👇👇MD MERCH CLICK HERE👇👇: FULL SHOP: md-fish-tanks.creator-spring.com This is my self sustaining ecosystem aquarium that I've built for my new betta fish and ricefish. The idea behind this aquarium is that once you get past the initial few weeks of "fish in cycling", the tank will not require water changes, will need minimal feeding as the shrimp will breed and micro fauna will populate the tank. All that will be required is to top up the water level as it evaporates and trim / replant the plants. Lovely!!! I will feed the tank with some quality flake food every other day though just to ensure there is enough food for the fish. The wood will also keep nitrates at a respectable level and provide nutrients for the plants. Equipment (all links affiliate): MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3m3cEz9 UK amzn.to/3orIdRv GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL API® products Subscribe to API on KZfaq: kzfaq.info USA consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/stores/page/2193F555-CE5F-4A6B-BDC4-F315CB7F175D?channel=MDTanks UK consumers purchase API products on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/25663644-6C8C-432C-9E6A-0A85082C3E3C AQUARIAN® products Follow AQUARIAN on KZfaq: kzfaq.info/love/NxaNWKoWr_ztSgXgPj9r8A Purchase AQUARIAN products here: aquarian.co.uk/where-to-buy/ AWESOME MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY kzfaq.info/love/3uQXzXSPspf2LoGdtYGiHwjoin FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/md_fishtanks/ FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES: admin@mdfishtanks.com #plantedtank #aquascape #mdfishtanks

Here in the states, bettas are literally displayed in tiny cups. It makes me so happy that this shop actually takes care of their bettas!

I wish a fish shop like this was near me. I love that the bettas are in the big tanks and not tiny cups!

I would highly recommend above water plants also. Plants like Pothos you can hang in the back of the tank or filter. They reach way more oxygen being exposed to air and are also therefore consuming more nitrates. I use Pothos/aloe Vera in almost all of my tanks. You can get just a small cutting and turn it into a huge plant easily.

Hi MD. Just a quick note to let you know that I love your return to this type of video. Over the last couple years I have learned so much from you and have been continuously inspired to improve, in a (likely unattainable!) quest to have tanks as beautiful as yours. Watching your process in 'nano' tanks in your own studio works so well for me. Thanks again for going back to demonstrating the techniques and design of tanks I can aspire to! Cheers and I hope you guys cool down soon. John

I work hard to maintain two tanks. Meanwhile, "let's go to my 697th immaculate tank real quick and harvest some plants from that"

These tanks really do keep getting betta and betta!

MD, I definitely think you have done your homework. Other fish channels I watch, I find myself wishing they did more research. This is a tank channel that does fish right and proven your methods. Always a joy to watch you create!

This tank is great MD! Have been looking for betta community ideas that work. I have been binge watching your videos for a couple of weeks now and I totally love your channel. Your nano tanks are all fantastic, so inspiring and perfect for people who want to enjoy the hobby, care for their fish, but don’t have tonnes of spare time. Hopefully my Betta will soon be loving life in an MD inspired planted tank!!!!

I think you should attempt a Australian themed tank. The rainbows over here are really nice and there’s lots of great plants

I absolutely have loved to see you and Matt’s friendship grow over time. It’s been awhile but the two of you, if I remember correctly, were just fish store acquaintances at first. And now you guys seem so fun together ❤❤

What a lovely tank MD!!! I've just finished my first ever tank, and did a fish in cycle! Seeing that beautiful bright blue on the nitrite test after a few weeks of purple was one of the best feelings! My betta and his cardinal tankmates are loving their home now!

I cannot believe your talent with the setting up of new fish tanks. It's truly a gift. They all look different but so cool and natural. I am so glad I found this channel.

Hi MD. I appreciate you listing the types of plants you are using. It gives me, and others, ideas of what to try in our set ups. Thanks.

MD, you've literally inspired me into getting a planted Tank, they've always seemed a bit to complicated, but your way of doing things have literally been my go to., Just got my first tank, 300L heavily planted, no too much worry, fish seem to do great so far! Thank you!

With lights off the aquarium looks sooo amazing... Sooo Natural and beautiful contrast of colors

I'm just getting started with my first tank and I've been watching a bunch of your videos for ideas and tips, everything is so helpful!!

Watching you has brought me back to the hobby and I have learnt so much it has made it easier and more enjoyable

I love your channel and find most (all) of your tanks to be beautiful, but I will say that this particular aquarium is, in my opinion, the most beautiful one. It's simply stunning. I like the little splashes of color scattered throughout the lush green, and even the red root floating plants carry that on through the surface. So lovely. (If I die and come back as a fish, can I live in there? Haha.)

I've used dirt under sand and also bio-media bags under sand...I'm now 6-9-12 months in, the bags are SO MUCH BETTER than dirt. ALSO....I've never heard such a direct connection to the Walstead (sp?) method and how this is a better approach -- looks AMAZING!!! BRAVO!!!

Thanks so much for these 2 videos. I'm about to start a planted aquarium for the first time and want it to be as low-tech and self-sustaining as possible. These videos have been perfect!

Tears in my eyes, love the tank MD!

I did a cycle without fish, planted the tank, seeded with beneficial bacteria and dosed it with ammonia. Once the tank removed the ammonia quickly enough (and was stable about it) I added fish and had no issues. Don't remember cloudiness from dieoff, but it could've happened during the night. As long as the fish are happy and healthy I don't see an issue with what cycle you do. Also, ammonia stinks, in case anyone was considering that kind of cycle.

I just love your tanks, passion and style, you shine through with such joy. I've a really green thumb, and grow flowers, succulents and a salad vegi bar at home, and I've just recently set up my first tank....it didn't stop there, I've just got my 2nd tank, a fluval edge 46l and will create a natural tank which I'm very excited about. thanks for sharing your passion of the underwater gardening!! I'm in Aus, but made in UK.

Your videos are so inspiring. Its on my bucket list to create something like this one day. Thank you for being awesome!

Thankyou for this! I was only asking the other week for an instructional new fish tank start video. Legend 👌

Just found this channel yesterday, but boy, those fishes are so chill! ☮

African tank looking amazing as ever. Gotta be my favorite you've done. The layout, the wood. The stocking. Amazing. Kinda sad you'd probably be breaking it down soon.

I've watched SO many of your videos. I'm super excited to do a filterless ecosystem in a 10 gallon tank.

I've only actually had nano aquariums basically up too 20 gallons at max but I've honestly enjoyed having nano community tanks with a Betta Fish male or female as they honestly will doo great with a community and will honestly make the community tank have some personality and perspective of on learn that betta's are only aggressive after they've been removed from the grow out tank and they then completely forgot who's exactly family or not as they will co habitat with quite alot of fish if they aren't fin nippers, honestly have enjoyed your content over the few years

congrats matt!!!! the tank looks amazing as usual MD!

Absolutely wonderful video! I really want to try a tank like this. And it's always fun to go see Fishshop Matt!

Ocean aquatics and father fish is an inspiration of how aquarium should be. I like how your following natural way with a modern twist. Walstead method is an extention of what you are all about. Dont fight nature use it to our advantage.

I find that its very true that goldfish change their colors. My brother got a black goldfish, he was just a little guy, obviously a younger fish. And then throughout a few weeks he grew, and his color turned gold. And now that hes a lot bigger, hes such a dark black that we can barely find him in the black substrate (we have a white goldfish in the tank, hence the black substrate)

I love your channel. Im a newbie and ive learned so much from you. I just hope ill soon have enough for a bigger tank (56L atm). Kinda want around 100L would be so cool, more room for plants and some more scapes!!

Great job @MD Fish Tanks on the setup and video! I messed up a few things in my setup and didn’t test enough right after setup and lost three fish due to a nitrite spike. Things are better now.😞

I like this guy. He's talented, as far as his hobby, and as a presenter, too. All around great youtuber.

Best betta tank I’ve ever seen! My little veil tail would be jealous.

I appreciate this bigger, community tank for a Betta 👍. Don’t forget to trim the pearlweed 😉 or take it out after the other plants are grown

I love it! Also love that you gave all the name of the plants and animals.

Is it crazy that I didn’t even know who Matt was but instantly recognised that fishtank behind them from a KZfaq fish binge just the other day. I’m going to sub to both of you right now 👍🏼

love all your videos! i set up a 30g using your method with silvertip tetra’s and pearl gourami with corys! more power to you!

Cool vids! I like the dark start for a new tank because you dont need water change and this day we all need to be very careful with the water. I like your channel because of your ecosystem style. I’m agree with you, we dont need to have plants on steroids.

I’m going to save a betta…this video is such a help. I’m disabled so the tank size is great for my side table. Thank you!

You are the truth! Your videos have been very informative and pleasant to watch. I cant wait to start setting up my tank, thank you thank you.

This is sooo much cooler than interior decorating

Another beautiful setup. Thanks MD.

I love your channel man, much love from the US, before finding your channel I didn’t think it was possible to have such beautiful low-tech tanks. I wish I found your channel before I invested in my pricey C02 setup 😅.

What a lovely video to watch, lovely fish/tanks, great music, and you are a really nice knowledgeable guy. Keep going with these videos!

Thanks for the video. I’ve been looking for inspiration for a spare tank and a rescue Betta that’s in a tiny emergency nano tank. Send congratualtions to Matt on the birth of his baby. 🍼🍼

Lol I’m a fan of the budget lights as well. As long as the plants grow and it looks good I’m in.

Everytime I see Matt I want to even his beard out so bad, like take off the long parts and make it even like MD’s. 😂

Love the new plant captioning style!

Yay, a short finned Betta! He looks stunning against the black background.

Its been only 4 days i got my betta and its doing great jumping to bite my hand jumping to eat wet flakes building bubble nests sleeping coming upto me everytime i go up to him.Experienced fish keeper or breader but new to betta fish im glad its doing good

Massive congratulations to Matt from all of us

Hi MD✋. You are my inspiration for everything about the aquarium and fish. I watch all your videos and I am very happy and enjoying. You are my number one. I wish I could travel and meet you one day❤️. Badr. From Syria

MD can’t resist the lush look of pearlweed I swear

Great work, this tank is beautiful!

Hi MD thank you so much for your brilliant videos you send me. I'm in the process of setting up a new fish tank. I'm not using the Colombo CO'2 Reactor refill its so good for my plants 7:03

Congratulations Matt! Not only do you surprise us with your knowledge on fish but you somehow the first man to have a baby Couldn’t even tell You was pregnant!

I have a betta and chili rasboras in my filterless tank AND THEY JUST HAD BABIES!!! I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting and hoping for this! (Except now I have to get a tank set up to transfer them in so they survive 😅)

first things first..excellent content, very captivating...I think I've watched almost all your videos over the weekend, some even twice.. just got my first tank today..super excited

I like back to your studio videos! I use all API products because of you! 🐟🐟🐟I wish I could hit the like button over and over. 🤣

Title: "NO WATER CHANGE." End of video: "Unlikely I'll need to do a water change every day."

Congratulations to Matt on the new baby!!!

i love these natural scapes so much !!!!

your tanks deserves to be the legends.

Chuck it in!!! Great stuff bro 👍👏

Thank you for your comments on fish in cycling, I have taken much abuse for carrying out controlled fish in cycling from people on social media, they just don’t understand how safe and effective it can be if you do it with proper consideration taking the measures you outline in this video. Thank you.

Spectacular looking tank MD👍

Another awesome video, always learning new tricks from you .... keep up the great work 👍

I'm absolutely loving these videos. I saved a beta fish from that small cup in the petstore. He's now in a 20 long aquarium. But I want to learn how to do the aqua soil in zip bags, then substrate and sand. Then picking the best live plants to have. Floating plants too. I really want my beta fish to have an amazing mansion. I'd greatly appreciate any information you can share. ❤

Congrats Matt!

Congrats, Matt!

That's actually pretty cool. I would love to have something like this but research is a number one priority first.

Totally agree! Love the Twinstar S & C line lights. They are still too purple or warm for my liking, though. A & B lines are total garbage. ADA solar & UNS Titan provide the perfect, cool white light. Just cost a ton of dough

Congratulations Matt!!!!!

Helloo.... Am from India..... I found this channel two three days before and I set up one self sustaining aquarium today.....And I was not a fish type person at all...😂 Thanks for such excellent videos.... Really great especially for beginners.... Thanks a lot man...

I have the B Line on a 45 U …very dope light….definitely worth the money

I had a 55 gallon with 6 various fancy goldfish and sand as a substrate. The only live plant I had any luck with that had decent growth was the amazon sword. Luckily they left it alone. What I didn't count on was even with my massive weekly water changes, they were still such good fertilizer machines themselves one of the swords grew to occupy 1/4 of the tank and became a massive mother plant, producing offshoot after offshoot, which I then was able to profit from. Don't know why I mentioned this. I've had dirted tanks as well, and this is obviously next level.

This build is so nice!

Very different substrate choice for you MD, I like it 👍

I always love your video and also i also did the mesh bag method it really work😍😍

Love the videos! Very inspiring for sure. Could you do a video detailing how you do a fish in cycle? It would be great for beginners like me.

So I believe the purplish one is for uv susceptible fresh water fish. Not really a fish expert but I believe it's to make the fish scales look more vibrant. The one for the plants will be in a bluish white tint because this is the wavelength that they utilize the most. Cheers.

I use the API master test kit as well, and it is good, but there are some important caveats to be aware of with it: 1) when you buy a new kit, save the color charts from the previous one and compare them - they aren't always the same, and sometimes it can be different enough you'll think it's off by one (what is 0.25 on one chart will look like 0.5 on the other, for example), and 2) the type of lightning you put the results under can strongly impact what color you think you are seeing. Not all types of lights (LEDs, incandescent, natural sunlight, etc.) are equal, they all have subtle differences about them that can make a big different in your readings. The colors in the liquid might be consistent, but what you are comparing to it isn't going to be. (And of course, if you are experiencing a surge in nitrite or nitrate, it's nigh impossible to distinguish the various shades at the high levels, although that doesn't matter overly much since if you are at such high levels that you can't even distinguish what the level is, you clearly need to take emergency action regardless.) Also, I'm curious about how the pH level in a tank like this is maintained at a steady and appropriate level? Every betta tank I've ever had, the pH is always dropping all the time and needs daily reinforcement. Heck, every tank I own regardless of what is in it always has continuously falling pH levels that need constant upping. I might well be keeping API alive financially just on the enormous quantities of pH Up I have to buy all the time.

My first video and I’m hooked. Subbed.

Hi MD loving all you videos, I am about to setup a new tank after quite a long time out of the hobby and would love for you to do a video covering the API range and what to use as there are several products that seem to do the same thing i.e stress coat, quick start and aqua essential! Any help or recommendations would be appreciated thanks

Your eco system tanks keep getting Betta and Betta.

You are so inspiring, I love all of your videos, and you’ve inspired me to make a tank of my own! Hope you see this comment.

Quick Start ftwI I know this video is a couple of months old, but I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed watching it. I'm moving around so not really in a position to start with aquatics (though I was very into the hobby years back), so thank goodness I can get my dose at your channel. Your tanks look stunning. The fish and plants are just thriving. Keep 'em coming!

Ngl I attempted your African river and it seems like a success. Just waiting for a few days to test the water prior to putting the fish in there. I’ll now be attempting this for my 1 male and 3 female betta fish 🙏🏿. Much love bro

Hey Man! great video! Can you make a video explaining how you have been dealing with the heatwave?! and how you have been cooling down your aquariums!

Hey, I really love your videos, I just stated my beta tank a month ago, but definitely take this as reference for my next tank in a couple of months. Saludos desde Costa Rica 🇨🇷 Pura Vida!!!

Very glad you used less hardware in this video and highlighted the plants. It looks obtainable to avg aquarists I think it will be my favorite build! Please what is the name of the cheap light? I like that it does not look cheap if that makes sense.

I got my first fish a month ago. I had my tank going for a month before I added my fish cos I wanted to have established plants in the tank first and not have to deal with plants dying while my fish was getting used to her tank. I assumed the tank cycled in that month based off of the stuff in quick start and my fertilizer. If not, then I did fish in cycling. I still neurotically test my water parameters and do a small water change every two or three days. My fish seems happy. I think that I’ve got bacteria in my tank taking care of things.

Hi MD! I love your channel! Can't wait to see what else comes out of your relationship with Miadenhead Aquatics. I am setting up a ten gallon with plans to use really oddball plants (100% purple/pink/red leaved plants). Do you think you could another set up in the future based around a similar idea? There aren't a lot of resources for these types of plants informationally so I would reallly appreciate it!

Hey MD. Thanks for giving me a better idea to use aquasoil. I read some people use gravel as the bottom layer, aquasoil in the middle, then the top soil. Have you tried this, does it matter? And does this help cut down on algae? I previously just used all aquasoil and it's okay but doesn't look as pretty.

I actually like the purple look 💜