Unleash Your Creativity: How To Create A Stunning Natural Planted Aquarium

Watch Father Fish expertly set up a A Very Simple Large Planted Aquarium. Delve into the world of deep substrate and sand substrate as he crafts a planted aquarium. Immerse yourself in the art of creating a natural aquarium, learning essential tips and tricks along the way. Whether you're a seasoned hobbyist or a beginner, Father Fish guides you through the steps to create a stunning Very Simple Large Planted Aquarium for your fish. Dive in now!
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FATHER FISH is an advocate for natural aquariums. His research over 25 years provides a wealth of information about the creation and maintenance of natural aquariums.
On this channel you will find scientific research as well as personal testimonials by countless hobbyists who have applied the Father Fish System and are enjoying its amazing benefits.
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All clips and images are used for illustration purposes only.
#fatherfish #deepsubstratetank #naturalaquarium #plantedtank #plantedaquarium #fishtube #fishtank #fishkeeping #dirtedtank #naturalaquarium #deepsubstrateaquarium #balancedaquarium #selfsustainingaquarium #healthyaquarium #sandsubstrate

[@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/

[@OceanLife6977]

It is a privilege to see FF setting up his aquariums. I am currently doing tons of research before I start my own dirtied filterless aquarium, and I am learning from someone who’s literally an encyclopedia walking. Thank you Father Fish, for all you do for the community.

[@FatherFish]

You can do it!

[@OceanLife6977]

@@FatherFish Indeed!

[@deannareames1396]

I’d love to change my little 10 gallon tank to a natural one. ❤❤yours look great!!!

[@someguy3049]

​@@alexeimarcilio2630 No bro, he gives some of the best info about planted tanks, I've read a bit on Walstad, and some science that goes into these and also just typical biology on swamps,creeks etc. and gone to some tutorials on the Internet and planted tank forums, and let me say it, it was a pain seeing how much bad info is out there, one is using gravel instead of sand, I firmly beleive that sand is better for the aquarium for several reasons, and most people don't get the how fine the gravel should be for capping purposes, so wake can lead to bleeding into the water column. And likewise, Father fish has lots of respectable advice, although I don't use some. I saw a comment on a person who use a lot of water and stuff from creeks and natural sources, I don't do that because of some parasites in my local water sources.

[@someguy3049]

​@@OceanLife6977Hello friend, I am also currently doing a lot of research and trying stuff at a slow pace, so if you have the time, it would mean the world to me if you could write down some of your experiences and findings, mostly regarding substrate and those little tiny bits of problems that arise in these tanks which we, particularly natural aquarium keepers don't really have good sources on, but one being FF discord.

[@joeysocks5718]

The more I try to be successful with fish and plants, the more I’m in awe of Mother Nature doing it

[@FatherFish]

Me too

[@sean-gf6kg]

God is good. 😊

[@devondorchies9084]

Father fish!! I've been doing the fish thing since I was a kid and won some gold fish at the fair and to my mom suprize I made them a home and they lived. I've always done the gravel bottom, vacuum clean.... took a break from fish traveled and recently found you and set up a tank this way and low and behold when I got home tonight one of my plants is flowering!! I'm going to have real flowers for valentine's in my fish tank! Thank you so much for being out there doing what you do

[@jerretaubert7253]

Been lurking on your videos fpr a while now while i get back into fish, i haven't seen a single complaint, argument, or criticism in your comments. Thats a sign of the legitimacy of this man! The goat! Ill always be back for his knowledge! God bless!

[@holikfourseven]

I do.. That your lurking lol

[@robinr5705]

Thank you for this. I love that you explain things in clear detail such as how the ammonia and chlorine will gas off. So many sites scare the daylights out of us from bad information and try to sell products that are not necessary. You've gained anothe fan :)

[@harshvardhan7370]

Thank you for existing and for being the shining light to all the young fish keepers in the hobby. It is so easy to get misguided by the salesmen on KZbin who call them selves educators and will just confuse you with more and more stupid chemical solutions. The hobby isn't expensive, the salesmen just make it hard.

[@andresouza2314]

That's very detailed and instructive. Thanks!

[@joedaw3003]

From one missionary to another, may you continue to touch lives in this hobby. Thanks for the wisdom!

[@DashDrones]

Hey father fish! My corys are breeding and the fry is growing up in my 63 gallon father fish community tank. Nature is amazing!

[@krystled2944]

I love these videos where we get to watch you set up a tank! I can’t wait to see the rest of the tanks get set up! Thanks Father Fish!

[@mishkawolfforever5951]

My sis in law had aquariums, hubby started watching them and i started feesing them theie meals. I've always loved animals and just dove into researching everyrhing, making lists of the fish i want and level info, compatibily check, gonna start w a 75 and 20 gal.

[@mishkawolfforever5951]

Mind u this process will take me a few months

[@LadeanaWhite]

Love the new digs! Your joy shows, so happy for you and all that awaits! Thank you so much for taking us along on this journey!😁☮❤🐠🦐🪴

[@williamavery1758]

I'm so glad i'm excited to see the new videos from you father fish

[@thewolfehouse4511]

Thank you Father fish, answered all my questions to the tee in this video. I'm much more confident in starting my natural aquarium!

[@gokidooke1345]

I love this! Very helpful to watch the master!

[@beingL]

I just planted my aquarium with plants from your store! Thanks so much, now it has life!

[@abravebirdsaved5363]

This is fantastic!!!! Thank you again ❤

[@MsDabree]

Always the best information!! Thank you!

[@akshaydhamankar]

This is really beautiful and satisfying to see how knowledge and experience shared across the world. And I can definitely see its helping out innumerable hobbyist to setup thier dream aquariums with very very low cost. Hello and Thanks from India!!! Keep up the good work Sir!!!😊😊😊

[@straightouttacornwall]

Fantastic tutorial Lou 👌

[@laureenignarro8030]

What a great channel !! I love Watching and learning from Father Fish. He makes me want to get back into keeping fish.

[@FatherFish]

That's awesome

[@lisab5970]

Great tutorial, the quality of the video is great, and it was nice to see how many plants there are in the stem plant package.

[@FatherFish]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jabarriley3799]

Thank you again for all the great info

[@tghodosko7259]

I just got my AAA stem plant pack and planted today super stoked that was a lot of plants! Thanks Father fish.

[@ociana]

Exciting!

[@andrewfenna7392]

It all looks fantastic. Will look forward to the future videos

[@Andy_Underwood...]

Looking good Lou, can't wait to see things progress.

[@thleu5149]

I'm so glad we have well water. Our fish tanks thrive with it & your great advice. ❤

[@someguy3049]

We also have well water, but we send it through a filteration system(no chlorine), do you also do that, because I am currently trying to find the best type of water(without the consideration of PH, since I can control it later) for aquariums and I was thinking well water, and what about rain water?

[@raysfishroom2929]

Great hands on video I enjoyed it

[@sherazsheraz5004]

Amazing very knowledgeable person far more than any other experts please keep sharing your knowledge

[@Grant_Little2639]

Looks awesome👍 love your videos❤❤

[@sassduffin4274]

Thanks Father Fish 👍😁🥰💕💖 love you too ❤️😁

[@DonnaArnold1981]

Really nice video, it’s nice to see you setting up your wear-house tanks. Looks like you’re going to hit 200k subscribers very soon father fish, way to go! See you Sunday for the live. 😊

[@Lola-bg8lr]

How excitingly! Im going muddy with my second 5 G / 20 Ltr tank. These are small but mighty tanks with the happy Muddy Guppies of Sydney living the dream. Wishing you and yours every success success🎉

[@ryanoakes4629]

Heya F.F im so happy for your success.well deserved..❤Canada loves you.😊

[@FatherFish]

Thank you so much!!

[@AlinefromToulouse]

Nice new fish room and it's very interesting to see live examples of tank settings and evolution.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you.

[@cattenkoifarm2937]

Love the new place, as always a great video for people to start a father fish fish tank.

[@FatherFish]

Thanks 👍

[@notyoureverydayashleyxoxo]

I absolutely LOVE your videos

[@stevemacdonald2303]

Love your show

[@user-nf1oq1fg1k]

Hey Father Fish, can't wait for the new "lab" 😉 Just finished my first FF tank yesterday and can't wait to put some fish in next weekend. Loving it 👍

[@someguy3049]

Morning(it is) how is your day going, and how is your tank going? Hope its good. Don't mind the intrusion, but I would really love to hear your experiences. What subrate did you use? And any problems?

[@mickeysr5817]

Great video I Will b starting my new 55 dirted tank soon thank u 😊

[@zaferboran5343]

Baba mükemmel doğal akvaryumlarının sırlarını bizlerle paylaştığın ve Türkçe alt yazı kullandığın için tekrar bilgilerimi tazeliyor ve çok teşrkkür ediyorum.

[@nolasdollsandaquatics9386]

Looks good 👍 😊

[@richardfrausto747]

FF so happy to follow your channel, 30 years ago I started a 50 gallon tank initially intended to have live plants but my choice of fish were cichlids so I soon found out these fish pull plants. Jack Dempsey convict cichlids Oscar's a plecostomas as they grew bigger the convicts spawned. I thought I was doing good but eventually the tank was bare except with a colored foil behind the tank. Now im now 70 and going to start another tank but I will follow your advice and start a natural tank. My dream is to raise discus

[@FatherFish]

You can do this!

[@LushSaltyAquariums]

Father Fish + Mother Nature. A Win-Win!

[@PatrickPoulsen]

How awesome is that! 😃&👍 Congratulations on the 200000+ subscribers 👣

[@FatherFish]

Thank you, my friend!

[@seahyongsen5670]

😊😊😊enjoying your channel here.

[@mista8937]

Hey FF !! I gladly inform you that I have added a dozen of shrimp into my nano tank and there is no casualty. It's been 1 month. This is due to the knowledge you provide !! 😊😊

[@joelkoonce8559]

Father fish. You da MAN !!!

[@hagenhilldesign]

How fun! Setting a new room. I guess we've been lucky. Haven't lost a plant yet.

[@Fin2FinAquariums]

Great video

[@regosilver1147]

Awesome video

[@FatherFish]

Thanks!

[@edwardhasiak7961]

I just dismantled my 20 gallon high of which had an undergravel filter and I'm going to convert it to all natural father fish tank. I've got potting soil And I'm going to use some of your fish supplement and still have to order some of your plants also waiting on some sand from Amazon it should be fun can't wait. Thank you for all your knowledge

[@FatherFish]

Sounds great!

[@sergiomorales9264]

Excellent information thank You God bless 😊

[@leem200]

Looking good. Love the planted dirted tank! Love back at you. Peace!

[@kpocala1061]

Good luck with the new lab. That background music could use some work lol. Love the channel

[@soumen_Das_Vlogs]

Nice video 💚

[@FarizMammadov-qw8rc]

You are best! Love from Azerbaijan.

[@FatherFish]

Thank you!

[@deathbyfishtanks]

A fish raffle for your streaming room? What a fantastic idea! I would love to see a large species only Scarlet Badis tank stuffed with plants.😁😁😁

[@FatherFish]

Cool idea

[@praktika1082]

There's aquascaping and then there is creating ecosystems. I know which this is and why I prefer it.

[@zaferboran5343]

Baba Tekrar Teşekkür ederim.

[@Fariz.Mammadov]

Hello Father Fish, Its 5 Month I have start with your method aquarium. Today I test my water NO3 there almost 0 ppm. Its funny because I have many fishes, shrimps and I feed much. There some plants fast growing 50-60 percent. I test water NO3 almost 0 maybe benefecial bacterias eat the NO3. Now I search a way for give plants NO3 :) My fishes make Holiday I do many feedings :D

[@coralocean1442]

I sure wish I knew all of this years ago! Where I live I can only have a 5 gallon tank and want to set up a beta tank. I have had many betas in the past but never with a dirt bottom. Does it matter that the tank is so small for inches of dirt and sand? Thank you, love this channel.

[@brandya5541]

I love your channel! I set one up yesterday using your method. If the water is murky just let it keep filtering for a few days? Thanks

[@FatherFish]

Yes, just let it settle out

[@jaylenagerbrandt2868]

I plan on setting up my 50 gallon with your plants and supplements in the spring. Once i no longer have to dig through ice n snow to reach the dirt in the pond. I set up a 20 gallon last spring. Its doing well except i cheaped out on plants when i first set it up. Many of the plants i had have died over n over. I think mainly because they dont get enough light. I have 2 huge amazon swords in the tank.

[@blazeyt9282]

Hello father fish, can any type of dirt be used for aquascape? Like i mean the ones people use for gardening

[@CoralMan24]

congrats on new warehouse

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

I’m so excited I am doing a dirted tank! Thanks to you. It’s a 40 gallon. My dirt is curing in the bottom of the tank as we speak.

[@ThuyTran-xw6cb]

I’m so new to this. May I ask what type of dirt and sand you used? If you have the brand that would be great! Thank you in advance.

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

@@ThuyTran-xw6cb I am using Scott’s premium topsoil (because it hasn’t been steamed and has some peat moss). I added two teaspoons of humic acid pellets mixed into the dirt evenly and About a heaping cup and a half of natural clay kitty litter. I mixed it all together evenly, breaking up all clumps, then wet the dirt down just enough to saturate the mixture. I will keep in moist but not soaked and keep breaking up the soil with my hands. In the morning I will make sure it’s as pulverized as I can get it and then add a two inch pool-sand cap. I’d like to have river sand. I am just unable to get it currently (but I think it would be better😊). I will seed the tank with some rinsed but not boiled oak leaves etc and add my driftwood from our local river which I did soak in boiling water because our river front is filthy. also, if I had good garden soil, I would’ve mixed that in a little bit (maybe 4 cups) but I keep chickens, so I don’t trust my soil pH. But it seems there is a lot of beneficial bacteria in the first three or 4 inches of garden soil. Also, we have raccoons that visit regularly and a few opossums and I just don’t trust our soil to not be contaminated. not to mention my indoor outdoor cats lol.

[@ThuyTran-xw6cb]

@@tiffanyclark-grove1989 thank you so much for the detailed information. It sounds more complicated than I thought. LOL

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

@@ThuyTran-xw6cb I dont think it is. I just added a few amendments. Just use topsoil or organic potting soil or garden dirt and top with sand😊

[@philclark2025]

What size tank are you using?@@tiffanyclark-grove1989

[@joneishamoreno2944]

Thank you so much for your tips. Very helpful. How long after can you put your fish in after the plants?

[@FatherFish]

The next day put in a few

[@Jhiggy76]

Your outfit at the end is slick

[@sum1434]

Thank you for your wonderful and informative videos, I'm becoming addicted !. I have a 3ft tank which I'm going to convert to a FF type one. Absolutely dreading removing the three inches of gravel and substrate to get started.

[@FatherFish]

All you need to do is add 2” of sand on top of 1” of gravel

[@sum1434]

@@FatherFish Thank you for your advice, much appreciated.

[@sum1434]

I failed miserably. I couldn't get any pond mud so used compost and then sand, the compost came through the sand layer in parts.

[@sum1434]

Great news update ! My tank is redone , planted and running well. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and giving so much happiness to so many people ♥️.

[@zaferboran5343]

Baba ! 4 gündür TÜRKÇE ALT YAZI Brkliyorum .çünkü senin mükemmel bilgilerini kimse anlatmıyor

[@horsey123]

OMG CAN GET THE SUPPLEMENTS IN AUSTRALIA NOW!! WOOHOOOOOO!!

[@MedievalMind]

Father Fish, love the new warehouse. I can't wait to see all the new set ups. Your images for sale all have you wearing a beard. Do you think it will come back?

[@MuhammadIrfan-rt4fd]

Please make a video regarding light requirements for low tech to high tech setup.

[@juliamartin1962]

i have my tank ready. used black diamond blasting sand. and a lava rock or two from my yard. now im gonna take advantage of a warm spell and go look for some drift wood and stuff for my res. jar..this is so fun. im 61 and starting on an epic adventure. probably as close as anyone can come to being like our creator..building life..thank you for giving an old widow lady something to look forward too.

[@juliamartin1962]

Took advantage of an above freezing day and went to my local City park. And found some aquatic moss growing in the spill way. I got a few handfuls and I got water and muck for my res. Jar. I hope I captured something that are living. The lake was iced over

[@ahmadhasif979]

You responsible for my first ever dirt tank today. Few weeks ago I bought two glo fish to learn about fish keeping maybe someday do aquaponic as i always love gardening. So it somewhat seamless to the aquarium stuff becouse there is “natural” aquarium like Permaculture for gardening ❤

[@littlep1004]

Hey ff my tank is looking great thanks to you my food web isn't there yet what are your views on the probiotic flakes love from UK

[@FatherFish]

I don’t use them

[@Dmaelstrom]

Great channel! I only have soil that was composted at home- will this be ok? And what sand should I use? I have some play sand but not enough for 2 inches. I have gravel right now - should I bin it? Thanks!

[@FatherFish]

put the gravel on top of the soil and cap with sand

[@Dmaelstrom]

@@FatherFish Thanks for answering! So glad I found your channel!

[@monkeynutta]

Hey Father Fish. I have a tank with fish and gravel in at the moment but since finding you, I have wanted to go the natural route. Could I 'get away with' removing the fish for a short time, setting up the dirt and sand (I already have lots of plants) and replacing the fish on the same day or will I need to leave the tank to establish? I remember seeing that you should leave it for a few weeks but I have nowhere to put the fish in the meantime. Many thanks for your videos ☺️

[@FatherFish]

You can do it all in one day

[@monkeynutta]

@@FatherFish awesome. Thank you 😊♥️

[@dn7096_]

Mother Nature x Father Fish

[@katpis9121]

How long until you can add fish?? I am looking to get back into this. Ive never had a soil/sand sub straight, or live plants... Im looking to get a flex 32.5G tank with live plants... Have not decided on the fish yet. I am mainly learning about your method of sub straights and plants. How long do you let the tank be after setting up the new tank with plants before adding you fish

[@FatherFish]

Add a few fish day 2

[@ranger178]

i have a heck of a time keeping plants in my aquarium some of the fish rip them out and some nibble on them all i am getting now is dam moss growing on everything. maybe i will have to try your assortment of plants and see if that helps.

[@FatherFish]

Maybe you could try not so tasty plants like Amazon swords, Java ferns, or anubias

[@DarcvexiS]

Father Fish I've been wanting to do this for quite a while and have questions. I have an existing established 20 gallon river rock aquarium that's capable of growing plants and spot algae. I don't have many fish just a 2 common plecos, 2 spotted Raphael catfish, and a tiger barb. So using this method I can easily use my existing water & drop in my fish immediately without any issues or fear of losing fish? I would also need to add 80% more plants?

[@FatherFish]

This will work

[@sammyvh11]

You'll get 200k in a few days !!🎉

[@FatherFish]

I believe you!

[@AlinefromToulouse]

That's what I told myself, the channel is growing very quickly.

[@chalthanmawiitheresa7223]

​@@FatherFish🗻🗻🗻🗻🗻🗻🗻😚🎉🥾🎉🎉😢llmmbvcxxh😅

[@monarch9896]

Do you dechlorinate the water after you fill it up all the way? Before the plants are added or does it matter?

[@FatherFish]

It gasses out as you are filling the aquarium

[@iavoraleksiev]

Greetings from Bulgaria 😊

[@dorin2212]

Hi, did you manage to get some suppements from Father fish?

[@iavoraleksiev]

@@dorin2212 Well it's almost impossible unfortunately, shipping across the ocean is delayed for months

[@markvergari7958]

10:00 am Sunday Feb 11th Question…. I set up a forever tank but somehow missed the buffers since you have many videos on making a tank and that wasn’t discussed in detail on the video I watched Will I be ok or do I need to start all over again ? My tank looks great and already living things from the pond and stream water, muck and rocks with green living plants and animals on them

[@FatherFish]

No need to

[@AmekFarm]

How many hours are the lights on? Thank you Mr Fish

[@FatherFish]

New tank plants need lots of light. Back to 12 hrs a day after a week or two.

[@robertlee9712]

Brilliant tank im in the uk whats the best dirt & sand to get over here and cheapest.love your content

[@FatherFish]

contact our UK distributor - goto www.fatherfish,fish

[@bert5048]

I’ve got 3 planted tanks. One with small gravel and the other 2 with sand. The two with sand can smell like swamp gas and the sandy bottom looks dirty.though I only feed them 3x per week. I love the idea of the dirt & sand combo but it hasn’t been working well for me.

[@il.mister]

Maybe there is something wrong because my water is crystal clear and no smell

[@FarizMammadov-qw8rc]

Hello Father fish! I see some videos about blow aquarium own breath and this add co2 aquarium its good for plants. This is true information??

[@FatherFish]

The father fish substrate, dirted substrate, is a co2 factory, no need to add anymore.

[@simonbooth3715]

Hi love your videos.i have a question i have 1-2mm size gravel in my tank at about 2 inches deep could i add sand on the top of the gravel while there is still water and fish in there because i have no other place to put my fish to do the whole soil and sand thing.or is starting again the only way.

[@FatherFish]

You can cap your gravel with sand

[@pivoludek]

@@FatherFish Father Fish, what is the hardness of the tap water in your home?

[@sherylknudsen8569]

I did a set up just like you just showed but it was a 36 gallon. I have left the lights on for three weeks as you said to do and I have fish in there as well. I've only been feeding them very little every couple of days. My problem is the sand in the front of the tank is turning green. Do I need to worry about this?

[@FatherFish]

no

[@susieepstein2726]

Have you tried using coconut coir instead of peat? Peat forests are endangered and therefore not sustainable, so a lot of gardeners now use coir. Curious if you have tried it as I would like to in my new aquarium. Thank you!

[@FatherFish]

It is a great substitute.

[@susieepstein2726]

thank you!! @@FatherFish

[@Iron-Claw-Tiger]

100k subs in 2 months,that crazy,I don't think I ever seen a channel grow that fast

[@FatherFish]

It’s truly amazing.

[@johnjwedrall4290]

In 2 days after planting those plants they grew so tall in just 2 days ??

[@nsta6408]

Hello Father Fish, I have an established tank with 3 inches of pumice stone and river stone gravel, which I now I have capped with fine river sand… Now after few days my gravel has few black pockets areas… Should I be worried or it’s ok… All fishes are doing well…. Appreciate your work Sir👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@FatherFish]

No worries, this is gas build up and it will subside eventually.

[@nsta6408]

@@FatherFish Thank you so much Sir 👍🏻

[@Zapo9668]

A question from me, How do you size your leds for a planted tank? Is there a ratio of watt per litre? Is there too much light? And how important is the light frequency?

[@FatherFish]

For easy plants - 0.5 watts per liter. Frequency is not important