Everything we used (affiliate links) Tank www.aqualife-aquarium.com/ Lights: EU: amzn.to/46vhTwM US: amzn.to/497lNxJ Substrate heater EU: amzn.to/3M1VG15 Normal heater EU: amzn.to/3QgNJaG US: amzn.to/45xQ59y Filter EU: amzn.to/3PQTf2u US: amzn.to/3rQUS8s Substrate base layer EU: amzn.to/3ZXcfRB US: bit.ly/3Rea86F Gravel EU: amzn.to/48UIzZf Wood EU: bit.ly/3ZUxeoa US: amzn.to/3M2Zu1Z Black lava EU: bit.ly/3PQpWMV US: bit.ly/3MXQTyz CO2 regulator EU: amzn.to/3PVqBNM US: amzn.to/3RWqPqn Inline CO2 diffuser EU: amzn.to/45zr65I US: amzn.to/3Fg76KG Glass lily pipes EU: amzn.to/45yTJQL US: amzn.to/3RWqGDl PLANTS USED Dwarf Hairgrass US: bit.ly/3rEvTVr Marsilea Hirsuta US: bit.ly/3ZalltM Hygrophila araguaia US: bit.ly/3QfBuLI Ranunculus Inundatus US: bit.ly/3QgTdCi Cryptocoryne Tropica US: bit.ly/44WHRIy Cryptocoryne Willisii US: bit.ly/46AFmwv Cryptocoryne Albida Costata US: bit.ly/45qX3NG Nymphaea Tiger Lotus US: bit.ly/46GSZKi Aponogeton Madagascariensis / Madagascar Lace Bulb US: bit.ly/46y558Q Rotala H'ra US: bit.ly/3BUsNyY Java fern trident US: bit.ly/3DNXw13 African Water Fern / Bolbitis Heudelotii US: bit.ly/48QO0Zp Echinodorus US: bit.ly/3M3aZGV 🚨Watch this next!🚨 Inspiration playlist! kzbin.info/aero/PLrlvf56gZy-ipL3105SdfKsUBrMUSttoh CO2 buying guide! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnq5o6Vnrrhmqbc How to SETUP your CO2! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4Sri2d8Z7V8aNE Simple fertilizer dosing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5Cuc4KLgpaFjq8 👉🏻Cool Aquascaping T-shirts: mosscotton.com/ Code: mjaqua10 👉🏻Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my KZbin channel: KZbin.com/mjaquascaping 👉🏻 Use Code ''MJAMSTERDAM'' for 10% off Fzone products #plantedtank #aquascape #mjaquascaping
@AFrox07 Жыл бұрын
2:25 what was the name of the plant nutrient please reply let me know the name
@richiep430 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely love this tank and am a big fan of yours….just don’t like the obvious white wires at the back of the tank…spoils it I think.
@hotwater8473 Жыл бұрын
Yeah I would have tried to wrap it In something or black aquarium silicone over it.
@chongli297 Жыл бұрын
Wow, gorgeous! It looks like the super long dark start created a really stable environment in terms of nutrient cycling from the aquasoil to the beneficial bacteria. Then when you planted the tank and turned on the lights you didn't see that usual nutrient spike which requires so many water changes. This also seems to have made it very difficult for algae to get established, giving the plants a huge advantage! Well done!
@spp2000 Жыл бұрын
This is art! Everything from the aquarium, the videography, editing is top notch. Easily, one of the Top 3, Top 5 channels aquarium hobbyist channels on KZbin.
@WarmodeIntroArchive Жыл бұрын
Amazing scape as always, very interesting seeing the results of a dark start on such a large aquarium. The Madagascar Lace is such a unique plant too!
@MandyJane123700 Жыл бұрын
I love it! You did a fantastic job. I never heard of substrate heating before, that is interesting. I really love the way the lights reflect off the water and make the walls shimmer. Made it even more magical looking. Oh, and I also love small fish in a big aquarium. Just really beautiful in every way.
@dndndndndn419 Жыл бұрын
Wow those plants filled in so fast and well! Beautiful job, I learned so much
@evilone543 Жыл бұрын
That looks fantastic. This is the first I’ve heard of substrate heating. Very interesting.
@kwackytankslap9339 Жыл бұрын
I used substrate heating in my discus tank back in the late 1990s. I this is the first time I've seen it being used since my return to the hobby last year. It brought back a lot of happy memories. Thank you.
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
How was your experience with substrate heating?
@kwackytankslap9339 Жыл бұрын
It seemed to work. It was a 60cm deep tank with suspended halogen lights. Back then we were limited with substrate options so I used organic soil capped with sand. I was worried about stagnation so the substrate heating seemed a good option. I kept mainly vallis and echinodorus species and they grew very well. The echinodorus roots were huge.
@williammcdowell6257 Жыл бұрын
I have experimented with heating cables, on several tanks, over a decade ago, unconvinced it made a measurable difference. Lovely job Mark on this tank, and yes, I think the dark start helped, though the lighting is quite modest which with a controlled CO2 injection makes algae less likely. My substrate cables were black though, so easy to disguise against the back panel! @@MJAquascaping
@hotwater8473 Жыл бұрын
Another amazing job! Dark starts are the secret sauce to get a tank set up without the common “new tank” issues.
@Frankje01 Жыл бұрын
One of those tanks that really starts to look better everytime you look at it and when you get a more close look. Very well done!
@nicholasdykes3095 Жыл бұрын
Amazing! Might be one of your best I've seen. Fantastic work
@tombarb2864 Жыл бұрын
When you placed cables under the substrate it reminded me of floor heating. One would think that this would heat the water as well. I guess the wattage of this system must be really low. This setup is really beautiful Mark.
@toveycen4668 Жыл бұрын
This is a similar style like the cubic aquarium near the river bank. MJ always bring some low key mystery vibe in the aquacsaping. Calm, bit natural, not over complicated, less contra Color, matching with his personality. which I really like.
@antoinehage3762 Жыл бұрын
Schitterend geworden, en wat een kwaliteit he de Aqualife aquariums. Ben er zelf ook nog steeds erg blij mee
@Lijnoftylerwoods Жыл бұрын
My last aquarium which was in a 2009, 115 Gallon tank, I placed outside the tank underside, reptile heating coils pads on the tank. This way they could be replaced if necessary without being in the inside of the tank underwater. I placed three different substrate grain size mediums to also make the benefit exchange from the plant roots and water column. I did have a custom wooden stand built, that gave me access to the filter canisters and the tank outer underside to the reptile heating coil pads. Never had to replace the heating pads. Just an older idea used that functions the same way. Beautiful setup as you have it!
@frankvermeulen4621 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful tank and setup. 👍 My first "dark start" attempt went exceptionally well, because I had a lot going on and really took my time. For my second "dark start" attempt, I was kinda in a rush, did some rescaping halfway through, and as a result: algae. So yes, the more time the better!
@1Dss Жыл бұрын
omfg. Amazing job!
@MrBrentcs Жыл бұрын
This brings back memories of using a Dupla heating cable in a Dupla aquarium with a Co2 reactor many years ago. Back then i used Metal Halide lighting. I always had excellent results and found that the root growth in heating cable aquariums was astronomical. Great video!
@rileyb0418 Жыл бұрын
Has to be the cutest fish tuber out here❤
@predaR6 Жыл бұрын
for me after setting up 3 aquariums and 2 out of 3 had a bad start with alot of plants melting, i decided i wil now cycle a tank without plants first( dark cycle) and this video convinced me even more!
@Getz6471 Жыл бұрын
Lovely set-up! Amazing! I did a dark start recently for my Iwagumi scape. Waited for about 6 weeks due to tissue culture plants availability in my country. Started planting thereafter. Immediately put a couple of nerite snails from Day 1 planting. It's one month since i planted. Zero algaes so far and my scape fully carpeted. My best start-up since i started this hobby.
@carstenkallmann8756 Жыл бұрын
I only have three words for the project "very good work"👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@davidmerrill8184 Жыл бұрын
Gorgeous !! I do think the dark start is a great way to go. The tank is stable before adding the plants
@darrenderousse4804 Жыл бұрын
It look amazing mate! Beautiful plant selection! I think it’d be cool if you did a comparison test of growth in a heated substrate versus non heated! I’ll be waiting for that video bud 😉
@simianlife5949 Жыл бұрын
Wow. That's got to be my favorite MJ aquascape. I love everything about it. Very interesting to learn about the dark start. The light shades the client had made are a great touch--definitely will be using that tactic for my dream tank some day.
@sjp_aquascape Жыл бұрын
Superb Marc. Totally love this scape. Substrate heater? Now that's an idea 😊
@kevinharwood8862 Жыл бұрын
I would be happy with that Scape such a talented man love watching your videos 👍
@norbertthoens3561 Жыл бұрын
Tolles Video über die Einrichtung dieses schönen Aquariums mit einer sehr guten Information über die verwendeten Pflanzen mittels kleiner "Steckbriefe"! 👍
@Ankescapes Жыл бұрын
WOW!!! This tank is really amazing, well done!!!
@jjdawg9918 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful work! I will have to try the dark method on my next thank. Just a thought on substrate heaters. Although a great concept and work great ...when they fail(and all heaters eventually fail) the scape will have to be torn down and redone or switch to a standard heater. With large scale a setup like that I would install 2 substrate heaters in case one fails, so the backup is already there and will buy you some before the inevitable.
@devachapman6315 Жыл бұрын
nice job man. never heart of a substraight heater before. might have to look into it. the layout and over all groth is very pleasing!
@iKorvik Жыл бұрын
Awesome tank! Bottom heating seems very interesting.
@7robertb Жыл бұрын
well done - een super aquarium. you may consider being a bit more active during the darkstart. you can/should add ammonium to the aquarium during the darkstart. this way you simulate pooping fish and the bacteria will start to develop in a more controled way. dosing ammonium should be in the range of 20 ppm. watch what happens with nitrite and nitrate.
@nickbovee4372 Жыл бұрын
Wow, you've delivered a true piece of art (yet again)! 😊
@conradbo1 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful and amazing aquarium, congratulations.
@benbarnett5684 Жыл бұрын
MJ, thank you for sharing and inspiring! Such an amazing quality video overall!
@michaelfarmer537 Жыл бұрын
Great build! I loved every part of the video. I’m excited to watch and learn more. ❤️🇺🇸
@craigquinn8225 Жыл бұрын
yea that's an amazing looking tank. Great job... I'm sure your client is delighted. I would be.
@miffberg Жыл бұрын
That's a good looking set up, great work 👍
@UntzBE Жыл бұрын
One top build again! Love it!
@homefishmedia Жыл бұрын
Great of video , amazing with decoration of creative , seem like tropical
@sergeiz.5815 Жыл бұрын
Awesome looking tank, but im surprised you did not try to hide that gravel heater cord. Im sure there is a way ?plastic cable track or something
@treysimmons2179 Жыл бұрын
That's a stunning tank Mark. Thanks for sharing.
@AquaLust Жыл бұрын
Absolutely beautiful ❤️ The best things come to those who wait
@Vralippolippie Жыл бұрын
Ground heating is very good for the roots and prevent build up of methane. It ventilates the soil. The long dark start benefits aswell obviously. Things to remember.
@tracys.6033 Жыл бұрын
Amazing tank MJ!
@greenmacaroons5673 Жыл бұрын
I love this tank. Congratulations
@andrescontrerasvargas5865 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely stunning!
@fabioprata9539 Жыл бұрын
Really great ❤ congratulations
@mell0116 Жыл бұрын
Wow, that is beautiful
@lucky.creator007 Жыл бұрын
Big fan❤ from India🇮🇳
@Aqua-Eden Жыл бұрын
This is amazing! Would love to see you try to scape a 4ft Goldfish tank! Bring on the Ranchus haha. Beautiful job!
@andresp9020 Жыл бұрын
This is probably one of my favorite creations from you and call me old school, but those Kessil Tuna Sun lights just add such a magical and natural spark to the atmosphere that brings everything to life and cannot be accomplished with the fancy "new school" lights in the market. The only questionable choice was the cables for the heater not being lined up properly in the corner for aesthetic purposes, but that could just be my OCD speaking ;) Phenomenal job once again and very happy to see how your talent from experience matures and evolves with each new creation. Thank you for sharing this beautiful hobby with us and may your journey to the top be as exciting and fulfilling as your wildest dreams 🥂
@MumenRider78 Жыл бұрын
The shimmer makes the tank look very nice. I wonder what red plants look like under the light.
@mrstea1813 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful as always :)
@LJE69 Жыл бұрын
Butifull. Them plants 🪴 grow amazingly 👍✌️❤️😎🇬🇧
@brandhark79359 ай бұрын
Going to model a lot of my new tank this
@jarretmoody8112 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful as always
@marsimotocrew5322 Жыл бұрын
Unglaublich! Eigentlich ein super simples Scape, aber es haut mich total um. Muss in echt noch viel schöner sein.
@wmw6485 Жыл бұрын
wonderfully designed tank. looks great. Only the 2 white hoses for the substrate heater disturb the overall picture 😭
@priyankardas2668 Жыл бұрын
It's a lovely aquascape! Classic triangular layout with super healthy plants. Great plant selection and end result is fantastic. I am not sure the exact reason behind the fast growing plants. Could be the blend of all the best practices we know of. Dark start is certainly one of them.
@AquaticJourneyman8 ай бұрын
Hey MJ! Late to the video. Gorgeous tank! Quick question: how do you avoid pests when ordering pots vs tissue culture. I see you mixed the two here. I have always used TC plants but prefer to grab more mature plants. Love to hear what you do.
@estebanpereira1131 Жыл бұрын
Love your videos! Great tank! Have you thought about putting the heater hose behind the wood so it can’t be seen?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
Could be an option :)
@RWAquariumPages Жыл бұрын
such a beautiful setup, thanks for sharing this video. i remember substrate heaters back in the day almost 25+ years ago. interesting to see it being used today. love the lamp shades for the kessil, any links to that? product? keep up the great work and can't wait to watch the next video! and re-watch!
@lucaskeletron4216 Жыл бұрын
Amazing, Great job!💪🏻
@waterlover Жыл бұрын
Beautiful are plain words but wordless after trying to find words to type!
@grey7513 Жыл бұрын
Nice hardware. I'm assuming a lot of liquid ferts in addition to C02 as no aquasoil?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
Yep :)
@urbansk8r231 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful scapemate, Interesting to see other peoples scapes. If your clients let you then I'd love to see more of these videos every now and then. But keep doubg yoyr normsl videos also.
@lorenzospina3174 Жыл бұрын
Kessil shining is awesome ❤.
@sawittchen3 ай бұрын
May I ask you something regarding the dark start, please? How do the beneficial bacteria establish when there is no bioload? Do you add bacteria like Nite-Out or similar? Maybe I overlooked something, if so, I apologize. Anyway, the aquarium looks absolutely amazing! Great job, as always. Mooie aquarium ❤
@MJAquascaping3 ай бұрын
Yes you can add some bacteria if you want, but just adding a little bit of fish food can also be enough to get things going
@TheScaperSpot Жыл бұрын
Very beautiful scape 👍
@fishmanc5357 Жыл бұрын
Incredible! Mark there is only one way to know if the under gravel heating and the dark start made any difference... time for a new comparison/Vs set up on your shelves? 😅
@Sophia1991sd Жыл бұрын
you did a fantastic job. it looks perfect 😍😍😍 I can't figure out how people keep Madagascar Lace plant alive. I love that plant but it seems to hate me😅
@budanemoda3841 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your projects! Thumbs up! Let me have a question, there is no reinforcement applied to the tank. What is the thickness of the glass?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
I believe it is 10mm glass
@nikolaykostishen6402 Жыл бұрын
Nice work!
@ShagorAhmed-js2nf8 ай бұрын
Love you bro Bangladesh 🇧🇩🤟
@jenpink4298 Жыл бұрын
Wow, this is gorgeous! I love everything about it! The Lights add such a beautiful shimmer, and I love their little lampshades! I can’t believe how the plants are growing, do you think that a lot of that is due to the substrate heater?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
I’m not sure if it’s because of the substrate heater, but I’m considering trying it out for myself
@Frostihaider Жыл бұрын
its perfect :O i just would add a few cpo´s for the orange touch :))
@matjespee Жыл бұрын
I always wonder how do you fill your aquariums? Do you use a pump?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
Yes! Pump goes in the sink, then a long hose directly to the tank :)
@reliableride879 Жыл бұрын
Looking Divine 💕💕
@pagewhite61 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful!!
@Vvvii35 Жыл бұрын
Nice tank! I haven't seen anyone use this substrate layer, how does it compare with regular aquasoil? It does seem interesting for when using a gravel/sand cover.
@oscars85 Жыл бұрын
The heated substrate should make the roots grow better, as long as it's not too hot, but it does not sound like that's the case. I have a collected bonsai that was lacking roots, currently it's sitting on a heat pad
@RiverSlice Жыл бұрын
Beautiful ❤
@lukas-K1 Жыл бұрын
definilty your opinion with the dark start. The Tank has too run for years, 1-3 month are nothing in comparison. And the result of taking your time is much more enjoable. The substrate heater is interesting, gonna try this for my next/last Tank of 250L. Im curious how it will end up. And your Aquascape style is very close to what i want to try out.
@YJKen Жыл бұрын
Beautiful, i love this tank! Normally during dark start period, how long and around how many % water changes would u suggest?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
No water changes needed when doing a darkstart 😊 when you are ready for planting just drain the tank completely, and after planten fill it back up with fresh water
@mountainhobbit1971 Жыл бұрын
the 'dark start' concept is interesting and yet I wondered what the bacteria had to feed on for three months without any fish waste or any organic material from plants?
@davantorre4227 Жыл бұрын
Hi after one month I put a few shrimp and the got a few shrimpsticks every now an then...
@mountainhobbit1971 Жыл бұрын
what are the bacteria feeding on for the first month? @@davantorre4227
@fabiuscenturio3179 Жыл бұрын
God job Bro!
@joannecummins5265 Жыл бұрын
Amazing Tank, could you list the fish... looks like a good selection...
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
Green neon tetra's Dwarf neon rainbow's Apistogramma Nijseni Lamb chop Rasbora I think that's it
@kens3dandaquatics Жыл бұрын
Excellent!
@allanarsenal7999 Жыл бұрын
I like this work but the withe tube should be on other side where you could hide Dem. Otherwise, you created a beautiful tank simple, and beautiful.
@ihsanulusoy16 Жыл бұрын
Hi Marc awesome work well done. Im just making a similar setup. And im curious that you turned on the substrate heather during the dark start or not. Many thanks for your inspiration cheers mate
@MJAquascaping11 ай бұрын
Yeah it was on from day 1 😊
@ihsanulusoy1611 ай бұрын
many thanks for your answer.So kind of you
@edriantemplado501 Жыл бұрын
this is awesome
@Dariuslynel Жыл бұрын
Great work. Did you client choose the fish to stock the tank or did you assist with that?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
He did :)
@ricardotolosa2671 Жыл бұрын
Hi MJ, that's really a cool and beautifull aquascaping job. Well done.
@riioken7765 Жыл бұрын
Hey Mark great video as always. I have a question, I'm looking for a pH controller that manages the co2 injection. Which one do you suggest?
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
Evolution deluxe from Dennerle 😊
@reefreturn Жыл бұрын
What pH do you set the pH-controller at? Beautiful video!
@MJAquascaping Жыл бұрын
I believe it's now set to 6.9
@michaelstraver Жыл бұрын
ik heb exact de zelfde bodem verwarming liggen van dennerle, met controller en het is de zware uitvoering, mijn nieuwe aqua wordt binnenkort geleverd 200x60x50 zal ik hem opnieuw gebruiken of niet? ik ga voor het eerst werken met volcano en soil van tropica..wat zou jij doen MJ ? ps mooie video..topper
@sammydendoncker3980 Жыл бұрын
Hou niet van de witte kabels van de grond verwarming maar nietemin een prachtige scape!
@kaykay-fj8xv Жыл бұрын
how long many hours do you keep the light on and off? really good scape btw :D