Problem aquarium SHUT DOWN (How to)

[@wirtification]

This is coming up for me, I've been procrastinating too. I need to fix my entire tank, lol. I'm planning it actually, listing what I need, buckets, a tote, a deep bucket for the fish until I get them back in... sigh. Eventually I'll get there. No algae, just need to fix my hardscape and substrate.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah it's a big job that ends up feeling scary and not something you want to do. I wish you all the best for the task ahead!

[@wirtification]

@@FishShopMatt thanks Matt, you made my day, lol. I'm definitely making sure I'll have everything right there and ready...

[@unsocialbutterfly5760]

It’s a daunting task, but it sounds like you’re planning, in advance, really well and truly thinking about how you will tackle it. Good luck!

[@seibt6466]

Yeah im quite happy with HOW my tank is doing but i want to redo it but am still scared i will mess it up

[@femmefataleracer]

definitely prefer this channel, as it’s way more honest and makes the hobby accessible compared to others. thank you.

[@FishShopMatt]

I appreciate that! Thank you so much!

[@Aquatasy]

Perfect timing! This is exactly what I need to do with several of my tanks. And, if I'm honest, I've been rather dreading it. I love setting up aquariums, but I hate breaking them down. This video has helped me change my mindset. I'm going to do like you did and get everything ready ahead of time so that I can relax while I'm doing it. Great video, Matt!

[@DEXTER-TV-series]

Personally, I am not interested in plants. My aquarium is located near a window in direct sunlight, there is no pump, no air compressor, I do not siphon the substrate, I do not change the water, sometimes I pour in rotten water with infusoria. I have NEVER had cloudy water or green water. The water is crystal clear and smells fresh if you persistently try to feel some smell. The first thing I did was to put a small piece of hair algae in the aquarium. And I also have some cyanobacteria, they give a lot of oxygen. Sometimes the fish gets into the silt and churns it up: probably this is how it tries to eat young ostracods, which do not yet have a strong shell. The silt floats in the water column and the bacteria sitting on the silt are engaged in nitrification. The silt settles to the bottom very quickly. During the daylight hours, the algae photosynthesize and absorb nitrogen from ammonium directly without nitrification: this is more efficient. I think that "filtering" water with silt is much more efficient than with foam rubber, ceramic rings, plastic balls and other inventions of manufacturers who want to make money. Filtering water with... fish poop. In addition, silt is a medium for bacteria and microfauna, the beginning of the food chain. Silt should not be siphoned off, but protected. That's what I think. If I created a channel on KZbin dedicated to aquarium keeping, I would call it "I love algae and poop". I like nature and I don't want to fight it!

[@adam6260]

Thanks Matt. I may have a house move coming and was dreading it only because of my tanks. This video def eases things.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it helped!

[@xuzme720]

Same here for the house move. I currently have 6 tanks to move but most are on the smaller size of 40 gallons or less. My big headaches are the 100 gallon reef and the 135 gallon FW community. Have a huge stack of 5 gallon buckets to facilitate moving everything. Plans are for single tanks at a time so I don't have to rush.

[@Manormouse-04]

Great topic. I love set-up videos, but it's nice to learn more about maintenance issues.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AudreyCooper-n4k]

Thank you Matt for sharing your experience with us! I am getting ready to break down my longest running tank, I’ve evolved since I 1st set it up and it’s time for a change. This video really helped

[@AndreaDowns-rh5xd]

So helpful, thank you. Why didn’t I think of using a plastic storage box?

[@FishShopMatt]

I didn't until a customer told me many years ago. Glad we could help.

[@michaellomax26]

A dustpan is a game changer for getting out substrate I use a dustpan all the time now!!!

[@sawittchen]

I just moved my fish, shrimps and snails from a nano tank (54 liters) to their new aquarium (250 liters). It was quite a challenge to catch all the baby shrimps and, most of all, the baby fish that I haven’t even noticed before as they were hiding in the dense planting. The fish I keep are Danio erythromicron, a nano fish, and their babies are almost invisible! 😮 It took me hours to find them all 😅 but it was so worth it! ❤ All my animals seem to enjoy their new aquarium. I even think that my Danios are a bit less shy/skiddish now. They are so playful and lively; I could watch them all day long. ❤❤❤

[@gibbnasta]

I've got a 1 1/2yr old 40gal community I've been putting off redoing it longer than im proud of. I guess this gave me a shot of motivation because I started tearing it down midway through the video😂

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahahaha I'm so glad I could help with motivation. I hope it went smoothly for you.

[@gibbnasta]

Thank you! Besides my BIG amano trying once again to be a land creature, it went well😂

[@frankvermeulen4621]

I took down a small tank (UNS 45U) over the weekend. Luckily, the hardscape was rather minimal and was easily removed, because catching anything (especially Pygmy Corys and Otocinclus) would have been impossible. I had another tank set up and ready for them to go in, and another (reserved for plants) for the piece of bogwood with Anubias attached to it. I'm already dreading the day I will have to take down the more elaborate setups, haha. But like you said, preparation is key. 😅

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahahaha it can be a nightmare for more elaborate scapes. I've got a couple I'm a little scared of.

[@redacted3610]

Oh this is so useful. My first aquascape is getting ugly looking (due to old substrate) and looking to tear it down

[@FishShopMatt]

I'm glad you found it useful!!!

[@Chompchompyerded]

I need that bark! I want to grow algae for my hillstream loaches snails, shrimps, and pompom crabs!

[@FishShopMatt]

That's a good shout! Get some talawa wood with the bark on and chuck a high intensity light over the top.

[@alexb_aquatics]

Sad to see this tank go, those chilli rasbora really settled in well and were nice and red. I am looking forward to seeing the next project in it though

[@boges11]

When you are siphoning or vacuuming the mulm up, attach a chopstick (or similar stick) to the hose with a couple of elastic bands. Use that to slightly stir up the mulm so it can be siphoned without sucking up too much sand. You can adjust the length of the stick to compensate for the strength of the suction. Keep up the great work Matt.

[@clarelequesne8808]

Hi Matt great video, any tips for catching Kuhli loaches

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! No real trick they're a nightmare of trying to catch them with a net. Best bet is to buy or build a fish trap. A plastic drinks bottle can be turned into one very quickly. Just Google fish trap bottle and you can see what I mean, pop it in there with some food in and sit back and wait.

[@robertfaber6796]

Thank you for this video, Matt. You have really managed to make this a great channel.

[@FishShopMatt]

I appreciate that! Thank you so much!

[@T-Rexed]

Hey Matt I see you use heaters too and not a heated room. Since you have open top tanks without lids do get any condensation issues in winter? I had that issue without a lid especially living in UK so I had to make a lid to fix this.

[@jamesmcgee157]

My son recently did this to his tank. He drove me insane because he didn't plan it all out before diving headlong in to it. I ended up stepping in to help as he was getting himself into a right mess. Good video, that I will be showing him to show how planning is as important as the actual work on the tank

[@FishShopMatt]

That is awesome, well not the ripping out bit but showing him the video hahaha. That's what I like to hear I hope it helps you for next time.

[@vikkirountoit497]

Great video - thanks!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you liked it!

[@gregwilson5910]

Great job Matt. Thank you

[@achevsyed6858]

Great video Best wishes From beautiful California

[@gemmacorinne9487]

Was great to watch this, as I’ve not had to do it before and at some point I know I’ll end up wanting to escape my nano tank. Also… got myself some CPDs because of your video!

[@lburgess3098]

Brilliant. I’ll be doing this soon and I must admit I was a bit daunted by it as I’ve never done it before. Thanks, this was perfect!😊

[@FishShopMatt]

I'm so so glad I could help!

[@davidewart5524]

Brilliant and so calming. Love the music as well.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you!

[@itstoelean]

Great timed video for me! I've had a tank for 2+ years now that's just shrimp and snails at this point (RIP White Clouds and Pygmy Cory Clan), and I've had some random algae start to pop up that I just can't kick. And I wasn't sure where it was coming from, so your comments there were interesting! I just said to my wife yesterday that I think it's time to retire the tank. The shrimp have really taken off, though, and I'm not sure what to do with them.

[@FishShopMatt]

It's a hard decision to make, sometimes you just need a reset and look at the tank differently. I'm sure a local fish shop would take the shrimp if you wanted. But personally I would setup a little plastic tub with the filter in, pop all the shrimp in there and redo their tank and make it fresh. Once you get on top of algae you start to enjoy the hobby again very quickly.

[@noodlechild666]

I love the Betta supervising from the other tank.

[@FishShopMatt]

I know he watched all the way through!

[@gillianmiller9710]

Thanks for the video , Matt. I have algae problems in my 5 gal tank. Green fuzz algae covering the leaves of my dwarf sag and hair algae also. Fish in the aquarium are a male betta and four Otocinclus. Also have two nerite snails and their babies. Seriously considering tearing tank down and restarting. I have torn tanks down before, so have some experience. I have always cleaned my aquariums with 10% bleach solution before refilling. Noticed that you didn't. You also didn't mention steps you take to rid wood, rocks of potential algae to prevent carry over to a new tank.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you liked it! I normally just use water and then dry the tank out for a week or so. The algae encrusted hardscape will normally live outside for a bit and let the elements defeat it. This time I've actually chucked all the wood into my woodlice terrarium and they have eaten it all, short video coming soon.

[@jensodotnet]

Found a major leak on my big tank only 2 days before vacation, i can say it was very stressful and i did not have all the equipment ready. i'm finally finished with removing all the silicone and ready to put the tank together again! Luckily i have a few small plastic tubs seasoned and ready so everything survived, i think you had a more calm and controlled teardown here.. 😅

[@craigquinn8225]

when I was moving house, I had a lot of fish to catch. 3 tanks worth. mostly gobies and Cory's. all hard to catch in a heavily planted tank. so I cut up about 5 water bottles and turned them into fish traps. caught all but about 3 fish. worked a treat, and didn't have to rip the tank apart to move

[@FishShopMatt]

Nice!!! I've got an upcoming video on using fish traps.

[@megmills4798]

I will catch up tomorrow 😊

[@CNR_ADMS]

Matt deserves a big shop like MD's got going.

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha my garage is coming along nicely so watch this space.

[@CNR_ADMS]

@@FishShopMatt awesome 😎

[@stephensnyder1334]

Thanks for filming this Matt. I think a lot of people get overwhelmed during this process. You really do make fish keeping easier with your videos. I’m going to be doing something similar with a scape that I’m just not happy with mainly cuz my drift wood leaches tons of tannins and it’s only a 5 gallon tank. I’m gunna try to boil it and place it back in

[@FishShopMatt]

That's really kind of you to say! It's what my channel and videos are all about.

[@greenwarrior8971]

Love this informative vlog Matt

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@suffysdave]

Thanks again Matt for another down to earth video. Although I have 5 taks now (probably because of you guys 😅) I still enjoy these simple videos, always something to learn and seeing you struggle sometimes too gives me courage 😉

[@FishShopMatt]

Great to hear! Even us pros have issues hahaha 🤣

[@unsocialbutterfly5760]

I did this recently with my shrimp tank, and boy was it a nightmare, trying to catch all the baby shrimp! I know there were casualties, it’s unavoidable really, but I’m so happy I finally built up the courage to get the task done. I planned my tactics for many weeks prior, from researching shrimp traps to how to avoid transferring the pest snails. The shrimp are very happy with their new accomodations as am I, but somehow pest snails have managed to find their way into the new tank, despite my best efforts to avoid it. Nature always finds a way I guess.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah baby shrimp are a nightmare I've kept tanks with a few inches of water for weeks before and still find them wandering about. It's good to hear that they are happy with their new home!

[@HarrietsHobbyhorses]

I love how your betta was watching you the whole time 😆

[@Matthew.Henley]

It’s great to see your channel doing well 🐠

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much and thank you for being a member and supporting the channel!!! 💜

[@Matthew.Henley]

@@FishShopMattmy pleasure

[@space_ghost_z941]

Same planning a reset on one of mine too!

[@FishShopMatt]

Good luck!

[@miniscenesgb]

Interesting Matt, looking forward to the new build. Question, you said if you'd preferred you could have dealt with all that algae. How would oyu have done that as it seems to be entwined everywhere. the Duckweed too. Even in a small tank that's a nightmare

[@FishShopMatt]

It is a nightmare but can be done. Regular use of a liquid carbon like Co2 booster will help battle the algae. Then I use a toothbrush to start cleaning the algae off things and twirling it round to pull the algae out. Once I've done that and kept up with regular water changes the algae will start decreasing. I actually did it in this tank before filming the water test video just to prove to myself I could defeat it.

[@miniscenesgb]

@@FishShopMatt thanks for the info Matt. I only have the issue in one of my Nano tanks thankfully, so I'll battle on

[@mcbabs7495]

Un grand merci pour la vidéo!

[@JamesCagney-g6z]

When you used the other hose pipe to suck the water out, what was the hose pipe connected to, to get the suction you didn't show that bit. was the pipe connected to a machine,

[@aqua_Laura]

That's so strange you posted this....... I just tore down my tank this morning. I took out all the aqua soil and put it in mesh bags as I'm now wanting white sand in it 😂 it was tedious but I'm nearly done it's took me all day lol 😅 I'm getting 4 pots of myriophyllum mattogrossense tomorrow can't wait to see what it looks like once it's done 😅

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha how strange, I hope it went smoothly for you!

[@Adam7FishTanks]

I’m probably going to break down my biggest tank soon due to the same issues, can’t seem to get rid of algae from the wood that I’ve chosen and it’s been a burden, the substrate layer seems to be going stagnant when it shouldn’t be so I’ve decided I’ll be breaking it down in the very near future!

[@FishShopMatt]

Sometimes it just needs a big refresh! It's always tricky as when you get one big issue all the little issues seem bigger hahaha.

[@-BoNEz]

How do the big rocks not crack the bottom I want to do it but so nervous as I’ve been plastic plants and light weight ornaments but seeing your vids is making me want to do real plants and decorations

[@clementbellande8720]

❤❤❤

[@MandyJane123700]

I would really love to take down my 1st planted tank and redo it. I'm going to rewatch this video when the time comes. I know it's not that complicated, but I've never done it before so I'm a bit nervous. I dread trying to catch the clown pleco!

[@FishShopMatt]

As I say preparation is key. Also plecos are normally the easy ones to catch. Maybe have a look at building a bottle trap?

[@MandyJane123700]

@@FishShopMatt I will look that up! I think I am worried about the clown pleco because it was so hard to catch my common pleco (she is over a foot long now, lol) . I suppose a tiny pleco would be much easier to net.

[@Gracious3G]

Wondering what was in the container you sprayed the tank with when you were given it a good clean after emptying it

[@MrShengu]

Matt, what happened to the rare anubias tank? Haven't seem any update on it

[@FishShopMatt]

I had it in an update a little while ago but it was in my boys bedroom when he was a baby and had to move it out when he started using the room. I still have most of the plants, some got long term borrowed by a friend hahaha.

[@H4RL33NQU1NZ3L]

Can you make a video for changing ground in a tank with shrimps in it? I want to change my gravel, but I don't now how I do this as simple as possible. I have very much baby shrimp in the tank. They have a lot different sizes. I don't know to manage this 😊

[@FishShopMatt]

It will be very tricky! In this video I use the tube to syphon some of the sand out. You could start doing this with your water changes and over a few weeks you would get rid of all the substrate. Then you can wash and reintroduce new sand or gravel but if putting plant substrate in you will need to drain it.

[@trixie1636]

Oh man, I almost bought a shelving unit to put my nano tanks on because they’re on my counter now i hate having to move them to clean them. I almost ran into the same problem with the shelves. That bottom tank would drive me nuts 😅

[@andreagalda28]

I have so many baby shrimp in a large fully planted pickle jar. I want to take it down, but I have no idea how to catch out so many tiny babies. I keep saying I will wait till they grow bigger, but then more babies are born and I'm stuck. I think I will end up sucking the babies up with a tube or big pipette. Any tips would be great!

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah unfortunately it is tricky, have a look at bottle traps as this may help you catch a lot of the shrimp. But unfortunately there is never a good time to rip down a shrimp tank full of babies.

[@DaniilVolosin]

Hi Matt! I have quick question 300liters(120x50x50cm) 4 angels and x20 rummynose and 20 neon tetras will it work?

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

I just did that a few weeks ago.

[@Marcelsk811]

I like the shirt

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! I designed it a little while ago.

[@CadenceGillis]

What were you using to spray it down? also do you have any tips on catching guppy fry? I've got a medium tank (36gal) and a bunch of guppy babies and i want to change my tank inhabitants up.

[@kyehills1382]

If the fry are little pinheads then removing most of the water say 8-10cm left in tank will make them easier to spot and catch. It can be impossible to catch fry in a full tank as they tend to hide low and usually on the substrate.

[@FishShopMatt]

Just water and a spray bottle nothing more. As for catching fry they can be tricky, looking up how to make a bottle trap maybe helpful other than that it's time and patience and draining the tank a little.

[@tac9238]

I have a tank i want to take down but it probably has over 100 shrimp with many babies. Would you just accept that there will be losses and try your best to get as many as possible? Thankyou.

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah unfortunately it does become tricky to get them all. But if you make a bottle trap and leave it in overnight with food in you will probably catch a lot.

[@timherstel5445]

Did you manage to save the rare crypts?

[@FishShopMatt]

Oh yes! They're now in a new substrate awaiting their next tank. Good memory!!!

[@timherstel5445]

@@FishShopMatt good stuff i was eager to see them growing up!

[@krawlspace]

@FishShopMatt Ok. I was a bit burned out on FishTube and stopped watching fish content for a few weeks. Was this my punishment? Did the Chilis really have to go?!?!? LOL! Great video as always.

[@authmal]

Out of curiosity, why not use two nets? One to catch, and the other to herd the fish into the other. I'd imagine that would reduce the stress and make everyone's lives a bit easier.

[@genx156]

I never net my fish anymore - I use a jug & spare tank, they never leave the water - they're pretty easy because they think they're getting fed and go straight into the jug 🤣🤣

[@FishShopMatt]

Nice!!! That's a great idea.

[@artofaagiir]

Did my eyes just watched a snowboard next to the quarantine tank?🤔😅

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha yeah my old snowboard lives there. Will be hung on the wall in the new studio!

[@artofaagiir]

@@FishShopMatt haha I have eyes like a raven 😂 oh nice! My guess is, a Burton? 😅

[@FishShopMatt]

@@artofaagiir hahaha no it's a Lib Tech T Rice signature board from over 10 years ago

[@artofaagiir]

@@FishShopMatt oh thats cool! So no more snowboarding nowdays?

[@eatmynoobfood7461]

My advice is buy buckets, lots of buckets 😂😂😂

[@FishShopMatt]

@@eatmynoobfood7461 agreed! The problem I find is I end up using them as storage so I come to use them and they're full hahaha

[@eatmynoobfood7461]

@FishShopMatt when they are all full just buy more! 😂😂

[@meadowpus]

Plastic bags (stolen from work) 😂

[@Landlockedaquarist]

Please get all of your electric cords off the ground

[@FishScalesAndShrimpTales]

Wow whaat timing Im teariing down my 20 gallon tthis week. Im so glad you came back to doing some aquarium videos, I like the outdoor ponds but aqauriums are why I started watching you! Welcome Back. www.youtube.com/@sundawgg

[@FishShopMatt]

Awwwww thank you! I will try and do a mix but obviously summer will always be a bit more pondy than normal but I will try to be a 50/50 split.