Most people should embrace LOW TECH Aquariums.

[@jenniferbaldwin7929]

It’s exciting to hear more people talk about low tech methods. Not everyone is a gear head nor do they want to be.

[@dax8753]

it was the lack of plug sockets and need for equipment that put me off aquariums , now i have 2 low tech tanks on one plug socket .also no stress if the power goes out

[@cameronstoneadams1183]

One of my favorite low tech tank is my pond. I add air and fish for fun. :)

[@catherinesanchez1185]

Thank you! I think some people get intimidated by this hobby when they hear experienced fishkeepers talk . A lot of women are not into “ equipment “ . I’m not that’s for sure . Tell me how to keep this simple and that’s my wheelhouse.

[@Fabermain]

Until now. i never even considdered that to be an option to gear nerd it. im on my 2nd tank. first was a beginners tank/50 litre. i got it because i wanted charry shrimps and some fish( didnt know which) . chose neon tetras and still enjoy them very much. For me its all about the life. and my 2nd tank was a 200 litre jewel rio all put together. all i had was to decorate, and move in. :) If i do something big; I buy that nice log of wood for the aquarium, that ive eyed for months. Sadly enough, ive fallen in love with some salt-water shrimps... So im contemplating my future right now haha. Any advice ?

[@whatsthekeytothekeykat]

Great advice! I have always had low tech tanks, but last year when I bought my biggest tank, 75gallons, and basically "got back into" fishkeeping with all this new research. I had live plants and stuff already, but wanted to go full on with them and saw CO2 requirements, massive canister filters, and blah blah and was so caught up with all this tech. I sat there planning my tank and was like this is just too much going on. Took a step back an just did what I always have, and have yet another successful easy going tank. That baby is even infront of a south facing window and no algae problems. Like you said, nature finds its way and eventually its balance. Just have to give it what it needs to be on the right track and know your ecosystem

[@sancraft1]

I'm getting back into the hobby after a 17 year break (empty nester now). I want to get into aquascaping. I looked into it 3 years ago and it was so complicated, I decided against it. But i still kept watching videos because it was so enticing to me. Finally, I decided that there had to be a simpler way. I just ordered a new 49 gallon tank kit that gets delivers tomorrow.

[@susanswift1218]

My break was 50 years, and I can't learn fast enough to catch up.

[@jamesholbrook7785]

Cory I have been spending a lot of time watching your old vlogs that taught so much DIY. I have incorporated many of your ideas. Undergravel filters and your sponge filters are my go to filters. Loved this video. You seemed like you were happier. I’m so glad. You and Ms. Katie have a great time in Europe together. My wife and I tried for 28 years to go to Great Britain (Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland) along with Germany, but never made it. I’m so happy for you two kids. You both so deserve this. America would be a better place with compassionate hearts such as y’all’s. Much love from Tennessee.

[@patriciafarrow9586]

I heartedly support your efforts to take time for yourself and your wife to enjoy life. If it means not seeing you on KZbin for a couple of weeks, every now and then, we all can survive!

[@problemaquarium]

Me too

[@tianarhastings8372]

Same here! My husband and I are working hard to make sure we spend time with each other, both of us having jobs and a business on the side we’ve noticed our time slipping by us and we definitely don’t want that happening!

[@JenniferMorisch]

Agreed 👍

[@outdoorsforachange]

Good thing you support his free will.

[@lizzyanthus1]

I'm only 20 minutes into the video and I already feel so much better! I started out with a 5 gallon tank, then a few 10's then a 20 long then a 55 etc etc! Well I was told I needed this and I needed that, and I wasn't doing enough water changes, and plants needed more nutrients in the form of plant foods, and maybe I needed Co2 and a 50 foot suction hose (which did come in handy actually) and on and on..it was just like you've said here! Amazon made a bundle off of me! Anyhow, ultimately I got so frustrated, anxious, stressed, and just not enjoying my fish at all, that I sold all my fish, plants and tanks and swore never again! That was nearly 3 years ago. I really want a tank again. Your video has been eye opening, and encouraging, thanks!

[@dawnt6791]

I got out of the hobby for a few years for much the same reason. Then I decided to just defy everyone and do things my way, including buying only the true aquatic plants I wanted (none of those semi-aquatic plants pet stores sell that die after a few months fully submerged). It's made a huge difference for me. I have multiple tanks now, and still love the hobby. All low tech.

[@lizzyanthus1]

@@dawnt6791 I'm glad to hear you defied them and did it your way, putting the pleasure back into the hobby for you. I'm going to do that too, albeit to a smaller degree this time, just to start anyway. Low tech sounds great to me! Thank you for the encouraging words!

[@robinhampton4170]

My neighbor (who has no kids and makes too much money) adopts old dogs or ones with high medical needs and gives them all the care and love they need. They are the best dogs. I highly encourage this.

[@niniemecanik]

Thanks for helping me slow down a bit. As a new hobbyist I was going insane about every little detail. Now I can focus on the essentials. With every new hobby people tend to want the bigger better thing. My opinion is that we do this to compensate for our lack of knowledge, confidence and ability to do things right from the get go.

[@jennifersparks3435]

I realize this is an older video but I sure wish I’d found it earlier. My family went camping for 3 days and I had some very pregnant guppies and didn’t want the fry to get eaten, I set up an auto feeder for the weekend and came home to a dead male guppy I assumed it was over fed but the amount of food on the substrate and it tanked my water parameters I did a 50% water change and I have been doing 20% water changes since trying to get it back I kick myself a lot over a cheap auto feeder I didn’t really need!! I really appreciate all of the time and effort you put into trying to share your passion and experience!😊❤

[@Coyo-Tea]

I wish we had a co-op over in the UK, you guys just rock

[@Jess-nc4oy]

Hopefully soon international shipping, fingers crossed :)

[@Ceretrea]

I am dying for this to be a thing

[@mildredkrisik8888]

Wish they had a brick and mortar store close to Arkansas.

[@gardian1701]

Lol! Maidenhead is the best we've got, even then if you get a small store it isn't that good. I'm down in Kent and over my years of fishkeeping the hobby has almost died out from what it used to be.

[@MickR0sco]

We got a little shop called ferrybridge aquatic near us and they're really good. The staff in there are all there because they love the hobby.

[@AlliWritesNow]

@Aquarium Co-op The PR rep in me was thinking “is this business owner convincing customers that we do NOT need as many of his products?” 😂 BUT the New-ish fish hobbyist in me SO APPRECIATES this advice! I started w/ a 2.6 Gal back to roots micro green growing fish tank & a Petco beta (I know, lock me up 😂.) As soon as I learned that under 5 gallons is cruel, I upgraded to a planted Fluval Spec V, but then that was too small, so I just bought a low iron 12 gallon that I need filter, light, etc. for. I was going to just buy what I needed on Amazon for convenience but after this video, I’m going to buy from Aquarium Co-op. Thank you for being so helpful & honest, I value your videos- they’ve likely saved my Betas life at least a handful of times 😂.

[@llh2385]

This is really really good advice. Think about how marketing drains your wallet. In EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE. No one needs 90% of what people are selling. The goal is simply move $$$ from your wallet to theirs while making you believe you're better off for it.

[@nicksfishroom915]

I had a major gear fetish for decades. When I ditched all the hardware and got into a more minimalist style of aquatics my tanks became better than I could dream they might be when I built the room

[@jasonupson]

Started with low tech tanks ten years ago. Moved on to high tech tanks for the last 5 years. Moving back to low tech tanks. High tech tanks require so much work. Balancing a high tech tank takes months if not longer. Minor adjustments all the time. No room for error and I always have way more algae in my high tech tanks. Low tech simple and more enjoyable IMHO.

[@jasonupson]

@@DRaquascapes I found the perfect balance. Since I had all my high tech equipment. High tech setup with low tech plants. Just turn the lights down, low co2 and lean dosing. Plants grow amazing without all the trimming.

[@louiegroenewald]

This is a great video, thanks. Personally one year and about 4 months in the hobby, 12 aquariums 2 quarantine tanks. 77 different species of fish, plants, and love sick about this hobby. Thanks to this channels and other reputable channels on KZbin my setup is basic, no hi-tech, no co2. Plants grow great. I've noticed the tank where plants grow the best the light is the lowest. So I stick some tape over a few LED's on other tanks. Regards fish the learning curve is still great, but getting there. I research a lot and try my best to provide a great environment for fish in the right setup and tank mates, therefore the 12 aquariums🙂🙂 I love the low tech and let things be and plants grow naturally. Learning a lot and embracing each day with my tanks as a learning, loving and exciting experience. Thank you again for all your input on your channel.

[@honesthands9220]

I just wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge. I once heard you say that someone out there stated that you haven't done anything for the hobby. Well, I'm here to let you know that your doing quite a bit. I just got back into the hobby now that I'm older. I have always had tanks with decor and fake plants. I just finished my first tank which is a 26 gallon planted bow front tank. I have 1 Gold Angel Fish, 4 female wagtail, 2 females and 1 male green swordtails, a school of neon, and a school of Cory's. They are all happy and thriving. I know more about the hobby now because of your videos. I'm also starting to nerd out about the hobby. This is the first time I have a quarantine tank. I'm starting my 29 and 10 gallon now and buying a 75 for future use because they're own sale. Just wanted to thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge. My wife is also really enjoying the hobby too. She wants the 10 gallon to be a betta and dwarf frog tank.

[@aprilswan9259]

My four year old is going to miss the stickers! He has a collection on his bedroom wall😁 But I totally get it and appreciate how much you do to try to keep prices down.

[@nicksfishroom915]

This is such a great stream Cory! You inspired my fishroom. Its air driven, very low tech, matten filters (love 'em) and sponge filters. As it gets cold, my dehumidifier heats the room in the winter. This time of year I turn it off and open a window to dissapate heat and humidity. I started my fishroom with canisters, sumps, hobs and tons of heaters. Now, I have an air loop, heat the room, not the tanks and my dehumidifier gives me waste heat when I need it. It's plumbed into my perimeter drain. Absolutely LOVED this stream! #1 tool in my fishroom is daily effective use of search engines learning more about our hobby, but I run crazy simple set ups aided by knowledge and a passion to learn more! Way to go on educating and sharing man!

[@dawnt6791]

I use Easy Green for all my houseplants, including things like African violets. Works like a charm, and I don't have to mix up or use different ferts for different plants. Happy plants!

[@blucenere]

Your honesty makes me feel sorry that, living in Europe, I can't become your customer. Having to choose a brand, I prefer honesty. It is simply more trustworthy.

[@mikkelkirketerp4884]

Same - let me know if you find something equivalent in Europe! With regards to aquascaping I do like Green Aqua.

[@emmagatewood3898]

Omg the dogs at end were so cute!! Fish & pups & a cozy fireplace, can't go wrong with that combo.🥰

[@biancavelazquez4280]

Love that you are still genuine and real, plz keep it that way

[@DelfinoGarza77]

What you are sharing is very very improtant. We all need to apply what your talking about to space travel.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Cory I 100% agree. The one thing that my friends who like my tanks, appreciate the balance shown in a low tech tank. So for me, I am trying to create a natural setting with natural balance, putting things together that benefit each other. I am a fly fisher, tie my own flies, I am not a High Tech guy. For me, giving Nature a chance to show me her stuff is the best part of everything I do. There is also that fringe population of Aquarists who try to make you feel like you're not really keeping fish without going high tech. You are exactly right, when you say often people get enamored with tech, but have no idea what the needs of the fish and plants are. Looking at Lucas Bretz that is where I want to be. He is well tuned to his fish and plants and I think he sets the right example.

[@Maggie19701]

Almost 100 bucks with you for your honesty integrity knowledge and the gift to share so much of your life with so many thank you Cory from the bottom of my heart I have many fish are still here because of you.So may I add that you look fresh 10 years younger than the last six months what did you do to yourself? Huge difference in manner and in your looks it’s your puppy dog eyes!Everyone ever tell you you have puppy dog eyes sweet

[@timlawson817]

Has to be low tech for me . At 61 new technology really has screwed things up for me . I'm doing everything I did 50 yrs ago and things still work great . My research is mostly so I don't by junk and stuff that doesn't work .

[@diannaleigh9914]

In the old days we used under gravel filtration. Do you know where we can we find them today?

[@jackd105]

When I started this hobby in 1969 I used hang on the back filters Metaframe Dynaflow was the filter to use

[@mildredkrisik8888]

@@diannaleigh9914 Under gravel filtration is what I also used years ago and it worked fine. I think it was supplemented by an outside hang filter (?). Thinking of getting back into the hobby and would be very interested in under gravel filtration also.

[@mildredkrisik8888]

North AR.

[@darlenesluder3038]

Really appreciate your return to a focus on the naturalist’s view of learning from the hobby and creating both micro ecosystems and approaches (hobby and life in general) that are sustainable. Thank you!

[@susanstaples6171]

I love your fish forward attitude. I heartily agree. I keep low tech tanks and I get to spend so much time watching FTV, fish tv, instead of friggin with the riggin!

[@SMariaKS]

I’ve just started up a 30” community tank with real plants, sand substrate and testing the water. Hoping for more success than 10 years ago when I gave up the hobby. I’ve done research and had a good small store to advise me. I’ve done it slowly and testing the water has really helped. I’ve gone for small fish and not overstocking my tank. Adding crushed coral to the sand substrate has balanced my ph, our tap water is 6 to 6.5 and my tank has reading of 7 now. My plants are growing and haven’t lost any. I’m using a sponge filter with an air stone as well as the jewel sponge filter and hope this will continue to be successful. My fish are living together peacefully. My choice was small tetras that are shoaling, cardinals, Bentosis and harlequin rasboras were the first to go in to my newly seasoned tank, 3 corydoras and my feature fish are three swordtails, one male and two females. I’m trying my best to have a healthy happy aquarium and want my attempt at a successful tank with healthy fish to continue. I’ve done things very differently this time. No impulse buying fish and having a good routine. No over feeding and water testing. I’ve made mistakes in the past not having good advice and no chance to educate myself and plan my simple attempt at keeping a small community tank for years without getting demoralised losing fish and not doing it right. It should be pleasurable watching my fish swim in their little environment, right?

[@suee031]

My Amazon Swords grow well with the Topfin LED light that came with my 29 gallon kit. I have learned to keep things simple.

[@dawnt6791]

My Crypt wendtii grew like crazy under the same light. Became a jungle. LOL

[@RescueDogTreats]

Love your cute little fireside chat vibe...awesome addition to the fish chat hobby!

[@misscoconutgirl]

I know. Cory needs a blanket on his lap to really strike that perfect tone. Lol.

[@jamesholbrook7785]

First thought that came to my mind. Purdy kewl.

[@AquariumCoop]

In the winter, I will :P I like being cozy

[@jamesholbrook7785]

@@AquariumCoop a

[@jojocool555]

Your Philosophy on fishkeeping is so honest and without Prejudice. Your Philosophy on life is so simple and authentic,,,,,,,,,You are my fish guru and a bit of a life superhero. x x P.S Cool Aid ? ? Is that a fizzy drink ? ? - - - I'mm British.

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

I always love taking time with Cory on his live streams while working on my 75 gal cause the time it takes to get it all done I have learned hrs. of knowledge I never have time for other wise.

[@Texas_Takeover]

I think some people enjoy the high tech because it's like an experiment to them and they enjoy the challenges it comes with and also have the time for it. So if you are lazy or have a busy schedule then a low tech ecosystem is best for you. This is why I have a low tech tank lol maintenance once a month, no CO2, slow growing plants works for me. But to each their own, the right way is the way YOU enjoy it. If it is stressing you out then it's not for you.

[@feliciaheater5548]

This! I also have low tech and love the ease and convenience. I can spend a lot of time just enjoying it instead of maintaining it all the time.

[@AQUARIOSIMPLEPE]

Hi, im very curious how is that you give maintenance only once a month please. Specially, if you have slow growing plants. I just got as far as 2 weeks and my nitrates were starting to skyrocketing to 40ppm . I never used co2 and my lights are the most basics, cheapest you can find. Please, let me know. Thanks.

[@AB-Aquariums]

Love this video Layout, no tricks or editing, just straight into the nitty gritty 👌

[@paulakreinberg1448]

talking 'bout fish in front of the cozy fake fire! Nice! can't help hearing the old happy Corey creeping back tonight, glad you are doing better!

[@stevetendrich398]

HI Cory, it hasnt been years but almost 6 months and I just like the video and commented. Gardening season takes over in the summer months, but the tanks are still going strong because of you!. thanks!

[@RosHaywood]

When I started this hobby a couple of years ago, I watched you praising sponge filters - so that's what I use. I love them!

[@user-bw5xf3yr3m]

They work but never been able to find a quiet air pump

[@eikon7073]

For the humidity issue use a humidi bag. It takes the water out of the air and fills a plastic bag up with it. Very common in Texas etc. Not so much in Cali but Amazon is great

[@claudeclawsonne4510]

Stripping aquariums down to the minimum has been our approach to fish-keeping and plant cultivating for years now. Been pretty successful. We too enjoy watching nature.

[@q.d.mcgraw]

@Tyler Kaplan Thanks for the membership. I was out of town and wasn't able to thank you earlier.

[@mikejunker1163]

I'm brand new to this hobby really. I was super impressed with the aquascape tanks just because how beautiful they are you know? And I had to have one like it. So I started learning what all goes into it and it just seemed like it was more for lawyers and doctors with the prices for some of this stuff. It really adds up. Then I ran into some other info like the Walstad method and I just couldn't see spending a ton of money on special soil and substrate when organic potting soil and coarse grained sand was just fine. Which releases it's own Co2 and grows plants like crazy. And the plants help regulate a lot of other parameters. Or so I gather. Haven't tried it yet because I already had a 37 gallon tank from Petco just set up with just gravel and plastic plants. Lol. But I'm learning a lot and really enjoying it.

[@evita1643]

MD fishtanks might be a good channel for you. Beautiful aquascapes but very low tech & cheap

[@carolinekelly4726]

Hi Cory. What you say is so true. I went through a phase of upgrading all My aquariums. All the bells/whistles. With all my other commitments, it was taking a lot more time for no real Difference to plants / aquarium life. Went right back to basics. Heater, basic filter, regular water changes, Tap water conditioner and basic all in One liquid fertilizer. All fish and shrimp doing great. Plants doing great. Didn't need any of other stuff. Cut the time down on my 3 aquariums maintenance. Use to spend most of the time messing with The upgraded technology than I did on the basic fundamental care. I wish you were here in the UK 🇬🇧 Cory. Would definitely be a customer at your store. Thanks for all your great, Honest videos. 😊

[@ilvll]

I was “seduced” by the idea of more tech but Corey always brings me back to what really matters. I think that the only thing that keeps be going back and forth between sponge filters and Hang on back filters is mechanical filtration and flow. However, I also realized that I overfeed and I wouldn’t need to worry as much about mechanical if I improved my feeding habits among other things. Anyway, thanks for the wisdom!

[@KJfreshh69]

Came across your videos… started watching a few weeks ago. Got my first Fluval flex 15 , planted aquarium. I do most my research on what fish go with others. Which are easiest to take care of, how to get my tank to take care of it’s self.

[@gwynja3191]

I love this stream. It's one of the best's ever. What you are saying is so true. Just because we can or want to spend a bunch of money on the hobby, it doesn't make it a better hobby. Enjoying your fish should be the whole reason for the hobby. Making it too menacing to maintain is a deterrent and motivation suck over time. That is why I have definitely moved away from cannister filters and equipment that requires too much technology. Keep it simple. Simple water changes and squeezing sponges is all I'm willing to do. If it harder than that, I don't need it unless I am rich enough to pay someone else to do it.

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

i agree wholeheartedly.. if u r home during the day, u can use the siesta method to boost co2 naturally.. esp if you u have some good indirect natural light. Lots of plants in nature experience a certain amount of shade as the angle of the sun changes

[@Beesmakelifegoo]

Corey I love your sense of humor. Thank you for always giving us valuable information. You would never disappoint anyone! It would bring great happiness to meet you one day. Lucky people who do. Thank you,I appreciate you very much. Your videos are extremely superior. Bye

[@jenname4669]

28:00 in Canada we can’t even get meds anymore unless you get them through a veterinarian so there’s not much we can do 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@jesssashi9295]

I have learned a lot over my years of fish keeping...I like the KISS version of fish keeping. Anything that can go wrong will with enough time, go wrong. The less tech I have in my tank the less things can go south. This works for me. Every ones mileage will very. I like sponge filters ( my husband hates seeing them in a tank or hearing the bubbles pop) however they don't break when the power goes out and there are no seals to pop over time...(they are also cheap). I have learned that no matter what heater you have things can go wrong. I have had them shock me, over heat or just stop working...I have learned to heat the house and that I actually enjoy cooler water fish that can handle temp fluctuations ( White clouds, rice fish, cory's and plecos have been surprisingly forgiving of temps.) I hate trimming plants so I go with slow growing varieties or floaters that take five seconds to remove. This makes the lighting pretty simple and cheap. does that mean I would never use hob or canister no, but it depends on the tank. The tank in my husbands area has a canister cause it was a compromise. I wanted a big tank it could only go in the basement, so it's all about seeing what works while I invade his space. That's my 2 cents. Happy fish keeping everyone. :)

[@stalevintage]

started with a low tech setup and it eased me in without getting overwhelmed with tech you dont necessarily need, eventually switched over to the aq coop filter and battery thats still low tech but an upgrade :3

[@anthonyrodrigues7913]

Cory is by far my favorite source of knowledge in this hobby!!!! Appreciate you, Cory!

[@dogcatparty7371]

June 23, 2022 I've been a fan of the easy to care for Beta fish, love the variety of colors. You and your Aquarium Coop fans will probably enjoy Andrew Millison's "heal the planet with ponds" in Oregon. He is a big fan of the beaver and biodiversity they create 'out of nothing'. Millison encourages us to all think and act like the beaver to help save endangered species...including humans.

[@squeezlepop]

I have those CPD hybrids from Aquahuna! I've had them 9ish months, they color up almost as bright as pure CPDs. They're shy but beautiful. I have mine in a heavily, heavily planted 7 gallon. My favorite thing to do is feed them and sit back to watch them buzz around the tank. And I have hard alkaline water, but no issues with them.

[@purposebredlabs1992]

Thanks for this video. I’m a tinkerer too, I love doing this, doing that, adding and moving stuff like plants and snails. After listening to this I’m doing a tinkering sabbatical to watch nature do it’s thing. Do you sell tape that keeps the tinkerers’ hands to the tinkerers’ sides?😁

[@MrPaparizla]

I was a keen angler before I started keeping fish instead of hunting them and I found it was much the same in the fishing hobby, most of the high tech expensive kit was designed to catch fishermen not fish! There is very little you cant achieve with sponge filters and a well planted tank, I don't use CO2 I swear by Profito range and easycarbo achieves the same results at a fraction of the price. I have tanks I can leave for weeks without water changes and the parameters are stable on every reading because the plants are consuming the waste. If anything I am trying to find ways to go even further and go even lower tech. There was a video on aquarium co-op a long time ago of an Asian lady who had a store I think in San Francisco and she had tanks she hadn't done water changes for in years! It can be done! You can create a self sustaining eco system where all the waste is consumed and apart from a bit of scaping and topping up that's as much as you need to do. Don't try this at home though until you have a lot of experience!

[@Yuno23k]

I’ve enjoyed watching. Thank you for the quality time and answers for this community.

[@elizabethpotter7719]

I happen to be a big proponent of complicating it until it fails. This is simply because then I can take it the step back to where it works. Which is just a really complicated way of saying that I like to experiment with things and you keep pushing until something goes wrong and then you either fix that or you step back and go okay so that doesn't work. I love learning new things.

[@earlyjicama4302]

Been keeping aquariums since 2000 and all I need is a sponge filter, basic, cheap, full spectrum LED and a heater and I have a beautiful, healthy, heavily planted tank and happy fish

[@patricklaundra3286]

@ 10 minutes into this video. I realized how correct you are. first thing that struck me. is when you said. " I need More C02 - more is better. " when I don't even know how much I have to start with. good point. I did the hours and hours of research. picked out a Co2 Art - yada yada. found a local home brew store. etc. I haven't even bought any plants yet. I did some research on plants. but dont even know what I want to grow yet. & really - I like a strong water flow in my tank. I don't think I want allot of plants getting all blown to one side with that anyway .. I've got a Tidal 75 on a 20 gallon. more room for media right .. lol. did I really need a 200 watt Fluval heater in a 20 gallon? .. it won't have to work so hard .. It rarely ever comes on. 50 watts probably would even have worked. I bought a Fluval 3.0 light. I do get good use out of that. I could have gotten away with less there. but I didn't want to end up paying twice when I knew I'd honestly appreciate the better one later. I think I made a good choice on the Eco Complete substrate. I'm not dealing with the problems of something like Fluval Stratum - yet .. at least until I see if I really need something like that. You helped convince me to grow some plants first & hold off on the CO2 for a year or so. to see if I really need it. I actually had to watch one of your videos on "cloudy water" to remind me to pay attention. I do watch my fish for hours. I noticed them looking stressed, with cloudy water. Hmmm .. checked & found both Ammonia and Nitrite. so now I'm doing 50% water changes & not feeding for a couple days. & then feeding lightly after that .. .. so bottom line. I was off "chasing plants and hardware I don't even have" and not paying attention to the "Essential" basics .. Thanks for the wakeup call .. I think this should be required content fo most people. before they buy anything ..

[@patricklaundra3286]

Oh. I for got to mention. my next purchase. A Python water change system. the best "Build Quality" on the market. again, yes they all work the same. but the cheaper ones are cheaper built. I don't want to buy it 2 or 3 times & end up getting the Python in the end anyway ..

[@NathanButh]

The bit about auto feeders reminded me of my parents go to when wed go on vacation. A cucumber cut in half and clipped to the bottom of the tank. If memory serves right, they never lost a fish while we were away.

[@zerodaye9854]

I really enjoy and appreciate this type of content as someone not new to the hobby but new to trying to learn the hobby. I like this info

[@terrymartins2552]

Really good livestream, enjoyed the topics. Keep up the great work!!!

[@arthurtan995]

​pea puffer care I just started a pea puffer tank are they fine with just earthworms snails and shrimp

[@tianarhastings8372]

Mine really loves her frozen blood worms and snails with their shell cracked if they are large snails but the tiny snails she just takes out on her own 💚 I tried frozen brine shrimp but she was uninterested (yours could be different, but just sharing my personal experience ☺️)

[@tianarhastings8372]

Highly highly recommend to put yours in an aquarium that does not already have snails in there 😂 your little puffer(s) will eat about 5 and then murder the rest just because they can and it can spike your ammonia ☺️

[@arthurtan995]

@@tianarhastings8372 do they need blood worms or can they only eat snails and shrimp? also will they eat small fish

[@tianarhastings8372]

@@arthurtan995 it’s really important, from what I have researched, to keep their diet varied so I would feed blood worms if possible (I don’t know if you have a reaction to blood worms) but they won’t eat other fish they prefer their crunchy and squiggly foods

[@RogueValleyTCG]

I admire your work ethic and how you get creative the moment you have a free second, we are alit alike. Its hard to meet people that have the same drive in getting over obsessive about things and driving it through one thing after the other.

[@AquariumCoop]

I'm afraid I might have to start classifying myself as a maker lol. Making things is fun.

[@RogueValleyTCG]

@AquariumCoop it makes you more proud of whatever you did that you had to be more creative for too. Bunch of fun lol. Im building a little fish breeding facility in my garage in a 5x10 growtent. Watching all your videos along the way and the dran videos and keeping fish simple, also brs for some stuff obviously theyre 52 weeks of reefing series is great. But yeah quite the journey! Coming along great. Fun as hell, when its not scary

[@minagica]

My favourite aquarium backgrounds are moss walls made of marimo ball algae stuck between two screens and either stiffened, so that it can't just fold over, or attached (hung) from the back of the aquarium in multiple spots, a bit like a curtain. If you use a soft mesh for both sides then you could literally use it as a curtain or a barrier. It's fantastic!

[@mangrove_jack_whisperer824]

Hey Cory, do you continue to add CO2 through the night/dark period while photosynthesis is minimal?

[@KatieDeGo]

I feel like we're doing the Roosevelt Fireside Chats, but about aquariums, when I watch these. I LOVE IT! ❤️ That lil fireplace is magic

[@jashaw11]

Canadian fan here......soooo excited to be able to order direct from the co-op some day........I will take one of everything, I am buying all the things!!!

[@claudeclawsonne4510]

Ever sticka mirror on the back of your aquarium? They lookpretty nice too. I like black as well as my preferred back, but for variety, mirrors are kinda nice too. Give one a try if you've never tried it. Kinda nice.

[@TunedRAMS]

My tanks thrive and most of it I learned from you, thanks Cory!

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

Great video. I'm into endangered live bearers now so my focus is keeping them alive, get them breeding and making this process cheap and simple.

[@ricardodeleon5065]

Finally I got to finish this stream. Its 4:30 am can sleep. Hope verything goes well in your trip.

[@isabellejanmart5908]

Excellent!! Big thanks from Belgium

[@sweetpea2888]

It's good to see you enjoying this stream!

[@Rainkit]

I recently got san Marco's split fins and I find they seem to do best in low teck. They do like some flow so I have your basic 20 gallon filter from petco. I just have a thick layer of gravel and a bunch of stem plants shoved into areas where they can hide when stressed. They don't even like having the lights on. It makes them aggressive and they start attacking each other. I also got some n class endlers. They overall the same setup but they just have a sponge filter. I'm certainly more interested in these rare fish than the fancy things that they don't seem to like.

[@lesleyforsythe5389]

I have always turned off my hob filters while feeding when they are done turn them back on my question is can you do that with a canister filter? Myfriend gave me a old sun sun 302

[@shesellsfish]

I have been doing all the things for years, BUT, I don't currently have a laptop or desktop, just my phone. 😪 But I'll still always do all the things. The pup pups are so adorable. Ya'll enjoy your vacation, safe travels to and from. 👍❤👍

[@Thyme0365]

Oh hey, I live in Ocala, and also never heard anyone call it that before lol. That's pretty exciting though! Can't wait to see the stocks coming in

[@christinaturner6883]

Do you ever use rotifer brachionus and why. Do you ever vacuum your planted tanks

[@bestbricks2693]

Hi I love your streams but a dedicated vid like 20 mins of certain topics is really helpful to me and others 😊

[@LeeDfined]

I've been low tech since 2016 when I first got into The Walstad method and being naturally planted. I also don't use heaters and haven't since 2017...but I also live in Florida.

[@TheArthurkan]

I had a tank which i put a spouted sweet potato in it. It’s root system overgrown so much it doesn’t need a filter anymore. The shrimp likes it, the water are crystal clear.

[@stephencairley172]

Learned a lot from the big man keep it up

[@BryanColliver]

I have done both co2 controlers high end lighting Cable heaters best of everthing $ can buy now i go low tech and like the tanks way more

[@benandrews4438]

i totally agree with "low tech" i have had fish all my life and never needed a co2 tank, i use a cheap ebay external filter on my 6ft tank that gets cleaned around once a year have not had a fish die other than being attacked for 2 years now in that tank, tank is pretty well planted very small amount of airation and an led light is all it needs

[@margan59]

I have a 150gal with nano fish and canister behind a matten sponge. I have two heaters and two auto feeders. I go to Fl in November come back for Christmas, and spend my time Fl until May. My daughter checks on them once a month or so. I come back in May to and tank full of fish. Needs cleaning and plant trimming but is A ok. PS. If you use a auto feeder and flake food, grind it up or you'll get an inconsistent feed

[@perjohanaxell9862]

So true for so many parts of life. It's easy to get caught in the "one more thing will make you happy" message.

[@comment.highlighted]

I had a very successful High Tech CO2 tank so gradually converted it to Low Tech no CO2. It’s been 6 months and it’s going great, no algae and my plants are still Healthy & Thriving. I love it 😊

[@ndbyers23]

Listened late onKZbin . Really enjoyed your live!

[@AQUARIOSIMPLEPE]

I think there is a huge difference between calling high tech to a tank full of unnecessary stuff that won't even really need! I totally agree with Cory, with a simple example, when i was a beginner, i used to get all stressed out about setting up auto feeders to leave all my fish with food and all ... Now, it is just a matter of really thinking how long are you going away for? What if a blackout ocurrs while we are out? There are only important things to focus on .. and yeah, most of my small tanks are sponge filters , but the main tanks which they do run external canisters ... Me, making my life easier for the sake of my job and my fish is a must though. Anyways, i really hope to meet Cory one day and get a job there with him ... A true follower here, from that Country you beautifully mentioned: PERÚ 😁👍🏻

[@Saratrewob1]

I know this is not related to your video but was wondering about this. Maybe you can answer this question for me. If the power goes out will the fx4 canister filter backfire and have the water that's in the canister back into the aquarium and overfill the aquarium or its design not to backfire and overfill the aquarium? And when the power turns back on it will just go through its normal priming cycle? Thank you

[@yougotafriendinme5281]

I’ve been doing all this crazy research not because I want to. I just don’t know what to do. I only have one fish left. I threw out my filter. Not realizing I needed it. I got a new tank because my tank seems to be almost leaking. Now I’m stuck don’t want my fish to die I got a new tank but I’m not sure about how to change it over and I feel like I have so many questions. What substrate do I use? Do I move stuff over from the aquarium that I already have or did I already lose all my good bacteria I feel stuck because I don’t want to do the wrong thing now I just feel crazy too much information. I feel stupid.

[@rhondafowlie1456]

Always great information! Thanks. Love it simple, awesome to see things change, repair and grow. Thanks for all the help

[@johnshanks7902]

Hi can u advise on sand for a fresh water tank eg can I use child's play sand instead of the expensive aquarium sand thank u in advance

[@Uathankicks]

Great shot of the waxing crescent 🌙 looks like it was Mars to bottom right of it. Very chill channel happy Monday

[@persikiclingstone1231]

The yee old story of the up-sell, We keep plants and critters from scummy slimey waters. Skill levels my dude, I always learn so much from you. Success is in making a fish tank into a habitat, I don't know how many algae and bacteria blooms I've seen people upsell uv sterilizers for. Its part of the process >_< of establishing balance in your cycle. Every issue has a solution and my favorite one is water sprite and duckweed.

[@dawnt6791]

Years ago, I had a 125g tank. I listened to the people at the pet store who told me I absolutely could NOT run HOBs on that size tank and MUST use either a canister filter or sump. I had a canister filter. I HATED it. Hated everything about that filter. Hated maintaining it. I kept that tank way under-stocked to minimize the filter maintenance and still hated it. I finally got rid of the tank. I wish I'd known then what I know now. I'd tell those folks to take a flying leap and use the type of filtration I like. I'd probably still have that tank if they hadn't pushed me to have equipment I didn't like or want.

[@BENfromSUNDIAL]

You saying you're not that interested in a fish's area of origin got me really interested. I might hang a picture of their homelake behind the tank.

[@grymjaw]

My newest 40 breeder after getting back in the hobby is low tech and I love it