*NO PLANTS* DISCUS AQUASCAPE - UNREAL TRANSFORMATION AFTER 1 YEAR

Lessons learnt from my planted discus tank!
1. Soil to white sand
2. Remove CO2 injection
3. Remove plants
3. Increase surface agitation
4. More water changes
5. More food
6. More interaction
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[@omarbjn89]

Big respect for this video. As a person who built his channel on aquascaping, I was not expecting George at all to focus on fish more than the aquascaping and post a video about it to us. I did the same with my mbuna cichlid tank. Fish are my main focus. And other tanks are for my imagination to aquascaping. Many thanks George sharing this particular expertise with us

[@omarbjn89]

Thank you ❤️

[@Sshooter444]

Those lemon tetras are mesmerizing! They are the fish equivalent of a lava lamp.

[@onetanktwotank7806]

George: “how can I showcase this six pack?” 😂😅

[@willie346]

Not many fish can manage to be the main focus of an aquarium, but discus can. Every single discus hobbyist started with a fully planted tank, but the experts move to a bare bottom or hardscape approach to optimize for fish health. Some may decry that the tank doesn't look 'natural', when in fact their actual biotope is devoid of green. Great job!

[@jenpink4298]

This tank is now absolutely breathtaking! And for some reason I feel a little bit like crying. This is one of the reasons that I have such an enormous amount of respect for you. Something is wrong, and you fixed it. And then you made a beautiful video telling everyone that you had made a mistake and that you recognized it and gave us the steps that you took in order to correct it. You gave credit to the advice that you were given, and you did it all beautifully. So much respect ❤

[@DADAquaHobby]

here something wrong with discus fish color, now much better colors, and ferns are always busy plants, crypts and the grass carpet, I'm not big fan of these plants

[@andreseche1337]

This video is pure Gold, discus keepers like me had always learn this just like you did, by try and error. A lot of ppl always try to go with the planted-discus tank, but is just not maintainable in the long term. Seeing a big aquascaper like you coming out with the humble honest truth is awesome, educational and show us that you are always open to learn and do the best for plants and inhabitants . kudos !

[@pauladonis3445]

The only plant I’d use in that setup would be the Tiger Lotus, let the leaves reach the surface and it would look even more natural by creating more shade for the fish.

[@alecthenice8115]

Tiger lotus and tannins

[@vesawuoristo4162]

Yes lotus are lovely

[@philcarlino6942]

I suppose it’s the environment we’re in with social media and the like that everyone has to have bold declarations: this is how you keep aquariums, my way or the highway, if you don’t do this you don’t do it right. I think that kind of thinking is very limiting and doesn’t allow for experimentation. This is a great example of being open to new ideas and experimentation. You are a professional aquascaper but that doesn’t preclude you from trying something different. As a result you’ve found some other part of the hobby and shown that it is enjoyable. To all those watching and reading this, there is no “right” way. As long as you understand the basics of aquarium chemistry and keeping fish healthy do what you want and what makes you happy. Fish can be kept in bare bottom tanks, they can be kept with hard scape only, they can be kept in beautiful aquascapes with CO2 injection and expensive soils, or with dirt capped with sand, or on rainbow gravel and a pirate ship. So long as the fish are also happy, have fun and don’t be intimidated by other people. We all got in the hobby for different reasons and it’s ok to have your style. George, I really love this aquarium. The fish look stunning, and it is crazy naturalistic. I hope to see more aquariums like this where hard scape is very dominant and the fish’s natural environment is more closely imitated, but do what sets your heart on fire. I am experimenting with a few different styles myself and enjoying every minute of it. Thank you for the regular uploads and the hard work filming and editing, it doesn’t go unnoticed, and I appreciate you. God bless and take care.

[@philcarlino6942]

Also, if the nerite snail eggs bother you I have heard that bristlenose plecos will eat them from the wood since they feed on wood in nature. A couple in there will eat those up and you can remove them if they prove to cause any trouble elsewhere.

[@BogdanBogdan-dk9iv]

I cant belive i am going to say this but this is one of the most beautifull sterile aquarium i have ever seen in my 36 years of life . Just amaizing George ...

[@Broodsnijplank]

I think this is a beautiful example of learning and honesty. The hardscape is beautiful and the discus look amazing!

[@joannecummins5265]

Wow the change... the colours on the Dicus and the lemon tetras actually now look yellow. Even without the plants the tank is stunning.........

[@nurseyj9]

The discus look so much better - but those tetras are mesmerising!

[@sofishticated289]

A very good decision to change the aquarium. I think I wrote a comment on your first Discus video about food, Co2 and a high oxygen level. But all these things don't count when people start with a lot of enthusiasm into the discus hobby, but as time goes by the process of understanding discus starts and we change how we care for these fish. Welcome on the maybe never-ending journey of keeping discus! I have Corydoras, which are schooling very well and some L333 in my 720l Discus tank as well.

[@nickslatter9952]

This is a very 'Joey' style scape and the results are 'absolutely phenomenal!'

[@Craigzoidz]

So happy to see both you and the discus finally thriving mate! Great to see, thanks so much for this update video.

[@cyndifalk]

Wow! I know the discus are the centerpieces, but those lemon tetras are amazing!

[@biotopia5319]

Amazing transformation! Truly less is more...the minimalism of this display hides the skill involved in the placement of the wood, it might look 'just thrown together' but knowing George, the angles, the way it flows, all the subtleties of making hardscape 'work' was something he spent time thinking about and trying out. The fish look wonderful, the discus have coloured up and the tetras are active in a way I've not seen on any of my visits...in short, the fish appear to be thriving.

[@krzysztofkopaczewski4319]

Finally I can say it looks absolutely breathtaking 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@SteveHinrichs]

What an amazing looking tank. The Lemon Tetras add so much to tank. Beautiful!!!!!

[@bethfoort]

This tank is gorgeous! I appreciate your honest reflection on this whole situation and working through to a lovely solution.

[@katherinenyborg5854]

I'm so glad for you and your discus fish. They look so much happier, and you sound happier when you talk about them. It's a great set up, and the contrast between the gorgeous fish and the simplicity of the hardscape is gorgeous.

[@zombi3907]

Its funny, but while this is considered a discus tank, the schooling and motion and behavior of that big school of Lemon Tetras really are what draws the eye. This is a tetra tank to me. Their motion is hypnotic and beautiful, and contrast with the dark background and colors of the discus.

[@rachelmurray8970]

Beautiful and elegant... it's amazing to see the schooling lemon tetras 🥰

[@manolingz]

I love the schooling lemon tetras.

[@maniniscapes1936]

Believe it or not, this may be one of your best works. Impeccable editing as well.

[@EvaAquatic]

Wow 👏 George you shocked me 😲 But now discus tank look amazing 👏 discus look absolutely different.

[@marianolteanu7360]

Extraordinar! I'ts the most beautifull & simple discus thank y ever see. Congradulations!

[@monaangela4667]

you are so right, they look much better now, fabulous. The tank and fish looks magnificent, congrats. Happy for you and for your beautiful fish. 🤗

[@gomzify]

I just loved the way tetras are enjoying... Their lemon color is also an outcome of a best tank set up

[@NaturalBiotopes]

This is really beautiful, although there are no plants, perhaps they are not needed here. Good job. You are an expert in your field.

[@DavidBono]

Good stuff George this video shows growth and strength and I am here for it.

[@ltd4991]

Those are the SAME fish from the ones in the planted tank !?! I had no idea. I figured you bought NEW discus fish for the minimal substrate tank design tank. Wow. I would like to set up a discus tank and prefer the minimal substrate with the driftwood decor. The lemon tetras was perfect for this tank.

[@michaelphillips2875]

Stunning, absolutely stunning George.

[@terrysmith5490]

Them lemon tetras look awesome, really nice tank

[@user7516]

I‘m absolutely in love with this tank now.

[@k.iskandar]

This is awesome. So glad they are thriving now and that you are also happy with the scape.

[@meganjohnson507]

Gorgeous Tank! So glad the discus are looking better.

[@ericplunder2744]

Those lemon tetras are something else 😍

[@loganwade8728]

Looking amazing! Congrats on being strong enough to accept you needed to change something. Really appreciate you showing this!

[@pb6972]

Brilliant mate...I'm the same ...it's not in the book ...breaking the rules in some things can end in beautiful things ...this is one ..it's aqua modern Art....lov it ...lov the tank silver metal 👍

[@charlesrosenberg77]

mind-blowing, thanks for taking the chance and learning from the experience

[@aquaracer65]

Fantastic transformation! Well done.

[@simonupex2628]

George that tank looks stunning, I can't believe they are the same fish, they look so much happier, it's a big leap in the other direction for you with a no plants set-up well done mate.

[@andycarter4581]

Stunning! Love the tetra's behaviour...

[@bigtel2177]

Yes he did it ,George has gone to the dark side no plants, discus always look better with white substrate, I wonder how long before he starts to creep plants back in? I wouldn’t worry about the CO2 too much a lot of discus owners use it to lower the PH, I like the way you went topless for the ladies , George it’s absolutely beautiful I could spend hours in front of that tank well done

[@alecthenice8115]

I too respect the game

[@PaulFraser4]

This is gorgeous, well done !

[@DeanR3]

The fish colours look amazing 👏 tank would be a pleasure to look at as the fish are the main attraction. Thanks for the videio george

[@Fishcentral]

What a beautiful tank great job 👏🏽

[@martyborst5645]

Beautiful tank. I like the simplicity of it. Great job! Respectfully, Marty

[@TheFakeyCakeMaker]

Thank you George, I feel in love with your planted discus and waved to follow suit, now I've really learnt something. I think this set up I is even more gorgeous.

[@kelliet2681]

What a beautiful setup. If course, the discus are beautiful, but those lemon tetras add that wow factor. Thank you for the video.

[@ManishPathak-rn6vx]

Such an inspiring video, George. Great that you were not afraid to make such drastic changes. Some of us hold back to much because of fear of unknown and I know I’ve lost a fish or two because I was stuck in my own way. Kudos man. Tank looks almost surreal with the lemon tetras against the black background. Thanks as always for sharing the journey.

[@eues803]

Very well done George, you took the correct step at the correct time, congratulations for yr wise move, good to know that you are also a fish lover. Great job. 👍👍🍀🇵🇹

[@discusworlddiscoveries8668]

I agree with Aquatic Concepts about his design that is very much like this. It looks like you took that comment down.? Looks beautiful George!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

If it was taken down I am not sure why. I was agree with him because my tank is very similar and i suggested this design to Mr. Farmer "who I have great admiration and respect for" a month or so back when he was concerned about his Discus color problem. I found out my tank was to dark and to many plants by another hobbyist. I took that information a year ago and designed my tank around that concept!

[@mydiscusobsession3560]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto I think because you added a link to it as I said above.

[@sovrappensiero1]

Wow, this is such a helpful and worthwhile video…it’s one thing to read a description of darkening fish and read all the potential factors…it’s totally another to SEE the change. Also, hats off to you for cutting back the plants soooo much even as a trial run. My tanks are quite jungle like because it pains me to cut the plants. 😂🤣. Thank for your sharing this. It’s such a valuable learning experience. (And those lemon tetras are such a unique and beautiful choice!!) Never thought one of my favorite tanks would have no plants…

[@steliosioannou925]

Looks so beautiful!!❤️

[@sergioabdilla4577]

A very courageous decision George. It goes against what your heart tells you. Respect to you for sharing . You’re always a wealth of info , ps just baught ur book 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼awesome!

[@jgalang1881]

Beautiful discuss coloration! Love the schooling behavior of the tetras.

[@MrFkoller]

I'm no expert on discus, but these ones are exactly what I love about them! I think your experience is sooooo good and teaching, thank you so much for sharing that with us! As you said I think it's all about what you want to focus on, when you want to create an ecosystem or when you just want to showcase a fishes beauty ;)

[@geoffreynolds9018]

Thankyou George we are waiting for our tank to be delivered .The video has saved me a lot of planting and pain your tank looks great and will model ours on it . Geofff n Lesley

[@johnilen]

Oh wow this is the best discus tank!

[@vampgaia]

Wow! The fish are gorgeous. The tank looks good. Nice wood.

[@erdek15]

The tetras are like the backup dancers for the discus.

[@thomasbarnes8827]

What a beautiful aquarium!

[@TheThomas2411]

Just beautiful ! thank you .

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

George, I started my Discus tank one year ago using this same concept with a limited amount of Anubis and Java Fern. Very similar style. The lighter bottom was the key and I knew that setting it up. Love the new look in your tank...beautiful! I would love to see a group of 5-7 Corydoras and perhaps a pleco as a cleanup crew Cheers Mate!

[@mydiscusobsession3560]

I really like your tank as well. Lets face it though this man is the real Pro. You should buy one of his books!

[@janofe2232]

Really important video. Thanks for sharing your fishkeeping lessons so honestly. Love the new look of the Scape. If you feel like mixing it up at some point later botanicals are always awesome in discus tanks (and Biotope correct). Big respect!

[@darrylmoore5847]

I am thrilled that you put the fish health over plants. A lot of people would not have done the same.

[@martinwelters370]

Well done, it's amazing

[@TheFittedRockStar]

All I can say is wow that looks awesome!!!!

[@iain2070]

Nice to see the lemon tetras poping out , mine are still very light :(. Just removed all my substrate and gone bare.

[@Edgeofhumansoul]

A very good change, right on the point 👍 The tank looks natural and the fish look much better. regards

[@gavinwilliams4443]

I love a good planted aquarium, but sometimes the fish deserve to be the focus of attention. The transformation in your fish is truly staggering. They look stunning!

[@darrellwalker1934]

George, thanks for sharing your journey on this aquarium. Your original planted setup inspired me to set up my own discus tank. But my research convinced me that I shouldn't do a heavily planted tank, and maybe not even substrate. So I have a 120 gallon with a slate tile bottom, and some wood and rock. But I couldn't resist plants altogether, so I do have some epiphytes on the wood. My Stendker Discus are actually arriving today!

[@deanbrown7318]

I needed this video. Thank you

[@mikeinca3762]

Wow! What a difference! It looks so alive! The colors are amazing and the schooling fish brings a great movement to the scape! Yes very simple but soooo effective! I am happy you have found the right changes with this discus setup! As a aquarium hobbyist, I know it effected you before and during the process to fix the situation and the results are truly amazing! Awesome job George! Love the setup and it really POPS!

[@jayaychare7318]

it looks super clean now with just really nice timber taking centre stage . healthy-looking discus and one big single shoal of smaller fish is a great combo and what ill be going for. really stylish . i wonder what a frosted back section with lighting might really make the discus pop although the pure black back does work nicely.

[@discuslover5221]

Looks a great deal like the DiscusTank on Aquatic Concepts. Both are very beautiful!

[@tbenson5966]

Very nice, I’ve been thinking to go that way as well with a discus tank!!

[@laszloszocs7477]

Great results and yes this is beautiful even without the plants great choice with the bright substrate everyone's color is popping 😍. Its nice to see even profesional scapers can ditch plants and CO2 for the hardscape only tank great work again love the result ..

[@Stavrosmct]

Guess what im considering doing now..... Looks awesome mate. Hope the family are well.

[@casperboejensen3303]

Its beautiful and kind of ADG-like, i like IT a Lot and looking forward to follow the progress

[@MM-wt2oo]

Amazing tank

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

WOW even with no plants your video is still very processional looking, thanks George for bringing and videoing this crystal clear nice discus tank the previous plants could have hidden bacteria effecting the discus fishes or at times discus fishes get effected by internal or external unseen parasites? which might cause the discus fishes to go inactive, yes very worrying indeed and the bare tank is a nice scape as well and also a nice large lemon shoal of fishes as well. And super nice discus fishes as the center piece fishes as well, hope u can add more fishes in the the future as well. cheers and looking forward to your next excellent video and a nice video there as well as usual cheers George

[@furiouzzzz]

awesome set up

[@pawelmatus]

George won't be able to resist anubias on the wood scape. Would look great imo.

[@gsmhnc12]

Beautiful aquarium. Well done! I keep both aquascapes (emphasis on plants and hardscape) and aquariums (emphasis on fish) although elements of both are integrated into all the tanks. In my mind they are different hobbies, or at the very least least require a different mindset even if some of the underlying skills are shared.

[@martykorn1424]

30 year discus keeper here. There are many reasons a fish goes dark. But in discus it’s their environment or background colors they adjust to. Your fish brightened up because their tank did. Simple as that mate. You also could’ve been low on oxygen when you ran C02.

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

George...i absolutely understand how you are feeling. I have recently started focusing on the fish aspect of the aquarium...and my goodness the rewards are so satisfying..i had always thought an aquascaped tank was where a fish would feel most comfortable in. But i was wrong....its all about the water quality.

[@SlowBloke123]

So much nicer with the plants.

[@bjszoowildlife4148]

Great job, beautiful fish and tank. I found mine didn’t like ferts and a lot of co2. Now, I don’t fertilise and run lighter co2 , still have excellent plant growth and happy discus.

[@BadlydrawnBen]

Wow just stunning

[@gomzify]

loved this set up ... i am planning to replicate that with my 90 gallon tank ... thanks for sharing bro !

[@cayteowands]

Fabulous transformation 🥰 the Discus are magnificent but those tetras✨🥰💕

[@plantedtankz8988]

I just ordered a waterbox 4820. I'm going to set up my first discus tank. I also heard that they don't care for co2. Your video just answered a bunch of my questions. 🙂

[@StuScapes]

What a transformation, even the Lemon Tetras are more colourful 👏

[@stephenmartin4705]

Well done George! Can't be right all the time. Takes a sensible man to listen to others sometimes. As many of us know, they look so much better in their natural lighter setting. I love my plants but the Discus sell the show most of the time on their own.

[@36Krissy]

Looks great

[@lisacoggins4541]

Simply Beautiful 🐠

[@Michxelrayy]

Thank you for this!