The 3 BEST ways to add fish & shrimp to your aquarium! (And why you would do each one)

[@maxine3587]

Its really nice to hear someone whose main concern is the welfare of the fish/shrimp first and foremost. 🙂

[@FishShopMatt]

Awww thank you!

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Nothing but a bunch of little life saving tips perfectly explained in a thoughtful manner !!! Exactly what you have been doing for the last 20 + months since you launched your channel ....and with everything you have been creating the amount ot people you can never know , but DEFINITELY have been better for watching and learning about a great hobby that has never had a channel like this before 🙏💙💚

[@vblackwell3347]

Glad you said that! I had to go back to thumb up the vudeo!!! Almost forgot. 😂

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so so much for the kind comment! It makes it all worthwhile and pushes me to do more! 💜💜💜

[@marioncaillard1478]

@@FishShopMatt any advice for someone wanting to work in the industry (fish/tanks etc not youtube)

[@aronro1291]

Thats a great point.. Me and my friend want to figure out how the start out distribution and sales in the US and would love any industry tips.

[@natitougaku7912]

Thank you ❤

[@Paul-li9hq]

It is worth noting that shrimp are incredibly good at jumping from solid surfaces... even mesh nets. They are very capable of pigging off a net and out onto the floor if you're not watching... 😮

[@gibbnasta]

I've had 4 crawl out of a net. I was so mad at myself.

[@FishShopMatt]

I don't find them too bad when settled after a while in the bag. It's normally when you first catch them out the tank that they're a pain. But I definitely understand where you're coming from.

[@Adam-eh1qd]

Or you knock the open bag of shrimp onto the floor like me and have to scoop them all up. Fortunately no casualties and all doing well, not one of my finest moments and I was on the floor so they didn't fall from height thankfully.

[@j.golobic7632]

Thank you! This is exactly the kind of information we need! Maybe a part 2 to tell us how you quarantine your fish? How long, and treatments etc. And we love learning the science to understand what is happening. More please!

[@FishShopMatt]

Absolutely, quarantine tanks and procedures is a video I want to do very soon.

[@Peter_Trevor]

We, or you?

[@blumomma]

I live in a rural area, so I have to have fish shipped to get what I want, but tend to quarantine first so I don't accidentally bring anything gnarly into my tanks. Perhaps a video on quarantine best practices to include setting up a quarantine tank and acclimating after shipping? Thank you for sharing your brain. 😁

[@Eric_Allen]

I worked at a fish store, and when we get in a large shipment, we would always temperature acclimate, then drop(chop) and plop. Since then, that's how I acclimate my own fish as well, even inverts and saltwater. I think they can tolerate swings in temp and pH and TDS. A heavy rain can change water chemistry in nature quite drastically. They can handle it just fine. What they CANNOT tolerate is ammonia, low O2 levels and stress from being in a bag. So my goal is to get the fish out of the bag and into the aquarium as soon as possible to reduce stress.

[@sosonic12000]

The Yoda of the aqua world. We’re lucky to have you Mat. 🌈

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahahaha 🤣 love it!

[@antoniolaurelli386]

Hi Matt. I was just about to acclimate a fish when I saw this video in my feed. So I gave it a watch first. Made me feel more confident about moving my fish. Also, I wanna add, I was not a huge fan of the blackwater tank you made when I watched the build video. But seeing it in the background of this video, it looks really good. So much so that I rewatched the build video. Now I feel inspired. Thanks for your videos!

[@FishShopMatt]

That's awesome that it came at the right time for you and thank you for the comment about the blackwater!

[@sancraft1]

Matt, thank you for always delivering such good fishkeeping information. You are making new fishkeepers good and us old heads, better.

[@FishShopMatt]

That is so kind of you thank you.

[@miknud]

lol this video dropped and I just got back from the fish shop on my way home from work :P

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha perfect timing!

[@suffysdave]

Dear Matt, you manage to not only show the how (as so many) while also explaining the why. Thanks for that, it takes away a lot of uncertainty and (sometimes stress) whilst enjoying our hobby. Greetings from Belgium, cheers!

[@ReneeMPTeate]

Great info! I've never heard about the ammonia toxicity from the influx of oxygen when you open the bag.

[@TitanSummers]

Thankyou enough info without going too deep. It's nice to know the whys as that might change the method each time.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so glad you found it helpful.

[@scottder]

As someone getting back into aquarium keep these videos have been a great resource. Thanks Matt!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! Certainly more in the pipeline.

[@SamFran]

It really helps visual learners when you actual show the differing methods as opposed to just talking about them. Enjoyed this!

[@scottkim135]

Matt, you clearly are very knowledgeable about fish keeping, and these kinds of videos are so useful, even to someone who's been in the hobby for over a decade. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@andystokes8702]

It's funny how knowledge and opinions change over time. I've been keeping fish for 45 years now. When I started the only method recommended was the floating bag method, the plop and drop method was considered an absolute no-no, in fact it wasn't even considered a method, it was just seen as bad practice..

[@blacksaber79]

so glad to see this. I'm going to be ordering fish online (because I can't for the life of me find somewhere in Northern NJ that sells tropical fish), and I was worried how to proceed when I get them to the door.

[@sewerrat7612]

Not alot of options in jersey anymore.

[@matthewcarey7323]

Plop and drop time with Fish Shop Matt! Love it!!

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahahaha the only way to start the weekend!

[@janetaylor8635]

Is Plop and Drop coming on a tshirt i wonder ….

[@matthewcarey7323]

@janetaylor8635 oh I think it has to! 😄 🤣

[@matthewcarey7323]

@FishShopMatt I agree with Jane below, we need an official Fish Shop Matt Drop and Plop shirt! 😄 🤣 🐟

[@amiedoll60]

I cut and dropped a fish I bought online, he was in the mail overnight and I didn't want to risk the ammonia spike. He settled in so well, I watched him for days which wasn't easy (Black Ghost knife fish), and now he's doubled in size, and a perfectly happy tank member.

[@FracturesInTheSky]

Perfect timing, Ive literally got a bag of chilli rasboras, otos and snails. Love watching the channel growing Matt, love the laid back style you present in!

[@FishShopMatt]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@SeventyRS]

Almost 1800 views in 2hours, closing in on 60k subscribers. Awesome job Matt!!! I love the content you create and the valuable information you provide in that content. Keep at it! 100k is getting closer every day. 👍👍 Edit. Over 1800 in 2 hours!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks so much! I'm just happy I can help people to succeed in fishkeeping.

[@ultramaximusreviews]

Back in the 80s and 90s we used to just float them... then slit the bag and let the aquarium water mix with the bag water and after they mixed dump the bag water into the tank.... oh the 80s and 90s

[@williecanuck5001]

It worked though!

[@turtlerides]

I would love to hear the nerdy science stuff you were talking about earlier!

[@turtlerides]

P.S. I'm having a hard time finding the airline clamps, at least in the US.

[@alexb_aquatics]

You’re spot on here Matt, all of them have their place in the hobby for their own reasons. It’s great that you share an honest review of each ❤ no bull, just facts 👌 I do bloody love a drop and plop 🤣

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you Alex!!! Hahaha plop and drop is my new favorite saying. 💜💜💜

[@sharonjack8582]

Matt, I like your channel. You seem to care about your aquatic life there. How often do you feed your fishes? So glad you have your own channel. USA😊

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, most days but a very small amount.

[@sharonjack8582]

🙂You are welcome. Good to know. My fishes are a bit too chubby so I am trying to feed a little less but most everyday as well.@@FishShopMatt

[@frankcapel4557]

Matt, awesome video buddy great information love all the content, the channels putting out keep up the great work that much respect from Canada see on the next one

[@timherstel5445]

Lovely how the tripartita is growing down! Really like that brigittae tank, well done Matt!!

[@FishShopMatt]

I'm so happy with how it's settling in

[@bithplease1779]

Exactly what I needed for explanation to my buddy and his first tank, a nano bowl for cherry shrimp.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad I could help.

[@AcousticKitty]

THE DECORATIVE BOWL TANK LIIIVVVESSS

[@FishShopMatt]

It does. I don't set things up I don't think can last hahaha

[@AcousticKitty]

@@FishShopMatt haha my mind was just stuck on MD's M.O. and not keeping tanks for a while 😂 but I know you don't do that

[@cherylmartin9994]

Lol oh Matt things you say in your videos are never boring. You are such a wealth of info for both beginners and those of us who have been at this for a while. We get so stuck into doing things a certain way that some may not even be aware there's a reason to do things differently sometimes. Thank you again. Excited for the quarantine guidelines!

[@jackpeterson6808]

Matt, you are so precise and clear with your methods and explanations. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Your tanks are incredible and gorgeous fish as always. Been looking forward to this video ever since the last one dropped. Love from Minnesota 💯💯

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so so much! 💜💜💜

[@sandglowpets]

Timely video for me, Matt, perfect timing for me! Great explanation for all levels of keepers. Thanks!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@twoface9959]

Another great video. I usually do the floating bag method almost exactly as how you do, Matt. The only differences is that I pour about half of a plastic cup of my aquarium water into the bag three times in a hour, so once every 20 minutes after floating the bag for like 30 minutes. Additionally, I sit and watch the fish/invertebrates during that entire event for their well-being (Just bring my IPad to keep me entertained during that time 😅). So far, I’ve never had an issue. Also, I don’t do the roll up ring with the bag, I just cut open the top, and use the tank lid to hold the bag as it floats.

[@BRollStroll]

Thanks for this video, Matt; we'd like to see more of this "boring stuff" with all of the deeper scientific reasoning behind all the crazy things we do for our beloved fish. Cheers

[@FishShopMatt]

Certainly will try and include more scientific rambling hahaha

[@nickdarke2138]

Certainly a contentious subject but really well explained as always. Worth mentioning that however you acclimatise your new additions, the process of a fish adjusting to new water parameters is a process that takes days if not weeks especially if there is significant differences between your tank water and the suppliers water. Not to say you shouldn't do this but it's not a complete fix. As always though, a big thumbs up for looking at something that's often overlooked or glossed over but is so often the difference between success and failure when stocking a tank. Oh, and very much looking forwards to the ntlabs podcast!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you very much! You are so right about fish taking a while to settle 100%

[@DonCron]

Perfect content for that hobby. Thanks!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@TheCottonman]

That Pink Flamingo was awesome 😎... Brilliant video once again Matt... 😊🤙

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha only the best for my animals 😂

[@shonhatley541]

Another great video from the "Fish Professor" a.k.a. the Profishor. I've been keeping 2 tanks for years, and i learn something every single time I watch your videos. Thanks for what you do Matt, and please keep'em coming.

[@NinniAquariums]

I got new fish today, and it was so nice to be able to go back to this video just to get a reminder of everything. This time it was a bit different to other times when I've bought fish, longer distances and so on.

[@MandyJane123700]

That was great! I especially appreciate watching you catch shrimp and fish. It makes me nervous, and I found out the hard way shrimp can jump as fast as a cricket. lol

[@FishShopMatt]

Yeah those little chaps can be a bit flicky

[@something-unique]

I love your videos, I wish you released them on my tank maintenance days though so I could have you on in the background while I do my tanks.

[@FishShopMatt]

Hopefully going to be ramping up production soon so hopefully you will have more videos to choose from.

[@mikeb8645]

Really enjoy your videos Matt. They're always so methodical, and considerate to all levels of aquarist. Keep it up

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you like them!

[@makemineasmallone]

Thank you, Matt. Since following your slow method I've had 100% survival rate when transferring from hard shop water to nice soft R.O. water. Even Otocinclus. Marvelous!

[@Chinco_NL]

Deeper information is always good!

[@FishShopMatt]

Good to hear!

[@KenPapadopoulos-r9y]

Hi Matty . One of your subs all the way from Sydney Australia. Just want to say thanks for the great content and also think you are the most knowledgeable in what you do that I have seen . No doubt in my mind that you will go very far !! Big fan… ☺️☺️

[@karlhetherington5100]

The drop and plop 😂😂

[@Freedom_Fighter72]

So happy to find your page Matt! I love the look of the bowls in your tank ( going through my artsy bowls to add to my 8g Hygger) I just got home from my 12 hr shift, and I'll be watching your videos while I enjoy some 🍕 and a few 🍸🍸...cheers!!

[@matthewsmith22]

Great stuff mate. I think most fish KZbin folk are fairly well experienced by the time they take the leap and neglect this info. I'd say to ask where you're getting your fish from for their water parameters to give a good idea of acclimatisation length. I tend to use test strips when I get home as well, then test again after the half hour mark, probably overkill but it works for me.

[@nightlite9009]

Always great to see how others do this. You covered everything really well. I use all three too, I tend to prefer the 'float style' for fish and 'drip style' for shrimp. Snail don't seem to care which you do, but I still like to do it for them. I love the clamp idea though, I've got to get me some of those.

[@janetaylor8635]

As always informative and helpful and in a way useful mere mortals can understand ! Thank you Matt ! Ps you can’t make videos quick enough, I am learning so much that i forgot and so much new stuff.

[@FishShopMatt]

I appreciate that!

[@rettag2020]

Good morning from Milford,Indiana USA I just got me some otocinclus from the local Mom and Pop shop a couple of days ago. I always float the bag for about 10 - 15 minutes, then I open it and add water for the next 10 minutes or so, then add them to the tank.

[@FishShopMatt]

Perfect! If it works for you continue on.

[@BTQ410]

Great video! Wish I had had you as a resource years ago when I started keeping fish. In any case, I always learn something new from your videos, so keep them coming.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, it means a lot to see comments like this! 💜💜💜

[@willrichardson1809]

I'm ploping and dropping wine tonight. Matt you are a star and an inspiration to us all.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, I think I will join you on that 😄

[@jefreybarnes5457]

Thanks so much for these videos Matt! You have given so much great information! I appreciate the effort you put into these!

[@RonaldCardy]

❤So nice to see you haven’t forgot your roots whilst growing your channel 👍it can never be stated enough even to experienced keepers who still often get it wrong then go💩I forgot the basics 😂

[@pawanmalla1137]

Lots of Love & Wishes from Nepal. its been a journey of learning. As a hobbist, i always watch your videos and get some new tips about the fish keeping hobby. I want to see your next video about water change. Coz i dont do water change beside topping up every week.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much! It's cool because I've seen a few viewers on recent videos coming from Nepal and it's amazing to think I'm watched as far away as that! 💜💜💜

[@deb_DC]

Nice job with the explanation Matt. It gives us everything we need to know to get on about the business of introducing fish safely. Thanks for making video content that is helpful, not mind numbing. Well done.

[@iamhueyjohn]

Another solid video, Matt.

[@hezzy2813]

Unless i get fish that are known to be a bit fragile, I’ve used cut and drop for 7 years without a problem. But great advice Matt.

[@FishShopMatt]

I know people that use it for things that would scare me just to think about keeping hahaha but it works.

[@hezzy2813]

@@FishShopMatt cheers for the reply mate. And best of luck with the Chanel. 😎

[@funfishfamily]

Your info is complete, thanks

[@FishShopMatt]

So nice of you

[@gemmacorinne9487]

That’s awesome information, thanks Matt. I was a bit lost, and have lost a few shrimp, possibly due to the issues you spoke about.

[@williecanuck5001]

Valves for the airline/drip tube are like 5 for 2 bucks also. I use them for controlling airflow to ornaments and stones.

[@rebeccaampuero2347]

Thank you! I always learn so much from you.

[@FishShopMatt]

You are so welcome!

[@miniscenesgb]

Another great video Matt, thanks Sometime could you do a video on which snails eat plants and which don,t, and which plants are more snailproof than others? I have nerites which son't seem to touch plants, and mystery and giant ramshorn snails which seem to decimate them, so a video on this topic would be amazing please

[@vblackwell3347]

I don't know why, but I've been very fortunate that my mystery snails let my plants alone & I have many plants. Do you feed yours vegetables often? I do. That may make a difference. Cucumbers, squash, spinach, etc - often.

[@miniscenesgb]

@@vblackwell3347 yes I do. The giant ramshorn is the worst, it's really old and east evertyhing in it's path lol

[@FishShopMatt]

I will certainly add them to my list, it maybe worth trying more veggie foods to see if it helps but they are notorious for it.

[@laurabustos6560]

I would bet, unless you've actually seen your mystery snails eat plants, that it's all your giant ramshorn! I picked up a bag of a half dozen giant ramshorn snails at a club auction not knowing anything about them besides that they seem really cool and ancient looking. Put them in my heavily planted CPD and Snowball Neocaridina tank and they've literally mowed a tank that was full of Valisnaria, dwarf Sagitaria and asst mosses to less than 4" tall. Looks like I took a lawnmower to the tank. 😱😅 I mean, they're still cool though! I'm just going to make a little 3g cube just for them and throw in all my stem cuttings and tons of veggies. ✌️

[@miniscenesgb]

@@laurabustos6560 you are probably right, The Giant Ramshorn is prob the culprit - so old ( 8 years plus) and adorable, I don;t want to dump it though. I think the Java fern though it doesn't eat so - would be interesting to see Matt's ad vice on this

[@alesiahowington5507]

Great information. You explained it very well. Thank you for all the help!

[@space_ghost_z941]

Good tips and demonstration! 🎉

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks so much!

[@pagewhite61]

Great information Matt, very helpful.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@allonewordcaps]

Oh my gosh that 1/4 cup measuring cup is so freaking cute!🥰

[@FishShopMatt]

I have a whole set, but shhh don't tell anyone they will all want them hahaha 🤣

[@allonewordcaps]

@@FishShopMatt 😂

[@bob21345]

Nice fish tanks! and good Advice

[@liefhart]

Just the info I needed, will be mail ordering fish soon and I didn't know about the ammonia problem. They will for sure go through the plop and drop method after 48 hours in the bag. Thank you!

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

Thank yo for this Matt - not far off getting my first fish for new aquarium! I like the bag method - only so I don't have to buy more things - haha. Very helpful xx

[@michaelmacguinness5498]

Thanks for this! It helped clear up a lot of confusion- and there was information you included that I simply never knew.

[@lynnrobertson4657]

Hi Matt helpful tips thank you ❤ all the way from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Vincent-kx9ze]

Excellent! Great explanation and I learned something. I’d like the boring details (actually I love them) but I doubt I’m in the majority 😂

[@stevecooper6653]

Correct ✅ Matt 👌🏻

[@steveSellars-r1t]

Very helpful thank you Matt great video

[@vienneaemosangeles5759]

I hope you can make a video about hovering fish that just stays still im planning to fill a tank with a bunch of different species

[@AcousticKitty]

So this is the kind of person I am: I want the science. Please do a video going more into the science of what happens in the bag. PleaseKThnx

[@FishShopMatt]

I will start lining it up for a future video.

[@cherylbeswick7327]

Very informative thank you 🫶

[@FishShopMatt]

My pleasure!

[@artemis2523]

Hiya Matt, love everything you do. Your knowledge is amazeballs. This is another eye opener. My only comment is how to get in touch with you about different topics with everything fish+tanks. Question was What is the difference between shoaling and schooling fish? Rummy nose I love but others like neons won't flow together. Much love, from Oz.

[@FishShopMatt]

The difference is something along the lines of a group of fish staying together for socialisation is shoaling where as a group swimming in the same direction and acting as almost one entity it schooling. So rummynose would be schooling I would assume there really aren't many others that do it as well as them to be honest.

[@madaboutmilitaria3630]

Good morning from Australia

[@0action847]

Up at 3 am like me watching videos about fish keeping.

[@FishShopMatt]

Good morning! 🌞

[@ericaw1312]

Well demonstrated!

[@SubmergedDesignzStudio]

I always look forward to your videos. Thank you. Plop and drop. LOL

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you like them!

[@johnmaude5065]

Great advice 👍

[@abcd-jq1sy]

Picked up a few rcs today. This video was very helpful

[@russellthomas1216]

Got a little super red bristlenose pleco at a store 18 minutes away but the water ph was 6.2-6.4 while mine is the small heavily planted tank at 8.2 with no fish. I did have room in my tank so added some distilled water. then took my time. It was so happy to gorge on all the algae available. It will get transferred after a period yet to be determined. I am setting up a 40 for neocaridina shrimp. Another store 20 mins away in the other direction has the exact same water parameters as mine.

[@meglh23]

I just added fish to my tank yesterday!

[@FishShopMatt]

Exciting stuff!!!

[@G_Ham_fish]

Very informative as we come to expect from you Matt years in the trade parting your knowledge 👏

[@FishShopMatt]

I appreciate that!

[@gijsberthoogendoorn7988]

Very very useful, thank you.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertisztok1815]

What about a big bruiser of a south american cichlid in a bag or bucket? Thanks Matt

[@FishShopMatt]

Same process just a lot more careful and watching they don't year through the bag. Sometimes the plop and drop method might be best for them

[@guiseppicosta4676]

Matt awesome work on your videos 👍 I tried to order that tshirt you've got on but I couldn't progress past the country selection as I'm in Australia.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! I've had a look into the shipping to Australia thing and it says it's fine but I've sent an email to them to check.

[@FNDwheels]

Are you able to do a video on quarantining plants? How to/how long for ect I keep getting snails on all my plants I buy and it’s just getting ridiculous now 🙄

[@aronro1291]

Make that video on the bag. I like that idea

[@FishShopMatt]

Will do!

[@eriathwen1320]

Heya! I dont suppose I could ask, what sized aquarium would be best for danios? Im hoping to set up a small shoal of 6-10 longfin leopard danios amd maybe a few galaxy rasbora, live planted, a few nerite snails etc.. but theyre a little larger than the tiny species I usually go for!

[@FishShopMatt]

I would go for a 100 liter minimum and be careful that the leopard danios don't out compete the cpds as they are slightly slower when it comes to feeding.

[@Rybags]

Loving the helpful videos Matt! Just an idea - have you ever done a video on how to prepare various woods? I’m keen to use spiderwood and recreate a greened tank which features in your trip to the USA with MD. However the slime it releases would spoil the look I’m going for. Any advice?

[@PamelaDavis-v9s]

Very well explained, thank you 🐠🐟🐌

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rolandtraynor]

Fantastic info ,,,,

[@aqua_Laura]

Brilliant video i love the clamps to drip acclimitise the fish/shrimp. I couldn't help but notice 😅 is that a Glaswegian gin 😂 if so I need it haha.

[@FishShopMatt]

The clamps do make it so easy and yeah it is glas we gin (very good stuff)

[@aqua_Laura]

@FishShopMatt niceeeee! Where can I get it if you dont mind me asking (im scottish haha) 😄

[@Nakamamas]

Great video and information I already knew but it’s always great to have a review and happy to see that newbies have resources to not make the same mistakes I did as a beginner aquarist and fishkeeper. You do realize you said I can guarantee you and more than likely in the same sentence at the end right? Contradictory statements but I get what you mean haha

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! Did I? Hahaha it doesn't surprise me with the amount of info I try to unload from my brain! Hahaha