*What tips do you have for cleaning a planted aquarium?* And if you don't have time to do a detailed clean, here's my 5-minute tank cleaning that I did for my betta tank: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jZmGicKUm5-nqYU.html

I learned nearly everything I know about plants from you. I’m having some algae problems atm but I haven’t killed a single plant I’ve tried to keep yet! I thought I killed my bucephalandra because they’ve been melting back for a while now, but a few days ago I saw a new little leaf! Thanks Irene! 🙏

I think this is a great video. Here’s a few side notes Low nitrates: Don’t worry about lower nitrated readings, unless you see nitrogen deficiencies in your plants. When you test, you measure excess nitrate dissolved in solution; but you completely miss consumption. What’s happening is your fish’s metabolic activity; as well as, fish waste and food decomposition is still producing ammonia (where some of it will convert to nitrate). But, the plants are always up-taking nitrate and ammonia as soon as it’s produced. You don’t have to have 20 or 30 ppm nitrate to be successful. You can easily be successful at 1-5 ppm, so long as you actively monitor it. If it’s truly in optimal balance (which is exceedingly rare), the plant uptake and bacterial load perfectly matches the fish load. In that situation, you don’t need to fertilize macro nutrients. It’s when we exceed either the plant load, or the fish load; then we have to act. If we heavily plant and heavily favor plants; you will notice deficiencies, and you must test and fertilizer. Opposite that, if we exceed and favor fish stocking; you will see nitrates and phosphates continually climb, then we need to chemically filter or dilute (water change). However, if you are near true balance: your tests can read almost no nitrate and still have thriving plants, as the bio loads match. What this means: watch for deficiencies. If you notice any: fertilizer. Because then you confirmed your tanks’ plant side of the biological equation is larger than the fish side. The Bubbles: people worry about bubbles coming from substrate because they worry about hydrogen sulfide. You likely don’t need to worry about it at all, that heavy plant load will keep the majority of your substrate oxygenated; given your tank size and substrate depth. When you have to worry is deeper substrate with low plant concentrations and low substrate porosity. In those situations, you can exceed aerobic and anoxic conditions and create fully anaerobic zones. You can see it as a very dark brown almost blackening in lighter substrates. However, even in anaerobic conditions, bubbles are a good thing; that is gas escaping to the atmosphere and leaving your tank. The worry starts when you disturb sediment, it bubbles, and then you see cloudy or turbid water emanating from it: that’s when to worry. If you have darkening spots in sediment and it emanates turbid or murky water: that is a sign the dissolved organics, that where fermenting in anaerobic conditions; reached your main water column. Which often results in toxic conditions, and die-off’s. (it's most often turbid, because most organics are clear. Other than odd light refraction, they are very difficult to see) But, you don’t have that. That tank is fine, and doing quite well. Great Job Your spread sheet is also fantastic. spotting trends is very difficult without recorded data. So that's awesome.

Oooh, new packaging on the root tabs?!? Great idea! Before I insert root tabs, I pierce them with a straight pin to let the air out. Keeps them from floating and makes them easier to use.

I still use the ol' bucket method for water changing using a syphon, as I like to know exactly the volume of water I'm taking out. My bucket has measurements on the side of it in gallons and liters. This allows me to know exactly how much water conditioner to add no matter the product (metric or imperial directions)

I glad to see that I'm not the only aquarium hobbyist who relies on a spreadsheet for aquarium plant and fish husbandry. Thanks for your videos reminding everyone that the work should indeed be fun.

Very practical (and fun!) tips -- I love that I'm not the only one that talks to all my fish/snails while I'm cleaning the tank :)

The red platies look great with the green plants.

I like the water animation you added in I had to rewind the video just to make sure I wasn't seeing things 🤣

This was a great video! I’ve started to dread my water changes because of the buckets of water I have to lug around - I’m a little scared of the python system for some reason though. This video does make it seem really easy though! I have 8 tanks ranging from 5 gallons to 55 gallons, so I imagine this could make my life a lot easier ❤️

One of the better videos on maintaining planted aquariums. Thank u for making this video.

I am new to fish keeping and your videos are such a joy to watch :) thank you

You're an awesome super nerd. Have a wonderful, fun, safe vacation. Stay well.

AWESOME break down video. A lot of your videos gave/give me that extra push for the planted tanks. THANKS 🥰

I am definitely going to use some of these tips because my brand new tank (which just finished cycling 4-5 times for the first time) is heavy planted...

Thank you, Irene! I love your content so much. I recently started keeping track of my maintenance in a planner. Yeah, I'm "nermy" like that 😊

“One more for good luck.” 😂 we are all the same.

By far the best video on complete tank maintenance I have ever watched. Thank you so much!

04:32 you need the sandwich bag trick in your life! You just gently shimmy a little plastic bag (e.g. sandwich bag, empty bread bag etc.) under and around the outside of the spongefilter, then carefully lift out the bag from the top catching the filter along with whatever water is in the bag - and all the debris that clouds off the sponge the moment you disturb it. Then you have a bag of tank water ready for cleaning debris from the sponge, and no need to wait two days for your water to clear up properly, or else half-clog your filter up again trying to clear all the debris from the water after you just got done cleaning your filter. :)

This tank looked great with the overgrowth, and also after your trimming. I love the fish you have as well! Best regards and thank you

Love that laugh when the fry wouldn't leave the syphon 😂

I love the fact that you use excel to track your data. You have come a long way and have helped me in the process. Having a sucessful planted tank is a life goal for me. I'm living the dream!!!!!

I juuust set up my first nano tank to cycle and was youtube searching this! Thanks for the video!

Love the step-By-step presentation

Interesting content. Thanks for sharing the detailed step by step process

I know this video is a little older but I loved it! I'm moving into a permanent house soon and I'm hoping to start my first ever fish tank. I can't stop binging videos and I want to give it a go, but the maintenance had always been super intimidating to me, but this video made it look pretty simple and I'm sure after doing it for a while it'll become easier

Im sorry, Irene- I didn’t understand the correlation between gas bubbles in the substrate, & the air stone & sponge filter. What does the former have to do with the latter? If you get the chance to explain that further, it might help me understand. I know that I, for one, would really appreciate it! Love your videos and you’re an absolute doll!! Thank you so much!

Wow, the tank looks so much better after the haircut! I guess I need to buy more test kits for the plants. Thanks for all you do for us new guys!

Hi Irene, great video as usual. I just purchased the same wireless microphone for the videos I produce at church. Nothing wrong with keeping a spreadsheet - in fact I do the same thing, keeping track of weekly water tests. That way I can keep track of things, know what "normal" is for my tank, and detect when things go haywire. I use Google sheets, which is all in the cloud and accessible from my phone, easy peasy to record the data.

I just use an old fashioned system for my tank maintence (I only have 2 tanks tho). I just use a notebook & write what I to each tank & the date I do it. I can never remember what exactly I do or when I do/did it, so all I have to do is look back at my notebook. Works for me & helps keep me straight & my fish healthy & happy !

The intro is so much better you should do you videos like that all the time

Great Job! Precisely how I do mine.

I recently started a 5 gal. Betta planted aquarium and when I am finished cleaning I put the fish water on my out door plants an they are looking awesome. Thanks for your videos

Thanks for the reminder to keep a record of conditions and dates. I always tell myself I'll remember when I dosed fertilizers but that's a lie! I definitely need to start keeping a record

I always learn something new watching your videos, thanks 😊 👍👍

OML 100k subs I haven't watched a video in a while but i remember you at like 15 k, thats amazing

Set up my first tank with help from your videos 🙌🏼 really appreciate the content! Had to make sure I followed after the AOT mention

Thank you for this video! Super helpful 👍

It's good to know I'm not the only one who documents what I do to the tank ❤😄 good video

I keep a safety pin in with my bag of root tabs, and poke a hole in each end so they won't pop out.

Totally useful idea to use a spreadsheet (eg Office Excel, Libreoffice Calc), they're great to see trends and keep long term records, in aquariums. Technical people will need little coaxing. For the non technical person, the benefits of the tool across many types of tasks (eg casual book keeping, fitness and health statistics, any kind of comparison tallying) make learning how to use spreadsheets a useful challenge. But it's definitely not for everyone.

I love the way how you control the water way of the siphon to release that red platy fry!!

I Really like your videos irene HUGE fan by the way❤❤

I love the shyness of your dog when caught on camera.........

Great as usual, Irene ❤

Thanks for this video! I really appreciated all your experience even mistakes. I'm not very good with plants, and am planning my 29 gallon nano community plant tank. I haven't had a tank in a long time. I really enjoy your videos!

Perfect timing! Wish you could post pictures in comments, lol. My tank needed a minor overhaul.

Thanks for another great video. i have approx 35 tanks and all planted and they do great. i am contemplating co2 on a couple of tanks but nervous. My Fish room is a lot of work and really enjoy your tips to try and save some time where i can. Eddie

Thank you for this video. I really appreciate that you explained what you are doing and why. I would like to have a planted tank. I think I could do it now because of this video. I will also watch for your others. Thanks so much ♥

This is a really good guide

Quick tip for fish keepers If u use poly fill for filtration and u decide to change it don’t throw away the filter floss . Instead clean it really well and use it to scrub/clean your glass of the aquarium. Trust me i have tried using razors and they clean the glass pretty well but they don’t give the side glass the mirror look i hope this comment helps u

Wowww!!... from your January How to Balance vid... Looks like a whole new world!! -Great work!

Irene, what a great video. Very informative and super helpful. I have been keeping plants for years and am learning new things from you all the time! Thank you! Also attack on Titan!!!! Let’s gooo!! Haha big fan myself. Tank looking beautiful, keep up the amazing work🙌🏼🙌🏼

I used a magic eraser on the go glass. I works Brilliantly.

Nice tank. All my stem plants need a hair cut. LOL. I recently set up a new planted tank. For the first time, I set it up with root tabs in the substrate. My plants are happy plants! I didn’t realize how much of a difference just adding root tabs would make.

Thank you for such a wonderful tutorial video! It's really helpful to hear your experiences! :D

Wow prefect timing! I was just taking a 10 break in between maintenance😂

Cheers just nice and a nice video as always, and i am in process of setting my 2x 3ft aquscape planted tank :D and attack of titans is super addictive as well

Loved the last step i cant say how many times the slime on the top of my tanks has annoyed me and no else has given any ideas to remove it much better

Thank you for taking the time!’

I’m going to give those root tabs a try…I’ve used another brand that resemble fizz tablets and they break apart and release a lot of particles in the water when putting them in :/

02:39 The water drip effect was smooth 🙂

I have a serious problem with Green Spot algae, I have a nerite snail aswell to help get rid of it because it takes a very long time to scrub it off with a toothbrush because I am too lazy to get anything else to clean it (I know it needs micronutrients and I’m supposed to go get them this week)

7:55 What is that quick-connect adapter that you have on the Python to connect it to the sink faucet? Where did you get it and how did you install it? Did you make a video about it?

Awesome content as always. Super helpful. Thank you!

Fish for thought should do a collab with you

Your kuhli is so active ;)

Wow, thanks girl for uploding this amazing 🎬🌿🐟🌊☯️☮♻️😊🐕😄

That long hose system is pretty nifty. Buckets may be easier for me. Gonna have to think about it

Nice shout out on Attack on Titan! love your vids.

I never gravel vac my tanks either. Ever. 😂😂

Irene can you please do a video regarding nitrates and fertilizer? You have mentioned this in several of your videos over time and I don't understand what you mean by this. Thank you! Love your videos 💓

Your videos are so helpful! Thank you!!

First omg! My tank was overgrown too but luckily we have goldfish so I won't have problems abt it for now...

Perfect I’m cleaning my tank today! I had my 20 gallon filter off for such a long time that all the beneficial bacteria died. So I’ve got allot of ammonia in the tank and I hope all 17 fish survive :( I bout a python but I’ve got no idea how to use it or where to put in into. (I use a different brand of vacuum)

Attack on titan is awsome one of my favorites

Great Video! Thank you so much for the information and Fun 😀 What light do you use on this tank? Very beautiful setup!

I need to get one of those long tubes. I hate having to keep going to the sink for water changes.

I skipped the python method as I saw kaveman aquatics talk about the pump method as an evolution from the python, and I hadn't even heard of the python. I was using a siphon with a manual pump in the middle from fluval brand, it's great, but with buckets, I didn't like the spills and carrying buckets manually, so the pump is great, put pump in the tank, hose end into the back yard, plug in pump and watch it drain. Fill large container in bathtub with water up to the volume needed (I use a 100 litre because my 60W pump is a bit large and must stay submersed, I usually need to refill 50l from a 90litre tank change, check temp with a thermometer, put hose end in tank with a clip to stop it coming out, plug in and pump back in.

Excellent!

I just love you talking

I really love this!!!

P.S; your eye make up is always beautiful.

Nobody: your fish whenever you're cleaning: the Titans have broken through the wall Everyone run it's the hand Titan

Can you make a video on how you do the spreadsheets?

TY for the video. Where can I get that "widget" (at the to top of the faucet python green piece) that quick connects (chrome thing at top). Has a green lip at top chrome on rest

Is there any home made fertilizers for plants madam

Wish I could get my plants to grow like that

I like the jungle look as long as there is room for the fish. Question I have a bow front tank and I have tried mag scraper on the front but it looks like it is held out by the bow any tips?

My cryptocorynes, dwarf aquarium lily, and hygrophila polysperma take over my tank like crazy. In fact I had to uproot several crypt plantlets earlier today as the roots were growing everywhere. But hey, I'd rather have my plants grow too fast than have them not grow at all or worse, melt away.

Question about the 0 nitrate and plants. What can one do to fertilize the plants? Should the nitrate and nitrite go up?

I saw you put tap water directly on the aquarium and then add anti chlorine....shouldn't the water be treated first? I need advice I'm new to this

“Excuse me… go away. Shoo. Scuse mee”

Love your videos. Are you watching the final season of AoT?

There’s an app that makes keeping track wayyyy easy, it’s called aquarium log

Thanks for the reminder! I just finished up black clover and wanted to finish attack on Titan!

Have you ever considered doing a comparison on the different gh boosters/ remineralizers that are out there. I don't often see videos of people showing when they add them or how much they add. I use gh booster from nilocg but used to use equilibrium. It's just not something I see talked about all that much

Cool

omg i do the "1 more for good luck" too!!! 😂 i just get so scared! what if the standard amount not enough!?!?

What about the fish poop. Do you need to gravel vac that or does the plant handle it?