The Simple Secret to Keep Your Aquarium Clean!

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  • čas přidán 9. 05. 2024
  • WHAT IS A CLEAN TANK?
    FATHER FISH explains the basics of a clean fish tank. A clean tank does not mean constantly cleaning. It is not natural and upsets the fish. Think of clean as healthy. What will make the tank healthier? Father Fish has discovered many ways we can increase the health of our aquariums. Join him and the Shoal on this journey to finding nature in our aquariums.
    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.
    www.Father.Fish no longer exists. Our new web site is fatherfish.fish
    The Father Fish store is at: father-fish-aquarium.myshopif...
    Lots of stunning merch is in the store.
    THE FATHER FISH SHOAL on Discord is a wonderful way to meet and make new fishy friends as well as get the help you need. Join us at Father Fish Server on Checkout our store! You can buy plants, soil supplement, & more: father-fish-aquarium.myshopif...
    24/7 live on Discord: / discord
    This is a wonderful way to meet and make new fishy friends as well as get the help you need. Join us at Father Fish Server on DISCORD!
    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    0:29 Is your tank hardy?
    1:41 The Easy Part
    4:27 Plants Deal
    5:00 Most Difficult Part
    7:45 Create Effortless Aquariums
    8:30 Evolution of Natural Aquariums
    10:45 Nature maintains itself
    edited by @deadmanswill
    All clips used in the video are for representation or visual beauty and there's intention of maligning anyone. We always use clips contributed to us directly on discord or clips released under the Creative Commons license on CZcams or other platforms.
    Clips from our discord members:
    Titia's planted aquariums
    / @titiasplantedaquariums
    Gills in the Grove
    / gillsinthegrove
    Tank in thumbnail:
    Nathanial Hendrickson
    Clips used under CC license:
    Crazy Aquarium Guy
    • She is DEAD! My Fahaka...
    Aqua Life - clean tank
    • How to keep CRYSTAL CL...
    Fish Room Bum - gunk • The Dirty Community Tank
    jay vaghela Aap Gujrat
    • Silver Dollar as well ...
    sciencefix
    • Observing Microorganis...
    Brian Cumminger
    • Vorticella compilation
    MicroOnStream
    • #5.1 Tardigrades (Goez...
    Invertebrate Biology Videos
    • Nematodes
    • Copepods and thecostra...
    • Tardigrades
    Joey Slay Em
    • MASSIVE XL GOLDFISH DE...
    Feeding ALL my aquariums
    • Feeding ALL my aquariu...
    Joshua Jones
    • Trial Lake Underwater ...
    Don Fassbender
    • Lake Superior Treasure...
    Lee Chin Eng
    reefbuilders.com/2017/01/28/m...
    Amano
    www.amanotakashi.net/bio/index...
    Peace Nippon Project
    • 8K NATURE AQUARIUM 180...
    #FATHERFISH #deepsubstratetank #naturalaquarium #deepsubstratetank #naturalaquarium #plantedtank #plantedaquarium #fishtube #fishtank #fishkeeping #dirtedtank #walstad #foodweb #fishfood #naturalaquarium #deepsubstrateaquarium #balancedaquarium #selfsustainingaquarium #healthyaquarium #sandsubstrate #deepsubstrate #naturalsubstrate #naturalfishkeeping

Komentáře • 3,1K

  • @FatherFish
    @FatherFish  Před 4 dny +3

    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/

  • @FutureRobert
    @FutureRobert Před 4 měsíci +664

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

    • @alexn4255
      @alexn4255 Před 4 měsíci +1

      🤡

    • @SADUTTAQUARIUM
      @SADUTTAQUARIUM Před 3 měsíci +51

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

    • @Bluebell20
      @Bluebell20 Před 3 měsíci +13

      So glad your fish survived! 🥰

    • @Richiko06
      @Richiko06 Před 3 měsíci +16

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

    • @funstartsheretravel
      @funstartsheretravel Před 3 měsíci +2

      You don’t need filters?

  • @lukasgayer5393
    @lukasgayer5393 Před 4 měsíci +227

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

    • @richmoser1621
      @richmoser1621 Před 2 měsíci +4

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

    • @zior8001
      @zior8001 Před 2 měsíci

      Definitely agreed.

    • @hobbyhobbyhobbyhobby
      @hobbyhobbyhobbyhobby Před 2 měsíci +2

      How's the tank going man?

    • @SexyTexas
      @SexyTexas Před měsícem

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

    • @sarahs8426
      @sarahs8426 Před měsícem +1

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

  • @NathanAnnandale
    @NathanAnnandale Před měsícem +70

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

  • @fletchoid
    @fletchoid Před 5 měsíci +117

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

    • @primesspct2
      @primesspct2 Před 3 měsíci +5

      cat litter?!! wow,

    • @potatohead1423
      @potatohead1423 Před 2 měsíci +6

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

    • @primesspct2
      @primesspct2 Před 2 měsíci

      @@potatohead1423 good to know

    • @pozzee2809
      @pozzee2809 Před 4 dny

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

  • @woken_token_2976
    @woken_token_2976 Před rokem +633

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

    • @hotshot3d
      @hotshot3d Před rokem +4

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

    • @sheilamore3261
      @sheilamore3261 Před rokem +8

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

    • @NotSure876
      @NotSure876 Před 11 měsíci +8

      Lmao, you guy’s really believe this guy

    • @hotshot3d
      @hotshot3d Před 11 měsíci

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

    • @ceber121
      @ceber121 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Yesss!🤘🏽🤘🏽

  • @freshfalcon3996
    @freshfalcon3996 Před 10 měsíci +94

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

  • @sophiathiem6066
    @sophiathiem6066 Před 8 měsíci +93

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

    • @ronalbanesi1594
      @ronalbanesi1594 Před 8 měsíci +19

      Ur English is better then some Americans. 😉

    • @haretauwhare5959
      @haretauwhare5959 Před 2 měsíci +3

      Your English is mean! I’m on my way too making a self sustainable too! Can’t wait

    • @VS-q
      @VS-q Před 9 dny

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

  • @user-mr4ur3wi4x
    @user-mr4ur3wi4x Před 3 měsíci +59

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

    • @primesspct2
      @primesspct2 Před 3 měsíci +5

      I would have loved to hear her stories!

    • @chesneymigl4538
      @chesneymigl4538 Před měsícem

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

  • @mikeymacaque
    @mikeymacaque Před 3 měsíci +36

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

    • @Badboii21
      @Badboii21 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Saltwater fish only or coral ? Reef tank are more sensitive

    • @mikeymacaque
      @mikeymacaque Před 3 měsíci

      @@Badboii21 it was coral!

    • @primesspct2
      @primesspct2 Před 3 měsíci +4

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

    • @gustavom8106
      @gustavom8106 Před měsícem +1

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

  • @williamn7579
    @williamn7579 Před 10 měsíci +213

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

  • @FloatingSunfish
    @FloatingSunfish Před 8 měsíci +10

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

  • @isaq6345
    @isaq6345 Před 5 měsíci +13

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

  • @nathanbriner32
    @nathanbriner32 Před rokem +164

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před rokem +16

      Yep. Trimming plants is an unnatural act!!

    • @giftofthewild6665
      @giftofthewild6665 Před rokem +8

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

    • @MacTechG4
      @MacTechG4 Před 8 měsíci

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

    • @primesspct2
      @primesspct2 Před 3 měsíci

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

    • @chriskuaiwa8691
      @chriskuaiwa8691 Před 28 dny

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

  • @Endurance-tq7fi
    @Endurance-tq7fi Před 3 měsíci

    I love the vibe you emanate. Plus, bringing up how individuals managed to do the impossible was brilliant.

  • @SarahBastin-pq3vg
    @SarahBastin-pq3vg Před 4 měsíci +1

    Im blessed to have found this channel. Bless your heart. Thank you!

  • @johnmanrow2667
    @johnmanrow2667 Před rokem +169

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před rokem +27

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

    • @garrett3117
      @garrett3117 Před rokem +5

      Incredible.

    • @BenlshTracker
      @BenlshTracker Před 11 měsíci +17

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

  • @dxq3647
    @dxq3647 Před rokem +47

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před rokem +6

      Excellent DXQ

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před rokem +11

      My deep substrate is a CO2 factory.

    • @dxq3647
      @dxq3647 Před rokem +1

      @@pat-paterson I never used CO2

    • @weirdscience6820
      @weirdscience6820 Před 11 měsíci +2

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

    • @weirdscience6820
      @weirdscience6820 Před 11 měsíci +1

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

  • @susanbarry7289
    @susanbarry7289 Před 2 měsíci

    So happy to have stumbled onto your site….i love the simplicity and natural concept behind keeping a healthy aquarium. I have a 10 gallon that I’m starting on and will be setting it up the Father Fish way! Thank you and God bless you!

  • @Opti-Miser
    @Opti-Miser Před 2 měsíci +1

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

  • @BritneyHolt
    @BritneyHolt Před rokem +151

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před rokem +10

      That is awesome Britney!

    • @NotSure876
      @NotSure876 Před rokem

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

    • @NotSure876
      @NotSure876 Před rokem

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

    • @luvmyferretz
      @luvmyferretz Před 10 měsíci

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

    • @sahindemirer
      @sahindemirer Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @jonathancantrell858
    @jonathancantrell858 Před 10 měsíci +47

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

  • @shannon3464
    @shannon3464 Před měsícem

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

  • @AzazelsWings
    @AzazelsWings Před 6 měsíci +1

    Oh wow, thank you so much for taking the time to sharing what you know. ! The bad things you've mentioned are the exact reason I've not had an aquarium, I was always worried about the what ifs and the constant work involved, making it a headache and chore rather than amazing.

  • @MrBigscarythingy
    @MrBigscarythingy Před 7 měsíci +12

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

  • @sharondimond7799
    @sharondimond7799 Před 4 měsíci +54

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

    • @telishacull2829
      @telishacull2829 Před 4 měsíci +11

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

    • @primesspct2
      @primesspct2 Před 3 měsíci +4

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

    • @GRadvbro
      @GRadvbro Před měsícem

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

  • @tanksouth
    @tanksouth Před 6 měsíci +2

    An expert communicator.
    A giver as well.
    Thank you, sir.
    Subscribed.

  • @xgenesysx
    @xgenesysx Před 21 dnem

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

  • @feedthemachine99
    @feedthemachine99 Před rokem +4

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

  • @Godstrumpet2010
    @Godstrumpet2010 Před 6 měsíci +4

    Thank you for your very educational videos. I am setting up my first aquarium since childhood.
    Wanted to do it without all the filters. I really appreciate the info. 😊🙏🏾

  • @neileverett3661
    @neileverett3661 Před 3 měsíci +1

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

  • @TheTenzai
    @TheTenzai Před 7 měsíci +1

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

  • @dominicflorio5708
    @dominicflorio5708 Před rokem +73

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

    • @KettmanAquatic
      @KettmanAquatic Před rokem +1

      My goldfish lives with crypts lol

    • @pammugridge4106
      @pammugridge4106 Před rokem +1

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

    • @achidente
      @achidente Před 11 měsíci +3

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

    • @dominicflorio5708
      @dominicflorio5708 Před 11 měsíci +2

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

    • @strider5119
      @strider5119 Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@achidente you need a large aquarium for goldfish

  • @driftindriftwood7301
    @driftindriftwood7301 Před rokem +16

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

  • @sean6280
    @sean6280 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thankyou so much for your videos Uncle Fish! Lots of gratitude from my side here in South Africa

  • @TheAdriengrape
    @TheAdriengrape Před 9 měsíci +1

    been loving discovering your videos! Appreciate the tone and delivery.

  • @travisalbert8756
    @travisalbert8756 Před rokem +100

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před rokem +17

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

    • @CLifemusic
      @CLifemusic Před rokem +3

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

    • @travisalbert8756
      @travisalbert8756 Před rokem +1

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

    • @ColorzGuppyFarm
      @ColorzGuppyFarm Před rokem +2

      @@FatherFish yes common sense and basic biology right?

    • @weirdscience6820
      @weirdscience6820 Před 11 měsíci +1

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

  • @nazeemsultan1038
    @nazeemsultan1038 Před 11 měsíci +18

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

  • @sabahattingul2117
    @sabahattingul2117 Před měsícem

    Fantastic explanation fantastic person, you're amazing I could just sit and listen your aquarium lessons forever.Thanks for been so warm and charming. Hello from Melbourne/Australia

  • @Lyapunov23
    @Lyapunov23 Před 3 měsíci

    What a wise man. Thank you so much sir. It can't be explanied so clearly.

  • @SmallGirlBigWorld_
    @SmallGirlBigWorld_ Před rokem +3

    That tank behind you is as old as I am. I’m just now getting into the Aquarium hobby. I loved your video you taught me so much! ❤️ Thank you!!

  • @roihananwar5835
    @roihananwar5835 Před 6 měsíci +11

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

  • @marsh4fun569
    @marsh4fun569 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Thanks for the advice. I’ve kept fish of various kinds and I’ve been trying to accomplish a fully natural tank that doesn’t need me interfering with the cleanliness. This helps a lot.

  • @cleanersnewcastle2221
    @cleanersnewcastle2221 Před 14 dny

    Your dedication to your craft is truly inspiring. Keep making a difference!

  • @carlosbarajas382
    @carlosbarajas382 Před 8 měsíci +23

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

    • @ayeshaaawaan
      @ayeshaaawaan Před měsícem +1

      Please share your routine for the tank. Thank you

    • @dezyandco5855
      @dezyandco5855 Před měsícem

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

  • @nengyang1895
    @nengyang1895 Před 9 měsíci +44

    Have a 20 gallon fish tank that has never had a water change. Java fern thriving and needs constant pruning. Water super clear other than the tanning from the dift wood. Have had multiple fishes spawn in it already. Other than topping off the water and cleaning the sponges in the canister filter, its maintenance free.

    • @MrGigi-dz9cv
      @MrGigi-dz9cv Před 9 měsíci +3

      I don't agree with water change. Aquariums should have their echosystem developed inside.

    • @gauravk6021
      @gauravk6021 Před 9 měsíci

      which fish are in there?

    • @asmarttraveller9576
      @asmarttraveller9576 Před 8 měsíci

      Agreed but only works with planted tanks . But planted tanks cannot take in certain variety of fishes

  • @coreypankey592
    @coreypankey592 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I believe ive FINALLY found my guy, whose knowledge from just 1 video, has me inspired... Thank you 🎉🎉

  • @msnitejar5637
    @msnitejar5637 Před měsícem +2

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

  • @NaturalState27
    @NaturalState27 Před 9 měsíci +8

    It makes a lot of sense. What better environment for a living being to thrive than in its natural one, only without any predators to worry about? You can tell Father Fish has a lot of wisdom from years of doing this, and I’m glad I came across this channel. I will be using this channel to guide me through my entry into the fish world. I’ve always wanted to recreate a natural body of water, this channel will be perfect for that. And I kinda like the idea of being maintenance free, too 😂

  • @Kyddoemiko13
    @Kyddoemiko13 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Wow love that piece on the results from 1960 starting an aquarium and spreading that wealth of knowledge to all fish and aquatic plant enthusiast. 😊🐟🌿🐟🌿

  • @thomassiebenburgen6464
    @thomassiebenburgen6464 Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @shad0s479
    @shad0s479 Před měsícem

    Best fish advice video ever. I loved every second. Thanks Father Fish!

  • @susieepstein2726
    @susieepstein2726 Před 3 měsíci +5

    Wonderful video!! After a small pond disaster with native Texas pond goldfish (electrician didn't install a waterproof outlet), ater a few years I was ready to start again with our native Gambosia, very hardy mosquito eating fish but on a smaller scale. They were thriving outside in a small several gallon ceramic pond - having lots of babies, with pebbles and rocks, algae that grew in their sunny location, a small pump and clippings from the Umbrella plant which thrives underwater. Recently transferred them to a small fish tank so they would survive the winter and I am enjoying seeing their little faces every day in my living-room with all the algae, rocks, plants & water from their outside habitat . Now following your advice, I will get a bigger tank, add soil then sand, add more plants for a thriving aquaculture habitat. Thank you again!

  • @chainerscalleri6931
    @chainerscalleri6931 Před 4 měsíci +3

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

  • @WASasquatch
    @WASasquatch Před 2 měsíci

    I am so glad I found this channel! Just starting to do fish again, and wanted to do a living tank.

  • @yzm2065
    @yzm2065 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I love the energy. Great wisdom!

  • @KayBeeStew
    @KayBeeStew Před 5 měsíci +27

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

    • @primesspct2
      @primesspct2 Před 3 měsíci +1

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

  • @avedanta3885
    @avedanta3885 Před 5 měsíci +3

    Thank you for the immensely valuable nature tips you have provided sir...

  • @cosmicpeaches
    @cosmicpeaches Před měsícem

    I just found this video by complete accident and I absolutely love your personality!! So wonderful to find such a cool fish mentor!

  • @R3BEL-1
    @R3BEL-1 Před 5 měsíci +1

    this video is underrated. such sage advice.

  • @user-qv5ev4sv6f
    @user-qv5ev4sv6f Před 5 měsíci +5

    It's all about what great nature can do. It was in progress millions years ago and still go on right now. Great explanation grand pa 😊

  • @Bradley-sl2uv
    @Bradley-sl2uv Před 3 měsíci

    I love this guy and his approach to natural aquariums

  • @emilygrech3655
    @emilygrech3655 Před 4 měsíci +2

    You are brilliant. Thank you for sharing this knowledge. I have been interested in making miniature ecospheres, and I was able to successfully do it. One of them has shrimp in it and they are thriving. Its been going for about three weeks now with no casualties. Its beautiful

  • @saxoul17
    @saxoul17 Před 8 měsíci +5

    A man of wisdom, thanks man.

  • @StephanePapet
    @StephanePapet Před 7 měsíci +7

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před 7 měsíci +2

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

    • @ivifranck706
      @ivifranck706 Před 6 měsíci

      94 !!

  • @Bondgirl73
    @Bondgirl73 Před 13 dny

    Thank you so much for this fabulous and informative video, Father Fish! My 9 yr old son and I have been given an aquarium and so far, after 2 weeks, we’ve been doing well. However, time to tidy the tank a little and this information has been just what we needed. Blessings and thanks from Australia! 😁🐠🐟❤

  • @kfox11
    @kfox11 Před 3 měsíci

    I love your videos! So glad I found your channel! Thanks for sharing such great information, Father Fish!

  • @PottedIvyPlant
    @PottedIvyPlant Před rokem +4

    this was such a relaxing and educational video to watch !! what a hidden gem of content

  • @solonvega6137
    @solonvega6137 Před 6 měsíci +3

    thanks for your wisdom, Father Fish.

  • @christianbarrios6614
    @christianbarrios6614 Před 7 měsíci +2

    You rock man. Im a newby on this and i have being trying to learn from many CZcamsrs, but you man, you rock. Thanks for being here. Big hug from Chile

  • @leovasquez4320
    @leovasquez4320 Před 6 měsíci +1

    This was so insightful and incredibly inspiring, I am so excited to start my tank. I wish I would’ve seen this before I got started

  • @retrorespect81
    @retrorespect81 Před 9 měsíci +3

    Just happened to stumble across your video. I was truly in Aw by your knowledge, and love for aquatic life. I could listen to your voice all day long and absorb more information that you possess. Certainly the best video I’ve encountered for aquarium insight. I just upgraded to a 180 gallon tank for my pleco. I can’t wait to see it flourish doing as you said to let nature do it’s thing. Father Fish you are truly god sent!!! I wish I knew and came across your videos over 10 years ago when I started keep fish and others. Thank you dear sir🥰

  • @gregoriannrex5351
    @gregoriannrex5351 Před 4 měsíci +12

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

    • @danielsprengel742
      @danielsprengel742 Před 4 měsíci +2

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

  • @robertedwards7695
    @robertedwards7695 Před měsícem

    Thanking you father fish. Great advice which I will definitely be following .😊 Thanking you Robbbert from Melbourne Australia

  • @thisandthat8686
    @thisandthat8686 Před 14 dny

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

  • @joshuaheilman4664
    @joshuaheilman4664 Před 7 měsíci +5

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

  • @widneyburton5559
    @widneyburton5559 Před 4 měsíci +17

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

    • @DiscusNT
      @DiscusNT Před 4 měsíci

      Hope your planning on nano fish.

    • @widneyburton5559
      @widneyburton5559 Před 4 měsíci

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

  • @strengthbydesign
    @strengthbydesign Před 9 měsíci +1

    Thank you, wonderful to get this benefit from your years of experience. Cheers

  • @EQMVB
    @EQMVB Před 2 měsíci

    Loved it! Sir, you just got a new follower from Portugal! Cheers and keep up the good work!

  • @OTSpirit
    @OTSpirit Před 4 měsíci +3

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

  • @Owwee_immaB
    @Owwee_immaB Před 11 měsíci +4

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

  • @soundcrave2746
    @soundcrave2746 Před 2 měsíci

    I enjoyed this so much. That voice and way of speaking are so soothing. Thank you for the tips as well😅

  • @mbenz9389
    @mbenz9389 Před 9 měsíci +1

    You are so true Sir! I did that before and it worked amazing! I wish you long and healthy life! You’re so inspiring!

  • @sirskaven7624
    @sirskaven7624 Před 10 měsíci +10

    This guy is a gem of human being

  • @mike7933
    @mike7933 Před 10 měsíci +8

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

  • @Kronen9700
    @Kronen9700 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Celebration of our natural world. Such a beautiful message!

  • @jennasessum5104
    @jennasessum5104 Před měsícem

    I am so glad I found your channel! You have made me consider things that no other youtuber has talked about in just one video. I haven't started my aquarium yet but I kept a lot of fish, frogs, crabs, and other animals as a child and I'm trying to do my research before starting a tank in adulthood. Thank you for making things simple, I am excited to watch more of your videos!

  • @thepersonaljo
    @thepersonaljo Před rokem +46

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před rokem +11

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

    • @wanderlustfarm
      @wanderlustfarm Před 4 měsíci

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

  • @iainaquariumagic
    @iainaquariumagic Před 9 měsíci +5

    Brilliant advice. Thank you father fish 🐠🐟

  • @AykaYuki
    @AykaYuki Před 4 měsíci +2

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

  • @christophercisco7454
    @christophercisco7454 Před 7 měsíci +2

    My passion for fish tanks has been reignighted. Bless you.

  • @adambus77
    @adambus77 Před 5 měsíci +28

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

  • @Debass87
    @Debass87 Před 11 měsíci +3

    Ive been looking to try something new with my 60gal and this was all the inspiration i needed! Cant wait to give it a go!

  • @drfred1203
    @drfred1203 Před 9 měsíci +1

    I love your microscopic life forms! Esp the Tardigrade @ 7:36 ! Thank you for the information. Dirt below the sand or gravel~! I thought I had done something wrong and it was mold or possibly something else bad. This video made me feel more secure about my choices in how I made my aquariums in the past. I’m getting ready to make something for my kid now. Thank You!

  • @SarumanDeWhite
    @SarumanDeWhite Před 5 měsíci

    This is the first ff vid I ever watched. Led me on to even more wonderful knowledge thanks FF!

  • @Telles0808
    @Telles0808 Před 4 měsíci +10

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

    • @FatherFish
      @FatherFish  Před 4 měsíci +3

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

    • @thesolaraquarium
      @thesolaraquarium Před 4 měsíci +1

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

  • @romesh4136
    @romesh4136 Před rokem +12

    Father spitting facts. Most helpful aquarium video on youtube.

  • @georgemoody2976
    @georgemoody2976 Před 4 dny

    Amazing channel my tanks are effortless now I’ve let nature take its course thank you for the advice keep it up !

  • @nunyabizniss6385
    @nunyabizniss6385 Před 9 měsíci +2

    This is the solution I have been looking for. You rock Father Fish

  • @sayyeddeyyas
    @sayyeddeyyas Před 7 měsíci +6

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

    • @vanessaandreatta9098
      @vanessaandreatta9098 Před 7 měsíci

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