Aquascape Tutorial: Non co2 4ft Angelfish Aquarium (How To: Full Step By Step Guide, Planted Tank)

[@MDFishTanks]

Full tutorial of the angelfish aquarium plus how it looks after 5 months!! Full disclosure, I added co2 for about 1 week after I set it up but took it off soon after as everything was growing too fast 🤣. I've put together everything as a final nod to the best tank I've created so far in terms of successful plants, minimal algae and just an overall almost perfect balance. LED FLoodlights: Amazon UK amzn.to/31KQwgQ Amazon. com amzn.to/359rp9J Awesome MEMBERSHIP Community: kzbin.info/door/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin

[@mrkrabs5729]

Are you going to get any lizards?

[@MDFishTanks]

@@mrkrabs5729 I'm not sure. KZbin can often push you into things that you don't actually really passionately want. This is not good for animals. So getting lizards because I fancy it is not good enough in my opinion. Maybe later. I'm really into my fish and turtles at the moment...

[@megaoofy5307]

Since your into aquatic animals could you get some rice fish or some dwarf frogs?? I dunno just wondering but rice fish are so cool I don't have any because in the U.S there's not many places that sell them.

[@lusianatjahyono155]

Help! I set up a dirted tank (potting soil) topped with small gravels on 3ft tank and now the water is all brown. What did I do wrong?

[@megaoofy5307]

@@lusianatjahyono155 did it happen when you put in the water?

[@kevinpillay186]

Hi MD, I'm from South Africa, and not a professional aquascaper, I used to get so frustrated watching so many aquascaping vids on KZbin, until I seen this video of yours. I really appreciate the time you took and for showing us all the details that went into creating your beautiful aquascape. Please keep your vids like this one. It gives me hope that I can aquascape one day as good as you. I like how simple you explain everything and make it a joy to aquascape instead of an all out preping like for an examination 😂. I have subscribed to your channel because of this detail video.. Keep up the great aquascaping and continue thinking of guys like me, who love to learn how to aquascape and are not professionals. 👍

[@existenceispainforameeseeks]

well said, my friend!!

[@bojohannesen4352]

AFRICA? Shouldn't you save the water for drinking then LOL

[@brandonsilva652]

Fish have been my ever growing, overwhelming obsession as long as I can remember. Now I have 10 tanks of my own and am always Looking to make space for another. I've watched thousands of fish videos over the years x Diy king and Rachael Oleary were my favorite channels for years until I found your page. Not only do you manage to teach everything your doing in a simple way. But every single damn video has so much heart and passion. You are a constant inspiration in my life and I thank you for being you. Im almost ready to start filming my whole fish room when everything is looking perfect , im almost there. Im brand new to KZbin i hope you see this man, stay up.

[@andreagalda28]

I love rewatching your older videos. The pipe cleaners from your kiddos craft area is so relatable ♥️👌👍

[@steven03048]

Calling 90° angles 45° is one of his specialties! He does it in so many videos. ^^

[@johnroberts1296]

I hate aquariums but really like watching you. You're a natural showman. .

[@garywall1572]

Having just watched a video of a 7x aquascape winner, im even more impressed by your videos which I've only recently been watching. I love your honesty and happy go lucky personality and the fun you have with your friend from Maidenhead Aquatics. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and personally i love your creations. Thankyou, im a firstime aquarium owner (all my fish are in my large pond in my tropical themed garden at the moment) but you have given me the inspiration to try replicate my garden in a 40inch tank. Great stuff 👏

[@brandonadams5938]

This guy is brilliant. He has great eye and he understands hardscape and plants.

[@DaniFernandesVideos]

These videos when you show not just the aquascaping, but also all the other DIY that goes into making the whole tank work are so helpful! Thank you!

[@ruthlong718]

I love your decor videos but what I love most is Your personality and how down to earth you are! Your demo aquariums brightens up the drab Weather here in Ohio, USA! Thank you so much!

[@kyletullyowns]

Just started my first tank after many years out of the hobby, ive seen SO many of your videos. I already want more tanks!! Md you really have a crazy talent for this hobby!

[@konradmtb]

Wow this video inspired me to make my first low-tech aquarium! I didn't realize you can getaway with these floodlights and still grow plants. I love that you provide a lot of information about plants, substrate etc in simple manner.

[@James-ye7rp]

For your light brackets: You have made a "hinge" that is held in place only by friction. I suggest putting one more screw in so that the light does not come down into your tank over time. Love your videos.

[@tinasweeney4392]

You are such a joy to watch! Not only are you very creative, but you make me giggle whenever you get so excited and tongue tied...you'll say "I'm not saying that. " lol thanks MD

[@JMarshall2906]

I was going crazy thinking i've heard you say this stuff before, then realized you have just reused a section from an old video which was really informative. Great video :)

[@multipletanksyndrome]

I'm jealous of all your plants & aquariums that you're given.

[@Hrackoe]

Add a red or orange fish 😍. The greens and dark backgrounds with the light flooring match your fish...throw in a red with all the greens around it...BOY!!! Lol. Your work is amazing. I love it. Im just starting up my own business here building custom aquariums and watching the way you do everything gives me great inspiration on things and ideas I can shoot towards my customers. Keep up the great work.

[@robertfaber6796]

“Chuck it down.” An excellent technique and so simple.

[@spacedaddy5517]

Beauty angelfish, I have had all kinds of fish fresh and saltwater, over 30 years into the hobby. Angelfish are just about the perfect specimens to keep, beautiful, hearty and active. They are so cheap it's ridiculous. I bought two gorgeous golden marbles for 11$, paid 20$ for two ghost angels, so I have 4 total. So far, they are some of the coolest young fish I ever had, loaded with personality. Soon as the light comes on they are super active, swimming and schooling around the tank, they want to eat all the time and have a feeling they will never stop eating the flakes. I give them flakes, mysis shrimp, some beta buffet...they eat it all but prefer the flakes. You can get really colorful blue Philippine angels and there's so many kinds, I had no clue. Definitely check em out, they are underrated fish to keep in the hobby.

[@Tortoise168]

Very pretty, Angelfish in a planted tank looks like a great combo.

[@CCC-AUSTX]

Like this guy esp. how he gets on to it without YAPPING for 20 minutes first; GOOD JOB!!! CCC /Austin, TX

[@anthonytindle5758]

I haven't got a setup at the moment dude and tropical has been a hobby in the past I stumbled on to your channel by accident with you tube and watching you and seeing the setups you create have spurd my interest again this means at some point I'm going to start with fish again so I'm watching with interest your doing a great job and will continue to observe.

[@alfredhein9479]

Literally heaven for them, fishes. I know nature is the best but compare to those places where they had lived, these tanks made by him are on another level.

[@FranNoesse]

@MD It's fun that you "wing it." Don't change. I like that you use natural materials. I think the fish are happier.

[@leslieoldfield9797]

Best content on YT! This is my fav of your videos, I think I've watched it 40 times. Stunning! Thank you for doing what you do!

[@leonjonestoney1843]

Bro its so satisfying you are a lucky guy owning such a masterpiece.

[@theonl1128]

This is how a fishtank should look like! 👍

[@Grasshoppa65]

That tank is bloody well gorgeous. So beautiful.

[@jonathansantos8294]

i like your approach to casual planted tank building. it's suppose to be fun in the first place.

[@comment.highlighted]

I absolutely agree. Get as many plants as you can right away. It really helps balance your Aquarium quickly 🙂

[@juan-carlosgonzalez3738]

I’ve noticed you used a lot of API products, so even though they a little hard to find in the Philippines, I tried to get them to emulate what you are doing right with your tanks. Thank you for sharing your vlogs.

[@leeevans4837]

This tank is amazing!! Plus the length of the video, could happily listen and watch all day. Sweet job mate 👌

[@Tser]

I'm on the west coast of the US and love manzanita. I even have a creeping species in my yard that I harvest or mini manzanita wood from.

[@thingsido6067]

Picking up the hobby after more than 5 years and this videos are awsome, love your approach by not following "rules", didn't know simple floodlights could actually been used for lighting an aquarium and have a lush plant growth, I come from the T8 era lol. I've got two 30W 6500K and two 30W 3000K led floodlights lying around maybe I can use them for my 200L tank.

[@sherararara]

Just ordered a 4ft tank, 340l, and plan on trying to recreate this for my angels and black ruby barbs! Thank you @MD!

[@adamskyakwarystyka9773]

A very nice aquarium showing that with the selection of appropriate plants and lighting you can have a nice tank without CO2

[@benjaminnickles5000]

that looks fantastic....lots of realism when adding those different types of pebbles

[@cheville2001]

Loved this video, it's made me want to get rid of any fibreglass tree trunks and branches and go fully natural.

[@ebenoid6643]

Ive been using api quickstart and flourish bc of you and so far 11 days in i think my tank is doing great! Thanks dude!

[@cltimbes]

When you had your logo sitting in the tank, it gave me an idea. You need a logo branded tank. Get a black background with your logo printed on it and scape around it where it always shows through. Use it in the intro on your videos. Your logo rocks…make it the center of what you do…

[@existenceispainforameeseeks]

Love the makeshift cleaner from your kids’ art supplies 😂 That’s so creative! Awesome set up

[@1975curt]

It’s just gorgeous you made a beautiful home for those lovely fish I love angels it’s beautiful and so serene I can sit and look at this aquarium forever☺️

[@TheMartin1962]

Very beautiful setup. An imagination of nature. Nice, peaceful environment for the fishes.

[@metallixro]

Well Ive watched this video a few times over the years, it was your best build!

[@forsak3th]

Moss on rocks looks fanastic. Ill like to see a simple video showing how to trim it to get that effect. I really enjoyed the guide on how you use the moss on the rocks. I would agree with others that this is probably your best work. Good video!

[@CCC-AUSTX]

I use to have tanks when I was younger, but found the cost for upkeep/maintenance of everything, way out of my hands! I miss all my Angels but watch MD to help remind me of this fun hobby. Also, it's a lot cheaper to watch MD, and I don't have to check levels every day, and don't have 'the smell of the aquarium'! CCC

[@Tobias611]

4:20 anaerobic substrate actually has its benefit: The anaerobic bacteria break down nitrate into nitrogen and release the gas, meaning you'll have a lower nitrate count. Hence I always go with deep (10cm+) substrate tanks, really helps keeping nitrates in check in case you ever miss a water change day!

[@MDFishTanks]

Looking back...like most things, I really had no idea what I was talking about 🤣🤣

[@henrykater9728]

Great tank and video. I have almost the identical lights, except mine are 5700K. Awesome and cheap. I am so impressed with the 10 and 20W I am about to buy the 30W version. I have modified a floor lamp to fit them, but the wood idea is a great one. Been thinking of steel and plastic, but the wood is much easier and cheaper to construct. Will give that some thought. I have replaced 70 and a 100W old metal halide floor lamp with a 20W LED and am getting as much light as before and a lot less heat. You are correct about shimmer and strip lights. Technically these are wide-angle 'flood lights' but the closer to a point-source you get, ie a spot-light, the better the shimmer effect. Long strip-lights (LED) are basically the same as the old flourescent lights but alot more efficient and brighter. Problem is you get a diffuse light, no shadows. I am a big fan of spot lighting. Got some ideas from this video and setup thank you.

[@davidlyall7346]

It's a work of art, my friend. The tricks with the moss & silicone are clever. Many thanks!

[@timtrueblood6734]

The right angle triangle was a great idea!

[@avichand]

Your videos inspire me to quit my day job and become a full-time aquarist 😂

[@102HuevosFritos]

That’s a very smart ffff idea never thought about siliconing my wood down like wtf no one in the groups on FB ever told me this is always soaked or boiled my wood

[@89BigJim]

I've completely ripped this off in my new 200l 100cm long. Not quite as spectacular looking as yours but still really pleased with it! Keep making the awesomeness MD!

[@annabellerobertson4163]

Another tip: use smashed up parts of the rock you are using in the scape to make the accent stones match and look more natural, it also gives the eye a softer transition.

[@element-dh9dx]

I have kept all types of fresh and saltwater fish and corals, and I will have to say that Angelfish offer incredible value in the hobby, The fish are active, beautiful in color and fin shape, very underrated and cheap pets for like 5, 6$ what can you buy for 6$ ?. The Angels do everything you could want in a pet fish, they school up, act like water puppies and remind me of Oscars that way. My fish I paid 6$ for two wild type, two gold marbles are basically stunning at half grown, fins all sharp and extended out, they don't like strong flow, not at all and they will not extend their fins out when the flow is too much. I use a shark 600 adv filter with a glass top and no flow nozzle. Not a bad looking fish, mine look like the ones on the fish food picture, I picked only four, from hundreds of hand picked specimens and am pleased with them. I bought them at nickel and quarter size, now they are 50 cent and dollar sized, pretty big bodies already. I been feeding mine a little bit of everything from salmon flakes, tropical flakes and freeze dried shrimp and blood worms. They don't really like Hikari Vibra bites, but my clownfish and damsel eat those. The freshwater angels grow super fast when you change some water weekly, there's real driftwood in the tank giving it a bit of tannon or slightly stained water. I think I did all I could for them so far by giving them proper food and water. I might get some frozen blood worms. I don't have a bright light, it's just kind of minimalistic LED so I get much less algae than a T-8 lamp. This means, I rarely mess with the aquascape ever and my fish are not scared of me as a result. My RODI 6 stage tap water filter cost about as much as the tank, with the fish in it, but it's a good investment for long term fish and corals, etc. Fish seem to do extra well, with corals it's a necessity. Africans are much more difficult to keep and it can be stressful instead of rewarding, Amazonian cichlids are much cheaper and easier to find, making them the easiest cichlids in the USA. The marbles remind me of a crappie sometimes cause you can tell the mouth is soft. Not exactly a predatorial fish with teeth, or mouth like most cichlids, it's a ambush predator kinda. I might need to get them a 55, I have a 30g on the 55 stand, but 55 would be ideal for 4-6 angels though not many more. I like the look of just angels, nothing else with them. 2 of each kind, seems to work nice. I can see 6 might be crowded in a 55, maybe do 90g or 125 and then get like 8-10 angels have a nice school of those would be stunning. 29 gallon is a cheap start and the fish are basically free.

[@tracybice6984]

Been watching a bunch of your videos this is my favorite one as far as the hard scape of the tank. Beautiful. 👍💙

[@udun84]

This has to be to this date. Still one of the best builds. Loving it brother.

[@laurenmann1475]

This video is a huge inspiration to my next tank it's going to be a 120L (I'm Australian) heavily planted angel fish and Molly tank. Absolutely stunning fish. Huge fan of your videos ❤

[@_binlay_6153]

My girlfriend and i love your videos!! We get so excited when we see youve uploaded, the best part of any day for us!!!!!

[@GoodNEvil713]

It's almost 2am, but that was worth it. Beautiful set up! Gives me more to think about with my 55 gal coming soon. 🤔

[@mrek2068]

Beautiful. Glass lily pipes look good for a month, before they are discoloured. I prefer stainless steel, plus they don't break.

[@JuiceBoxx_627]

"Ow that really hurt" reminded me of "Charlie, that really hurt!" 🤣

[@whitebelt2905]

Love your channel. You make it appear attainable like Bob Ross

[@shiyadh7355]

I'm really here for the aquascape but instead I learn how to atach lights to wood thank you MD

[@jonforster407]

You are the best fish youtuber I know

[@icegypsy99]

stunning!! I'll be happy if my next tank comes out half as good. well done

[@julliana2ify]

OMG! So very beautiful and serene . Another masterpiece well done!

[@keiferhall1125]

its been 83 years since your last video and i have been waiting patiently 😂

[@invinciblecucumber]

Im so happy you use metric measures.

[@memeguyTM]

Angelfish in a school unfortunately doesn't work out these days especially when they start growing a bit. It's all the artificial breeding that causes the behavior issues I think. This scape is awesome 👌 👏

[@mattyburrows9059]

best filter ive used.eheim.from the 80s. it says .made in west germany lol..im still on the same original seal too..the pump has been on a marine tank for years and also a pond..they still make this filter and all the spares.its still the best canister filter.

[@gabriellecorkran7840]

Sometime could you PLeAse make a video talking about all the types of water plants that you have and you use!? While putting the names of them up on the screen?. And what they help with/ or just what the plants are good for in the aquariums they are in?? I really need and want better knowledge with planted tanks... as far as best substrate to use and everYthing!? It was be amazing (: you explain things awesomely!!

[@viewer.86]

Subbed, I've done hitech and lowtech planted and had success with both. But let's be honest who the hell has the time, energy and funds to buy the latest lights, constant need to buy co2, ferts etc. My best tanks have always been low tech with a home made LED set up. Once a tank finds its balance it will prosper, guaranteed!

[@thatei.detailing_girl]

Im so thankful thia channel existed

[@tshobbiesandthings]

I really like the full how to version. Don't get me wrong, they are all great, but I dont mind watching a 50 minute video if it keeps my interest, and the how to does. Thank you sir.

[@robertg.fullarton4520]

Nice to have a tank full of beautiful plants to shop from. Wonderful aquascape. I'm just getting started, you've taken a lot of the guesswork out ot it. Thanks you.

[@jorandekeyser2456]

Wow this is insane

[@بسمةواستفادة]

I am from Morocco in love with your channel, you are creative

[@eimahvoimo4292]

I just 💘 your way of scaping

[@hepaaquatics8947]

MD, your video are really lovely, this scape is no exception. Beautiful

[@spacedaddy5517]

Seiryu rock is cool, however you spell it. I saw some white red and black lace rock that was stunning at Petsmart, but it wasn't for sale. Coolest color on a lace rock I had ever seen, clownfish rock is what it looked like. Looked even cooler than live rock, with purple on it. Would look good for any freshwater setup. I wish I could source some.

[@Chris-vc6bn]

I love the way you cut the wood outside without any shoes on just like any man lol 😂 love them videos well done 👍

[@MDFishTanks]

Shoes are for babies...🤣

[@33alwright]

Your aquariums are the best I've seen.. I love the videos.. Very inspirational. They look fantastic. Well done 👏 👏👏

[@jibakganguly4441]

I love u man... U r the reason I, started aquascaping.. I have a 15" cube aquarium.. However I am still learning from my mistakes and you.. It would be really nice to get in touch with u to discuss the problems that my tank is facing.. I live in India.. Is there any way???

[@slfishworld6043]

Hi 🥰🥰 Im from sri lanka 🇱🇰🇱🇰 Nice work 🥰 Very beautiful ❤️

[@mouradmkhakh8903]

Amazing vidéo. Thanks you, you made me want to resume this passion after 4 years of stopping

[@ayeshanajam773]

So beautiful ❤❤❤ and natural . Love the plants

[@JonnyMetalhed]

dude, this is oooooold. i thought it would be stripping down and re-set up in the new studio. feel cheated mr md! lol.

[@MDFishTanks]

Haha. How can you feel cheated. Its free to watch lol. I never put together all the footage plus final shots so thought I'd put it together for new subscribers. The next vlog video is stripping the whole tank and next weekend....the new discus build 😃

[@megaoofy5307]

I see like your own comment Mr. MD

[@MDFishTanks]

@@megaoofy5307 always :) no point posting one else ;)

[@fredmunson8603]

Love your aquascaping. Your tutorials are very helpful.

[@ajsilencer6493]

Beautiful tank! It really has grown in and it's really cool to see the 5 month progress (must have been a long video in the making lol)

[@mrtheseus]

Amazing work, MD!

[@cebucapgamers2424]

Regardless of this video's date of release, I still find this one a good tutorial for newbies like me who loves making nature theme aqua scape. This set up maybe lowtech, however in my country, everything in this tank are effin' expensive :) Great video!

[@AnnabellaSignorina]

Amazing video professor MD! ☺️🌱Good teaching, and fantastic camera work. 💚🌿

[@araucario4921]

El serrucho milenario!!! Con esa herramienta hicieron el arca de Noé. 1000% Épico 😎👍

[@jeffkramer1844]

Your the man! I'm such a fan now. Just stumbled upon the channel.

[@AG-wf4mu]

Best aquascaper in the UK IMO

[@MHAquaticsUK]

Amazing job MD it looks spectacular! Now I'm going to skip back to the beginning of the video 😂 to watch you scape it!

[@MDFishTanks]

Haha. Thanks

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Me too!👋🤗🌿🐟🌱🙏

[@rajadey4919]

​@@MDFishTanksHi MD. Beautiful aquascaping as always with amazing hard scape. Can i mimic this tank to keeping discus instead of angelfish. Is it possible? Yeah i know to even mimic this kind of level is almost impossible to attain.

[@Rlk-l9x]

Wow you make me want to tear my 75 gal tank down and start over 😂. Tour tip on tying moss to a rock was so helpful to me. I try tying knots and get frustrated. You have such an eye for design. Me, place plants in tank as I go, randomly with no design behind it. I have enough plants now to start over. 🤔

[@brandonbilby5913]

Love these longer videos man!

[@AquaPeet]

Ah...look at the bushes of weeping moss... beautiful!! You did a really nice job there mate! I would trim down the *boom* on the right so it is lower than the *BOOM* on the left ;-)