DON'T START A PLANTED TANK WITHOUT WATCHING THIS! (Everything I Have Learnt in 6 Years)

[@MDFishTanks]

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com In this video I hope to give you guidance on how to grow you plants, what equipment works, how to stop algae and how to get your aquarium thriving as soon as possible. 0:00 Intro 1:21 Lighting 14:01 Substrate 22:23 CO2 26:58 Planting 30:35 Floating Plants 35:00 Fertilizers 38:06 Water Parameters 43:28 Filtration 47:20 Water Changes 49:31 Water Testing 50:36 Stocking Levels 54:19 Fish In Cycle 56:50 Clean Up Crew Equipment (all links affiliate): LOMINIE GOOSENECK SPOTLIGHT: US amzn.to/4cTQI1q UK amzn.to/3LiVERG LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3m3cEz9 UK amzn.to/3orIdRv GOOD BUDGET LIGHT: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL API® products Subscribe to API on KZbin: kzbin.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk/where-to-buy/ AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY kzbin.info/door/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/md_fishtanks/ FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: [e-mail] #plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

[@patricknitro4581]

Can those plants live in tropial country ?

[@PaulZyCZ]

38:00 - pH is just acidity (but it can be relevant, for wild-caught fish for example). Water hardness or dGh refers usually to several different minerals, mostly "calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates". TDS meter says even less, because it measures conductivity (demineralized or distilled water is insulant). Kitchen salt for example raises conductivity, but not the hardness. Other thing is the water can be like a cave water, but not containing enough Calcium or Magnesium. That can be issue with plants, but it's bigger issue with shrimp, scuds or other animals and there are other things to consider (Nitrates and Phosphates in the tap water). Interestingly in hi-tech tanks water turns soft and slightly acidic, because plants use all the nutrients fast and CO_2 acts like a weak acid.

[@reptiles4ever679]

it isnt your water, its your methods pure and simple. i have several tanks in my unit atm. all using your methods. never a issue here in bc Canada haha my upstairs roommate however, who does no research at all, his tanks should be condemned hahaha same water, different ppl. different methods and believes towards the hobby. not everyone cares as much as they should about there animals. fish or not. dont let others neglect dictate how your doing in this hobby man, much love from Canada!!

[@9894681951]

Is there a preferred site in the uk to get plants for the tanks?

[@durst101]

Video 62 of asking for a tank with some freshwater dolphinfish please.

[@HBrsz]

I can only imagine the editing you had to do for this video. It's by far the most informative video I've seen💯

[@MDFishTanks]

Was much easier than a build video as I can just talk and I feel confident in the subject matter so can just keep flowing with dialogue. Thank you for noticing though 😊

[@LetThereBeCode.]

I don’t usually comment, but I have to say, this video is pure gold, very informative, helpful, and incredibly well done. You always keep things clear and straightforward. Much respect to you from KSA! 👏🏻

[@Wheelz2Zero6]

I've been a fan of yours now for about 1 to 2 weeks. That's not very long but in this amount of time, I truly been able to say that you are my favorite and most knowledgeable aquatic KZbinr. I'm grateful that I've been able to learn so much from you and I've been doing this Hobby for probably close to 20 years and some degree or another here it seems like when I stop I just have to start again. The only reason why I stopped last time was because I moved to a different state. This is my first time right now doing planted tank with aqua soil. I quite literally am working on it today. It's not a big tank, it's a 10 gallon but I'm really looking forward to applying all the knowledge that I have learned from you and then some. Thank you. I wish I could share what I'm doing with you. I'm in a wheelchair and I'm trying to make something that has way less maintenance. My arms are completely disabled and it's getting harder for me to do anything. Cheers, here's to another 10 years

[@AudreyCooper-n4k]

Yay, I remember watching a video years ago where you talked about keeping your plants healthy and thriving. I’m so glad you made another! I know for me the longer I’m in the hobby the more I learn and evolve. Every new tank I set up I incorporate all that I’ve learned and I can see the difference with each one. That’s why I love this hobby, so much to learn ❤

[@Thomas-lr5kw]

He has indeed come a long way since his papertowel slapping days back in his backyardshed😊

[@ClaytonO-fish4life]

Canadian over here. Just want to say thank you for the last few years. I do exactly what you’ve just spoke about. Just without the wonderful artistic planting. My tanks are almost self sufficient, but do not look as amazing as yours! Much love from Canada.

[@fenrirgg]

When I was a kid we couldn't have living plants in the aquarium because the light was garbage (incandescent bulbs). But now there are many options of light and I would like to have an aquarium again someday.

[@BeeJae78]

I binge watched all your videos over more than 12 months before I had the courage to do my own planted aquarium. I got so much good information. I absolutely love my tank and it requires such little maintenance. At first I thought the water would explode with nitrates etc when I added fish and I checked it weekly. Now I check literally once in a blue moon because it’s always perfect. My betta loves the plants and there are always tetras swimming about they never even hide because they know they have cover if they need it. Even my ottocinclus are healthy and happy. Now I just wish it was bigger so I could have more plants 😂😂😂. I love having a literal underwater garden in my living room ❤

[@sascha2840]

Hey MD great Video, this helps a lot for people who got in to aquaristik 👍 Did you notice at 21:14 min a fish almost jumped out of the Tank?😱

[@MDFishTanks]

Wow. It's because I never stand there and they were waiting for food 😂. Well spotted.

[@sascha2840]

​@@MDFishTanks haha yes could be or he was like "i want to be in the video and say hi to everybody" 🐳

[@ziender]

Wow they really do jump out at the corners.

[@MrsBJPalmer]

@Sascha2840. Thanks for your comment, because I completely missed that little cutie! Wonder if you could train these little guys to jump thru hoops- on command, above the water?! Nah! You'd have a tank of "Rummy Nose" the next day!😅

[@tedhidpw3471]

I was just about to write a comment like that.... 😄

[@ashleyduhface]

Can't agree more that if you start off right it's addicting. Using your techniques I started my first tank and now I'm on my 8th. Love the hobby. Thanks for the great videos!

[@samosborne4403]

I'm at my 8th too with 4 more on the way :D I'm now building the tanks from scratch and built a floor to ceiling 'cabinet' in the living room they are filling in. I still only use small bubble filters and internal pumps as I feel they're enough - only problem is I usually want the water flow at the front of the tank which makes it harder to hide than a canister pipe. What styles have you been creating?

[@MDBD2405]

Right now you are probably one of the best aquascapers, you have come a long way in just a short time. Patience and dedication and a lot of hard work makes you one of the best.

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

I don't have the money for my own water test kit - but where I bought my aquarium and plants from - do a free water test! How cool is that!

[@imweezybaby6]

“They do weekly water changes” “I am lazy” 😂 first time viewer and enjoying the learning experience 🙏

[@AudreyCooper-n4k]

Did anyone else notice the fish jumping out of the tank at 21 min 15 sec in the video? 😂 that was wild!

[@SolowFPV]

for real

[@doloresmanning9619]

I love snails and they are fun to watch. Rams Horn snails are great.

[@AkbarZeb-p6f]

I like mystery snails in particular, it's fun when they rasp your hands.

[@neilcawley2159]

Well done MD you are being fish keeping to the millions my tanks are MD style and are all doing so well if I could upload pics I would. Keep the videos coming mate.

[@haitch04]

I kept fish a long time up in the Yorkshire Pennines, lovely soft pure water, then I retired to the East Coast and after 50 years had to start learning again. Yes I can keep fish and plants but it can be tricky. Nice video.

[@papyshampoo]

MD, you dropped this video right on time for my 3rd planted tank. Got into the hobby after learning from you and I’ve only gotten better. Thank for all the tips throughout the year. Thank you and Happy 2025!!

[@yalej]

One very important pointer I learned from this video is which additive to use. I have a 75G planted, no CO2 (unfortunately no soil underlayer either, just sand). No water changes, just top up. I used to use Seachem Flourish, couple of other additives as well. Had lots of black algae growing. Based on this video, I switched to API Leaf Zone (which is all that you use), which contains only potassium and iron. Dosing as recommended on the bottle, I've seen much better plant growth and a reduction in black slimy algae. Everything looks healthy and all potassium deficiency I had before (holes in leaves) is gone. Can't thank you enough.

[@Toastmaster_General]

Leaf Zone’s really slept on

[@bryanssongalone8483]

🎉 Had aquariums all my life.Started my first full planted aquarium a month or more ago. Went with gravel.Its doing very well.Plants are healthy and growing .Its nice you tell people ways to go without spending a ton of money.Great video!

[@darrylm92]

WOW, you see that at 21:15? MD almost lost a fish! Thanks MD for the video, it has been very helpful as to why I cannot grow plants the way I want to. Well, I also have a weather loach that loves to pull them all up. I think he likes floating plants better

[@puneet_scaper]

Great video Mr. MD. I use to have lots of ramshorn snails in my tank & not a hint of algae. I removed all of them due to lack of knowledge as I considered them pest. It drastically affected balance of my tank. Learnt it the hard way.

[@mikefoster5045]

As usual a brilliant video MD. I started out in the hobby 12 months ago and I am hooked and that is mainly down to your fantastic videos and advice.

[@allanziegenbalgxc4514]

Hi MD i am from india i have been following you for a long time your are one of the reason for my interest in Planted tanks keep doing this amazing work ❤

[@rufusjean-baptiste]

I've got a 15gallon cube with a 14watt hyggar clip on light the plants aren't dying but growing slowly so i started adding liquid ferts now im noticing that im starting to get some hair algea and a couple spots of bba nothing crazy but listening to you md im goong to hold off the ferts for a while snd let the tank balance itself out i currently have 5 small nirite snails 6 harliquin rasbora one pleco and a handful of ramshorn and pond snails hopping everything works out tha ks for your wonderful content

[@johndell9733]

Great video. I really enjoy your content and how you present your information. I have seen in several of your other videos about how you leave on your lights for 10, 12 maybe 14 hours a day. Do you always start with this length and adjust the intensity of the light. For example, you have the light on for 12 hours at 60% intensity. Leave it like that for two weeks and if you don’t see algae you bump up the intensity by 5/10 % and repeat? On the other hand, if you see a ton of algae after two weeks, you lower the intensity by 5/10%? Bottom line - Don’t mess with the light duration and focus on adjusting the intensity … is this the correct approach? Thank you for the video and keep up the great content!

[@kathyjeyes9385]

I've only just discovered you and I'm so pleased! I'm totally new to fishkeeping and getting my 1st aquarium tomorrow, gifted to me with 3 rainbow and 2 phantom tetras 😊

[@sylvio1966]

MD, this video is a beautiful production, editing and content rated 10. You didn't include the soil link, I was curious to know what you use. 21:15 in the edition, did you see one of the residents come to do acrobatics for the video? Fantastic.

[@GayForFritoLay]

Hey MD. I'm in the US and cannot for the life of me find or understand the US equivalent of Colombo Nutri Base or Mano Base. I'm trying to find the right balance between a high-tech setup with an organic potting soil/dirted substrate base and want to find the Nutri Base equivalent for a cap between soil and decorative substrate. Why use Nutri Base and what should I look for if I can't find the exact brand?

[@racereadypowerhouse]

Us Canadians struggle too 😩

[@Revenance115]

Need an answer for us solutions

[@jodip719]

ADA power sand. Spendy, but you can get it on aqua forest aquarium.

[@robdavis3274]

@@jodip719 agreed, i love ADA power sand with an inert cap

[@stephensnyder1334]

Aquazen Nutrient Base Substrate found on Petco

[@mielvidamo]

I just want to share this. I have a plan right now to set up a new aquarium and since my budget is not that big, I planned to not do it anymore but I already have the driftwoods and stuff. But no aquarium yet. After watching this content the hype goes back and I want to set it up right now HAHAHA! Thank you very much for your insights!

[@davidchadwick7414]

Have now watched this I think this is a great video for people that want to get and are involved in the hobby Very informative and I follow the way MD sets up his tanks which works for me Keep up the good work

[@rae3043]

Love this, just got some pennywort and bulbitis today, so this video came out at the perfect time! I've been watching you since before I had the opportunity to even have tanks, and youre the reason I have been so successful in the hobby, thank you MD! ❤

[@awakeandalive12321]

MD! You had an Orange Fish Jump about 3 inches out of the water at 21:15, right next to your right elbow! Wow!

[@clementbellande8720]

Thank you so much ! Cheers from France. My 720l tank is starting to become really nice, thx for tips and above all, inspiration ❤❤❤

[@kimdevylder3778]

Thanks for this video! While I don't have a tank myself (yet), I really enjoy watching aquascaping videos. I enjoy them so much that I'm considering picking up the hobby again. I had a tank years ago, before there was as much online information available, but I gave up after a couple of years of fighting algae. I assumed I had a relentless algae issue because I couldn't control the natural light coming through the windows of the room. I've noticed that you and other aquascaping content creators have tanks in rooms with very little to no windows. I was hoping to find more information about tank placement in relation to natural light in this video. If you're ever short of a subject for another video, I would really appreciate hearing your take on the subject.

[@incarnate3276]

45:06 in my experience the secret to success with no flow planted tanks is moss. It’s a natural filter. Also lower light, slower growing plants in large numbers. I’m talking about an absolute jungle of plants. But many species will not work well in my experience. I have hard water mind you, so if I leave the water change too long the TDS creeps up a lot. It’s 270 out of the tap, but I bought a tds meter for the first time last week and I found it’s about 1500 in my aquariums. At that point doing large water changes is kind of lethal potentially as well. The sudden osmotic pressure might lead to internal injuries in the fish… Also I can’t successfully keep most fish in my tap water. If they need lower hardness I am forced to do regular water changes. I usually tend to only top off the water like you, but I have to be careful with the water parameters if I keep fish. My guppy colony is completely fine with just a Fluval sky light, which I realise is high end, but the old budget one was losing LEDs to rust due to the moisture and I wanted to replace it with something better quality. It’s literally the only technology that keeps that ecosystem going. They are on regular aquarium gravel and 9 years worth of Mulm.

[@alexhutch503]

I think it would be great to give my own timeline. 3 years ago I put a loose bag of soil in a tank and ruined it. Then I mesh bagged the soil in the next tank. I used the cheapest and easiest stem plants. I added grass (died). 5 tanks later I’ve got the most beautiful planted tanks. A cube for shrimp FULL of epiphytes on spider wood and an amazing 2 foot tank. It took me 2 years to settle in the cube. It was empty and a piece of wood. I bought soil, plants. My 2 foot had co2 and it grew in very nicely until co2 ran out, now it is fine and where I like it. 3-5 years is a great time! If you want to rescape every month.. bad news

[@AmandaStein-l5w]

really enjoy seeing the tanks when they're not at their best! The info on what you do about it, how long to wait and let it sort itself out, what phases to expect etc. Very interesting

[@allisongasparini7602]

Great video, you are such a personable man. Your level of straight up honesty and enthusiasm is a pleasure to watch. Oh and by the way, brilliant explanations that are understandable.

[@dammit7045]

This has been a great video. You sir have excelled above and beyond. Well done.

[@devilineden727]

I have ADHD, however I could sit through this whole video. Lovely source of information.

[@Boogs_Aquatics]

Same... I also used to ride a repsol 600😂. Adhd minds think alike

[@hcr32slider]

Because you're hyperfocused on aquariums lol

[@Kilz_you]

I think it has to do with water

[@DeformedDevices]

Aquariums are the ultimate neurodivergent hobby. I've met so many neuro spicy folks in my journey.

[@1369karlos]

I've had a 60cm tank for about 5 years with just gravel and root tabs and the plants grow well, but I'm looking forward to setting up my new tank using your substrate system.

[@1369karlos]

Great video, by the way 👍

[@awakeandalive12321]

Thanks MD for all you have done, and keep doing for the Hobby! Learned so much!!!

[@suehouston7908]

Thank you! This is very helpful for not just beginners but those who have been keeping fish for some time. :)

[@tomdelisle8955]

Thanks for keeping things simple. When starting out I heard that fertilizing my plants to get them growing would cut down on the algae. Seemed not to make sense but worked great, especially after I starting using root tabs.

[@stellapye]

Thank you so much for this video ... I'm 6 months into the hobby and have 7 tanks!

[@deanos1966]

Masterclass video. Thanks for this.

[@MyloSurber]

Its always a good day when MD drops a video Thank you for all youve taught me about this hobby in the last year of being in it.

[@GerApeldoorn-ig2gu]

Hi! Thanks for this amazing video! A series of troubleshooting videos would also be amazing, for instance with deep dive what to do when algae take over or when plants die etc.

[@tree.65]

Thanks so much for this video! Very informative. I watch your videos all the time and really appreciate you putting this together to answer all of our questions.

[@steverees1936]

Hey MD thanks for this informative video. I'm looking to build my first tank in over 25 years since I gave up the hobby. I've moved around lots in that time but now settled in Northern Ireland. I've decided on starting with the Juwel Rio 180 in the hallway and want to create an Asian themed tank. I'm going to document the complete build on Tiktok and hopefully continue on a small scale. Love watching your channel so keep up the excellent work.

[@johnbrazell2433]

Yes it was a long video but it is full of a lot of useful information. I enjoyed it very much and I will probably watch it again.

[@Doktracy]

Your newer tanks have been amazing!

[@captaincef]

This was such a comprehensive video and your experiences are invaluable! And you're very pleasant to listen to :) Thank you for these videos! Your tanks look amazing!

[@PaulZyCZ]

29:00 - very good point, esp. with the low-tech approach (no CO_2 injections to supercharge plant growth) there is always some plant which should be growing, yet it doesn't. For me Staugyrone Repens doesn't grow at all, despite being "Easy", Pearlweed grows slowly w/o CO_2, but Rotalla Walichi grows at normal speed, despite being "Difficult". Sometimes the plant just needs to be moved to a different tank.

[@Fauntazee]

Is that your home😮? With each tank I said, "oh I want a tank like that one." Simply Beautiful!!! I'm about to start up my 1st planted tank. 20gal framed. Eventually put Neons & Tigerbarbs, or, Shrimp & Platy or Molly mix. Aren't those 2 good tank mate combinations?

[@kovacslaci8354]

HI! This is one of the far best video you have evere done. Actually the most informativ.

[@johnqpublic9238]

Excellent job of explaining the process. Loved this video.

[@ssreenavin]

Thank you for breaking it down for us. This is gold!

[@danieljaewebb]

Good point about certain plants just not working in some water - I have a real issue growing bolbitis, yet I keep trying... I should probably give up!

[@MDFishTanks]

For me, bolbitis and java ferns tend to die off and only the new growth looks good, so can take a month or two to really get going

[@PaulZyCZ]

There's one slightly expensive option: Mix your own water from RO water and mineral mixes (for example Seachem makes them). I never tried it, but I'm considering it for some plants.

[@bignubles]

Ya my bane is bucephalandra, its my first plant to truly rot, not just melt back but rotting to a mush even the rhyzome/roots

[@danieljaewebb]

@@MDFishTanks Maybe I'll leave it in the tank for now... given it a few months. I normally take it out when it goes black! I should have more patience.

[@stevesmith6022]

I’m just about to set up my first open top planted tank and this video has been an inspiration thank you so much M D absolutely brilliant mate best channel on KZbin…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@laszloszocs7477]

great vid keep it up MD loyal folower since i think ever i learned alot from you too but its amazing to see your progress and the engergy you have keep going strong amazing fishtanks :D

[@Mattcc3]

Hey MD can you make another shrimp tank build. 20 gallon cube loaded with plants and bucephalandra. Love the shrimp videos. Your shrimp videos are what got me into the hobby again back when I first started watching you.

[@aadityaparab3940]

Such a great explanation for all of my questions.

[@KentoLeoDragon]

Regarding water changes, one thing I've noticed is when you have baby fish you're growing out, they always grow much faster with lots of water changes. Even if you have great filtration and the water seems healthy, water changes seems to have a similar effect as the fish having more room and space to grow. Not sure what magic thing it is, but they grow faster with water changes.

[@Boogs_Aquatics]

Love these videos. Try a bioactive lizard terrarium if you like challenges. Balancing 3 types of lighting, misting systems, live plant care, clean up crew bugs, etc. Im doing a vampire crab paludatium next. Id like to see your take on something like that.

[@PatrickCulbert-Hall]

Great video been watching you for ages and thanks to you have a amazing planted tank.

[@_mactast1c]

@21:13 you see a fish nearly jump out of the tank as you do a dialogue

[@Wheelz2Zero6]

I must ask you a question and I hope that I get an answer but I might not and that's okay. How is it possible for you to enjoy all of these. Do you just choose one tank a day out of the month and just keep going down the line to just sit there and enjoy them just your tanks are Beyond some of them the most pretty and beautiful tanks out of all KZbinrs. You must know that and yet you are extremely humble. I wish I could meet you. Not only that but the shop that you get your fish from, oh my gosh. Absolutely beautiful. Honestly I wish that I shop that I go to was like that and had that many fish. Mine is about less than a quarter of the size of yours, and with that being said a far less selection but nevertheless, we have some good people there. Except there's this one guy that I can't stand. LOL

[@fahmitaufik1254]

Regarding hard water, some plants do well in soft water with lean amount of minerals, but some plants can do better in carbonate rich water which is the component of hard water. Not to mention hard water contains Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium which is essential nutrients for plants so for low tech tank it is actually better. Experimenting with various species is key of course, because some plants will grow in your water, some don't, and when you know what plant fare best with your parameters you can go crazy with it.

[@MoondyneJoe]

Great video MD thank you for all your effort, you might find it necessary to put a lid on the tank at time frame 21m14s that fish nearly jumped out of the tank near your right elbow! Tony from Rural Western Australia 🇦🇺 🦘

[@scotteaton4868]

Great video. Quick explanation on the pH to clear it up. Water hardness and TDS has little effect on plants. Its the high pH caused by calcium and the resulting carbonates that causes high pH. High KH is detrimental to plants . You can have high hardness and yet moderate pH based on other factors. However, you are fooling yourself thinking your 8 2 tap like I have isn't an issue. I constantly figh with beginners to get their starter tank to a pH of 7 and ignore other factors. MD admitted his Mbuna tank is in the mid 7s, and that's miles away from 8 to 8 2 I hear they prefer.

[@Chompchompyerded]

So much knowledge in this video! Thanks. I think most people will be able to learn something from this.

[@edwardwiddup]

Mate, this get lost in the comments but that was excellent. Your Ted talk moment buddy

[@miniscenesgb]

great video. still watching - yes sump filter. that's what I have on my Cleair. it is easy and actually fun being able to see what's going on in it - especially as I keep ending up with baby fish looking at me when I open the door lol

[@GabrielDePierri]

Had to post a comment for such an amazing content. Thank you for your amazing video.

[@brentpearce1516]

The Puffer tank is beautiful!

[@AkbarZeb-p6f]

A decent way to keep diggers out of the nutrient substrate is to cap it with 1cm or 2 of sand then put some "eggcrate" on that & pile the rest of the sand on top. If you put the eggcrate directly on the dirt layer, chances are, the movement of the fish hitting it may still kick up dirt into the water, so the sand layer gives it a little more flex room.

[@stamperdawgman]

Outstanding information. Thank you.

[@nikjohnsson16]

Something I've come to see with hard water is that it makes it tougher to run tanks without water changes. The phosphates and other minerals accumulate if you're just topping it off. For me, it's led to black beard algae issues. Phosphates aren't talked about enough. I'd love to see API include the test in their master test kit.

[@nooshdaroomobin6677]

Hi, MD I joined your clips I have one aquarium, but old years ago has 8 aquarium, because now haven't place. anyway, thanks for programs in your channel. From Iran

[@remcobazuin872]

Great stuff. Loads of good info.

[@raypalmero1835]

I started watching your video's back when you have to go at the back of your house to get soil for a new setup..

[@thedon1262]

Hey MD you adviced me about a year ago to try out the pond soil and normal soil mix and it worked perfectly fine! i would love to share you some pictures from my tanks :D also i want to say i dont think you need to do more waterchanges more often becouse of the minirals, becouse you have open setup what require fill ups regulair so you always have some extra minerals. also harder water is better water, becouse its free potential co2. the procesess in the substrate you was telling about, what is causing co2, is also making the water more acidic, and the H+ reacts with the hard water to also form even more co2 ;D my next set up is gonna be an 300l aquarium and im gonna put all sorts of ingredients in it beside the soils for the plants to grow in! i have to redo all my aquariums becouse of planaria :(

[@KifKroker]

the thing with magic water is .. its magic you cant measure it... it's just skill. my skill is growing algea, everywhere. even floating plants die on my tank...

[@amral-khateeb407]

Stunning studio

[@rjd9761]

21:14 😮 holy mbuna!! Almost jump out of the tank 😅

[@schmusland]

Came to the comments to see if anyone else noticed that!

[@ReyStexen00]

@@schmuslandsame😂

[@stewarttaylor423]

21.10 in and a fish is trying to escape 😅

[@MDFishTanks]

I know right!!! spend all that time and money on the tank and it wants to leave! It's because I never stand there and they were waiting for food 😂. Well spotted.

[@krummefidus]

That jumping Ciclide at 21:14 😂

[@alexanderwilliams6377]

MD START YOUR OWN LINE OF AQUA SOILLLLL

[@samlucas0224]

Hey, can you potentially do a video on how to get rid/stop oil slick in tanks and also how to deal with hair algae please? I had to completely deconstruct one of my *cough*many*cough* tanks due to it smothering and killing my plants as I thought “it’s a process, leave it and it will go” 😅

[@Drako100portista]

Fantastic! Thank you for all! Hugs from Portugal!

[@AmirSadeghiEmamgholi]

Thank you for sharing the valuable tips! Amazing video as always. I have a question. I cannot grow floaters. The only tank that I can grow duckweed in is a 10 gallon sponge filter tank. Since all the other tanks are significantly bigger they all run cansiter and I thought it might be the surface flow that kills the floaters. What is it really?

[@stephenford-x1s]

Hi MD great video. Would you do a video making a new set up from start . But doing it with no plants from your other tanks that are all ready growing well . Because the tank will work straight away . But plants from a shop and show how it goes over time . Would be nice to see someone showing a new set up from the start . And how it grows over time and the problems that can happen too.

[@jimcowley330]

Hi mate do you make a living out of fish keeping you fish is really impressive merry Christmas 🤶 jim😊.

[@stuartpinkney2340]

A question about the water that struck me. In England we have drinking water from the tap! Lots of other countries don’t have drinkable water from the tap. So could the quality of our tap water make a difference? What is it in foreign water that makes it not for drinking? Is it dissolved minerals that make different? Just a thought.

[@timkelly7636]

This video helps me so much. Thank you MD

[@omarbakir3423]

Great Video, so much wisdom. So much useful information

[@hymelgain]

Brother make a hitech plant aquarium using flood LED lights . ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MDFishTanks]

I've added to the list. coming soon

[@hymelgain]

@MDFishTanks ooooo super . Thank you brother ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Tokyomodeldetective]

Awesome video mate! As a beginner! This helps so much

[@Upuetasi7]

Excellent Video as always. thank you once again.