The Discus Blackwater Aquarium: EPIC 4ft Aquascape Tutorial w/ Gold Tetra & Santarem Discus

[@MDFishTanks]

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com This is a massive video that was so fun to make. We have wanted to put together a large blackwater Amazon style tank for a while now and the time has come. A lot of work went into the tank build and I think the results speak for themselves. I hope you all enjoy the video and if you do, please consider giving a like and subscribe 👍🙂 Find @Fish Shop Matt Here: KZbin: kzbin.info Insta: instagram.com/matt_swfishkeeper/ Equipment (all links affiliate): 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 GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US 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

[@graffic13]

Black Venezuelan Corys would be cool too!

[@mdsea7923]

Can u give the tank size pls?

[@stationplaza4631]

I may not have an aquarium, but I still think your videos rock.

[@RONI_1125]

hey MD can you make another shrimp tank? I made an aquascape inspired by that video

[@waterbird-s5q]

Black water Santarem Discus tank - its the future! Looks so good. Aren't you concerned that the discus might jump? I know you put a cover on your discus tank previously.

[@FishShopMatt]

This was such an epic build! Ready for the next???

[@MDFishTanks]

You bet....starting tomorrow (shhhhhhhh! 🤫)

[@jakeneidecker3573]

No

[@MDFishTanks]

@@jakeneidecker3573 Don't worry Jake...its a new tank.

[@cwillox4253]

Can’t wait I love the videos with you two, honestly makes my day! 😊

[@mdsea7923]

@@MDFishTanks can u tell the tank size?

[@oftheHowl]

The cinematic shots at the end were so good I'd never expect to see such high quality on youtube, it's insane.

[@MDFishTanks]

I've got a good camera and good lense and do my own colour grading for the cinematic sections.

[@rextherunt3135]

@@MDFishTanks really need to work on focusing the lens mate, from like 1:01:20 to 1:01:50 there's basically nothing in focus at all, defeats the whole point of having a decent camera doesn't it. Great content like, just always let down by blur when looking at the things that matter. Matts shirt being crystal clear or whatever isnt really the point of what you're doing is it.

[@MDFishTanks]

​@@rextherunt3135 Thanks for the feedback Rex

[@privateportall]

@@rextherunt3135 someone's having a hissy fit... Great content as always, big inspiration! @MD Fish tanks

[@rextherunt3135]

@@MDFishTanks nice one mate, it will really help take you to the next level, other less busy channels in the same space have perfect focus, I get your stuff is more dynamic but when it comes to specific cinematics you're spending time in post production with then there's no excuse is there lol, onwards and upwards though I'm cheering you on.

[@MJAquascaping]

This is amazing! Love the end result 😍The last 5 minutes of the video gave me goosebumps!

[@MDFishTanks]

thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheFakeyCakeMaker]

MJ and MD two of my fave fish channels 🙂

[@dnaoutpost6971]

One of the many reasons you’re my favorite scaper , is you are about the FISH. So many only seem about the plants. This is just stunning and I’m now in love with those gold tetras ! Stick with more of those instead of cardinals 😝

[@lkawaiteacher]

The gold tetras look great as do the whip tail catfish with those amazing discus. Good choices.

[@rettag2020]

LOVE it when the 2 of you work together! So much fun 😁 The tank is amazing ❤️

[@benbarnett5684]

This looks like it's gonna be my inspiration for my current discus tank rescape. I'm stoked!

[@MDFishTanks]

glad you like it Ben

[@tanksforallthefish1551]

That is possibly my favourite build so far - and that's saying something! Amazing job to all involved! My $0.02 is don't put the cardinals in - the tank is so striking as it is.

[@lkawaiteacher]

Agreed, no cardinals

[@capuchinosofia4771]

Agreed lol, i think it being discus only would have been awesome

[@haitch04]

Can honestly say you nailed it!!! The natural look, the floating plants, the rays of light. Stunning.

[@cheeseblog]

One of my favorites so far. Dramatic in a subtle sort of way.

[@Ramsowndaworld]

Everyone at this store is so nice. I am not detail oriented enough to feel ready to take on a big tank like this. Watch these videos randomly and am always caught off guard by how kind everyone is and how much they love the hobby

[@codyashton1995]

I used to never be a big fan of blackwater scapes, but I think this one has changed my mind

[@simpceferglenparacale7988]

Nice to witness this channel starting from a shed then moving to a studio and now to a real fish shop. Really like how simplistic your scapes are. Keep it up 😁👍

[@stevenpavan327]

Fish Shop Matt and MD combo is the best on KZbin. Bravo!

[@realhusky]

The lighthearted editing of goofy bits was nice. Do more of that.

[@joyallen1453]

This build is absolutely gorgeous! 😍 So beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes with the natural beauty!

[@Garzajonathan1]

I literally copied this tank for my 100 gallon discus tank. So nice I’m in love

[@laurenwilliams8227]

What I found fascinating was how obvious it become how/why discus have evolved to their shape and color once everything came together. There's a large leaf in the center back of the tank, gorgeous focal point, which I mistook for a fish for several minutes!

[@n.c.3137]

I think it's one of the best scapes I've seen. Really natural, peaceful and mysterious vibe to it. Well done to everyone 👏 👍 Always look forward to your videos. BTW the David Attenborough impression was hilarious 😂. Always enjoy the humour in your vids. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars every time! Thankyou.

[@BlackNoteStudios]

Three guys, one cup! lol Absolutely hilarious!!! 57:08 More of "the voice" please. Too funny. The thing I love about this group (Maindenhead) is that you can tell they all have a genuine love for the hobby. Cheers MD. And no, no cardinals. :)

[@jon-michaelwilson9998]

This has to be the most elite scape you've done to date. Minimalist with so much character!

[@BigStevesGlassBoxes]

I gotta say, you are definitely top 3 out of all the fishtubers. Good, clean, real content. Humorous. Ethical. And you definitely promote the hobby. Honestly bro, you're tied for 1st place with aquarium coop. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@freq-of-nature7699]

Stunning cinematic scene. Excellent content lads!

[@ollielloyd-scott9988]

This would have to be my new favorite tank, out of every tank I have ever seen. If I manage to get a tank of this size one day it will be greatly inspired by this video. The combination of fish is amazing and I love how the black water looks. New favorite video. Cheers MD

[@gidge6260]

AN HOUR VIDEO! I’m bloody here for it! 😍

[@MDFishTanks]

Thanks. Some serious hours of work put in here 👍

[@andrebalazs4018]

I have a 4 foot tank that I've been trying to decide what to do with... well, thanks for the inspiration!! I now know what this tank is going to be. I love watching you two work together, and have fun while doing scapes. That's what it's all about.

[@thenamesPRINDLE]

That David Attenborough was spot on 🤣

[@milesnapue]

No to Cardinals. Love this long format. The piano at the end was a highlight. Taking over the shop once again. Can see anxiety build when Matt sees multiple customers. Love it.

[@michaelwilliams7447]

The aquarium setup looks awesome as usual. I absolutely love the time spent viewing the finished product with the fish inside. Thank you for that viewing time.

[@therealsassyama682]

I think this might be the best and most realistic looking blackwater tank I've ever laid my eyes upon. Very well done you guys. Looks absolutely stunning

[@missunreason2492]

Just wanna say you are an absolute delight to watch, so positive and cheerful, and so is Matt.

[@BeagleRescuer13]

Wow! I am excited about the Whiptail Cats! Such an underrated fish. The end result looks ah-mazing!

[@MDFishTanks]

yeah they will look great with a bit more colour and size Mandy

[@snoopdogg734]

I am not usually a fan of black water tanks, but this one is awesome! Great job putting the creative juices together and making such a realistic set up, thank you for sharing. I am from michigan in the states and I am very happy to see such a great passion happening in our hobby all over the world.

[@SunshineEventRentals]

Attenborough impersonation on point 👌🏼

[@sui-generis]

Great fish selection! In regards of Cardinals, I think they would ruin the look of the tank, and take away from the Gold Tetras. The Gold Tetras are all that is needed as a schooling fish.

[@radiantlyshana]

I'd love just an hour exactly like the cinematic part of this build! It's so relaxing and made me quite sleepy tbh...perfect for bedtime!

[@tianahoovik2931]

Those gold tetras were PERFECT. 👌🏻

[@aquariumhobby9530]

Greetings from Ukraine, to all amateur aquarists. I really liked your work, deserves respect! For more such works! I look forward to continuing!

[@bigben8369]

I was just thinking it's been a while since MD posted, and here you are! Always looking forward to your videos. Your low-key humour and positivity are infectuous!

[@MDFishTanks]

I posted the Indian tank 5 days ago 🤣. But thank you haha

[@Frankje01]

@@MDFishTanks hey 5 days is A LOT ;)

[@bigben8369]

And thanks for the cinematic. It's beautiful! Oh, and no cardinals. The golds are a great choice.

[@heaven7360]

low key?

[@shel.b.1090]

An astounding build MD, the fish choice to the amazing lighting, fantastic collab and great music choice for the end. ❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@yahna99]

I really love these longer videos you’re putting out, it’s a huge inspiration to make my tanks look better

[@philcarlino6942]

Breathtaking. I love it. And a great selection of fish. Please keep us up to date on this one. Thanks as always for the great work you do. Take care.

[@mariamatz4079]

Gorgeous. One of my all time favorites!! Those discus look incredible. And you were right to avoid cardinals in this one. ;)

[@JuneauOcean]

Best build imo so far. It is crazy how the tannins makes it super natural. Absolutely doing this

[@snowleopard1831]

I loved this build soooo much! ❤️. Especially the fish footage at the end, please keep doing it this way! 🙏

[@LVMarty]

My absolute favorite build and biotope. I could just pull up a chair and sit for hours watching prior to getting kicked out to the street by Matt! Thanks for doing these videos. Brings me joy.

[@jacobsecor5015]

28:10 "Yeah, I'd drink that" lol

[@Arjun_Kini]

You've absolutely nailed it, MD! This proves you're one of the best nature Aquascaper. I thoroughly enjoyed the video. Thank you very much! ❤️

[@1988italy]

That moment when you have to start getting ready for work but MD drops an hour long video….. Well, looks like I’m going to be late this morning…(hits play)

[@MDFishTanks]

I'm sure they will understand 😆

[@Amanda-uc5jq]

I didn’t even realise that was an hour long until I read your comment, felt like ten minutes 🤣

[@marienixon148]

I had to work late today. I looked forward to this all day and it was worth the wait!

[@csharpe5787]

Love matt, I'm sure he's a very kind man. And it looks like Martins even coming on his day off. Plus is this the British obsession with tea?

[@carlosborrero2101]

Nobody can "fake" that much energy as you show when you guys are in the same video, congratulations for all that great teamwork, excellent physical work by Matt btw.

[@GlassSurfing]

Still thinking about this days later. You guys make an awesome team and delivered as usual with unique, gorgeous and accessible possibilities. Love it

[@boltman1974]

Amazing build as always. Love the dynamic between yourself and the team at Maidenhead, just a group of mates getting together with a passion to create. Best part of these videos is I get to learn and laugh, thanks again MD for all your amazing work. Cheers

[@darrellmcknight3595]

This is the best looking set up I have seen in a long time. I really love this combo of fish and tank etc. It’s really beautiful.

[@VeNoMsEpItApH]

Thanks to Matt for explaining how that sump works. Very nice!

[@connerfarr8072]

I'm in the military and move around every couple of years but I still maintain a couple of tanks with plants and hardy tetra that I am able to transport when I move. One of the few things that I look forward to when I retire is building myself a permanent discuss tank.

[@glenngelvosa4904]

Amazing tank! Always enjoy the collaboration with Matt.

[@Acepilot2k7]

A hour, this is going to be a good one

[@johnallison4688]

I had my doubts initially but as the build developed I was completely sold , great credit to all involved.

[@lisaadams5048]

Like I have always said hands down the best tank build ever its epic. You guys are the best I havent smiled and laughed this much in a long time I needed this really thank you your awesome . Its perfect and the fish spot on I will be watching this over again . I just turned 60 in May and my health has been bad and depressed but all I have to do is watch you build a tank and it really brings me joy and happiness smile and laugh and it lets me forget for a spell on how bad I was feeling . I so wish one day my tanks can look as good as yours. Thank you for making me feel better just dont charge me for the therapy lol this is so much better than any Doctor could ever do for me . Your friend from Chattanooga Tennessee USA Lisa . Cant wait to see what your doing next.

[@loribalderston214]

This is so natural and beautiful for viewing and for the fish. No need for cardinals.

[@jasonwhitwam197]

That was an amazing David Attenborough impersonation!!

[@joshallen1913]

Really enjoyed this black water scape MD! Like how the “roots” look from the wood where they can swim in and out

[@fredzeppelin21]

Easily top 5 videos you’ve ever made cheers mate this one is legendary great build amazing dynamic with other people who just really enjoy this hobby! Keep it up!

[@Sammiejomitchell]

Thanks so much for the viewing at the end! That’s what I’ve always wanted to see.

[@andycarter4581]

Stunning! The gold tetras are great and I love the the wild type discuss.

[@chiprodda2634]

I almost pissed myself at your Attenborough impression. That was great and a great build, as well. Love it!!

[@MDFishTanks]

glad you enjoyed chip

[@sheronnewhouse279]

Hello from Washington DC. The voice over with the old man senior raspy narrative of the introduction of the discus knocked it out the park for me. Every video ending should have a narrative voice monologue. You set a standard so, now you have keep'em coming!!!! The tank is breathe taking. And additions of doing tanks in the aquarium shop shows amateurs that you can use supplies from your local small aquarium businesses. I Love it!!!!

[@tunzlover1682]

Absolutely incredible! I love how the plant crosses into two environments. Very relaxing choice of fish!

[@vasanth2259]

Pls make a video on how to maintain these type of tank When we should replace old leaves How to maintain water parameters during water change 🌟🌟

[@DestroyCooperative]

The Lilly out of the top of the blackwater is such a good combo!

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

That is such a nice tank, I want Discus.

[@MDFishTanks]

bristlenose to discus...it's the obvious step 😆

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

@@MDFishTanks I was a fish keeper for about 25 years before I got shrimp young man 😂

[@MDFishTanks]

@@MarksShrimpTanks Well I never!!!!! 😶

[@IndoorEcosystem]

Not usually a fan of black water tanks but this one really did inspire me!

[@josephine19671]

I really loved seeing the whole building of it but mostly enjoyed looking at the fish loving their new home! ❤

[@DeanoSupremo1]

Amazing scape! And i love the longer style videos. Made my day thanks everyone.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

That was an impressive Attenborough impression 😂

[@Shmu22]

So much fun when you and Matt get together. Cardinal tetras would look great in this tank too ... but it's lovely the way it is.

[@redfox1066]

Great team build as always and a beautiful natural looking scape. If this doesn’t get fish keepers wanting to build nature aquariums I don’t know what will. Just shows you don’t need to use high tech carbon to create a beautiful aquarium.🌿👍

[@KenChawkin]

A beautiful build, guys!! Really lovely!! The only thing I'm a bit concerned about is the door to the right. Should it open too far it might hit the tank. Do you have a doorstop on the top hinge, or a doorstop on the floor to prevent it from opening all the way?

[@renaldsmith4492]

When ull guys r together doing a video. It's so much fun watching. Always joking around 🤣 ull crack me up 😂. My wife says r u watching something funny. I say yeah it's about fishes hahaha.

[@MissHeather666]

Absolutely brilliant, one of my favourite builds upto now x

[@billbush1270]

Thank you! Enjoyed the build and the footage of the completed tank, too. It makes for a good ending and appreciation of what you've accomplished.

[@wirtification]

This is definitely one of my top 10 favorites 😍 lol I've watched this about 6x now. I keep going back to it.

[@sten6077]

That last bit put me in such a zen mode. That was the best👌

[@selinaarcher184]

I’ve been looking forward for this tank for so long!!! An absolutely amazing build as per usual MD!!

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

These two guys are great together. Good presentation, very entertaining. More than good enough to be on TV

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

And the tank looks AMAZING btw

[@karthiku9517]

Spectacular!!!👌 I just loved the way the habitat was created by 'You' creative minds. I just happened to watch a documentary called Wiild Caught: Aquarium Fish Trade of the Amazon...about Rio Negro.... I consider your video as a rendition and appreciation for the 'Piabeiro'❤ ❤ I'm 51 now...living in India The Great Land of the Tigers 🐾🐯 I Grew up with a 6/4 foot custom build aquarium by my father....and I'm so filled with nostalgia and happiness...Thank You Gentlemen 🙏

[@carolebraswell982]

I had been looking forward to this build, and the two of you really delivered! It turned out amazing! I could stare into this lovely tank for hours!

[@ImmortalWombat]

Sorry for your loss

[@Steve-u3t1h]

Beautiful tank! One question I have is how do you keep the floating plants from clogging up the intake to the overflow box to the sump?

[@stephenblack8698]

One of your best videos. It's good to see your sense of humor in this one.

[@floodtheinbox]

blackwater is so eerie and beautiful. lovely build and very entertaining watch. great bunch of folks involved in the build and I got a good chuckle at the clowning amongst yourselves lol

[@cydrosmil]

I have to say this is not only one of the best vids you have e made, I personally think this is the best tank so far, can't wait to go see it in person. Big plus on the video ending too.....epic, thanks for the inspiration

[@Fotosynthesis858]

This is in my top 3 of your builds so far 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@delido4214]

Cardinals are a must and would be truly arresting. Shocked to see anyone disagree! 🐟🐟🐟

[@Badger705]

Very lovely and natural looking tank. The colors of the fish look very natural but for me I would have preferred fish with more vibrant color.

[@bigfish1208]

Awesome build. We need more Sam she's gorgeous

[@clarkbar3435]

Such a great build! Such a peaceful tank. The gold tetras are stunning in that setting. Must admit that it would be fun to seem some neons just for a bit.

[@lizzyanthus1]

Oh my gosh, I enjoyed this video immensely! Thanks for doing it all in one go, or one video I should say. Epic, totally epic! Thanks to all of you guys and gals there, you did an amazing job with the whole thing! Update soon? :) And MD..loved the D.A. impression! He's like my favorite person in the whole world of nature shows!

[@evaben1699]

Love blackwater tanks, so beautiful, simple

[@badstreff]

Amazing video and tank build team. So many great minds on the job and you've created an epic set up. Those discus are beauties!