The Simple Secret to Keep Your Aquarium Clean!

[@FutureRobert]

My aquarium was caught in between the war in Ukraine and all the fish survived because of your tips and tricks. Thank you Father Fish.

[@saduttaquarium]

Hopefully the war will end quickly and your fish will still be alive

[@Bluebell20]

So glad your fish survived! 🥰

[@Richiko06]

Praying for you and your fishes and that the war ends soon! My fish and I have faced almost being homeless until we found our place to live and I’ve heard my 10 gallon for 8 years that now houses my male betta Periwinkle!❤

[@funstartsheretravel]

You don’t need filters?

[@Йерокс142]

Тримайся рідненький український акваріуміст. Ми разом.

[@lukasgayer5393]

That´s it! After 15 years, I´m buying an aquarium again! Thank you for sparking my interest again! What a lovely day I´m having.

[@richmoser1621]

Yep, imma try this this spring and dust off the old tank and try some guppies or back to the goldfish.

[@zior8001]

Definitely agreed.

[@hobbyhobbyhobbyhobby]

How's the tank going man?

[@SexyTexas]

@@richmoser1621 I tried to mix guppies with other fish and the guppies try to make babies with everything until they get beat to death

[@KeyboardWarriorOfTRUTH]

Just started a fishtank again after 18 years. I love ❤️ it and don't know why I stopped!

[@NathanAnnandale]

When an old wise man says "Let me tell you something..." that's when I sat forward and really listened. He is absolutely brilliant! I've taken the same approach with growing indoors. Seems to obvious, yet no one does it.

[@slicktmi]

Please elaborate on the growing indoors

[@boogiedownforever]

@@slicktmi ha same page

[@hungryghost23]

😆..

[@omarsali2990]

@@slicktmi dont you grow indoors too?

[@slicktmi]

@@omarsali2990 yes i do

[@jmwilson2306]

I took your advice Father Fish. I drained my tank to the gravel and left all the waste on top. I added 2 inches of sand directly on top of the gravel and filled the tank. I added some store bought plants and went to my local, clean river and pond and snatched up plants from there. I added the plants with the soil attached to the roots and planted them straight in. My fish are so happy because now they can dig around the decaying debris and search for food like fish are supposed to. So happy I did this conversion. Added bonus, one of the plants had a big fat snail on it. Double score

[@DonnadoosTips]

I have fish in my gravel tank, how do I add sand to it?

[@tinosmo1]

I have worked at multiple fish stores and this man knows exactly what his talking about. Fish stores are more interested in you coming back to buy more stuff.

[@ErikaMitchell-n6y]

You are such an inspiration. My great grandmother had aquariums in west Texas in the early 1900's. She even had a small seahorse....all before she had electricity. Thank you for connecting me to her Spirit through this hobby. Your fount of wisdom and experience amazes me, but you sharing all of this so freely makes you an absolute gem of a human being!

[@primesspct2]

I would have loved to hear her stories!

[@chesneymigl4538]

That is such an inspiration! I've seen some of the turn of the century aquariums sold, like "uranium glass" and assumed they couldn't survive due to their small size

[@fletchoid]

My most balanced 55g aquarium ever had a bottom layer of Miracle Grow Potting Soil mixed with non-clumping, unscented cat litter, and Flourite; Capped with 2 inches of gravel. I heavily planted it, and inoculated with pond creatures from my wild Daphnia culture. After a month of running, I slowly added small schools of fish, every few months. After the first year, I hardly ever did water changes. I had to remove excess plants every few months and give them to friends. This tank ran for 12 years, until I had to move it to another room during a renovation. Biodiversity and balanced ecosystems require less intervention.

[@primesspct2]

cat litter?!! wow,

[@potatohead1423]

@@primesspct2 Unscented cat litter is just clay. Just make doubly-sure there are no perfumes or fake colors added.

[@primesspct2]

@@potatohead1423 good to know

[@pozzee2809]

My tank has only gravel on the bottom how would I add sand to my established 150 fresh water aquarium. It has been set up now for five years. I use FX6 filters and have a variety of fish with six clown loaches. We do weekly water changes and clean the canisters about every two months.

[@sophiathiem6066]

I also had an aquarium as a Teenager and didn‘t clean it as ofthen as I was told to. I accidentially created a selfsustainable biome. It is so nice to Watch your video and get an explaination for the phenomen my Tank was clean, without cleaning it. My Fish ofthen became ill, after changing a Part of the water. So I Didn’t do it so ofthen. Sorry for Bad english. Greetings from germany :)

[@ronalbanesi1594]

Ur English is better then some Americans. 😉

[@VS-q]

Same here. I had a fish tank in my teens years and it was fine. Now thinking to get one again and started reading about weekly water changes, fancy filters etc and I’m thinking OMG, I don’t remember doing all that and I definitely didn’t have that much money on all these products. Sand from a local dam, fish and plants from friends, made a 100L fish tank with my farther. No issues. Nowadays the world is so commercialised..

[@msnitejar5637]

I started up a new mini aquarium in December, planted it with ground cover and two anubias, put the cheapest sponge air filter in it, added some water from another tank and a scoop of daphnia from a rainwater bin outside, fed daphnia spirulina. Noticed Cyclops swimming about too. After 6 weeks added some aquarium bred Ramshorn snails, they worked hard and cleared up all the green algae off glass and plants and showed their happiness by having lots of babies. I then added cherry shrimp. Since then I have squeezed the sponge filter out a couple of times but it's barely dirty, I haven't done a water change in weeks because the nitrates are fine. I feed the shrimp and snails a bit twice a week, and that's all I've had to do. I don't need to scrape algae, I don't squeeze brown gunk out of filter sponges, the plants grow. I enjoy watching the shrimp and snails. It's just lovely. ☺️ I've had an aquarium in the house almost constantly since I was a child, I think this one's my favourite.

[@masonloh1411]

As a teenager in mid 70's Aquarium was my hobby. now 62 I like to get into the hobby again so I'm checking you tube & all these new tech stuff w/ the CO2 injections that I can't understand / seems complicated. I rather go simple + natural like the old school. I used to go pickup plants w/ hitchhiker snails from freshwater river narrow inlet & they grow like crazy in my tank & was free! Video AAA Thanks.

[@mikeymacaque]

I lived with a roommate for about 5yrs. I had a planted 40g, he had a 120g saltwater. I did weekly water changes, he would change water multiple times a week and add/subtract nutrients to optimize his tank. Needless to say, his tank had 2-3 mass extinctions while my plants and fish were multiplying and I was giving them away to local stores. He finally asked me what I was doing, and I told him “tap water and leaving it alone.” Once he switched to a more relaxed approach his tank looked beautiful.

[@Badboii21]

Saltwater fish only or coral ? Reef tank are more sensitive

[@mikeymacaque]

@@Badboii21 it was coral!

[@primesspct2]

That is what I have always advised people. Keep it simple, never over feed or over crowd a new tank, Seed that tank water with bacteria. Leave it alone and slow your roll. Add a couple 2 or 3 fish at a time, that's the hard part, we all get excited and want to rush the process, My sister had her aquariums, always overcomplicating and rushing in excitement. I have done the same and learned as I went.

[@GustavoM82]

just that tap water have clorine normally.. it kill the fishes hability to catch oxigen from the water with time or even with no time at all depending on how much water you put on with with clorine

[@maryporter4083]

Did your drinking water have fluorite in it and you still used tap water??!

[@tgraham72]

You are such an inspiration. My great grandmother had aquariums in west Texas in the early 1900's. She even had a small seahorse....all before she had electricity. Thank you for connecting me to her Spirit through this hobby. Your fount of wisdom and experience amazes me, but you sharing all of this so freely makes you an absolute gem of a human being!

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome!

[@tgraham72]

@@KnarBurger That's the thing with history: many don't think our ancestors were advanced enough to do many things. I don't know how my great grandma did a lot of things, but she did. I have learned that wisdom trumps technology every time. And I don't know how that seahorse did. We have lots of salts in our water and there were outdoor flagstone ponds, in a warm southern climate, so who knows. Still she inspires me and reminds me of Father Fish.

[@FatherFish]

@@KnarBurger I kept a pair of pygmy seahorses in a gold fish bowl for a year in 1949.

[@tgraham72]

@@FatherFish Wow! That is awesome!

[@tgraham72]

@@KnarBurgerI responded to you with respect even though you were acting like a troll. Move along now, or just argue with yourself.

[@freshfalcon3996]

Where has this guy been all my life? He's fantastic!!

[@isaq6345]

May you always be healthy pops. Your voice is calming my soul

[@nazeemsultan1038]

Dear Father Fish, i used your method, and i have not changed the water in my aquarium since then. It really worked. I appreciate your free knowledge, dear Father Fish.

[@briansomers4753]

I have been saying this for thirty years of fish keeping... Follow nature it's been around for a long time with a proven track record....Fantastic video

[@FrederickDunn]

When I see a thumbnail for a channel with an old man who has a gray beard, I figure he must know something worth learning... I was right! Thank you, Father Fish! I am smarter now.

[@johnmanrow2667]

Thank you for mentioning Lee Chin Eng. He kept the first reef tanks without filtration, using only live rock, natural seawater, and an AirStone. He was the first to successfully keep these reef tanks. Of course, it was helpful to live in Indonesia on the coast, with all the corals, fish, and other livestock. Also he had all the fresh seawater that he would ever need. I was given a copy of his tropical fish hobbyist magazine article about his natural aquariums that was published in 1961.

[@FatherFish]

Thanks for sharing John. He is one of many unsung heroes in our hobby.

[@garrett3117]

Incredible.

[@BenlshTracker]

Minor correction: Singapore is its own country! As a Singaporean i’m very proud to learn of Mr Eng! Thank father fish and mr manrow 😊

[@yohaneschristianp]

It’s quite expensive to maintain saltwater aquarium here, IF, you’re too dependent on aquarium store. The price is just unbelievable. Either in Jakarta or Bogor, it’s the same pricy thing.

[@FatherFish]

@@yohaneschristianp If you collect from the sea the cost drops to 0

[@williamn7579]

I'm instantly interested again in aquaculture because of this man's knowledge and delivery. I can't wait to learn more! Subbed.

[@FatherFish]

Welcome aboard!

[@sharondimond7799]

I just got into freshwater aquariums within the past year. My doctor actually "prescribed" it for my PTSD and anxiety. It has been incredible! Unfortunately I did get off to a rocky start and lost quite a few of my fishies in the beginning but I'm eagerly learning and thankfully getting better. I still have sooo much to learn and I'm so thankful for your channel and others like you ❤❤❤❤❤

[@telishacull2829]

I started because of my anxiety and I am now hooked. What helped me is joining fish groups off Facebook and I have learn so much and you can too.

[@primesspct2]

My tanks literally put me a place of Zen, the rushing water is relaxing. My first advice is don't over feed, and don't buy too many fish at once, I find 3 months apart to be about perfect. it is hard to buy so few fish, from excitement. We all got off to a rocky start! I hope it is going well and you are healing up, I know my aquariums kept me sane for awhile. It is a whole world in there, your own tiny world. God bless and prayers. Oh! I pray for my fish too! Cant hurt?

[@GRadvbro]

Glad you found a way to manage your PTSD. I love coming home from a long day at work to feed my fish. I sit there and watch for a while. I can even fall asleep lol. The sound of the water so peaceful. We all have had the rocky starts. Glad you did not get discouraged. Keep it up. I’ve got 6 tanks and 2 ponds now lol. 😂

[@pamelaanneolive3557]

my fish are in an artificial tank and the fish had babies so QUESTION.....can I creat everything he said for my 4 baby fish?

[@bong..8234]

Sunfish like bluegill pumpkin seed or green sunfish , red breast sunfish all make great freshwater native pets very strong and very easy to keep

[@MrBigscarythingy]

Sir, you are my new personal hero. You've changed my whole perspective for the better.

[@KayBeeStew]

I grew up with a father that kept dozens of 10-20 gallon aquariums and got bit by the same bug. I haven't kept fish in years but I've had the urge lately. I'm so glad I found you and your channel! New follower! Looking forward to watching many more of your videos!!

[@primesspct2]

That's what I do too. I keep 10 and 20 gallon tanks, I am too old now to deal with a 55 gallon. I also like to keep different kinds of fish of course. You need to start again!

[@rachelo315]

I have a betta tank with a bunch of pothos in it and literally only topped it off. Never changed the water in almost 2 years except maybe twice. My husband kept leaving the light on at night and it was full of algae. There was no other way around changing the water and breaking down the tank because it's a 6 gallon and too small for any pleco. It was thriving. I had plants blooming under water until the algae was out of control. Recently upgraded her, female koi betta, tank to a 10 gallon and I'm planning on doing the same thing. I did add some tank mates, ember tetras. I downsized all my tanks and just have the 1 now from 5. Staying small now since I just had a baby. I am planning on putting sand over the gravel soon. This is awesome. I cleaned and saved my filter, and only cleaned half the substrate. I can't wait to get more plants in there ❤ loved this video!

[@woken_token_2976]

This guy is a world of knowledge. He's the uncle or grandpa everyone wants to have

[@hotshot3d]

I beg to differ sh-sh-shogun!!!

[@sheilamore3261]

Yeah he sure does know his stuff I’ve never heard anybody talk about have an aquarium like that that is awesome🥰

[@hotshot3d]

@@NotSure876 sheeple believe other just because they have confidence in how the speak or because they seem old and wise. They buy everything !

[@ceber121]

Yesss!🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@cleniad]

@@NotSure876 Yes. I took his advice and took lake water from outside and mixed it in with my tank and for a week now, my tank's water is clearer and cleaner. If you observe his videos, he rarely pushes products and his nature-based arguments are sound and logical. Why not try it out for yourself before lauging your ass off? It isn't that funny actually.

[@Chizzard]

I put this video on last night, and my gf started saying “why are we watching some old man” I told her to just watch and listen and learn. You can just hear the experience.

[@NickRicciardi]

She’s for the streets

[@MaxMax-dq1lu]

My Fiancee said... Why are you watching this old man... you like him because your almost as old as him.? I just told her... Old men know what they are talking about... You should always listen to wise old men.

[@Nicole-bp5ys]

Welp maybe it's time to get a gal with the right priorities and respect

[@Chizzard]

@@Nicole-bp5ys 😂😂 she has come around a little bit, I can’t complain too much. But if I’m ever taking applications for this position again should I consider yours?

[@woodialasfoor660]

Dude chill 😮

[@frankendoodle6379]

A few years back, i had a fish tank where this idea came to my mind because i've been experimenting with different growing methods outdoors for self-sustainable garden beds. The idea of inoculating the fish tank with microbes, installing live plants, rocks, gravel, dirt, mud... i didn't add sand. My tank was always dirty, so i gave up, and just did it normally. Now that i've watched this video, i'm going to retry this again. Unfortunately, all my fish are gone, but they did live for 10 years with very little maintenance. Since then i've learned of aquascape tanks, and they're absolutely stunning. Thanks for teaching me something valuable today, something so simple.

[@badluckk610]

I don’t know anything about fish or plan on buying one, but I could watch this guy for hours. I love when someone’s knowledge and passion for something is so obviously genuine like this.

[@adambus77]

You are 100% right. I started small 50l tank in 2016. I add no chemicals; I dont change water (only add evaporated). There is a small simple pump with sponge filter. But I think the key is to keep relatively large amount of plants. They stabilize the ecosystem and control algae growth. I can enjoy Tanichthys fish that are reproducing and also small shrimps ang snails. Best wishes from Poland.

[@Sirgruntz]

I just want to thank you for the no bs approach you treat this with. I’m 25 and could not be happier to have found your channel and your insights. Keep it going! It’s inspiring so many people of so many ages

[@A1A2A3L]

Started my aquarium after 10 years because of Fathers fish.

[@benicio1967]

I’ve wondered what would happen if electricity went out as to how long a tank and everything in it would be ok. I’m trying to learn all I can and I’m literally just starting to read and try to understand all about tanks fish and coral. I’m so grateful for people like this gentleman who know so much and generously share their knowledge. Thank you sir!!

[@FatherFish]

Join us in the Shoal to boost you education. discord.gg/father-fish-shoal

[@thesassypatriot1016]

I have just about given up on my 2 snail tanks until I found you and this video.. you gave me hope for this constant battle I have been fighting! Such a reassuring peaceful voice you have. Thank you and wish me luck!

[@nathanbriner32]

I’ve come to realize you have to embrace what your tank is doing. The moment I stopped trying to mimic the real pretty Facebook and instagram aquarium posts my tanks started to thrive. They now look like the slice of nature they should look like, healthy fish living in a booming ecosystem. Amazing advice!

[@FatherFish]

Yep. Trimming plants is an unnatural act!!

[@giftofthewild6665]

Mine was aquascaped originally but now it looks like an overgrown moss pit 😂 the whole bottom half of the tank is basically clouds of moss with other plants poking up through it 😂 not very pretty but it gives loads of hiding places for fish and growing areas for microorganisms.

[@MacTechG4]

Shaggy jungles FTW, more natural, and fish love the hiding spots

[@primesspct2]

@@giftofthewild6665 one of mine is that bad too! The fish love it though!

[@chriskuaiwa8691]

@@FatherFish Could we use sand from our local beach here in Hawaii?

[@RobertMay-w3l]

Smart guy,I had a reef tank for over 25 yrs and never changed the water,it thrived on its own.

[@primesspct2]

wow I must look into this, it all looks so expensive to start. Salt water that is. I have always been tempted.

[@ellistrain7591]

My grandad isn’t as mobile as he used to be and for years I’d be suggested to try and make a natural tank! After showing him this video he wants to try it! Thankyou very much for the guide we’re both grateful 🙏

[@FloatingSunfish]

What an absolutely delightful old man! You can tell he really loves his fish!

[@dxq3647]

People have told me it is impossible, but my tank has lasted almost a year without me cleaning it at all. No pump, no heater, no filter, just as nature intended. The big aquarium industry that sells expensive products is a joke. Thank you for the video, Father Fish.

[@FatherFish]

Excellent DXQ

[@FatherFish]

My deep substrate is a CO2 factory.

[@dxq3647]

@@patty-pat-pat I never used CO2

[@weirdscience6820]

No heater for tropical fish? No artificial light would be good too.

[@weirdscience6820]

@@patty-pat-pat I don't know what your living room temp drops to but inside our home, we still have to rug up in winter. Are you sure your cichlids would be fine if it's 15 Celcius. I had Cherry shrimp outside and I never saw them swim around like they did indoors. Might also be the mass of java moss in their way 😂.

[@williamgraham5630]

I used to have an aquarium and gave it away because the upkeep got to be too much. You've inspired me to try again, Father Fish. Thanks

[@widneyburton5559]

You are amazing! I'm buying my family an aquarium for Christmas and I'm super excited to do an all natural tank. You have been a HUGE help! :)

[@DiscusNT]

Hope your planning on nano fish.

[@widneyburton5559]

@DiscusNT it's a 30 gallon tank and I'm doing all small fish

[@Slowvq95]

I’m new a fish parent with my daughter setting up an 55g and I always been scared about my fish environment. I always wonder what happens when my power goes out . Gotta love mother nature . Thanks granddad ! You got yourself a new sub !

[@driftindriftwood7301]

The no nonsense channel !!! Cheers Father Fish !!!

[@cecigata88]

I really appreciate how you acknowledge the first discoverers of these amazing methods before they were americanized. You are unbiased and fair, and I appreciate your work and efforts

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Ceci. Very kind of you.

[@Lovemayjoy]

Because of you i watched it last year 2023 starting year and i always change water and it keeps getting dirty, so after watching your video i tried whatever u have said , Untill then and now i am So glad my tank is so clear and never changed the water my fish are so happy and healthy… an so thankful for you ❤️❤️❤️ i had live plants floating and growing down im so happy watching my aquarium everyday. And i remeber u thanknyou again.

[@johnsonandson7772]

I've been raising reptiles for over 20 years and set up my first bioactive terrarium when I was 14 years old by mistake when I used dirt and branches from outside. that tank was self sufficient and it's inhabitants the healthiest. bio active aquarium makes perfect sense to me, I set my aquarium up like I would a terrarium with a drainage Layer of gravel at the bottom with plant soil then topped with black sand, I added shrimp and Corry cats as my clean up crew but never thought to add mud from my local creek. in my terrariums I add fauna from outside like spring tails and isopods which would be the equivalent of adding the micro organizms found in creek mud to my aquarium. thanks for opening my eyes to the missing ingredients in my aquarium. 👍

[@FatherFish]

You are correct about duplicating your reptile systems.

[@jonathancantrell858]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I am a reefer primarily but I started keep freshwater tanks when I was around 8 years old. My goal even back then was to recreate a natural environment for the tank inhabitants. You have yourself a new subscriber today and I look forward to future videos.

[@nicholashardy4269]

This dude is amazing. My girl and I have saught for simple demonstration and tipa on our aquariums for a year now and found mixed information. This guys information not only makes sense, its actually practical and useful and the fact it goes against modern aquarium enthusiast notions gets my attention every time. This is who we should be making rich and famous, not the kids on tik tok.

[@BritneyHolt]

I've been following your advice, and my 3 tanks have been thriving for 7 months now. Thank you father fish for your common sense and knowledge ❤

[@FatherFish]

That is awesome Britney!

[@NotSure876]

Do you know how long it takes to see the effects of nitrates on fish? 🤦‍♂️

[@NotSure876]

@@LunacyAnoba lol uh ya, I know that Do you know how many plants it takes to not have to do WCs and are you aware that plants are not always possible in every type of tank? If you actually look at FF tanks, there’s a several mistakes, like mbuna with SA/CA cichlids, fish that have completely different water requirements and diets

[@luvmyferretz]

I have a 10 gallon planted tank with just fluval stratum on the bottom. There are maybe 13 plants. I have 4 tetras, 4 shrimp and a snail population. There isn't any heat or anything running in the tank except for an external filter. I've only had this tank for a few months and it seems to be off to a good start. I'm not sure what else I need to do. I'm kind of new to this.

[@sahindemirer]

What kind of sand does he mentioning? Like a dirt or a regular sand as in the beach.

[@dominicflorio5708]

For those worrying about goldfish and plants, I keep anubias, java fern, java moss, and bolbitis. These are plants that are attached to wood or rocks. I experimented with a couple of swords and after a couple of months, they live untouched. I put rocks around the roots so they do not get dug up. I also feed them cooked string beans everyday to give them their veggie requirement. Besides that, they eat daphnia and frozen raw shrimp with added garlic, meant for human consumption. I feed NO commercial foods to any of my fish, goldfish or tropical fish. If you have hard water, take out a few gallons and add fresh when the tank needs topping off. Otherwise the minerals will keep building up. Oh, and add those leaves and pond substrate; the fish love it.

[@KettmanAquatic]

My goldfish lives with crypts lol

[@pammugridge4106]

Thanks for that as I am thinking about adding goldfish to my home

[@achidente]

Dude! This is what I need! My son just won 3 goldfish at the carnival and he wants nothing more for them to THRIVE! We’re brand new to this and I’m trying to follow, but not getting everything. Any guides for beginners on this stuff? Everything out there is pretty generic.

[@dominicflorio5708]

@@achidente Get as big a tank as you can. You can use anubias and java fern, and experiment with whatever they will leave alone. I have swords also. NEVER feed commercial food. Use frozen or fresh live foods. You can use frozen raw shrimp, meant for human consumption. Also feed cooked string beans. They love duck weed if you can get it. Make your substrate a little deeper than two inches so that they don't move through all the sand. Mine are doing great with several inches. They love to sift through it.

[@strider5119]

@@achidente you need a large aquarium for goldfish

[@AcrylDame]

Dear father fish. My fish have always suffered from bacterial infections and cotton mouth. Then I followed your advise and switched my substrate to sand. The infections have disappeared completely in just a couple month! You're the best!

[@FatherFish]

excellent

[@gregoriannrex5351]

Dziękuję za twoje doświadczenie i mądrość którą się dzielisz z innymi, pozdrawiam z dalekiej Polski , Bog z Tobą dobry człowieku 👍

[@danielsprengel742]

Dokładnie! Po wielu latach wracam do akwarystyki i przypadkiem trafiłem tutaj i tak jak sądziłem zero high tech tylko to co zobaczyłem na tym kanale jest dla mnie.

[@mn4169]

I have done this since I got my first tank in 1968. Lots of babies, healthy fish and good water. I compensate the water that disappears through natural evaporation, about 6 to 10 litres.

[@Telles0808]

Nice video. I'm returning to my favorite hobby after 30 years. I'll be creating a low-tech aquarium in a spherical tank. As a civil engineer, I've had the opportunity to work in some natural water treatment facilities, and I plan to incorporate those concepts into my aquarium. I'm not a KZbinr, but I'll do my best to share the journey and results. The main principle is simple: a large base where bacteria can thrive, as well as plants and microorganisms. In my 8-liter aquarium, I'll be keeping a couple of shrimp, some snails, and daphnia, moina, and branchonetas. Here in Brazil, we have plenty of options, but I live in the south, where it's colder, making things a bit more challenging. I learned everything you mentioned in my childhood while experimenting with my 200-liter aquarium. Initially, like everyone else, I used plastic and resin toys, some colored glass gravel, but soon I learned from my grandpa's biology books. I radically changed everything by using mud and topsoil from a pond, planting real aquatic plants, and using river gravel. Soon, I had green water-not water in a green color, but alive water, full of microorganisms. I bought a magnificent glass to observe the little creatures-water bears, tiny branchonetas-and it was amazing. I carried that experience with me throughout my life. I don't know if it's a midlife crisis, but I feel that I should bring back some hobbies since I'm tired of working so much and only working.

[@FatherFish]

Would enjoy sharing your journey. discord.gg/father-fish-shoal

[@thesolaraquarium]

@telles great story. reminds me of what I was doing 30 years ago. I stepped away from the hobby for 20 years due to work - too much travelling. was playing around with sunlight, mud and aquatic plants in the 90’s when Walstad was unheard of. Buying her book when I came back to the hobby was one of the greatest reads for me.

[@ericj810]

Haven't changed water or cleaned my tank in 5 years. Just filter clean and top off water here and there. Fish are all good. Water test comeback superb. Looks like a forest at the bottom with alge and plants.

[@thisandthat8686]

I bought an aquarium today because your videos gave me the confidence! Thank you father fish! I have not had one since I was 9 years old, and I am 31 now. Looking forward to having a living aquarium this time.

[@ChloeGore]

Know what's crazy compared to a normal fish tank now, we have trouble keeping it clean. I remember when I was younger I had a turtle and set up his tank just like his environment, and I used stuff from where he came from, like moss, water, and plants. I remember it never really had to be cleaned. Thank you for reminding me!!❤

[@nickcummings81]

Father Fish, great job on this video. I’m gonna definitely try this natural fish tank. I’m going from a 10 gallon to a 55 gallon. I used to have a 35 gallon 20 years ago but did spend lots of money keeping it crystal clear. I just gotta build my base and cabinet for my 55. CAN’T WAIT!

[@xgenesysx]

This was an absolute treat to listen to. Been keeping fish for years. Just recently got back into it with a 15 gallon planted tank. It's always nice to learn things from someone with much more knowledge.

[@mtpockets01]

I’m glad to see a fellow fish keeper with common sense and great advise. I’ve had my tank going for 43 years with minimal maintenance. Occasionally I need to trim the plants, but that’s only twice a year.

[@RichCrip]

Gotdam bruh the same tank running 43 years ?! What all u had in there

[@DashDrones]

*advice

[@feedthemachine99]

I love this guy ,He's just a pleasure to listen to and definitely knows his stuff .

[@AykaYuki]

Ty so much! I have a succesful 7mos old 5 gallon tank for my apple snail, 2 shrimps and a couple of corydoras because of this video ♡♡♡ I'm a total newbie and I'm so happy the fishies and shrimp lives without a pump and just deep substrate and plants ♡♡

[@travisalbert8756]

I got my first aquarium in 1976. I have had 1 or 40 since then. I have 6 running right now. I taught my self everything you just talked about. I live on a acreage. I too have a 20 year untouched tank full of dirt sand and rocks. All my tanks do. You are sooooo right!!! I wish more new keepers would listen to people who keep fish instead of stores who are there for profit not your best interest.

[@FatherFish]

Thanks Travis. It ain't brain surgery, just common sense and an appreciation for the ability of nature to take care of itself.

[@CLifemusic]

So what kind of dirt did you use? Kike planting soil like miracle gro? Or did you just dig up some dirt out the yard? I have gravel in my 30 gallon.i was thinking of putting some dirt under my live plants

[@travisalbert8756]

@@CLifemusic no don’t use soil with fertilizer added like miracle grow. You can use any seed starter or I just went outside and got muck from the bottom of the pond out front of my house. The deal is NO additional stuff just dirt. Personally I avoid anything made by the horrible company Monsanto’s. Monsanto makes miracle Gro. Chemical fertilizer is absolutely awful for the planet. No one should use chemical fertilizer ever. You don’t need it. Learn to do it like nature. Nature has no lab.

[@ColorzGuppyFarm]

@@FatherFish yes common sense and basic biology right?

[@weirdscience6820]

Are you saying no maintenance? Not even pruning plant overgrowth?

[@entropytango5348]

Sound advice. Mine is completely outdoors in 3 large multi-levelled garden pots. Most of the plants and little creatures are from the local river. Fish occupy the middle level with the upper and lower imhabited by local frogs. The pump and filter are all solar powered and it basically needs very little intervention once set up. Great Vid!

[@Kellz75]

I’m gonna need pics!!😍

[@anthonyhendricks7377]

Absolutely a fantastic video!!! I had an Aunt that gave me my first aquarium when I was 8 years old. She had several scattered around her house ranging from 10 to 75 gallons. What she originally gave me was a 20 gallon short long tank. It was one that had the old stainless steel frame ( I still have it ). She and I set it up with dirt, and sand from her existing established aquariums. Then went to the creek for some gravel, rocks, a waterlogged tree stump , and a few plants. This was my start in the love of freshwater Aquariums. I'm 62 now. This little 20 gal. has been moved several times over the years. Hundreds of generations of live breeding fish like Guppies have been raised from her original fish. I seldom pass on a yard sale aquarium. No telling how many I've given kids over the past 50+ years. It's such a calming hobby!! It teaches values, and love for the environment. Most of the kids still have setups. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with people who wasn't lucky enough to have a Aunt like mine was!!!!🙂

[@jenstinydream]

@@anthonyhendricks7377 Do you know what kind of things I can get from nature in the pond or such to put in my betta tank? Meaning- is there a specific plant or something?

[@anthonyhendricks7377]

@jenstinydream honestly if it's living and thriving. Fish and other natural creatures are present. I'm like Father Fish. It's good for the aquarium. I also add dead leaves from creeks, streams, ponds, and lakes. I'm always grabbing driftwood. All is kept in either glass jars, or buckets with water. This helps the microbes an other living things that are present alive. The fish you described are heavy waist producers. So.... I suggest Father Fish's soil, and I prefer brown river sand. One inch dirt with at least 2 inches sand on top. Gently move the sand then plant your water plants in the soil. Then push the sand back around the plants to keep the soil from clouding the water. Father Fish has many videos on this process explaining the why's, and how it benefits your aquarium. Keep in mind it's always best to look at the total environment. If the plants are healthy, growing, and reproducing everything else in the environment will as well. The goal is to let natural maintain itself. This is without adding chemicals that fix one thing and destroy 10 others. These manufacturers, and sadly pet stores are looking for profit, not necessarily your aquariums welfare. Hope this helps a little. Father Fish is the expert! 🙂

[@carlosbarajas382]

I haven’t cleaned my tank in about 7 months and the life is good and water is crystal clear

[@ayeshaaawaan]

Please share your routine for the tank. Thank you

[@dezyandco5855]

That’s me as well. I have 6 tanks now, my biggest one so far is a 75gal. I just add tap water & water conditioner but never change it. It’s all planted too

[@romesh4136]

Father spitting facts. Most helpful aquarium video on youtube.

[@snakeeyes7277]

I just got 5 goldfish and have always been a super clean tank dude. Everything was fine the first day and I was watching this video I was tempted to try some pebbles but my fish seemed fine. Woke up today to one being dead 😢. Two where acting weird so i took a coral thats fake out as it takes alot of space and grabbed about 15 nice sized rocks and left them covered in dirt. After about 1 hr my 4 gold fish are springing to life! Thank you!! Ill be getting a bigger aquarium and I’ll definitely be putting everything like yours in mine!!! Trust this wise man!

[@bluevireo425]

Love It...and Love You!..Way back in the 70's my brother and I kept a tank doing the very things you describe...no money...so we had to run around gathering whatever we could find from Nature around us...kept that tank our entire childhood...(Then, we grew up and started using all the mechanisms sold today!) Incredible how little children can just know things by doing what you said..."Observing Nature"...sadly this is something our youth today have missed out on in a big way. Thank you.

[@FatherFish]

Thanks for sharing Blue. We are going to teach a new generation to trust nature.

[@sirskaven7624]

This guy is a gem of human being

[@NatePerdomo]

I followed all the advice in this video and am now the proud owner of my very own 92 year-old aquarium. What can I say besides IT WORKS, FOLKS!

[@travelwithnoman]

What a great video about keeping this hobby enjoyable. I just saw this man for the first time and fell in love with the knowledge and experience he is sharing.

[@mike7933]

Great info, I did this with trial and error. The reassurance that other fish keepers are doing the same is nice. I just setup a 75 gallon in my first home that I purchased.

[@redciroc1211]

Congrats to you 💯

[@osg59]

Father Fish is correct, the aquarium industry wants your money. I just did a water change on two tanks, nothing new changed in the 10+ yrs I've had my tanks, and for some unknown reason I lost a total of eight fish overnight. Going to try this out since I'll be starting over again minus the monthly water changes.

[@blaircox1589]

I haven't cleaned the glass in mine in nearly a year. And i just realized it watching this. Crystal clear. Actually worried there is not enough for the Ottos i thought went extinct, but apparently doing well.

[@DustinValkema]

Glad I stumbled upon this channel! You’re the Bob Ross of fish! I’ve just started doing my research into self sustaining tanks as I plan a new setup. This information is gold and I love how you mix history and science in! Thank you!

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Dustin. Join us at Father Fish Shoal for fishy friendship and in depth analysis. discord.gg/GdakStEjAy

[@DustinValkema]

@@FatherFish I just joined! Loving the info and community knowledge. Super helpful!

[@jeffreyrosander-kz4cj]

Word play of a pro well put awesome Bob Ross name drop the respect made me comment this gentleman is master biologists

[@unklevinhsjournal8089]

I subscribed to your channel after 5 mins of you talking. I've been watching many many videos for fish tank for beginners, and I'm very confused and a little discouraged to start a fish tank. thank you god for directing me toward your videos and I can confidently say that I am no longer afraid to start after watching your videos. you're my hero...

[@JULi3T16]

This video gives me hope for my two aquariums. I thought I was doing too little, sometimes forgetting to feed for a day or not changing the water, but just topping it up. Well, the water is always clear, the fish/neocardinia are constantly reproducing, there's dirt under the gravel & the fish habe never been sick so far. The only thing I really can't slack on is cutting back the plants about once a week, cause they're growing crazy. So I guess I must be doing _something_ right. I'm still forever gonna worry about if the tanks are fine the way they are 😅

[@roihananwar5835]

grandpa thanks for the inspiration.. after keeping fish since i was child .. i totally agree with you ..❤

[@neileverett3661]

my first ever father fish video ! and it has made so much sense creating a natural enviroment instead of a chemical balanced one definatley food for thought before i setup my new tank for the first time in over 20 years ! so thank you for the very informative video ! i will be watching a lot more of them so again thank you for your time and effort 🙂

[@sayyeddeyyas]

Thank you. You have changed how much more fun aquariums are now.

[@vanessaandreatta9098]

I don't own an acquarium but I live on a small river that next to my home so I watch fishes and do birdwatching every day with my 2 cats. The water is crystal clean and I can see fish through from when thy are born to be as big as a hand. It is so fascinating I love it. It only gets dirt when it rains for 3 days, but then ducks are happy

[@tonyhind6992]

Been doing this myself for the last 10 years. It works.

[@thepersonaljo]

I'm so happy to see this confirmed by a professional. I figured this out a while ago when my dislike for high maintenance things combined with my experimental nature and I found the more I neglected my live planted, live fed tanks, the better they got! I've been keeping fish, invertebrates, and microorganisms alive and thriving like this now with great success. My fish thrive in the water column and produce their waste, my plants provide habitat and decaying materials, my invertebrates consume and maintain that material and waste, my flounder helps a ton by mixing that material down in the sand when he buries himself as do the blackworms who don't get eaten and bury themselves, the material gets down into the layer of fluval and add nutrients, and the plants use that to thrive and provide oxygen. It's an excellent cycle to observe.

[@FatherFish]

Excellent observational skills and a clear headed sense of natural systems. Add an inch to the top of that Fluval and it will establish as a subsoil.

[@wanderlustfarm]

@FatherFish Add an inch of sand to the top of the fluval? I’m just setting up my tank and had already purchased fluval. After watching this video I was wondering if I need to return it. Thanks!

[@TheTenzai]

sir, hearing your voice is so soothing, it triggers something that i ever wanted but never really had, grandpa to talk to, i never actually interracted with my grandpas, as one passed away before i was born, and the other one was so distant your delivery of the message also so easy to follow and enjoyable instant subscribe & like thank you Father Fish

[@Rise2theTopAdam4ever]

I've had aquariums my whole life and always let the natural process of the environment to prevail. My water was always clear, and I never 'deep cleaned' my tanks. Nature will take care of it's own.

[@FatherFish]

The more you trust nature the more you understand its power.

[@chainerscalleri6931]

Great video! So nice to see someone covering this topic in the hobby. I remember when I was working in the hobby and I was talking to a reef owner who used NO filtration or protein skimmers! People couldn't believe it but he used the substrate and the coral rock (which were all very well established and mature) combined with good waterflow and the right stock mix. I wouldn't be game enough to try that but it shows you that if you can get that natural system balanced it can really work!

[@iamimranra]

Thank you so much. I watched your videos. It has been over 7 months since i cleaned my tank. I never vacuum substrate. Never clean the glasses. All i do is just replace the evaporated water or change water 20 percent per month, squeeze the sponge filter periodically. Java moss, neon tetras, cherry shrimps, detritus worms, zebra nerite snails, tiny baby assassin snails l, copepods, bacteria, all are thriving happily and the ecosystem keeps the tank clean. Best wishes from India.

[@FatherFish]

Great! 👍

[@bettyboo1930]

A great video. Thanks for your very valued advice. I’ve been fish keeping for over 30 years, both marine and fresh water tropical and I firmly believe the simpler you keep things the more success you have.

[@FatherFish]

You are correc t betty boo.

[@wandahall5435]

I live next to a river here in SW Ontario. I can not wait to explore and gather the plants from there. I have a new 20 gallon tank with so many baby guppies and their 6 parents. I want to start this natural method so hardcore in my other 35 gallon tank once my Mississippi map turtle is relocated to his new home. lol thank you Father fish for your valuable advice 💜🖖🇨🇦

[@mikepotts9382]

Yeah this gentleman is absolutely correct. I've got sand substrate, clear water, have rocks from outside in the tank. Only clean the glass. In 3 years I've never done water changes, I let about 4-5 gallons evaporate then just add water. Have never used chemicals. Fish have produced fry a few times.

[@christiheydenrych8799]

Thank you for this video. I did my first bio aquascape in a bowl and decided to take a dried mulberry leaf off my tree outside and place it in the tank. Few days went by and i saw tiny jumpy micro things in the tank. I thought oh no I’ve ruined it. Turned out my tank is super healthy and all i do is top ups

[@FatherFish]

lol. Fear of nature leads to madness.. Happy to hear you survived. lol

[@bharatkumar-nu5yb]

you r not just father, u r the Godfather of fish and aquariums

[@FatherFish]

Hello bharat.

[@spankynater4242]

Be careful, or you'll sleep with the fishes.

[@thomassiebenburgen6464]

Hi! I´m writing from Germany and I think you are right. In my experience in garden, in terrarium if I see a "problem" I think: take time, take something similar which is working and wait. Nature is wonderful. Thanks for your time and your videos, Thomas

Thank you Father Fish. Experience is always stronger ! Big hug from Val-de-Marne France 😉

[@FatherFish]

My room mate in grad school was from Val-de-Mame. Welcome

[@ivifranck706]

94 !!

[@Opti-Miser]

First time seeing your channel and this video already brought me so much joy, thank you Father Fish!

[@Owwee_immaB]

I’ve had a vision for a while now and I think you just helped me realize it!

[@PatriotCoinRings]

*Long reply I know, but I'm a nerd when it comes to the hobby!* I Love what you are teaching and promoting here, and much of what you are saying is on point. I'd respectfully disagree, creating a perfectly balanced near ecosystem 24/7 without ever experiencing a crash is anything but "the easiest thing to do" but it certainly is a fun challenge even to the most experienced aquarist. I also was successful in a marine fully closed ecosystem using nothing but a mason jar, Opae ula shrimp, a pinch of algae a small piece of live rock, and glued the top lid closed never to be open again. The system survived 9 years before the lid eventually started to leach rust down into the inside of the jar (highly toxic) and was its ultimate demise otherwise had I sealed it properly in plastic or something similar, it had the potential to go much further. Never fed the tank, being completely enclosed I never had to replenish nutrients or water, about the only thing to watch for was adequate lighting to keep the algae growing yet not let the jar get to much direct sunlight that would create an algal bloom or dramatically change the temperature inside. This is as I'm sure you know has been a system that we have experimented with in space as well. I also had a 200g open freshwater system with fish, invertebrates, clams, snails, and plants and that one did have sand and plants. I allowed for livebearing fish and the shrimp were Amano and cherries allowing everything to naturally balance out itself and procreate as needed for longevity as well as natural replenishing food on it's own (as is in nature) and It lived for a good 7 years before I finally got bored and broke it down. In that one I used blends of aragonite so the natural calcium would help with the inverts and pH and natural mud (typically more acidic from decomposing organics) collected from the sludge of another aquarium I owned knowing it was full of life yet free of harmful disease, pathogens, and parasites (just using better odds than collecting from a local stream). Just a quick drop on my experience, I do have a degree in Ichthyology, formally owned one of the largest coral and fish import businesses in the nation, and also owned a construction company building some of the best aquarium systems around from 1980-2010 (the 2007 recession kicked my butt like many other companies and I could only hold on till 2010 before going bankrupt). In short, I love your encouragement of trying a more natural eco-style approach but I wouldn't narrow it down to only being two things (sand and some natural material from a stream) that would be the success of such a challenge. Just adding to what I know you already know but others may not, there are many different types of sand, and knowing which are safe or not too high in silica are important decisions to make just as choosing the right plants and matching that up to the species of life you plan to keep and if you are going to recommend collecting natural materials, mud, organisms and other from a local source, again, matching it to the system you are building all need to be considered. For instance, what I have locally here in Southern California which is a Zone 9-10 region isn't going to be the same as collecting from a Zone 3 or to put it more clearly if you are building an indoor system for instance and your ambient temperature is always 72F indoors, than you might want to recommend collecting from a clean non-stagnant pool area of similar temperature because if that hobbyist happens to live in an area for example where their outdoor temperature is normally always in freezing conditions such as living up in the mountains where it snows most of the year, the items you collect there may not fair well in warmer indoor system thus resulting in heavy die off of micro-organisms, causing high Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate issues, and possibly a system crash. Just saying there's a lot more to creating that perfect ecosystem than just two things, but you are right, it can be done and for those who succeed, the hobbyist can truly have crystal clear water conditions without ever cleaning their tank again which I believe was your main point. Much respect and Happy Fish Keeping!

[@FatherFish]

It is easier than you think. Don't overthink it.

[@PatriotCoinRings]

@@FatherFish Don't take it personally like I said, I love what you are promoting but I'm certainly not overthinking anything, I've done it many times and while I had many successes, I also had many failures that I was able to learn from. I'm just pointing out that there's a whole lot more to it than some sand and a little mud from any random stagnant hole outdoors to get a good and beneficial balance that would be the difference between a 10 gallon sludge pond not producing enough oxygen and biofiltration to properly support life in the manner a hobbyist would like and what worked for you may not work for someone else partially depending on your collection point which was only one example. In anaerobic mineralization, decomposition from facultative or obligate anaerobic bacteria results in the breakdown of organic matter and denitrification. This process also results in the production of toxic gases such as methane, CO2, and hydrogen sulfide which would kill most life in your aquarium if not considered. I suppose a good example is that you sell plants correct? When you sell plants, are you considering for your customers which plants you ship separating a good oxygenating plant species from one that isn't? What about proper lighting and exactly what is that level of lighting for the type of plants they receive? Certainly, there are some that flourish under high lighting while others would die and decompose into possibly an overabundance of decomposing matter. Are these not things to consider or do we as responsible hobbyists just randomly use anything or do we consider the best option? Please don't take it personally, my intent isn't to troll your site by any means and was just openly discussing from one educated hobbyist to another that there is certainly other things to consider that may come as common sense to you where "you don't have to over think it" and another who is new to the hobby, doesn't understand the full circle of life and proper nitrogen cycle. As most hobbyists understand, even with a well-designed aquarium problems arise, and to say "don't overthink it" is just negligent toward the life and best welfare of the pets we are keeping but I mean this in all due respect and beyond just having a polite conversation, I'm not trying to offend. It's okay for us to agree to disagree but bouncing experiences off of one another and taking other aspects into consideration is always the wiser thing to do if any of us want to expand our knowledge beyond where it is now, it's how we grow. I can personally think of many times I didn't think something through enough and as a result failed but, maybe you never have? In any regard, whether you agree or disagree with my comment, I don't want to try and drive it home to a point we couldn't be friends. I was complimenting you on the direction of the video and what you were trying to share because it has many merits. God Bless you brother and again, happy fishkeeping.

[@cherylmockotr]

I appreciate both your comment and reply!

[@AlbatrossAirwaves]

Omg I'm in love with this channel! I've been searching and searching for a video that breaks it down for someone who's only ever used filters.. but your way is SOO much healthier for the fish!!! Thank you for this video, 😊

[@christopherinch90]

Out of all the videos I've watched lately, this is the most basic as far as editing goes. And I love every minute of it. Very informative, to the point, and not filled with babble to increase the video length. It has to be the only video I've watched lately that I didn't find myself skipping through for the main dot points. Well done mate, I'm subscribing and going to work my way through your video history. 👍

[@leovasquez4320]

For real👏🏼

[@OTSpirit]

This is amazing Father Fish! I am looking to bring my aquarium to life as well.

[@galinarou]

I once got too busy to maintain my aquarium and stopped doing water changes etc. for many months, I was crushed at the thought that I had ruined my 55gal freshwater aquarium! I was feeling so depressed when I finally went to go look at it to refill the water level which was 1/3 gone, and to my utter shock found that my sucker fish had spawned for the very first time! All the plants and fish were thriving, not dead, and my ghost shrimp had turned rainbow colors and looked absolutely stunning! :D

[@huldu]

I used to keep fish back in the 90's, many tanks in all kinds of sizes it was just something I really loved as teenager. I did exactly what you said without any knowledge or experience. I would get my tanks, pick up gravel and sand from outside and various things from nearby lakes and put it in the tank. I had no idea about bacteria and things like that I just knew the fish loved to eat the little critters. That tank, my first it was around 200 liters, lasted for 15 years until we moved. I rarely had any issues, fish were spawning, plants were thriving. Even had a neon tetra live to the age of 8 which blew my mind for such a small fish. However there was a downside for me using sand in the tank. The pump I used back then did not like it and it would wear down the metal spinning part inside of it, had to replace it twice and the store didn't like it. Eventually I figured out that having sand near the pump wasn't such a good idea so put a gravel and a rock under it and problem fixed itself. These days when I hear about people keeping fish they make it sound like a job. You have to do this or it'll fail. You have to buy this or your fish is doomed. I don't know what happened to fish keeping but it's apparently serious business nowadays. When it came to the fish themselves it was a learning experience. We didn't have internet back then like we do today. All that kind of knowledge I would get from going to the library after school and reading about the fish and then trying to make educated guesses which fish would fit well together. I had some very exotic freshwater fish that I rarely even see to this day along with the usual fish. Often it worked out great and sometimes not so great so you had to move the fish around.

[@FatherFish]

Excellent review huldu. Too much clever, not enough smart.