Natural River Style Aquascape "The Catfish Castle" Full Build.

[@steverees1936]

Hi Gil, what I like about your videos is that you do things in a very practical way and give sensible tips on helping us save money. Some of your ideas are pure genius so thanks for sharing them mate. That log was mahoosive but looks impressive in that tank. I love natural looking tanks and this tank looks awesome. Thanks to you I'm looking into making my own under gravel filter system or plenum for anoxic filtration, but using a power head running around at 20 gallons per hour. I've also been watching Kevin on The aquarium specialist channel. Interesting stuff. I'm looking to set up my first tank in over 25 yrs after much research. Starting off with a Juwel lido 120 for the kitchen then if all goes well I'll get the Juwel rio 450 for our living room 😁

[@Gilsfishroom]

Good luck mate. I have just started to tinker with a slow moving plenum also.

[@steverees1936]

@@Gilsfishroom Great stuff. Please keep us informed on it's progress. Have you used powerheads to draw up the water? I watched a video of Kevin where a guy in Canada was a professional aquarium builder that was building a tank using a plenum with powerheads on.😁

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@steverees1936 I have not used a powerhead for an UG filter. I think that it is cheaper and easier to use air.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

The bottle lights are brilliant…as a Texan, I approve. I’d use my favorite beer, Tecate, for the bottles, lol. Beautiful tank!

[@Gilsfishroom]

I just had a google. They would work nicely. 😀

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Love the bottle lights…made me laugh! Great idea!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I really put my body on the line for my viewers!

[@philcarlino6942]

Welding barefoot is hilarious. Subscribed just for that. Amazing setup too, this is one I would have in my living room (maybe minus the beer bottles lol). Great video.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Mate, this tank was such a rush job that I just didn't have time to put boots on.

[@skitzy47]

@@Gilsfishroom crack up

[@BodgieFromStraya]

Awesome video Gil! Everything about your videos is just super enjoyable, your jokes, the music, the actual content. LOVE IT!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. You forgot to mention the celebrity cameos.

[@tropicalfishhub]

This is a stunning rio Negro setup Gil! I love that log and lighting solution is soo innovative. P.leopardus are great plecos. I used to have one years ago. One trick to lure them out of their logs is adding substantially more flow, such as by wavemaker. They live in high current in the wild, and they will most likely come out to hang out in areas with strong flow. It works with all pseudacanthicus plecos. Good suggestions for more fish would be cardinal and rummynose tetras. both are from rio Negro and both share the same habitats with L600 (also can handle flow).

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks. I will add more flow and see if that makes them more comfortable. I was tossing up between rummynose and Cardinals, but I suppose I could go both. Did you happen to notice that handsome guy on the TV when I was adjusting the floodlight?

[@tropicalfishhub]

@@Gilsfishroom Yes I did notice him! Thanks for watching me mate:)

[@pattys_aquatics]

Absolutely amazing tank Gil, I love the natural look of it and that center piece log is amazing. The beer bottle idea was great as well. I’m all about saving money . Outstanding video all around 😁👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Patty. Were you paying attention to the tv in the background when the tank was being filled?

[@pattys_aquatics]

@@Gilsfishroom yes I did and thank you! I love how you always have other KZbinrs on your tv while you’re filming. And the Jeff shirt 😂Oh and forgot to mention… welding barefoot??? I’m a big barefoot guy myself but dang you must have feet of steel 😂

[@gregfletcher8669]

Great video!! Cant wait to see the new "temporary" fish!!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Greg. 👍

[@markfranklin8831]

What a great video. Awesome tank. Thanks for sharing

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Mark. 😃

[@chichlidcrazy]

Beautiful tank. The end was hilarious 🤣🤣

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. It was a lot of fun. 😄

[@AusHerps1]

Really cool, build this turned out awesome!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 👍

[@TarasTankFriends]

That turned out great! That enormous log looks right at home in the tank and those are some really cool looking plecos, too! The lights look great, glad you went with the brown glass, I think it gives a warmer look than the green. Suggestions for tetras you might like for blackwater: yellow tail Congo, lampeye Congo (pricey, but stunning looking), Cardinal, green neon, hummingbird, Columbian, etc. I think all those are shoaling but the green neons and hummingbirds are true schoolers if I'm not mistaken. Cochu Blue tetras might like blackwater, but I don't know off the top of my head. Anyway, I like leaving likes, so I did. Nice job! 🙂👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

All great suggestions Your Highness. I managed to find a darker bottle after much searching.

[@subhojitmondal25]

I love the empty bottle idea 😂❤

[@Gilsfishroom]

@subhojitmondal25 Thanks mate. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

[@nelsonsshrimp4567]

Hi Gil, I think adding a school of rummynose tetras would really help fill out the tank. Keep up the great content mate.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate, Ive been considering them.

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

2nd time is a charm Lol.. temporary.. right.. 😂 Your son has ski's on his feet.. man is he getting big. Still playing spot the mug Those plecos are beautiful Lol barefoot welding Beer o'clock goggles Great water movement.. like the no noise.. Loving the scape and the black neons

[@Gilsfishroom]

If only you were here, emptying those bottles would have been so much easier.

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

@@Gilsfishroom oh that would be fun but you wouldn't make me drink that awful Foster's would ya

[@Gilsfishroom]

I would not expect you to travel all this way just to drink that horse p*#s!

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

@@Gilsfishroom tried it once .. definitely not for me

[@silentsteelghost]

Don't know if it's too late but, if you put a school of cardinal tetras it would add some color as well

[@Gilsfishroom]

It's not too late. In fact, I do believe that you will find the update video very interesting when it comes. Thanks mate.

[@LK50634]

very beautiful tank awesome escape cool catfish

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😀

[@LK50634]

@@Gilsfishroom your welcome anytime 😊 mate

[@tabarakaquatics8067]

Very well done Gil, I love the lights 😂

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Ras. 😃

[@Merb34st]

Gorgeous, and I love the lights

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate, I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

[@jonalongHB2ink]

Marble Hatchet or Silver Hatchet seem like a nice idea. Beautiful Tank. It looks great.

[@Gilsfishroom]

@jonalongHB2ink Thanks mate. I am looking into those.

[@matman429]

Love me a nice pleco and they are such a nice fish.Tank really looks great.So good having the tank in the living room.You dont look at the tv much lol.

[@Gilsfishroom]

If I sit on the other side of the tank, I can look through it and watch both at the same time!

[@WOW_AQUATICS]

Awesome video

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😄

[@davidstone6348]

Great work Mate , Looks awesome 👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks 👍

[@samuelzobeley5704]

Awesome build, and very well presented! I think a large school of green neon tetras would offer a nice contrast to the black neons

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. Green neons would be cool, but unfortunately they are difficult to get here.

[@mccoy79productions66]

Great share

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😀

[@starboyar]

First time viewer, awesome video!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. Don't be a stranger!

[@ejbrinegar]

Dear Gil: I really like the look, of this tank, with only one species, schooling, in the water column. I keep trying to set up a “species tank,” but always end up ruining that, by adding additional species. As the “plecos” stay hidden, I’d suggest keeping only black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi), with them. I’d love to see this tank, with aquatic flora. You can wrap compost, in brown paper, and stick it, into the substrate. That will provide nutrients, for aquatic plants. The brown paper will decompose. As long as there is no glue or toner; it will be aquarium-safe. Thank you for sharing this, terrific build. It encourages me to hack more, in my hobby. All my best, Sincerely, E. J. Brinegar

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks E.J, I was thinking that some valisineria would look great planted at the end of the big log. Unfortunately at the moment the lighting probably isn't bright enough. Once the plecos are more comfortable and are moving about the tank I might look into growing some.

[@krzysztoftrzcielinski5986]

I think some corydoras would make bottom more lively (from my observations, plecos tend to act more in open when there are other bottom feeders active) also maybe some dwarf cichilds ? or pair of heros severum

[@Gilsfishroom]

Great suggestions mate. Adding some corys might be the way to go, I will look into that. I have some Severums in my South American tank, and am planning on some Apistogramma for my next aquascape.

[@johnmaude5065]

That tank looks amazing 🤩

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😊

[@ProVisionColor]

Beautiful build, as always! Great video, man. Learned a ton, laughed a ton.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Blake. I'm still waiting for some pictures of your setup! 😄

[@ProVisionColor]

@@Gilsfishroom Ha! Sorry, I'm slow, lol! It's up and running and finally looking closer to what I want. Not as beautiful as yours (yet), but I'm just happy to get it running. I will try to put some photos over on your Facebook account. Thanks again for all the help!

[@lee_1979]

Just came across your video gave it a watch and subscribed right away 😊 great job on that tank,keep up the great work 👍thanks from me Lee in the UK

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Lee. 😊

[@vidriosyespaciosmedellin]

Hermosa tematica de rio y un poco de efecto amazonico 😉👌🏻 las sombras en el fondo fue genial 👍🏻 Un saludo desde medellin - colombia 🇨🇴

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate from Merbein Australia. 👍

[@brendanmartin1765]

It's Gnome to be here, me old China plate. Gil gotta say cobba it's bloody sensational you really have raised the bar on this. Can't wait to see what's installed on your next video Cheeers and oorrooo cobba

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😁

[@GauravKumar-yi5om]

Noice and hot noice and cold!! Gotta love the thick Aussie accent

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I have to practice every day to sound like that!

[@jimt5683]

Gorgeous mate!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I think that the tank looks ok too.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Nice lighting rig, love that

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate, I'm happy with how it worked out.

[@CamD-py1dt]

Fantastic. Love your creativity

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😀

[@fishingcampborneo]

wow keren sekali aquarium nya kawanku... salam satu hobi

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. Hello from me.

[@HouseofScapes]

Impressive work. I won’t be trying to replicate any of that except the steel bending. You must owe your friend big time if you call that a temporary set up. Hopefully your friend’s trip isn’t cut short! Please tell me you drank all those beers before my face came up on your tv. The dog didn’t seem to mind

[@Gilsfishroom]

To be perfectly honest, the dog wasn't looking at the tv. The steel was 30mm square tube 2mm thick. Knock yourself out!

[@garethrasmussen6186]

That log is perfect

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. The plecos love it.

[@olafcichlids3121]

Well done mate. Fantastic tank❤

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Olaf. I hope your tank is still going well

[@olafcichlids3121]

@@Gilsfishroom thanks for asking. Its going well so far. Only lost a few uaru's after some months they stop growing and tried to give them different food and also some different medications against parasites or worms. They still stay skinny and in the end some died so then i decided to add a Uv sterilizer to my filter. I also decided to give the biotodoma to a friend because they were to skittish. I added some satanoperca deamons and some tetras and that did the uaru s also good, they feel more confident now😎 i will make a video update soon mate👍

[@AussieAquatic]

I'll never look at beer stubbies the same again!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Now whenever I look at one, I get dizzy!

[@rochelle6006]

As always , awsome scape 👊🏽 gotta love some Kenny 😂😂

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Rochelle. Best drunk singalong song ever!

[@rochelle6006]

@@Gilsfishroom sure is , many late nights or early mornings with his songs on blast. 😂😂

[@stevesmith6022]

Brilliant video Gil very entertaining…😂😂😂

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate, I'm glad you liked it. 😃

[@rolandtraynor]

Hahahaha great Vid ,, All the best from Pomme Land up over the top .. All the best .

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Guvna. 😀

[@sunlounger29]

19:22 "Foot protection must be worn in this area" You're a rebel, Gil!

[@Gilsfishroom]

I live life by my own rules mate.

[@AussieAquatic]

19:27 "Footwear Must be Worn in this Area" OR NOT.........depending on how you feel on the day :)

[@Gilsfishroom]

That's only a recommendation Colin.

[@sergioabdilla4577]

Crack me up with the steel bending. Good to see ur wearing overalls for safety 😂😂😂

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I am a big believer in safety first.

[@justinzduniak6499]

Fill your pvc with sand before heating it. Helps keep its shape as your reshaping it

[@Gilsfishroom]

@justinzduniak6499 Although it was a little difficult to see in the video, I was using compressed air to prevent the pipe from kinking. Works far better than sand. If you are interested, my fish room build #3 video explains the process in greater detail. Thanks for watching mate. 😁

[@aquariumdelirium]

Yeah I made the video, next to those fantastic lights I loved everything about this video Even the ozzy safety boots lol

[@Gilsfishroom]

Just trying to attract more ladies!

[@aquariumdelirium]

@@Gilsfishroom 😂

[@LuigiCrampAquarium]

Very nice🤙👌💪

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thank you mate.

[@skitzy47]

so cool!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate.

[@graffic13]

This needs more black neons and a few pretty geofagus!

[@Gilsfishroom]

I have Geos in my South American tank. The reason I haven't any in here is I hope to encourage the plecos out, and was worried that the geos might make them shy.

[@OVHabitats]

I think you need to stick to the dark fish maybe a group of blackskirt tetras.

[@Gilsfishroom]

Nice suggestion mate. 👍

[@Aloof_Buddha]

I say add some Rummynose Tetras, good contrast to the black neons

[@Gilsfishroom]

I think that is a good idea mate. They should school well in that big tank.

[@bradlane7755]

Awesome build. What type of wood did you use?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. The sticks are eucalyptus. I think that the log is also, but not 100% sure.

[@bradlane7755]

@Gilsfishroom thanks mate. I have eucalyptus in my 8 foot saratoga tank which has been fine but can't find any info to support that it's safe to use. This makes me feel better

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@bradlane7755 I have it in most of my tanks. Provided it is dry enough, I've never had a problem.

[@gemertje]

Nice build, u didnt follow your own advise to wear shoes ;) Who or what video is in the background at 20:45 ?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate, I didn't have time for shoes. The video was by Tropical Fish Hub. Awesome channel.

[@bigraymie]

Hey Gil, A big hi from Glasgow, Scotland... How about a cupla wild Angels mate ??

[@Gilsfishroom]

G'day, I am planing a 6'x3'x3' South American biotope style for my Geophagus Winemilleri. I'm thinking wild type Angels for that.

[@elune43749]

hey mate just a heads up the audio is only working on the right side of my headphones on this video

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I will have to get my IT department (kids) to look into that.

[@skitzy47]

@@Gilsfishroom was just for the intro

[@Doktracy]

I’d love to see some guppies added.

[@Gilsfishroom]

It would probably take a few to fill this tank...

[@FunctionBuiltAquatics]

Amazing

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. 😁

[@Fire4FX]

Bird of paradise rhizomes will also survive in any fresh water.

[@Gilsfishroom]

I will definitely be trying that!

[@doloresmanning9619]

Ok Gil, how many aquariums am I holding up? Are you starting to see pink flying aquariums mate. You sure that's just beer? ;) Jokes aside, that is an amazing tank. Love it!

[@Gilsfishroom]

Full disclosure Dolores, I only drank 2 of those beers, which is one more than I usually have. It was only due to my superb acting and stuntman skills that you were fooled into believing that I had consumed them all. I'm glad that you liked the tank mate. 😁

[@pelhamsaquatics]

1st 🥇 😂hahaha i cheated still watching full comment at end ! Yes im devious 😅

[@Gilsfishroom]

🏆

[@pelhamsaquatics]

@@Gilsfishroomtypical jeff first in last out😂 the plecos are gorgeouse🥰 very nice blackwater look!! 👀 this was a ton of work and it shows really awesome gil!!😮⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks Jeff. I hope you don't mind having your merch associated with getting blind rolling drunk!

[@littleaussieadventures2246]

Hehe your a bloody legend, nice work. Very interesting and funny. What an amazing tank. Your drinking partner seems to of lead you astray 😂 . Did you bend your pipe before or after your drinks ? I think I'm stronger after a couple frothies 😅

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I bent the pipe before the beer. Couldn't even stand up afterwards, let alone bend anything.

[@raybeer5213]

*you're, not "your". Basic grammar.

[@yasinrastegar7052]

It took me a few minutes to figure out what language he is speaking Turned out its bloody english 😅 Anyway the escape is gorgeous

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. I was actually speaking Australian. 😆

[@michelrood2966]

Thats one thick accent ! Btw are those pvc pipes safe for fish? Nice build 👍

[@Gilsfishroom]

I sound perfectly normal, it's everyone else that talks funny! Pvc is fine for fish, most aquarium plumbing is pvc.

[@stoneysscapes7544]

​@@Gilsfishroomusually the people that are asking about what's safe for aquatic creatures have always struck me as the people that are better off owning cats and dogs. Hopefully you are enjoying your newest creation and every time you get a glimpse of the shimmering water that has the black neons always feeling that safety in numbers is great but combined with the high quality living conditions just can't be beat and the luckiest Plecos eventually will start doing what they do but outside on your gargantuan piece of driftwood so they can also be looking at you . Yes this video has it all that anyone would ever need , and with a few more ________________that shouldn't be too hard for someone who knows a guy who has a few people who have exactly whatever you want to get and like so many that have had green neons 😎 , hopefully one day you'll know too but I will make my suggestion and you will be amazed by the way they are not just hanging out hoping to fly after a fly which is just the best but once they're settled in they'll be swimming around with the rest , and protecting their area and that's why I love the Pygmy Hatchet fish and coming up on 2 years in my 75 gallon tank ( w / a lid ) started with 6 and then I went back and got 7 more !!!🍀💙

[@Gilsfishroom]

@@stoneysscapes7544 I think that if you are not sure if something is aquarium safe, it is best to ask. I love hatchet fish! I have never kept any but plan to in the future.

[@GauravKumar-yi5om]

Where did you get the big wood log

[@Gilsfishroom]

Found it out in the bush. I collect all of my driftwood.

[@GauravKumar-yi5om]

@@Gilsfishroom is it safe? Do you treat it before putting in the tank and how?

[@Gilsfishroom]

Not all species of tree can be used. I like to use eucalyptus provided it has been dead a long time. Watch this video to see how I do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpWxn397ZrR2n6s

[@GauravKumar-yi5om]

@@Gilsfishroom thanks mate

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@GauravKumar-yi5om. If you can find it in a non-polluted stream or lake, most of the wood is safe to use. Some types like pine don’t last very long, while hard types of wood like oak are well suited for the aquarium. Give it a good rinse and keep it under water then it should be safe to use.

[@richardwalker6647]

Conga tetra..

[@Gilsfishroom]

They would look fantastic in this tank for sure!

[@franciscofaria8187]

I love the Barefootness of this video xD

[@Gilsfishroom]

Thanks mate. Boots are overrated!

[@MorningDriftwood]

What a build. No gloves or footwear this time, eh? Nice to be aware that there's expensive and cool-looking fish in a big tank but you never see them after they got in.

[@Gilsfishroom]

One of my kids told me that he saw one of the big plecos out and about this afternoon. I have my doubts...