The South American Cichlid Aquarium: EPIC 4ft Planted Tank Aquascape Tutorial

[@MDFishTanks]

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com LIGHT USED IN VIDEO: US amzn.to/3pFpLel UK amzn.to/3I8KYUF Find @Fish Shop Matt here: KZbin: kzbin.info Insta: instagram.com/matt_swfishkeeper/ Subscribe to API on KZbin: kzbin.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/8944F2D0-1A19-446A-B103-48DE826BA3B6 Equipment (all links affiliate): THE TANK IN THIS VIDEO: amzn.to/3EIblPB LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3m3cEz9 UK amzn.to/3orIdRv GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL API® products Subscribe to API on KZbin: kzbin.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk/where-to-buy/ AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY kzbin.info/door/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/md_fishtanks/ FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: [e-mail] #plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

[@kodibox-ic2tp]

I was hoping to see a few Apistogramma types in the mix.. Maybe an addition later. Nice looking tank.

[@graffic13]

MD do you get ghost shrimp in the uk? the ones from the US ... the Chinese ones eat your fish.

[@richardf2022]

Do you have a link for the decorative media used on this scape?

[@FishShopMatt]

This turned out so so well!!! Weve got a coyple empty tanks in the shop now 😜

[@MDFishTanks]

Yes!!! Ideal. Start monday???

[@Talons_N_Tails]

👀..❤❤

[@triangles550]

Do you guys have any species of catfish similar to wood catfish, midnight catfish, etc.

[@triangles550]

I'd like to see those in an aquarium

[@space_ghost_z941]

❤

[@lpoolck17]

MD, you've tweeked a few of your practices, such as using window tint instead of paint on the back of tanks and using nutri base and no longer using plastic bags for the aquasoil. It would be nice if you could do a video talking about these changes - why you have changed, the pros and cons of each method etc.

[@laurarodrigues7072]

Good idea

[@tree.65]

Yes! I was thinking the same. Would like to hear why/how he came about those changes.

[@tulz43]

Great idea. I just came ask about the changes.

[@sitkitomrukcu]

Because he is earning money from the providers of the fertilizers. There is ofcourse a no cost version. Just not in this channel anymore

[@roopy1986]

I love MD and Matt's collabs. 2 great fish keepers collaborating is just amazing

[@TheFakeyCakeMaker]

It is so rare that collabs like this work but I just can't get enough of MD and Matt. Didn't think MD could get any better but seriously, the enjoyment of the two of these guys is exponential.

[@mulikainen]

I had 5 year break from fishkeeping. Saw your blackwater tank video and had to have one. Now i have one and love it. This is best fishkeeping channel on KZbin! Thank you for doing these videos.

[@Grace-er9ep]

Almost cried when I got my aqua essential and quick start in the mail this week cause Ive been watching these videos for what seems like forever and now I'm actually about to have my very own community tank

[@PULAG]

Almost cried when my father died. We're very similar

[@justmyway508]

You all absolutely knocked this one out of the park. Such an incredible build with a beautiful scape and perfect stocking. Well done guys.

[@philcarlino6942]

This is my absolute favorite tank you've ever done. The hardscape is perfect. The planting is just enough, not too much. The stocking is so good. Keyholes are my favorite south american cichlid, I love mine. I definitely can't wait to see you continue exploring this aquascape style. (Now I have to go re-scape my tank). Thank you for this amazing video, MD. I stayed until the end.

[@ronlafond5288]

I don't usually watch KZbin videos that are this long in one sitting, but couldn't take my eyes off this one. This is most definitely one of my favorite builds, MD and Matt. And your choices of fish are spectacular as well. And there's nothing like "free" wood. Looking forward to the other 4 footer. 🙂

[@matthewsmith6169]

This tank is amazing, love that you haven't gone mad with the planting this time and its worked out really well. Great work gents.

[@elc2468]

Beautiful scape, guys! The Cardinals really did bring the color pop. Love it.

[@norbertthoens3561]

Ihr beide habt wieder ein wunderschönes Naturaquarium eingerichtet!! 👍 Ein Flussbecken mit tollen Wurzeln in Kombination mit den "riesigen" Kieselsteinen! 😍

[@Frankje01]

What a lovely and stunning scape, MD. Really like the spacious feel you created. Well done.

[@williamannelli9822]

You and Matt are perfect together. Every tank you do is my favorite. Gorgeous

[@michaelbradley6488]

I have not had a Keyhole Ciclid since the 70's, I love those little guys, so peaceful. This tank is very pretty. Well done.

[@nathantrevino7659]

I’m just getting into the hobby and I love watching how the tanks turn out , they’re very pleasing to the eyes , I would like to see you do a taller tank and see how you would hardscape that

[@TheFakeyCakeMaker]

I cannot BELIEVE I'm watching this. We just bought a keyhole yesterday because I fell in love with him in the shop and just couldn't say no. We absolutely adore him and he's in a tank with rasboras and he is VERY happy. I am so excited watching this and my son will be when I show him. 😀 MD you have a big fan, we are in Germany and my son is always talking about you when we go into fish shops.

[@MrNezza73]

Fantastic! Well done lads. Less is more, it’s refreshing to actually see the hardscape properly and just softened with plants. Some of the careful scaping in other tanks is lost behind the plants. This is one of my favourites. The negative space is taken up by the fish which is great. Spot on.

[@TravelosophyTV]

I really like how these lights reflect on the wood. One of my favorites. Love this wood it looks amazing

[@Eric_Allen]

this might be one of my favorite tanks of yours. It looks so natural with the big rocks and logs. Tons of open space to swim

[@hexonyou]

honestly just love watching you and Matt work; you have such a great chemistry and your scapes always end up absolutely brilliant.

[@lizzyanthus1]

Hi MD and Matt! I'm loving this build, so much! The terrestial moss on the wood, was a surprise! I had no idea it would go aquatic. Hope it adjusts well, like it seems to be doing. Loveing also the choice of chiclids and tetras, and everything. Looking gorgeous guys, nice job! Thanks for this one!

[@ethanfriedersdorf]

Perfect way to start a Saturday

[@Shmu22]

I really love this set up ... and it's always fun to have Matt along to teach us about the fish.

[@kittyiam2206]

I think this is one of your best tanks yet! There's not one thing I would change.

[@carolebraswell982]

What an absolutely stunning tank this turned out to be! I swear some of the fish looked like they were smiling!

[@jenpink4298]

Yes! They are adorable!

[@jimmied2838]

U guys r great on your own but when u get together it's gold. Another great build and video. Looking forward to the video on the order of fish u got in Matt

[@mkrium6192]

Woah new video! You know what.. I would choose your build videos over any movies!

[@mdotschrody]

This tank turned out so beautifully. I lol'ed at Matt saying "you were in charge of that" when the log floated up. 😂 Congrats on another successful fish up!

[@KebunH]

Really like the hardscape on this one, glad you didn't overplant it 😂

[@ChazVR]

Keyholes! So nice to see you get those, I've had a group of 8 of them for about a year now, such a good underrated cichlid, not as shy as people may think either :)

[@v-man372]

Always look forward to MD vids and Matt is a great bonus. Smashed it as always 👍🏻

[@MUNRO13]

Absolutely STUNNING aquarium. Fish selection is the best I’ve ever seen! Love them all!

[@christopher_scott]

Absolutely epic video! You are such an inspiration, can’t wait to meet you one day 😂🤣

[@MDFishTanks]

haha. See you at Aquashella

[@dallasaquascapingguy]

@@MDFishTanks will you be presenting or just enjoying the show?

[@Arjun_Kini]

It was me who requested Malawi Cichlids tank setup. Thank you so much MD! I really appreciate that❤

[@kennethgriffin9770]

Do more scapes like this!!!! I’m obsessed with how this came out!

[@bornstellar1519]

Watching MD’s videos at .5x speed is the best thing on the internet

[@aaronbecker5617]

You two are the Laurel & Hardy of fish keeping

[@Dubravkuh]

My favorite 4ft tank build you’ve done yet! It’s so captivating!😍

[@Capn_Mal]

I got a group of the white tip bentosi about 10 months ago and they're probably my favourite tetra that I've ever kept. I love their look and their behaviour is so fun to watch when they spar and show off to females etc, so happy to see you have some now too! Scape looks amazing as always as well of course!

[@malinryden3099]

The Acaras just look so cute and happy with their little faces

[@agirlnamedmichael1670]

This is one of my favorites! Well done!

[@Lijnoftylerwoods]

Favorite set up yet!! Congrats to a once again collaboration set up design, amazing and beautiful!!

[@yashtapase3821]

The last river shot tho 😍🤯 You are the inspiration for me and my friends ❤️ Huge love and respect from India 🇮🇳

[@TheHemiphil81]

I have a 300 gallon acro reef tank fully grown acros and you have made me want to set up my empty 180 tank just like your amazing, beautiful freshwater tanks. I am very very impressed.

[@dickiedavis5240]

One of my favourite tanks of the new studio. Brilliant. Well done.

[@Connie4422]

This is my favorite tank in the studio!! Well done. So beautiful!

[@joaorodrigues6526]

I absolutely loved watching this build, I have been planning something very similar to this as my next big build and it was almost as if I saw my own thought come to life! Thank you so much for an amazing video and it is always a pleasure watching the energy between the two of you and how your friendship has grown over time!

[@jayv1903]

love this tank! Good to see a different looking tank with structure!

[@AnubisFenrir]

Everyone knows it's going to be an amazing video when Matt here

[@shonhatley541]

One of the best setups so far. Amazing.

[@pink_alchemist]

The ruler! My absolute favourite bit between you two. I giggle just thinking about it.

[@kayleighkneale7690]

Love watching your videos ❤ been watching you since you were in old house in your garden shed 😅 so glad you and mat have come inseparable love watching use two together 😊

[@lisa_w254]

Nothing but joy watching your videos! Keep up the awesome work!

[@lilmatty11]

Stunning tank. Definitely my favourite in the studio. Love the South American tanks. Should do a few more different plecos and some more oddball fish. Love the whiptails. Royal whiptail are lovely and would look amazing sitting on the wood in the tank.

[@peasantrobot]

Great selection (I hoped soooo much for those white fin tetras to be picked up) and huge success! Good job guys!

[@swayzalinio]

This is so amazing. I just fell in love with fish keeping again.

[@overlandtowater]

I have had keyholes for going on 5 years now I love them very gentle for a cichlid. My how I’m fond of South America tanks ❤❤❤

[@staticborris85]

Amazing video as always! I love to see dwarf cichlid tanks, and you have made an amazing home for them! I have a 4ft tank with a pair of EBA, 6 Keyholes, 6 rams, and 6 corys. the Keyholes have successfully raised 9 babies to the same size as yours. I have had no issues with Acara and Keyhole living together apart from the odd squabble over teritory or the Acara getting to close to the babies. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@pencilpauli9442]

Fantastic tank. ❤❤ One of my favourites you've made so far

[@imoan1976]

That thumbnail is a click bait lol I loved the video but was so disappointed that the bigger cichlids weren't in there 😂😢

[@IJm3]

Got a real ying yang vibe from the cabinets. Really good build, looks fantastic 😊

[@kered36]

that was a joy to watch and may i say one of your best creations to date. I love the collaboration with Matt and agree with Cato Thomassen, that a common channel between you both would be a fun adventure.

[@howardgin5232]

You guys are the perfect working partners!

[@Amanda-uc5jq]

I love this tank, much as I love plants sometimes I curse part way through you planting because the hard scape just disappears 😂

[@tinchytarantula]

Turned out pretty good another banger from MD and fishshop Matt ❤

[@johnpatterson9219]

MD, have you considered live streaming some of your tanks; so we can watch what’s going on every day; it would be so relaxing and wonderful. MD Fish Tank Cam!

[@msifits]

Man after watching your videos i'd strating my own aqua scape aquarium i loved how passionate you are, learning more from u✍️

[@stevesmith6022]

This is my favourite scape so far MD brilliant mate just amazing…

[@tigercow]

Probably your best work as of late. Great stuff, as always.

[@James-xd6lh]

yes love it when the two of you do big tanks together!

[@tristambre632]

I miss seeing your boys, they must have got so much bigger by now !

[@mitchfollis3939]

You guys need a best buddies song for the intro loving the collabs from you two!❤😂🎉

[@queenofcondiments7988]

Love it!! Cardinals are my absolute FAVORITE! ...Beautiful... as usual ;) :)

[@ricardocaliman2830]

I haven't laughed so hard in years.... at 22:20 you let out with: " I'm going to make sure that this one isn't completely covered in plants" ........... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 never did I think YOU would utter those words!

[@ASMRkiddo]

You and Matt together are hilarious- a bit like a fishy version of the Top Gear team from 10 yrs ago.... :)

[@goarn9017]

For me this is one of your best ones yet! A (little bit) less is more ! 😊😊

[@aqhan]

Top tip for cutting the ends off of zip ties, especially if you don't want to slash your fingers opened next time you handle them: use chep nail clippers instead of scissors. They will cut so flush that you can run your finger over it and won't feel a thing.

[@KingsAquariumsAndReptileRoom]

Awesome video guys! I absolutely love the scape of this aquarium. Very very natural! Cant wait to see what it will look like in a months time. Love all those fish you have chosen for this aquarium, they are gonna look absolutely stunning!. Maidenhead certainly had some healthy looking beautiful fish in store, thanks for sharing 😊

[@KyoyaTategamiLEO]

By far one of your best tanks

[@Nicholas-db5sl]

Fantastic tank set up. Well done!

[@antoinehage3762]

Yessss, my favorite biotoop. Turned out so well

[@mediocrespectator5627]

Great looking scape! Amazing work guys. Very proper 😊

[@SirMilone]

One of my favorites so far, great work!

[@rickfromthecape3135]

May be your coolest tank yet! I am inspired.

[@AlvinCarloRoman]

O my goodness you took your time to upload new vid! Not saying it is bad... It is just too long of a wait! LOL

[@EchoHamilton]

ive been waiting for for a long time, and the joy on my face when i saw the new video

[@shiboshu]

Wonderfull aquarium. I'm in love with your results of teamwork

[@cathyhendrix7552]

Awesome tank MD. Of course. And here in America we do call the tetras with the white tips Candy Cane tetras. 🤷 Why the difference? IDK. Hey did you notice that the Acara looks like they're smiling? That's so cute. I have so much fun watching you and Matt. You guys make me laugh 😂. Thank you MD for another fantastic video.

[@roselewis24]

Another beautiful tank. You two are always entertaining with your banter. I would love some advice on stocking a three foot tank with different tetras and clean up crew, the fish shops near me haven't always got the best advice. I really liked the tetra tank from an earlier video and want to do something similar.

[@hardybryan]

Looks beautiful, genuinely enjoyed this. I don't expect the amano to last long in there. Cichlids love shrimp.

[@andrewmurray855]

“Two bros fiddle with their wood for 15 minutes”

[@cjnye]

Best bromance in fishkeeping YT 😄

[@lulusunboxing1678]

Loving this set up! Looking forward to see updates on it!

[@rickismith7977]

Can't wait for your malawi tank as that's what I keep here. I love your videos been watching for a while now. Big fan of yours shame we don't have much resources where I live across in guernsey channel islands.

[@charliesawka5130]

Really love the scape. Looking forward to seeing the other tank beside done. Keep it up guys🍻

[@rubikscubeboy9734]

Great video like always

[@kweenkitten6207]

I love small cichlids, this is an amazing tank md. Very beautiful style tank! ❤❤

[@ijustshatnered757]

master level minimalist hardscape right there

[@AnubisFenrir]

1:32 We got two Sun's 🤣😂 matt is hilarious

[@mainshoto1278]

whatever the tank, the cardinals always steal the show ❤