Don't Be MISLED By These YouTube Videos

[@KGTropicals]

🪴 *Are you looking for live plants for your aquarium? We've got you covered, click this link to order Tropica Plants NOW:* bit.ly/40cb4gY

[@Bossman64197]

Well said

[@pencilpauli9442]

There's no way I'm going to be buying my plants from you. I dread to think what the shipping would be to the UK! EEEK! 😆

[@jessicasinclair323]

Also from the UK 😂 I have always had heavily planted tanks before they became popular. I still filter them and do water changes roughly fortnightly. I use the same principle in my tanks to all my past pond builds. Which is to fill them with two thirds of plants to water capacity space, lightly stock and wait for the magic to happen. Of course this also leads to nonstop pulling out of excess plant growth in the following years. But it's all part of life's rich tapestry in a pond or indoor gdning glass box... 😁

[@RafaelSwit]

@@pencilpauli9442😂 fortunately Tropica plants are pretty easy to find in the UK and Europe in general. It isn’t so in the US. I’m always happy to see more shops offer Tropica products 🌱

[@tuttabob]

Any plants that can be kept with Oscars?

[@joseph7105]

Heard about the Father Fish method last Spring and set up a new 30 gallon tank one day. Grabbed some dirt from my garden and capped it with extra silica sand I had and set up a cheap Walmart light. A week later I established a food web. Haven't touched it since besides feeding once a week or so. No water changes. No cleaning. Almost a year later now and it's the healthiest tank I own. All the plants are thriving, my cherry shrimp keep reproducing, and all the fish are happy and schooling together, and lots of microfauna life.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Did you use supplements

[@enzosoprano6992]

@@TwinCitiesOxygen I was thinking about the same question lol

[@Banana34598]

@@TwinCitiesOxygeni also followed father fish method and have had the same results and the answer is a resounding NO nothing goes into my tank that isn’t entirely natural. No supplements, no chemicals, no processed fish food, no fake plants or decor. I don’t do water changes, so my water naturally holds the nutrients for my ecosystem to thrive- just like it would in nature. I only add water due to evaporation. You also need to put nutrient rich dirt at the bottom of a natural aquarium, which will provide plenty of nutrients as well, and as time goes on… It will continue to create more nutrients as it breaks down waste.

[@Saxonwomen]

@@TwinCitiesOxygenNo you do not need them with a natural substrate & lots of plants.. the plants do everything no chems no water changes no cleaning I have a 8 month old planted tank no water changes no cleaning no chemicals.. it’s thieving & all fish happy & having babies to many babies…

[@sankarganguly9953]

What fish do you have in there?

[@ImamAdil-h4e]

I thought he was going to rant about father fish. But my respect has grown for him

[@dawnt6791]

I'm doing no-water-change tanks, set up Walstad method with functional ecosystems. It's DEFINITELY NOT a method for most aquarium keepers and is highly dependent on the types of fish, substrate, plants, and an array of other factors. It takes knowledge of nature and how the various critters / plants (submerged/floating/emergent) / substrates interact to do it successfully and safely. I'm glad you're warning people not to just dive in to this method of fish-keeping without educating themselves. Seems this hobby always goes back to one thing - EDUCATION. Regardless of what method we're using, what fish we have, what plants we keep, and such - EDUCATION is key. 🙂

[@josephdonnelly3169]

Nicely put Dawn, but let’s be honest there was some passive aggressive bullying going on against father fish. Either way good luck with your new set up..

[@dawnt6791]

@@josephdonnelly3169 Definitely on the bullying. The dog pile was ridiculous, as well as childish. Not a good look at all.

[@PepeCoinMania]

and its bad to their business

[@sleepytASMR]

Father Fish says "stop doing water changes" but he also explains how to set up your tank so you don't have to in that same video. These channels aren't just saying "stop doing water changes" They usually go into more depth than that and explain why and how it works.

[@Mr_Mcgee_]

Exactly, it’s like he didn’t even watch the video. Father Fish spends 75% of the video talking about his method to set up a new tank.

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

And you guys didnt listnen to the rant. He explains how these videos are understood by lazy people. And how they only hear the part that they dont have to do waterchanges. And just like how you didnt heard all that is told cause you allready formed an opinion early on in the video. The same way it works with those lazy people They dont hear everything.

[@elune43749]

ok but people skimming through an md fishtanks vid who see NO WATER CHANGE ECOSYSTEM TANK arent smart enough to know what live plants do in a tank

[@randindragonheart4558]

He literally says "those youtubers are.... RIGHT" in the beginning. Perhaps you are a video skimmer 🤔

[@marthanewsome6375]

Exactly, but the point is people only hear him say stop doing water changes, not everything else he is saying on how this happens.

[@cizia69]

There is nothing misleading about FatherFish (and others) tutorials; he/they go in-depth about the steps to follow and the philosophy behind their way of taking care of aquariums. So, no, he and others are not misleading us; they are, on the contrary, leading us to a better path.

[@robmiller7867]

totally agree

[@AntAciieed]

19999% agree

[@FishShopMatt]

You couldn't have worded this video any better! I absolutely agree with every word you spoke! After working in the aquarium industry for a 16 years or more you are so spot on. Hopefully people who watch those videos see this video too.

[@nkawtg4]

Matt, love you channel and content also! Would love to hear your opinion to my above question.....Cheers!

[@dastiles1]

Great advice Matt, love your channel and love the work you do with MD. 😊

[@caitlincamp2793]

I watch MD’s videos a bunch, yours and obviously KG tropicals! Love to see the support ❤️

[@cherryshrimp420]

Those no water change systems can be applied to all tanks, regardless of bright gravel or lack of plants. The key is they are not fed fish food. The food web grown through dried leaves do not care about what your tank looks like.

[@mauricematla8379]

And how does "working in the industry" lends any wheigth too the point ? Somehow you felt the need to mention it so..... It is never a good argument what makes a good argument is presenting your evidence.

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

Live plants have nearly doubled the workload with my aquariums. Trimming, fertilizing, moving, water testing, etc. I love this kind of "maintenance", it is like going into my outside garden 365 days per year. Great video.

[@ikhsanjava5782]

idk man i don't think u need fertilizing every month or even year😅

[@williecanuck5001]

Nice to hear.. no work tanks seem boring!!

[@Eden_Rivers]

I still do maintenance on my heavily planted tanks every other week, but mostly to deal with things like detritus, algea, and poop. I have a goldfish tank with lots of anubias and java fern and it always amazes me that even if I clean out the filter and it turns the water black, I'm never over 5ppm in nitrates. Plants are amazing!

[@4ohm531]

you're removing the most important part

[@Hashishtani]

True, but if you would have soil based substrate and plant carpet all over the bottom, you would not have to remove poop and detritus, a) you wound not be able to, cause you can't vacuum substrate covered by plants b) you would not see those poops because substrate is covered by plants. So even in high tech planted aquarium you would not be doing that much of cleaning, only water changes sometime. Ah I forgot how much gold fish poop :-) may be they can even pool the plants over :-)

[@Hashishtani]

@@4ohm531 Eden has gold fish mate... now I remember what those are, they poop too much and they eat soft plants and dig substrate too. They would not let poop settled anyway, it would be flying over the place.

[@mauricematla8379]

That would be a bit on the low end though.

[@jeremymoore450]

John, Very well said. It is so true people watch those videos and get confused on does this apply to me. I have a 20 long and my 55 gal that is stocked with plants. They certainly help a lot. I have to do water change about every 2 weeks. I test ammonia and nitrites and nitrates. I change when my nitrates are getting high off the plants didn't take care of it. Appreciate the video jobs

[@KaveManAquatics]

You did this much more humbly than I did 🤣👏

[@KGTropicals]

Lol the end where you said "I'm just kidding.... no I'm not" totally sounds like something I would say!!

[@misterbean4125]

Both of you guys and father fish really helped me through my first aquarium.

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I want to know what (or who) ruffled these feathers! What channel? I wanna troll them!

[@itisworthitifithelps]

Nope, he just put you and the other guy in their right place! 😂 By the way, I love my African Salts, Trace, Safe, etc. etc.!!!

[@redarmysoja]

@@KGTropicals You should have stressed that you cannot do a planted tank if you keep Oscars. I kept Oscars for years and it is my experience they will destroy anything in a tank that they can. I've had them break plastic resin decorations. You must do regular water changes with Oscars.

[@morgan1985uk]

Basically, if you want to have a low maintenance tank, you need to create a well balanced self sustaining ecosystem.

[@anarcock]

that's the answer.

[@FiskJente]

I was having a quiet panic initially, thinking I was wrong until you kept going. Watching MD and FF convinced me that I could keep a tank without spending my life looking after it. I'm on my 3rd tank with 3 more standing by. I'm enjoying finding new channels I can learn from so thank you.

[@Pethobbyist_Avisek]

The best thing about you is you are spot on without offending someone. Those video are confusing for beginners.

[@millefolium9303]

A couple weeks ago i came across one of these videos with a title like you mentioned. It was from Father Fish channel. I was hooked and watched a bunch of his videos, and learned so much! Ive had aquariums for 2 years, but he opened up a new world to me! He gave me a deeper understanding of how to make an ecosystem in am aquarium, and it was very clear to me that to have lots of plants were essential. I wanted to try it, so when a kindergarden gave away a tank with an algea covered castle, danios, a few plants and sand in it, i decided to go for it. I added a layer of soil under the sand, added a root and lots of plants. So far the fish are looking very happy. I will use this one and the 60liter as grow out tanks for plants, so that i continually have plants that i can add to my 300liter american cichlids tank. The cichlids eat and mess with the plants so they dont last very long. I dont know which channels you are talking about specificly, but i can recommended Father Fish, and watching alot of his videos to get well rounded knowledge on this method before trying it out.

[@dottydarling01]

Most of those I've watch who discuss the "No filter/No water changes" are very careful in the video to be specific about what is required. For example: I cannot speak to Father Fish, but others I've noticed do mention that having a filter when beginning is a good idea because it gives you wiggle room.

[@Silverdove4]

Father fish never claimed to keep a heavily overloaded tank, with only one plant, and just gravel…and not do water changes. He’s upfront in what should be going into aquariums so they basically take care of themselves. Soooo

[@sadfrown]

try anubias or african water fern for your cichlids, they’re durable and like the same perimeters!

[@kingchris20]

Yes Father Fish is awesome. He is very clear in the requirements. I just found his channel yesterday myself and was interested in trying that method on a spare 10 gallon i have.

[@b19bst55]

Love your channel you and Lisa do. Straight to the point with things.. this water change in the uk is mega. So many people here say you should never test your tanks, change water etc…. It’s almost like a book and you have to do everything by it.. I have watched your videos over the years and I always say like you … if it suits you then it works. I have loads of fx6’s rather than a sump. I also run 6 of them on my new 1400 litre tank. At present isn’t massively stocked but will be . People are like well that’s over the top blah blah but it works for me

[@BadTim28]

Finally someone talks about this, i always tell people that are new to the hobby to get live plant no matter what size their tank is, could you do a heater video too? Ii have seen so many saying we don't need them but they don't seem to understand that when you live in colder climates like in Norway, Canada or Alaska the are very usefull in the months of winter..

[@sorinvoicu3188]

Hello John, I like Your video very much, and I agree with You 100%. I have two identical tanks in size with identical substrate (only color are different), partial identical plants (real plants, no plastic) and same kind of filtration. In one, I did gravel vacuum, in the other one none since the aquarium is established (5 years ago). With the aquarium where I did not touch the gravel, all was ok (in the years, the water was crystal clear without any suspension). On the other hand, in the tank where I do vacuum the gravel, I had problems with cloudy water and suspensions particle. The difference: fish and shrimp density. And yes, I did water change every week.

[@australianbiotopes4563]

This is one of the best videos I've seen this week, I've tried to explain this to some people and they just don't get it, I've even had people on the other end doing to many water changes on a planted tank and they wonder why they can't grow plants, they are probably a percentage that have watched videos saying water changes are essential every week and then wonder why their plants slowly die, Great video Thanks for sharing.

[@lesleydasilva1251]

Hi KG Tropicals! I am a big fan and subscriber of your channel, as well as of the other not mentioned in the video and regarding the topic today. I just want to say how appreciative I am of the integrity and awesomeness of how you have approached it. You're correct that people dont actually watch the videos and listen to the methods being used. I've seen many videos reference that the systems aren't for large or specific fish, but few get that far. So, I appreciate y'all and your channel was my first KZbin addiction. I hope you ship to Canada at some point, I would love to purchase from KG Tropicals! Much love ❤

[@missthang4982]

I'd love to have the option of being able to purchase from KG, too. Maybe one day? I buy from US often. I know there's alot of bs for businesses when shipping across the border. Sure that's not the only downside, but I've been party to the bs when customs get involved. Albeit either country allows small business to flourish. Absolutely maddening all around. Excellent comment! Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦✌️

[@williecanuck5001]

I Think you can order stuff, just not live stuff. That ain't never gonna happen.. we have enough issue issue with invasive species. I believe the newest aquatic one in Ontario is aquarium based.

[@williecanuck5001]

​@@missthang4982safety first. PLEASE. No invasive species. Read about the newest on ein Ontario. Its aquarium based...

[@EarnestWilliamsGeofferic]

I use the Walstad method in all of my tanks, even the 5 gallon. The only water changes I do (and I definitely them in this case) is when a fish dies. My tanks are very heavily planted, so I often don't know a fish has died until I check the ammonia. It seems to me, at least, that a tank with no plants is the more difficult tank to maintain. The biggest difficulty I have is trying to keep the plants trimmed.

[@precise3291]

I dig KG Tropicals, and Father Fish. Both are insightful and informative. I allowed my aquariums to "mature" with dense plant life. Semi aquatic plants in my Cichlid aquarium, proper substrate, LEDs on 9am to 7pm, mechanical filtration, and feed sparingly. Haven't done water changes in 8 or 9 months. I siphon detritus a little bit, 20% max.

[@PsychoPlantLady]

Same here. I have several tanks that follow the Father Fish method. His method made things easier for me. Went from one betta tank to several tanks.

[@ConallC96]

I started fish keeping about 4 years ago and you've guided me all the way through it. I definitely would have messed up without yours and some others videos. Love from across the pond ❤

[@tree.65]

I totally agree. I have live plants but this only makes my water changes less frequent. Your aquascape looks great! Looking forward to seeing you add fish.

[@mickeytylerofficial]

I have been using a hybrid walstad method with deep substrate for years. It's not just about not doing water changes. It's about creating a foodweb rather than an aquascape so that you don't have to do water changes unless completely necessary. It also must include a heavy live plant load. I would argue this method is actually more work than a typical setup. I source everything from local ponds. Mud , sand , driftwood , all foraged. You have to set up the food web and age the tank before even adding fish so you can get rid of any organisms you don't want. I do maybe a 10% water change once a year. Otherwise it's only top ups.

[@CyrilleTremblay-f2d]

If people only follow thumbnails instructions, they are the reason why there is a warning that says : REMOVE PLASTIC WRAP FROM PIZZA BEFORE BAKING 😂

[@CorieCarpenter]

I love this. I am new to the fish obsession. I am learning as I go. Detailed information like this is very helpful. I have a 55 gallon that I am still landscaping with live plants. I had fake stuff and driftwood in there before and the driftwood got some weird fluffy fungus-looking stuff on it. Shortly after, most of my fish died. I’ve removed the driftwood and I’ve replaced the substrate to accommodate live plants. It’s hard to find details on care and proper cleaning. Information like this is great. Of course, I am no where near not having to clean my tank. I have 2 plants. Haha. Im just glad to know there are still people who want it to be clear and recognizes that some people aren’t there yet when it comes to maintaining ecosystems rather than just fish tanks.

[@paulmccarthy7467]

Great information, will give people a better understanding of why they need to do water changes, and certain types of aquariums set ups

[@sparrowsfish]

Can't wait for the live tonight. I made a comment on here earlier and was attacked when I was simply agreeing. We are trying to build a bridge in the community of salt water and fresh water and NOW freshwater has split into sides. I'm not thick skinned enough for some of this. I just want to be a good fishkeeper and be part of the community, it would be awesome to share without the attacks and snark responses. I learn so much from you and Lisa and feel as we are friends. I truly learn from all of your videos and appreciate your hard work and thick skin.

[@PredictableEnigma]

I am in the phase where I am doing a ton of research before starting my first tank. Considering the mixed messaging, I really think what it comes down to is that there are multiple styles of aquarium keeping. And each style has different "best practices" where mixing and matching husbandry between them throws things off. So the hard part is figuring out which advice suits the type of aquarium you have/want to keep. I'm still deciding myself which path I will take.

[@jessicajohnson3944]

I agree with this. I have a mix of live plants and decor along with mopani wood and only need to do water changes every week and a half. Of course, I only have 1 betta in the tank. As long as people do their required research on taking care of the tank they want and know how to do it properly, they should be fine.

[@Whips_World]

Regardless of path, the science says nitrates are not good for your fish long term. The most important thing you do is test your water to make sure they stay low. How low is still up for debate, but I'd say 40ppm is about as high as you want to go given the choice. Your chosen path may lead you down to the heavily planted, deep substrate route. That path will have its own benefits and challenges. It might, if done correctly, allow you to go long periods of time without doing a water change, but it's something you'll still have to monitor. The plants will eventually use up all the nutrients within the closed system. Fish will help add them back in, but waste is just one ingredient. You can't bake a cake with one ingredient, and you can't have a healthy eco system with just one either. The fish you go with will also factor into the equation. Nano fish are easy on the Scape. Cichlids far less so. If you get big earth movers, your dirt that you spent so much time onbburying beneath the sand cap will all be piled in a corner come morning. Plants will be eaten or buried. It's all relative in what you want to do as a fish keeper.

[@PredictableEnigma]

@@Whips_World thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@jeffcarpenter6306]

Love this video! I just turned one of my tanks into a dirt tank and add live plants. They are small plants now, but hopefully they will grow with in a month. I was one my tank had silk plants in it and it looked very nice. I did the water changes weekly and received many comments on how clear it looked. My wife is not liking the dirt tank, and is willing for me to give it a try as long as the plants grow and the water clears up. I may have to change the water again to help it clear up, but I will not put fish in it until my water test come back good and the water gets clearer. I will check out your plants. Thanks again.

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

about 10 years ago, I learned about the Waldstad method, and converted all my tanks to dirt capped with sand and very heavily planted . not only do all my tanks have tons of stem plants, swords, crypts and other root feeders , they all also have mosses , java ferns , and other epiphytes plus floating plants...mostly duckweed . they all also have pothos, or peace lilies sticking out of them. I use leaves from the trees on my land to feed all the micro fauna , scuds, whatever other tiny little squirmy creatures . I do not fertilize my tanks and I only the feed the fish a little bit of flake food once a day , my tanks seem to be very excellent little slices of nature. BUT, it rains in nature ! I have a well with really good water . once a week I drag 2 garden hoses into my house, 1 to drain the water outside to a little kitchen garden the other to fill the tanks back up with good fresh well water . CHANGE YOUR WATER ! your plants will grow better with fresh water and your fish do not have to live in their on toilet water ! great video John !

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

also all my tanks have some type of filter on them , from sponge filters to canister filters .

[@FoolyLiving]

What is a scud? I have heard people say it.. but theres no info I can find about it. Is a scud a useful thing? Someone was upset that they had it in their tank on one forum I read.

[@nilus2k]

Being a fish keeper and a gardener is a great combo. You use that drained tank water to fertilize your garden that grows veggies you can feed back to your fish. Circle of life.

[@PaulZyCZ]

Not sure about no ferts, some of my plants (hygrophila, rotala) would show deficiency on their leaves. I agree with the rest wholeheartly. I started my largest tank (189 gallon, 714 l) in a similar way to Waldstad, but with two canister filters. The tank water has better chemical parameters than tap water, so usually it's about 3 months between water changes. More often with other tanks. Also I clean sponge pre-filters when trimming, which is about 2 weeks. Hearing about micro fauna, I'd always soak oak or almond leaves in boiling water, but now I do wonder.

[@EarnestWilliamsGeofferic]

@@globalist1990 You may need to change the water if a fish dies in such a way that you don't notice until the N levels are reading high. That's the only reason I've ever had to change water in a Walstad tank.

[@VR4U-Server]

Been following you and fatherfish throughout my fishkeeping journey. Both of you have shown me wonderful tips and tricks. I use my api water test kit weekly, i have a few plants in the tank, and some above the tank (monstera and pothos) The best advise ive been given "always test your water" and "do your research before you start your aquarium"

[@rantsandreviews]

Great topic. I'm surprised you didn't cover the rest though. Such as: "How do I know when I need to do that occasional water change in my heavily planted, low maintenance tank?" The answer is of course through periodic testing. Even the most densely planted tanks will benefit from periodic water changes.

[@nilus2k]

Yep. As a fish keeper you really can’t get away with eliminating all your weekly tasks. That weekly water testing is even more important if you are not doing a weekly water change.

[@brianbuczynski3555]

Great video! Love you both! You were the first videos I watched when I got into the hobby a few years ago and your advice never failed me. Always balanced and fair.

[@BenOchart]

Why are Kaveman Aquatics and you attacking the lazy? LOL! Both of you are right! As I mentioned under Kaveman's video, everybody has their own unique tank and one size does not fit all. A rock and gravel well stocked African Cichlid tank can have a deep substrate but will never have a successful abundance of plants to help with nitrate reduction. Very different from a "dirted-sand capped" deep substrate tank with neons, snails and shrimp. It's a fluid situation with lot's of moving parts. Gotta think and act based on the circumstances of each tank. Good message. Now, let's talk about my getting a hold of some of those plants ;)

[@TarasAquaria]

Love this video! Live plants look so much better than plastic. The only other things to consider is lighting and an all in one fertilizer. I use hornwort and sword plants, they are so easy to grow, especially since hornwort floats. I also have pretty plants in my more delicate setups. I have a petal tail marble Betta with dragon scale pattern in the mid section. I have 4 plants and he loves them all. He sleeps in the Brazilian pennywort. I rarely need to add fertz. The fluval flex comes with a great plant light built it.

[@dottydarling01]

The main thing I've noticed about the no water change systems is a) it is almost always experienced fish keepers and b) it isn't always truly no change. But nuances like that are lost on the average person. I have two tanks where my eventual goal is minimal water changes and no filter. But that is the long term goal. Both have filters and I did a water change on one yesterday because the nitrates were getting high.

[@Eric-xx3mb]

I'm glad to hear this. I hope the planted aquarium movement gains traction. I don't do things as purely as the "Walstad Method," but I do heavily plant my aquariums and it really helps and also makes them pop! I prefer using Ecocomplete substrate, a good light, and a HOB filter. I usually add a small bubbler on a timer too. I tried using real soil once and it was too messy. I'll try again some day in the future.

[@jstoeck784]

This was well stated and explained without completely destroying other channels methods. Thank you. I wish people had a better understanding and comprehension of water chemistry. All of my tanks are lightly stocked with sand substrate and a lot of plants. I still have to do maintenance and I do comprehensive water tests regularly. I also use rainwater for all of my water additions and changes. I have in the past kept Oscars and other large cichlids and had to do regular water changes to keep up with waste production. I'm glad that you stated the reasoning behind not having to do water changes and the why. Lots of plants, not just a couple of crypts or a single sword. Again thank you.

[@ItsLaurenE]

Such a great video. I don't even watch those videos as i know i don't have the type of tanks or developing eco systems in my tanks. I'm adding more houseplants now that they are being stocked at stores because I know as of now that is what i can handle and care for along with enjoy the look. I've gotten into driftwood and rocks. I'm not educated or confident enough for adding aquarium plants. And i enjoy doing my water changes.

[@trenapatzer3631]

You’re absolutely right. I also watched those other videos as a matter of fact today, then I just saw this video too. I’m definitely switching to more natural, adding plants because my nitrates were very high. Having a hard time getting to 5. I’m sitting at 40 and I was changing the water every 3 days. I will be testing tomorrow to see if the plants are taking care. Everything else is 0 ppm. My one tank was at 80, reason for the changes and added plants. I love my fish and I’m no longer digging the plastic anymore. Plants are acclimating, went through a bit of a melt but I’m seeing new growth, so I’m excited. Wish me and my fish luck. ❤

[@h0m0k0m0d0]

I've finally been able to go with 0 water changes on my 10g betta tank. 1 betta, 1 mystery snail, TONS of plants. I only top off once a month. Check parameters every 2 weeks. The tank has been set up for 1.5 years and it took awhile to figure out the correct balance of plants, waste, and ferts. It's possible but you MUST understock fish and overstock plants!

[@enigma533]

U could achieve then with gravel as well😂

[@RennLaRoux]

I'll be honest your clickbait got me lol. I had a feeling it was about planted tanks. When we started in the hobby I started with watching Kg tropicals and other similar channels. But over time I found the Walsted method and then shortly after I found Father Fish. We've been doing dirted planted tanks for years now and I'll never go back. I try to encourage others to look into it. I was pleased to see the approach you took to this, which is education, because it's the most important thing so we can truly be the best keepers of our animals. I'm glad to see y'all embracing planted tanks more and more over the years. 🐠❤️😊 ❤

[@ovdal79]

Spot on John! Love your honesty !! Love from Denmark

[@TheGMan366]

Congratulations, my friend! As a fellow hobbyist, I want to commend you for your exceptional work. You’ve made it easy for newcomers to understand and appreciate the basics of our hobby. Your efforts truly shine, and it’s clear you've put a lot of thought into making it accessible for everyone. Keep up the great work! The G man Totley approves!😉👊

[@rockyandmiles9889]

Absolutely! IMO if he/they would just mention all that at the start of their videos (ie: a disclaimer) then the info they are providing would be far better understood and utilized in the correct and safe way! I personally have 6 planted tanks with mostly nano fish, however I still do small water changes every week or two to help keep my KH and PH balanced (as I tend to have crashes) and to replenish minerals etc. My fish seem to appreciate the fresh water and become more active after the changes. So… though I can appreciate and understand the ecosystem methods, I’ll continue doing “something in between” simply because it works for me! 😊 Well said John! 👍🏻

[@SourSm4ck]

I have watched those videos in question and thought exactly the same thing. They apply to me as I have a heavily planted tank that is lightly stocked and I understand how it works, but I was concerned for all the fish in non-planted tanks out there that were potentially not going to get water changes anymore. I'm so glad this video is out there too, for balance.

[@kyehills1382]

There are other ways to set up an aquarium instead of putting the substrate directly on the bottom, which is how we are taught to set one up. I wish more youtubers with subscribers would speak more about this. my aquariums run anoxic filtration and it does change how the eco system works. They are easy to set up, and once the system is working very little is needed to maintain it. Updating the knowledge in the hobby is key for everyone to be successful.

[@RafaelSwit]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, John! Your response to “the drama” is refreshingly reasonable, honest, and factual. BTW… super happy to see you’re now selling Tropica Plants 🌱😊

[@TyraWadman]

For anyone who doesn't wanna watch the full video, the TLDR is: THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS (like with almost everything). Setting up a self sustaining tank can take a bit more work but it pays off in the long run. I finally just got my tank and will be trying this. Fingers crossed it all goes well!

[@davidnewsome6237]

1 inch of dirt, yes dirt, any dirt with good supplements..then 2 inches sand, add plants, then carefully add water, let clear and add fish

[@Pray4Mojo1]

If it's making more work for you, you're not doing it right.

[@DejanNisic]

Well ,I just get a bucket of sand and water from the river, put some plants and driftwood in, and it's established already, that's my shortcut and it works for me, because i breed fish that I collect from that same river, in completely new tank water clears up in two days, and it's ready to accept the fish, no cycling, no filters and water pumps, when some water evaporates I just top it off with rain water and it simply works, no meddling no micromanaging, just let nature do its job

[@jonisolis9645]

YES! Plants, plants, and more plants. Goes for ponds too! Healthy growing plants clean water!

[@bioworkzllc9540]

Totally unrelated, but you're lookin' leaner lately. Good for you! Thanks for the great content.

[@aqhan]

Bravo on this video! A well thought through tank design and fish choices can dramatically reduce how much maintenance you have to do on it.

[@SotFamGaming]

Real talk. Each method is like a different tool. They can be used in different applications. One love

[@nobrainsnoheadache2434]

1:35 yeah but I do like that garbage can idea; it's bigger than my collection of orange buckets . . .

[@lexiebrichetto7703]

This is the only fish channel I follow. Thank you 💕 First time fish keeper. I’m learning a lot.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

The secret history living in your aquarium. Great channel. Better than this one, and I'm not trying to talk smack

[@cjpagliaro1047]

I was just starting to talk about exactly these problems on 'one of the big cooperative, aquarium social media pages' and guess what? People got offended and completely missed the point. So, what happened, you may ask? My comments were removed and I was reminded of group rules (which i followed)!!! Love your content, and you seem to be on par with my frustrations.

[@Parkbenchaquatics]

Everybody’s getting on this and I’m glad some people are starting to speak up because it’s just not applicable to most of us like me who owns African cichlids.. great video

[@konstantinosxanthopoulos9533]

You are correct in clarifying and providing the required information. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Greece!

[@aquaracer65]

Very well said! The methods and experiences described in 'the channels not mentioned' are often very interesting and can definitely work. But I also noticed that it is not emphasized enough that this does not work for everyone and is certainly not an easy fix for the less experienced aquarist. I have been keeping fish for 45 years and good care and maintenance are part of it. In fact, that's part of the fun. If you find changing water annoying, it is better to choose another hobby. And really, regular water changes are definitely a must.

[@murphyshsu]

You did a REALLY GOOD job of explaining how nitrates accumulate and then cause issues. I think most could understand this.

[@omarbenouameur9780]

This video was well timed. I'm hearing more and more beginner aquarist saying they heard that you don't need to do water changes. It definitely depends. This video really clears things up. Thanks so much for making this video.

[@vacekjirka]

WOW, amazing video. Ok, I am fan of heavily planted aquariums with not so many fish. I also have a deep substrate in them and (hopefully) the natural processes in my tanks are working harmoniously. But I have still to do my day routine (or max. three day routine) with/in my tanks. And i am believing, that You have exposed in this video the biggest mistake of lazy fish keepers. They belief in possibility of having wonderful aquarium full of fish without work and without costs simultaneously - and this is impossible. Thank You for this video.

[@royoakes1250]

Great video it really clarifies things

[@shericeayitsey2248]

Thanks for the clarity.

[@32bluewing]

Father fish is a intelligent guy. I have a 10, 20 and a 29 gallon. My 20 gallon is set up like father fish showed us how in his videos. My tank has been thriving and it is true, I don’t often do water changes and all I have in it is a big sponge filter with a heater. I use no chemicals in this tank but it’s mostly 2 bettas, live plants and a few mystery snails. My other tanks are setup with chemicals and what not and I do often have to do water changes pretty often.

[@DeeGee-mv6eq]

Father Fish is a bias, opinionated blowhard that thinks his way is the ONLY way to fishkeep. He scolds you for doing it any other way and tries to make you feel like you are wrong unless you do it HIS way. I will pass on him and his ways. Plus, i like my pristine, CLEAR tank. I do not care for his murky, muddy waters looking styles of aquariums.

[@bryansimmons3723]

I have taken empty tanks drop in ammonia and test it, then drop in a couple of big Java fern, leave over night, then test and the next day the ammonia is way down if not gone. Other than my grow out tanks I run a ton of live plants and light stocking levels. I don’t do many water changes, but I do test regularly. To make sure things are good.

[@rayaquatics1]

100% you nailed it thank you so much for setting that straight so people might get it, because the other way will make them quite the hobbie when the tank crashes,without alot of plants you have to do water changes period.

[@boniw698]

What I like about Father Fish is that I’m only setting up a 5 gallon Betta tank again after loosing my 20 gallon due to the hurricane in 2022 with doing a water change after having it 3 years the city just dumped in clorimine by the tons and my prime didn’t do anything. I was so mad I threw out everything vowing never to have another tank. I’ve done fish tanks off and on since 1980’s. I had just starting watching on no filter tanks and soil tanks before my loss. I’ve watched your channel for 2 years. I’m not ever going to do anything over 20 gallons if that ever. I’m 73. But I can’t lift back he buckets anymore for a load of water. Father fish showed I was over feeding my fish and that betta cannot digest any flake food with fillers. Only shrimp or bloodworms. I need confidence once more to get back into small tanks. I will continue to watch your channel now due to becoming interested once again. Thank you and your wife. 🥰🫶💕

[@frankiefingerz8047]

Im glad this is finally being addressed i mentioned this weeks ago wen it started

[@Bonjovicrzy]

I agree with John not all people have the aquarium set up like the ones you see on youtube I have 3 tanks and I do weekly water changes on 2/::: my 10 and 20 gallon they are smaller and one has no plants the other tank have a few plants but not many .. till spring ,, my 3rd tank 55 gallon is heavy planted with crypts and and anubias and swords plants and i clean that ever 2 weeks ,,,my fishbbstays healthier and happier after water changes plus i am happy and it is my therapy time when i work on my tanks

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

This did not go how I thought it would 😂 I'm a huge fan of Father Fish, and my tanks are heavily planted, so I was waiting for you to be all critical and stuff. I actually liked this video a lot because you definitely drove the point home.

[@itisworthitifithelps]

You said the name!!! 😂😂😂🙄🙄🙄

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

@@itisworthitifithelps sorry. I'm a big fan of He Who Must Not Be Named. Better?

[@itisworthitifithelps]

@@Giftig--Daniel-P Yes!!! It makes two of us!!! 🙂

[@itisworthitifithelps]

Our Father Fish just posted a masterful video responding to this trend!!! “A simple rule for water changes…..” Watch it!!!!!

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

@@itisworthitifithelps did, it's fantastic.

[@PhamNguyenZ]

Totally agree with you on this. Have seen many video on KZbin with the same title and 5 mins in the video, i see a fully planted tank which I do not have lolz... Well, I do keep some simple plant in the tank to take care of the nitrate but i still do weekly water change cos i doubt the few plants i put in will get the job done on its own

[@aquatickeeper3356]

Great video 😊 Thanks for sharing

[@icegypsy99]

Came back to the hobby after about 30 yrs away. Set up a 29g, with cute decorations / fake plants...slowly added live plants, pulled the decorations added driftwood and more plants. The tank is over 5yrs old now. I don't have to do water changes at all. I could just top up the water and it would be fine. I do however get in there every few weeks, do a bit of a gravel vac because detritus on white sand looks terrible. Looking back, wished I had skipped a lot of the "Cool decorations" I bought. the $$ added up, and would have been better spent on hardscape / plants. Fish really are much happier.

[@thatonefoofrumlongbe]

I went through the same. Wasted money on decor when it could've funded it on more plants. Bought cheap colored gravel only to replace it less then 6 months later thinking i was saving money, but it seemed like it was having a negative effect over time.

[@wakingforbacon6439]

Your talking about father fish whom has a tank that been set up for over 20 years. And has been doing aquariums before most of us was pooping in our diapers. The man knows his stuff. He has never said you don’t need to do water changes if the need arises. But if your ammonia or other stuff is not out of whack why would you do a water change if it’s not needed. He even said sometime when stuff gets out of balance you need to do a water change. And all these chemicals people are adding to the water. Does nature add chemicals to get rid of algae or to add bacteria? Nah. But nature does replenish water. So water changes or topping up is useful. But water changes had its cons as well.

[@MrDanAng1]

You are right, Father Fish is one of the KZbinrs who go out of his way to explain a no water change tank. There is two problems. First off, for each Father Fish type, there is ten other KZbinrs who emulate their videos and doesn't include vital information. And second, and even more important, most people don't watch entire videos, ESPECIALLY if they are information heavy. They come to the 30 second mark, where Father Fish or whichever video maker say they haven't done a water change in a year... of 10 or 20 years, or whatever, and they stop watching and stop doing water changes! Even though they might need it very much!

[@rannveiglvstad2676]

Wow! 🤩👏👏👏 Love your honesty! I've seen som of those videos, and you made it clear😊 Take the responsibility of caring for living things, or don't get into it! Thank you for your channel too!❤ Keep those informative videos going!🤩 Loves from Norway

[@caewalker9276]

Thanks John and Lisa. Words of wisdom.👍 I'm thinking of doing a matten filter with Elodea behind it for my South American Cichlids tank. Hopefully it will help with nitrates

[@aquahobby1982]

YESSSSSSS........ ❤❤ aquarium without water change is a MYTH.. even though there can b a case where a stable ecology can b established with the help of Riparium plants . But, that set up too will need water change for plants & fish nutrients. The only way one can avoid water change in my opinion is if u automate water change in aquarium which I did for my planted display tank

[@vigilum]

There's drama in the fish community???? what the...🙂

[@angiebear8727]

Oh there sure as heck is. 😂

[@lizettebusquets4305]

You should see the drama in the dog show community! I think it's human nature, unfortunately.

[@squiddysan]

There's drama anywhere humans are involved 😅

[@vigilum]

Trolls are jerks! I deal with trolls all the time. I tell people who I hang out with about trolls in the fish community. They're everywhere , they're everywhere!!!! If new people come over here and say bad things about me, it wasn't me.

[@luisanaya9327]

Hahahahhahahha i literally follow both and saw one video after another

[@Kirks_Aquariums]

This is a Great video, hit the nail on the head with this whole discussion. Was waiting to see who was gonna do a video about this. Good job 🐠

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thanks for this eye opening information. Im happy im in the same group with you .😊👍

[@jjr2568]

Great video and loved that you didn't disrespect or mock Father Fish like the other clown did. Always respect and appreciate the elderly and more if he's full of wisdom and experience. Cheers 👍🏻

[@sparrowsfish]

Like he was saying not everyone has that setup but if you do... I see people already amping up the "beef". I had a FF/walstead setup but hated the way detritus and mulm looks so NOW I do frequent water changes and have sponge filters. It's all about the balance the fishkeeper has and what they want to see happen with the tank.

[@jjr2568]

@@sparrowsfish just saying if you had any mulm buildup you weren't doing it right

[@sparrowsfish]

@JJR and that's why the challenge of no water changes. The balance is so delicate, and I'm not a pro! 😀

[@jjr2568]

@@sparrowsfish well I recommend watching more Father Fish videos and you can also become a pro, because it's so simple! Just let nature take the wheel. We keep ecosystems, not aquariums or Fish tanks

[@ryanrogers8211]

@@jjr2568 what's the trick to get rid of the mulm in the bottom?

[@ethanmclaughlin868]

I took lots of time and effort for my 90 gallon to ballance it then eventually stopped doing water changes. However, lots of people dont do that and see they dont need waterchanges and kill all their fish. All in all great video!

[@bcumike]

RIGHT?! I know Father Fish is doing it, but I'm just getting back into keeping fish, and he almost had me convinced. I appreciate your content, and advice... maybe I'll watch his stuff when im a little more established

[@jasabasenara8124]

Father fish tanks look awful. Not for me.

[@jasabasenara8124]

@@globalist1990 just don't see the point of your tank looking like a pond. Not for me.

[@jasabasenara8124]

@@globalist1990 sorry I don't like it. My opinion. My fish do very well and are very healthy. I didn't set up a tank to look like a pond. I like to see my fish thanks.

[@jasabasenara8124]

@@globalist1990 I kept marine for 15 years and was featured in a magazine. So I know what I'm doing. If you like the pond look then that's your choice. I don't I'm afraid.

[@jasabasenara8124]

@@globalist1990 yes correct. Each to their own my friend. Just have your aquarium how you like it. Remember, we don't keep fish we keep water. 👍

[@TheTorqueMusic]

You are SO right. Shifted to my "new" method, and are now at my second year without water changes, no CO2 and no fertilizers. I have a shitload of plants, growning nicely, but not overly fast, and have a max. of 1cm fish per liter of water. Almost NO algies (a little on the glass due to sun hitting the tank a hour a day), just enough for the fishes to eat of, and crystal clear water. ONLY but/downside, is, that I don't need to put my hands in an manage as much anymore :-)

[@danielwcheng6381]

Wow a KZbinr, who explains athe whole story and not just click bait...great episode!

[@shaunarinaldi9276]

Love it. I have a 30 gallon with a bunch of plants, one betta one nerite snail and some kuhli loaches (not sure how many, they’ve apparently breed) that I maybe do water changes on once every 3-4 months. Then I have my axolotl tanks that get weekly to biweekly water changes. And then there are all my other various aquariums that are also planted and lightly stocked, but not quite to the extent of the Beta tank, and are kind of in the middle as far as water changes.

[@NorthLVLowRoller]

If I did no water changes my goldfish would be dead in a couple months. Caveman's similar video inspired me to do a large water change yesterday and today my fish are spawning again. Great video.

[@bobbysauer7826]

because you dont have an ecosytem set up for them that takes care of their waste, thats the point of the video...

[@NorthLVLowRoller]

@Bobby Sauer it's setup better than I have ever had it before, all my tanks. That's just how I choose to keep them. I understand everything about it brother.

[@bobbysauer7826]

​@@NorthLVLowRoller i also keepa few orandas, uv filter will save you if your bare bottom :)

[@WahidahCherazade]

Thank you for this video. I've now seen SO many videos of people painting it all black or white. Either they say "No water changes are the best!", or "You will kill everything!" without talking about "the ordinary aquarium" with that boring fake plant and some plastic decoration. I've set up my aquarium in a way that made the fish store-staff tell me that I should add some nutrients for the plants including(!) nitrite (I think it was that at least...) since I had "not enough fish poop" in my aquarium. I do however have a lot of plants, both fast growing and slower ones. And floating plants as well. And a big root and deep substrate. Everything seems fine in that tank. But I also work in a pet store, knowing from talking to costumers that most people don't do it the same way I do. And I'm far, far from an expert, even though I'm trying my best to learn.

[@bigfishlad4847]

In my opinion this was how this video should be done and regardless of your reasons for doing this the people that matter the viewers now have a video that truly helps them with this subject great job John

[@matthewsmith6374]

Completely agree, I love my planted tank and yes there are ways to do “eco” tanks but I’m sure I even asked Alex from living history from his video about it, and he did say also your water source comes in to play for it to work. But for most I would say even small water changes are good idea, but also you need to know what your source water is like, I.E some can have high nitrates in out the tap .

[@realangiechrist]

It would be great, if you were into it, if you'd make a video where you ad a bog filter aka refugium full of plants to your cichlid tank system, so people can see how they could do that at home and what a benefit it could be to them. Plants really make such a huge difference in the amount of water changes needed. There's still work involved, but it's a great reduction.

[@lewashcliffe]

Great video, John! And right on point! I hve a 29 gallon community tank, moderately stocked with a ton of plants and I absolutely love it. I've always loved a well-planted aquarium. I still do water changes every 2 weeks. But, this week I had surgery and didn't feel up to doing a water change tis week. But, I know that because of my plants and filters I have nothing to worry about. I keep checking my water parameters 2 or 3 times per week just to make sure. I even have a 5 gallon tank set up for cherry shrimp only, and it's well planted...very little maintenance needed. Can't imagine not using lots of live plants....they really make the aquarium for me! Thanks!

[@Firebird894]

I run an entire fishroom with multiple species in a similar way to what father fish does very few water changes some tanks get none at all, just top offs I have a different dirt mix under my sand and it changes depending on species but ive kept fish 35 years and the best thing I ever did was switch over to the natural method the fish and shrimps are doing so much better, its easier to maintain the tanks are all stable the fish are breeding and growing the plants are growing well I only run sponge filters and air stones but people need to do the research and learn and take it slow to start with.

[@cajanir]

All good points, though I have no idea which videos you are referring to. All the ones I have seen with those kinds of titles made it very clear that they were building heavily planted ecosystems and took the time to explain the whole process. I am always happy to see more plants being pushed in the hobby for water quality rather than just Aquascaping. Heck, I've got a huge Peace Lilly growing in the filter of my Mbuna Tank (so it can be done even for tanks where the fish destroy plants).

[@itisworthitifithelps]

If you follow that channel you have been told what you need to do to set up a natural tank. Very clearly. Dirt, sand cap, plants. Period. So, it should be clear to all.

[@jwm1893]

Yes and though the title maybe a bit click baity the purpose of the video I believe was to get people to think about their water differently.

[@kittymorris2989]

I love my plants! I still do water changes because my tanks are small and one has frogs in it, I'd like to know more about the plants though, for me it's a hit or miss and I'm not sure if they need dirt? The three types of plants I have not only grow well but I have to trim them and give them away frequently, it's the grassy type plants that I would like to have but am unsure what the plant might need, I have one 4 gallon tank with just a male betta and an antique fishbowl that's mabey 6 gallons with a female betta and a couple of dwarf frogs. Will the grass grow in these?

[@Rottypiper]

Kaveman Aquatics is on your side!!