Beginners Guide to The Aquarium Hobby Part 2: Everything You Need to Start an Aquarium!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Checklist of what you need: 1) Fish Tank Helpful Videos Pros and Cons of Fish Tank Sizes: kzbin.info/aero/PL79yWtqvNd3XydbmOQZKnv5h1WQGXgY_I Fish Tank Stocking Ideas: kzbin.info/aero/PL79yWtqvNd3VkFE0maW2RVw3mN3u163gs 2) Fish Tank Filter Marineland Pro HOB Filter (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3qKihD2 Seachem Tidal HOB Filter (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3oD7TLB Aquatop Forza 5-15 HOB Filter (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3gCkSdr Helpful Videos How to choose the right aquarium filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKvEZWd9jcSNa7s How to save money on filter media: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2GrgYmdbN6qfKM 3) Aquarium Heater Eheim Heater (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/344dN0e Helpful Videos Eheim heater review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2HOXn2epKZ8bqM 4) Aquarium Light Hygger Light (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3qJ398V Helpful Videos Aquarium Lighting 101: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HaYodvgtGbnq8 5) Fish Tank Lid 6) Thermometer Thermometer (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3nbhkRW 7) Fish Tank Stand (depends on size of tank) 8) Powerstrip 9) Substrate Helpful Videos How to choose the right substrate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZfPgoGdr82SZqs Our favorite sand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWXRhn95fq19qZo 10) Decorations (plants/caves/rocks/wood) - Make it FUN!! Helpful Videos Fake vs real plants: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2LdimaOmrl0r80 Beginners guide to aquarium plants: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIabqaqCg9-Do8U How to prepare driftwood: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoi0dqmfZs6VaLc 11) Water Additives Water Conditioner (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/37VheaD Fritzyme 7 Bacteria (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3gyNLrf 12) Algae Scraper 13) Bucket 14) Gravel Vac Helpful Videos Top Fin gravel vac review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIvKg4yHo7eebtU 15) Water Test Strips (Best to get both) Tetra Test Strips (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3440IUV Tetra Ammonia Test Strips (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/39YBfQi Helpful Videos The nitrogen cycle explained: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfTf2etjcygnKs 16) Fish Tank Background Helpful videos How paint fish tanks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4exiIRmf8-ppqc DIY backgrounds: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKnKZJelZ6h7qrc 17) Fish Net Fish net (amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/342VtVs 18) Fish Food Check out flipaquatics.com/collections/northfin 19) Fish! :-) Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! kzbin.info/door/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg

[@indomitable7397]

I just impulse bought an aquarium with filter and fishes when i went to purchase dog food at the local pet store. Here i am binge viewing your videos and fascinated by all the information being shared. Thank you for your well informed videos, as it gives much needed insight an amateur such as myself.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@sabine3769]

Father Fish is a great channel too

[@DiscusRussell]

@@sabine3769 NO

[@brianp6180]

Great info for the newbie! Where were you 30 years ago when I needed you! 😂. I still will watch the beginner videos to re a firm I am doing everything right.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Things would have been so much easier back then with the internet. :-)

[@geekmashup6829]

I wish I had these videos when I started

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Amen!!

[@kylecorreajr.9791]

not

[@jesusduribe2654]

Actually when I started there was no internet/KZbin pet shops had Small size books some of you may remember on all Types of fish reptiles and easy instructions, but also I'm we now have Google You tube it's great to all The set ups

[@byakuya_9]

Your description has everything, very helpful video, thanks!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@jonathanmatzkin7768]

Fifty years of fishkeeping and I loved Hearing Jason lay it all out so well. Now get your tank and set it up!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@suzettemohammed1287]

Hi, my son is a huge fan of your videos

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's awesome! Thank you :-)

[@elizabethwagner2190]

These videos help me remember things I've forgotten about too.

[@ryanwading418]

I'm new to aquarium videos, before buying my first tank. By far the most knowledge based and professional videos I've seen. I'm pumped... thank you from a newbie. Just want to see them swim and bask in the flow. Thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you - good luck!

[@anastasioschristoforatos474]

Great video for a beginner or someone who’s established a first tank and needs to review. Thank you for all of this. And to all who are reading this and getting into their first tank, research, research, research. It’s a lot of fun but do the leg work before you actually start.

[@theredfin7290]

This man be smarter than I thought noice!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Too funny :-)

[@vincetaliaferro2777]

Alright with a resume like that im listening.

[@r1verstream]

Good stuff Jason. I like watching your vids based on the shared knowledge, useful tips and a down-to-earth presentation without any over-dramatized (fake)"YT acting". Can't wait for the next video in this series.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@cichlid_kings]

Man what a great series on The Beginners Guide to help people just getting started. Very informational, keep up the good work. "Keep fish keeping" "Always be learning" 😎

[@MridulSinghMusic]

I agree with everything you mentioned in this video Jason. Especially the patience part. Rapid changes do more harm than good in my opinion.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You are so right!

[@TheRuturaj001]

I love these videos. With heater, one more variable I found is average difference between room temperature and desired tank temperature.

[@MBBTigger1357]

I liked your thoroughness on this subject and getting right into the video. I have been keeping fish for some time but I always get reminders and new information from you. Please keep up the great videos you put out. I agree with doing research on the type of fish you want to get. After keeping community fish for quite a while I did ALOT of research before getting discus. They take in my opinion a little extra work but they are worth it! Look forward to your next video on Monday. Sincerely, Marty Borst

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

Hello Jason, i have a creative comment. I feel like these kind of beginner videos has been done and re-done by so many. My idea would be to help beginners set up their tank for different fish species (or group) so that the fish do well and they have success. This we rarely see.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It's coming. :-)

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Jason you and Joanne are incredible teachers! These are definitely some videos that will help so many new people when they ask me... "what does it take to get started?" I really appreciate this and love all the links too! Breaking it down and giving us a good starting and reference points! My daughter in Maryland is wanting a fish tank and this will be perfect for her to watch and learn from!! Thank you again for all the ya'll do!! I hope you have a very blessed and beautiful weekend! ❤️🌿🐟🌿🙏

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Hoping this updated series will make it easier for people looking to get into the hobby. :-)

[@chalupanotomatoes9609]

Awesome video for new fishkeepers👏🧡 tip I would throw in, find someone who shares the passion for keeping fish!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That would be a bonus ! :-)

[@eddiedav6162]

I love this video and appreciate you sharing your experience with us I bought 45 gallon bow tank I am going to start it and I will ask some questions later on I like your speech and sweet smile thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@MissL4lly]

I've just upgraded, I'm newish to the hobby, I have 2 minnow for six months now, serious research started then, in a 15 litter bio orb, I've bought them a mansion, 64 litter tank, normal dimensions. Botany is also a hobby so I favour real greenery. Adding to the fish family is fully on hold. I've still a lot to learn.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@barbfogl1996]

So glad that you like the hyyger lites ad this is my next purchase. I have several of their products in my 65 gallon update/overhaul and have been very pleased with their equipment so far, esp their air pump...it is totally silent! Love you you tube videos..😁

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Glad their stuff is working well for you!

[@annaw1298]

I’m in Vet Tech school and I’m interested in exotics. I’d love to work with fish in my career and I find your videos so helpful.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That’s so cool! Good luck!

[@joeythefoxxo]

At the point where you talked about running power to the tank equipment. I just want to reinforce what you said. Never have the power strip laying on the ground. The cords need to have what’s called a drip loop. The plug should never be the lowest part, allow some cable slack to hang lower so if water drips down that cord it can never touch the outlet. And if possible, you can do what I’ve done for tanks before, and install GFCI outlets like the ones you see in bathrooms and kitchens. They can save you and your fish from incidental shocks.

[@mikef3300]

Great Job on the video. I can’t help but wonder what a video from when I first started keeping fish 35 years ago would look like lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Me too. Haha

[@myhopevlog]

Yeheeyy really cool😍 Excited alreally for part3😁

[@briant.4618]

I used some of that fritz zyme on a tank I recently set up with 2 seeded sponge filters. I gotta say, I am pleased with the results.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very good to hear!

[@markhunter2244]

Excellent video with great advice. It’s a pity you can’t buy patience though 🤓

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I hear you! :-)

[@GlitchAQ]

Yay 1st comment! Love your content!! Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Woohoo!

[@Sean3D2Y]

I recommend a Backup Battery. So in the case power goes or tank will keep running.

[@bastaki22]

Just in head first and bought a ton of fish for my childhood tank, without knowing anything maintenance or water quality or all of that. Second video in and I’m already much wiser, cant wait to watch the whole series, thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you are here!

[@lissettelara7]

Very informative! Can’t wait wait to start!!

[@infantryveteran2636]

Another great one Jason!

[@janecourtenay3676]

How timely! Even though I have a ten gallon which has been set up for about 6 months and now, because I am truely addicted, I am in the throes of setting up a 33gal tank (125 ltr here in Australia), I found this information in this video very useful. So thank you Jason 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 I don’t watch tv anymore ... I research, research, research!!! Love the research 🤗💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼 ... so I am a fan of both of you ... my only problem at the moment is that I can’t make up my mind to have two angelfish or a betta as the feature fish 🧐

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! I'm the same way - I haven't turned on a TV in over a year?

[@jackadair6225]

I’m actually kind of curious as to what a college level bio course would be like with you as the instructor lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on what type of student you are. Haha

[@jeffcarpenter6306]

You said to fill the larger tanks we can use the hose and tap water. I thought it was best to let the water sit for a day and add the chorine removal solution to the water first before fillings. Is it okay to fill it with tap water and then add the chorine additive to remove it?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We generally do water changes on 10-15 tanks at a time. We usually add the dechlorinator and then start filling all the tanks from the tap - matching the tank water temp out of the tap. Works well for us!

[@jeffcarpenter6306]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics That would make it easier for me. Thanks for all the valuable teaching you share. I am going to a 20 gal tank soon.

[@aquabrendy4815]

Absolutely amazing video as always my dude! 🐠🥰

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@johnwood738]

My advice is find a good source of information. Your channel,Aquarium Coop or another good one! Also if possible a very good Lfs.

[@danielkim1657]

KG Tropicals, Fish for thought, and girl talks fish are all good too

[@katphish30]

I have old school mercury thermometers in every tank because I can trust them.

[@rgstrike6066]

Tank you so much for making these videos

[@OrcHead]

Very good although I use Seacherm products (Better the devil you know right). I think if you live in a hot climate, like Australia cooling fans or chillers could be considered

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point. :-)

[@JolliBliss]

Very insightful video, applied knowledge rocks! Many thanks Prof. Jason.

[@nadiyahurtgen8679]

So much work done in each aquarium. Beautiful

[@wendy70ish]

Hi Jason .. shout out from England .. first time commenting .. love your videos .. I have a 90 gallon goldfish tank .. have had quite a few problems .. would love to see a whole video based on goldfish care .. 😉

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here!

[@mikhailskribans3952]

Awesome help man, thank you.

[@lruddy8820]

Whats the light green plant in the foreground at 11:33? Ive seen it in a few videos i really like it and havent been able to identify it

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That was hornwort

[@lruddy8820]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics its either the lighting or better care but that looks a lot nicer then what is being sold at my local petsmart, not as bright and lush

[@thebeigesheep6132]

I'm confused about if I should use fritz complete or fritz guard. It will be a new tank with no fish yet. Plants maybe (if I determine its OK on day one of setting the tank up). I will be using tap city water.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I tend to use Fritz Complete

[@Nosilla1961]

Used to keep Oscars quite successful 20 years ago in a more stable room environment and am thinking of getting back into it with a 6 foot tank but the room tempreture fluctuates alot given energy costs and living in Scotland worried about the tank bursting have you any advice many thanks in advance.

[@miguelluque1904]

Super helpful keep up the videos!

[@dantreuthart9146]

Hi, Thanks for the videos. You may want to mention creating a "drip loop" on your electrical cords. Happy Holidays to All! Dan

[@NinjaSushi2]

I use hygger products. Great budget products. Not top shelf but the best price.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep - they work well for the price point.

[@llewodcm20]

Actually starts at 0:46 ...

[@MrNexusPrime]

Hi! I have a 90 gallon on my main floor, but its about an inch off level (length wise) my floor is simply not level. Is this a major problem? I feel like shimming the stand might put pressure in the wrong places.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, I would say an inch is fairly extreme. I would shim it, but I also make sure every part of the stand that is not in direct contact with the floor is also supported with shims so the stand doesn't experience any uneven stress.

[@MrNexusPrime]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I will get on it this weekend. I didn't know that it would be considered extreme. Thank you! Have a great day!

[@Bst24]

Before inserting the fish it is absolutely necessary to wait for the filter to mature (about a month), and no product currently on the market can change this. At the most, the inclusion of so-called bacterial activators can anticipate maturation by a few days but at a certain cost... and aquarists usually worry about developing colonies of nitrifying bacteria in their aquarium, ignoring heterotrophs... if heterotrophic bacteria colonize the aquarium from the beginning together with Nitrospira and Nitrobacter, these three species will adapt to each other and find a balance. If, on the other hand, the heterotrophs develop later, the former are forced to shrink and become blocked. often, when nitrifying bacteria are blocked, filamentous algae develop; or worse, you'll have a "spike" in nitrites... and the fish in the aquarium could die of asphyxiation. With some products there is also the risk of slowing it down, as they introduce the wrong bacteria. Among the products sold as miraculous there is also the water conditioner. This promises to eliminate chlorine from tap water and make the heavy metals contained in it harmless by binding them together. All true but... the chlorine evaporates by itself: just let the water settle for 24 hours before using it. Furthermore, since chlorine is dangerous for fish and in minimum part for plants. during maturation we absolutely do not have to worry about any chlorine in the aquarium. plants, for which they are precious nutrients, absorb the heavy metals present in water. It is therefore, not necessary to purchase these two products. Correct me if I'm wrong and tell me what you think. 😃

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Actually - we have used Fritzyme 7 on 18-20 tanks with uncycled, new media and never had any ammonia or nitrite in any of those tanks.

[@Bst24]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics So, didn't you used other products before Fritzzyme 7? Is it possible to develop useful bacteria with no activator? Thanks for the response

[@DaaDozer]

Can I’d do both planted substrate and sand substrate on top of that? I like the way it would look.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure!

[@mikel488]

Any reason you did not mention air pump? I bought a filter and am now confused as to whether i need an air pump or not....

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The only time I use an air pump is when I am running sponge filters.

[@mikel488]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics OK thank you! After installation I realized the filter was 3-in-1, so it was pushing air out just fine!

[@jacks4733]

Nice!

[@dwightking9374]

I cant find your video for the tank background. But yours with dark matte looks gorgeous 😍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

This may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZnToZidYq-ihZo

[@philipellis1865]

I have a tidle 35 (?) when you turn down the flow does that effect the amount of the flow rate of 130gph it's a 10gal

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes, but that would probably be a good thing for a 10 gallon. :-)

[@philipellis1865]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks big help. Another problem I don't think I am getting enough flow 🤔 from the other end of the tank. Now what

[@James-ye7rp]

@@philipellis1865 Air Stone

[@philipellis1865]

@@James-ye7rp after I ask I thought of that, thanks for responding

[@johndunbar5889]

Thanks 😊

[@thebeigesheep6132]

Fyi: the tetra Strips you linked to in your video description do not cover ammonia. I think you meant to link to the tetra COMPLETE product Eta: oh I see what u did. U buy them separately. Well they do sell an all in one version

[@alexandregb566]

What should I do if the electricity goes out and my filter and any other equipment stop working for a long time? How can I help my animals?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

This will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHe0lnedpK2hla8si=sBIS7qzqzq1AvFo0

[@daveholland4889]

What color background would you put on your aquarium if you have black substrate?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I still use black or very dark blue.

[@dr.awkward9075]

I bought a 20 gallon long, but even that scares me. The weight is equivalent to an NFL linebacker living on my buffet. Just laying there every day, pads & all.

[@lyrahanson9475]

I was wondering…. The water where I live is rockhard I was wondering how I can make the water softener for my aquarium to make my fish happier. Is it necessary to soften water for your fish? The water where I live is about 11 gpg .

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The only way to make it softer is using RO water. It might be easier to keep fish that do well with the water you have.

[@dogdoc1]

What's your view on air pumps/airstones?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I like them for sure. Our entire fish room is run on sponge filters. If someone starting a tank wants to add an airstore that can be cool. Not required, but can add something to a tank (especially if the HOB filter goes down).

[@dogdoc1]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks

[@sktasifkhan6500]

Nice

[@elizabethG633]

Fluval was my life saver since I could not get Fritz in my area. They have products that work, whereas, when I was using API, I had nothing but problems. Most API products are great but like I said, Fluval products outperformed the API when it comes to the ammonia issues.

[@wooddogbterrier5266]

thanks for all the info and help you give. work during live stream and listen after post show end. watched everything on shellie's. lots of folks address slower water movement. doing a 33 long would like to do a sponge on one end and hob on the other. should I set up some type of a diffuser on the output of the hob or will the fish just go live on the other end? looking at Neo Brevis thanks in advance.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You could totally do that. Might be best to use an intake sponge for the HOB and buy a filter with an adjustable flow if you want to control the output?

[@DroppaDot]

So I just started my freshwater tank about 2 weeks ago and the cycle is well underway. I haven’t introduced any fish or plants just substrate but I’m now leaning more towards a salt water system. So I have to start over from scratch?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes - the salt concentrations will change the nature of the microbes inhabiting the tank.

[@ranjanty]

Why do fish need a heater if I keep the temperature at 72? I'm not trying to be a troll. In the wild do they die off in the winter? I think they go down to the deeper water. I know in a tank they can't but the room is heated.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on the fish. Most tropical fish do not experience a winter - the temps are consistently in the mid to upper 70s. Also, tank water is usually 2-3 degrees cooler than ambient temps.

[@pilotavery]

Bruh, each one of those qualifications alone makes you the most qualified on KZbin...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here :-)

[@My_Jewish_life_in_Aruba]

I live in Aruba really hot so do I still need a heater ? 😊😊 I am planning to buy next month a first aquarium . 😊😊😊

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If the water temps can be maintained in the mid to upper 70s probably not.

[@gy56]

I have noticed in your fish room you have tanks on close to the floor. I am thinking a 45 gal in the lower tier of my 55 gal stand. How do you vacuum and clean the lower tanks?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We are able to run a hose directly into a floor drain. If using buckets we would have to use a pump to get the water out, which would be a real pain. :-)

[@cadence1086]

@Prime Time Aquatics, I have a 55 gallon with 3 fancy goldfish, 10 rosy red minnows, and 1 rubber lip pleco, can I add anything else? if so how many (:

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I might hold tight on the stocking. Your fancys can get pretty big and when they do they will fill the tank nicely. :-)

[@princeroyal2606]

I’m new at the pet fish life but I have a male crowntale fish and I want to get him an aquarium that’ll make him feel like his heavenly last resort I love him so much I can eat him 😀..Your advice will really be great I already subscribed to your channel and your my number 1 source of fish advice aquarium guy on KZbin. Please what would be the best aquarium for him and etc

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A 10 gallon tank might work out well for you and him. Thanks for watching!

[@Xuhtig]

How do you know if your water is perfect for your fish??? I can't seem to figure out the water

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Usually a test kit - either liquid test kit or test strips. We have a playlist on water parameters that might help?

[@frogjovi]

Do you have any recommendation for water treatment if I have a water softener and a RO Water system?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can use the RO and remineralize it. I don’t have a video on it but they’re out there.

[@Gamerboymason-s2l]

How do you heat your fishroom? My individual heaters are tripping my circuit.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnfXp4RvathjhsU

[@jennifermartin506]

Can you recommend what marine land for my 55 that has a adjustable flow. I currently have marineland but it doesn’t have that feature.

[@shaunjohnwood]

I would love to 'source' my own aquascape decorations... Is there a way to bring stone/driftwood from nature and prep it for my tank? I live in the PNW where items are very abundant

[@shaunjohnwood]

Ok, sorry, just saw the links for tank item prep... thank you! lol

[@jimho7260]

I didn't hear an air pump mentioned. Does the filter also aerate the water?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes, the filters I mentioned create surface agitation, which assists with gas exchange.

[@jimho7260]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you! BTW, great videos. I've learned a lot!

[@tgmx2010]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience! Here is my question -- Color temperature affects how color based tests look, either strips or test tube. The same test done by a marine lighted aquarium may look different by the side of a 6000 k lighted aquarium and even may appear different under a regular "office" light. Hence, under different lighting conditions, one may get different results -- right? Any suggestions? Could you address the issue? Thank you! (I'm still learning before jumping into the hobby!)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good question - I don't think it matters enough to worry about it. I have looked at both the test strips and liquid test tubes under many different types of lights and it didn't really make much of a difference.

[@tgmx2010]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you!

[@needmoresilver3677]

Can you mix sand and gravel

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Definitely!

[@Hawkeye1338]

Hi there - I purchased the Aquatop Forza 5-15 HOB Filter and am wondering what you suggest for filter repalcement. Do I need to purchase the replacement filters with the charcoal included (about 11 bucks for one replacement) or can I get away with bulk filter media without the charcoal part?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I just use bulk filter floss. You can also put a tiny piece of sponge in there too.

[@nickkallo7547]

Jason, unrelated but I hope you see this. Having trouble with my Multis. In march I bought 12. they multiplied to 30ish in less than a month. Now No new fry in almost 5 months. 200 shells, in a 40B, 80F and live foods daily any tips help!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Mine will do that sometimes too. They breed and then it seems like they take a break. Part of it may be the number of fish in the tank. Sometimes when they reach critical mass they stop breeding too.

[@nickkallo7547]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks so much for the reply. I was wondering that too about the critical colony size. Very low numbers compaired to your Lowboy Multis but different foot print of course. I will give it another couple weeks and maybe re-scape/ re-stock. 40B has so many cichlid options

[@eggpelao]

Do you recommend those products like matrix, bio balls, etc??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven’t found them to be necessary.

[@franella4023]

How do you know how much gravel to add

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A good rule of thumb that has worked well for us is between 1.0-1.5lbs per gallon.

[@nerad1994]

Are the lights battery powered or outlet powered?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

All the lights we use the outlet powered.

[@Sebastianfnc]

I am not completely new to this have hat a bowl of goldfish but in the past few weeks I have watched some content about this hobby and most of them are using a lot of plants a really lot of plants to tackle the problem with nitrite, ammonia and thus avoid a lot of water changes because of using a lot of plants I am sorry but with you’re background I would expect something like keeping it more natural and the use of plants to keep a healthy balance fore you’re tank and shrimp and snails for algae and waste I hope you can clear some of my confusion, tnx

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Plants are great for people who want to add them. For newer fish keepers sometimes it’s an added complication initially.

[@Jeremiah2004S]

I am looking for a 75 - 90 gallon fish tank and a stand. Can anyone suggest where I might find quality products? I have been into PetSmart, but the tank and stand in there has bad reviews. I can’t seem to find anything online.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Custom Aquariums makes custom tanks, but they will be considerably more expensive than what yoyu find at Petsmart.

[@JohnnyFontane528]

Should i purchase the fish first or the tank first? Thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The tank for sure

[@Unknownpriv00]

Hey guys can you help me. How many fish should i have in a 24L tank and a 15L tank (coldwater fish)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It depends on the type of fish?

[@juareznathaniel1]

Got confused, what chemicals do I need to start my aquarium?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The two main ones are water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine and Fritzyme 7 that adds beneficial bacteria. Hope this helps!

[@1domcouk]

Great introductory Vid! Happy New Year! I see your Tanganyikan tank has a grass like plant growing in the substrate. Is this a crushed coral substrate for Tanganyikan fish and obviously plants can grow in it? Thinking of getting Tanganyikans now, thanks!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I believe the substrate in that tank is eithert top fin white sand or Caribsea? The plants were just shorter jungle val.

[@Fefe1209]

I just bought a new tank i think its a 10 maybe 15 gallon. This is the list of fish i was planing bristle pleco, neon/cardinal tetra, corydora and siamese algae eaters and this will be my first tank ever is it a good stocking option for beginners? any tips ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I might look at otos or clown plecos in place of the BN pleco. I might also might swap out the siamese algae eaters for something else (they get pretty big). Enjoy the tank!

[@Fefe1209]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics we dont have any other plecos than the bristlenose at our local pet stores and i really want a bn but i can probably switch the siamese algae eater.

[@missedtheeggmcintyre417]

Your not talking about house tank water rain water, I don't have an option

[@bangtanjungkookie2331]

The first 50 seconds you can tell he really likes fish 😂

[@ZanyProductionz]

Aren't bubbles important because that's how we oxygenate the water?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The bubbles don't directly oxygenate the water - they create surface tension, which promotes gas exchange. HOB filters will do the same.