NO FILTER Ecosphere Bowl for Nano Fish, Shrimp & Snails

[@MDFishTanks]

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com Here is the first bowl in the new studio. It's been ages since I made a bowl and I think we've made a great environment for these nano fish (Ruby Tetra) with the shrimp and snails. Equipment (all links affiliate): LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3m3cEz9 UK amzn.to/3orIdRv GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL API® products Subscribe to API on KZbin: kzbin.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk/where-to-buy/ AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY kzbin.info/door/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/md_fishtanks/ FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: [e-mail] #plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

[@zetacod3]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊

[@hiswillbedone642]

Hi the link for the bowl doesn’t work could you tell me how much it cost and what size it is please

[@plant-a-holic]

@@hiswillbedone642 yes I tried the link as well… Doesn’t work can you not just tell us how big of a bowl it is please?

[@agirlnamedmichael1670]

When you mix shrimp colors, over time you will get more "wild" colored shrimp, however, after more time, you'll start getting colors again. It's really quite neat!

[@agirlnamedmichael1670]

@@Mr.SilverSmith You can google "mixing shrimp colors", but most of the articles I looked at are rather incomplete...they don't mention that over time you will start getting colored shrimp reappearing along with the wild colors. I actually learned this from an acquaintance that is a breeder, and when I tried it myself I discovered she was correct! What's even better is that I have started getting OTHER color morphs as well, such as shrimp that have patches of both blue AND red =)

[@prclsyouth8820]

@@agirlnamedmichael1670 the beauty of recessive genes! This is what I had wondered about when I learned that mixing colors leads to wild types.

[@mekahpersaud]

I once read an article that didn’t recommend mixing them cause their offspring come out a dirty brown color… so I’m guessing that’s not necessarily true? I preparing to start my first terrarium and ever since I read that, I started second-guessing wanting two or three different colors in the tank. I mean I don’t mind them coming out with beautiful patches of blues, greens, and reds, but I kinda want to stay away from earth tones lol.

[@Mr.SilverSmith]

@@mekahpersaudnice, let us know what happened!

[@danielleatwood372]

breeding shrimp

[@htimSnaeS]

This video is a shining example of why I love MD Fish Tanks. Beautiful scapes, easy going, and down to earth attitudes. You mix those shrimp sir. Me and my shrimp salute you. Oh captain, my captain.

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you very much. All shrimp are friends :D

[@OPAIK]

Don’t feel the need to always build tanks MD. If I may speak for most viewers, we will support you no matter what you upload! We love just hearing you speak about the gallery and where the tanks are at that you already have. Your edits are second to none! Thank you for the peace and passion you provide us, we are truly grateful!

[@mfjrecampo9083]

I'd even enjoy just watching any of his established tanks with background music. That would be really relaxing.

[@OPAIK]

@@mfjrecampo9083 heck yeah. I’m suggesting for his sake that he doesn’t have to go full throttle every video

[@Angel283]

I agree and would really LOVE videos where problems arose and what was done to fix.

[@CarolynnMc01]

Your wife is awesome for picking this bowl up for you! What a great idea. It's fantastic.

[@mattknowlton5983]

I think this is your prettiest bowl that you've made so far.

[@chandravasudevan9524]

The most appropriate word to describe this is "Amazing". I have two questions. 1. Do we have to change the water? 2. Do we have to feed the fish/shrimp/snail?

[@seanlesko2473]

I also have these questions

[@ChronicallyHopefulChar]

If you check his feed for the no-tech build in the vertical vase, tall stems coming out the top, I think all these details were in that one. Hope that helps. 😊 I can't wait to build mine after I move to my new home! 🤩 IIRC he did mention a partial exchange of water if numbers were off, but only initially. I think he said it takes about three weeks for it to become fully self-sustaining regardless, once plant roots have grown down into substrate and established. Then you only top up water lost through evaporation, no more exchanges. And feeding was a couple of flakes every 2 or 3 days since they will feed on plant matter and waste matter in the bowl. Probably varies depending on how many critters and plants you have in yours and how much they eat vs how much is left to sink to the bottom. Such a cool little ecosystem!

[@tamgaming9861]

You 100% have the most beautiful, natural looking tanks on KZbin. Each of your tanks looks awesome and healthy.

[@danjensen7477]

Nice! Mbuna tank still looks good too! Finally, ever since your wife Kate started spending time in your studio, everything has gone to a new level of cleanliness and organization. Tanks all look better too, so huge shout out to her!

[@CaptainSteveVPT]

With a larger tank... say a nano cube like tank... Could you do a bio setup for newts/frogs ? Or some kind of crab one ?

[@arielmartian]

i just noticed the teeny fish shop in my town has the teensiest shrimp...feeling inspired by this! thanks! (ps: using a polarizing filter on your camera lens would cut down the glare/reflections you're getting from the lights and other tanks in the room)

[@MandyJane123700]

Beautiful! I think a great topic for a video (for either you or Matt) would be about what to do, and what is happening, when a tank crashes.

[@thenamesPRINDLE]

I love any MD build but I think I speak for everyone when I say WE WANT TIMMY’S TANK

[@andreakarlsson7927]

YES!

[@dancinginmaltesers]

Definitely checking every day to see if he’s uploaded it!

[@Zacko.R]

I liked how you've gone with a direct explanation to the process. It was tastefully done and straight forward. Awesome bowl. Keep it up!

[@coreyhead5777]

The “one inch substrate, two inch sand” rule does have a purpose. With three the substrate becomes anaerobic and develops more bacteria to break down nitrites and nitrates so the plants can absorb them to stabilize the water quality. It also becomes a source of CO2 so you don’t have to use a diffuser. All around it helps with just about everything to make plants fully function in their purpose and ensure everythings health and longevity

[@sui-generis]

Another awesome build! One of my fav aquatic channels on youtube. BTW while Lava rock is ph neutral, lava rocks are basalts and do contain magnesium, iron and also calcium. Depending on which type of lava rock they are (black, red, brown etc) they will also contain other numerous minerals, including magnetite, pyroxene, plagioclase feldspar, hornblende, olivine, quartz, pyroxene, biotite mica, and amphibole and other micro nutrients and trace elements depending on which type of rock it originally was before. This is why if you ground lava rock it is called lava rock dust which is a soil additive for adding minerals to your soil.

[@MDFishTanks]

Ahhh makes sense. Nice one! All good stuff :)

[@wishywashy1153]

So are they good or bad? And what would I use as an alternative?

[@carsacrossmissouri3250]

I did this on accident with a 10g and just duckweed and some pond snails and minows. I haven’t even fed them for 6 months. No filter no food. They seem to be thriving too.

[@joannalim4790]

You’re so fun to listen to :’) i love your videos a lot! I always get so stressed out by how strict other youtubers narrate their tutorial, so i really appreciate your carefreeness ✨ Gorgeous aquascapes too :’)

[@rhyssutherland149]

Would you ever have an 8ft in the studio?

[@Talons_N_Tails]

Now that build would be epic ❤

[@justmyway508]

He did an 8ft with fishshop Matt in the fish store months back. It was an amazing build. But I too think one in the studio for a new build would be incredible.

[@Talons_N_Tails]

@@justmyway508 yeah, I watched that one too but I think it would be cool to see an 8 foot in his new studio

[@Shakodancer16]

@@justmyway508they are in the works of redoing it as we speak!!!

[@jelloneumali7149]

Please do a 8ft aquarium 🙏 love your studio ❤️ and all your tank 😅🇵🇭

[@Leopold-i1b]

The house, the stars, the desert - what gives them their beauty is something that is invisible!

[@marvincaspary5543]

Looks incredible! I was always worried about mixing colors of shrimp too because of the whole they turn brown thing but I think I’m going to try it out now!

[@dawnt6791]

I've got a tank that I started off with a wide mix of colors about 2 years ago. There ARE brown, wild-type shrimp in there, but they're still producing bright colors, too. In fact, I've even been getting colors I didn't even put in there to begin with, which isn't surprising since I started off with such a wide array of genes.

[@mark70s29]

Beautiful! I made a bowl from a modified biorb 15ltr for my three apple snails. I however kept the filter but used foam instead of the large lava rock. Used fine gravel on top leaving the filter clear for easy removal. Planted with allodia densa. Use an aqua ball in the carbon zeolite. Working great after three months and one half water change and spot cleaning poop with a turkey baster. Got detritus worms and copepods doing their thing now:) Feed the snails in a glass mustard bowl through a clear plastic tube so all the pellets get in the bowl. They also get cucumber, green beans,peas and broad beans as a supplement and they love them in moderation! Love your channel sir.. more snails though please:)

[@cathyhendrix7552]

That is so pretty. I love the different colors of the plants and the way they blend and shift one to the other. The hardscape fits right in there perfectly to. Great job M.D. Keep 'em coming. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@acbigal]

This is my first time on your channel and I'm impressed with your work. I'm from the south east US and you have inspired me to start working on one of these however I think I will try using rock, sand, plants and fish from a nearby creek.

[@feix5800]

I prefer a bowl to a rectangular tank. It just looks better and it's incapable of water leaking due to wear and tear. I do use an air pump (the lowest wattage I could get i.e. 1W) for it. I'm guessing the bowl here is around 6 gallons. It's really difficult to guess but it's a beautiful bowl.

[@Lisaaliaslisa]

I can’t believe that the shrimp are still this colourful. You didn’t even give the tank the chance to establish and it works perfectly 😅 Wow !

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

Thank you for this. We have just pulled out our old bowl tank - it is an aquarium so has lights and a filter through the middle - but I'm still going to use this technique once I clean the bowl. That looks beautiful. xxx

[@rebeloftheeast]

I like how the shrimps landed, so cute! 🧡🧡

[@86Kera]

I can’t get over your tank builds. I think your tanks are one of my new obsessions.

[@missy3609]

I really love this bowl and all the different colours in the design of this system. Well done :)

[@jenpink4298]

I love this bowl! You do such an amazing job of putting it all together!

[@AlexIsModded]

I got planaria out of my 16 gallon by putting in ember tetras and chili rasboras. My betta had been eating them, but not fast enough to keep the population under control. I guarantee you that there are no planaria in that tank now. Only took a week for the fish to get rid of them. I highly recommend this method over anything else, especially if you have fish who need to be relocated.

[@mattchew38]

Now that’s one fishbowl I approve of absolutely gorgeous man

[@cecilia7259]

Of all the nano tanks on KZbin, yours are THE best ❤❤❤

[@user-dk5ic9qg1l]

I think this is my favorite one so far, I love the round bowl!

[@kristinv7518]

Gorgeous! I haven´t had any kind of aquariums for years, but recently I´ve been thinking about getting at least a little one - this basically made me decide on it. Now I just need to freshen up my knowledge! A friend have a 20 liters I can get for free, and I know that that is tiny, but any suggestion of inhabitants? :) I know, I can´t have many of whatever kind. At this point I really just want something to take care of, I lost my 16 year old cat a year ago and I miss those daily chores of taking care. :)

[@Aralk13]

You can do a single betta. You can also do a shrimp only tank. You might be able to get away with a small group of rice fish or very small nano fish like MD did with the shrimp so long as you keep up on those water changes and checking parameters for a while until it's stable.

[@sr.6816]

This was so relaxing to watch. I just love this set up. It is absolutely beautiful! ❤😊

[@9catlover]

i loved watching the 🦐 dive down. That was so cool

[@mothdotslot]

you should do a fishtank that has tank safe gemstones in the substrate (ie, most quartzes, obsidian, certain kinds of agates and jaspers, etc)

[@darthplagueis3400]

I couldn't do a bowl we have a cat that would want to drink out of the bowl but maybe one day I can do something like that love watching and getting ideas. Nice getting to meet you at aquashella now it is hot in TX hundreds for the high eveyday last week this week and next week.

[@raenfox]

Actually you don't get brown shrimp from mixing them. We did that, had several orange, red/transparent, blue and yellow shrimp mixed together. It's actually interesting what happens. While we didn't get any new orange ones, we're still getting new yellow, blue and red/transparent ones. Also, we're getting new colors. We now have several shrimp that are black with a yellow stripe on their backs, very interesting. These black ones with yellow stripes also seem to get bigger than the original shrimp. No brown ones so far.

[@rafalmodzelewskii]

You should try building an African cichlid tank with only white rocks and sand. No plants at all would really switch it up in the studio. Great content!!

[@SwiftKing1]

your daughter in the back just chillin, eating and watching got me XD absolutely gorgeous build btw. i used to hate bowls but u changed my mind

[@samuelhaverl5515]

I love this! Also, you have to do a saltwater build at some point. I would love to see you take a crack at it.

[@miniscenesgb]

Stunningly beautiful bowl

[@rachgilmour5744]

I'd like to thank you, my first tank is arriving on Tuesday and all my API's are arriving Sunday. So excited for my first tank, fingers crossed I won't kill the plants, I'm not green thumbed hahaha 😅

[@lizdyson3627]

Question: Hi MD how do you balance the need to provide a densely planted aquarium with prividing enough swimming space for the fish you choose to put in the tank? is there a hard and fast rule or maths you can do to get it right. Your aquariums always look amazing but I always get anxious about over decorating as my fish come first.

[@Me-zc7vm]

Just put shrimps in them, it's too small for fish.

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

MD . You are hands down THE best aquascaping channel out there. 😊 I have had the pleasure of following your channel right from the days you were doing youtube from the tiny shed by the side of your house. It has been nothing short but of pure pleasure watching you cook up tank after tank of goodness for us to see.❤ Can you do a tank with an undergravel plenum set up like that of Dr. Novak's and let us know what you think of it please😊

[@MDFishTanks]

Thank you very much. The plenum thing looks to work, but seems a lot of faff to me. Not disregarding it, just not really my thing.

[@rohankhan4846]

Such a beautiful aquascape!!

[@Chompchompyerded]

MD said, "Let there be light" and there was light. A little crooked, but it'll do. If the tank smells, does that mean it can tell when Kate is wearing really nice perfume? Mud looks really authentic too. I suppose it's all about the look you're going for. Ram's horns and bladder snails won't multiply, especially with that wood in there. Instead, they'll increase LOGarithmically. Well here we go again. Another perfect scape which is an absolute eye catcher, and another video from which I learned tons. Thanks for your time and effort in making these videos. I would not be planting my aquariums if it weren't for you. Because of you. Because of you and your videos, I've found a whole lot of fun in my life which I might not otherwise have.

[@jakemaxwell3709]

Your channel is so great helps me so much with my aquariums

[@Vanillaflavouredcheese]

Would you ever try a closed eco system with nothing but light exposure

[@LonniesWorld007]

Where might I find a lamp ? You’ve inspired me to do a Cherry Neocaridina nano ecosystem ! I loooove your videos I would love some tips ! I have a bowl just like this one I want to use for it !

[@ZadenZane]

If I want to set up a similar system (basically shrimps, plants and snails) either in a bowl or a little aquarium can I use riverwater? And do I need a heater (in London)? I know I can look all this up but I'd like your expert advice!

[@plant-a-holic]

Gorgeous!! can you tell us please approximately how many gallons in this tank/bowl ?thanks in advance😊❤

[@davidhunternyc1]

Gorgeous tank. I'm wondering, is it possible to make a no filter ecosphere tank in the style of Takashi Amano's Iwagumi tanks? Plain, simple, minimal elegance.

[@KingsAquariumsAndReptileRoom]

Awesome setup you have created there mate, i absolutely love how you have made such a natural looking environment in such a small space. Love the all the types if plants you have in there.. the colours are absolutely stunning!. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@pagewhite61]

Beautiful bowl! I love it. Thanks MD.

[@90FirstGenPGT]

would love to see this type of setup for Pea Puffer fish. Better yet, would love this own setup for my own Pea Puffers.

[@noodlechild666]

The Ruby Tetra look much happier in the bowl than they did the standard tank. My only issue with bowls is that us 'normal' people need to put in a filter and they generally look ugly in a bowl. I guess you could fit an external filter with a built in heater, but they are quite pricey. Edit - i mean heater not filter. Very few people have a room with a constant temperature or one where it doesnt fluctuate wildly.

[@MDFishTanks]

dont they just. You can fit a little mini internal to be honest behind the plants and not see it. Works well, I've done it before.

[@noodlechild666]

@@MDFishTanks I actually meant a heater lol

[@MDFishTanks]

@@noodlechild666 yeah you could slide a mini heater in there as well. Or choose rice fish and then no need for one.

[@haydenfarquharson465]

@@noodlechild666you can use a heat pad for under the tank

[@Aralk13]

I've got a small heater and have had a mini sponge filter in my bowl. Keep them tucked in the back where you can't see them behind the wood and plants. I've got spiderwood that sticks out the top and can ziptie the wires to that to hide them better.

[@kmccormic]

How do you keep it clean? The walls and any buildup around the plants or on any hard scape?

[@Kennedy-w3f]

Tough is a major factor in the success, as long as knocking on the door long enough, loud enough, will eventually wake up the people.

[@carolebraswell982]

That bowl turned out beautifully... love the colors!

[@katijabaric4157]

I'm feeling inspired watching this :)

[@4buckeyegirl2]

I have red cherries now. You give me the confidence to get more different colours. Why not? Just sit back and enjoy it. ❤

[@jordangranadeno5602]

this may be a dumb question, but when building a ecosphere do you use just regular tap water or do you use a certain type of water to sort of get the ecosphere going?

[@heinrichvisser8518]

I love your creativity. Beautiful build. I've got a bowl somewhere that's going to get this treatment. Thank you for sharing. Please share with us how you managed the electricity in the studio. Regarding safety and no fire hazards.

[@LadyLegz35]

This video is ace and easy to follow. Many thanks 😊

[@GinnyEvergreen]

Question for any aquarium enthusiasts: is it possible to make a no filter aquarium while still using a heater? I don't have the ability to keep the room at a constant temperature, but I like the low tech idea. Thanks!

[@MDFishTanks]

@@GinnyEvergreen yeah it's no problem at all. If you need a heater you need a heater. For a bowl, you can get the heat mats which will heat an extra few degrees but allow there to not have equipment take up space in the bowl.

[@GinnyEvergreen]

@@MDFishTanks oh cool, thanks for the tip!

[@adimohanty4983]

FINALLY! A Bowl-scape!! 😍

[@Theredspirit]

ITS BEAUTIFUL

[@Hairbyben]

Love watching your videos and recently inspired me to aquascape my tank. I moved from the Uk to Australia 2 years ago and will be going on a hunt to some creeks soon to see if I get any wild native rainbow fish

[@lesliehilesgardener6959]

FAU plant Ok, for a little color snails perfect for puffers pea size tetra nice thought

[@jeganroy7379]

Hi, do you pluck the grown plants from the roots, or you're just cutting their stems in order to replant them?

[@richardnightingale8818]

Love this build! Can I ask how long you’d have the light on for and I assume the tank is unheated? Thanks

[@adriangraham77]

Very excited to do this myself. Can anyone (MD, perhaps?) comment as to whether or not a setup like this can exist in a room with a lot of indirect natural light? I really want to make one of these for my kitchen, but there's ample windows that provide lots of natural light. Should I be concerned about algae blooms because of all the light?

[@hannahhowden8980]

Bowls done well are super cool!!

[@BeautifulBeasts1]

In scapes where you have shrimp, do you have to worry about them climbing up the wood & out? Love your channel & your beautiful builds ❤

[@zefluhdz2078]

Some types of shrimp like to escape more than others but for the most part ive found they stay in their tank, although ive heard amanos are escape artists

[@BeautifulBeasts1]

@@zefluhdz2078 thank you ❣️

[@RazzyAurealis]

Do the snails climb out?

[@assiahinarkansas]

Love this bowl scape!

[@maureenk-farmhousecharms903]

Awesome scape for those beautiful Ruby tetras!! The Bowl looks wonderful!! 👍🏻

[@gibbon-k8n]

So what kind of water would you use for this? Tap water and treat it with a water conditioner?

[@prycxy8859]

Wicked vid as always! Can you show a feed on every new build to help show what’s a good amount to use? Would be helpful 😊

[@arashmoradi8864]

Fantastic 😍 but i think these plenty of plants need co2 gas pump isn't? Or its ok whiteout that?

[@vkngs8480]

Would love to see a setup where you’re not pulling anything from another tank or another build. From scratch like a beginner would build.

[@TimeTravelingBirds]

Is it possible to get a final list of all the plants in this build? I tried to keep track but I think I ended up missing some 😅 this is a gorgeous build and I have a similar sized bowl I want to play with

[@wantit123456]

I watched MD for a full 2 years then I just got my fish tank last year the last 5 months my plants stop melting or looking dull or even just easier converted to the underwater stage since I stopped vacuuming the bottom of the tank

[@neurosp]

Instead of lava as a substrate can you use filtering media? It’s porous too and will allow bacteria to grow too.

[@bbfishkc]

My question is where the heck do you find a bowl that big??😂 our stores never have neat stuff that you find!

[@wheninromo]

Are you using a polarizing filter on your camera? That could help a lot with cutting down the glare from other lights while you're filming.

[@roscopeco2000]

I couldn't help but keep looking at your Malawi tank in the background please more content on these!!

[@pattallant2398]

I’m new to your channel in the U.S. and I love your content, thank you!

[@kellyalonzi2917]

Wow. So beautiful.

[@helloaldrian]

Isn't it time for you to build a pond, MD? 😆 Also (as others mentioned) your personal 8ft tank for your studio/gallery. I'd love to watch some big and long project series!

[@violetafernandez496]

I am loving this glass bowl setup. This would be viable if I decide on one. I have never had fish.

[@bramm7204]

What water changes will you do eventually? First a couple and then none?

[@jamesdavies1410]

Absolutely beautiful

[@itscyberqueen13]

Thank you for this video. I have this bowl size with a single betta and snails. Sadly, my shrimp all failed.

[@aftahasim7596]

Hello sir I'm from India Md fish tanks is My Most favorite channel you're my best aquscaper. Keep growing up

[@miniandy82]

Best bowl yet 👍