Jenna Marbles Got Fish! Advice for New Hobbyists

New hobbyists have it rough! So much bad information, and we all start somewhere! I was inspired by Jenna Marbles getting fish for the first time to make this video, and discuss some of the things its important to know when we get our first tank.

[@lies4theliars58975]

"We all start somewhere...Try to be helpful instead of showing how smart you are." THANK YOU! I work in a pet store that also has a joint clinic. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen coworkers and clinic workers talk down to new pet owners. It is so insulting and off putting. Yes, these workers do know more it is THEIR profession NOT the people who want to get new pets. Getting started with the right information and items are so essential to being a great pet parent! However, they don't need to be treated like children with nasty and condescending comments when they are simply asking questions or trying to figure out how to get started. I firmly believe in steering people in the right direction by addressing any issues with a positive/helpful tones to change that and give them the correct information. I mean really, would you rather take advice from someone who is borderline implying you are an idiot or someone who is providing you with information in a much more approachable way?

[@jacquelineleblanc5043]

I don’t think she was “just showing how much she knows” she gave great tips and advice

[@lies4theliars58975]

Right, I was commending her for this.

[@onetwoxplore]

People often buy "pets" for ornamental reasons. I can understand how and why tradespeople get upset with a "pet expendable mentality" public.

[@benskoropada3030]

"Try to be helpful instead of showing how smart you are" - If you're smart you can show how helpful you are.

[@anyagustafson5927]

If you see her doing something wrong and reach out to her she is very good at fixing things with the animals. She changed a bunch of stuff about her hamster when people told her. She would love the professional feed back.

[@katebattista7400]

Jenna seems really down to earth. Sometimes people get constructive criticism and shut down....throw the trolls into the mix and it's hard to help the new person. I hope she sees this and gains a passion for fishkeeping.

[@RachelOLeary]

I shared this video to her facebook page, best i can do!

[@GrimFelArt]

Yep! I'm wondering why she removed the video. I didn't even get to watch it :(

[@caitlynjones2147]

She removed it because she didn't want to spread misinformation about her fish or have her viewers model their tanks after hers, since she knows now she made some mistakes :)

[@RachelOLeary]

Seems as though Jenna took her video down :( I hope the haters didnt get to her!

[@DisabledPsychedelica]

Rachel O'leary Same, she’s amazing with her animals and is very good at taking criticism and learning. Maybe they’re doing an updated video later? Hopefully they keep making videos updating us on their fish! UPDATE: She made a tweet about it all. Link: twitter.com/jenna_marbles/status/931241640320049152

[@GrimFelArt]

Yeah I was really surprised! She never takes videos down. I hope she, Julien and the fishies are okay.

[@GrimFelArt]

I wonder why she removed it. I hope it wasn't people being arseholes. Or that the fishies died or something.

[@GrimFelArt]

I didn't even get to watch more than a few seconds of it :(

[@lilahb.8698]

She put a thing on her Twitter, if you want to go read it-it's about how she realized that she was misinformed and didn't want to let misinformation stay up there so she took it down. Quite responsible to do, in my opinion! She said that she's going to make sure her fishies are okay, since she wants to give them the best life. She took most of the blame and talked a bit about how she should have done research. I wish I could have seen it now!

[@CrazyCollectorGirl]

As a Jenna Marbles fan, I greatly appreciate your response. I had been busy the last couple of days so I just sat down to watch her video and was alarmed to see it removed. Then I remembered what happened with her hamster and how zealous the fish community can be about care (and rightly so) and assumed the worst. This video was the first to pop up when I searched "jenna marbles we got fishies," and I expected it to be an information smackdown. I was delighted to be proved wrong. Thank you so much for your kind and informative words! Hopefully the community will take your words to heart and live by a favorite saying of mine: "Don't berate, educate!"

[@RachelOLeary]

Love that saying!

[@RachelOLeary]

Pardon my sniffles, I am still quite sick! Regardless, I was inspired this morning when I saw Jenna Marbles got fish to shoot a quick video on some things to think about when getting your first tank. Remember, we were ALL new once and its important to foster each other within this hobby. Jenna took her video down, full explanation at her twitter: @jenna_marbles Instagram @msjinkzd Website and stocklist: msjinkzd.com/stocklist/ Facebook: facebook.com/msjinkzd/ Buy me a coffee: msjinkzd.com/about_msjinkzd/support-our-site/

[@nataliejeanette4152]

Rachel O'leary Heya Rachael where did you buy your plastic containers that hang on the aquarium? Thanks x

[@joeys4289]

Get well soon and thanks for the video

[@RachelOLeary]

+Natalie Jeanette they are called Lee's specimen containers for googling purposes

[@nataliejeanette4152]

Rachel O'leary thank you so much!

[@billelsdon1950]

Seems she took down the video :/

[@MrFkoller]

I really hope Jenna watches this video, Rachel is one of the most knowledgeable and practical fishkeepers I've heard. Great tips on this video for anyone, and pretty good hobby philosophy included in it. Thanks for the video, even when you've kept an aquarium for years and years you always benefit form a refreshment course ;)

[@venus5562]

Franz von Köller too late lmao

[@MrFkoller]

I think she decided what was best for the fish, but I feel the negativity overwhelmed her. I just hope she doesn't give up fish keeping because of it, it seems she's in contact with knowledgeable fishkeepers now.

[@venus5562]

Franz von Köller yeah I’ve had mine for a couple of years now, I just feel for Jenny but the irony of it all made me laugh

[@savannam.7048]

I used to work at a chain pet store. I had customers come in and I had to deal with mistakes and misinformation from other coworkers. This particular chain store does not train their employees or give them any resources or information beyond the "care" tags on the fish and animals, which are frequently inaccurate or angled at making them seem easier to keep. I always kept the attitude, "I was new to the hobby once, too." And did my very best to educate in both a fun and concise, courteous manner instead of trying to beat them down with the knowledge I have. I don't know everything either and ask for help when I need it. It is a detriment to the hobby to be uppity and a mean know it all to people who need help. People can get frustrated, discouraged and quit the hobby. Good information in a constructive manner is one of the most powerful tools we can give to new hobbyists! Love this video and how informative it is!

[@chuckt7636]

What a treat! When the video started and I saw the box divider and then the orange stripe towel I was blown away... holy crap. Thank you so much for the kind words and the treat of seeing my little buddies again.

[@lacielou998]

My dad has kept huge, gorgeous fish tanks my whole life and I know how difficult it is to do! Thanks for making such a great, informative video!!

[@amycummingsirishdancemom8467]

So, I came to my phone to text my husband and saw that Rachel and Joey both posted new videos. Started watching the videos and completely forgot about texting my husband lol. ❤🐠🍀

[@KatEmCog]

I got my tank in April and got a 110litre tank. Didn't have a clue about nitrogen cycles etc. Thank god for KZbin fish keeper as it saved me from starting out bad. Now have a thriving planted aquarium with gouramis

[@mommymawmaw1852]

For some new starters its we watch and see lots of those hobbyists that not only try to show how smart they are but how well off they are also. This is true for the younger ones. They play too much at the expense of trying to learn about our new passions. I LOVE watching you above any I have found on KZbin. You talk to us like we are your neighbor and that is a good feeling not to be talked down to. Thanks for understanding that not all of us have loaded wallets or have well to do parents to support our habits. :) Kudos to you and your channel!!

[@hannahb1870]

I was looking for Jenna's video and I found this. I don't have any fish but I watched the whole thing because you are very informative and fun to watch, lol. I bet Jenna will love this if she sees it.

[@RachelOLeary]

Thanks Hannah!

[@emilia1382]

First tanks can be mind boggling with information overload. A lot of stores I've visited & bought fish from have given me the impression they just want to make money. I learnt the hard way but began to look more at nature & understand the fish world this way. KZbin has been invaluable, people like yourself who really love this hobby, have given honest & easy to understand information to us newbies. Thank Q for your videos & reminding us all to be humble & kind. x

[@RachelOLeary]

+Emilia Cann-Sagoe thanks emilia

[@bronwynlines57]

Yes a thought - fish room tours of women who rock!!! I would watch that!!!

[@RachelOLeary]

Jenna's new video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHfafod9a7mShqs

[@Raventhesim]

What are your thoughts on her response?

[@RachelOLeary]

I think it was honest and true to form for her, but I am bummed that she is not getting into fish. I think she could be a really great advocate in a lot of ways for the industry.

[@MrFkoller]

I think she left the door open to try again in the future, but by the sound of it she was overwhelmed by the negative and exaggerated comments. I still think she took the best decision for the fish, but hope to see some fishies back in her channel again soon . At least she did recognise that the fish keeping community is pretty supportive and tried to reassure her, it's quite the compliment for the community

[@baemto]

I don't even have fish but I just subbed because you seem so kind and knowledgeable and I just love listening to what you have to say!! Haha :)

[@RachelOLeary]

I appreciate it! And welcome :)

[@XxXMidnightblackXxX]

Baileigh Tolar By doing that I'm sure you'll soon be thinking about the possibility of fish in your future. Here you see so many amazing fish and other aquatic life and also hear great advice.

[@goodnewsnobody3476]

We need more people with attitudes like yours Rachel.

[@vikingdeathstrike]

Awe.. I hope Jenna sees this video Rachel. By the time I could watch Jenna's video she already removed it but I could tell that she was probably going to receive a slew of comments based on the tiny looking tank in her thumbnail. I seriously hope that most of the comments she received from the fish community were kind and informative. We all know Jenna loves her pets and treats them extremely well. I'm sure that she probably was misinformed about all things fishy by no fault of her own. In a way I am glad she removed her video because I'd be seriously upset had I of read non helpful comments from the few uppity know it all types that exist in our community. As you said, we all were beginner's at one point and most importantly as with any community we all learn best by being helpful and uplifting to each other regardless of experience. (The learning never stops.) I've been in the hobby for over 37 years and am still learning. I think it's very easy for people with years of experience to think of themselves as know it alls hence loosing humility. I rarely leave comments on any channels videos but wanted to genuinely commend you for making this video. (Plus I adore you and your channel. I am also in mad LOVE with your collection of carnivorous plants!😍 ) Cheers from one fish pimp to another from chilly Canada!!💜

[@FloridaFox]

Really awesome information, makes me want to learn more and become a fish keeper! I especially appreciate the fact you aren't trying to shame anyone/Jenna and instead are being proactive with good knowledge.

[@gibsonfloyd]

Rachel your videos are the best. Anyone else think she has beautiful eyes!?!.

[@Nadia72639]

Seeing your video makes me glad there are people out there who are willing to help and educate new fish owners in an encouraging and positive manner. It may feel redundant to say these things over and over again, but you are doing a great service for people!

[@downunderlife8433]

Love how you were understanding in this vid..about to get my first lot of fish for YEARS and it can be scary when you see all these crazy established setups

[@kennaisatlas8323]

Jenna took down her video. I saw a TON of hateful know it all comments. I'm sure some of them discouraged her and I wouldn't be surprised if she took it down because of all that. People don't give advice anymore, they lecture and berate you for doing things wrong out of ignorance..

[@coolnis5000]

McKenna Barnette I saw that too I feel bad for Jenna..

[@kennaisatlas8323]

The Shadows EVERYONE makes mistakes when starting something new. And having successful tanks is HARD. But instead of helping her they berated her and I even saw people saying she was abusing the fish and just saying awful things. I lost a LOT of fish starting out and I have a 40 gallon..

[@LusioEcarts]

My dear.. sometimes in this internet worId there are some sad moments.. I am a gamer / I ve done some YT in the past / I follow some YT-bers.. and I can easily say: Online there are lots of trolls and haters or people who enjoy being mean to others. (I strongly disagree with this behaviour but I ve seen it enough to know that it is a real THING) Being anonymous turns many people into bad peopIe / bad behaviour (or who knows.. maybe that is their real behaviour from inside and they pretend to be nice IRL or they are nice mostly with those they know in person) Good thing on the internet is that many sites started to have blocks / ignores / mute / ban / report. So I started to not respond to haters.. I just do one or 2 of the things I ve said and bye bye hater / troll / mean people. Overall I can agree with her deleting a video.. If the comment section is full of non constructive comments why keep it ?!..

[@lynnb.2209]

Love the way you provide such helpful information in a down to earth manner. Great cheekbones too!

[@RachelOLeary]

thanks Lynn!

[@ssamiam1994]

Thank you for making this video, and thinking of Jenna. You are very positive and informative, I️ don’t have any fish currently but I️ enjoyed listening to the information you shared about new fish and about people with similar interests supporting each other 🙂

[@karenwolfsen]

Another. Great. Video! Rachel, you are an amazing educator. Keep up the great work. I’m always waiting for your videos! You are doing the hobby a great service. Thank you so much for always sharing your knowledge.

[@lelanidixon7941]

Great advice. People new to the hobby deserve the best info we can give them - without the attitude!

[@Songbird1977jk]

so happy and grateful you made this! Thank you for all your hard work!

[@jmacd98]

Great advice! Some good tips there, particularly adding a drop of prime to the water in fish bags to neutralise the ammonia

[@jaysonscaccia3188]

New again to the hobby...thank you for your advice and kindness

[@amberkendle656]

You are awesome. I'm cycling my 20 gallon right not for a betta fish and binge watching so many of your videos on scapes, plants, fish in general. Thank you for being so welcoming!

[@twunderaquatics1770]

Hadn't seen this video. Looking back I was going through a very rough patch of my life. I'm crazy about Apistogrammas and love hearing you speak. Not just about fish but respect for others entering the hobby. Truely an inspiring video. 👍

[@susaneverett4996]

Thank you, Rachel! Promoting good info & education & encouragement! I taught newbies daily for 10 years, and grew fellow Fish-heads, and many friends! Fish-Guru Sue

[@indaliah9137]

Great advice! I love your videos. And you're right, it's always a good idea to be nice to the newbies. You definitely walk the walk. You were so nice to me when we met at GWAPA. You have such a good heart and really care about your fish and shrimp. Keep up the good work!

[@mrbxv]

You're an excellent teacher, Rachel. Thanks for doing what you do. It would be a great series of you started a series of videos on starting a brand new tank for noobies. Step by step.

[@halfleftdawn725]

Thanks for promoting the good mojo. The uppity attitudes almost scared me off researching my new hobby. I think everyone could agree that new people should feel comfortable learning how to take the best care of our new fishy friends.

[@John-pt4oq]

As a huge Jenna marbles fan. I really appreciate how you went about responding to her mishap. Love your channel

[@yvesdaigle3840]

Great video Rachel, always make my day when you release a video.

[@karacarpenter1812]

Fantastic video...thank you for all of your incredible in-site!

[@gennivivecelesteeklund7762]

Oh and Thank you Rachel, I'm a huge fan and you are apart of the reason I got into this hobby.

[@katnewman2856]

Lovely sentiments, wish there were more like you out there! (Obs many lovely hobbyists but can't ever have too much love and support eh!)

[@jodielprynce]

Just plain and simple educational advice. Appreciate the knowledge. My aquarium has really thrived since I've watched your channel and learned so much. My planted freshwater community tank has had zero issues and my fishes enjoy it. Thanks again!

[@RachelOLeary]

Super glad to hear that!

[@foulksey]

I love your positive and lovely words, it is so easy for people to start shouting at beginners instead of helping and encouraging! Positive vibes = positive lives :)

[@YouTubeOwl]

First video I have ever seen of yours, and I am impressed with your attitude and knowledge. You seem like a really cool and kind person.

[@RachelOLeary]

+MassCrusade thanks and welcome!

[@plcc07777]

If Rachel is as nice in person as she is on KZbin, she is a wonderful person indeed. I appreciate her videos soooooo much.

[@chimmylights7323]

I love you and your good encouragement to new hobbyists 😁😁 right now I’m still studying and soon maybe after graduation I want to focus on bettas, but now I just have two and learn to take care of them first 😁💕

[@Robyn0587]

I came here from a comment on Jenna's update video... I have no intention of getting fishies any time soon but I love hearing someone so passionate and informed talk about what they love!

[@RachelOLeary]

+Robyn S thanks Robyn

[@roxanneandreaallgeier4085]

Hi Jenna, thank you!! Your enthusiasm and knowledge is inspiring and motivating. Love your hair!

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

One of my favorite vids to date. Conversational, educational, supportive throughout, and packed with easy and helpful information. Hear the cold in your sinuses, but your energy is great, so hoping it is almost over. No coffee, but thought I saw a coke hiding back there. One hour to the live stream with Bob. I'll be there. Thanks!

[@RachelOLeary]

stupid me thought it was 5 MY time hahaha. I may have to brew a pot of coffee or have some tea during hte stream. This cold/flu is kicking my butt! I was really inspired to talk this morning, I felt really bad for this famous youtuber that I will never meet that she was getting such harsh criticism by people who probably made the exact SAME mistakes when they started out. See ya in the live stream!

[@cjma482]

Such a positive video! I'm definitely subscribing!

[@RachelOLeary]

Jennifer Ouellette welcome!

[@dobrohobo7862]

Great video! I'm watching every video I can and I don't even have a tank yet. I just want to be prepared. I had a tank about 12 years ago and so much has changed in the fish world. I'm thankful I found you, Cory from aquarium coop and Dustin's fish tanks. I'm looking at getting a 65 gal and I want to plant it and have community fish. I had cichlids before and want to try something different. Thank you so much for all your info.

[@RachelOLeary]

That sounds super fun! Don't rule out cichlids- there are SO MANY types, many of which are awesome in a planted community

[@bronwynlines57]

Great video. Your so right! Keeping people in the hobby is hard, so go gentle with advice. They will learn and if your lucky you will make a new fish buddie to share your fish experiences and worries with. We all want fish to be happy and healthy - so this is a greasy my start. Thanks again for sharing. Your so down to earth and real. Plus a woman!!! I love seeing woman who rock the hobby.

[@joannacramer5293]

This video is a great response to Jenna's video. This is what new fishkeepers need and they need to know that there is an amazing community out here of fishkeepers to help.

[@justkim8094]

I did a ton of research when a fish tank was basically pushed on me but I have never had luck keeping fish alive for more then a year. Except my dwarf frogs who are around 5 now

[@mharrii]

Thank you for this. I started "researching" last August (2016), knowing I had plenty of time as I was moving in December (No use in setting up a tank only to have to tear it down a few month later). My xmas present to myself was my 20 gallon long, (after starting out thinking I only needed a 2 gallon or so size). 1/1/17 the day I started my fishless cycle and first week in March it was ready. I love your videos and you have helped me a lot over the months as I continue on this "journey". I hope your friend will post I was looking forward to seeing her videos. I just wanted to say thank you.

[@jennbtlady]

I love when my youtube favorites cross over. Thanks for this Rachel!

[@RachelOLeary]

I was geeked when I learned that she and I have the same birthday. It is the little things in life, hahaha

[@jennbtlady]

That is really cool. I hope she watches your video. I also hope all the people who are trying to "prove how smart they are" watch this too. Great message Rachel!

[@cjordannh]

Me too...I may have squealed a little when I saw this video title!

[@KillYourHero92]

I've been watching your channel for a while you are very informative and a great roll model in the hobby. I have even more respect for your response to Jenna's video. I've been in the hobby for a while and I saw a lot of mistakes in her video but the worst part was the response from some people. I watch people like you and Joey and I feel inspired and excited to be in the hobby, so I was surprised by how she was attacked for her video. I expected, with a hobby like this, there would be more understanding, welcoming and educating. You have a valid point, we all start somewhere. My first tank was sold to me with the fish. They had to wait in the bag for set up and I was sold a bottle of something for an "instant cycle". I am far from that now, I've gotten into live plants and breeding but I started off not much different from Jenna and I know many others have too.

[@RachelOLeary]

+KillYourHero92 I think the majority of us started of nearly identical to her

[@kayleighlowe6514]

Loved this video!!!! Feel better Rachel!

[@OliviPri]

Love this video! Wish I would've known so many of those things when I was younger and my father got my brother and me some fish. Sadly we didn't manage so well with our fish. But this video inspires me to maybe one day get fish again and do better. I also really hope that Jenna sees this video since I have the feeling that she's genuinely super interested in taking good care of her animals and I think this would probably help her a lot :)

[@RachelOLeary]

I get that feeling from her as well! And you are not alone with how your first experience with fish went- its one of the things that motivated me to start, and keep doing KZbin. I will never have 17million subs, but I feel good about the information I try and share!

[@phillymanpete]

Hey Mrs. Jenkinz....First let me say that I really, really like your videos. Joey and you are the reason why I am getting back into the hobby after a long 15 year hiatus. Thank you! That said, my personal skill as an an aquarist is pretty deep and broad. Give me a challenge...what fish is very difficult to keep in the home aquarium based on your experience and view. Maybe talk about Pterophyllum dumerilli or give me a beautiful and exotic cory that I can marinate on keeping. Thanks again. Phillyman ~

[@Auchtahelweit]

Aw, poor Jenna. It's really nice to see how you took a positive approach to help people in this kind of scenario. It'd be great if more people focused on educating and being supportive! Caring for fish does seem very complicated and it's a shame that pet stores keep encouraging bad choices for easy sales. :(

[@markvonwisco7369]

This is a very well done video. My practice is to cycle a tank with live plants and at least 50% water from a seasoned tank. I use hornwort and guppy grass, and then watch the tank for at least a week. I 100% agree with the advice to get a 20 long for a first tank. Hope to be ordering from you later this year, once the weather warms up.

[@vanessadoucette-buch1658]

You are Awesome!!! Thank you for being a great fishkeeper and all around great person!

[@lindacox2888]

I am super new to the hobby... (3 mos in new) & I LOVE your videos... I catch myself asking my tv questions like you are right here... I have soooo many questions..... thank you for all you do!

[@RachelOLeary]

+Linda Cox time in Friday for a live stream!

[@Psybur]

I thank you very much for your insight and advice. I'm a Pet Care Lead at PetSmart and have been for the last 16.5 years and am ALWAYS looking at different ways people care for fish so as to best inform my customers, the majority of which are beginners. My number one source is ALWAYS books and magazines, but I keep an open mind and supplement with the internet, particularly when it coincidences WITH said reading material, and yours DEFINITELY does. I, too, agree that there is an enormous problem with misinformation in the hobby for beginners with chain pet stores as well as LFS. I've made it my life's goal to educate beginners to the hobby and break-down the often confusing world of fish-keeping. I constantly look for feedback, good or bad, from the people I help and use what I learn to refine how I teach and speak. Again, thank you for a wonderful video.

[@RachelOLeary]

+Psybur you guys generally sell the book that I co-authored, 101 best freshwater nano species. :)

[@Psybur]

Oh, I have that as an eBook; it was really well written, thank you for your contribution to the hobby. Sadly, PetSmart lost its damn mind and decided to discontinue the selling of books and magazines on the care of pets (I FOR REAL went home and cried about it; that's how much books MEAN to me.) Luckily, I've amassed a private library of sorts behind the fish wall at work that I refer to frequently and manically encourage customers to read.

[@vivisanchie]

I hope Jenna finds this video and gets into the fish keeping hobby :)

[@nancampbell236]

I love this video!! Yes, help not hurt-spread the ♥️. THANK YOU!!!

[@melissasquibb4096]

I just started cycling a 20 G Long and I know I have already screwed up. I am so nervous and getting advice is so confusing.

[@mmoncur]

Good advice as always Rachel! The aquarium hobby is really unique in that you can walk into a big-box pet store, or even a local hobbyist store run by a dedicated hobbyist, and get absolutely TERRIBLE advice. Almost every time. There are good fish stores, and even good PetSmart employees, but you're lucky if you find one. The whole thing is just set up for failure for new fish keepers. Look at any store's inventory -- the one thing you'll see in almost every store is goldfish and common plecos. Neither one works for beginners at all. The store's inventory of tanks will be almost all tiny tanks (because they're easier to ship and cheaper) and the inventory of fish will be almost all larger fish that won't live in a tiny tank (because they show better and sell better.) You could walk into 9 stores out of 10 and buy a 3-gallon tank, a goldfish, and a Pleco, and they'll let you do it with a smile on their face. So... because of this, if I hear about someone as a beginner wildly mistreating fish, I try to give them a break every time. I'll try to educate them rather than calling them a monster. I was never a fan of Jenna (or even aware she existed) but I think her new video will help educate a ton of people about how to deal with fish as beginners... or how NOT to. And I'm glad most of the fish people gave her good advice instead of criticizing.

[@fisharefriends598]

Fluval cycle . And get a small cheap 10 gallon and some guppies. I always say the small the tank the bigger the sponge filter needed

[@corymiller9854]

Ty for this vid. I am new but have watched so so many vids:] This one is great and much needed. I ant the type to give up so I will stick it out. However I do find a lot of silly spending in this hobby which I can not do much of:]

[@jamesmccabe511]

Rachel I always enjoy your videos

[@destaniepignataro9393]

I just started my first tank maybe a month ago and this was really informative. Thank you!

[@RachelOLeary]

+Destanie Pigñataro I am glad!

[@MsEmmaloserface]

I just found your video after seeing Jennas response and wanting to watch her original video. Very thankful to have found your channel :) My boyfriend and I have just started getting ready to house fishies. Hes really interested in Aquascaping while I really just want to watch fishes and have that tranquil sound in the house. (plus I want shrimp, I could watch them preen all day!) Hes just bought me a 70L (18.5Gal or 24" x 12" x 15") for my own little set up. And we bought a 216L (57Gal or 40" x 18" x 19") for his aquascaping. It seems to be a really beautiful and fulfilling (omg pun) hobby and I cant wait to start cycling, planting then adding our fish as we pick out the ones wed like / that will suit our tank. Hes done the research so we know about the cycles, we will be having plants which will help balance the immonia/nitrite/nitrate. plus which fish we want, that will suit the conditions (salt, fresh, cold, tropical etc) If you have any advice or any videos you think would help us, please comment them :)

[@RachelOLeary]

+MsEmmaloserface sounds like you guys are going to have a ton of fun. If there is a fish club near you, they can be a really great outlet. Sounds like you guys are planning things put which is an excellent first step!

[@annel5296]

Love your advice and positivity! There's no need to be condescending to a beginner. We need to be supportive of other hobbyists! Aquagirls Rock!

[@matthewzito6130]

I've noticed that some fish tanks have stocking recommendations on the side of the box that are horrendously bad. For example, one 5 gallon tank recommended up to two goldfish or two common plecos.

[@chamashadissanayake536]

Omg i needed this. Thank you so much 😄

[@michaelcocayne8395]

Completely agree with your suggestion to start with a 20 gal long, as a 10 gal you can over populate too easily. I would recommend starting a tank with black skirt tetras, by far the hardest fish I have found for starter fish. I have never heard of someone having issues with establishing a tank with them. I also believe most people won't have the patience to have an empty tank while a bacteria colony establishes from the store bought cultures, I know I never did. My black shirts are +7 yrs and 2-3 inches in size...they just grew on me and never could bring myself to get rid of them. Love the videos.

[@thefishylife6823]

Patience!!!! Best advice I can give to new fishkeepers, this video is a very good informative video for new fishkeepers, I've found myself telling some people in PetSmart that I overheard that what the employee just told them was wrong and explained the nitrogen cycle and hopefully helped them...why is it so hard to have educated people in the big pet stores? Sry for the rant. ✌️

[@shaker7804]

Thanks Jenna. Your a blessing. Thanks for sharing

[@mlmazur2007]

This is the best video! I really want to get some fish but I know the advice at the pet stores is just awful. Taking notes for when we get ours

[@jessicacloud5387]

Great, informative video Rachel! I wish I coulda seen this before I bought my 10 gallon! BTW...my snails I got from you are doing great and I can't believe how much I love those little guys! Actually I found out the really pretty yellow and red tiger snail is a girl! She's laying eggs everywhere which is great coz that means she's happy right? Much love! 😘

[@hyruleworrier3021]

Thank you thank you! All this information was so very helpful :)

[@newbieaquatics9361]

Always great advice 😀👍🏼

[@zaganski]

I'm new to the hobby, my tank have been cycling for almost 2 months and then I got my first fish, after 2 week of that I added 2 snais, and I'm happy with it, although, my plans for next year is to have a bigger tank, I'm looking into getting a pleco, and heard they can get big.

[@saucedupnails]

Yay! One more hobbyist! Hope you're well!

[@mamamiabenjamia]

it would be really nice if starting and maintaining a tank weren't so hard to learn at the very beginning. i mean, i obsess over this hobby and i kind of think that's necessary. it would be nice if the key foundations of fish-keeping were really simple at the beginning and got harder and harder the more you advanced, but getting things to balance and stabilize they way they have to seems to be the hardest, most important, and, at the same time, the first lesson. i really hope jenna gets into researching how to keep fish because they are just so fun to obsess over. i would never discourage anyone who's willing to learn and research from starting out and making all the rookie mistakes. i really hope she posts more about her fish in the future.

[@FancyTailAquatics]

I learned a lot from this video. I was recently demoted as a Mod from my favorite site. It appears I was too knowable for others. Yes, my fault and not understanding the audience.

[@HighPriestessIce]

I had no idea fish were this complex. I've learned so much. I only had fish once as a child (late 80's), most people consider it a starter pet for children that you just shove in a bowl of water. I did have a large tank that I changed water weekly in, but I had no idea that you had to prepare water like that.

[@RachelOLeary]

I don't really think they are that much more complex that keeping any other pet well. Most folks think you can also get a puppy or kitten (or a reptile) and just throw some food and water at it, provide it a place to go to the bathroom and that is it. The reality is any pet takes a bit of understanding and commitment to keep well for it to thrive. Fish needs are just way less well understood by the masses, but are a super rewarding pet to keep.

[@colormetakenaback486]

I've had trouble in the past with diatoms. I've read so much about different ways to get rid of it but I wondered what your advice is because I think you are the bomb and supersmart and I trust your wisdom 😊 (My fishes in my 10 gallon battled through a few bouts of ick and I fought valiantly each time, but lost more and more babies with each round until I was alone with an empty tank. I am about to restart it with new gravel but I dread those diatoms so much. Money is a bit tight, especially here right before Christmas, or I would just invest in a 20gal long)

[@RachelOLeary]

I think of it as a new tank syndrom, and it generally resolves. If you want to help counteract them, you could add a nerite snail. THey love diatoms. No more than 1 per 5g though in a young tank :)

[@SimonJones265]

I started the Hobby 6 months ago and everything you said is so True

[@DisabledPsychedelica]

YASSSSS!! I was eating for this video!

[@growinginportland]

Knowledge is power. May the force be with you.

[@yamix7266]

The colour of your hair is on point

[@angelararara6350]

What a nice video. Subscribed even without one single fish.

[@TheNellehFox]

I have a black piece of fabric hanging on the side of one of my tanks that's a bit in sunlight. It's semi-opaque, so I can still see them through it, and it's a lot less permanent than a background stuck to the glass. Without the curtain, the tank just turns green!

[@adamworley196]

Why is this the first I've seen/heard of that poly fil trick?! See this folks? My grandparents and parents kept fish; I'm in my 40s, and have always been involved in fishkeeping for all of it, THAT WAS NEW. Going along with the theme of the video, we are all always learning. Remember, even the know-it-alls who've 'been there, done that', we really don't. Love the hobby, it's a family. Even the "idiot cousins" and "opinionated old folks". Help each other in the best way you can and be open to new ideas! Take care, all.

[@Kirby3585]

Ah, I didn’t get to watch it. But cheers for the advice, I love that you are very knowledgeable on the subject.

[@somethingstupid1920]

I am getting a 10 gallon tank set up and I have looked through your videos and stuff, I am wondering if you have a recommendation for fish time fish owners on what to stock a small tank with? I want something hardy that I can get 4-6 of, but are active to watch fish :) This video was amazing! thank you for making all your videos!