Stop Wasting Money On These Aquarium Products!

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Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!
keepfishkeeping.com
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🛒 Links to popular products we use:
Seachem Tidal Filters: bit.ly/3fjkjXF
Sicce Shark ADV Internal Filter: bit.ly/390JuKn
Fritz Guard: bit.ly/3csfNUR
Fritz Complete: bit.ly/3spgtQi
Fritz Dark Water: bit.ly/3sx49gQ
Fritz Betta Guard: bit.ly/3svhExw
Aquarium Salt: bit.ly/3svcIsz
Algae Remover: bit.ly/3sx8nVR
Plant Fertilizer: bit.ly/31lwGKy
General Cure: bit.ly/2PcjXr1
Paracleanse: bit.ly/2NXlqkm
Maracyn: bit.ly/31n8dVh
Ick Medication: bit.ly/3fkZZoS 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Get all the extra benefits by becoming a channel member. / @kgtropicals
Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!
keepfishkeeping.com
🛒 Links to popular products we use:
Seachem Tidal Filters: bit.ly/3fjkjXF
Sicce Shark ADV Internal Filter: bit.ly/390JuKn
Fritz Guard: bit.ly/3csfNUR
Fritz Complete: bit.ly/3spgtQi
Fritz Dark Water: bit.ly/3sx49gQ
Fritz Betta Guard: bit.ly/3svhExw
Aquarium Salt: bit.ly/3svcIsz
Algae Remover: bit.ly/3sx8nVR
Plant Fertilizer: bit.ly/31lwGKy
General Cure: bit.ly/2PcjXr1
Paracleanse: bit.ly/2NXlqkm
Maracyn: bit.ly/31n8dVh
Ick Medication: bit.ly/3fkZZoS

[@KGTropicals]

🛒*Check out our brand new website and shop for all of your aquarium supplies and fun merch!* keepfishkeeping.com

[@megaball-ps8tq]

I really like the information you are giving out in your videos keep up the good work for me and your fans :)

[@Eric-vt8ns]

Did you use a different microphone or something? Your voice sounds different lol

[@donnareed3822]

Your fish are beautiful. I would like to buy a couple good quality fancy goldfish. Could you point me in the right direction

[@wclewis1s1]

I have a Topfin Silenstream Power filter 75 gallon. Any suggestions for alternative filters opposed to the filter cartridges? I've tried some before from Ebay but they didn't work.

[@bradwilson4795]

Could you give some advice on how to get rid of cloudy water,it used to look milky, now it looks kinda green?

[@adrianspires3]

I bought a 3.50$ fish and I’ve spent over 150$ now I’m like what did I just start.

[@dalastcowboy2370]

A wonderful addiction

[@juandiegomoreno9803]

thats how it started for me 2-3 years ago. now im ordering my 4th fish tank lol

[@xkxshx]

i decided to get a betta, then another tank for mollies and now im getting a bigger tank to move them to while i turn this one into a vampire crab tank... definitely spending well over $1000 at this point lol.. But i LOVE it

[@adrianspires3]

@@xkxshx right! I got two tanks already and still have the same fish but now have a pair and I’ve spent well over 300$ easily. I got a third tank too just haven’t done anything with it yet😂😂 someone needs to stop me if not I’ll spend everything I get😂

[@xkxshx]

@@adrianspires3 Yeah well my mollies just had babies so now i'm really struggling... oml help me😭 😭I put the babies in a 2 1/2 quart bucket cuz it's the only thing I had since the adults were trying to eat them!! So now I have to buy a HUGE tank to fit all of them because I don't know anyone who wants mollies and now I've gone from 5 to 18 of them. God help me

[@jackofallfish8563]

This is definitely one of those hobbies that never is very cheap but more knowledge means saving money where it counts.

[@johnmarks227]

Well said. Took me years to get my setup the way it should have been when I first started.

[@megaball-ps8tq]

I agree

[@EdMcCornhole]

Too many Dumb ornaments .

[@glgl1472]

I'm just getting started in fish keeping at 63 I've never even really had a fish tank before and I already have 3 and 1/2 gallon tank in a 6 gallon tank and I'm pulled back the reins because it's like I really like this and I want to get into it but I'm not going to just go balls out and start wasting a lot of money so this is just reinforcing what I've already been thinking I think I'll get a 20 gallon tank and leave it at that

[@jackofallfish8563]

@@glgl1472 A 20 long is a great tank to get started with. It’s one of my favorite tank sizes. If you grab it from petco during the dollar per gallon sale it will only cost you $20. Grab a fluval aquaclear or a seachem tidal hob filter and you won’t have to pay for replacement cartridges either which saves a good chunk of change down the road.

[@its_whack]

the bad part about keeping extra tanks around is then you want to get more fish and set up another aquarium.

[@fishfan2]

Lol having extra tanks is a privilege, idk how people find the space for extra tanks or cheap tanks in general

[@kellysuzanne976]

@@fishfan2 I have one 60 gallon, and i have zero room for anymore not even space for a 20 gallon. My house is small . And I personally wouldn't want anymore, I would do maybe a 20 long but definitely no more big tanks they in my opinion are a pain to clean . I can barley reach the bottom of the one I have now.

[@federicol8366]

Totally agree. And if you don’t have much room in an apparent you keep a lot of very small tanks! Which start creeping overpopulated in every possible corner, And then you buy overs sized filters to compensate…

[@lisasurtees9454]

This is so true! I have a 55, 20long, 5 and 2.5 set up. I also have two 10’s and a 1 that aren’t set up! The 5 I got for $10 the two 10’s I got for $7 each, the 2.5 I got free, the 1 I got for $5 and the 20long I got for $25! The 55 I bought as a kit for $150! So $204 total for 7 tanks! All of which were bought over a few months. You just have to find the right deals! Buuuuut, then you have to have a of self control to not fill them all up 😂

[@lisasurtees9454]

@@kellysuzanne976 you need a python aquarium vacuum! It’s a total game changer for water changes!!

[@aaronbono4688]

Thank you for recognizing that the casual, probably 1 tank aquarium owners, are the bulk of what is out there. It always gets frustrating when channels think the crazy obsessed are the majority when that isn't really the case.

[@paulhopkins1905]

Lol Freshwater fish hobbyist: "fish keeping is expensive"..... Reef keeper: "hold my debit card"

[@cody1995evo]

Try feeding 2 foot koi 3 times a day... fresh water fish can be just as expensive

[@paulhopkins1905]

@@cody1995evo A two foot koi is a pond fish, not an aquarium fish.

[@cartilagehead6326]

@@paulhopkins1905 Not if your aquarium is big and fancy enough....

[@paulhopkins1905]

@@cartilagehead6326 If you scale a reef to the same size tank, the reef is still much more expensive. Unless you buy one of those $100,000 koi fish

[@briannelson3830]

Paul Hopkins yea a reef pond gunna be a lot more $$$$$

[@BlueStreakActual]

To add on to #3, my grandpa got me into fishkeeping and one of the things he told me that has always stuck is "You can never have too many tanks, but you can certainly have enough".

[@kabirthepunjabi]

I don't get it

[@cayleep6561]

Me too...

[@hollyberry1779]

It is called multi tank syndrome. You technically have enough tanks for you fish. But later on you see fish that are wonderful. But there is not room for them in the current tanks. So you buy other tank and all of the required accessories. And you have have back up heaters, filters, HOB filters. Just incase something stops working. 🐤😀

[@KittenCece]

I think this is just an excellent sentiment to approach life with. “You can never have too many/much *blank*, but you can certainly have enough”

[@Barb5001]

That simply means that you should know when you have enough tanks.

[@artholio]

It took my anxiety away so it worth every dollar.

[@artholio]

@@willparsons32 So far the smaller tanks (even the 7Gal ones are great to deal with. But it is true that the bigger it is, the more fun and rooms to play around with the plants and rocks.

[@timmykkgb]

@@willparsons32 you just got into this hobby huh?

[@camillathornhill8230]

Totally agree! Best medicine!!

[@arthurheine5631]

Yes! It helps a lot with my mental health. I have a 5 gal that I aquascaped in my bedroom and waking up everyday to it improves my mood immensely!

[@loveme5771]

Hope it helps with my anxiety because it's not a good feeling

[@tanyacurrie9480]

Filter cartridges is one of the ones that I really agree with. When I first started out, I bought a 10 gallon kit. The kit came with a filter with nothing but one of those cartridges. Not being experienced and fish keeping, I read the instructions included with the kit and it said that the filter cartridge needed to be changed once a month. I didn’t know any better, so I set my tank up and cycled it, then I did exactly what I had been instructed to based on the instructions that were included. I wondered why my fish died constantly. Disheartened, and nearly ready to give up on fish keeping all together I did some research. I discovered that what I was doing was basically throwing away my biological media every month. Meaning that my tank had to cycle constantly, and the fish couldn’t handle it. I finally replaced the cartridge with media from an aquaclear filter, which absolutely changed the game. I have a sponge, bio balls and carbon in that filter, and it works like a charm! The filter is a cheap filter, and it hasn’t let me down in three years. Even during power outages it generally will start back up fine. Since then my 10 gallon aquarium has been one of the healthiest tanks I have. Most of the fish in that tank are over two years old, and one is over three. They are doing incredible! It was a combination of learning how to set up a filter to maximize my bio load and mechanical filtration, as well as how to select tank mates that would be compatible and would also help the aquarium as a whole. I’ve since added three more tanks, and I use the same filter design in each tank. Now I am looking at setting up a tiny nano community tank, and I am looking into sponge filters for that.

[@siobhan5214]

Hey I would love to know what products you got for your filter and what kind of filter you have! I have a 10 gallon tank I got a month ago as well and I’m so confused what to do with the filter etc. I wish someone could just tell me what to do 😆

[@nalinshook3866]

Help my fish keep dying

[@tylermitchell5631]

Could you help me find what to replace my disposable filters with ?

[@TyEats0031]

@@siobhan5214 what did you end up doing? I could use the advice.

[@erint5373]

This would be a good episode-i do not understand what people are yabbering on about with filters lol

[@ingifreyrstefansson3781]

16:04 alien keeping a human as a pet: "humans are from Africa so i replicated the serengeti for him." human: "uhhh but i'm from new york."

[@megaball-ps8tq]

I agree with this

[@mauricematla1215]

But we are not cold blooded and even need technology to have a change in colder climates...

[@nunyabizness6376]

Smae thing tho

[@mauricematla1215]

@@nunyabizness6376 Not really.

[@grantflippin7808]

@@mauricematla1215 a warm concrete box and a stiff coat is all a man needs

[@1dilligaf]

I watched one of your videos before letting my daughter get a beta. Now I have a 5/15/29/2x55 gallon tanks. a warning that fish keeping can be addictive. Thank for all your help you and all the you tubers have made this so much more enjoyable.

[@paigek9923]

I’m so glad that you did your research before getting your kid a pet when most don’t. You’re awesome!

[@daviddiehl197]

Now have 6-10gal, 15/20 tall and 3-20long, 29/30gal, 6-55gal, 6-75gal and a 150gal in a two bedroom apartment. Two 250gal and an 800gal in storage. Thank God I don't have a water bill.

[@palestar828]

I just wish it wasn't such an expensive hobby. I can't see myself being addicted to something that's getting more expensive for me and I only have one tank

[@daviddiehl197]

@@palestar828 there are ways to cut costs, might be able to give some ideas on how. Have been in the hobby for 45 years now.

[@palestar828]

@@daviddiehl197 I'm open to any info you may have. I'm a beginner. I have a cycled tank that sits empty. Tried to cure my fish of fin rot before moving him, but unfortunately, he died before I could. I tried to treat him with aquarium salt and I must have done something wrong. kind of wish I didn't spend all this money on a new set up. It's a very expensive hobby and now I don't even have a fish. The tank is cycled now so I didn't return anything. Kind of wish I did though and got my money back. I already spent hundreds of dollars and I have to buy a new fish now on top of that

[@joeycarter2678]

The only complaint I’d like to address is the fish community who seems to want to shame us little 5 gallon lovers into going out and buying some 10 or 20 gallon tank. 1. Don’t want a big tank, 2. In my little apartment?? 3. My property manager would beat me over the head if I dragged some huge tank in here 4. If I had the money I still wouldn’t want some huge tank and the water mess they’d make.

[@michaelwilde545]

OMG! I thought I was an average aquarium person, now I find out I'm a crazy - "up a level crazy." Haha! My wife tells me she already knew, others knew. I was apparently the last to know! Thanks KGT!

[@saram5754]

When John said something along the lines of “we’re crazy! We’re the ones who have 20 tanks in our house and watch videos like this,” I was in the middle of feeding my 5 tanks of fish...and that’s just in one room. Maybe we are crazy, and maybe we spend and sometimes waste a ton of money, but I think we can all agree that this hobby is immensely satisfying, it has taught us all so much, we have become experts in fish keeping, and fish are some of the most diverse, versatile, and beautiful creatures. Life is never boring when caring for 5-10+ tanks of fish. Life is good when all of our fish are happy and thriving, and when our tanks are well cared for. For that reason, I’d say we aren’t crazy...just passionate :-). We’re passionate about animals that are prevalent but incredibly misunderstood.

[@cayleep6561]

Very well said, this is so true :) Not crazy.. Just passionate.

[@juleahwillson5705]

LOL Maybe you can find a way to make it all tax deductible?

[@bronx_countryman8740]

Love it

[@alissatyau849]

My kids think I'm crazy now I have 12 tanks! But hopefully a Passionate crazy fish mama!

[@carollee4326]

@@bronx_countryman8740 l, ,p,

[@abcdefg31825]

I feel attacked lol. All 10,000 of my tank decorations are necessary !

[@mikesthoughtsonplants.9857]

You can't have enough sponge Bob's.

[@darcyholleman9221]

Especially if you have a snail named Gary!

[@TwilightRests]

"Four hundred dollars on a canister filter that they put on their 75 gallon tank." *me looking shifty with my 20 gallon*

[@harleybrown2984]

I have a 20 gallon tank there not cheap

[@WASpectrum]

I’m honestly not even that into fish. I think they’re cool and everything but I only own them cause I got a tank for Christmas. Turns it’s not a choice if this becomes a hobby or not because keeping these little dudes alive takes EFFORT. Your KZbin channel is by far the most fun to watch and most interesting out of all the fish channels I’ve seen. You are excellent at explaining these things. You’re keeping my fish alive almost more than I am. Thank you very much and way to go 👏

[@midnights349]

What kinda fish do u have?

[@donmiller2908]

@@midnights349 Since she never answered you I'm thinking dead.

[@James-yv1qq]

When you go into the LFS thinking you'll only get one or two things and then you come out with a $100 receipt.

[@BogeyBoys28]

Every time. “Ehh I’ll just get two plants” leaves with new rocks, wood, fish and 7 plants😂😂😂

[@James-yv1qq]

@@BogeyBoys28 and then you come out with your new favorite fish! Lol

[@harmonysmith2485]

Every...single...time 😂

[@feralon9570]

@@James-yv1qq , I never impulse buy fish. I am way to scared that things could go wrong.

[@megaball-ps8tq]

@@feralon9570 I would have to agree with you, I would recommend you do your research first before getting this type of fish.

[@mercurywillrise]

... and then you end up with a $500 vet bill because your kitten drank out of the tank and/or uncovered filter box and bringing in a quadruple bagged stool sample to the vet STILL makes everyone plug their noses because beneficial bacteria + kitten tummy = quite possibly the worst thing you've ever smelled.

[@redstone1999]

OMG !!!! Expensive lesson. Poor kitty.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

Ehh? Mine just drinks it but she has cleAn water when tried covering was a big plastic bottle.

[@augustphye3361]

My dad got a 50 gallon tank at an auction for $5. I’d say that was a pretty good deal.

[@Bitterstone3849]

@Luther Blissett About 5 times + what a new 50 gal would cost. He may regret he ever decided to get into keeping fish.

[@RicardoRodriguez-it6uw]

Lol got mine for free, both 55 gallon and 180 gallon!

[@Seroxm13]

I bought a plastic 2.5g tank for $50 in 2020 for my 1st fish ever 😔 While I still love the tank, I think it was too expensive. Now I wish I had bought the 5g tank instead. My boy now lives in that 2.5g tank.

[@AquariumAficionado]

@@Seroxm13 just upgrade him to a 5-10 and use the 2.5 for shrimp or sumn

[@kategonzalezmorgan7208]

OMG you made me feel so much better when you were talking about hoarding your fish stuff! I keep extra parts and attachments and decor, etc because it's come in handy so many times! This hobby is expensive and having old heaters or filter motors stuck in a tote can save the day when something breaks down. So glad I'm not the only fish hoarder

[@areyouavinalaughisheavinal5328]

spare heaters and filters can help save money on water conditioner. Nobody really needs dechlorinater. Water gives up it's chlorine naturally and it can be sped up by circulating the water with, either, an air stone or small filter. Add a heater and a couple of days later you have oxygenated water which is up to temp and free of chlorine, ready for next water change or on standby for any emergencies.

[@cosmoplakat9549]

I have some fake plants for use in the quarantine tank, and they're now sitting in a little makeshift "garden spot" on the fish supply shelf, where they sort of hide the air pump and thermometer from obvious view. To be used again next time I get fish.

[@lindakim3051]

I used to keep fish when I was a kid and I was SO sad to come home from college to find that my parents had thrown away my 35 gallon tank/stand and canister filter and all my other aquarium stuff :( I just got back into the hobby a few weeks ago and had to re-buy so much stuff

[@garrett3117]

​@@lindakim3051If it makes you feel any better, I had done a job for my buddy, wealthy sort. They had a relative pass. She has a brand new 55g/75, custom White Oak stand. Asked him how much when they were having a garage sale next door, he said it's yours. Goes to the dump otherwise. So being his best friend I explained 'Yo! Under no circumstances are you to toss this, I want it, consider our debt paid.' Well, reminded him about 4 times, but with his memory.....yeah, RIP bro

[@farislatif8846]

Extra tank is good especially when you didn't expect to get a baby freshwater crayfish during lockdown. Trust me it a nightmare 😱😅

[@megaball-ps8tq]

I'm completely new to fish keeping, however I personally get what your saying.

[@sethdrak3]

@@GratuitousPanda lol I keep an extra " quarantine" tank cycled and ready to go 100% of the time for when I get new fish or I have sick fish they go in there and it's always got high amounts of salt and Meds. Works out great 👍

[@chrismetalwilson2588]

Hans discus are amazing fish just get real food shy if put with other fish than discus

[@sonofaquack6987]

Freshwater crayfish are cool but if they aren’t the dwarf variety you need at least a 20 gallon long tank and plants have to be to a minimum...kind of a nuisance to maintain

[@conneraustin6786]

This happened to me with a few bettas 🙄

[@scarlethunder1761]

Hubby kills plants so he has fake plants in our 10 gallon. My fish don't care but I do. So as a compromise he gets to keep the 10 but I get to buy and set up a 20 long planted.

[@catwomanva]

It doesn't really matter that much because fake plants have advanced so much over the years. I have a few basic plants I'm starting with, like marimo moss balls and I've got some aponogeton bulbs I'll be trying soon, but I don't know how good of luck I will have with real plants. I recently set up my first betta tank and all the plants in it are fake, but when I posted pictures online everybody thought it they were real. So it kind of depends on the quality of your fake plants. But I understand, in my first tank, my 55 gallon, we have very colorful fake plants, my fiance wanted a very colorful tank, so that's what we did. And I will admit that I do like at night when it goes into moonlight mode and the background glows. You won't get that with real plants. 🤷‍♀️

[@scarlethunder1761]

@CatWomanVA you are correct in all points. I just want the ecosystem set up instead of the pretty or colorful. My visual preference leans toward a more in the direction of what nature would have done.

[@Sochi314]

Petco has their $1 per gallon sale through 11/29.

[@coleweede1953]

Don't bool out on the wrong plants if you can't bool out on the right equipment

[@scarlethunder1761]

@@coleweede1953 I've already got the tank and untill I get all my equipment and set it up to run their won't be plants in it. Or anything else.

I loved the "lunatic" comment. And here I am, watching "fish videos" at 12:41 am 🤣🤣🤣

[@fluffytail6355]

You and me both. Bought my 3rd fish tank today and here I am at just before 1AM watching fish videos 🤦‍♀️

[@captainminnow]

12:39 for me!

And again... This "lunatic" is watching this video, for second time, after 12 am 😁

[@thebiotopes]

I will pay a percentage higher and drive 30 minutes to purchase anything I can from my local fish stores. I believe it is very important to support them and continue those relationships with owners. Thanks for the video!

[@larslinebarger6712]

Seeing these shops close down in my home town breaks my heart

[@thebiotopes]

@@larslinebarger6712 That stinks Lars!

[@karissal5790]

I don’t drive and my LFS (actually a pet shop but areas of expertise are fish, reptiles and birds) is 45 mins away, but luckily my boyfriend loves reptiles and birds so he plays with the ones they have running around the store while i look at fish and plants for hours haha! always worth the drive for the variety and knowledge vs petsmart. But in the summers I live with my mom in a larger city than the one I attend school in, so i can walk to multiple fish stores!! so excited!

[@zukos_honor5710]

my nearest fish stores in both directions are over an hour away. to the east its a petco, and to the west is a small family owned fish store. whenever i go west, i go support them. the next family owned fish store is over 2 hours away. be sure to appreciate and support those local fish stores, because it's a lot harder to make a 2 hour round trip get more melafix for your sick fish than it is to stop by the local store in your town.

[@vivienleigh4640]

I had several tanks, from 44 gallons to 140 gallons, cichlids. My husband wasn't as exited as I was. We had a child etc and I stopped all together. I haven't left it all together but I feel a bit rusty. Now he's allowed me to get a 99 gallon tank. These videos are so good for me. Knowledge that's been buried in the deep oceans of my brain for such a long time get its way up to the surface again. Thank you!

[@clwtwizted]

"I wont mention any names" B rolls to Fluval....

[@saktah]

Hahahaha ikr 🤣

[@krissarni6074]

You mean the canister fluval BC I have the Aqua Clear fluval HOB forget the numbers but there's only one more higher, mines the 3 biggest one.... I have that on my 60 gallon tall tank..... Everyone I see usually has two of them but I just grabbed one and 5 months no issues🤞🏼🤞🏼 lol... But OBVIOUSLY I'm new to the Hobby and can ALWAYS learn more about anything.... Thanks in advance for your help!!

[@Novice_Maker]

So I dropped $100 for a sunsun filter, a basic canister filter with a uv bulb for a 75 gallon. I wanted to have some better options for filters that I didn't have to clean every month, and I wanted biological surface area. $100 for an overkill filter is wonderful. $400 for it is insane

[@stepheng3378]

I too agree about having extra tanks. I used to live in SoCal. One night I woke at 3 in the morning, for no reason, or so I thought at the time. I could hear from the bedroom the sound of running water. At first, I thought maybe one of my kids had left the water running in the bathroom. So I stumble down the hallway, and as I neared the bathroom, I could tell the sound was coming from the living room. I started walking towards the tank in the dark, and before I was 6 feet from the tank, I felt water on the floor. It seems my 88 long had cracked. I thought it was due to my two powerheads I had hooked up to an undergravel filter (remember those ?). Turns out we had a 4.2 earthquake and that was what woke me up. I had no extra tank at the time, so I filled a garbage can with a trash bag, and filled it for my fish. What a long night that was.

[@Mr-qy1vt]

400$ is not worth it..I have a sunsun, and it been strong for 2 years now. GOT IT FOR 70$. Still running strong

[@ivan2jzbunny]

Wow I’m impressed!

[@lucv13]

Love my Sunsun!

[@dmoore0079]

I had mine for 7 years and only had to replace one impeller and a new input/output valve. Can't beat a SunSun for the money

[@Bigdawg_1deep]

Gotta fx6🤓

[@Sahadi420]

the FX6 isn't $400.... More like $340, and you can find deals on it. I got mine at Petsmart for $250.

[@hamhawk4027]

I had a bunch of aquariums when I was in high school. We even had an aquarium club at my school I was part of. We had a teacher who was very supportive and let us repurpose unused supplies from the science department. On top of my aquariums at home we had a bunch on the go in the science dept. Unfortunately after high school with moving around and travelling I had to keep downsizing. It's been a long time since I've had an aquarium and want to get one in January (new year, new hobby). your videos are so helpful. I can't believe how much I forgot. Thankyou

[@michaeltripi5815]

After 10 years of buying filters I have finally embraced the sponge for my filter needs. The water is just as clean and I will save money and time cleaning them! I love the Tital 75 filter!

[@tamisun7676]

Can you explain a bit how this works?

[@Spiritwolf145]

Amen! Sponge superiority 😆

[@jeremybw2180]

For the Aquaclear HOB lid rattle either rubber band it, or use silicone to create a 'buffering' rattle seal.

[@shecomments2much189]

True about having a plan B, C, D and then some! “Well, I don’t need another cage/tank... uh.. ooh. There are babies now.”

[@zenithmaiden2109]

Oh my god, this! I ended up getting danios to help cycle what was to be a 55g shrimp tank. I had those suckers for less than two months and came to find out there were several generations of fry when I was trying to water change one day. I raised them and traded them for credit to my LFS...I think they're still traumatized almost two years later by the hundreds of .5" fry. Still love danios to bits though!

[@lifewithabiologist5471]

How does one simply "have an aquarium " without catching MTS? It's so easy to catch and I can't seem to get better

[@lokidogofmischief265]

I've struggled with multiple tank syndrome for years now. It never gets better. I have 4 tanks up and running 5 including hospital tank and another two tanks that will be spring time projects. Send help! lol

[@lifewithabiologist5471]

@@lokidogofmischief265 I totally feel that! I have 4 running tanks and one just holding some new plants for a bit until I'm ready to scape that tank

[@thesacredlobo]

Yeah, I dont' even keep fish and I know that feeling. I started out with a 20 Gallon Tank long for a pair of white feeder mice. I then eventually decided I wanted a bigger tank so I could keep even more. So I went out and purchased a Zilla 30 BR (36 x 18 x 12). And sometime after that I decided to try my hand at making some bin cages and bought a pair of 50 Gallon Storage tubs that I hooked up together with the aid of some PVC piping. And for a New Year's resolution I purchased a 90 Gallon 'Turtle' Tank for Sassy, a dwarf hamster that passed away a while ago. And I got another Zilla tank for free from one of my co-workers in exchange for taking in Frank, her pet gerbil. And I've currently got the last mouse from a group of six I bought over two years ago in a 10 Gallon Tank by herself because she doesn't get along with any of the younger mice I bought to keep her company in her old age. As it stands I either have six or seven active tanks depending on how you want to slice the bin cages. On one hand you could argue there two tanks that are connected by a PVC pipe and some fittings to make sure the tube stays in place. On the other hand you could argue the connection makes them one single massive tank and thuse I only have six active tanks to look after. And the scary part is I would most definitely setup another tank if I could find some free space in my room for one. Current Pet Count 11 Mice 2 Hamsters 2 Gerbils

[@paigek9923]

@@thesacredlobo I only have 2 fish tanks that are set up and I have an extra one laying around that I’m deciding what I want to do with it. But in total I currently have 27 pets including horses, a bird, cats, a dog, and chickens and animals like that but I’m going to be getting shrimp for one of my tanks in a few days I just have to wait for the store to get them in stock.

[@philipramsden4975]

I had one tank, then had a holding female, so got my 10 gal up and running. Then that female was holding again, so transferred the first batch of fry to my 30 gal and the new ones to my 10 gal. Traded her away, now just growing out the fry so I can trade/sell them and get back down to one tank

[@moonrise_078]

i've had my axolotl for a little bit now (3-4 months) and his old owner didn't take care of him well. i bought a bunch of new stuff for him like his old owner should've done, and now i realize how much goes into axolotl owning. here is the full list of things i've bought since i adopted him: an appropriately sized tank a spacious and calming hide with steps and a "basking" top (he loves laying on it) some nice floppy plants for him to hide under and swim around in a new, powerful filter caribsea sand + tank a thermometer some tetra aquasafe plus and other tank cycling products (the rest are from seachem) pellets dried mysis shrimp a tank lid i'm also planning on buying some live plants for his tank, as they will provide a delicious snack and better oxygen throughout the water.

[@sorad5791]

I loled when you said "Lunatics like you and me." It's true.. I used to have 12 bettas and 5 cichlid tanks.. people who weren't into fish were SHOOK when I disclosed that fact and said it was crazy. I couldn't argue with them, it was true. I'm a proud fish geek! Lol I recently bought two bettas after not having any fish for years while my kids were little, and I feel the madness creeping up on me! I am drawn to them like a magnet.. I was having a sweet moment with my husband earlier and realised I was thinking about my betta that was within my field of vision. LOL sheesh

[@elmervilorio2612]

If you go to the fish store to buy something and hide it from your wife that's a sign of how expensive this hobby is.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

How can you hide it? Fish stuff is clearly in plain view right 😆

[@hongluong3427]

I found a way to bypass all that hiding fuss, ask the LFS what fish's would they buy/trade in my case ender guppies set up a smallish tank 20literes (4.5-5 gallons) and have a few pairs of guppies.

[@hownottoadult1014]

@@Kt-cn2rq I hide my fish from my husband him: is that a new fish/tank/part Me: what? No he’s/ it’s been there for ages/ got it from a friend.

[@hownottoadult1014]

@Luther Blissett kind of hard…. But not impossible 🤫

[@hownottoadult1014]

@Luther Blissett dirty the tank glass up a bit, add some dirt to the bottom or some cobwebs 🕸 for extra effect, set it up in your house (with dirt and cobwebs) on the stand when partner comes home from work and notices tank be excited and tell him look what you got from a friend/family member and tell them about how they were giving it away because they where going to dump it or alternatively you got it from a garage sale cause they were going to dump it/ they only wanted $50 for it.

[@boneseyyl1060]

I clean and reuse my "disposable" filters now. I haven't noticed any change since I started doing that and it does save a lot of money for me now. I even chop up the old ones and place strips around the filter inlets held by elastics, to strain out a lot of junk before it hits the filter. I take the strips off and clean them every day or two. Just rinse them under the tap and good to go again. Noticed a big improvement in water clarity after doing that and lets me reuse the filters multiple times.

[@steve852011]

every time you run them under the tap your killing your bacteria, why not just invest in a course and fine sponge and rinse them in the tank water when you do your water changes, they will last you for a decade.

[@kathyhunnicutt4048]

Copd Jane martin

[@kathyhunnicutt4048]

Jane Martin

[@boneseyyl1060]

@@steve852011 I add bacteria with each water change. Again, I haven't noticed any bad effects after more than a year.

[@Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

I haven't replaced my disposable media in like 10 years. When I do a water change, I sometimes put the cartridge into the bucket of tank water and rub the outside to remove larger particles. Then back in the filter it goes, and I get to keep my beneficial bacteria and the water parameters don't change.

[@killerguppy2988]

I've seen the "rattling lids" issue pop up again and again. My solution was to just get a tiny figurine (pirate, fish, or just a large pencil eraser) and place it on top with some thick rubber double sided tape. Seems to work well, and looks nice for a lidless tank.

[@Grateful-KJ]

I just put my air pump on top of it.

[@reagansmallwood.waterpolo8058]

I think its good to have extra decor bc (espically for bettas) then each water change, change some of the decor. move it around, take some out, put some in. bettas love exploring and is very stimulating for them.

[@icegypsy99]

Resin Decorations: I spent good money on resin decorations that looked amazing. The thing I'm finding with a lot of those ornaments, they are often hollow. They trap water that gets stagnant after a while. My tank smelled so bad one day, I thought maybe fish died. I checked everywhere and then lifted this hollow resin stone. I almost lost my lunch it smelled so bad inside it. The other thing I found, paint on most of these resin ornaments will also start to come off over time. Can't be good for the water. I have plastic ornaments from back in the 80s that still look the same as the day I bought them. The other thing you have to keep in mind with your decorations is they take up space. Means less room for fish to swim. Better to go with live plants that the fish can move though, they look great, and help keep your water parameters in check. Fish food: Guilty for sure. Although I kept most of the packs of food small to test out, it really adds up over time. Disposable cartridges: Terrible idea. Every time you change it you are removing loads of beneficial bacteria. dump the cartridges. Buy a couple sponges, cut them to size, maybe get some rock media or bio balls and toss them into a media bag.

[@lauraashmore7184]

Wholeheartedly agree on the resin decorations!! I couldn’t get that rotten egg smell out of the room for hours when it happened to me and I’ve only ever bought wood or rock since! 😂 nice to know it wasn’t just me!

[@icegypsy99]

@@lauraashmore7184 Wasn't it the worst? I still cringe at the thought of it. I actually tried drilling holes into the back of a piece I really loved...even shoved an airstone in. it helped, but then the issue with the paint slowly dissolving continued, so I pulled all of them. These are things designed for aquariums. I don't get why they are making them the way they do. I contacted one of the companies to advise them of the issues, made suggestions...no response. It's like they just don't care that they are possibly harming beautiful creatures.

[@grahamsmith2022]

The thing that grates me about disposable filter cartridges is that it's yet another contribution to the millions of tonnes of plastic waste that is going into landfill every week and ultimately the sea,which is kind of ironic for a hobby that's supposed to be caring about fish and marine life.😦

[@redstone1999]

Clean them until unclean able. Then use them in base of planter pots. No waste, problem solved.

[@dc.coversph]

Lets think of the bright side . Once those cartridges ended up in the sea . That will introduce a lot of beneficial bacteria to all of marine life because those cartridges are from a fully established/cycled tank . LOL IM JUST KIDDING I AGREE WITH YOU MAN 👌🏻

[@RedBegoniaBird]

I stick them into planters.

[@himlolo]

@@RedBegoniaBird why not just use reusable media? There’s no reason not to, disposable just makes your tank more unstable and has less bacteria

[@RedBegoniaBird]

@@himlolo I have a few tanks, some I use reusable some I use disposable. Currently because we are testing the efficacy of them.

[@staceyowens6700]

Have been watching so many of your videos (among others) and I love your easy explanations XD. I have never had the touch keeping fish, not even goldfish! Well, the last I tried I was about 20yrs old, and I couldn't get the water right - it just would not cycle. I am now 34, I have read so much fish stuff this year (still researching), and I am watching all your videos. I think I am ready to give it another go thanks to you XD. I want freshwater/tropical, looking at tetra neons, guppies, mollies etc. My nan use to have these fish, she is giving me tips too. I am decorating first, then I want a 120liter tank that i love and have a great place for it. I just was given a 120 tank, but i am dubious - I need to check it for leaks. Basically, when i am more ready, i am going to be so patient... if it takes me 9months to get this water to cycle, then I guess i will wait nine months and be thankful that labour isn't part of the process LOL. I have always wanted to keep fish, but my confidence was poor. When i was about 8, my fish tank with big eyed guppy gold fish basically exploded - my fish died. Then i tried a few times over the years... no luck. i feel more educated, more confident, and more determined that this time i will get it right. So, THANKYOU SO MUCH, for helping me get back my desire to keep a few happy little fish. xxxx

[@RecklessTheory]

I have had the same 305 filter for a decade+ and I love that you can buy parts for cheap for it to fix things that break or have broken down from years of use. 305 is rated for 70 gallons and I originally had it on a 55g tank but when I moved I switched to a 36g tank that would fit my new space and still use it as I don't really like HOB filters that much unless its for a quarantine tank or small tank.

[@seasorablue]

Finally trying to get back into having aquariums after moving out of the parent's house (I'm 20yrs) and I already have three tanks! Not big ones since I have an apartment but gotta start somewhere, right? Love these videos, really appreciate them. Used to be a part of a 'planted tank' group online, but they were real gate-keeping snobs looking back. Glad to see a creator and fishkeeper who's open and friendly to the various facets of the community.

[@chrisstephens9113]

I always leave the LFS with more stuff then I actually needed.

[@philipramsden4975]

The trick is to take your wife. Same reason why I don't let her go to Costco alone

[@sandraragole2679]

😁💕🐡🐠🐟💦🐟🐠🥴🐠🐟🐟🐡😁

[@lexxwhite747]

Never seen your channel before this morning, but this was informative and fun to watch, so I'm gonna watch some more of your stuff for sure.

[@mirentxulorimer1688]

The only aquarium starter kit I will ever use is the “Prodibio Start Up” glass vials. It lets me quickly cycle a new tank and I’ve never lost a fish when using it. I’m new to fish keeping and kept losing them at the beginning. Our local fish store listened to my aquarium tragedies and suggested this product. It was night and day. Plus , they are packaged for one time use so I don’t have a bottle of it stored away losing effectiveness in a cupboard.

[@laurenlab]

I have a microscope and now I want to buy bottle bacteria so that I can see how long it lasts after being opened... lol

[@johnmarks227]

do several different brands and a few at a time to see better results. You might even be able to get that info from the manufacturer.

[@didostempest2966]

I swear bacteria starter was my stupidest purchase. I noticed absolutely no difference. Try it and come back to tell us your results!

[@maggien236]

Do it!! I would love to see/hear the results!!

[@advicer1]

Great idea! It would be nice if you could share your results to us.

[@chadquiles2997]

I speak from experience. MicroBacter7 is one of the best bottle bacteria on the market now

[@madbirds]

Lol. I've used a bucket to move my fish. When we moved. Was about 30 mims drive and overnight. So they spent 24 or so hours on the bucket with a airstone. Was 5 or 6 rose barbs.

[@johnmarks227]

Can't be a fish keeper without buckets.

[@grenwood6551]

I have 4 on standby for when I get everything going again lol

[@johnmarks227]

@@grenwood6551 I had 2 trash cans too.

[@dampandrew]

Did you cycle the new tank before transferring fish? Could I move and just keep an inch of water and dirty gravel while driving or is it best to start from scratch?

[@grenwood6551]

@@dampandrew that has worked for me in the past but you will see some new tank syndrome. My fish were all fine. I'd recomend some water conditioner at the very least. Never lost a dish in a move. I did have a jumper after a move but I think that was more stress and thinking the window was water?

[@danae5578]

Thank you for my peace of mind and your piece of mind for those disposable filter cartridges. I just got baby catfish feeders!! My first fry!

[@rb1164]

Great video. Loved knowing I can keep discus if they are locally bread. Thanks CRAZY FISH KEEPER, I appreciate your knowledge.

[@standandknowgod]

This was very informative especially the water matching and I now understand why fisheries post the normal water parameters the fish live in. Thank you

[@johncox8882]

So glad you gave the good and the bad points on many of the products. I love my last old aquaclear that was made in 1983. The newer ones have the problems you listed. At the time it was the best filter available. I may end up getting a few HOBs but fish rooms use sponges.

[@arkansasboy45]

I really enjoyed the honest and practical approach to this subject. Thanks.

[@shaunakeesee93]

I started with a $5 betta fish. I trusted a big chain pet store and thought a 2 gallon was okay, but he didnt look happy. So I bought a 10 gallon. Decided I wanted more fish. Got another 10 gallon tank and stocked it. I wanted it to look natural so I found driftwood. The piece I loved was too big. Now I have a 40 gallon tank in my small rent house 😅. Have been working on setting it up, researching fish, and talking to our not so local fish store (it is an hour away). It had been adding up quickly, but I am so in love. Hopefully when I graduate from college, my career will support my next tank project.

[@emiliesherwood9343]

With the “replicating wild environments” the only extend I do that is in the decoration and scape, with driftwood, thicker plants and tannins (betta in this case)

[@lizzardking4117]

Hey John, I'm new to the hobby. Thanks for guidance! Your videos are fun to watch:)

[@Macjohn1419]

I was looking to getting back into the aquarium hobby. I’ve done it back in my teen years. I recently went into a pet store to scout out what I want to set up and did an about face after seeing the prices. You weren’t kidding when you said it’s an expensive hobby now. I’ll just stream a live aquarium on my TV set. Works for me and without the hassle. Thanks anyway.

[@yonathansadikin7010]

I appreciate the honesty on that last bit. thanks for the video!

[@moeking8485]

You and your wife video got me in the fish keeping hobby. I now have 5 beautiful tanks

[@lamebubblesflysohigh]

It is funny how it is different for water turtle keeping :D If you see a gigantic canister filter on the shelf, ask if they have larger one :D

[@triimarie4396]

You should do a series of price comparisons, and make a list of what items are better to order online, and best place to find them.

[@phoenixr6811]

Thank you, you answered a curious question I had. I just recently started getting into the fish hobby and have been going to the local stores. I have notice that they are stocked with loads of fish and aquariums (mostly kits and very few non kits). I don’t see a lot of variety of filters,lights,heaters etc and what you said now make sense😊

[@MasterPhotographer]

Great tips, especially for those just starting.

[@The_JEB]

King of DIY did a good set of videos on how to build a cannister filter with a 5 gallon pail.

[@zenithmaiden2109]

This! homeade canisters and wet-dry filtration is amazin. It really makes you understand how it all works without breaking the bank....as long as you don't mind the DIY look. Making it pretty usually costs extra! XD

[@carstenhansen5757]

I like how you in all your video's is able to distinguish between you as a super "user" and the rest of us, that has one maybe two aquariums. Thumbs up.

[@missosfancyguppies485]

That was fantastic! I completely agree with all the points made. Thank you 👌

[@jauken83]

I keep the sponge from my sponge filter inside my canister filter. If I need to set up a QT tank quickly, I can just pull the sponge out and start a new one.

[@abigailnelson6623]

Good idea!

[@ellees3521]

Could I do this too or are you an advanced fish owner he talks about that does fancy keeping of the water??

[@ellees3521]

Could I just put like a blue kitchen sponge in the cartridge?? And wash it every week or 2?

[@Knight636]

I would suggest to replace filter cartridges with a sheet of sponge

[@aarongonzalez4458]

But filter cartridges have carbon in it to neutralize ammonia and other stuff

[@Irishrainy]

@@aarongonzalez4458 I have a 75 gallon with 1 common GF in it. I use 2 HOB filters on it, both AquaTech from Walmart because I wanted to keep it simple and convenient. I also have a UV sterilizer, giving me almost 900 gph filtration. I use the removable carbon filters in one HOB but in the other I mainly use sponges and/or foam. So it’s a combo approach that’s been successful so far. I’ve only been a fish mommy for 2 years so I don’t have a ton of experience, but I’m learning so much from all the YT videos and FB groups I’m in. I’m exactly the person he made this video for. We want the best for our “kids” but we also don’t wanna become obsessed with fish keeping or turn into judgmental aquarium snobs.

[@kidwolf0015]

I am EXTREMELY tempted to do that to my minibow (5 gallon) filter... For now I have a delberately "expired" carbon cartridge (I made sure that nothing extremely toxic could be re-released) and a pre-filter sponge to provide at least some mechanical filtration... The problem is that those cartridges are extremely skimpy, thin, and weak. The cartridge holding area is nictorously thin and small so I'm thinking that the sponge is one of the few mediums that could be effectively placed and used in there. Also, the 5 gallon minibow is a pretty decent betta tank excluding this AWFUL filtration system.

[@captainminnow]

@@aarongonzalez4458 Carbon is great when you have a major nutrient imbalance or just finished medicating fish, but otherwise it’s a net negative in my opinion. I’ve got 5 tanks running without carbon and everything works great- 1 with a sponge filter, 1 with an in-tank filter, 1 has a HOB, 1 has a sponge plus a HOB, and the last has a sponge and a fountain pump that pushes water into a waterfall. Each of those has provided enough flow and surface area to meet all filtration needs, no carbon

[@aarongonzalez4458]

@@captainminnow 7 months later and im doing sponges only instead of filter cartridges which are a waste of money. My tank is still crystal clear with 2 55 gal HOB filters for a 55 gal African cichlid tank

[@Arbear64]

Hey, Love you and your wife channel. I have learned more from you guys than anyone else out there. I have been keeping fish for about 40 some years now and still learning new things. You would think by now I would know it all and I truly thought I did tell I started watching your channel and found out I barely know anything. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day and making this channel for us. If you ever get to thinking this channel isn't helping folks think again because I have learned so much from you two.

[@islampeace...]

for the aqua clears I have to sometime use a tooth pick to lightly push the propeller when the filter does not turn on its a very handy tip if needed.

[@SteveHinrichs]

How about a video for the best homemade aquarium equipment? Or, modifications of existing equipment. Like replaceable filters, or I built mu own siphon and aquarium filling hose/connection. Also, I have put a intake sponge filter on the ends to disperse the water so it does not go straight down.

[@Geni167]

Yes lmk when you find this lol

[@kevernmatthue]

Mad cool dude, don't panic about your videos being longer, your topics are really interesting

[@danielzimmerman2440]

I'm so glad you mentioned that the decorations are subjective. So few people understand that and many fish keepers get it in their heads that it's somehow bad for the fish if you use unnatural looking decorations, which just is not true. The fish don't care what the tank looks like. The only thing you really need to consider about your decorations is if they can physically harm the fish(Gravel that is just the right size for them to choke on if they try to eat it, plastic plants that have sharp leaves that they could tear their fins on, etc.) as long as all the decorations are physically safe, the fish will not care if it doesn't look like their natural habitat, especially since in many cases they aren't wild caught anyway, meaning they don't even know what their natural habitat would look like.

[@lukas______]

Now that I'm switching to internal filters, I'm realizing I should've a long time ago. No worrying about HOB rattles/vibrations or HOBs not self-priming, etc. Only downside would be small media compartments (then again, small HOBs also have small media compartments)

[@repairmanjeff]

Just wanted to say thanks for packing my recent order with care

[@aliciacb8284747274]

My biggest waste of time money and energy was a test kit. They’re alright for initial set up but after that my life became considerably easier and this hobby more enjoyable once I stopped caring about my parameters. I just focus on temperature and water changes now.

[@thepaganapostate3208]

I don't have any aquariums yet. I am starting to get into aquatics and amphibians and really would love to start eventually. Doing the research stage currently. I especially love axolotls (though they are not fish, they sometimes can be housed with cold water loving fishes who favor the same perameters... which I might consider doing one day... of course, I'd be sure to have a suitable back up tank in case it doesn't work out.) Also I would love to have the neon tetra's and similar adorable tetra fish. And a glowfish tank set up. I love the bright colors and the adorably tiny ones.

[@sokstingray6335]

I really enjoy your videos, its easy listening and easy to follow the information you give.Cheers from Cyprus Island

[@lance6752]

You can build a sump for a quarter of the price of those FX6’s

[@johnmartinez4943]

This. Only problem is this requires drilling which is scary to inexperienced and inconvenient if filled, or an overflow which you have to correctly tune to stay in prime and silent. Still sumps give so many options. I mean you could even use a bucket and keep the utility.

[@caenan1]

Agreed.... Sumps are tops! Also.... No need for continously buying replacement cartridges.... If sump is set up correctly you should have no further costs àt all

[@nodnarbesorelleb1850]

I love all your videos helped me out plenty over the years thank you

[@mtcoiner7994]

One of the healthiest little tank set ups i ever had was a plastic 15 gallon container that i quickly converted into a guppy breeding tank in a pinch. The fish loved it and it loved the fish.

[@zacharydevan4107]

I'm so glad to see my fish store busy as can be right now.

[@Blck_Stallion]

For me I spend a generous amount of money on the rare aquatic plants, rare fishes, lighting and some good fertilizers. I bought a mid level filter considering the biggest bio media slot they can offer so I can fit more media and that means more nitrifying bacteria which is good. In the end you just need a balanced ecosystem for a beautiful aquascape.

[@h.3994]

For me it's decor. I have things stashed all around my apt. Gravel for days. For one, I like having extras when I want to switch it up. But mainly when I go to pet/fish stores for "free zoo time" I try to buy at just a little something

[@jalenc1997]

I'm glad I watched this because I was definitely about to buy an aquaclear filter for an aquarium I'm gunna keep next to my bed and if it rattles really bad I don't want it!

[@drsus0]

Have you looked at the Oase biomaster thermo canister? That thing changes everything about canisters. Makes maintenance of a canister a breeze and the integrated heater really cleans up the look of the tank.

[@AndyP126]

Aquaclear filters have replacement impeller shafts. Replaced them once a year. Lubricate the shaft, You’ll never have them not start for you after a power outage.

[@motavice3499]

Could you make a video on this?

[@gojoe2833]

I attached a sheet of ordinary tin foil to the back of my tank for a background. It hides the wall behind and gives a sort of rocky look to the aquascape.

[@davidgonzales1812]

I'm super late on this video, but I bought my daughter a fish tank for her 5th birthday and the entire thing has been so expensive 😂 been having so much fun with it though and it's easier and fun to bond with her. Edit: All the fish are named from Spongebob lol

[@goochma]

After years of battling noisy, dirty, hang on back filters in my 29 gallon heavily planted tank. I purchased a Cascade 700 canister filter for $79.00 and never looked back. It's quiet, efficient and my fish tank has never looked better. You don't need to spend $400.00 on a canister filter to get the results you're looking for.

[@andrachirnicinii4846]

19:55 hmm.. I actually get crazy like this every winter.. this year I decided I will get my first betta tank and stop obsessing over other people's fish and get my own 😅

[@financialmastaaa6677]

I LOVED this video!! You increased my fish hobby IQ like 60 points! Thanks!!

[@victoriameyer678]

I just found your channel and I LOVE IT! Is there any way you can make a video setting up/starting a Betta tank explaining why you're doing things the way you are? It would be really appreciated🙂

[@SierraPrecursora]

LOL! Apparently I *entered* at the 'crazy' fish keeper level... learning about the water cycle and parameters before I even had a tank. (To be fair, I do critter care for my daughter when they are on vacation, and I'd better know what I'm doing. Now I'm doing it for myself!) Next step was hot-rodding my HOB... LOL... My first tank kit HOB no longer uses the disposable filter cartridges (have a few left in stock.) I took out the carbon filled disposable cartridge to medicate some sick fish, added sponge and biorings, and some liquid BB... and never looked back at the cartridges! ... I SO agree on the Aquaclear, it takes me *forever* to get that thing circulating the water after a big tank clean. Just told hubby we're going to have to have a uninterruptible power source for it, to give me time to shut it off in a power outage (so it doesn't burn itself out while we're sleeping), and just let the battery powered bubbler take over! Thanks for making the tutorials for us!

[@master6676]

It is amazing how well a sponge and powerhead does

[@Lefty3213a]

All my Top fin petsmart hobs and tetra pumps never have issues starting up again after power losses from 10 gal to 40 gal size. Idk how the bigger sizes are ^_^

[@catwomanva]

The Top Fin Silent Stream 75 that came with my 55 gallon tank only has issues priming after a really big water change. In the beginning we had some issues with it priming after turning it off for feeding, but later figured out my water level was too low (it was about 2 inches below the rim).

[@Mr.ReanuKeeves]

About the food, I find that fluval bug bites the fish really love it! Tropical and goldfish, which I have. It's never a waste with this one. Just for anyone wondering. :)