Aquariums and Fish Tanks by Father Fish

Dead leaves in your aquarium?? Yes, put dead leaves in your aquarium. Dead leaves build organics. First, basically, you are using dead dry tree leaves. If you use leaves from a variety of trees, i.e. oak, ash, pine, all at once, then you will have the most success as the leaves will break down at different rates and these organics each release different nutrients into your fish tank. Secondly, if you are setting up a fish tank for the first time, your tank needs these organics in the top layer of the substrate. Many people chop the leaves or use leaf mulch to meet this requirement. Aqua Preta works hand in hand with the dead leaves to keep the aquarium healthy and stabilizing the water column. The Aqua Preta has buffers which buffer against the water becoming to acidic. Organics need to be consumed before water becomes acidic. What we are doing is organic farming in a fish tank. The nitrogen cycle is complete the moment you add plants. Why? Because the plants use ammonia (organics at work). If you have a test kit, you may find ammonia that's because the plants haven't taken it up yet. If you have a natural aquarium you need to throw that test kit away. Organics from dried leaves in your fish tank release nutrients and become organics. No special fertilizer, minerals or nutrients are needed. Your aquarium reaches stasis on its own. Its all natural. Just watch your fish... #aquapreta #leaflitter #FishTank #Aquascaping #PlantedTank #AquariumHobby #fatherfish #AquariumSetup #aquarium #naturalaquarium #aquariumplants #plantedaquarium

A nature aquarium is amazing. The nature aquarium does not exist in a sterile aquarium, the nature aquarium, according to Father Fish, is a natural aquarium that mirrors nature. Nature can be both violent and peaceful. Nature can be both destructive and creative. Nature is all around us! Nature in our aquariums is no different; plants grow,your aquarium fish eat plants or each other, they then feed the microfauna which then adds the nutrients to the substrate which the plants use for fertilizer and the cycle replays it self again and again. So just as the 'real' world lives the cycle of life so does the planted aquarium become a nature aquarium as it matures and the cycle of life grows within. #natureaquarium #naturalaquarium #fatherfish #aquarium #fishtank #microfauna #substrato #aquariumfish

Parasites are everywhere and they are especially found in water. Ponds are full of parasites also known as microfauna. There are roughly 100,00 species of microfauna. A few examples of microfauna are: Ameba, Paramecium, Nematodes, Daphnia and Moina. When you have biodiversity in your aquarium, the good parasites control the dangerous pathogens. A good example of this is the ich parasite. If you have microfauna in your aquarium, ich will usually not be a problem. So travel with Father Fish as he explains that scooping parasites with pond water brings interesting results. #parasites #pond #fatherfish #microfauna #bacteria #biodiversity #ick #ich #aquarium #fishtank #fishaquarium #fishkeeping

A clean tank can not support life. A balanced tank allows waste to be used to feed microscopic life. Without microscopic life everything in the tank will die. Father Fish explains the distinction between Natural and Hi-Tech sterile aquarium setups. Natural setups use dirted substrates and aquarium plants for a balanced ecosystem. Hi-Tech aquariums involve technology like CO2 injection, high-intensity lighting, and nutrient dosing for optimal plant growth. Father Fish emphasizes the importance of choosing aquarium systems that mirror Nature.

Fishkeeping is where it all began — a connection between people and fishkeeping that teaches patience, care, and respect for life. An aquarium is more than a glass tank filled with water; it is a living ecosystem where tropical fish, plants, and natural balance come together. In this video, Father Fish explores the origins of fishkeeping and the evolution of the aquarium, from early Roman times to modern natural aquariums. We follow the development of the fish tank as both a tool for observation and a reflection of Nature itself. Watching fish move calmly through a natural aquarium helps us stay calm and find peace. A healthy fish tank depends on understanding that Nature knows best. Fish thrive when their environment mirrors Nature, and fishkeeping becomes a lesson in responsibility and mindfulness. For many, the aquarium becomes a private place of focus and reflection, and is shared only with those in their innermost circle. Whether you are new to fishkeeping, fascinated by natural aquariums, or inspired by Father Fish’s philosophy, this video shows what in fishkeeping started everything — and why it continues to connect us today. #Fishkeeping #FatherFish #Aquarium #NaturalAquarium #FishTank #TropicalFish #AquaticLife #Nature #AquariumEducation

This plant is the scourge of fish tanks! It covers the surface, preventing light from penetrating the water column. How do we get rid of this enemy? Father Fish has developed some techniques to achieve the goal of a duckweed free aquarium. Follow along as the discipline of duckweed extraction is taught.

What makes a fish tank stink? An aquarium that smells bad is not healthy. A stinky tank is a dying tank. An aquarium will die when it is not able to maintain the life of its aquarium plants and animals in it. So what kills aquariums. There are 2 primary causes. Both are a result of bad advice. The first cause of stinky tank is excess food. Even if all the food is eaten by the aquarium fish, they may create more waste than the biological activity in the tank is able to covert to energy. Waste that is not converted to energy rots and stinks. The main cause of inadequate biological activity is chemical treatment of the tank. Father Fish believes there are no chemicals that are critical for the health of an aquarium. Most chemicals are dosed in the tank to kill something. This creates death. Death is the opposite of life. Killing living organisms is not an appropriate method to maintain a healthy, living aquarium. Build a dirted deep substrate according to Father Fish instructions found in the Father Fish Shoal. Create a good web using Father Fish's techniques. Feed less than daily high quality foods in very small amounts. These procedures, followed carefully will mean your tank will be sweet smelling and thriving with life. and never, never stink. #fatherfish #aquarium #fatherfishaquarium #fatherfishpodcast #deepsubstrate #fishtank #aquariumplants #fishaquarium #podcast #aquariumfish #walstad #fishtube 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Causes of a stinky tank 02:00 What a stinky tank means 02:42 Father Fish's tanks 04:00 When chemicals are added 11:03 Chemicals and Natural Aquariums 13:00 It's that simple

What is the best substrate for an aquarium? Is is a bare botttom? Or is it gravel? Father Fish believes that dirt, capped with sand is the very best substrate for any aquarium. Explore the dynamic world of aquariums with a focus on substrate in this engaging YouTube video. Dive into the concept of a deep substrate system. Father Fish explores the pros and cons of bare bottom aquariums as well as gravel substrates. Discover how a deep sand substrate contributes to a natural aquarium environment, providing a foundation for a balanced ecosystem. With a natural substrate plants can absorb the nutrients produced by fish. You will learn the intricacies of nutrient distribution in the water versus the substrate, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between plants and substrate in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. The video will not only educate you on the technical aspects of substrate but also inspire you to create personalized, thriving aquariums. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, this exploration of substrate dynamics promises valuable insights into enhancing the beauty and sustainability of your aquarium. #substrate #gravelsubstrate #fatherfish #fishtank #deepsubstrate #sandsubstrate #dirtedtank #dirtedsubstrate #aquarium

Don't suck at siphoning!! Father Fish teaches an important tricks on how to siphon your aquarium while doing water changes during fish tank maintenance. #fishtank #fish #aquarium #tropicalfish #fatherfish #aquariummaintenance #waterchange

This is the first in a four part series about how to set up a natural aquarium as best edited/narrated by Father Fish. Father Fish describes how a beginner fish keeper can make many decision before the big project. Fish tank ideas come in many shapes and it is up to the aquarist to decide their own direction. Father Fish will guide you on the steps to take after all those important decisions! #aquariumsetup #fishtanksetup #aquarium #fishtank #fatherfish #fatherfishpodcast #natualaqurium