillySam2]

​@@ivannsalazar9536lol

[@granitxhaka7261]

So when are you getting a tank? xd

[@captjamestkirk]

see you in a few months with your own tank lmao

[@NoLuckJustSkill1337]

It’s refreshing to not see some MEGA expert who does everything perfectly first try. Funny things like the amount of foam make me smile

[@NoLuckJustSkill1337]

Also Love the editing style

[@mangoschaos6950]

I lost it over the seed shrimp takeover. your editing style is delightful!

[@roryschaeche6872]

This man only has three videos and he’s already one of my favourite KZbinrs🎉

[@lsi7675]

I like the narration style.

[@tanksfornothin]

Thanks! I think it's the area with most room for improvement. I've just now put up another video and I'd appreciate your thoughts on the voiceover.

[@_leo]

reminds me of jonpaulsballs

[@Only1Sosa.]

Your narration is perfect, not over the top or trying too hard but still captivating, informative and entertaining. Well I love it anyways 😊

[@2MaxVoltage]

it made me subscribe young bbc

[@tanksfornothin]

@@Only1Sosa. Thanks this means a lot

[@ZarvielAustin]

Dude! I am so happy the algorithm Gods suggested your Channel! I love your editing, the humor and how you narrate and tell your story! your content deserve more views and subs!

[@tanksfornothin]

Thank you :)

[@thegregorypenis]

yeah, same, insta-subscribed

[@mX1032]

I haven't even watched the video yet, but I was thinking the same thing 20 seconds in LOL.

[@someoneelse8922]

Freaking great video! Loved it

[@flowestphal4925]

Couldn't agree more

[@christygodfrey1752]

I love how straight forward, not clickbait and easy to listen to his videos are. He's very smart knowing and knows what he's doing which makes the videos easy to listen to and watch. Love he shows a lot of clips of the progress and life in the tanks. Also Love the lil speech bubbles used for the fish and the sound effects used. So glad the algorithm blessed me with this content worth watching, would personally love to do one of these except I don't have the time, knowledge, skill and patience to do it😂

[@tanksfornothin]

Thanks for the kind words. You only need one evening and a little patience, then just follow-along :)

[@user-dd4lf1oy4o]

i found your channel for the strawberry tank video, but now i've watched them all and this is SO captivating!!

[@shinysnake]

Obsessed with your editing style and the little sound effects used for the fish. Keep up the good work and may all your tanks flourish!!!

[@okoddy]

I've seen so many aquarium videos, I'm very big into the hobby. And this, by far is the best video I've ever seen, super entertaining. Keep up the amazing work

[@tanksfornothin]

That's very very kind of you to say.

[@Oxygenationatom]

@@tanksfornothinDo you have a second channel? Like I’m curious about how you built the first tank.

[@ShayShayPlay]

your editing skills, narrative spacing, and storytelling ability really make this feel like a journey shared with the viewer. that takes serious skill!

[@jwr1309]

Such a clean but whimsy and fun way of editing and highlighting the effort you put into these beautiful tanks. Absolutely stunning!!

[@subhadeepbiswas9396]

Brother you have only 3 videos, but trust me they are worth 30,000 videos on youtube... your editing, filming is top notch, you will be a superstar soon bro! Loved your art!

[@ono_o_o]

I love how at 5:50 I was thinking ''eh not too bad, definitely multiplied a bit'' but then the pan at 5:59 KILLED ME THERE'S SO MANY 😂

[@katiehetherington9485]

Yes! My favourite part!

[@user-lx5vw9nx7q]

WE ALL DIED A BIT ON THAT PART XD

[@ginnytrl4776]

Never thought an aquarium video can be so much fun keep it up man!

[@mynext30years41]

I am glad he only made three videos, otherwise i would be bingewatching them forever!

[@allisonglancy]

I came to this channel hungry for more aquarium ecosystem videos, and I was not disappointed. Keep up the good work✊✊

[@HASH562]

bro the fact that this only has 200 views is crazy, deserves at least a million, the quality, the editing, the voice over, everything is so clean. edit: im saving this vid to my watch later so I can try and recreate it someday

[@tanksfornothin]

!!!! Thanks :) The beauty of tanks like this is the simplicity. Dump a bunch of soil, sand, water, and you've got life

[@Owen-cg7sb]

14k now so it got over 200

[@HASH562]

@@Owen-cg7sb LETS GO, in less then a day?! It’s blowing up 💯

[@hyperlaserrebrn]

hey, we are almost there!!

[@youtubeuser9090]

Bro it has 1.7 mil now😂

[@Quest-Giver]

I love your style of video, the sound effects, cuts, macro shots, narration, everything it's wonderful! I love this kind of stuff and I hope you keep making more videos!

[@_HUMAN_BEING_09]

SAME

[@jenpink4298]

Same 😂👏👏👏

[@PickledJamNugget]

Best content. Amazing editing style. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard over aquariums

[@bubblegumplastic]

The editing and sound effects are so perfect. I laughed out loud several times. At an aquarium hobby video! You're a genius!

[@DEMON_DEMOLISHER]

JOURNAL: It has now been one year since I made this ecosystem. The tiny humans have discovered fire, and they also started contemplating whether or not if there is life outside the invisible shield that prevented them from leaving... (Also, I am planning on building one of my own in the future, man.)

[@rexoni2512]

I decided to put water on most of the surface area and split the humans into different places to see which group would survive. Day 2000, the humans were able to make small rafts to explore the water area so I decided to put some predator in it to limit their exploring range.

[@mnemosynevermont5524]

You're a master of sound effects! And MANY should take a lesson from you on the use of music without over powering the vid.❤

[@tanksfornothin]

Thank you for saying this. I tried really hard specifically on audio balance. It's much better in my 2nd video, though so I learned a lot from this one.

[@mademoisellenseven]

I like everything about this channel. The experimental DIY science aspect, a more relaxed and natural approach vs the usuals fish tank videos. I love to see the projects evolving over time. It meets my aquarist/plant lover/ curiosity. Humour brings something special too. Thank you, I hope there will be more!

[@sofiekakurosu9161]

Very happy we found your channel, the editing is neat and the comedic sounds and timing is really on point, plus the tanks are so fascinating and pretty.

[@Melaprilia]

The catfish vs sparkling gurami scene gives me live! lool I never watched a fish tank channel like this one before! You get my subscribe!

[@tanksfornothin]

lol it took a while to get the shots for that scene

[@evensuire5518]

@@tanksfornothin you definitly got a subscriber

[@iLoveSomeDubstep]

This has to be one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Thank you!

[@Wott786]

I love some dubstep too 😂

[@justsilent313]

Hey dude please keep it up! We want more content like this.

[@FatherFish]

Remarkable. You have me fantasizing about starting a new channel. This takes MD fish tanks to a whole new level. You nailed the algorithm and found the sweet spot with viewers. The real value of your work is its portrayal of natural dirted substrate as simple and effective. Congratulation on finding the formula that proves the importance of natural deep substrate. Nearly gave you a shout out in my last vid. Will do so in my live stream Sunday nite at 6 est.

[@tanksfornothin]

Hello FatherFish! I'm so happy that you approve of my message and content after I've watched and learned so much from yours. It's so fantastic that the value you find is exactly what I set out to provide. I think this niche is growing, and certainly I'd be excited to see you try a new take on spreading the good word.

[@Lydiadragonbourne]

This is so freakin wholesome 🥰

[@petejeau]

...and importantly doesn't use all the chemicals and products that MD promotes/uses on his channel. All natural and also shows the medium term result, not just a pretty tank on day 1 which so many youtubers do.

[@FatherFish]

@@petejeau Yes! petejeau

[@Harjaapsingh11]

omg this is so underrated thought this had like millions of views

[@tanksfornothin]

ha thank you

[@darkfang0694]

This video deserves millions if not then billions of views because it is so well put together, its informative it has great narration and just overall amazing quality! ❤ please keep the amazing videos coming! But for now this is one of my favorite fishkeeping channels out there

[@tanksfornothin]

I tried to chuck-in a bit of everything, and I'm so happy you like it.

[@Igloo254]

This is peak comedy and so peaceful to watch. Can't wait to see more! I was dying when "the seed shrimp took over" all aquarists have definitely been there with something similar over the years haha

[@obosheshe3362]

hello brother, I couldn't help myself and comment here, your videos are completely on another level, there is no one in the youtube like you, please make more content for us, your sense of humour, videography, voice, etc takes your content to another level of serenity and peace.

[@tanksfornothin]

Thanks for your kind words. Working on more videos 🤝

[@amygray1554]

Stunning first vid. As an aside, I do love the leap of faith in doing a leak test on a desk that appears to be made of real wood, rather than on the kitchen floor in a crap outdoor tablecloth like us more paranoid folx. Brave, friend.

[@tanksfornothin]

Heh at least you can usually tell with small tanks :)

[@jmarshal]

If you keep putting out consistent videos like this, you’re going to be huge in no time. Massive. I look forward to coming along for the ride.

[@growlithe584]

your videos are INSANELY ENTERTAINING. it's like a funny but still informative and peaceful documentary. please keep making videos

[@alexchan1588]

Man I don't know why KZbin recommended me this but now I think my next project is a self sustaining eco system like this one 😳

[@michaelgeorge4643]

This channel is going to blow up, mark my words. With that level of editing I thought this channel had at least 50k subs

[@tanksfornothin]

KABOOM

[@alonsoescalantemaurtua2170]

Sir you have incredible taste in fish! First the sparkling gouramis and then the crocodile toothpick fish. Even your red leaf floaters did well. Congrats man on your aquariums and your youtube channels. Loving it!

[@FatherFish]

Gosh! Your rate of subs has slowed. Only 3 thousand in the last day. I am so proud of you it makes me giggle!

[@tanksfornothin]

I suppose I'll just have to put out some more videos which means making more aquariums.. oh noooooo!

[@ic1843]

I just watched all 3 video and was genuinely entertained! Please create more, you're so talented. Who knew I needed a tank with shrimp in my life! :)

[@mrkillbn]

This video, with its exceptional composition, enlightening content, outstanding narration, and remarkable quality, is deserving of extensive attention. Its view count at merely 200 is staggering, considering it easily merits a number in the millions or potentially billions. The meticulous editing, clear voiceover, and overall polish speak volumes about the effort and talent behind this content. ❤ I strongly encourage you to keep producing such amazing videos. Currently, this is one of the leading channels for fishkeeping that I follow. I've found this video so impressive that I've added it to my 'watch later' list, hoping to emulate its brilliance someday.

[@tanksfornothin]

Thank you for your long list of kind words :)

[@kihntagious]

one month 125k subs? You are on fire. You deserve every one. Very good.stuff

[@tanksfornothin]

Cheers and thanks for your kind comments :)

[@beepboop9750]

Dude, this video really is a work of art. Amazing fish keeping and beautiful editing. Absolutely great work! i can't wait to see what you do in the future!

[@Jacksonfishing37]

Its like watching other aqaurim builds except actully entertaning

[@tanuki88]

if you did a bunch of these at a time you will 1000% blow up like crazy

[@juliettedemaso7588]

Or just three.

[@andrew-hf9fl]

I love this video! I watch a lot of aquascaping, but I've seldom seen such a realistic, experimental approach to it. I love it! It truly is the most approachable form of aquascaping. Narration and editing is on point. This guy is going places

[@tanksfornothin]

Yeah I'm going to Facebook Marketplace to get some more tanks

[@andrew-hf9fl]

@@tanksfornothin helllll yeah brother

[@Dboss210]

i have no clue how this got recommended to me but i love the editing style got me hooked love the video

[@HaroldHeidendom]

I love how this guy humanizes the creatures and giving them character. Many nature docs do the oposite, calling things like "aliens" or "contraptions". But you my friend, you take the approach i'd love nature docs to follow. The animal crossing sounds and cartoon sounds made me cry of cuteness and laughing myself into tears. The rock falling on the anchor fish was killing me. I watched it so many times over and over again. Who knew a Anchor Catfish could be funnier than Jessica Kirson!

[@gracelaw2011]

This is only the first video made from him and it’s amazing and already seems like a professional ❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥

[@muntasirmahmud1085]

This man made a whole National Geography documentary with only a fish tank🫡

[@Chifftie]

Absolutely brilliant. From the editing details to the scape. Bravo! 🎉

[@pastelmask]

I haven't giggled (and tried NOT to giggle) this hard at a video in a while, the editing is absolute GOLD! ⭐

[@mrz87456]

This video is of a quality I would expect from someone with 140 THOUSAND subscribers, not 140! Extremely impressed, and every view and subscriber gained from this video is well-deserved.

[@tanksfornothin]

!!!!!!! Thank you :)

[@greenneck5396]

I’ve not seen aquarium videos like this. This was so entertaining and good. I need to find someone to share these with

[@kihntagious]

So professional. Please know you found a niche .

[@hyperlaserrebrn]

8:19 is so cute but horrifying

[@XoQuickLifeXo]

I was just scrolling on yt trying to find something to fall asleep to. Then yt recommended me this video. Thank you❤️❤️

[@meghahewage5505]

Bro said he doesn't know anything about aquascaping 😅 but this is a next level type scape for me.#Amazing ❤

[@TylerKrone-no1vc]

Dude just discovered you and immediately decided you were my comfort KZbinr

[@Versuffe]

The algorithm has chosen a worthy candidate, you will be successful

[@SirKolass]

I love how the daphnia are constantly having a party 😂 9:53

[@tanksfornothin]

I like how their version of dancing is just jumping on the spot

[@gungysbaj]

@@tanksfornothin they honestly dance better than me

[@udflwalker7740]

I love the irony of “they should stay in check if you don’t overfeed the tank.” cut to the population 100% not in check

[@feliciamarie6395]

your videos are seriously good. not only in ecosystem building, but also in filming and video editing. all of your videos are a whole experience and it was a joy to watch. keep it up!!

[@jespermynchau5580]

Little tip for the branches, boil them in a cooking pot, when they ready, they wont float.

[@plantlady1557]

So happy I happened upon your channel!!! Can’t wait to see more. It’s like watching a National Geographic special on nature. AMAZING!!! 😊

[@kennethsatria6607]

The end result makes the shrimps look like a herd of alien cattle grazing on a meadow, I'd say this was awesome

[@tanksfornothin]

That's what's awesome about small shrimp species; they look alien

[@arii4514]

Omg I’m so glad KZbin recommended me this. You’re editing skills are like a breath of fresh air , unique and so fun😂 I was giggling thru out this whole video. Love it and thank you for sharing this masterpiece 🧡

[@Howwwwwl]

Wow, I really love your content my man! Your editing style, narrative pacing, sound effects, epic music choices, and the laid back style of information flow are amazing and so relaxing, please make more content!!!

[@syntiawijaya954]

Why is the most entertaining fish video ever! The Discovery Channel style

[@syntiawijaya954]

-mixed with goofy touch. It’s soooo good!!!

[@syntiawijaya954]

-mixed with goofy touch. It’s soooo good!!!

[@tanksfornothin]

It wasn't even intended at first, but I just had to share the cool footage I got 🐟

[@ShrimpTavern]

the seed shrimp really saw the setup and went "oh, all for me?!"

[@tanksfornothin]

Haaa pretty much exactly

[@thereal_couchpotato]

Thank god for the lack of the obnoxious and over the top narrating that accompanies videos like these. Appreciate it.

[@SithMami]

Incredible. This channel is going places! For once, the KZbin algorithms did me a solid! Your work is fresh, calming and very beautiful. Amusing, as well. Please continue making content!

[@danielsukhu4282]

I'm actually sad the video ended lol. amazing job and story telling! cant wait for your other vids

[@higgs-bison944]

This is the kind of contebt I've always wanted to watch, love the random ASMR moments, so extra XD Just glad to see a talented and dedicated aquarist!

[@matthew_thefallen]

This one is beautiful! I love how you just make mini documentaries around these aquariums XD

[@kovanova9409]

I love the slightly unhinged little editing bits. I imagine they start as little adhd tangents.

[@tanksfornothin]

10000000000000000000%

[@kovanova9409]

@@tanksfornothin heard it hear first!

[@josephpecoraro7314]

Your editing and your videos are going to blow up. Your channel is going to get huge in no time.

[@erenegg]

I love your videos! Your editing style is entertaining and hilarious. The daphnia bouncing around at 8:34 caught me off guard and made me laugh out loud. Goofy critters. I like that we get to see your tank develop over months and it's not just a one day project. It's a lot more relatable to the headache I'm currently going through with my tank 😂...

[@shahrulnizamhashim7913]

your camera work, your edit, your aquarium.... *chef's kiss. looking forward for your next video my man

[@RobertSela]

This is now my favorite aquarium channel. Its just so well done and puts a shining light on all forms of life in the water, not just fish.

[@hitavi4965]

6:16 that's such a beautiful shot

[@tanksfornothin]

One of my favourites, too.

[@gabrielbunea5726]

It's a Wonderful ecosystem what you acomplish..... I never see such diversity in a tiny bawl....... Bravoooo!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@tanksfornothin]

Yeah I think next time without so much space lost to the foam, it'll be better!

[@_staright_5157]

Finally, a British aquarist KZbinr. I no longer have to get up google if I actually want to know the dimensions of something

[@tanksfornothin]

Ha

[@sandrinedefaux3290]

"Trying to explain something seriously" Ostracod: weeeeeeeeeeeeee !!! 😂

[@haydenscoular3883]

The two videos you’ve posted so far have finally made me feel confident enough to try my own aquarium after watching hundreds of other videos so thank you ❤

[@tanksfornothin]

It's SO easy and SO cheap, I just want more people to try it!

[@BrandiV]

You are an absolute magician with these videos. I would watch these every single day. I would binge watch these. The little sound effects make them even better somehow. Please never stop doing this.

[@Camellyah]

I dunno why but it gives huge Studson studios vibes, I love it, even more as it's about my all time favorite hobby

[@laytoncox8058]

Im shook at how you gonna step into the wild like this and be so good right out the gate

[@HiddenForbidden2]

Aquarium/Terrarium/Whateverium videos are all so uniquely relaxing to watch, yet you are the first creator I’ve seen of such videos that makes them funny to boot! I love it!

[@midnight_gamer6454]

This man is now my favorite fish youtuber

[@gwynething]

How do you only have three videos?! Please keep making these

[@bird_b0nezz]

Aquarium videos are my new favourite type of content, it’s so peaceful and so interesting

[@arulkws]

9:08 me on weekend be like that

[@gaeltaddei9953]

Dopamine in video form! the shot of the seed shrimp soup with the hall of the mountain king over the top had me howling! PERFECTION!

[@tigertoxins584]

I absolutely love the pikmin noises, they really fit well

[@LushAquaIndia]

Hey! Loved the video❤

[@tanksfornothin]

Hey! thanks 🐟