Aquarium Flow 🌿 Why Water Circulation Matters🌿 Foundations in Aquascaping

[@susanmyer4478]

I will be retiring soon and want an aquarium. I am spending hours online trying to figure it all out. Your channel is very informative. I can honestly say I understand filtration and flow a bit better after watching. Thanks

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Very glad to hear it helps. I will be starting a new series soon that will be covering the basics step by step as well

[@noyezz3690]

so how is your retirement aquarium?

[@kosys5338]

The one thing I really noticed about my fish and flow is that they love to play in the flow. all my fish are schooling fish and it is cool to see the schools playing in the flow. They do it all the time and are thriving health wise. They even play in the flow from the air stone, they enter bubble column at bottom and let the bubbles carry them to the top. Then they swim back to bottom and do it again, not only that the whole school does it in a chain one after another. I think the right amount of flow is essential for every tank.

[@felixhermida2922]

One of the best videos that I have seen in aquascaping, thanks for your time and for sharing your experiences, please more videos on other topics !!!!!!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you. Glad you found it useful.

[@ratsaremagic]

Very well explained. Thank you

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@wasaer1]

Absolutely the best video on this topic that I’ve ever seen presented in a very understandable way

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you. I am glad you found it informative

[@JolliBliss]

Nice to see your passion on video, thanks for sharing.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks for watching!

[@edwincastillocollazo]

OUTSTANDING,DETAILED INFORMATION PROVIDED...THE BEST I'VE SEEN....GREAT JOB !!!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful.

[@simonpidgeon949]

Great video and full of very useful information , thank you 💯👍

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@enjoyingevilslander3604]

I've been looking high and low for a decent video on this subject and while I had given up hope on finding a decent video, I stumbled onto this. Great video! Greatly appreciated, from a fellow Canadian.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Hunting TheHunter Hey thanks. Glad you like it...always good to hear from a fellow Canadian too

[@ronmutnjakovic3437]

Old video but omg so informative!! Thank you for your detailed and encompassing explanation - you should make some new ones as you’re obviously very experienced with the planted aquaria hobby👍👍

[@TheObserver567]

Thanks!

[@LittleLargeMouth]

I like these long videos. Great presentation!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks! I like the lecture format rather than breaking it up too much. 😊

[@petercope6474]

as I was listening to and watching your video , I began within just moments to realize why I was having areas in my tank with algae problems you hit it right on the button. I will be looking to improve the water flow in my tank straight away much thanks for your help, and the tank in your video looks amazing.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad it helped. Build up of organic waste and detritus is one the main causes of pretty much every type of algae and dead spots due to improper or sub-optimal circulation is a often overlooked trigger.

[@chicagopapi6152]

Well presented and jam-packed with very important information. Thank you.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Chicago Papi Thanks. Hope you subscribed. A lot more to come!

[@chicagopapi6152]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby Yup, I've subscribed so that I can now enjoy so much more of you. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from you. :)

[@lorisickavish1335]

I have just set up a planted tank in a 20 gallon Innovative Marine Nuvo Pro which has built in filtration in the back. There are two outflow nozzles coming from the back wall and the intake grills are on the top left and right back wall. I have set up my CO2 diffuser on the right side close to the front glass as low as I can get it and notice that not many bubbles are circulating through the entire tank. I have manoevered the outflows and cannot seem to get it right. I also noticed a few spots where the plants are not moving with the flow so must be dead spots. Where would you suggest I place the diffuser and how would you direct the outflow nozzles? Thank you for a very informative video!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Yeah those built ins can be tricky to optimize flow. I have used similar systems and found it difficult to get even coverage. My solution was, and my suggestion is, get yourself a Hydor pico evo-mag 180. They are a really small circulation pump and perfect for that size tank. It has a fully rotatable directional head and flow control. IF you dont want to add anything extra to the tank then do your best..get the closest you can. What outline is the most optimal solution but this doesn't mean that you can't have success if not perfectly optimal. It is a guideline to shoot for. But if you are ok with adding a little something, then the pico evo-mag is a great tool for just your kind of issue.

[@lorisickavish1335]

@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991 Thank you for your reply. I looked up the Hydro Pico Evo-Mag 180 on Amazon and quite a few reviewers said it was noisy. Did you find it noisy? My aquarium is beautifully silent right now. Thanks again!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

I have never found it to be noisy at all. Perhaps if they didnt burp out the air properly so there was a gas lock around the impeller? But even then, I dont think I noticed it made a sound at all. Mind you I have multiple tanks running in the same room but I never noticed it being noisy. I can't speak to others' experiences but mine was a good one. Sorry if i can't be more definitive.

[@rufusjean-baptiste]

How about internal filters don't they act in the same way as the cannister filter ?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Some models of internal filters have a directable flow but the output is usally not significant except perhaps in samller tanks. Any gyro patterned circulation is helpful but internal filters offer diminishing returns the larger the tanks.

[@davidmcgahan5021]

awsome video! love this series. pls make more, seriosly informative for us beginers.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you. I have been distracted the last year or so by other pursuits and sharing aquarium info in lectures, Facebook groups and articles. I hope to get back to the vids some day soon... i do miss doing them.

[@mustacheok]

awesome video mna, very clarifying

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you. Glad you found it helpful

[@seove1]

I have a 55 gallon with a sump. I have an oversized sump pump with a small wavemaker in the sump. In the display tank I have 2 small wavemakers. I'm loving it. I don't see many of the problems that I used to see in my tanks, before adding increased water flow.

[@justinmaurel3089]

Your video's are really great. Your advise is spot on and I am learning so much. Thanks

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks for watching and for the kind response...glad you are finding them helpful.

[@fishoutwithjuno]

Thanks for this awesome video. This is very informative. Also I agree with flow being overlooked in the hobby.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Something Fishy Juno Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment 😊

[@jnightmare2386]

i have my hob on the end of my 40g breeder how does this change the flow

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

This is still less than optimal because that single wash of water cascading down is creating a single flow direction not returning from the opposite side smoothly. You are more likely going to be having a buildup of detritus at the far end . This is not SPECIFICALLY problematic but it IS suboptimal for sure.

[@jnightmare2386]

@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991 forgot to say on the other end i have a sponge filter but i do get build up in the front of the aquarium and battleing black hair algae

[@jackieclough9492]

Thank you for tips on benefits of water flow

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you found it helpful. It is an often overlooked aspect of a healthy planted aquarium.

[@Yorkscarnivore]

What if you've got angel fish?? They don't like too much flow do they

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Yes..but the qualifier is "too much". Angels are perfectly fine in the amount of flow necessary to circulate a tank so as to make plants gently sway.

[@summonersummoner9536]

I enjoyed it I subbed

[@seove1]

Listening for the 3rd time. It's like listening to a favorite song. I've learned, from experience, all what you are saying BUT it's so nice to hear it explained so well.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thank you so much. I am really pleased it is helping.

[@seove1]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby it's the best kept secret magic pill in the hobby!

[@muju7151]

This is very informative, thank you sir!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad you enjoyed

[@predragmilic6943]

Thanx for all this informtaion man, your explenations are so good. I have learned so much from this video. Keep up the good work

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Predrag Milic Thank you so much! I've got more videos coming soon so i hope you subscribed for updates.

[@predragmilic6943]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby Yes, I have subscribed to your chanel, I'm looking forward to new videos

[@johnathantaylor3199]

Great video! In terms of flow and dead spots within the tank: Would an eheim Pro 4+350 be too much for a 10 gallon cichlid planted tank, even if turned down? The accompanied output flow bar seems as if it would absolutely eliminate any dead spots from the top to bottom.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

That may be a bit of overkill...the pro 4 350 turns over 250 gallons an hour...so at 10 times turnover thats 25 gallons. Now i say MIGHT be overkill. I have not baseline tested the pro 4 350 with media in it to know what the real turnover rate is. That being said, i am not a fan of running a filter closed down too much as it puts strain on the motor I find. Also 10 gallons seems small for a cichlid tank but that depends on your actual bioload. I say try it out...the aim is to have gentle but adequate movement throughout..not a tornado. If your plants are bending over or your fish are constantly struggling in the flow then you know. 😊

[@seove1]

I love water flow. A lot fewer problems. Great video!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks. And yes, people underestimate how much simply moving the water around efficiently helps maintain a healthy tank.

[@seove1]

N.O.A.H. - Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby agreed!

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

Great Video. Very informative. Thank you for sharing. I have subscribed to your channel and liked the video.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Ultimate Fishkeeping Show Thanks...glad you enjoyed it!

[@randy1817]

Good info! Tank looks great!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Randy Sunkel Thanks. Hope it helped.

[@randy1817]

When starting up a new tank how many days should I wait to start using the CO2 ??

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Randy Sunkel You can start right away...the healthier the plants are from the start the faster the tank will cycle due to their increased plant mass

[@randy1817]

That makes sense. Ok, should I start off with the CO2 on for the entire light cycle? I'm going to start with the lights on for 6 hours. For the first week. From what I gather most say to start off slow with the CO2 and lights. What do you think?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Randy Sunkel Yep...it is always good to slowly ramp up anu parameter change For the co2...make sure it is a consistent increase so as to avoid uneven distribution

[@majherg]

I am a newb to the planted world and your videos are fantastic! They are so informative and well-rounded, offering several scenarios rather than telling us to run out and buy the latest, most expensive equipment. I've got a couple of flow questions specific to my setup - is it okay to ask away - or do you participate (or recommend) a good forum?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

majherg hey. thanks for your comments and for subscribing. I do try to offer as many options as possible because there are so many variables in this hobby. On facebook the low tech planted tank group and the high tech planted tank groups are both great forums for discussion. But feel free to ask away here too and I'll be glad to help if i can.

[@MultiHalcyon]

Excellent presentation

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+roy katz Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@haziqhusin963]

wooow, this information really help me.... thank you so much. I subscribe to your channel

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@sevenmile]

nice work --good stuff! I did Subscribe -- keep it up

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

sevenmile Thanks. please share it around. feel free to ask for upcoming topics you might like videos on

[@necroeasy593]

Your a hit your explanation is impeccable, subscribed.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+necro easy Thanks for the kind words...glad you are enjoying the vids😊

[@andysim8184]

Do you think a random flow generator (rfg) nozzle can work for freshwater aquariums ? Understand that it’s designed for saltwater applications. However was wondering if the random flow would help in eliminating dead spots in the aquarium.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

I think it might actually. I have never tried one for that purpose but it should, in theory, work quite well for that. I would caution that some RFG were also designed for flow acceleration which could create some gaseous dead zomes from too much current. But if paired with a properly rated filter or even a standalone powerhead, it could work if aimed correctly. I might have to play around with it myself.

[@aquamaster8243]

Now this is a good guide ! 👍

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks!

[@Ttblondey]

Some hob filter can be adjusted

[@Ttblondey]

Sunsun hbl 803

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Although the sunsun 803 is hung on the rim..it is considered a hanging canister style rather than a traditional HOB filter that typically has a waterfall type output. So although the 803 might seem to be an exception, it is a different category of filter than being discussed as HOB in the video.

[@Ttblondey]

Thanks for the reply Happy New Year

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks for the question. It allowed me to clarify an area not specifically discussed. Happy new year to you as well.

[@Starheroz]

what wallpaper/background are you using on that tank? id like to get one for myself!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Starheroz On the tank behind me in the video it is just a simple frosted static film....same sort of stuff you might get for a bathroom window...no adhesive...just holds on with water and static

[@stanr5787]

@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991I've been planning to get a frosted window film background like yours. It looks great. Thanks I'm buying one.

[@worldoffish4573]

That tank behind you looks amazing 😍😜 Very informational video 👍

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

King Aquarium Thanks for the comments. i hope you share and subscribe.. spread the word 😊

[@invain143]

Thank you sir. You have a new subscriber. :)

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@redsev4484]

Is there any recommendations you could make for an in / external water pump. I am setting up one tank with a matten filter right now 90gal I have two generic pumps 390gal/h. I have no idea how long they will last. Then I will have a larger one planned around the 1000 gal mark. I like the idea of having a dual pump system and those I definitely want outside the tank. I'm going for the most naturalistic environment possible.(Amazon basin and tribaturies.)Thanks.

[@ADUAquascaping]

sweet video man. I liked the part about oxygen depleted areas near the bottom.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

ADU Aquascaping do you think i oversimplified that too much? I know that plant respiration and o2 absorbtion in the water counterbalances that...i hope i didnt overstate it.

[@rboser27]

ADU Aquascaping I like your video as well on flow to Dave! one thing some algea like flow. So it's more about light and fertilization.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Ryan Boser...see now this was part of the point I was trying to make about not considering flow. ou say "it's more about fertilizatiin and light"....now where these are if course important...if you have these two favtors dialed in but have poor flow...you are still at risk of having algae issues. In an aquatic environment balance is not achieved in the backs of one or two factors...but all.

[@GoodSamaritan-g2i]

Please make a video on how to manage flow...i.e. ideal placement of lilypipes / spraybars...etc

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Yeah. I realize although i touched on it in this vid, i should make it a bit more clear.

[@GoodSamaritan-g2i]

@@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991 Cheers mate....have a great day. Thanks again for the great contents.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Ta

[@himdude121]

@Northern Ontario Aquarium Hobby I'm planing on doing a cube tank and having two hang on back filters. They'll be positioned opposite of each other in the corners. Do you think that would create a good circulation and keep everything moving well?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Caleb Zabel It will do alright...if sticking with the 2 HOB i would try and position them diagonal from each other to try and get the gyro circulation going....or supplement your flow with a powerhead

[@himdude121]

Thank you for the quick response! The gyro circulation was what I was going for. I'll try it out and tell you how it works.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Caleb Zabel For sure. Hit me up anytime if you have any questions. Everything takes tweaking here and there.

[@OrbitalObs]

I appreciate this video, thank you for sharing this.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Thanks. Hope it helped.

[@seove1]

Good one

[@The_Robert.Fletcher]

Great stuff as usual. I try to have a situation where I can see movement of plants. A negative situation is allowing plants to grow too densley causing dead spots. Rethinking what I am doing.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Robert Fletcher The gyre pattern i suggest, will work in still very densly planted or hardscaped tanks It is a very smooth and active flow

[@alejandrorivero6913]

Great video only complaint i have is you dont show drawing or show the filtration process you talk about with great detail but i would like to see a video that shows how you set the filter and power heads to make the circulation work proper thanks keep the videos coming.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Great feedback...i have been considering doing this. I thought the description was clear but i can certainly do a more visual vid for this topic too

[@alexawermuth558]

What is that clover looking plant in the backround?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Hydrocotyle Tripartia sp Japan. I cover it in this video as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmqsnoOtg5toa6c

[@kdr1048]

Nice video. I have a 20 long it's been up for about 4 months now. I've gotton some algae and bba on some of my bacopa and driftwood. I am getting a pump this week. Will that help get rid of the algae? Or should i cut off some of the effected areas on my plant first? I think the flow will def help. Thanks

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Kevin Rosenberg Flow can definitely help...or i should say proper flow. Most algae are opportunistic and will find areas of co2 fluctuation and poor growth to attach to. Flow helps create a well balanced and stable system.

[@pearljameric]

Seems like the opposite for me. I am getting diatoms where the powerhead is hitting the glass.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Diatoms fall under a category all their own. They don't behave the same as any of the green or red opportunistic algae varieties. Diatoms will disappear once beneficial bacterial and microbial colonies have matured to sufficient and stable levels. Tyipcal opportunistic algaes like Oedogonium varieties for example are more affected excess organic materials rather than microbial/bacterial colonies.

[@abisaymartinez440]

how big is that tank behind you?

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Abisay Martinez 45 gallon

[@abisaymartinez440]

im really glad you replied, I've only got one more question. i really like your aquascape what would you call it or substrate, also i can't identify the plants, sorry for the questions!

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Abisay Martinez The substrate in this tank is EcoComplete with a bit of pool filter sand for decoration. I'm not sure which plants you can't identify so here is the full list as it stood at the time of the video (i have made a few changes since then) Staurogyne repens Hydrocotyle tripartia sp japan Heminanthus Glomeratus (pearlweed) Myriophyllum tuberculatum Spiky Moss Flame moss Downoi Anubias petite nana

[@msg1711]

The tank in the background does not seem to have much circulation flow or movement at all.

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

It has quite a bit actually and this is the point of properly setting up a gyrus pattern. You can get optimal circulation without having the plants bending over from it or slamming the fish into the opposing wall.

[@Mikinct]

This had nothing to do with "Flo" from Progressive Insurance, bummer. Great video non the leaa

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

+Michael Piccirillo Hahahahahaha

[@waterlover]

need a better mic

[@abudinhh8933]

: