Planted Tanks - 3 Major Factors you MUST know! | Part 2

In planted tanks, we have three major factors that we must learn. Check out this beginners guide.
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ABOUT THIS CHANNEL: For all thing aquarium related! Covering fish keeping, planted tanks to even marine and salt water reef and coral tanks!

[@funnysht5093]

This guy needs more subs he so good at explaining

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for watching!

[@NA-jx2bf]

This channel is a godsend. Best channel I've seen so far that explains things in a clear and concise way. Also, really appreciate that he gives good examples of a variety of products that are readily available at our local shops and are affordable. This hobby is great but very expensive so I am grateful he provides alternatives.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad you like the video and that it helped!

[@angelicavelasco7065]

So much great information! Thank you!

[@kaleidstone8609]

This is great! It has really helped me understand how to do this. I am really exited. Going for 20 gallon tank with neon tetras and Corey catfish. I want to plant it, and first I need to learn about how to care for them. This is really easy to understand

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helps!

[@cynthialopez4520]

I hardly ever leave comments, but bro you are amazing. This series has easily been the most informative thing I've seen yet; I'm new to the hobby, and I am a teacher as well, so I really appreciate you referencing actual professionals and giving a clear direction. Great job!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped!

[@CaptainSavageAquatics]

Awesome video! Very informative! I really enjoyed how you broke everything down!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you liked it!

[@hooktherapy]

Great video! Very informative and put together really well

[@TheWaterBox]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

[@markgarrett2968]

love your videos thanks!

[@OddFoxxeP]

Thank you for this series! I've not felt too overwhelmed by information but this series helps pull it all together. Also thank you for not being quite as over the top as some other channels.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad this helps! :)

[@DebTim]

Hi Chung..you are such a great teacher!! 🍏

[@TheWaterBox]

Awe thanks Deb! You rock! A+ for you!

[@AlonyaJ]

This is a really good series. I already have many of the items listed and know how to use them, but this explains it really well for the person who really is just starting out.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for watching!

[@tobedetermined638]

best series on the topic

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! Glad you liked!

[@tylerjohnson4600]

bro you literally shouted out every resource, product and everything ive used just as of recently to start getting into the planted hobby lol you rock!

[@TheWaterBox]

❤

[@steveklotz973]

Best explanation of this subject I've seen. Thank you for your hard work!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thank you for watching!

[@MasterAquatics]

great video. i can tell a lot of effort went into this video. great information.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! Let me know what you think of the info itself. I'm probably missing something or convey'd something off so it's good to hear what other planted tankers think.

[@craniumrex4614]

Great videos - I've been looking for a beginner's guide. Thanks for explaining everything so well. I'm planning my first planted tank and this series is awesome. Your explanation of water flow made me laugh out loud. I watch a lot of "how-to" videos (not just planted tanks, I'm an information-aholic) and I really appreciate your direct explanations and that you don't feel the need to be all "whazzup You-Tubers" - your knowledge, skill, and obvious love of your craft make you very engaging. I'm off to watch the rest of the series!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! I'm really glad these videos works out for you! I like hearing that! Happy tanking!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

This was a really good video!! Thank you for explaining so many important components to keeping a planted tank!!👍🌿🐟🌱🙏✌️

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@titofigueroa8413]

Love planted tanks was off the hobby for a while. Planning to start up again don't have super expirience feeling like a newbie. But with your vids, picking up awesome knowledge going for it a 100%. Keep dropping knowledge on us hobbiest bro. thanks!!

[@TheWaterBox]

Hey man, I was in the same boat as you about three months ago. Took weeks to catch up again. I'm glad I can help others out in the same situation! Get that tank going! It's worth it. Can't believed how much I missed it until I got back into it.

[@barbibear]

Thank you for your explanations, this is exactly what I was looking for.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad it helped!

[@gerryxanthopoulou1279]

Thank goodness you came up in random recomendations by utube,your down to earth explanations are amazing,thank you so much,keep up the good work.!

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helped!

[@dr.sirmister220]

Seriously awesome videos! Keep em coming please

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! Glad you like em!!

[@TheMCMARIAH]

Best explanation I’ve seen! And I’ve seen so many videos and ended up confused. This clarified a lot! Thankyou 😁

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad it helped!

[@camillecunningham9144]

Thank you so much for the easy to follow & basic instructions for a beginner.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aalirashid]

Awesome info thanks man

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for watching!

[@NessysSanctuary]

I know this is old but I have to say you are the only one that has explained C02 and why people use it. I have been researching for over 6 months every one and I mean any one never ever say why they are using C02 I find your vlogs very informative. Thank you.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad! Thanks! I hope it helped!

[@henryorante9925]

I really liked this vid, it help me a lot... And it has actually made me gain more knowledge on plantd tanks.. and specially those deficiencies...

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad!

[@jessethabarber]

Man i wish this channel was still alive 😢 starting a planted tank this week and just finding this channel.

[@kaleidstone8609]

Wow! This makes so much sense now.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helped!

[@brandongacuzana3792]

Great videos man. I've been doing a TON of reserach on setting up my first fish tank (I wanna do a Walstad tank) and your videos have been provided some of the greatest, digestible content I can find. Great stuff!

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad they helped!

[@rustythecat2163]

Thank you very much for helping me understand how to grow and maintain healthy plants in my aquarium. Am passing much respect your way!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! I hope it's going well!

[@melissabyers6634]

Very well said. Thank you!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thank you Melissa!

[@janetwroniak8073]

THANKS SO MUCH!!! I'm ready!!!!

[@TheWaterBox]

Yay!

[@johnawatin9467]

This guy deserves more credit!

[@TheWaterBox]

John Awatin thanks for watching!

[@clearegtower9468]

Another great video, man!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks Josh!

[@TheWinger1008]

Finally a person making it simple to planted tanks for the true beginners.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!

[@marky0306]

I really enjoy watching your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge :)

[@TheWaterBox]

and thanks for watching Marky! More to come!

[@Modded81]

Oh wow!! I'm trying to learn about planted tanks to start my own and it seems all the videos I watch you need a degree to understand. You sir have given me more understanding about plants and setups in the last 5 videos I've watched then the 100s of others I've been watching for the last few weeks. I've just subscribed and look forward to the rest of your videos. Keep up the great content

[@susanmoon1298]

I totally agree!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks Anthony!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks Susan!

[@joashplayer9592]

Your videos are really good! Great info and quality! Its great that you keep it up even tho your audience is small.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! That's how you try and grow the audience! lol

[@sarahbarnette9548]

Loving these videos so much info thanks

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad they help. :)

[@paulchippington7498]

Great informative video and Loving the playlist thank you Chip

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for watching Paul!

[@paulchippington7498]

My pleasure truly inspirational your videos of these amazing scapes

[@TheWaterBox]

Awe, thanks man!

[@CichlidCity]

Awesome video - I cannot believe that I have never seen your channel before! I subscribed. Keep up the great work.

[@TheWaterBox]

Just started it up a couple months ago :) Thanks for Subbing!

[@travisgraham8378]

Thank you sir for taking the time to do this video series!

[@travisgraham8378]

Oh and I subbed!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for Watching and subbing!

[@andylees136]

Great video series. Im quite new to planted tanks after keeping fish for 30 years. Have a small Fluval Spec V with low light plants so this is very useful to me. Thx

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm thinking about getting a fluval Spec as well just cause it looks like a new tank. From what I heard, the light on it grow low light plants well.

[@andylees136]

The Water Box Yeah seems OK for the crypt,java fern,dwarf sag and anubias I have in there.

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh those plants should do fine with that light.

[@ACAquatics]

I've never heard Co² explained any better than you have here. What a great job with this series. This series is a must for anybody that is getting into planted tanks or has planted tanks. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. As always keep doing what you do if it works for you.

[@TheWaterBox]

As always, thanks for watching and the feedback!

[@ACAquatics]

The Water Box no problem brother. As you can tell I'm binge watching your videos today...lol

[@TheWaterBox]

Lol I noticed! No complaints! :)

[@chuckwaltz]

Really enjoy your videos straight to the point no bull. I just moved my 75 that was planted and decided to go dirt it’s been about five days now everything seems to be doing fine anything I should look for and how much light should I have on this tank in the beginning thank you for your time and consideration

[@TheWaterBox]

No problem! thanks for commenting and watching :)

[@JPHolbrook]

Really good presentation. You explain it in easy to convert bits. My brain feels nourished. Subscribed and liked.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm glad it nourished your brain! lol

[@danielleregan4029]

thankyou for the advice

[@TheWaterBox]

❤

[@josemontalvo4532]

Excellent video. I’ve seen this already, but it’s still good review the vid. I enjoyed watching again. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!

[@josemontalvo4532]

The Water Box - I’m on my fourth viewing, so muchas gracias mi amigo!

[@TheWaterBox]

Haha great! I hope it's helping!

[@GRich-nl8ks]

Great video. Just subscribed. I use RO unit due to living in country and my well water is 80ppm nitrate out of tap. I use Kent RO Right to add back the good minerals. With my ferts I use easy green, easy root tabs, easy iron and easy carbon from aquarium co op.

[@TheWaterBox]

Sounds like a great set up you got! Keep tanking!

[@Seanmmvi]

The student has become the teacher! Outstanding video, bravo Chung! Really great job on this video!

[@TheWaterBox]

*bows* Why thank you Master Williams. I am humbled by your comment.

[@Seanmmvi]

I literally just finished filming an update video on my 75, showing first maintence. My arms are still wet as I type this. Importing footage now, editing tonight. MIGHT upload tonight, for sure by tomorrow.

[@zenmattster441]

Awesome videos! You should link to all the supplies you talk about.

[@TheWaterBox]

I usually do. If I didn't I do it in other videos on particular builds or topics. :)

[@karankimmx]

Amazing video!!!!!!

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!

[@Cameronfelt]

I’m trying to get my info cause I’m starting a tank very soon, your videos r my fav cause it’s simply explained but not super dumbed down

[@Cameronfelt]

Might be a stupid question but…. Would putting the tank in the window not give it enough light?

[@TheWaterBox]

It will but it might give it TOO much sunlight. If the sun is shining directly into the tank, you might have problems with algae. However, if it never gets direct sunlight it may be ok. It's doable, you just have to keep the tank balanced with the light it's getting. It's a more involved conversation.

[@lindaburns919]

Great teacher.......

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks.

[@jontomustalent575]

Wow i did not know it took this much to start. Thank you for the video. This lets me know I’m not ready for the hobby

[@TheWaterBox]

You're welcome! It does seem a lot at first but once you got it down, it's really not bad at all. Thanks for watching.

[@jontomustalent575]

@@TheWaterBox no problem your videos are cool. I have 6 fish aquariums and was Thinking about live plants but 3 of those tanks have bullheads so I definitely can’t use plants with them lol

[@TheWaterBox]

@@jontomustalent575 Oh yeh! That makes sense lol You got the other three, one of them you can't switch to a planted tank?

[@daveesito15]

great stuff brotha

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks bro!

[@davidmcgahan5021]

great video. you cleared up a lot of my questions and yes excel WILL KILL jungle val. been there done that!

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helped

[@watartoobig4848]

Thank you senpai chung. Why I didnt see you when I started my planted tanks.

[@TheWaterBox]

Awe, maybe it wasn't meant to be at the beginning but here we are now and that, my friend, is all that matters! :)

[@LifeInABoxorigin]

Thank you. :)

[@TheWaterBox]

Thank you for watching!

[@ShulammiteMaiden]

Thanks for the video, got a lot of information. Favorite part was water flow - "You don't want too much water flow where your plants are like: 'AhhhhAHhhhhahHHaaa!' " lol :)

[@TheWaterBox]

Haha, glad I got a smile outa of someone :)

[@no-knickers-emma1112]

Really like this Mexican guy. New subscriber.

[@TheWaterBox]

Gracias!

[@andrewkelly7330]

Brilliant video, how many hours per day would you class as to much lighting for the plants ?

[@TheWaterBox]

When you have a huge algae bloom, it's too much. ;) Some people use less powerful light and run long photo-periods. Some use more powerful lights and run shorter photo-periods. It really depends on the lights you get and how deep your tank is and what you're trying to grow.

[@hectornfigueroa11]

Thanks for sharing all that info. Quick ?. What's in ur tanks RO or tap? that will be a good topic to discuss specially for people who are planning to get into co2 dossing.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm using tap water. My water comes out of the tap at about 7.8 so I pump enough Co2 to drop it to 6.8 to get 30ppm in co2. That's the easiest way and accurate way to know you're getting 30ppm of co2. If you are using RO water then just use either Seachem Equilibrium or GH booster to raise the ph up a bit and add magnesium, calcium, and potassium back into the water. GH booster normally only contains magnesium, calcium, and potassium but Seachem Equilibrium contains all three and then some additional nutrients as well.

[@76Stankfinger]

Another great video. Have a quick question. Where do you guys find your clear covers for your fish tanks? I’m ordering the same light you have on your tank in this video for my low tech 20 gallon. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

[@TheWaterBox]

You should be able to get one at petco or petsmart assuming it's a generic shaped 20g tank! Hope that helps

[@urbansk8r231]

Aqueon makes vesa hinged glass lids for rectangle, bowfront and corner tanks, in many sizes. The glass lid has a plastic strip that you slid on to the back of lid. It can be cut to fit any filter, intake or airline tubing.

[@DavidRodriguez-jt1ns]

Very solid advice, I really don't think there's a better lesson or advice out there, have you looked into the company Green Leaf Aquariums?

[@TheWaterBox]

Yup. I know of them. Good place for ferts and other cool stuff.

[@hollowpoint1057]

Liquid Carbon is not a replacement for CO2. It’s used to fight algae. Aquarium Co-Op is clear about this in their marketing.

[@B1llyg0at]

I'm looking to get into the planted aquascape hobby, and you have been by far the most informative on an easy to understand level and for that I thank you

[@TheWaterBox]

glad it helps!

[@landino4624]

What plant's would be good to be planted with 2 weather loach's in the tank?

[@TheWaterBox]

Depends. If your Dojo's tends to uproot plants (they probably do) you might want to stick to Rhizome plants like Java Ferns, Anubius and Buce's attached to driftwood

[@dbachelorsplantedaquarium4711]

I'm using liquid carbon. Flourish excel and i see a big difference in my aquarium plants.

[@TheWaterBox]

Awesome! Very simple to use and great for the plants! :) Glad to hear it.

[@dbachelorsplantedaquarium4711]

Also adding plant fertilizers. Sera florena and plant premium by azoo. Unfortunately seachem brands are hard to find here so i use other brands and so far they are doing' well.

[@kriskellas1856]

Thank you for this video it helps alot with a beginner like me. I am currently setting up a Juwel trigon 190. I was hoping to have natural aquarium sand as my substrate. I would like to plant some easy maintenance hardy plants. I have yet to research these and see what would be the best for me just starting out. Could I put a layer of eco complete down under the sand?

[@TheWaterBox]

Hi! I'm glad you're jumping into it! It's great fun. As for your question, you can put eco-complete under the sand, the problem with that is that the sand will fall into the eco-complete layer and mix in with it. The other problem with this is that Eco-complete is not a nutrient charge substrate, other than the small amount of trace elements plants can use for nutrients, the trick it is it's CeC value. That means it takes nutrients from the water column and stores it it into itself to release slowly for the plant roots. If you put sand on top, you cut off a lot of the flow from the water column to the substrate when renders it pretty moot point to use Eco-complete. If you want to sand cap something, soil or something like ADA amazonia aquasoil will work much better.

[@kriskellas1856]

Thank you very much for the advice and explanation. I will look into the ADA soil. I have watched all the rest of the parts of this playlist thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheWaterBox]

Not a problem! As long as it helps! :)

[@OmarTheAtheistAziz]

can cool water help keep the newly planted from melting? my plants are severely melted, & now just taking advice. Like you said, low light, less dosing, i also heard clean water, from somewhere else. i though plants would prefer Not too clean water, as in the wild, water can get dirty, so i had a dirty tank. Does plants still have a chance at survival, if All its leaves has melted, but its roots are still thick & white? pH:6 with hard water and almost 0 nitrate & nitrite

[@TheWaterBox]

PH 6 isn't hard water. I don't know how warm your water is but if too warm that can cause melting. If roots are strong, plants will grow but you need to figure out what's melting your plants first.

[@ramonsierra3537]

Hi. What's your recommendation to get rid of brown algae (diatoms) in a planted tank?

[@TheWaterBox]

water changes with RO water. overtime. That's usually how I got rid of mine for a while.

[@vaibhavpatel1892]

can I use led bulb for amzon sword, jungal vals, hair grass nd java moss if yes then how muach watt ?

[@TheWaterBox]

Yes but it depending on what kind of bulb we're talking about

[@channel0712]

Ive seen that this light : “NICREW ClassicLED Plus Planted Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum LED” is very popular on amazon. Would i need CO2 if running this light? Im only planting monte carlo and moss.

[@tvannieuwenhuijzen4107]

What type of Moss?

[@TheWaterBox]

Depending on the moss, you should be ok. You can alway dose some liquid carbon to help the plants with some carbon.

[@KevinENHVlogs]

Loving the breakdown. If this is not easy then i dont know what will be. Good job on explaining stuff. You did a good job with getting everything across and not getting lost in the "science" of it all but getting the point across. Alot of the stuff i already know but its good to hear it again and even learn something new. I will be redoing my planted tank and wanted to ask you a question. I am in-between what substrate i should use. I used miracle grow organic soil in my last tank and was not too happy with what i saw. Maybe i did something wrong. My question is if you would recommend a substrate off the shelf what would that be? And also what do you think of a mix of Miracle grow organic as a base and then eco complete to cap? Thanks for the helpful video and it came at a great time for me to redo my tank.

[@TheWaterBox]

For cost, go Eco-Complete and make sure you dose and bury tabs. If you wanna really do high nutrient substrate you will never go wrong with ADA Aquasoil BUT it's expensive if you got a big tank! Soil capped with Eco-Complete will work fine. I tend to go with something with smaller grain as the cap though so it's easier to plant stuff but some people have no problems with larger size substrate. I also tend to get Cory Cats so I stick to the sili sand. Soil is nice but so damn messy. That's my problem with it. After a while you'll get used to it but I tend to move my plants around a lot at the start. What I REALLY recommend is a set up with EcoComplete as base and then cap it with ADA Aqua Soil Regular. I tend to use the ADA Aqua Soil Sand version but it tends to sink into the Eco-Complete over time.

[@KevinENHVlogs]

the tank is 40 gallon so it's not big. when you say go eco complete do you mean alone or with the miracle gro? I have no problem with doing the ada just want to make sure before I do

[@TheWaterBox]

Eco-Complete alone willl work but if you can do ADA I would suggest that over Eco-Complete or Eco-Complete as the base and cap with ADA. 40g Breeder? I think then 2 1/2 bags of eco for bottom and 2 bags of ADA will work

[@KevinENHVlogs]

OK cool. thanks man. I think I like the eco complete base and ada top combo. I may try that. thanks for the suggestions.yes it's a 40 breeder tank.

[@TheWaterBox]

I'd use the regular ADA instead of the Sand version. The normal ADA has smaller grain than the Eco-complete and still anchor plants well. The sand tended to slip into the eco-complete underneath after a while.

[@kevywilliams3304]

You need to also know what plants like to be low and out of light and which want to get it all ! Because like MD says . He uses crap light, but keeps them in longer and bam!

[@TheWaterBox]

Good tip

[@jacobrodgers3883]

Hey man I'm really enjoying your channel a lot. But can you do a full video on lighting? I want the same light as you but need to know what plants you have had success with. There are a lot of people saying the stingray wont work for plants a lot of people saying it will and I'm pretty confused. Thanks!

[@TheWaterBox]

Hey Jacob. The stringray will work for low light plants. For plants that need higher lighting, you need to go Planted+ or Ray2. It depend son the plants your trying to grow. So you have two ways to go about this. Get the light you want and buy plants that works with that light. Or plan to buy the plants you want and get the light appropriate for that. And again, it depends really on what you are tying to do. A simple low maintenance planted tank you want to go low light/low tech. A high light/high tech planted tank, you need more maintenance and more equipment as you'll need to get into CO2 and more fertilization.

[@jacobrodgers3883]

I thing im going to go low tech and low light!. Thanks man I really appreciate the quick reply. Love your channel! Love you!

[@TheWaterBox]

Assuming you're aquarium doesn't have any weird built to it where it's overly tall (like say more than 18 or 22 inches) then the stingray will work fine. What size tank is it?

[@jacobrodgers3883]

It is a standard ten gallon. so it should be good right? I really love the tank that you have setup in this video!

[@TheWaterBox]

Oh for standard 10g then yeh, just get the stingray. It's perfect for low light plants.

[@l0rdcroissant]

my tank is 24"/61cm tall, recommended lighting for slow growth would be.....??

[@TheWaterBox]

I dunno. What are you trying to grow?

[@l0rdcroissant]

@@TheWaterBox well at the moment since everything is closed lol. I finally decided I want a jungle setting with a waterfall.... and fish

[@R1ckyfrankl1n]

I love you channel and content, but do we need the popping sound?

[@TheWaterBox]

Noted! Popping sound is annoying! :) thanks for watching. I'll use a different muted sound or none in the future.

[@devrama]

Hi I am looking to start a planted tank but i cant seem to find anything online about different types of CO2. There are 3 types of co2. Welding,food and wet CO2. which is the best one for the fishtank?

[@TheWaterBox]

I'm not sure what wet Co2 is, but the different between the purity of industrical and Food grade Co2 is minor. It won't matter for aquariums unless you're really a stickler about it.

[@devrama]

@@TheWaterBox much appreciated, thanks for all the videos. they are great at updating those who new to the hobby.

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad to hear it! :)

[@moodyvlogger8341]

Dear I have a 5 foot planted tank.My aim is for a successful low tech tank.My tank volume is 70 us gallon.In corresponding to some low tech plants how much light and Co2 I will need for the plant.I will aim a heavily planted tank with will all low or slightly moderate plants.Please assist me.My tank length in inch is L/B/H 60/15/18.

[@TheWaterBox]

What kind of substrate are you using? If you're running low light plants then you won't need co2. It will help but you don't need it. If you want to help the plants grow more, you can use excel for a low cost Co2 solution. As for lighting. I would probably go with one or two Finnex Stingrays. You should be ok with one stingray.

[@Deon0026yickadee]

greqt video

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks Deon! Yick-a-dee babay!

[@Deon0026yickadee]

The Water Box YICK A DEE BABY I CAN LISTEN TO YOUR VOICE ALL DAY!

[@TheWaterBox]

Don't make me whip out the deep late night radio voice! Start whipping out the "African Cichlid Love Hour"!

[@user-dz9yk8qc8q]

I dun want to install Co2 in my tank,what plants is suitable?Hornworts?

[@TheWaterBox]

Sure. You don't nee dto install Co2 in a low tech plant

[@user-dz9yk8qc8q]

The Water Box Okay,thx for the information,awesome dude

[@kevinma6103]

Just a tip! floating plants don't need water flow. Even the littlest amount that moves them around will kill them eventually.

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks for the tip!

[@TheWaterBox]

Do you believe in the three major factors? Beginners to Planted Tanks Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK

[@eyebowls1035]

The Water Box This is going to be a load of questions..Why does low light affect the amount of co2 and fertilization? Same question with high lights and needing more ferts and co2. Which would be easier on my wallet? I don't mind spending money on a better light if it's going to cost me less to maintain plants in the long run. And what the advantages and disadvantages in the type of lighting?

[@TheWaterBox]

Hey Annalicia! Well, let's hit this one at a time. Remember, I'm no scientist. The first two questions is related. If you have low light then it discourages photosynthesis in plants. It slows the growth of the plants so the less Co2 it can use and the need of ferts to "eat". If you give it more light, then you drive it harder to grow so it'll need more co2 and ferts to do so. If you give the plants high light without feeding it the appropriate Co2 and ferts then the light is wasted as there's only so much of it the plants can use. Does that make sense? Going back to low light, if you give it low light, the plants will grow slower and can only use so much co2 and fers. If you try and give it more co2 and fers, it's wasted and whatever it left, the algae gets. This is why people say "to get rid of algae, you need to start using co2" which is kinda partially true. If you want to be easy on your wallet then stay with a low light set up. You'll hear people call this a "Low Tech Setup". IF you stay low light you probably don't need co2 or go with a cheap co2 set up (diffusing co2 set up or DIY co2). But you do still need decent lighting to grow low light plants. The different lights mainly deals with cost and efficiency and how much power you're going to pump to your plants. In low tech set ups, most people stick with t8 as it's cheap. It's those big looking round office tube lights. LED is the newest in thing. It's a little more in the beginning but the energy in running run you save a lot in the long run. Mainly, the times you will need to look into expensive light set ups (like metal halide or t5 high output) is when you have a large and/or deep tank and going for a high tech set up. This is very common when people set up large Iwagumi or Dutch style tanks. Hope that helps!

[@reesespieces8125]

The Water Box Thank you so much for this video series! It was the most informative I could find and I got my first live plants today.

[@danielleregan4029]

can you use sand for the grothe of plants

[@TheWaterBox]

Yes, but make sure to use fert tabs for heavy root plants like amazon swords and stuff and dose the water column with fertz too.

[@Dj.julien.b]

Hi, I started to set up my tanks 2 months ago. I wanted to have a heavily planted aquarium so I bought the ADA Amazonia. And I've planted many and many plants in it but I'm dissapointed this subtrate didn't help my plants to grow the only results I got is when I used liquid fertilizer. I also got another smaller tank with JBL Manado and plants are actually growing faster....

[@TheWaterBox]

That's interesting. What plants were you planting with the ADA Aquasoil? I have to check out the Manado.

[@Dj.julien.b]

Hygropilla stricta(growing but leaves look fragile) , Alternanthera liliacina(completely dead), Bacopa amplexicaulis (refuse to grow), Ludwigia glandulosa (look good but refuse to grow), Cryptocoryne wendtii (grew really fast but not anymore).

[@Dj.julien.b]

I think that my light isn't powerful enought I've putted for a few days my plants in the surface and they grow easier than when I put them into the substrate eventhough my aquarium is 30 cm high...

[@TheWaterBox]

If at 30cm and still can't grow then yeh, that's really soft lighting. It could be your lighting then

[@wildmeadow_windhounds9004]

Question about Eco-Complete/high CEC substrate: Will liquid ferts be enough for growth of plants that pull nutrients from the substrate, like swords? Or should I still use root tabs? Thanks!

[@TheWaterBox]

It does but to give sometimes like swords a good source of nutrients, use root tabs. Amazons and the like are heavy root feeders

[@MISHELLR]

I was wondering if we can recycle aquarium water and use to water house plants? Or we can’t because it will produce diseases to house plants? Thank for the videos I like it very much because I’m new to this hobby and I got hooked 😃

[@TheWaterBox]

Yes you can. In fact, aquarium water is very good for that purpose.

[@MISHELLR]

The Water Box Thank you for your help Love your videos 😁👍🏼

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! Glad I can help. :)

[@TheWaterBox]

You should look into hydroponics. People also plant house plants on top of their aquariums so the plants will use the water for fertilization. I'm actually might do that for the aquarium at my office.

[@MISHELLR]

The Water Box Awesome Maybe that could be a video 😝 I would definitely watch it!!!

[@larrymiller1380]

The easy green is 1 pump for 10 gallons

[@TheWaterBox]

❤

[@Dj.julien.b]

Hi, is there any risk of explosion by puting an electrovalve on a DIY co2 system ?

[@TheWaterBox]

Julien B. Electrovavle that does what? I have a solenoid on my DIY if that's what you mean.

[@Dj.julien.b]

Something to stop the co2 for the night time and open the flow for the day. (thanks for the quick answer)

[@TheWaterBox]

Oh ok, yeh a Solenoid. That's what I know it as. I have no problems with it and I can't see why there would be an explosion. Assuming you are using the two bottles at 2 litters each and using a mix intended for that set up then you should not have a problem with over expending the bottles if that's what you're worried about. People shut off their DIY systems every night all the time.

[@Dj.julien.b]

Yes indeed I was worried about the pressure's rise into the bottles ...

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh on all the DIY systems the pressure never got high enough to even "blow up". If that's the case then there should be Soda (injected on purpose with carbonated water) blowing up all over the place.

[@damonmcguire9234]

Would it be good to have a planted tank at a windowor is it still a bad idea?

[@TheWaterBox]

You can but you might be battling algae a lot if you cant get the balance right. But you can always shade the side of the tank facing the window

[@damonmcguire9234]

Thank you

[@TheWaterBox]

Welcome!

[@graudinsedgars]

Great video, but this just put me off from having a planted tank. Lol its so complicated 😢

[@TheWaterBox]

It really isn't once you jump in. but there's learning and all that to get what you want out of it. But if you just want to make it simple, just stick it in and hope it grows. That works for a lot of folks too.

[@cathe-2179]

What about fluval stratum

[@TheWaterBox]

What about it?

[@cathe-2179]

@@TheWaterBox is it a good substrate?

[@TheWaterBox]

@@cathe-2179 It'll work but you have to dose your water column for sure. It's not an active nutrient substrate

[@meggrotte4760]

Purple waffle plant sucks I came home and a bunch of it died in my tank. That's it from now on all my tanks get anubias. the rest of the purple waffle plant hasn't died yet but I'm thinking of taking it out and just throwing it away. Before it kills my water:(

[@TheWaterBox]

:( Sorry to hear that.

[@meggrotte4760]

@@TheWaterBox anubias really seems to do well and I think if I can get some root tab so it won't turn yellow sometimes. If I can get my hands on job of her and I'll definitely put that in the tank. In about 5 days is payday so I'll be getting another filter. I also want to get root tabs.and I'd like to go exploring for different pet stores to see what kind of plants they have. But I will take out the purple waffle plant and stick it into my frog aquarium. He does need an upgrade I'm thinking about maybe getting him a tank. and I think if the purple waffle is just in a bit of water for the stems and The Roots probably it'll survive just fine:)

[@BerserkGorilla]

Liquid co2 doesn't actually do what you expect it to do. It can help plants grow, but its barely noticeable. It's more of an algaecide

[@BerserkGorilla]

Also ro/di water actually steals minerals from organics.

[@TheWaterBox]

For sure!

[@carrielange2692]

it's a lot of great info, but i think it's geared more toward people with experience.... it's too much info for me - a true beginner. I definitely feel overwhelmed by all those different fertilizers and brands and options. I was hoping for a simple, concise and clear suggestion for me as a beginner. I have a 5 gallon and a 2 1/2 gallon with only a few shrimp and 1 snail in each. But every plant I put in there, except the floating plants, struggle and die. the floating plants are like freaking weeds though. should i take them out? The cherry shrimp love the roots so much. I've tested the water and all the parameters are good, except pH is 8.1 They also have good lights on them, I replaced the ones that came with them to grow light bars that go across the top. Thank you.

[@TheWaterBox]

Your PH is pretty high. PH that high makes it hard for more plants to intake nutrients Are you dosing your tank at all? What kind of substrate?

[@carrielange2692]

@@TheWaterBox oh thank you so much for the reply! i never get actual replies, so i didn't even look to see if i got one, i'm so sorry. I have aqua soil in one tank, and the other has dirt capped with gravel. I put almond leaves and cholla wood in both of them, in an attempt to bring the pH down a little, but it still hovers around 8.0. I've been afraid to add any chemicals, but now after reading your comment, i guess i know why my plants do awful. I do add a few drops of liquid fertilizer once a week. I just recently switched to using the "easy green" fertilizer by aquarium co-op.

[@carrielange2692]

@@TheWaterBox i've just been terrified of adding chemicals...

[@TheWaterBox]

@@carrielange2692 It's most likey your PH. Try cutting your water changes with 1/2 tap and 1/2 RO water. And dose correctly. ones a week is probably not helping too much. Maybe do twice a week but I normally always suggest daily dosing is the best way to go. What aquasoil are you using?

[@corysummers3008]

Yeah, excel kicked my jungle vals ass!!!!

[@TheWaterBox]

❤

[@chadashton7029]

The Wargamers Consortium?

[@TheWaterBox]

Haha yup.

[@diyhobby5574]

Sifu!! 1 sub from me

[@diyhobby5574]

can any plants live if i just stick it in black sand?

[@TheWaterBox]

Depends on the plants and other parameters of your tank.

[@diyhobby5574]

sir. i got 1 more question. so i bought a bunch of water wisteria. but after a week those wisteria turn yellow and some of it die. so the second week i got my hands on a ADA green brighty and separate the plan into other tank and squirt 1 ml everyday till now but it seems doesnt has any affect to it. what im doin wrong? i agitate the surface only and those wisteria are down below and i gave it 120 watts lighting 8 to 10 hours everyday.

[@diyhobby5574]

thank you for taking time to answer me sir.