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

👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇:
FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks....
LIGHT USED IN VIDEO: US amzn.to/3pFpLel UK amzn.to/3I8KYUF
Find @Fish Shop Matt here:
KZbin: / fishshopmatt
Insta: / matt_swfishkeeper
Subscribe to API on KZbin: / apifishcare
USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com...
UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co....
AQUARIAN® products
Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: / @aquarianfishcare6246
Purchase AQUARIAN products here: www.amazon.co....
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: / apifishcare
USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com...
UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co....
AQUARIAN® products
Follow AQUARIAN on KZbin: / @aquarianfishcare6246
Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk...
AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY / @mdfishtanks
FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: / md_fishtanks
FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: [e-mail]
#plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@norbertthoens3561]

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

[@elc2468]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mkrium6192]

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

[@KebunH]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@ethanfriedersdorf]

Perfect way to start a Saturday

[@williamannelli9822]

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

[@TravelosophyTV]

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

[@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 😂

[@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?

[@Frankje01]

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

[@aaronbecker5617]

You two are the Laurel & Hardy of fish keeping

[@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.

[@ASMRkiddo]

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

[@malinryden3099]

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

[@TheDISSHonoredOne]

"we got 2 suns?" 🤣 you two are the best 💕

[@user-dj4pn2kl4p]

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

[@tristambre632]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@queenofcondiments7988]

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

[@swayzalinio]

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

[@cjnye]

Best bromance in fishkeeping YT 😄

[@lisa_w254]

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

[@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.

[@yashtapase3821]

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

[@bornstellar1519]

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

[@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!

[@agirlnamedmichael1670]

This is one of my favorites! Well done!

[@zeb33369]

Hi..👋new sub here..been binging your back catalogue, but one thing I'm noticing is that you often skip really quickly over the immediate after care of the set ups..maybe in years gone past you explained this part more and I'm just late to the party but as a total noob it'd be great if you could make sure to include this part a bit more..loving the content though 😊

[@MF-ut5mi]

There is no after care, after six months or a year tops the fish go back to the shop and the tanks get emptied. Now back to real life, as a hobbyist for over thirty years here s the reality, good fish shops dont take back fish, just imagine what kind of spread of diseases you'd get if anyone would just bring them back to be resold. Same thing with this tank, nice scape, thats the reason I watch to pick and choose ideas, but the fish management is horrible. This tank is overstocked cyclid wise. They ll grow too big for all to stay in it, Matt actually says it litterally in this video, you ll have to keep swapping them out till you get a sustainable group he takes back fish, you at home will be forced to kill off your fish in ice water. Same thing with all the livebearing fish there are, yes they breed easily, in fact too easily. What will happen is the babies will go everywhere, unless you have something big in your tank that can kill em off they ll be everywhere. Imagine cleaning out your filter to find a ton of baby fish that have been stuck there in the dark for god knows how long and once again there s only one solution, killing em off. The purpose of this channel is to show off instant ready tanks and I get that, but newbies may take it for granted and just copy it and then afterwards get faced with all the problems that pop up. There isnt a solution in a bottle for every problem, in fact, my personal opinion is that there should be no bottles involved at all, thats the way it has been for decades, there are plenty of natural solutions to get your water to optimal parameters. Not being salty here, just reminding you of the reality. Go out to a shop with good reviews and talk with them, talk alot, the good ones will always help you along and not focus on just selling you more fish. Enjoy the hobby, it's a real feeling of achievement once you get it all set up right 🙂

[@kathleendircks5577]

This video should be a book!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@kittyiam2206]

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

[@hexonyou]

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

[@ozzygamola]

I believe the term you are looking for is “Pastel Pink” in regards to the pebbles colour

[@Arjun_Kini]

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

[@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!

[@jasonthompson8147]

Man I would love to hear you guys talking after the pub or during it.

[@Shmu22]

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

[@v-man372]

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

[@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 ❤❤❤

[@AnubisFenrir]

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

[@pink_alchemist]

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

[@chelsmeister]

I feel like this tank would just be PERFECT with some hatchetfish at the top!!!

[@Only1Sosa.]

I yayyy'd in chorus when you said Matts here Lol

[@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! 👍

[@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.

[@ChrisJaanes]

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!

[@kennethgriffin9770]

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

[@mitchfollis3939]

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

[@patrickmason9631]

Md if you can afford a Porsche you can get a zebra pleco 😂

[@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 :)

[@areacode911]

Love it when you guys work together. No other channels is like this! Great dream team!

[@imoan1976]

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

[@martonveres3154]

Wow! Cichlids, yay

[@KyoyaTategamiLEO]

By far one of your best tanks

[@rebekahgage9660]

I really enjoyed this video, I laughed quite a bit 😂I love your personalities 😊 thanks for the great video and info!

[@mimiru1995]

Wood with ✨ *gentle curves* ✨

[@AnubisFenrir]

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

[@jayv1903]

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

[@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 😊

[@Nicholas-db5sl]

Fantastic tank set up. Well done!

[@msifits]

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

[@mandyminshull2351]

Was good to meet you both last week at “Wellington” Maidenhead Aquatics. We even spoke about Flo 😂 another great scape guys

[@helloaldrian]

Is she working?

[@MUNRO13]

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

[@howardgin5232]

You guys are the perfect working partners!

[@steveraslavicz6286]

I absolutely love your vids...keep up the good work! And I will keep watching!! Steve from Chicago U.S.A

[@PamelaBrandonChromeFoto]

Aquatic Architect should be his title, tanks are calming and tranquil to look at.

[@peasantrobot]

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

[@Dubravkuh]

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

[@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.

[@IJm3]

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

[@driftindriftwood7301]

28:52...lmaooooo. Another fantastic video !!!

[@MyNanoFish]

9.49 - Matt’s Kevin and Perry moment 😂

[@maxavery9963]

I loooove these longer form videos

[@Simply4Aquatics]

Can never leave out the classic Cardinals especially when they bring Sability to the Amazon from us buying them!

[@birder4life999]

With that selection of fish containing so many young fish, you better keep this one set up for a good long while so they can still be there when they are all grown in 😉

[@crazyfishlady4958]

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!

[@traceyirwin1954]

Best one yet, I want all of that shrunk down to fit in my two foot tank along with all the fish 😂😂 ❤

[@shonhatley541]

One of the best setups so far. Amazing.

[@baileypropsting2082]

Day 2 of asking for the archer fish 😍🙏🏽

[@mainshoto1278]

whatever the tank, the cardinals always steal the show ❤

[@tinchytarantula]

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