The #1 Reason You Should Clean Your Aquarium!

[@KGTropicals]

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[@rantsandreviews]

In regard to your filters....I only clean mine annually. A filter full of mulm and brown "gunk" is as efficient as it gets. They are literally their own little eco system working hard for us. I have been in this hobby for over 4 decades and thought this was common knowledge until I visited a few FB groups and was stunned to discover how often the "average" aquarist cleans their filters. In general (IMO) a filter should not be cleaned until it is near clogged. Absolutely agree about the insanity running rampant in our country as well. Thanks for the video!

[@ItsLaurenE]

I'm with you, the groups can be my go to comedy hour. I love the ones who preach about tank cycling then come asking why their fish are all sick or dead after adding new fish (un quarantined) saying they looked happy and healthy when i got them. My filters look like a Kleenex during allergy season only much different on color 🤣 by the time i give them a good brush through which for me means i keep any wall algae on til next cleaning. I never skip on getting the poop masters crap out.

[@The70s_child]

Been doing this for 30+ years and totally agree. If the flow is slow open it up - If not leave well alone in my book!

[@yournumberonepal]

Hmm, I usually clean at least my bottom tray and rotate it to the top of the stack in my canister, I run all sponge in it or 3/4 sponge and 1/4 poly because, hey, why not? Sponges are cool.

[@mofish3601]

Thank you for reaffirming what I’m coming to understand. I used to try to be efficient and change all my tanks in one night by filling and emptying them at the same time but it did become a chore and mistakes happened. Now I do one or two a few times a week and the whole process is ten times as enjoyable.

[@CrazyFishDad]

Gotta love tank maintenance day! Speaking of its time for me to take care of the 55 AND 75 gallon tanks! Great video! Always appreciate the content that you and Lisa put out!

[@cagr6205]

I agree cleaning tanks is like therapy 👍

[@CJBlack265]

I love that "just maintenance my tanks" feeling. Thanks John 💕👍

[@jeffhester1443]

Great video and advice. I can reiterate and emphasize to eveyone something you touched on. I think of "moving watter don't dotter". Meaning anytime water is MOVING, in or out, do not walk away. Do not start texting, emailing, youtubing, working on this, just getting that. If you HAVE to step away, turn the water off. Also get plugs off the floor and make drip loops. Hope this helps, and love your new home and ye old fish house.

[@ginamiller6015]

I did my aquarium maintenance today, for the same reasons you mentioned. The world is crazy but at least my fish are safe and healthy and the tank is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your videos.

[@theresaabshire711]

I agree with 100% everything you said & I can totally relate to it. I also enjoy doing my aquarium maintenance. I find it very relaxing. I get to interact with my fish & see the beautiful results afterwards. It makes me feel like I'm pampering my little fishy friends. I just put my favorite movie on the tv & go at it. I take my time to make sure everything is done like it's suspose to be done, take a break now & then if I need to, & just get it done. One time I was rushing things & my water temp was off & I killed a fish. I was crushed ! Even my son who isn't particually into fish was upset when he wandered thru the living room & saw what was going on. It was a year ago & I still feel that pain & still feel just as bad about it. So no more rushing around. I take it slow & easy - In memory of Joe (The fish I lost) a beautiful double tail blue betta. 😢 I knew better & that makes it even worse. Anyway great video John. You are so spot on ! Nice to find that there's others out there that feel exactly as I do. My fish provide me so much joy & entertainment, the least I can do is provide them a clean, safe, beautiful home. I don't leave my house much. I find the world way to stressful to be out there. So my fish, dogs, & cats provide me their love & that makes things better. Taking care of them is my therapy. Now I gotta go feed everyone ! ❤

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Thanks for clearing my concepts. Sanity & mental health.

[@williamcampbell2848]

Really nice video, good job. You expressed well both the responsibilities of fish keeping but also the simple joy of just doing the job (when it’s done in a well thought out way with no stress).

[@growinginportland]

I do recall the relaxing feeling I had when I did my weekly maintenance in my fish room when I was maintaining 25 fish tanks. Miss my fish room. But Why are you putting in comments about face masks in your video's. Doesn't seem appropriate, why yes its funny when I see people driving around with them on, I still use mine when I go grocery shopping or drop packages off. Keeps me safe, as I've never had Covid (Knock on wood). My father has a compressed immune system, so Im looking out for him. I understand the entertainment value of it, just doesn't seem like to appropriate place to do so. Keep doing what you do best, making great videos about your journey in the fish hobby. Cheers.

[@bruce_lero1]

Love the talk over format of this video! Had a laid back/chill feel to it. Well done! Also, loving the new scapes on the AC tanks! 🙌

[@CREEPLAIR]

Man...I love the trash can on wheels idea. But nothing better than being able to run a hose out the door and having a water hose near my tanks for filling. It's made cleaning so fast I've done the bucket method forever until I bought this house. I have a 55-gallon now I fill and treat and warm to temp and fill my 120 back up with that after cleaning. Very thankful. Great channel thanks for the tips! Peace ✌️

[@Whips_World]

As a fellow can user (it might be the exact can setup even) I'll tell you this, using a short, larger diameter hose gets you much better results. It is much easier to work with, rather than constantly flipping the siphon end over, just so you can get the large chuncks of waste into the hose and into the sump or sink or wherever you're draining it to. The python is a game changer for smaller fish and smaller tanks, but for the big boys, you need to break out the big toys.

[@CREEPLAIR]

@Whip's World I know exactly where you're coming from. "turning the syphin tube sideways" Why do they make the outlet so tiny? Lol

[@miggymiggz7963]

I've had my fish tank for a good 2 months now up and running, that's not counting the quarantine tank a head going about 4 months ago that my fish had to go in prior to my 20 gallon. The videos you have made and One other fish fanatic who makes videos have been information gold for me. Even the stuff that don't apply to the type of fish tank I have set up I watch and you simplified and made it more clear than I thought it would be to run a community tank. I just wanted to say thank you and I appreciate you taking out the time to make these videos

[@sobiaq]

4:10 Attach a python hose to a pond pump and use that in the trash can to pump the dirty water out to the yard or a sink. Saves me time and backaches when I clean my 125g tank 😊

[@tylerkennedy28]

Great video with an absolutely amazing closing lol. Loved it. Today is my water change day. I love tank maintenance!!

[@Edward-rw3kq]

I love your goldfish tank.

[@CrabbyHermit54]

The yellow lab tank is looking great with some algae starting grow!

[@winterbournewillow1031]

My new favorite episode for 2 reasons. You said the exact same words i say after doing maintenance, "i just made something better" secondly your comments about masks, i freakin love it

[@Bwood22]

I would put the heat on about 82 degrees in the Flavascent tank and feed them a bit more than usual for a bit. This will speed up their metabolism and put some size on them. The females look a bit small in the video. Larger size = a higher and more stable egg yield. Are you planning on stripping and tumbling after a week or letting them hold and carry all the way out? You could also move the Male into the main tank and let the females establish their own hierarchy and forget that male exists for a few weeks. Then when he is introduced again they should all get excited. But you could just try dimming the lights and turning on some Marvin Gaye.

[@constancehiggins9768]

Great video and I am laying here with a headache thinking I need to clean my cichlid tank. BTW you should outfit your can on wheels with a PVC valve and gaskets. That way when you wheel it out you can just open the valve to empty!!

[@sallyb7472]

I understand what you are saying. Keeping my 10 gallon crystal clear with perfect water parameters, healthy plants and thriving fish gives me a feeling of accomplishment and control in an out of control world. I am retired early due to health reasons. I would have an enormous tank if I knew I could physically handle it. Meanwhile I enjoy my mini and watching fish keeping videos!

[@mingbritson]

Always entertaining -- thanks!!!

[@antoinehage3762]

Like always great advice and can't wait to see those filters after 3 years

[@tabithalitman7864]

About people driving around wearing masks while alone in their cars, are you sure they don’t have an immunocompromised infant or small child in their backseat?

[@cobyabbygayle]

John, I now have 3 tanks now. They are small. SAs you say they bring me great pleasure. Thank you so much for your channel. I have learned so much from you both. Love you guys and my lovely wife too.

[@paulmccarthy7467]

I enjoy doing maintenance, but I do get stressed because I’m doing too many tanks at the same time and its not possible to enjoy it as you mentioned somebody called me the other day then I come back to a pump running dry thinking have I unplugged that heater too. I’m deafly gonna go back to doing one tank at a time so I can enjoy and give myself a time to do it rather than rush it

[@plushpossum]

Anyone who keeps everything from Goldfish & Bettas to Discuss & Bichirs deserves respect! How can we not take advice from folks who keep such diversified portfolios ?? 🙂 Y'all are such badass fish keepers!!!

[@ClydeHartley31]

Love the process. Just watching is relaxing. Thanks for the great video and keeping it real like always. 👍

[@nuclearcharlie6867]

Thanks John I enjoyed your thoughts in today's video and look forward to your 3 year canister clean out I do enjoy cleaning and setting a tank right... the therapy is priceless

[@legionaquatics]

I like maintenance because I feel more connected to my tank and fish when I have my hands in the tank and the end product is always so satisfying and rewarding

[@BeeKayCee911]

Alot of people don't like Tank Maintenance I love watching my fish do zoomies when there clean..and Enjoy That they Are Happy🐠🐟🌱

[@kimstanley6496]

Me i, USED'TO use Ceramic Tile Porcelain tile it Looks Awesome 👌TANK FLOORS EASILY cleaning Lights Hit harder on the Clean floors 10-4.

[@100FactChecks]

I love your goldfish tank in the background! Such cuties!

[@joanvirgil6299]

This video has been very helpful to me. Instead of running around like a clown, I'm going to follow your lead. Thank you!

[@debbiewilhelm3035]

Beautiful tanks

[@kolewazakisan5940]

Love your channel ❤ Watching this while doing my weekly maintenance 👌

[@HadEnough745]

It does feel good to look at a newly cleaned tank.

[@vero_sr_g800]

I started working 2 jobs and I don't have days off anymore so the past 4 water changes on our goldfish tank have been done by my fiance. It's adorable seeing him be proud of his work and seeing his cleaning get better with the tank. I no longer have to supervise since I have been doing the water changes for the past 4 years with our goldfish.

[@MFCOOL83]

LOVE LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, KEEP IT UP! ❤

[@SquirrilahFish]

I just cleaned all my aquariums this weekend. Rescaled my whole 75g too. Time well spent.

[@daveeatmon4718]

Love the new look on the Electric Yellow tank!

[@onlywei]

How come you don’t just put the other end of the hose outside? That way you don’t need to use the trash can anymore?

[@kristofferlindholm8520]

I couldnt agree more! I just love your videos and tips and tricks. Thank you 💗

[@cmartinez3809]

I agree 110% love the Tanks

[@pelhamsaquatics]

It’s a great feeling cleaning the tanks, your absolutely right John🙂👍🏻

[@cathylocklin3215]

I agree, I want to give my fish the best life!😀

[@victoriablack5552]

I know it doesn't work for everyone but for me I have 17 tanks (though not as big as yours) all around my house. When I syphon them all I made it easier (for me) by attaching a 15 metre clear hose to my vacuum and included a hand squeeze pump about a metre from the main tube. Now I just run it out the door and let it water my lawn. Sometimes I let it overflow a 20 litre bucket just to make sure I catch any fry that may inadvertently take the journey.

[@MarijkeWillemsen990]

I cleaned my two cannister filters after 5 years, I just forgot. When the flow was diminishing I remembered that it was a long time ago that I cleaned the filters, I braced myself for a disastrous amount of dirt when opening the cannisters but I was very surprised that I found just a very moderate amount of dirt, no brown mud whatsoever…

[@zucabrasil]

Great video, thanks.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

Excellent!

[@KingsAquariumsAndReptileRoom]

Awesome video mate, absolutely 100% agree with everything you mentioned. Btw your tanks look absolutely stunning.

[@zsworld6609]

Love this video and the ending was priceless! thanks john

[@youtruber8009]

Thank you for these videos man! I’ve learned a lot and my aquarium is thriving.

[@STEVE_C_1369]

Well,like you said,and Ive practiced for years...if it aint broke,dont fix it. Being in Ohio,the Cleveland area against Lake Erie,where our water is supplied from,the Chlorine and other additives are probably of higher concentration than where you are to make the water safe. That said,Im not about to hose my fish with tap water and chance causing them irritation or maybe pain.I treat my water before adding. Hoisting 42 pounds of water in the air over my head onto a hook to syphon it into my tank several times is a bit strenuous on a 70 year old 5'7" man,but my fish arent a hobby.They are a life style.They depend on me. So...to others thinking if they can run water straight from the tap...consider the water quality and amount of additives in your water before running it from the tap.And,if you live up here in the northern states,that tap water is damned cold.Dont shock your fish if you do a big water change. Every advice given in KZbin from hosts could have holes in them and may need modified to YOUR needs . KZbin isnt gospel.

[@VirginiaBronson]

Agreed. I live in Texas in a particular area where the tap water has a PH of 8.7. I collect rain water instead - for myself AND my fish and pup and kitties. It truly matters what the water quality is like where you live!

[@XCaliKev]

👍😎 I’m really liking this style of video John. Ya maintenance was relaxing. ✌️

[@reggie2803]

Sound advice that I need to take heed. Thanks.

[@billforthman2348]

John - Great video, suggestions, and comments! On the 240s, is there a need to periodically "flush" out the waste that accumulates between and behind the stacked rocks?

[@markfranklin8831]

Good advice 👍

[@yusiyola2011]

What a video! Thanks

[@everythingfishCl]

I love the feeling when I look at my tank and it's crystal clear and my sand is pure white clean and clear.... Water changes are life man

[@williampiatchek6986]

Just ordered my first sponge filter from you guys hopefully it’s as good as you recommend

[@iakovromanenko6845]

У вас хороший вкус и отличное оформление аквариумов 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💪🏻

[@Ravuun]

Not sure why you felt the need to include a short mask rant in your video about cleaning fish tanks.

[@Whips_World]

Ummm, because it's funny? 🤣

[@hkk3656]

Something Trump would do??? He's in Trump land. I have a brother-in-law just like him. 🤮

[@peterwentworth9181]

I remember reading a book called Eat That Frog. It's all about doing jobs you don't like first. Everything after is great. I only have a micro aquarium but still have to do these jobs weekly.

[@SteveBrunelle]

what is that amazing lookin fish on the bottom of the tank? Man you have some GORGEOUS fish!

[@leo2o915]

John that black Caribsea cichlid eco complete is it more like sand or is it actually sand ? Going to be getting a new tank for shell dwellers

[@Nickel_palovich]

Know that feeling all too well, last night just upgraded a tank for the red devil cichlid, happiest ive seen the guy, it is the little things that make you happy, and the fish

[@stewartfooter3580]

Friday is my cleaning day,water change and scrape off anything from the glass,love how it looks after and happy fish,one 20g tall but itsta nice tank

[@cameroncarter7302]

Just a thought… if you put a pump in the water you could push the waste to one side and that would make it easier to clean so far as vacuuming wouldn’t it? ( talking about the big Oscar tank)

[@sulemanibnmoosa]

I maybe sound like the odd one out but, I really enjoy the maintenance side of fish keeping. Organised, scheduled therapy!

[@markbaumgardt2868]

Sometimes I do a 12 to 16 hour shift you know I don't mind going home doing the maintenance on my tanks I find it's on of the enjoyment of the hobby

[@QueAquatics]

I am going to have to try one tank at a time, the scenario you described while doing several tanks at the same time is what I experience and it is not fun.

[@coverdalemineoscalemodelrr7074]

Love your videos you and Lisa make me a better fish keeper 😊

[@lgtvsmart4078]

I have q question in heavily planted substrate tank , do people clean substrate?. I always had non planted which i gravel vac

[@Whips_World]

I know I'm not John or Lisa, but I think I can answer that with a pretty strong NO. Most everyone I know simply waves the siphon over the substrate with enough force to stir up any loose debris. You really don't want to be pulling the nutrients out of the soil or disturbing the roots of the plants.

[@lizdyson3627]

Awesome video.

[@siennafancher6728]

Love this video, I've been keeping fish for around 9 months or so, so wouldn't say I'm a beginner but I'm not a pro or a intermittent fish keeper. I am putting a Betta in a 10 gallon with some Blue Shrimp and 4-5 Tetras, and maybe a bristle-nose. I was wanting another opinion on it to see if this going to work out.

[@mikejejenich7116]

💯. Agree. Doing my maintenance. Is Therapy.

[@wendyhood1006]

I’m like you I just love cleaning my fish tanks I also find it very therapeutic I put my music on and then I’m into it 😊

[@FintasticEcosystems]

Thank you ;-) Really needed this video....just moved house with 5 tanks and its been a challenge to find the energy to fully enjoy them, definitely needed to be reminded about the peace and escape from reality I/we have from this bizzaro upside down weirdo world.

[@sheriDJ71]

My tanks have helped my anxiety so much I hardly do any maintenance just a top up here and there and clean the glass My favourite time is really early in the morning whilst my family sleeps The house is quiet and it’s just me and my fish ❤ 🐠❤️🇦🇺

[@Quality_Koi]

Good work ....keep it up" ... today's video was great , the mowing , the doing to much at once , I always walk away while filling and get water everywhere thankfully it's my basement with a floor drain , it's just something that makes me smile and laugh as we all do funny things in the hobby.

[@Whips_World]

I have that same garbage can on rollers. I want to put a bulkhead in it so it can drain as I go but not sure it's worth the $$$ and time.

[@cichlid_kings]

Hey couldn't have said it better John 😎👊

[@badbuffalogaming8294]

I put drains in the bottom of my brute trash can it's a game changer!! takes a little bit longer but I just got a second one!!

[@L0Sinc]

loved this.

[@curtiscrump7153]

I do the prime before a change. No wrong way but I minimized effort and maximized the presses. The methods I use allow me to do the tanks in 30 minutes. I agree do the hardest to easiest.

[@matthewblankenship7968]

I haven’t vacuumed my substrate in my planted tanks in 6 months all I do is clean the glass every other week and 25 percent water change weekly though ✌🏻

[@Whips_World]

Throw a couple of dinner plate size severum in there and see how long you have a planted tank 🤣 For some of us, having any decor other than rock and driftwood is a pipe dream. Sometimes, I envy people like you, who can pull off that whole planted tank thing. They are often gorgeous, and they take so much work out of your maintenance.

[@mk_cichlids]

A huge tip I try to recommend is extra long hoses from the hardware store, for draining and refill. Drain into my yard and attach to the garden hose for refill. Huge time saver, and no buckets or garbage cans.

[@mk_cichlids]

Also, I use large diameter hose adapted to a pvc hanger for high speed draining when I'm not vacuuming the gravel. Makes for large water changes, on large tanks in mere minutes.

[@pauljackson4406]

I get that you treat the water when you have added it but how do you know it’s the same temperature?

[@l.wachum6558]

My thought exactly! I would love someone to answer it?

[@rupertroberts4825]

Great tips

[@pathornell7149]

Hello John, from Pat’s wife Cathy, Edmonton Alberta Canada. I have to say I really enjoy your videos, information and fun! I was wondering if you could do a small segment on ammonia remover. I like to use Fluval products. I purchase the zeolite ammonia remover but there are no instructions on how much to use. I have 25 and a 130 gaI tanks. found out by reading some info on this that you should not use in combination with brackish water. Could you please help us with that, that would be very helpful. Keep on fishin. 🐟🐟

[@hooskins9804]

Hi John. Great video, I love doing water changes. Do you not lock down the lids on your Oscar tank? I have a juvenile o growing and he likes to jump into my glass lid. It’s holding him for now but I’m nervous about when he’s a beast like yours. Looking forward to your next video!

[@kianaotte1213]

I have a dumb question but should you scrape algae off the tank walls before you siphon? And will the siphon help to clear up the water after that? Or will your filter also help to pick up the Reminence of algae that’s now floating in the tank from scraping it off? Thanks

[@deedeewass3047]

Thank you thank you thank you! Now I know I'm not a big bad fish keeper for adding the decloranater AS the tank fills up! I've never had any problems doing it that way either. I really don't feel this way kills off any good bacteria, my fish are just fine and thriving.

[@thefriendlyallay]

I'm waiting for tank maintenance day rn.. it's gonna be the first one with my fish that i got TODAY! i'm so unbeleivably excited (i could only get one pygmy corydora (my new favorite fish) but it's only because that's all there was so i'm gonna get 10 more in 2-3 days after this comment)

[@matthewjoshua0025]

Where did you get those Giant rocks?

[@redpigeons]

get Tropica plants from them !! just received mine and I could not be happier, top quality and Tropica !!!

[@carlwagers9829]

Personally, I love doing water changes! To me, it's very therapeutic, like you said. However, I have a 55-gallon tank and live in a city with a water bill at the end of the month. I always get an ear full after that's paid off...