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What am I doing here I already have aquariums

I got my fish tank for free and am so excited to set it up, but I do not want them to die. This video is helpful. I feel a bit more prepared as a beginner fishkeeper.

Been in that rabbit hole about 3 months now🤣 when this pandemic started.. I got a couple of small aquariums and started watching you guys. I'm so thankful I set them up..they have been great stress reliever I'm really giving me something to do. Hey thanks for the great information guys!!

“I’m thinking of getting my first tank?” Nope, been keeping fish for many years now and I am pushing 40 years old. 😆 I am just a nerd and I love watching videos about my special interests. That, and you can always learn new things, even if you’ve been in the game a long time.

I have 4 tanks and I still watched the whole thing well just got a 75 gallon african cichlid tank plus my 3 betta tanks and 55 gallon community

Who else is an experienced fish keeper but are still watching this?

I have been keeping fish for almost 30 years so not sure why I watched this. I just like John and Lisa and have learned from them over the years. For you new keepers pay attention! Most important is go back and watch there videos on the cycle. When I started I had no clue. Most important thing you need to know. Cycle = life no cycle = death 💀.

Note: some substrates require two or more days of letting your tank run before adding fish. Mostly sand substrates will contain lots of silica dust which must be filtered out. Think nano shards of glass going thru your fish's gills! When the water is no longer cloudy, it's safe to slowly add fish

Thank you for this! As a brand-new fishkeeper, it was super helpful. I've had Thranduil the albino Molly for 24 hours now! Another of your videos is how I finally persuaded my boyfriend that - as cute as fishbowls are - it wasn't going to work. Now Thranduil lives in a 3-gallon starter-kit tank.

Wow so many first people to watch this XD

I watched this even though I have 3 tanks. I feel like it’s good to have a refresher every once in a while. Even if you know everything in here, it’s just easier to remember and refresh.

Thank you, exactly what we needed to see right now!👍

I’m starting my first fish tank which is a 75 gallon tank so I can begin my world into marine biology I want to thank KGtropicals for the information

Wow.You two put out this video at just the right time for me. I am taking everything on board. In about 2 weeks I will have a new 150 gallon for my adult discus and will use this in setting up my new aquarium. I am still learning. I can tell you two are kind people. Thank you.🐠😀

I got a friend who is giving me a 29 gallon tank. I appreciate this video! :)

Kept fish for the last 10 or so years, still learning something new every time these guys post

Ok watching this all the way through so I can start mine soon!

I swear, y'all can't ever make a bad video. Every video is full of great and very useful info ! Allowing your tank to do its first cycle BEFORE adding fish will save fish lives and money 💰 !! If not, be prepared to do daily water changes and it will take double the amount of time for its first cycle to complete -vs- waiting to add fish (imo). This hobby has been the most rewarding experience for myself as well my son's. Not to mention the awesome projects he is able to do for his Science class. My son Blake loved the one video where your oldest son learned how to perform water changes and normal tank maintenance. He never wanted to help me until he saw that video. Lol So thank you both for always taking the time and effort to make these videos! 🐠💜😊 p.s. Can you all make a video about aquarium 🐛 bugs (cyclops, water fleas, planaria) ?? That's something fish keepers don't talk about much and I'm currently trying to figure out how cyclops got in my tank to begin with! Lol

Intro is real I planned to get fish a little befor the new year and it has been so fun to watch every video and research everything

I have had my first 20 gallon for about a year and a half now. I love it. It’s houses tetras, guppies, two African dwarf frogs, two snails, and live plants. I’m enjoying the hobby as well as learning through KZfaq videos that are informative and interesting to watch.

Love having a fish tank in the home. It's beautifying and calming to look at, but to much work to clean and costly to maintain. I use to keep oscars in my youth, had them small and they grew big so fast. After a while, one by one they started dying and I didn't know why. Always fed on time, had large tanks to switch them around and change water and clean,had medicine to put in water, chlorine remover for water , hang on the tank filter (where majority of my money use to go). Was just painful to watch my babies die. Love them but fear them at the same time. They carried on badly when feeding time. They would see me coming and gather at the glass and would jump to bite my hand. I gave away my 3 tanks and decorations after that. If ever I get back into this, I'd want to make a friend at the fish store that I could hire to come clean and take care of the fish and tank.

I literally just got my first aquarium thank you!

Thank you guys, I'm getting some koi and this is awesome. I've been having all nighters going down the rabbit hole of aquarium set-up, fish buying and such. This is great info and it's only 10 minutes, I'm impressed :D

Morning John and Lisa great video as usual!!

I really appreciate you taking the time to educate people so that they can "get it all done correctly the First -Time"! I got a great book called " Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies" because I bought a home with a built-in 55 gallon Aquarium. I learned a lot but you must take the time to read it and you made a great set of videos that truly impressed me. 👌 I love how you explained at the same time with actually DOING it.....that clears up so many thoughts people might have by only reading about it. The DEMONSTRATION is priceless! 😊 Thanks!

It’s not about the size of your tank but the way you use it

Hi, I’m not necessarily a NEW fish owner but I’ve never had to deal with my own fish with knowledge of how to care for them. (Though it is worth noting that the only experience I have is a mother who keeps too many fishes and doesn’t clean/filter enough to keep the tank presentable, she also always mixed temperature fish so… yeah fish death is very common here which I hate) When I finally move out I’m gonna set up an old hexagon aquarium (with filter, etc) we stored away and I’m finally gonna be able to take PROPER care of some fishies!! I’m on route to become a zoologist so it’s pretty much a necessity to keep fish at home. This was a really good video and I have to say… I wish I could have some big empty tanks like you haves they are sooooooo enchanting. Thanks for the video, I hope I can care for them the right way along with my bunny😊

I remember when I had my tanks...40 years ago... there weren't sponge filters. They used a perforated plastic box that usually had a layer of charcoal and filter floss. The box had an air tube like a sponge filter. All pet shops I saw ran their tanks with this unless it was a large tank.

This is exactly what I needed

I have yet to get my first tank because I am spending lots of time researching everything i need before just going for it. I love your videos and how informative they are! I learn something new with each video I watch and i am so excited to give my future fish a happy life!

You guys inspired me get into this hobby and honestly its amazing. As a beginner i watched this video and many other and its worked wonders for me. I did over do the filter and got the fx6 and its amazing. Thank you so much. My fish are thriving and its been over 2 months now

That "everything you need to know", is truly iconic.

I'm almost at a year of fishkeeping, but I still watched this because I'm always curious and want to learn more to ensure that I can provide the best life for my fish

Thank you so much for your videos! I'm getting my very first tank (25 gallons) this week and your videos have been super helpful! SO excited!

Great video, I would 100% recommend any of my friends just startying to watch this one!

One thing I always tell prospective fish keepers is to think of the water as the fish's atmosphere. We require a pretty exact balance of oxygen and other gases to live, and contaminants in our air affect our health profoundly. It's the same with fish and the water in the tank. The conditions have to be just right for our fish to thrive.

I have had aquariums for a while now. My largest is my 55 gal turtle tank. But I have learned so much from just from watching a few of your videos. Guess what I learned! I learned that I am not supposed to clean my filter in tap water because of y’all! I feel like a beginner because of what I didn’t know!! You may feel like you repeat yourself a lot by saying don’t wash you filters in tap water, but you can’t say it enough!! I have had a canister filter, different brands for about 5 years. I didn’t wash the ceramic bio media, much, after about 3 1/2 years, but everything else was squeaky clean in the tap! So basically I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I also have a goldfish tank that needs some TLC. So thank you thank you thank you!!! For teaching me how to do things right!!!!!

Started a 10 recently with mollies. Very attached to them . Now im waiting for my 55 to get here. Haven’t decided what fish to put in it. Thanks for all the info you put out there.

I love your channel! Your videos always inspire me to get a tank of my own in the future. Hopefully, you can make a top 10 video about platties. They're a childhood fish of mine and I've been thinking of adding them to my own tank.

I love seeing HoT in your videos! I live a few minutes away from there and love seeing a bit of Maryland in your videos!! You guys should have seen the line to get in there when they only let 4 people in. The line went to the left of the door and went on and on and on and on. It was crazy!

Started with giving my wife's friends betta a home after she moved away. He's a studly blue crown. Got him a couple snails and frogs as company. Then we upgraded our kids tank to an actual 5 gallon for his tetra. Then our niece wanted one in the living room so I set up another 5 Gallon tank for her little fish. I am responsible for maintaining the health of the fish, so they will be taken care of. Whats cool is I've never seen a betta as happy as ours. His little personality is starting to shine through as well.

Very good info for the first timers. I think this video should be a must watch for any new hobbyist. John an lesa u all nailed this video XD

OMG what a coincidence I just got my first tank a week ago! This will definitely help my new fish parent anxiety !!

I absolutely love how she said enjoy doing the tank but think about the fish when getting the decorations 👍 yes i agree waiting is better!

Another excellent video! Though I would be remiss if I did not mention the completely unrelated fact that Lisa's makeup looked especially fabulous in today's video. I don't know if you added a new product, changed your skincare routine, or changed up the lighting, etc. Whatever you did, your skin and face look fabulous! Sorry for the sojourn, but when I have a great face day, I always appreciate it when someone lets me know, so I try to return the favor when the occasion rises. :)

Going out tomorrow to see if the pet shop is open, we have just started to lift lockdown a little in the UK ..I’ve just finished cycling my second tank with household ammonia, 10% , it took five weeks but the tests with my API test kit have finally shown 0 ppm ammonia and nitrite so a partial water change and off we go🇺🇸🇬🇧

I have been into fish aquariums a long time - I can always use reminders - very educational - thanks for this vid!

Love the new intro and feel guys!

I got my 1st ever aquarium. Its a 29 gallon and I've had it running for almost 48 hours with the chloride cleaner stuff and the good bacteria in there, oh and the heater at 78. Im exited to pick out my fish Tomorrow! I'm going for a simple hardscape.

My thoughts on aquarium kits: My last experience was on my birthday this past month. My partner and I picked out a 55g aquarium kit, complete with filter, hood, heater and even a net, along with water conditioner and flake food. The tank itself was in fine condition, but the filter, hood and heater were el-cheapo. To the point where the filter unit was made out of plastic just milimeters thick, and leaked thru a hole in the casing. The hood is ultra cheap plastic and very cumbersome, with little access doors just big enough for feeding thru. The light switches are way down and nearly unaccessable. In my view, it's better to spends a little more by buying piecemeal. I want to see exactly what I'm getting. As it is, I ended up with a much better filtration unit built more solidly. And it's more efficient at filtering too. The hood and heater I can live with for now, but in the future I will buy piecemeal. I like to see what I'm getting. OMG..... I'm already planning my next tank!!!!

Thanks guy's. Although thus isn't my first fish tank. I have caught the addiction from having our Turtle tank bought for our son who is obsessed! I have now 3 more tanks on order and have not stopped viewing your videos! Thanks again for everything. Dan from Melbourne Australia

Thanks for this! Soon im gonna be getting some fish and i was trying to find a guide on how to take care of them and then i found this and now i know the basics of taking care of fish!

Mount heater at an angle or horizontal to reduce premature wearing out due to false on/off cycling caused by the heat rising straight up to sensor.

I have decided to buy my first Betta fish. And just want to say thank you so much for your videos, youse ( and aquarium co op) have been a fantastic help. So again thank you for making it easy to understand what I've to do. From Aberdeen Scotland 💜💜😊😊

Love this, thank you. I've kept bettas for years, and recently learned I could give them tank mates. So, I've been watching video after video learning everything I need to know to give my current betta a much better life. I feel bad after having so many bettas with no filtration, no heater, and very little space. This little guy of mine is in for a surprise as in these next 2 weeks I will be setting up a 20 gallon planted tank just for him. I've got my tank mates planned out and my basic aquarium design in mind. One comment/question. I heard it is a good idea to introduce a betta to an established tank/community, and not the other way around. So, what are your views on this? And (2 questions I guess) what about introducing a betta to a pre-cycled tank. I am aware of the nitrogen cycle (great video, thank you). Would the ammonia spike be a hazard for a betta? Asking for Maximus, my red/blue dumbo ear. Thank you.

8:37 Number one newbie mistake, lack of patience and not accounting for environmental ecosystem requirements prior to fish introduction.

Nice to see the big tanks

Thanks for educating

I love you guys tell us how to do everything in a nice/kind

As a nursing student and a beginner fish keeper I approve. Although stressful at first having fish is a stress reliever for me lol 😂 I know it’ll get better. 🤍

Just wanted to say thank you and I love your videos . I'm setting up a larger tank with my daughter's 2 red eared sliders and fish , don't think I'm through the cycle just yet but I'll be patient 😉

I got into fish keeping because of corona. I have one betta in a 5 gallon and I love him.

One of the local shops told me to grab a tetra or 2 (no more) and put them in my tank to help cycle it. Worked, tank was well established and they are still alive and kicking today (about 2 yrs ago and a 350 mile move)

If you have a long tank, I always had heaters last longer when I put two smaller ones at either end. And we kept the heater in the sump of our marine tank for 10 years and that worked wonderfully.

I wish I saw this video when I started fish keeping. Great Job KGTropicals!

Thanks this is so helpful i just got my new tank today

I just started keeping fish. It started with fish bait minnows because i have turtles, so turtle food. But then i discovered rosy red minnows and felt bad when they got eaten so i bought a small tank and set it up for a few rosy reds. I threw in a pleco, too, but the pleco will be moved to the big tank when it gets big enough. Btw, im scared to death of fish. They have always weirded me out, every since i was little. Im also trying to get over my fear. Ive just gotten to where i can put my hand in with the rosy reds and pleco. Also, i want to put a few aquatic plants with my risy reds. I cant keep plants with turtles, they eat them. Tbh, im excited to keep my little fishies. Im even naming the pleco.

Watching this because I'm wanting to start this journey. I decided on my fish and tank, but it's getting the tank started I'm trying to figure out.

Super helpful, thank you very much and greatly appreciated :)

Been watching your videos very helpful on some things I didn’t know regarding previous tanks I managed. I have a question as far as doing water changes. We moved out of state and our home has a Water filtration/ softener due to high Iron Levels in our Well Water. Downside is it has a Salty taste to it and our plants don’t like it. I do have a Brita water filter on our downstairs faucet, if I use outside hose it’ll be Loaded with Iron. So question is: would the slow flow Brita filtered water be my only choice out of my options, or can I still use one of the other options? High Iron levels is a common thing in this state as far as water goes. Ideas? I have a 30+ gallon I need to do a water change on - thanks in advance

Imagine a world where those starter kits come with a corner matten filter ready to go, super effective, can run on air or powerhead, hides your equipment, honestly the only way I filter smaller aquariums now. I've just set up a super silent tank for my daughter's bedroom. I may even upload a video on the setup at some point

Can y’all do a tank maintenance schedule? I’m interested to see how you guys go about ensuring all your tanks are maintained and the schedule you follow to do so. Another video I’d love to see is top ten types of fish to keep in planted aquariums!! I’ve been doing live plants for 4 or 5 years now and I’ve always done tropical community with plants, but I’d like to know what cichlids would do ok and not destroy them all 😭 lastly!! I keep seeing that video with the various types of rainbow fish!! I have several Australian rainbow with and Madagascar rainbow fish. What is that sorta reddish one??? I want some 😂😂

Yea totally I was given a tank by my uncle and he gave me fish and it was a lot of pressure to leave them in the container longer than necessary feels not so great I still have a lot to get cuz rn all I got it’s the tank, filter, substrate & fish I didn’t even want the fish he gave me but I took them I was admiring his Cory catfish not is mollies & platties

what cameras do you guys use

*You should do a 10 things video on 10 things you can use filter floss for* for example blocking gaps between rocks that separate substrate types, blocking a hole in the lid for fish that jump, polishing the water, transferring beneficial bacteria to a new set up etc etc

Great video. I just moved up to a 5 gal tank for my fish.

I just watched your cycling video from 2013 and I am lucky enough to exidentaly putted plants from a couple months old tank

Lol. I've been out of the aquarium hobby for a decade. Brushing up on the basics while I work on setting up my tank

Hi John and Lisa, I'm new to the hobby (April) and I've learned so much from watching you guys, thank you.😁 I have an important question. Last night my power went out, luckily it was only for a few hours. It got me thinking, I live in Southeast Texas where we have hurricanes and sometimes the power can be out for a few weeks at a time. How can I ensure my fish will survive a situation like that? What steps can I take to prepare? I have 2 tanks a 5 gallon for my Betta and a 36 gallon for 14 tetras 2 mollys a bristlenose pleco and a nerite snail.

Thank you keep it up !

Really helpful thank you

your the reason my fish are alive started out at a joke at walmart and now i have 2 10 gallons w a molly goldfish (not mixed ofc) snails plecos guppies

thank you, that's a useful video! My son really wants fish, and we'll buy him a tank for Christmas. Only a tank with all that we will need and 2-3 plants, so we first figure out everything. Once we will learn how to handle the tank we will put some fish in there.

I’ve been in the hobby for years and I still watch videos like this for no reason lol

I haven't kept fish (except in the freezer ) for 20 years. What happened to under gravel filters ?

I just bought some fish for a 5 gallon tank yesterday, 5 Neon tetras, a gold mystery snail and a male blue half-moon betta. I let the tank cycle cycle a few days, then I acclimated them over the course of an hour, keeping the betta in a large bowl overnight to let the tetras claim the tank first so hopefully the betta wouldn't bully them. The tank has a filter, heater (set to 78), I tested the water, and used all the stuff to dechlorinate, add beneficial bacteria, situated the nitrites and such. Gave them a little flakes, and went to bed. Flash to this morning, I go to check on them, and 4 are dead. The fifth is swimming around all crazy, doing flips and after an hour, died as well. The betta was never introduced. I have some gold and white band plants, and normal aquarium gavel. Everything was rinsed well before putting into the tank. What did I do wrong?

Great video. Your red dragon was misbehaving pushing everyone to one side of the tank😂😂

My city is almost always above 80 except for maybe December-January. I’ve had to keep the AC on at all times since I got my first tank.

Been keeping fish a year now with little incident. Still doesn't hurt to get some refresher training.

Love this video ! Thank you so much 😊

Looking a lot of video before starting with aquarium next week so excited 😁 😆 😍

I just got my first aquarium as an adult (I had one as a kid but life made it so I couldn’t keep it). I now have my betta boy Marvin Gaye living the life in a nice 5 gallon tank. I forgot how fun having a fish is!

Thanks, great intro video. Jim

Can you suggest some fish which are resistant to NEW TANK syndrome.. Basically I'll add fish in March 1st week, I think the tank will be well cycled by then. 1. I'm a beginner and bought a tank 20 days ago (waiting for silicone to cure). I put sand and driftwood to soak in plastic bucket at the same time for acclimating. 2. I'll be setting up substrate and hardscape tomorrow in tank and do 70% water change for next 3 days (to get rid of excessive ammonia and dust particles) 3. On 4th day planning to add filter and some pothos plants to help cycle the tank naturally and daily 30-50% water change for 2-3 days depending on how dirty water looks 4. Then add aquatic plants and leave it for whole month of Feb with weekly water changes of 30-50%

Just got my tank, waiting for plants, substrate etc and once it has all been set up and cycled I'll look for my new betta fishey friend. I'd rather wait till it's all done so he will be happy and healthy when he moves in. These videos have really helped me, thanks 😊

So I'm trying to start and own a betta ( I always feel so bad with them in little cups). When I started thinking about it and deciding to own one, I've been looking up things and watching videos (including yours :D) and I still have some questions about some things. Anyone that can answer is welcome to answer! At the moment, I got one of those all in one tanks at PetSmart (a 10 gallon tank with light, filter, net etc) I also bought other things and I know I have other materials to get. I also realized that I need to get a stand, so it kind of pushed when I'd set up my tank and get a betta. But even after still watching videos and looking at things, I still have some questions. I believe my light is a normal one with a regular plug, but I remember seeing in a lot of videos, that aquariums have timers to their lights, would anyone recommend having one or would not having one be okay? What are the best times to have the light on? This one is two (or a few) in one I would say. So when filling the aquarium itself, do you treat the water before filling the tank? Is it just water conditioner or do you have to treat it with other chemicals? When cleaning the tank I know you have to add water back in, do you treat that before putting it in the tank (I'm sure if the first question of this section is yes, then this would be too, but I thought I'd ask anyway) What are the basics of taking care of plants in the tank? After planting them, is it just dropping a beneficial chemical for them (I've seen a pill thing that is put in the gravel after planting the live plants as well as this chemical with a dropper in a plant care set). Do you have to trim it or any other care needs to be done for them? Do we need to keep the aquarium chemicals or fish food in a place with a certain temperature?

I love the background guys

@KGTropicals I had a 50 gallon ( I dont think it was meant to be an aquarium. The guy before me had salt water fish in it though) that was given to me and I noticed some of the silicone looked old and chunks missing and I had to replace it. After filling the tank with water (no leaks!), I noticed the tank has a very slight bow in the front panel. Its about 1/32 of an inch. Is this okay to keep fish in? There was not center brace or anything when I got it. It also didnt have a lid so I built my own and it doesnt fit when full because of the flex. I got nervous and drained it. Can I use this or should I look for another tank?

I have both for 20 gallon tall, sponge HOB. Fuval C2