Aquarium Plants for Beginners

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Kevin Slayer68 - 7 years ago

Beautiful Betta

Ahmad Noor Haqimi - 7 years ago

heaven!!! nice video.

Unknown User - 7 years ago

Why does sometimes my fishes hangs out by the plants?

pecktec - 7 years ago

+John Sanabria in case they want to hide. In the wild it eat hide eat hide. The plants make them more comfortable.

Paul Ortiz - 7 years ago

You didn't even say the name to the plant that needs a little bit of light

Paul Ortiz - 7 years ago

pecktec oh alright. I'm thinking of getting a beginner plant for either my 20g or my 10 but have no idea of what plant to get can you suggest some that are easy to care for

pecktec - 7 years ago

Not a beginner plant. ... Vesuvius sword I guess is what your talking about.

Dark Minion - 7 years ago

If I add plants in my aquarium, will my pleco eat the plants intentionally (not eating it accidentally with the algae build up on the plant)?

Beast _ Gago - 7 years ago

Pecktec how about duck weed

Guitar T - 7 years ago

nice, where are you from, you mentioned the cold.

pecktec - 7 years ago

+Guitar T TN

Thomas O - 7 years ago

I just bought my first two plants ever, for my 29 gallon! I'm really looking forward to seeing the benefits of the added life cycle.
I wanted to know if it is ok to add plants while I'm waiting for my tank to cycle. Please make a video about that if you would. thank for sharing all of your knowledge

Thomas O - 7 years ago

Thanks buddy. My cycle is past halfway point.
Less than two weeks ago I had no plants and my water test at Petsmart read SUPER high ammonia levels.
A week later I have 2 Anubias and 2 El Nino ferns.
Now my ammonia is zero and high nitrites.
Thanks for the response.

pecktec - 7 years ago

+Thomas Ostien yes that's fine. They won't be able to really take up nutrition till the cycle is mostly done but it's ok to get them going. I always start with plants in place normally after a month or so they start to grow.

AYAD NOAIL - 7 years ago

It is not cold it is hot

10. comment for Aquarium Plants for Beginners

AYAD NOAIL - 7 years ago

The temperature is 97 to 106 here

Kimsotus Orelius - 7 years ago

How long does it take for Anubias to grow from 1" rhizome length to say 5" rhizome length? Or does it just grow by shooting leaves up and that forms the mass of the rhizome?

Breanna Herrera - 7 years ago

Hi I have a 10 gallon tank and I have a betta fish I really want to make a healthy tank for him can u help me on what I should do first

Ethan Lang - 7 years ago

Breanna Herrera Did you get everything set up correctly yet?

Matt James - 7 years ago

Great videos cheers iv watched a number of them including other You-tuber's videos, i have a number of tanks setup but still like to watch others setting up there tanks on YouTube/planting/aquascaping/overall-care/maintenance/customised-builds to maybe pick up some tips, thanx again from the Uk.

Peter Karig - 7 years ago

Thanks! These were my three favorite plants when I wanted to create a jungle looking landscape on wood stumps with lowish light. I had a 100 gallon tank with gars and tilapia, and a higher light tank with CO2 including micro grass and cardinal tetras, ottos, and ghost shrimp as a second. The tilapia were recycled back into the already well stocked with overgrown plecos artificial lake in Van Nuys that drained into the ocean, so no worry about contamination of a natural waterway. I had to remove the male after breeding as it would beat the female to death. The gars didn't notice the 100 plus cloud of fry until they got pretty big, so it took a while to have them disappear. Good times!

Scott Believer - 7 years ago

Is there a certain substrate you recommend ?

Pankaj Lagad - 7 years ago

hi my fishtank water becomes yellow with in just 2 days. I have only 6 small size fish and one small tortoise into my 2*2fit tank. How to solve this problem? filter is also not so much useful.

Beguilement - 7 years ago

Pankaj Lagad got any driftwood in that tank?

majooismajor - 7 years ago

What is that amazing spiral looking plant

majooismajor - 7 years ago

thanks bud

pecktec - 7 years ago

+majooismajor Vesuvius sword.

OG`s Fishroom - 7 years ago

Great vid gave you a sub!! check out my 1st two vids on my channel tks

Savy Clayton - 7 years ago

That tank is awesome! Where did you get that?

pecktec - 7 years ago

Both of these aquariums are at PetSmart or most other big box aquarium shops if your in the US.

20. comment for Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Ethan Coffey - 7 years ago

i have random plants starting to grow in my tank and i havent had plants in my tank for 7 months they were in a smaller tank but they died out now 7 months later in a new tank and washed rock i have plants starting to grow?

My Fish Corner - 7 years ago

https://youtu.be/Jmv7NidFm3o
hi i have copy my link to my latest youtube video. i am still new, hope u guys will like my video. do subscribe if you do like my video.

Kathleen Monsegue - 7 years ago

cool bamboo shrimp dude!

My Fishy Fish - 7 years ago

-10000000000000000 degrees

Tiny budgie - 7 years ago

Should I use fluval stratum or Carib sea Eco complete. I am going to grow dwarf hair grass and amazon swords ext which substrate is best

pecktec - 7 years ago

Check out the video I just made on the 12 gallon rescape. Im trying something new you might dig.

Erin Allen - 7 years ago

It's pretty cold in Oakland RN!

Dramithgons Gaming and More - 7 years ago

with windelov java fern you do not want to bury the roots? is that correct?

Dramithgons Gaming and More - 7 years ago

pecktec thank you so much

pecktec - 7 years ago

Yeah for the most part. Especially the rhizome (the steam the leaves grow off of) don't bury that part.

Jonathon Hardin - 7 years ago

dude your mobious mustache is awesome not sure if that's how you spell it

David Contreras - 7 years ago

Hey men! please, what is the name of the plant that is under of anubia Afzelii?

pecktec - 7 years ago

+David Contreras that is a type of sword plant. I got it so long ago I have forgotten specifically which one.

The Dive - 7 years ago

It's 37 c

30. comment for Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Jimmy Gomez - 7 years ago

my favorite video thank you for sharing! !

Mexican cartel ! - 7 years ago

It is 88 farinhight in texas

Channel 88 You Tube - 8 years ago

my plants are in tank a year now... some are scaly.. i have them planted in the sand only. should aquarium plants be in soil ?

tekkman boxmb - 7 years ago

CHANNEL 88 Anything is fine, rock is better then sand though, that's what I was told at the pet store anyways, Plants won't really do good in sand,

Pa. Fish Preacher - 8 years ago

you have mentioned in other videos you don't clean the bottom. What kind of root plants are good for converting the garbage to nutrients for the plants?

Neon Tetra Aquarist - 7 years ago

Pa. Fish Preacher I think amazon sword would since they are such heavy root feeders

tekkman boxmb - 7 years ago

Pa. Fish Preacher wondering the same thing.

You-Tube Junkie - 8 years ago

Again....does that tank have co2 working.?
or....
How about (the other tank), does that tank have co2 working.?
I'm not good at guessing.

You-Tube Junkie - 8 years ago

Thank you.
Now,,....that was a great video.

pecktec - 8 years ago

Phill Slavin non of the tanks in this video use CO2.

Steve Finestone - 8 years ago

Nice informative video. Currently have a 100 dirted tank with annubius,crypts, val and a few other unknowns.

MegaArtfuldodger - 8 years ago

Hi have been following your you tube blog, thank you, can you help, i have bought some plants for my tank, these plants have been treated with something to kill off snails and there eggs, i have shrimp and fish in my tank and need to clean these plants prior to placing in the tank, any ideas of how to do this

Vicki K - 8 years ago

Great vid! I'm planning a 55g right now!

pecktec - 8 years ago

+Vicki K good luck!

Tom Long - 8 years ago

I have a question: I have an economy hood that came with my aquarium, since I won't have money for a new light for a while, will it suffice for growing these plants? Would you recommend a bulb?

pecktec - 8 years ago

+Tom Long you can get away with low light for awhile. The plants won't grow much but the will last for a long while. The plants in this video anyway.

KurtLawrence M. - 8 years ago

Do you doze it?......

Pet Central 101 - 8 years ago

Do I need to dirt the substrate?

Zachary Widdes - 8 years ago

Tyler Bitman - 8 years ago

Awesome video, thanks for sharing

Miss Mac - 8 years ago

I am wanting to put plants into my tank, so have been doing a lot of research. This was SO helpful & I learnt a lot, so thanks heaps! :)

Abel Flores - 8 years ago

does the plant need light

Matt Diaz - 8 years ago

Tom Green?!?

Allie Fettig - 8 years ago

9:04 I like that deformed female guppy. It's good you kept her. Usually people throw the deformed ones away.

Fish Life - 8 years ago

Gorgeous betta

TECH me - 8 years ago

why so many tanks...

Freshwater Tropical Fish Breeders - 8 years ago

Good vid! It's 114degrees where I live :)

pecktec - 8 years ago

HOT!!!

carollol - 8 years ago

Anyone know what the curly plant is in the beginning behind him?

Fish Life - 8 years ago

+pecktec will my java fern grow under ground, it's been underground for a week it's been growing crazy but as you said it will rot but why didn't mine

carollol - 8 years ago

+pecktec Thanks! I wanne try to find it. It looks so interesting and different. :)

pecktec - 8 years ago

That is Vesuvius sword. They love root tabs if you get one.

50. comment for Aquarium Plants for Beginners

Ryan Thompson - 8 years ago

wow Tom green got old!

pecktec - 8 years ago

Lol I get that a lot.

Bay Area Reefs - 8 years ago

We're do you get your plants from

Kman - 8 years ago

Looks like I just found the answer to my own question from the previous video!

Alaina Bates - 8 years ago

Where do you purchase your plants? I've been searching all over and can't find any.

Original Man - 8 years ago

You can go on ebay.

medallo143 - 8 years ago

Would any of these plants do well in a 5 gal with an LED light? The tank sits in between two windows but receives no direct sunlight. I know you mentioned they don't require much light, just want to know if one small LED strip is appropriate.

Anarchy91 - 8 years ago

if you wanted ; coudl you bury java fern roots into the substrate and they will grow okay?

Anarchy91 - 8 years ago

k. i'll watch again

medallo143 - 8 years ago

They'll rot. He mentions it around minute 4

Sean Potgieter - 8 years ago

How do you get Java Moss to carpet the ground?

Airhawk360 - 8 years ago

...I'm pretty sure this video just saved 2 of my java ferns... definitely buried the roots (Fixed it now!). One of them is on a branch, so that was good, but still.. thanks.

millionaire tan - 8 years ago

hi, how do you prevent java moss from being suck into the filter inlet? do you cover up your filter with nets or something?

conman20000 - 8 years ago

Which one is best that my turtles wont eat that I can get at petsmart?

Huy Nguyen Ho - 8 years ago

There's one guy he have Java fern for his turtle and he say the turtles go in it and nip on water bugs

Sageneol - 8 years ago

basically all of the plants will get nipped on, depends on the turtle. Java fern is bitter so the turtle might not like the taste of it.

Nia Castro - 8 years ago

Really informative! Im planning out my first nano aquarium, never owned anything aquatic before so I want to make sure I do my research. This really helped me out :) you seem like a cool guy.

pecktec - 8 years ago

+niasci Thanks bunches!

shawntal sher - 8 years ago

soo don't bury any roots with water plants? i have a red flame and zealot.

shawntal sher - 8 years ago

thanks a lot i couldn't bury the thing anyway haha

pecktec - 8 years ago

+shawntal she Yeah the pot they come in will limit their growth. I always remove those.

shawntal sher - 8 years ago

+pecktec thank you also i watched a few where they took off that root case? is that necessary?

pecktec - 8 years ago

+shawntal sher No all plants just java fern

Wu Tank Clan - 8 years ago

Anubis is an Egyptian Deity, Anubias is a stem plant,,,

Conner C - 8 years ago

Hot aut side

Brian Ngo - 8 years ago

it's hot all year where I live

conman20000 - 8 years ago

what kind of substrate should I use for live plants? thanks

conman20000 - 8 years ago

I currently have river rock right now how would that work?

pecktec - 8 years ago

+conman20000 There are tons of options out there. Everyone has a favorite. I try something new almost every time. Although I have never tried kitty littler before. Sounds compelling though.

Weenie Hut Jr's - 8 years ago

1 to 1 and a half inch of kitty litter (only walmart red bag of special kitty 25 pounds 4 dollars it's simply baked clay nothing else) and topped with half to an inch of pea gravel! (if you don't cap it, it tends to go everywhere) grows plants great. dose with API CO2 and leaf zone for fertilizer or what ever that other seacham brands name is can also put root tabs in at first. I put once a year lily root tabs in mine on a couple of plants. pea gravel gives a nice natural look like a creek bed. all mine are done with kitty litter. Amazon sword, ludwigia, moneywort etc all do great.

Lolgamer123lol LOL - 8 years ago

Great video do you know what happen when you put a freshwater fish into a salt water tank?

pecktec - 8 years ago

+Lolgamer123lol LOL it dies in an hour or so?

Orlando Vargas - 8 years ago

wow so cool....thanks

dfzurichch - 8 years ago

Hi Pecktec,My anubias have come down with brown algae. Four sp. in all but brown algae got hole . I do water changes with no luck. Your the Anubias King what do you do. I hand clean, brush, hydrogen peroxide and all the rest even increase the flow of the tank . What do you think...

pecktec - 8 years ago

I've had a tough time with that before. You may have some luck with liquid bacteria. Add a little to help break down what running amok and examine all the other algae stuff you have no doubt looked up. For me it stopped after my tank matured full at around six months. Which make me think bacteria could help.

GetInMyBelly - 8 years ago

Will too much light kill plants? I have 2 finnex stingrays on a 40b and the new growth on my Amazon swords seem to be diminishing

Ian Tang - 8 years ago

Where did you get the Endlers? I can't find any stores that sell them.

pecktec - 8 years ago

+Ian Tang Im just lucky enough to have a great store. I got this batch years ago there are still breading.

Tami MacGuigan - 8 years ago

We`re in Windsor and it`s not that cold as past years.Thanks for yourinput.We have a guy who lives around the corner who sells plantd but he picks what he sells you and last time he basicly sold us long grass that was all over the top making feeding time hard for the fish to get.so he won`t sell the big leave ones and $25 lasted 2 months,I want some info befor we go there in a couple days.Thanks again.Tami,from Windsor Canada,across from Detroithe pushes neathus by a handful,for $5

RPG nukes you - 8 years ago

When should I add my plants when my tank has been running for a while or when I setup my tank?

RPG nukes you - 8 years ago

+pecktec I'm very stuck between real and fake plants, maybe I should just go with plastic because if the plants die might cause problems ect

pecktec - 8 years ago

+RPG nukes you I always do it on setup. It can cause cycle problems to do it latter. Normally because the substrate mess up the ballence. That being said you can add the plants latter. I just like to do it that way.

mani khan - 8 years ago

Very nice Aquarium. can u please tell what is on the bottom of your tank is it soil and what kind of soil//

anthony pope - 8 years ago

great videos I love your planted tanks I have just set up another tank interpet insight 40L with led lights everything just fixes in to the hood apart from the heater all you have to do is water changes it as a reminder what lights up red to let you know that the filter cartridges need replacing i wonder if you can do a review on it it even tells you how far to take the water to when you do a water change and you only need two plugs to run it i payed £80 pound uk sterling as I am from the United kingdom i watch all your video as for java fern and anubias I put zip ties on my the one you put it through a hole and you pull them tight and cut the rest of but for java moss I use fishing line is have 6 tanks on the go now and all looking good thanks to you and your tips cheers happy fish keeping can't wait for next video

pecktec - 8 years ago

You can't get those over here. Looks nice though. Thanks for the kind words! I love hearing from far away viewers.

minne blaauw - 8 years ago

how many liters is the aqarium

Christopher Metz - 8 years ago

This is an extremely informative video! I just have a question or two. My wife has Blackmore goldfish and Ryukin goldfish that we will be transferring from her parent's house to our new house and we want to get the tank set up with living plants before we start. Would all of the plants in this video work with goldfish? And also, do you know if the little shrimp that you have would play well with the goldfish if they had a place to hide?

Again, GREAT video!

Brianna Harter - 8 years ago

all of these can go with most goldfish.they are quick growing and most goldfish don't like eating them.

I actually keep my ryukin with java fern as well as a moss ball and one of those top fish mystery pack lilly bulbs.my ryukin is well fed and has a personalty that goes great with plants.he'd rather dig at the sand I have looking for left over bits of food then mess with my plants(unless it's elodea he loves to eat elodea).

it is best to experiment.cause one plant may work for someone else but may not work for another person like my moss ball some goldfish will eat it and others will leave it.it really depends and varies greatly from goldfish to goldfish.

oh also if anyones wondering just how well those bulbs do.I have to cut back the over growth daily from my lilly it grows that fast and it is actually sending off runners and I've had it just about a year now.also .also no planting needed just drop it in and let it do its thing.

pecktec - 8 years ago

+Christopher Metz I haven't kept goldfish some may eat plants. I'm told the plants I described here don't taste great so they are less likely to get munched on however. If a shrimp will fit in its mouth it will get eaten at some point.

Michel Carrasquel - 8 years ago

I learned a lot

Aldo Fernandes Azevedo - 8 years ago

So natural, and clean congrats!

YouTube Hero - 8 years ago

Should I use UV lighting for my plants?

Jerry's VIDS! - 8 years ago

This is a great video

pecktec - 8 years ago

Thanks! I made a sequel to it also.

Azen Moktan - 8 years ago

which anubias is that ?can you give me complete name.only anubias i can get here is anubias nana petit small leaf .i wanna get those big leaf anubias

Azen Moktan - 8 years ago

tysm for response and thanks for all the cool videos :D

pecktec - 8 years ago

Well the good news is that that one you have is the smallest (that I know of) so any other one will be bigger. Check out my 57 gallon a planted journal. It's an older video but I call out the biggest one I have kept. It's huge.

Guacamole Tester - 8 years ago

What species of fish do you have in there?

Julia Klimenko - 9 years ago

In the first tank what is the big squiggly plant in the middle? It looks really cool and I would love to have one for my tank. Also I'm in California and it is 54 right now!

pecktec - 8 years ago

+Weenie Hut Jr's also it's not a beginner plant so it was omitted. I have talked about it briefly in some other videos. As to you being pissed off.... Lol

pecktec - 8 years ago

+Weenie Hut Jr's Vesuvius sword

Weenie Hut Jr's - 8 years ago

yeah I was pissed he didn't say what it was. this is the only time I've seen that.

XxM00nSHADExX - 9 years ago

Knowing little about aquatic plants, I bought and planted and a Java fern and now I'm a little nervous. I've had it for a couple of months and it has spawned fine and all, but I've noticed there are little brown spots on some of the leaves. Would you know the cause of this? Thank you in advance!

Shadiyd Fuller - 8 years ago

It mostly likely is dying in a couple spots. I would buy some liquid live plant fertilizer and dose the correct amount every week after weekly water changes

Mortonbmx - 9 years ago

+XxM00nSHADExX Don't worry, that's a common thing which happens to the leaves, some will die off also. So long as the rhizome doesn't go brown you should be fine :)

Donna Peterson - 9 years ago

I took your advice and did not put the roots of my java fern in the gravel. Now, this may sound weird, but I wanted them in specific places, so I got a zip tie and put it around the bottom of the plant. To the zip tie, I tied fishing wire, and the other end of the fishing wire I attached to a fishing weight (non-lead). I put the weight under the gravel and the plant remained suspended above the gravel a few centimeters. So far it's working.

JayMae69 - 9 years ago

Can you give any info on little plant in your Anubias tank? Thank you

smilan21 - 9 years ago

Hey pecktec! Would you consider perhaps selling some of these plants to your viewers?

thefishmachine - 9 years ago

Please go check out my top 10 beginner plants people.

Fatalistic Warning - 9 years ago

Loved this video! thanks so much- i am new to the aquarium world and have been looking into a planted aquarium - Java fern and Java moss are what i am thinking i'd like to use :)
This video was so helpful- thanks again
~~Cheers~~

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Fatalistic Warning Coolio! Glad to help! I made a second video on this also. Although its pretty weird. :)

William E - 9 years ago

Is like 80's in San Diego very nice weather and love your videos man your doing great there. You got me back to get a fish tank. Again

The Game Dude - 9 years ago

What is that bug hanging on your anubis?

pecktec - 9 years ago

I responded to this in my latest video fish soup 2 check it out.

Anal Avocado - 9 years ago

When I set up my tank I put it right In front of a window (which I now regret) so there's quite a bit of algae, if I put plants in would it decrease algae?

kkass100 - 8 years ago

+Anal “Negro” Avacado

what kind of filters do you use? I'm in the same kind of situation only 2 fish and plenty of algae and its also placed in front of a window

Anal Avocado - 8 years ago

UPDATE: I have one huge Amazon sword in my tank now (had to move from 5 gallon because it got too big) and two small-ish temple compacta, there is a negligible amount of algae now, I guess the plants do help reduce algae

Joel Garza - 9 years ago

do u use co2 at all

Andrew Morris - 9 years ago

hey Sean, I've taken your advice and purchased some anubias and java fern. With the anubias I've wedged it between river rocks as suggested, but have also done the same with the java fern is that ok? also some of the java fern came as just a leaf and stem without any roots, will this still grow or should I just discard them? thanks mate

Andrew Morris - 9 years ago

+pecktec unfortunately the java fern came loose when I did a big water change at the end of the cycle, so I spent ages tying them onto a couple of rocks and they're really secure now, the anubias is holding fast though. Added some amazon frogbit recently too, they have really interesting roots systems and the shrimp love hanging upside down feeding from them

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Andrew Morris ow yeah that should work. Yes let the one with the one leaf sit in there for a bit with any luck it will keep going.

John Dalziel - 9 years ago

Thanks a lot that helped me a lot

pecktec - 9 years ago

+John Dalziel Glad to help!

ApocalypticStorms - 9 years ago

You sound like Tom Green

pecktec - 9 years ago

Ha well I have been told I look like him a little.

Jack smith - 9 years ago

Will plants grow into gravel or will i need to buy some soil? Id rather not have soil if thats possible

Weenie Hut Jr's - 8 years ago

nobody ever suggests friggen kitty litter. kitty litter is great! everything of mine does great in it.

pecktec - 9 years ago

I use some stuff called florite it's sort of like dirt. Put it on the bottom layer and gravel over that. It's not as messy as dirt but you will have brown water for a few days.

ApocalypticStorms - 9 years ago

Sand is best but gravel works.

Dorito Fish - 9 years ago

How about Java fern lace?

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Marion Asi works well its a lot like the normal one.

Betta Fish - 9 years ago

got it ;-)

100. comment for Aquarium Plants for Beginners

CRISTINA R. Fam - 9 years ago

how do I get the baby plants off the leaf with out damaging the roots?

pecktec - 9 years ago

They just sort of peal off.

Tommie Mullins - 9 years ago

Hello, man i starting to plant some plants in my tank and would love to have some of this stuff even the smallest amount would be amazing is there anyway you could send some of it my way thanks?

Chris S - 9 years ago

Hey Pec, love your channel. I have the same 5 gallon Fluval Spec tank that I want to use exclusively for plants. Do you use the stock filter that came with the tank or do you use an upgrade? Also, I'm told the LED lights that come with the tank are sufficient for most plants (in the 7600 range). I plan on using Eco-Complete for substrate to really make those babies flourish. Thanks Pec!

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Chris S The filter is fine. The light is ... pretty good especially for the size of the tank. You can keep low to medium light plants in there ok. My light has started to falter a bit in that the switch no longer works but I never use the blue light. Im going to do a Fluval spec maintenance video soon and also describe some of the pain points with these tanks including the lights most of them have broken eventually. They grew plants they just didn't hold up over time.

ilikeguppies - 9 years ago

what kind of light u using and how many watts ?

ilikeguppies - 9 years ago

+pecktec Ok thanks before I use CFL 10watt on my 2.5 gallon it cause me Algae problem.

pecktec - 9 years ago

I have a different light on every tank. A compact fluorescent of about 1.5 to 3 watts per gallon will work with the plants I mentioned here.

Pamela Willson - 9 years ago

I just received some aquarium plant seeds ordered form Amazon. I am not quite sure how to start them. Any suggestions?

Memories - 9 years ago

Nicely grown plants and tanks. Thanks for sharing.

nekesha clayton - 9 years ago

Great information. Thanks for posting.

Joel Blanco - 9 years ago

Do you need a soil based substrate in order to keep a planted tank will a gravel work and have the plants work its way in to gravel in the same fashion?

Joel Blanco - 9 years ago

Thank you for your response I will keep researching before i start setting up the tank

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Joel Blanco I haven't tried that yet but I was considering it. I might save it for a bigger tank. I buy gravel thats for plants (only for about a year then its just gravel) But no you dont but you may find a more clay like element in the bottom layer like laterite would help. You can also use tablets for fertilizer they work well.

Blagaflaga - 9 years ago

I want to put some plants in my tank so any fish fry that are born have a place to hide, but I don't want all of them to survive. What are some good plants for fish fry to hide in? About two or three recommendations would be great.

Blagaflaga - 9 years ago

+pecktec Thanks for the reply! I have a few more questions though. Should I put the Christmas moss(it's typically cheaper than Java moss, so I'll go with it) on gravel or these little wooden logs I have? Here's what I have http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R248KR2?psc=1 . I just don't think the logs have enough surface area for them to really grow out, but I don't really have a large open area in my tank for it to go without rearranging it. If you think it's better, I'd prefer to put them on the driftwood because that's part of the reason I got them. Also, will it be healthy and grow in my tank that stays with a maximum temperature range of 74-78 degrees year round, has a small amount of natural sunlight, about 8 hours of tank light on average, I'll be adding one teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon this weekend for my fish/future shrimp/future snails, and I put of dose of API Leaf Zone in my tank after my weekly water changes/tank cleaning? I'm also getting 5 Amano shrimp in early June and I want to know if they will disturb or kill the fish fry while they're in the moss or eat too much of the beneficial bacteria/algae/detritus that they eat? Finally, why's the question funny?

pecktec - 9 years ago

You know this question is sort of funny right? Well what I think your looking for is Java moss. Or one of the other mosses. I use one called Christmas moss but it's pretty much the same. It can be used to creat a little bush that they can move through but bigger fish can't.

Blagaflaga - 9 years ago

What kind of fertilizers would these need, if any?

Blagaflaga - 9 years ago

+pecktec I bought "API Leaf Zone Aquarium Plant Food" and put a dose in my tank when I did my water change/tank cleaning earlier today. Would putting this in after my weekly tank cleaning be enough for the majority of plants? Thanks for the reply!

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Blagaflaga You can add iron and macro nutrients to help these along. But.. I included all the ones that wont die if you don't add those things.

Blagaflaga - 9 years ago

Will the roots grow through the tank? I've seen plants grown through clay pots, so it wouldn't surprise me.

Blagaflaga - 9 years ago

+pecktec Thanks!

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Blagaflaga Well I dont think so. Next chance I get I will take the camera under the tank and show it the roots go all over the bottom

Bella and Bettas - 9 years ago

Your betta and guppies are beautiful! Love your tank too:))

Lyndsey Alexander - 9 years ago

Do you have to have a certain kind of light? what kind of substrate do you use?

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Lyndsey Alexander yes the lights should be in the day light spectrum. Lights like that advertise that they work for plants. Lights sold for reef or saltwater tanks will not work for you. I get the substrate question a lot I have a video about it in the all aquariums playlist. Also every set up video talks about what im using a little at least. I use lots of different kinds.

Ultimatehobbyreviews - 9 years ago

Let's become friends too so I can get your free hand me down propagation plants. Ha. Awesome video.

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Ultimatehobbyreviews I have one pal who mysteriously show up when Im trimming. I dont think that dude has ever bought a plant.

Colin Jones - 9 years ago

Hi. Can you tell me how you prevent brown algae growing on your plant leaves. Thanks.

colinbarsby - 9 years ago

+colin jones The easiest thing to eliminate brown algae, is to increase the lighting period. Use a timer for your lights, and increase by 15 minutes at a time over a few weeks. Brown algae doesn't like lots of light.Too much light, and you will see more green algae's growing.

pecktec - 9 years ago

+colin jones in a new set up its just a case of to many nutrients. a short period of more frequent water changes may help.

Ironiic zero - 9 years ago

oh man i cant wait to make my low/mid tech aquascape with ferns and anubias being dominant

MrEpicBoi - 9 years ago

Are you using CO2 for these plants? One last thing how long do you keep your lights on per day for these slow growth plants? I'm struggling with mine right now

pecktec - 9 years ago

Nope no co2 I'm doing six hours on the planted tanks now.

Nicholas P DiNatale - 9 years ago

Can you recommend a grow light? I have gone back and forth between the Current Satellite Freshwater LED+ and the Finnex Fugeray Planted+. The Finnex is brighter but no dimmer. I want to avoid algae. I am currently the early stages of the nitrogen cycle in my new tank, a 28 gal bowfront (18H x 24L), low tech (no CO2) with low to medium light plants.

pecktec - 9 years ago

Well between those two I lean towards the Finnex Fugeray Planted+. They look really nice. I'm working on a video for a Fluval one I happened to find on sale. It will be up tomorrow If I can get the clones to get off their butts and help.

DMAN D - 9 years ago

and jungle val

parker simpson - 9 years ago

I just put in baby tears and green ozelot. How should I care for them? Fertilizer?

parker simpson - 9 years ago

With my ozelot. The top leaves are growing huge and long, the bottom leaves are staying small and are kinda curling. Should I trim the big leaves completely?

Evil Shrimp - 9 years ago

ah....not true. First of all theres baby tears and dwarf baby tears...baby tears just need light thats it and grow crazy lol..dwarf baby tears need co2 and lights. Baby tears is for beginning i would say and u need to trim them down if u dont want them to grow super tall and if u use co2 with baby tears its gonna be super faster...

parker simpson - 9 years ago

Dang I wish I knew. Ok

pecktec - 9 years ago

+parker simpson Baby tears need lots of light and co2 deffinitly not a beginer plant.

LeeM Vang - 9 years ago

nice betta

pecktec - 9 years ago

+LeeM Vang thanks!

Susan Field - 9 years ago

Have just invested a lot on plants but my Clown Loach keep bulldozing them out or eating them. Every morning floating plants ( if I am lucky and they are still there. Are there any Loach friendly plants ? and I did gave them a cucumber to distract them, after which they went back to the plants ! Have moved them to a different tank for now ( the loach ) but am missing them. The tank here looks beautiful.

colinbarsby - 9 years ago

+Susan Field Fish love peas. Microwave for 30 seconds, pop the centre of the peas into the tank and throw away the skins.

Susan Field - 9 years ago

+colinbarsby Peas is a good idea. :)

colinbarsby - 9 years ago

+Susan Field The good news is that loaches don't just eat every plant. But sometimes, they do get a taste for some particular plants. I have got some Limnophila that they keep nibbling the juicy new tips, and only the tips. The Limnophila just keeps sprouting new side shoots and gets more bushy.Also feed them peas, the more veggies you feed them, the better for your plants sake.I had a clown loach for 15 years, and he/she didn't appear to be old, so yes I'm sure they can live for decades.

Susan Field - 9 years ago

Thanks. I'll buy the plants you've mentioned , when I get around to it :) They've got cucumber in there tonight but it clouds the water a bit. Mine like lettuce too and it's not so messy. I read that Clown Loach live to be 50 years old ? Not sure if that was a misprint.

colinbarsby - 9 years ago

+Susan Field Ludwigia and a Ruby swordplant are also not being eaten by my loaches. Some plants are tasty, and some plants are not.Thank goodness.

Susan Field - 9 years ago

+colinbarsby Thank you . I have some Java fern in my other tank. Will give that a try then :)

colinbarsby - 9 years ago

+Susan Field My loaches have just finished eating all my crypts, but wisteria Hygrophila and Java fern are not eaten.

Susan Field - 9 years ago

+pecktec Yes, they haven't touched the Anubias, just a destructive nibble or two. Am going to get them their own Loach tank, minus plants :) Thankyou. They are not actually too big. Around 7". I have eight.

pecktec - 9 years ago

+Susan Field Thats a hard one the bigger loaches will dig up and suck on just about anything. I think Anubias tastes bad to fish and you can tie them down.

MELODY MUNRO - 9 years ago

38 degrees (100.4 F) here..mid summer in Queensland Australia...not the hottest day...was 42...3 weeks ago...

ApocalypticStorms - 9 years ago

Man thats almost as hot as Dallas!

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

Hello. I am new to aquariums and just set up a ten gallon tank. I have two tiger barbs (i was told to add them slowly in pairs so I plan to have about 6in there) and a crab. I have a fake ship and a hideout log in there but I want to add some plants but I'm not sure what kind to get how many to get or how to plant them. Any advice would be great...

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

Ok Thanks for the tip

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

Sorry for the long comments.

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

How big is ur tank

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

Even if u lost all ur fish. U need to fully recycle ur tank before u add any fish

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

U can also dip the filter media or cartridge in ur tank to promte good bactria growth

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

Ohh. When u clean ur filter dont clean it in the sink.. clean it it the water that u took out of the tank

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

Not too cold. Room temperature is ok

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

Keep it in a bucket for 24 hour with the water treatment if possible and pour it slowly after u clean the glass and the gravels and ur filters.

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

After the barbs died I got mollies. I haven't added anything else since then

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

Then just change ur water 20 every 2 week. Not any water either

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

1st Stop buying fish... really

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

How do I do that since I already have fish?

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

Recyle the tank for 3 to 5 weeks

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

I lost alot of fish.just Cuz of the excitement. Right now im well educated about the hoppy im actually building my own tank

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

I'm sorry for the long comments...

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

I am concerned about ammonia levels though. I was given a free gift of ammonia test strips and according to those the ammonia is a high. I did a 25% water change and am planning on getting a gravel vac to help to better clean the tank. I'm not sure what else I can do aside from cutting down feeding times...I was told the ammonia could also be caused from the deaths of fish (I got Some of those tiny fish with the blue stripe but the mollies killed all but two of them)

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

Well I successfully added the plants but sadly all my fish and even the crab died. It was very upsetting. I later found out the store I got the fish from had a lot of bad reviews and complaints for selling ill fish. I'm glad I know the problem wasn't me but still upset those poor fish had to suffer... I cleaned out the tank and let it settle then went to petsmart and got some mollies. The man there we very kind and helpful. So far the fish seem to be doing very well

el7areef1 - 9 years ago

I been in the hoppy for few years and the best way to take it slowly

Amber Olivera - 9 years ago

Ok Thank you!

pecktec - 9 years ago

Start with clumps of Anubias Nana tied to rocks and just add as many as you like. They don't need lots of light and will be good cover for fish to rest in. If you just used normal gravel add some tabs like the ones made by florish they work really well for fertilizer.

C Nic - 9 years ago

Thanks for the great vids. A little cooler in Ottawa, -34.5F last week. Excited to see what you have for 2015!

Rosalie Lingrell - 9 years ago

Fusion Pieri - 9 years ago

Thank you.

pecktec - 9 years ago

No problem thanks for watching.

A J - 10 years ago

A solid black background really offsets the green of live plants and adds depth to your aquariums. I use black backgrounds on all of my tanks.

Maddie Bags - 7 years ago

thats my go to. all black background for the win!

Scott Believer - 7 years ago

Where can you buy the background ?

Tracer Hayden - 9 years ago

Orange is the new Bloo. BLOOO (DCI)

ApocalypticStorms - 9 years ago

I use white sand so my plants stand out i love contrast i want white with green i want blue with orange etc.

pecktec - 9 years ago

That is very true I did that with most of my tanks.

UNDERWORLD VILLAN - 10 years ago

your tanks are unreal mate thanks for the input u can never no to much thanks again

DUB.REXY21 - 7 years ago

UNDERWORLD VILLAN good to see another Aussie. I'm. From Victoria! Subbed you

UNDERWORLD VILLAN - 10 years ago

Well I'm in Australia and watch alot of your vids I am only just started with planted tanks been doing cichlids for 7 years

pecktec - 10 years ago

Sure man! I sometimes take a while to answer on there. But I always do. :)

UNDERWORLD VILLAN - 10 years ago

Hay I added u on Facebook Thomas kirke is my name would love to chat sometime about fish tanks

pecktec - 10 years ago

+UNDERWORLD VILLAN Thanks man and best username ever!

Barry Lowis - 10 years ago

Very Helpful - many thanks

pecktec - 10 years ago

+Barry Lowis thanks!

Apoorv Gupta - 10 years ago

I want to plant my aquarium. Here in my city (in India) I dont have so many options. I found Hornwort Aquatic Plant Seeds on ebay. Is it possible to grow these plants with seeds at home.......pls help

buffntumble - 10 years ago

Love your vids! Thanks for sharing, keep them up they are soooo helpful!, thanks from Canada :)

pecktec - 10 years ago

+buffntumble Thanks so much! Stay warm up there.

Vivienne Damone - 10 years ago

How many Fluvals do you have?

Think you must work for them?
Good Videos.

Ann - 10 years ago

Thank you. I'm thinking of upgrading to a fluval spec V for my betta fish "Gilligan" and I'd like to try it with some live plants. I think Gilligan will like the Anubis. Thank you for your informative videos. They are very helpful.

PJ Turner - 10 years ago

I've watched a couple of your aquarium vids now, and you've got some really great displays! Also, thanks for putting all these beginner tips on youtube

Jay's Aquariums - 10 years ago

When i always get beginner plants, they always die i usually buy java fern and amazon sword i only have a 25 watt light, should i upgrade it

Jay's Aquariums - 10 years ago

+pecktec OK thanks got a new light and a Co2 injection system now the plants are doing great

pecktec - 10 years ago

+MonsterFishKeepingDiaries for the sword yes. I cant keep them. I dont know why people say they are easy. Try an Anubias. Things like depth matter as well as wattage also. So if the tank is really deep it takes more light to get there.

okita17 - 10 years ago

Beautiful betta you have there and awesome vid. Thanks for the help!

Farukh Aslam - 10 years ago

Does Moss have seeds?
i want to purchase from aliexpress for growing moss

plz help

mpooyan83 - 10 years ago

I thought you could bury the root of the anubias, just not the Ryzhome (dont think that's spelled right.)specially if you have regular Gravel where there is some water flow.

Ryan's Tanks - 10 years ago

Nice video and mustache!

robert justus - 10 years ago

Do goldfish eat the plants

pecktec - 10 years ago

Many do eat plants but there are some you can use in planted tanks.

robert justus - 10 years ago

They still sell them in the pot for 5.99 each.

Terzy1984 - 10 years ago

How do you get your plants so clean. Can i use "http://hem.fyristorg.com/Johans-hemsida/fiskar2.jpg" to get rid of the algae. And does that make my plants like yours? Do i need to get rid of the leefs that have the algae or do i need to trimm of the stam of the part that the leaf is on? have a nice day

Alison Swanson - 10 years ago

any way i could get some plants you would not mind giving away? i only currently have anacahris and its not as easy as i got told it was :(

Tracy M - 10 years ago

It's April. And there's still stupid snow on the ground. Sorry April 30 and still snow

pecktec - 10 years ago

OWW man! Its just warming up down here.

With Your Shield - 10 years ago

Wow! your tanks are beautiful! I have a 75 gallon fresh water tank, and I been wanting to try live plants for a long time but have been very apprehensive. This encouraging and informative. Thanks.

pecktec - 10 years ago

You will be a pro in no time!

WildAWalker - 10 years ago

May I ask for a moment of your time to answer a question about growing anubias? I'm absolutely fascinated by aquascaping and plan to try my hand at using live plants when I set up my first aquarium after I move in a couple months, and in the meantime I've been doing a lot of research about how to set up and maintain aquariums. I recently started experimenting with design ideas in my head for how I'd like to arrange the plants (although at this point the only plants I'm considering are anubias nana, java fern, and maybe amazon sword), and one of my ideas was to construct an arch from two pieces of driftwood and attach an anubias nana to the top of the arch. After watching this video, I'm now wondering if the anubias would be able to thrive more or less suspended in open water like that, and if the roots would adhere to the driftwood or grow downwards until they reach the substrate. Do you have any recommendations? This is just a vague design idea, but I'd like to have a better idea of how anubias nana grows before I consider trying to grow it like this.

pecktec - 10 years ago

That would probably work at first but the roots will travel strait down to the ground so it might not work as an archway.

Mikaela Hammond - 10 years ago

Can I just say thank you for this video! I also wanted to say thanks for all the other ones as well. As someone who got a fish tank a year ago (and didn't cycle it/made all the beginner error) I was about ready to quit and give up fish tank hobbying. However you have completely helped save our tank with your knowledge, and have given us a newfound excitement to try a new tank (done right this time)!

pecktec - 10 years ago

Hey thats great! Once you understand some of the basics its really not hard to keep fish. I'm so glad I could help!

xxxmirekxxx1 - 10 years ago

Great !!!!

PalJoey1957 - 10 years ago

With your permission - to promote the hobby in the NYC area:
BROOKLYN AQUARIUM SOCIETY - basny dot org
LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM SOCIETY - liasonline dot org
NASSAU COUNTY AQUARIUM SOCIETY - ncasweb dot org
[NYC] GREATER CITY AQUARIUM SOCIETY - greatercity dot org
NORTH JERSEY AQUARIUM SOCIETY - njas dot net

frosty1 - 10 years ago

Excellent. Not a plant guy, but have plans to do a tank next fall after the summer.
I'll be looking into these big three for beginners.

Ziabis Oh - 10 years ago

This might be a very simple question for you.
I am planning a 2nd tank with only java fern, anubias, maybe a moss wall and some moss attached to my driftwood. Now, I don't plan on having any ground plants, other then maybe 5-8 stems or so, of rotala as a corner coverage. This is my question: I was thinking that I DO NOT need any type of nutrient based substrate? I will be using a weekly dose of Seachem comprehensive with compressed co2 and good lighting.

So would/will I NEED any type of nutrient based substrate OR could I just use a fine/medium gravel. I do plan on having some german electric/blue rams.

Thank you....
See link for starter pic .
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k265/ziabis1/100_9954_zps372ecee8.jpg

pecktec - 10 years ago

You shouldn't need much in the substrata but the anubias roots do go down into the gravel so it wont hurt to throw some root tabs in there.

Ziabis Oh - 10 years ago

Did I miss, how you removed that plantlets from the java fern leaf?
How do you do this? I have about 30 plantlets and not sure how to remove them?

Ziabis Oh - 10 years ago

Thank you for the answers...

Yin Kean Chin - 10 years ago

Do we need Co2 for this?and what about dosing? and how do we go about that?

Fireman builds - 10 years ago

it's been -44

Pablo Escobar - 10 years ago

+pecktec Hi pecktec. What are you feeding the plants in this fluval edge tank with the big healthy anubias? How many hours a day of light? How do you keep the algae away? Thanks!

ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago

Hey man awesome tanks! The anubias is really looking healthy. That's a great accomplishment. I saw your interview on TheRick's channel, I see you like aquariums, video and music and noticed a guitar in the background! Rock on! subbed.

dogzrule007 - 10 years ago

Hey Pecktec, how many hours per day do you leave your lights on in your Fluval Edge 12 gallon? I have java fern and anubias and am trying to figure out how many hours to leave the lights on. Thanks!

pecktec - 10 years ago

About 6 - 7 hours. It gets a lot of light in the evening.

ElEyeEh - 10 years ago

Thanks for all the awesome videos, pecktec! Two questions - I have a Fluval Spec V as well and am just giving cherry red shrimp a try in it. If I'm successful keeping them, do you think a trio of Endler's will be peaceful tankmates or could the Endler's eat the baby shrimp? I have java moss on driftwood and a Texas holey rock that provide hiding places for the shrimp. Second question, I notice in the video that your Spec has a little film on the top of the water. Do you do anything to correct that issue or has it been a non-issue to your fish? I put an air stone in mine and only run it periodically just to break up the water surface; however, it's ruining the led's because moisture sprays up.

P.S. Temps today here in Chicagoland are 14 degrees, but we've dealt with -15 w/ -45 windchill recently too! It's brutal this winter!

ElEyeEh - 10 years ago

+pecktec
Thanks! :)

pecktec - 10 years ago

?#1 - Yes they should leave the shrimp alone. The male fish will anyway. The females are sort of wild cards
?#2 - Its sort of a non issue for me. I direct my current down so its easier for the betta to get to the top and hang out.

Kim Song - 10 years ago

Thank you so much! I had java ferns in my tank and it looked like it was dying so I thought maybe it was because it needed air.... so I took it out of my tank and now they're all dried up -__- They were growing new leaves off the dying ones. I didn't know this was normal =/

Jacob Schiffman - 10 years ago

Hey it sounds like your pretty lucky. It's about 0 degrees where I live and that is not an exaggeration.

Willy Wonkowski - 10 years ago

Question about snails.....I got some plants at my local fish store and it looks like they came with some tiny snails. When I got my plants from Petco/Petsmart in the plastic tubes plants were snail free. Will the snails damage plants or upset the cycle in my aquarium?
Should I get rid of the somehow?

ADU Aquascaping - 10 years ago

+pecktec I need another assassin snail, my new setup is getting eaten alive by stupid pond snails!

pecktec - 10 years ago

Snails are a natural part of any planted tank. They will not mess with the cycle but may eat some of the plants. The ones in this video do not seem sensitive to them. Over feeding your fish could lead to an outbreak off them. I find an assassin snail helps keep the population down.

Matt Owen - 10 years ago

hey awesome videos man! Just subbed you! Maybe another good beginner plant that or so I was told and was my first plant was amazon sword plants! I have yet to kill mine and have had it for a year now and it's been in 3 different tanks and I've been able to split it and everything! I also have VERY little knowledge on plants. Just thought that'd be one you MIGHT be able to throw in

the lazy fish keeper - 10 years ago

some good inforamtion look forward to more video stay well

Doug C - 10 years ago

Hey Pec , so i uploaded a video of my tank and a little bit of its progression. Check it out and give me your input if you could. Much appreciation

liam morton - 10 years ago

Excellent video yet again, could I pick your brain and ask what type of Ferts you use on your planted tanks? Maybe do a video a lot on YouTube I've searched are not really helpful and all your videos have a great explanation and detail!!

pecktec - 10 years ago

Ok I'll add that to the list.

Luke Bentley - 10 years ago

It's -2 degrees Celsius if you ever have any plants rocks bog wood or any tank equipment going Spear could I have it pleas thanks

Rice Scapes - 10 years ago

your anubias looks great!

Duc Ly - 10 years ago

I hope you didn't have Koi in your frozen pond. LOL.. jk. Glad I don't have to deal with extreme cold weather in Silicon Valley, but it can get down to the 30s at night, which is nothing compared to East Coast states.
I think a banana plant would be a great addition to low light planted tank.
I have 3 in my established 50 gallon and never get tired of looking at it.

ben williams - 10 years ago

Thanks for the video I did put plant in my spec V tank

Joseph Ferluga - 10 years ago

It's called java lace*

CRISTINA R. Fam - 10 years ago

thanks for the information, your videos are awesome!!!!!!!

OceanLife69 - 10 years ago

Great video my friend, as always!! Great info on these plants. It was a perfect 80 degrees here in S. Florida today!

OceanLife69 - 10 years ago

Any time brother! It will be an honor!!

pecktec - 10 years ago

Lucky! put another plate on Im heading down there!

Dsmith4333 - 10 years ago

Recently subscribed after 1 + years of watching. I thoroughly enjoy your channel. In fact, you are the reason I now own 2 planted tanks. A Fluval Edge 6gal and a Fluval Spec 5. Waiting on my new Ebi to arrive as well. As a newbie to this hobby, your expertise is greatly appreciated. Hope to pick your brain every now and then.Oh, and thanks for not screaming at your viewers like some other channels....................;)

pecktec - 10 years ago

LOL who ever do you mean? :) It makes me feel good to hear this stuff thanks for sharing. Sounds like a new fish addict in the making.

Scott Metevier - 10 years ago

Answered alot of my problems thanks for the video

pecktec - 10 years ago

Great!

william glass - 10 years ago

hey im in florida and its 70 degees right now. :) great vids though.

william glass - 10 years ago

its awesome I also have a pond look up aquascape it has amazing products on pond stuff

pecktec - 10 years ago

Aw man! Im dieing for some Florida sun.

Doug C - 10 years ago

Good video as always.... i am actually getting all three of these plants tomorrow along with about 5 other low light species. I decided not to do a few plants at a time and just go all out and switch feom fake plants to real all in one shot. Ill post a video of the transformation when im all done.

pecktec - 10 years ago

Great can't wait to see it!

Pablo Escobar - 10 years ago

Hey Pecktec! Enjoyed the video as always! How about a vid on your angelfish?

pecktec - 10 years ago

I feel a little intimidated because there are so many REAL experts on these fish in particular. Still I could talk about them some. I'll put it on the list. Thanks!

Yeah it's Laura - 10 years ago

Hmm, could you maybe send me a trimmed piece to try? I'd love to try the Christmas moss. How does your cichlid do with the other fish? I had four in a 30 gallon tank, and one has killed all the rest. Now I have a 30 gal tank with one lonely fish it. I'm apprehensive to try cichlids again. Thinking I want to change it to a community tank, but don't know what to do with the last remaining cichlid. I could flush him, but I can't lol. I don't have the heart to do that.

Yeah it's Laura - 10 years ago

thank you, +Pablo Escobar :)

Pablo Escobar - 10 years ago

Sorry for being harsh and abrupt with you earlier. Just so you know, though, "African Cichlids" are not a type of cichlid. There are over 1000 species of African cichlids ranging from completely docile to homocidal maniac. If you bought out of a tank labelled "Mixed african cichlids", don't do that again. They are very poor quality hybridized fish. Buy quality stock from a private breeder. Look on craigslist, kijiji, etc, and find somebody breeding fish in your area. If you have a 29 gallon, you can just barely get away with a group of saulosi. Try 1 male and 7 females. They won't kill eachother.

Yeah it's Laura - 10 years ago

Well when I bought the cichlids, I only bought four, and I DO know the species, +Pablo Escobar . They are/were African cichlids, and all came out of the same tank at the same time at the store. I also know that they are an aggressive species and that is why I only had the cichlids in that tank. They were brought home to a well conditioned, cycled 29 gallon tank with no other fish occupying it. I do research my fish! I've been dying to get a pair a dwarf puffers, but after research I opted not to because they prefer brackish water, which I am not familiar with setting up and maintaining. I also currently have three betta tanks, and one of my bettas I raised from a fry. I'm no noob when it comes to fish. I've had them all of my life. I'm definately not a pro, but also definately not a noob and I took offense to that statement. Just saying. And thank you +pecktec, I'll be dropping you an email soon :) You rock!

Pablo Escobar - 10 years ago

+pecktec You're right, I was harsh. I just get tired of the ever-repeating cycle of people not researching fish before they get them, or just buying them based on the LFS employee's advice, which is often wrong.

pecktec - 10 years ago

The best option for a fish you have discovered you cant handle is to see if a local fish store will take it in and hopefully give you some credit towards a new one. Most cichlids are aggressive to some degree. Although Pablo was a bit harsh he is right in that any fish you buy should be looked over carefully on the internet before you get them home. I actually sat in the floor of a fish store for an hour looking up one I thought would be neat to own only to find out over and over again I didn't have the right setup for it. I use the triple verify rule also. You will get different info from different places. Try to find the aspects they agree upon to determine what you need to know. I would be happy to send you some moss shot me a message to pecktec101@gmail.com

Pablo Escobar - 10 years ago

Typical noob comment from somebody who doesn't even know what species of cichlids they had, put an inproper number of them in a tank and had a bad experience. Do some research! cichlid-forum dot com look in the library section.