THE VERY BEST FILTER FOR YOUR AQUARIUM I FATHER FISH

[@FatherFish]

STEM PLANTS BUNDLE SALE - Over 75 plants - 15 Species for $59! Limited Time OFFER so HURRY! father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com/ For Special Soil Supplements, Plants, FIsh & Merch in your country: fatherfish.fish/

[@Aziz_Piran]

Do you offer shipment for overseas countries?

[@Cooper1984]

We need a UK 🇬🇧 Father Fish!!

[@jessieduff6076]

@@FatherFish I absolutely love your videos and products

[@collinburns4]

I bought a plant bundle from this man and honestly I got tired of planting plants 😂 by far the best deal I’ve seen!! Completely filled a 125 for 54 dollars one of the only person I’ve bought from that you’ll actually know you got your money worth all the plants were super healthy as well thank you father fish for all you do!!!!

[@ShondraPatterson]

Wish i could say the same. I recieved a lot of small stems. Had to go but more from the store. :/

[@franciscojaviergarciagomez2846]

Excuse me,I have tidal 55 and its outstanding

[@michaelalepor9650]

How do I buy them lol

[@morningstarquaid3464]

When my tank is ready I plan on buying plants from him 😊

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

​@@michaelalepor9650 go to .... father-fish-aquarium.myshopify.com The link 🔗 is in the description. Also one can go to discord and join in the conversation on the Shoal. Also in the description. Sorry not smart enough to copy n paste or drag n attach. My bad. Blessings friend Crawford out 🙏🏻🔥⚒️🧙🏻‍♂️

[@ericlindenmuth7517]

I tried his method a couple of months ago in a small glass bowl. The plants have now tripled in size. The water looks great and the fish seem to be happy!!!

[@iainaquariumagic]

Father fish should be nominated for a Nobel environmental and ecology award. He has taught the world a better way of looking after aquatic life. Everyone should nominate this legand for his pioneering work in making the world a better place ❤

[@tiagobejart]

tottaly agree! i've just find out this chanel and from yestarday to todary i've watched more then 12 videos of him and particulary it changed all my thoght about aquariuns... amazing (sorry fo my bad english. Im kind a rusty.)

[@iainaquariumagic]

@@tiagobejart check out my KZbin channel l will be showing how to set up tanks from beginning to end 🐠🐟💦

[@cizia69]

Agreed!

[@iainaquariumagic]

@Awsimilate Hi, thanks for your comments. As always, it's good to share what others feel, and ovcourse everyone has the right to have their opinion shared. Much appreciated 🙏

[@scottlouis4076]

​@Awsimilate hahaha. You're mad...lol

[@jefrichan]

Three dirted tanks three years old thriving in my home attest to this system of keeping fish and plants in a glass box. Puts the joy back in the hobby and with less toil at that.

[@FatherFish]

When you know the true joy of fishkeeping you will never go back (to gravel and plastic plants). lol

[@Just_Lurking8]

@@FatherFishyes indeed !!! Something that puzzles me though 😮 Doesn’t potting soil break down and become acidic after 1 or 2 years ? TIA 😊

[@billydeewilliams9104]

@@Just_Lurking8 Yea, looks like FF doesn't like you. 😀JK!! I'd like to hear the answer to that question as well! ✌

[@valerier.2685]

Father Fish! I just found your videos today and ordered a fish tank online! I have a creek running through our property full of leaves.... Planning on setting up exactly as you have explained. I had tanks in the past and filtered, changed water, vacuumed the gravel... I'm very excited to see the results of doing it your way. I have a huge jar to create the resurrection jar. Always was fascinated with pond water when I was a kid... putting it under a microscope. This will be so much better! Thanks and God Bless!

[@vahagnmelikyan2906]

He speaks with such a passion sounds like he's preaching the gospel of John.😊 I love it❤

[@jimbobaso2832]

Just discover this channel its re ignite my passion about fish keeping, i quit for 2 years emptied my 3 tanks due to something personal, i like the video its like im talkinh to my grandfather.

[@143johnson]

I set a tank same as you explained and it was so heart warming to set it . Collecting the mud and sand from near by river , also plants from the same river and few fishes too And yes some rocks too The feeling of setting a tank is best part than watching a finished tank Like looking at child growing Thank you father❤

[@kjryufetihfdt7u746]

Love you thanks so much!!!!

[@143johnson]

@ ❤️ merry Christmas 🎄

[@phantomshenanigans2337]

After years of aquarium troubles I followed father fish's advice soil sand plants its now been two years not had one sick fish or even a death water changes hardly ever mostly top ups.

[@FatherFish]

Amazing!

[@Lizardlafemme]

I use sand soil and natural tumbled gravel. I start with layers but overtime it naturally mixes and or is redistributed by my fish. I have tanks from 5 1/2 to 75. Ive always admired your content because your tanks look real.

[@NelsonBoomerSchwarz]

Powerhead is all I have along with substrate and sand on top as you told me. My setup is working great since than. Thanks Mister F. FISH!!! U R a GREAT man! God bless you always. Nelson from south Brazil 🙏

[@wesandlanie]

I followed your directions and tank is clean and fresh and and my 5 fish love it. Another tank I added sand I got from the beach on a vacation. It’s loving it in that tank as well

[@janecre1025]

I set up a small aquarium following your instructions and it has been going about 8 months, I think it is balanced. No algae, a few snails and plenty of guppies. I don’t normally have live bearers so this was an experiment. It is in the window so gets natural light.

[@FatherFish]

Sounds wonderful.

How is you aquarium doing this far?

[@grandaddixon1146]

Can you use a plastic thank for your FISH THANK With sand and muck

[@lisabek72]

​@grandaddixon1146 why would you??

[@adalbertofrugoni1981]

Hi Father Fish, thank you very much for all your advices, everything you say makes sense, just copy what nature has always been doing. That's amazing! 😊😊😊 I've started a new dirted tank just a few month ago (just following your deep substrate system adding leaf and mulm collected from the wild) and hitherto I'm delighted with the results. Finger crossed for what the future holds! 🤞🐟🐟🐟

[@FatherFish]

Proud of you Adalberto. Your trust in the wonder of nature will provide you with an every changing aquarium filled with wonder.

[@ElHua]

i just found your channel today and it is great. I have two tanks that are set up exactly the way you describe, but I didn't follow any internet guides. I just tried my best to copy the environment found in local ponds. I have one tank stocked with wild caught minnows, two brim, and all sorts of snails and worms and bug things that came in with the drift wood and pond mud that I used. I have not done a water change a single time since setting this tank up nearly 5 years ago. My other tank is stocked with neon tetras and a gourami, and is set up the same way. It has been doing fine with no water changes in over 6 years.

[@zorro30]

Very interesting and incredible! please answer - how is water filtration arranged in your aquarium? do you have an external or internal filter installed in your aquarium?

[@alexthemantisshrimp2005]

The guy I bought my 55 gallon from suggested I use a big, expensive canister filter, all I added was a sponge filter and tons of plants and every fish is happy and thriving.

[@rickywoods3101]

Depends on what type of aquarium you want and how much you stock it.

[@mishaco]

Father fish, I think you should write a book, it would be a bestseller!

[@FatherFish]

I think my videos are my book.

[@lisadouglas2963]

A documentary would be good.

[@johnshane3457]

I have first thought everything was relayed on the filtration. Throught experience and by your knowledge I have learned the filter helps with moving the water around. I do not now use any top on my tanks I angle my input up towards the top so it helps brake the water line which in turn helps with the carbon dioxide and oxygen Exchange. I have always added some aeration to the tank to help as well with oxygen in the water. The real filtration here is what you use as your substrate if you have a great foundation for your substrate and you provide the right Aquascape both of these will be able to provide all your bacteria that you need to help break everything down. At this point in my tank I could substitute my filtration system for one or two small power heads. Angle them a little up towards the surface just so they're breaking the surface line and my tank will be able to be self-sufficient. I currently have 30 gallon tank fresh a 75 gallon fresh and 125g saltwater. I rarely with my freshwater tanks at this point even do water changes. Because I don't have any Lids on my tanks my evaporation rate is anywhere between 1/8-1/2 gal per day if you add this all up you're looking at it being just about sometimes two to three gallons a week that I'm using to top my tank off. So I will come back maybe once a month and do a 10% water change. Ever since I have taken a step back and let my tank do what it needs to do just like you would in nature or my guppies is starting to have babies my mollies are having babies. All I get to do now is sit back and enjoy my fish. Thank you father fish. For my substrate I use crushed coral layer dirt and sand on top with smaller pebbles I run a fluval 110 on my 30g Fluval fx4 on my 75 Fluval fx6 on my 125g (salt)

[@קרןחיון-ו1ש]

this is mind blowing!!! I AM ABSOLUTLEY MESMERIZED

[@lisadouglas2963]

You are awesome! Father Fish. I’ve just put together a pond and now you have inspired me to get an aquarium. I love watching your videos. ❤❤❤❤

[@shannonyates6281]

I found this channel through the comments on aquarium co-op and I'm so happy I did! Thank you, sir, for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. I will always be fascinated with Nature's perfect and complex design.

[@FatherFish]

Welcome aboard! Thank you Shannon.

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

@@FatherFish I just found your channel & being I'm a visionary person, I get what your saying if you follow nature you will learn God's gifts.

[@FatherFish]

@@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058 You understand the key to the channel.

[@FatherFish]

@@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058 Join us on Discord. A wonderful fishy community. discord.gg/Tc84Xf5P

[@Fallgirl-r8v]

Enjoyed your youtube channel. Your insight opens a new light and perspective. You by far have become one of my favorite fish keeps. Thank you Sir for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Take care of yourself and God bless you and yours.

[@frankpesci]

I found your videos about 4 days ago and I think you are amazing I watch a lot of fish videos but I've learned more watching your videos then any of the other videos I watch I'm going to be get stuff from you and change up my tank I have a 5 gallon tank it was a gift thank you for your videos keep up the great work that you do.

[@FatherFish]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@adamcenteno6155]

I also agree. The other channel just give publicity to the enterprises that sell all kinds of unnecessary products.

[@thebrownfanchannel8277]

QUESTION: I made my tank up with the mud and sand. Initially I had not added enough sand and the water was dirty the day after I carefully added it. I did many 20% water changes and eventually added more sand to block out any mud from leaking in. I have the tank up and running, plenty of plants and added a few fish. It looks beautiful, but for some reason I can't seem to get the water to go crystal clear. Now, I think I may need to give it a little more time to clear on its own, but want to make sure there isn't anything I'm missing. Any feedback is much appreciated. Thank you in advance, and keep up the incredible videos! I love your channel and your fish-wisdom.

[@FatherFish]

sometimes it takes a week or so to clear. A fine pore sponge filter helps.

[@thebrownfanchannel8277]

@@FatherFish thank you for taking the time to respond. Will do! Keep you posted my friend!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

This one was an amazing video Father Fish congratulations on the 1K ❤️ so well deserved!! Thank you for all you do and teach 🙏🌿🐟🌿💚

[@FatherFish]

Thank you Mary.

[@ken-mb5cp]

This man is wise. Let Nature do the work.

[@anju-andrukat]

As a devoted aquarium lover, I can say the only time I've ever been more delighted in enlightenment was when I understood the Gospel !...LOVED this video ! Thank you !

[@FatherFish]

The workings of Creation demonstrate the love of the Creator!

[@anju-andrukat]

@@FatherFish "....so that men are without excuse."

[@FatherFish]

@@anju-andrukat Amen brother

[@anju-andrukat]

@@FatherFish Amen.

[@ryanoakes4629]

Man’s right..just did it ..grabbed natural sand and sediments from a clean river out side my door in northern Ontario…

[@FatherFish]

Works like a charm

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

90 gal - 26 Tiger Barb tank & pelco I use 2 HOB filters & air stone pump & wave maker to move water & i change water 20% from gravel every 2 weeks & Prime water conditioner & small amount of tank salt .have not lost fish in a yr ..good info

[@FatherFish]

You go Rick!~

[@RamKumar-ej3sy]

Yes , Father fish is right indeed.....I have set up my dirted tank 6 months ago and added leaf mulm from nearest pond a month ago.. Really my tank is thriving well, with happy fishes in it...as if they are living in their natural habitat. I feed very little amount of food , 2-3 days a week. Father fish, my question is , how often or what is the frequency of adding leaf mulm in our fish tanks. I added a month ago, the leaf litter had subsided and formed a layer above sand. Next time when should I add leaf litters? Thanks in advance.

[@FatherFish]

The litter should be feeding an active culture of micro organisms. Adding new leaves once a month is probably not too much.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

I have a pond and a tropical aquarium. Im a bit weary about moving things between them because of the risk of bringing in foreign diseases.

[@carolmonster5736]

I would like to say thank you for all the information you give. Just about to start a new tank and trying to manage a natural system according to your help. Best regards from Germany

[@D.Uwins-music]

I have a fair bit of African wood in with my cichlids. The wood yellowed the water quite a bit, but didn't seem to affect the fish. I use a Fluval C3 in my 30 gallon. I replaced the carbon filter media in it with Seachem Purigen. Within 6 hours the water was beautifully clear....tannins gone and toxin free. Purigen is awesome for removing organic waste (ammonia, etc) and stripping tannins. Plus, you can recharge it up to ten times. It may seem expensive but considering you can reuse it ten times.....it's very affordable!

[@lots33ml]

Everything you said is so true. Really enjoyed it, Father Fish. Take care, and god bless you.

[@FatherFish]

Glad you enjoyed it Michael. God bless you.

[@aquariumiseasy9981]

You have shown me a different perspective on aquarism. Thanks for the useful information. Later, I will try to create an aquarium according to your method. Like.

[@DirtySinusoid]

You help confirm my intuition a bit more. Do as the earth do. For my pond i am pumping to a planter bowl, half rocks to hold the hose and the other half silty sand and trailing pond plants, tubifex worms and to my surprise a few baby water snails. This flows over the plant side onto some rock in the next tub then through the fine grain sand in the next half of that tub which has an air stone buried under it, to promote oxygenation not only of the water but of heavy minerals out of the water, before waterfalling into a rocky corner of the pond, where my second air stone is. And there are plants in every section, though the pond has the most by far of plants sand and soil

[@davidlawrence3560]

This man is a genius! 🐟

[@Kate-ni3we]

Hello, it’s my 5th tank and I did all what you said. It’s all natural with roots and stones picked up from the wood behind my house 😁 Used some filter media from different tank and placed fish after two weeks. They doing just fine , really happy fish. I have Black neon tetras and Apistogramma cacatuoides. I wish I coul lime pictures here ehhh 🙏

[@FatherFish]

Post in the SHOAL and on Show and Tell on Wed nite live stream.

[@computerguy7213]

i have tried that, it's nice. what i do now is i leave a 1/2 inch trench on the sides and front that i fill in with the top layer sand so there is no dirt out to the glass.

[@UncalBertExcretes]

I got to agree the best filter for biological purposes is the substrate if done correctly. I know for a fact I can rely on my substrate alone in the event of having to replace my entire filter and all its biological media. If you have a strong substrate then a filter is purely there to keep the water looking pretty and to help oxygenate the water if required for your fish. However a good substrate can support most fish with no filter providing you got plants and a really balanced eco system.

[@michaelalepor9650]

What is a strong substrate? Is it something I can just purchase

[@Azfishkeeping]

For my marine tanks I use only aragonite sand. It's fantastic. I swear by the stuff. For my freshwater tanks, because they are planted, I tend to do mixed media. Sand and some substrate (like Eco-Planted). I typically do a layer of sand, then the planted substrate, and a layer of sand on top of that. That way I can have the sand down low to create an anoxic zone. What are your thoughts on layering substrate in this way? Do you think it would be better to have all the sand on top or all the and on bottom?

[@FatherFish]

I like aragonite in salt. Sand below and above dirt does not accomplish anything just like plenums do not accomplish anythiing.

[@NotSure876]

Argonite is great in salt and high ph fresh tanks like rift setups or rainbow fish

[@NotSure876]

What part of AZ are you? I just left AZ after 17 years

[@kinglyzard]

Aragonite works well for a while in brackish setups as well. I had at least six months without detectable NH3 and nitrites right off the bat, with barely detectable nitrates.

[@hamiltonli900]

Thank you for explaining it in a way that is easy to understand. The wave and sand thing clicked for me.

[@FatherFish]

Glad it helped!

[@jesusfernandodrylander1201]

Hi Father-Fish!! First of all thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge with us. I have a doubt... If your tank is to create a freshwater aquarium and you use that sand from the ocean... What about the salt? If we boil the sand, we're going to kill the micro-life... But we do not want salt for our fresh-water aquariums... 🤷🏻‍♂️ Do we? And what about calcareous level? We shouldn't put calcareous rocks inside our tropical tanks... and the sand from the ocean (or from the sea) is mostly composed by calcareous rocks' sand and shells' rest... Right? So... we could have a trouble (or more than only one problem). So... What would be the way? What would be the option and the process to use sand as our filters? Thanks in advance and all my admiration from Seville (Spain). All the best, Father-Fish!!

[@FatherFish]

Dry sand from high beach areas has little or no salt.

[@jesusfernandodrylander1201]

Thanks a lot for your answer,@@FatherFish All the best from Seville!!🇪🇦

[@saeedesau6738]

Hi father fish, I've just found your channel and I can't get enough, I'm from Canada and very new to this, when you kept saying sand i keep thinking of sand from the beach! can i use that to put in the tank? I have some gravel already and two plants because I want a natrual environment but i'm still wanting to learn Please let me know and it would be great if we can have a conversation sometime.

[@bobcurrie1642]

I just discovered this great channel and have been binge watching - Thank you! Father Fish (and viewers), have you ever experimented with ways to encourage flow downward through the sand? I have well-water, and I'm considering trying a constant drip-exchange with a peristaltic pump. Instead of a traditional overflow, what if I put some uptake tubes under a screen under the soil that then go up-and-out so that the exiting water would be taken from the very bottom? Would that increase the efficiency of the sand as a filter?

[@FatherFish]

The water drawing through the sand is not good as it takes away the anaerobic processes.

[@bobcurrie1642]

@FatherFish Makes sense, thanks!

[@Rakel-iren]

We have 30 Gallons. We put just sand on it and later of I came across your youtube. Does it filter with some effect without soil or do we need to redo the whole process. We have a filterpump but I got pretty excited when I saw this.

[@FatherFish]

Build a foodweb and nutrients will accumulate in your sand. It should be 3" deep in a tank 20 gal or larger.

[@davidadams7697]

I did everything you said FF, I have 1 inch of dirt on the bottom followed by 2 inches of sand, I planted 13 live plants and waited 2 weeks before I got an Algae eater and 2 small Oscars in the tank. I took a water sample to the store and they said my water was perfect. My fish and the plants look fine and the FIsh eat when I feed them and swim all over the tank. Im only concerned that the water is really GREEN. Is it because I leave the light on 12 hours a day ?? Im only doing it to GROW the plants, maybe drop it to 6 hours a day ?? Love your videos and trying to learn your ways - THANKS !!!!

[@davidadams7697]

edit - I have a Fluval 307 pump, a Power head, and an Air Bubble in the tank as well .... 75 gallon tank ...

[@FatherFish]

Yes 8 is fine

[@glenmitchell9246]

I have gravel and use a gravel cleaner in my aquarium. I did have snails but the discs are em. I have plants and tetras as well as discus. They are doing fine and I add some leaves from time to time. I prefer you to kaveman aquatics to many chemicals. Bless you brother

[@markthompson4859]

I truly respect your knowledge and wisdom

[@sbodi4d]

I am setting up a new aquarium and I am going to use your method of soil and sand, but I have a Fluval 207 canister filter that I bought before finding your channel. I would like to use it in conjunction with your method. Can you recommend a filter media that I can use to enhance the method that you use? I have had aquariums as long as I can remember and I don't remember ever having big problems with any of them, but I have always tried to re-create nature in my aquariums.

[@FatherFish]

any media will do

[@LiseBourassa-t3v]

Started adding sand today, 1/2" and already and plants and even if it has not setteld yet the aquarium looks so much better

[@LiseBourassa-t3v]

Why is there a Bio-Magnet Clarifier with m'y sand ?I dont intend to use it and let the water clear itself

[@LiseBourassa-t3v]

Second load of sand today , m'y aquarium looks so much better, seeing as the bottom is gravel and not substrate will my plants survive or will i have to replace them often?

[@LiseBourassa-t3v]

When should i add the " river water and gunk" once all the sand is in and setteld ?

[@LiseBourassa-t3v]

Please someone when do i add?

[@andywebber8877]

Hi Father Fish .I have loved watching all your videos . When i set up my next Aquarium , which will be a dirted Tank .Does ot matter that im tanking leaves etc from a stream that will a lot cooler than my tropical Aquarium water ?

[@FatherFish]

Nope. It will be fine!

[@ryanvu1612]

thank you very much for all your advices😍

[@jase123111]

I find this method much more interesting because of all the variety of little creatures that live in the tank. Its fascinating to see new animals appear like magic out of nowhere. 😅

[@jacklawer6389]

Where do i get the sand and soil to do this? Fish store? Thanks for the video's, learning so much.....

[@FatherFish]

I sell the soil and supplement. Buy the sand from a pool store or collect it from the beach or desert.

[@zonnig46]

FatherFish, I have a question I wanted to ask you for a long time. This video suits this question. What is the motor to move water through the sand filter ? Greets from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

[@suehaynie4876]

Father Fish I bought a 60 gallon aquarium and I want to put gold and turquoise severums just a couple three or four silver dollars small cichlids Cory cats a planted tank I plan on getting some mud from the creek here in California and some leaves possibly some wood this will be the first time I've done I used to have a 90 gallon aquarium I had for severums they did quite well I had a pump I didn't do any of your ecosystem I find it fascinating I'm asking how many plants to plant in a 60 gallon aquarium this is going to be rather expensive I feel I would appreciate any input you could give me thank you love your Channel

[@FatherFish]

The silver dollars will eat all plants to the root. The rest are OK. Cut that pond mud with peat or coir.

[@mitchstavely1]

Great advice. I'm going to setup a new 20 long with this process. Should i just go out and collect dirt or buy some top soil without fertilizer? I'm going to pull some sand from a natural spring in Florida with some debris from the water also. Thanks, again.

[@FatherFish]

All natural is all good.

[@sirtubemaster]

for me the BEST filtration is a well balanced one! I like to use many different filtration media stacked so that there is a lot of different media to hold lots of good bacteria....also key is lots of oxygen...if you have good dissolved 02 in your water you will get good bacteria production

[@FatherFish]

With losts of plants no filtration is needed.

[@sirtubemaster]

@@FatherFish the challenge for me is my Koi fish love to eat plants LOL. I actually created a separate settling pond not attached to main pond where I keep my floating pond plants at...that in itself keeps my water crystal clear in full sun

[@MiFinkel-qb9os]

Hi, Sorry but I am not clear on what is humus? My impression is that is can be leaves/grass that were mulched and became compost? Thank you in advance.

[@FatherFish]

dried vegetation

[@SherryAnderson-v9s]

I like the idea of adding leaf litter from a natural system. I live in the Pacific northwest so my local sources for river or lake water leaves are from cold water. Will this be acceptable for a tropical temperature aquarium?

[@FatherFish]

Yes. Micro organisms know no borders.

[@kelcritcarroll]

Binge watching all your videos!

[@matthewangier4413]

Wanting to start a 20g tank. I’m planning on using 1 inch of dirt from my backyard, and two inches of pool sand. Should I put the seeded lake leaves on top of the sand layer or underneath?

[@luminousfractal420]

Top

[@juanbarba9372]

After putting in the outside matter can you keep your hanging filter going thank you Juan

[@FatherFish]

yes

[@davidschmidt270]

How do deal with the smells?? Organic tanks I've noticed tend to kinda be smelly!... I don't mind but my Uncle who's house i live at, does🤔

[@FatherFish]

Not if they are healthy. None f the tanks I know about have any odor.

[@richardcooke644]

Hi farther fish what happens to the fish waste if we have no filters and are not water changing and syphoning the top of the sand. I have stopped doing water changes a while back now as i really like your method i have x2 fluval 407 0n a 313l tank with a inch ^ half aquar soil capped will 2 inches or more sand with a lot of natural plants what would recommend please. Many thanks

[@FatherFish]

Sounds like you are doing well.

[@2869may]

I live in Kansas, surrounded by farmland so I'm worried about fertilizer run off in sand and leaves from natural sources... Will pool filter sand and leaves from my yard work as well...? And where would I collect some "clean" aquatic biodiversity...? I was thinking I could go way out in the country and find a nice little creek, but I still don't know if there's a farm upstream creating runoff into that creek.... I'm a 40+ year fish keeper and really want to do this with all my tanks (except my saltwater).

[@FatherFish]

If there is life in the creek - fish and macrofauna - the runoff is not creating a problem. Typically it is beneficial. Only in extreme excess does it become a pollutant. Farmers are very aware of the cost of wasting fertilizers by using so much they create runoff. It is uncommon for an intelligent, money conscious farmer to allow this to happen. It hurts his pocket book.

[@2869may]

@@FatherFish That makes sense... But there has been times we were told to not even touch the Arkansas river water...? I really wanna do this natural system in all my tanks...! I will probably go WAY out in the country and find a nice little spring feed creek... Thanks for your reply.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

I wish I went with soil when I built my tank, it has only sand for thr substrate. Some plants do grow in it though. I also have a lotus plant but it's growing in a pot with soil.

[@hillbillybackwoods]

This dude is no shit, hard core. Just like my mom. He is 100% spot on.

[@frankcheverino9100]

I have a question? If you have a sterile tank and fill it with water. That doesn't have any algae in it or zero life. How does algae start to grow just from sunlight? Where do they come from? How do you get something from nothing. Are they present from the start?

[@FatherFish]

There is never nothing. There are spore in the air and on the surface of everything that comes in contact with the water.

[@frankcheverino9100]

@@FatherFish are algae a spor producing plant? I understand bacteria even fungus. Algae is neither one of those. It's like a magical life form that just appears with sun light. So does algae become airborne? Like a virus.

[@frankcheverino9100]

@@FatherFish thank you for responding to me. This is just fascinating to me. I have several tanks. From five gallon to several hundred. With very large fish to small common fish. I want to do a pool pond that's is 1000 gallons. I think the fish will destroy the substrate if I do it the way you describe. Do you think it is doable with large fish?

[@nanigopalghosh3158]

Sir in dirted tank 1 inch soil and 2 inches sand cap is enough? 🙏

[@FatherFish]

Yes 👍Should be perfect.

[@skyhigh12345678]

Love it!One thing though what kind of water do you use?

[@JohnMcDaniel-u9n]

So I would like to take on this challenge and try to set up a natural 10 gallon tank with dirt, sand and plants as described. However it's winter time here in ohio so most of the streams are frozen over. Would all the beneficial bacteria fungus still be available in the leaves coming out of the nearly frozen streams/lakes or should I wait for spring.

[@cleverkittn]

Order those things from Father Fish’s store if you’re worried about that

[@leodlaure]

I wish i had seen this months ago before setting up my cichlid tank. It sounds so sensible when Father fish puts it so simply. Now i wish i could do something similar but am so hesitant to upset the tank, which just has coral sand and rocks without substrate and plants. I also avoided plants because the videos and articles out there say cichlids eat them. Father Fish or anyone here can chip in to adviceon what i can do at where I am? Thank you !!

[@FatherFish]

make the sand 3" deep and begin adding hardy plants. Build a food web. Make it happen.

[@leodlaure]

@FatherFish Thank you Father Fish! I will just add sand and plants as adviced and get your ebook as well.. Have a blessed Year ahead and beyond! 🙏🏿

[@ArkticDark]

I have a 120 gallon and it just has like 3 inches of crushed coral. It has beem that way for 3 years and i never vacuum or clean or water change, I just add new water is all and feed the 20 or so fish every 2 days. Could I empty the tank of fish and water, scoop all the crushed out, put an inch of soil and river muck, then add the crushed coral back in instead of sand??? And then add plants??? Would crushed coral be ok instead of sand? Its 3 years old and full of whatever is down there, which i suspect will go into the soil. And then add plants and then add the fish back in.

[@FatherFish]

You probably van plant as the tank sits. There is substantial waste developed into soil in the substrate. Give it a try before you change things around.

[@Caramel23920]

Hi thank you for the great video. I would like to improve on my existing tank- I already have soil and plants and a few fish/shrimps. How do I add sand at this point? Must I empty the water?

[@FatherFish]

Well rinsed, or clean, sand can be poured directly int othe water. Add 1/2" at a time every few days until 2" min has been reached.

[@Caramel23920]

@@FatherFish thank you!

[@joeskordinski5880]

I have a question. What is best sand to use for African chiclids?

[@Caramel23920]

@@FatherFish I did as you advised. My tank looks crystal clear after the sand, better than before. I also added mud under the soil base at some parts of the tank. Thank you so much, I’m learning a lot from you ! Keep the videos coming 😃

[@jessicamitchell2117]

@FatherFish I have about 3 inches of sand with about a half inch of gravel on top in a fully planted tank with fish. Is it a necessity to put the dirt under? And how should I go about that? Do I restart my tank?

[@Jojos18]

Can I put sand without the soil? My tank already has fish inside… Should I start again with a new tank?? I have another tank but no cover for it…🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

[@FatherFish]

yes to both questions

[@freefunlovin1]

Hi Father Fish, I have just purchased a 6ft tank and wish to put a few 5in rainbow trout or Red fin (Australia here) or other natives. Have gravel already and was about to purchase an FX6 fluval canister filter (925GPH, 6 stage filtration, basket in basket media design) until I came across your videos. I’m now keen on adopting your method but wondering if I still need the canister filter or will it be detrimental to the system or a waste of money. Thankyou, look forward to learning more.

[@FatherFish]

2 sponges is all you need.

[@freefunlovin1]

@@FatherFish Thankyou. I assume you mean two sponge filters?

[@dellsdiy]

You mention the filter will help with ammonia, I’ve also seen where it’s recommended that floating plants are critical to take care of ammonia. Is the filter, and regular plants enough to beat the ammonia or are floating plants a must have?

[@FatherFish]

All plants take up ammonia naturally.

[@gerlandkent6377]

[thank, you father fish for you're video. I, been using a commerical swimming pool filter system it is over kill but it works great but now it pulls on the electric bill]👍

[@FatherFish]

True dat!

[@marcovergari6736]

Would i be able to use this method and add a canister filter for surface water flow? I basically want to replicate a river aquarium with lots of plants on surface gently moving with the water.. let me know pls 😊 thank you

[@FatherFish]

Yes, absolutely

[@Sbuk55]

Hi, Firstly l just love your videos and advice, You'r so easy to watch, brilliant stuff, thankyou. Ive got a 4 ft long tank which i filled with the soil and capped it off with sand, looks and has been great, the plants have really thrived, especially in one area. My problem im having is that i have a tank of cichlids and baby plecos, the cichlids do like to dig, theyre are all happy, little familiers forming, which is fascinating to watch esp as the tank is right next to my bed, I Love my tank, but the soil keeps seeping up where they dig, clogging up my canister filter. So im frequently hoovering up what soil has settled ontop of the sand every 2/3 days, am I doing the right thing, am i removing good stuff? should i change my fillter? Help please Any advice would be great, thankyou. Hi from Torquay England 😊

[@FatherFish]

add a few flat rocks for the cichlids to spawn on

[@Sbuk55]

@@FatherFish will do, Thankyou for replying 🙂

[@razdjourneys4010]

I had put some sand from aquarium shop which i think is a crushed stone maybe , does that do the job the same as beach sand

[@samuelRi]

Hello father fish, I found your videos and method a few days ago, I don't have an aquarium yet but I'm researching it. Regarding the sponge filter, you mention that it would be interesting to use it at the beginning, but what about when the tank is 6 months old, 1 year, 2 etc., do I still need to use the filter or does there come a time when it is no longer necessary? Can I just use the sponge filter or do I need an oxygenator (air stone) too?

[@FatherFish]

I use sponge filter always.

[@FarizMammadov-qw8rc]

Hi Father Fish, İ love your videos. İ have make a ig mistake, İ use bottom layer dirt but after fill the water by tap. Chlorine maybe kill all of bacteria at dirty. Bacterias will grown again ? What İ muss do?

[@FatherFish]

It is ok. Cover with 2" sand and put plants and fish in the tank.

[@davidjames1815]

This is another great video. 🎉Very true and very poetically put. I want to thank you for the new badge that I got. It's very awesome❤😊.

[@MrAramsey4979]

Father Fish, thank you for your work. I'm just starting my tank. I want to follow your system. Can I buy the soil nutrients from you? If so, where do I go and what should I buy? Lastly, once I follow your system of enriched soil and sand, fully planted with a few fish, you said don't feed it. Does that mean don't put any fish food in the tank? Please clarify. Anthony

[@FatherFish]

The supplement is available at father.fish. One portion is sufficient for 100 gallons You need to build a food web. There are lots of videos at my channel explaining how to do this. Join us on DISCORD to get more personal help. discord.gg/9dcKdGnG

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

Fish Dada, may i ask you this: If i collect "sandy dirt" from a small local stream, and use that as my 1" layer under the sand topping, isnt there a chance i could introduce some type of parasites? Ive ran aquariums for years, but ive never done live plants before. I typically run larger tanks with big central American type cichlids, and theyre usually barron due to the big fish doing his own redecorating. I have a double tank stand for twin 29gallons im in the middle of setting up for dwarf communities. Theres a 29gal on bottom, and a 37gal on top, being theyre same dimensions, other than height. My goal is to have natural plants in both. Must i need the 1" of dirt, or would sand be enough to support root growth?

[@FatherFish]

Wild sand is perfect.

[@XplosionNo1]

If anyone is looking at diy filters keep in mind... Siporax is not the same as siporex.. one is inert and building material will make your water hard and high in PH ... They even look the same :D

[@aidavandyk840]

After watching couple of you videos about dirted tank..I want to give it a go. What type of sand should I buy, is it fine or grainy? Is it ok to buy a builders sand like the one they used for paving or any sands would be ok from the hardware shop? Sorry for asking too many questions. I am a beginner & done already too many mistakes & this time I would like to do it right. Thank you Father Fish

[@FatherFish]

Join us on DISCORD, Aida. You will get lots of help and encouragement. Yes, builder's sand is good. discord.gg/YVzpEsdN

[@aidavandyk840]

@@FatherFish Thank you Father Fish. I did!! Amazing & full of stuff of knowledge in there by just reading all the conversations. Thank you soo much🙏❤️

[@gk9417]

Can you use play sand 🙏✌️👍🇨🇦

[@aidavandyk840]

@@gk9417 I got a sand from my local fish store & I did rinse it out couple of times. So not sure with play sand. One year on..my tank is thriving & so my fish☺

[@popjax2465]

Hello father fish…I bought a 20 gallon kit everything included, can I use the power filter it cam with or buy a sponge filter? I am setting it up with dirt and sand per your directions! Thank you God bless you and your family 🙏🙏

[@legalfirm9836]

Father fish thank you for enlightment, i have a question, do we need filter in all type of natural aquarium and air pump

[@christianearp2384]

I followed your advice and have a layer of dirt with everything you put in your soil and then sand over top about 3 inches. My question is do I need a filter at all like a canister filter or will the air stone with the leaf mulm do enough?

[@FatherFish]

I like sponge filters/

[@tomw5733]

@@FatherFish how often would you suggest cleaning the sponge filter? And great channel by the way. Game changer!

[@jameshanks8608]

So how often should we change the pump filter??

[@FatherFish]

When it stops working

[@Cooper1984]

Great video FF. I have a sponger filter with 3years of use in a tank. I am creating a new set up, with the dirtied system, if i add this filter, plus some collected natural water media, will this tank be able to support fish immediately, or will it still need time to cycle? Thank you, Andy

[@FatherFish]

with lots of plants a fe fish can be introduced day 2.

[@whitewolf5886]

Is it feasible to use pumice stone mixed into the soil substrate, and then seal it with sand? buy a bag of it (pumice) because I understand they can lead to the growth of beneficial bacteria on their porous surface. ~ in case of not using it mixed in the soil substrate, could I use it in another way?

[@FatherFish]

yes. Absolutely.

[@whitewolf5886]

@@FatherFish Thank you i will do that then ☺️💜

[@patricia1463]

Just for clarity. I set up my tanks before I saw your channel so they are river rock. I did this in May. Should I redo them with your method or wait a few months and add sand. I have only had one incident that was my fault for overfeeding. Now they just get fed 3 times a week with scallops or shrimp. Sometimes baby brine. They are once again hatching out of control in my high tech mason jar. 😂 I have 2 10 gallons and a 5 gallon

[@FatherFish]

Add sand now but do not completely cover the river rock if you like its look.

[@patricia1463]

@@FatherFish thanks

[@cbatcba]

What a great educator! Father Fish told it like it is no BS😊.

[@PlanTingS33DS]

Father fish I was reading an article on the walstead method and it said this "Also, a powerful flow rate, airstone, or powerhead will strip carbon dioxide from the water, which the plants need for growth. Although good surface agitation helps to oxygenate the water, which is good news for your fish, the plants that are crucial to the Walstad system need CO2" so is that saying we can have a flow rate or airstone but it cant be too powerful? also the plants we use for the walstead method dont need c02 i thought? thanks in advance.

[@FatherFish]

Yes. That is correct.

[@JoeyPierce]

I just have one question, unlike other plants...dwarf grass, does it need to go in before filling up with water in order to spread as I've always been told?

[@FatherFish]

You are referring to dry growing of carpeting plants. That is a completely different process anbd worth doing. Look it up on YT I do not have vids about it.

[@JoeyPierce]

@@FatherFish thank you. I've just started it and set up an aquarium with your advice. I haven't been so excited about aquariums since I was a kid. You've got me back into the hobby. 😀

[@kinglyzard]

10:35 Can I use Catappa leaves in my tank and wait for the food web to form? The idea of using leaves from my outdoor pond makes me cringe a bit. The water in that pond has no filtration and is stagnant and quite stinky. My tanks all contain driftwood and are over 5 yrs old. Do I already have a food web?

[@FatherFish]

A mix of leave species will be more beneficial. You have a food web limited by the microscopic life that has been able to find its way into your tank. If you can locate a clean running creek with some leaf mulch in it you will be able to bring a fully diverse food web into your tank. You could create a resurrection jar with some material from your pond.