Thanks for wording that correctly! I said Respiration thinking "breathing in AND out"... like humans and that was a poor choice of words and made it confusing. Appologies, I know it's specifically one way in plants and the opposite process of photosynthesis sort of. I should have had a script rather than speaking off the cuff. And transportation, I just didn't use correctly, clearly. So thank you. I'll pin this note up top. Thank you!
@@Fishtory Not necessary to thanks . I understand your explanation is very useful for beginners, I was just trying to clarify the concepts because it can cause some confusion.
I know im asking the wrong place but does someone know a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my account password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Harvey Caiden I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Best advice I ever received on preventing Crypt melt is before you plant them (or right after) clip EVERYTHING off. Yes, everything! Why? Because Crypt melt is almost inevitable. When the leaves start to melt, the plant is still trying to provide nutrients to those dying leaves. By clipping everything of right from the start, the plant now directs all of its nutrients to growing healthy immersed leaves, not trying to keep melting ones alive. This is not something that comes easy for everyone to do. When we get new plants we want to see them in our aquarium. But the results will actually be a healthy beautiful plant in less time.
@@wnf.268 The Beard is incorrect. The plant typically looses about 80 to 90 percent of the emersed growth, but the remaining leaves, usually smaller, newer ones are critical in recovery. Clipping everything simply compounds the shock of being submerged and significantly slows new growth or kills the plant outright if the rhizome isn't developed enough.
First time watching one of your videos, and wow! So impressed! Thank you for your thorough and easy to follow presentation style, I learned a lot and really enjoyed watching and listening! I’m definitely looking forward to learning more from your channel! 😁👍 Also, your tanks are gorgeous, love what you’re doing with them!
Thanks for the kind words. The channel has a ton of content from 5 years now. (760 videos or so), but I'd recommend watching the "best of" playlist if you like super info dense episodes. In any case, welcome to the community, and if you have any questions or info to add, please don't be shy. Cheers! -Alex
Until the ammonia and nitrates are gone... so it can very from 5 or 6 days to 5 or 6 weeks if its a super fertilized aquascape for carpeting plants or something
thanks you for a very detail , informative video. My question is , what to do with my Amazon sword that I bought submerged in a tank at Petco and when I placed it in my tank, planted it in a fluval substrate ,with in a week it started turning brown & look like it’s dying , I have a very good lighting there also , what shld I do? Thanks in advance
So I would cut off the dying part, anything clear, yellow or brown and mushy...you can trim the leaves back to the rosette or root ball/base. As long as it has roots it should bounce back ...it may take a couple months in the worst case though
About the most comprehensive explanation of "melting" out there. I wasted a lot of time. money, and hope in the early days in the hobby, when raising crypts was hopeless, as they are particularly susceptible. I don't remember this process being explained anywhere in the 1950s - 70s.
I'm an old timer 1968 was when I started with fishkeeping. There's one Cryptocoryne from that era that's darn near impossible to find nowadays and it used to be very common. Cryptocoryne Affinis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocoryne_affinis
@@tauncfester3022 Your link tips the reader to refer to the genus page for info on "crypt melt." Twas very helpful. "Crypt melt: A phenomenon often encountered when planting new crypts in an aquarium is commonly called Crypt melt, whereby the plant loses all its leaves.[3] There seem to be two possible causes for this. "Rapid environmental changes is thought to trigger this, as these plants do not seem to adapt well to transplantion, and may need 30 days or so to become established and for the leaves to regrow. Experienced growers report that it is better to plant crypts in aquariums that have been established for at least three months[citation needed]. "In the wild, crypts can grow fully submerged underwater, but in some plant nurseries they are often grown emersed and crypt melt could then be triggered by the change from emerse to submerse conditions. "There is lately a trend for such nurseries to send crypts as just a rootstock (i.e. without the leaves) to reduce shipping costs and because the leaves will be lost anyway once planted in an aquarium. "Other reports[4] emphasise the need to change the aquarium water regularly to prevent the buildup of nitrates which are thought to trigger this condition (often referred to as a disease). "
A general thank you to Alex for putting out comprehensive videos for the more advanced hobbyist. You explain things really well for the beginner, as well as for the more advanced and/or sciencey folks, but you don't necessarily waste time explaining the same old insanley basic stuff you can find on any TH-cam channel. Seems like you really do your research and get the whys behind the topics you cover. Great education here!
Thank you kindly. That's my exact goal. In this day of Google, I just assume people have done some basic searching and thus I can treat them like adult, engaged hobbyists. Thank you so much for your participation on this channel and for your kind words!
i 100% agree. got into aquariums a few months ago and have basically blown through all the basic advice and common knowledge but i still love to learn. this channel has been such a great resource
i just bought some lush hornworts and in a single day they r literally shedding their asses off! Some even have ony the stick like stem remaining did i do something wrong ? i only dipped them in a brine solution for sterillzing(in my way) and nothing else will they even grow back ? honestly it seems liek they r throwing apart everything , its a real mess:((
One thing I have been doing lately is floating new plants at the surface for about 2 weeks. CO2 is at a higher concentration at the surface and the plant will "reach for the sky"thereby lessening the shock of being fully submerged. Since I don't inject CO2. This has worked so well I'm actually considering buying more crypts which I have stayed away from for quite some time now due to the frustration I have had with them in the past. Great video!!!
Being a new planted aquarium person this really helps me immensely. I remember when I first planted my one Aquarium I experienced melt and I almost gave up because I just thought it was me!! Videos like this help me not give up and make want to even try new species of plants. I love the way you break it down where even beginners like myself can understand! Thanks Alex for all you do have a blessed day! 🤗🌿🐟🌿💚🙏
Easily the most in depth individual out here. You have and incredible grasp on everything you speak on. And you put it into terms that are extremely easy to understand, no codes. I like the video a lot, super helpful. Keep rockin man, well done. Your scapes are incredible 🙌🏼🙌🏼
@@Fishtory and thank you. For keeping us all well educated in our hobby. Fish keeping is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Aqua scapes and just beautiful creations we've all made. None of us would ever make it far without useful knowledge to depend on and turn to in our times of need. A lot can happen in your tanks. Things we can't always see. I've used a multitude of your videos as reference points in my own everyday care for my fish room. You're a true inspiration my friend. Really happy you popped up in my feed. And your channel was my very first official follow. That alone says enough. You compelled me to smash that like button and then soon after I was convinced I must subscribe, as I feared I might miss something 😂 Now everything comes to my notifications and I go through and watch what helps in my times of need. Thank you again, Alex. You have incredible talent. Can't wait to see where your journey takes you 🙌🏼😎 -Justin
I love what some people call "a mess of plants" that need trimming to make nice and neat. I find the fish love alot of healthy plants and prevents fish dominating each other and out competing for food. The fish are more relaxed! Plus, when I see underwater videos of rivers I always notice the plants are thick and tangled.
Thank you so kindly. I'm self taught with botany, but do have a basic biology background with an archeology degree. But it makes me truly happy to read I did the topic justice. Thanks for coming by
Really informative! Thought my plants were dying. Is there a recommended frequency of water changes for a newly setup planted aquarium? I've been doing 50% water change twice a week but wasn't sure if it was ruining the growth of the bacteria.
Thank you. I would recommend 2x a week 30% if it's a newer tank...just keep that free nitrate and nitrite level down... the plants like free ammonia in small doses...but it kills fish at that same "small" dose, so for the benefit of both fish and plants, I recommend 2x a week for 4 or 5 weeks and then once a week or even once every 2 weeks if your tank is stable. Thanks for tuning in. Cheers and best wishes, Alex.
Haha "Hero" , I'll take it ! Hahaha. Well I'm glad if it helps a bit. Sometimes even when you know WHY It's how to stop it WHEN it inevitably occurs. But at least you are prepared
I've been all over the internet past few days n after watching this video most of my doubts are clear🙏 thank you for explaining things so simply, tc stay safe
So glad you found this useful. I have several hour long videos on tissue cultured plants and transforming emersed plants to submerged ones and the strange behavior of tissue culture plants
The main thing some people don't know is for floaters is to minimize their movement, generally don't like roots being disturbed. Besides like you stated emersed grown and adapting. Rhizomal plants don't bury on substrate. Your videos are great for beginners.
I’ve been keepin’ bronze crypts for almost 10 years and I’ve barely touched them except to get algae off of the leaves because I’m afraid they’ll melt if I move any of them to another tank
Great video, with tons of information! I too trim off some of the leaves that are half dead, so the plant doesn't focus on saving that leaf. So much information!
Bro. Your a genius. Let's just be friends and you talk and I'll just absorb knowledge from you. You are a Great example of "do not judge a book by its cover". Much Respect Thank you for your information and education.
Thank you kindly. Check out the live streams Tues and Sat at 4:05pm pacific time / 7pm Eastern. I think you'd enjoy our chats. Also the playlist called "podcasts friendly" videos...its mostly audio topics of mine...and not reliant on visual info.
Wow, you explained this so well! Answered all my questions in one video, but I've been looking into getting co2 for my 55 gal tank, and I'm 50 50 on getting it because it looks scary! And the co2 case can explode if you do it wrong!! It also seems really complex, and I was wondering if you could make a vid explaining how to use it?
I have a video on setting up and using co2 if you subscribe and then look n through the video archive on the channel. I hope the videos help! There are over 700 on this channel now :)
Thank you kindly. I try to rely on information, facts and speaking to folks the way I would one on one... no worries on editing or producing special effects etc. Im honored you see that and are enjoying it. Thank you for watching!
I don’t necessarily watch your video but I do listen to it while I’m driving, and that’s why I subscribed. You do an excellent job of putting out information and keeping it interesting
Yes Ammonia and ammonium are different molecules. But plants can use and metabolize ammonia and ammonium better than nitrates and nitrites. Especially in low concentrations ...too much and it can burn them
I am somewhat new to planted tanks but I have done a lot of research so the potential of the Dunning Kruger effect is great. What I understand is that plants actually prefer to use ammonium and ammonia over nitrate. There is less resources needed to breakdown them down. Of course at an excessive level ammonia can become toxic to them. Please explain why this isn't correct.
I'll have to give that a try... I kind of want to see if you placed all the lights below the leaves/ at the bottom, if the plants would hug the light, or grow slowly upright and normal?
@@Fishtory Experiment time....we have many and it gives the plecos a constant supply of algae....we have done several videos on different ones....they are very fun to experiment with.....it is cool to hit the roots and plants from the bottom and also to light the fish up from the bottom!
Great content!! I could have avoid total melt if I find this video earlier. I thought it was walk in the park and my plant literally melts away day by day to beyond save (roots and rhizome too)
Love you Alexander. You are amazing! I have learned so much from you! And it’s nice to finally see your face! Thank you for sharing you vast knowledge with us,
No problem :) glad to hear you enjoy the channel. There are 700 other videos from the last several years, on all sorts of topics, so if you're looking for an answer- perhaps check the channel and key word search the subject...if I haven't covered it, message me and I WILL :)
Welcome to the channel! There are over 700 videos, so if you come across a question you need answered, check my videos...if it's not already a video, let me know- and if will likely become a video
@@FishtoryVery cool! Happy New Year and thank you again. I just had no idea most aquatic plants were actually land plants 😯🌿🌿🌿 Last week, I learned quite a few types of moss can happily grow under water (from Tanner on Serpa Squad) so now I'm starting to put all these little puzzle pieces together! 🧩👍👍👍
It's really tricky. It likes flowing water... and big water changes can help, but manual removing it and then reducing the nitrates are basically the best you can do with black beard algae unfortunately. Good luck though... oh hydrogen peroxide also kill it ( Google that process. If you're interested).
I used fancy Amazonia aquasoil with supplements underneath and then I found out about the ammonia problem. Now I'm stuck in front of my new tank staring at the new plants and my fingers cramping up from crossing. Water changes every day for who knows how long...
@@Fishtory I ended up starting over with deep sand (and bit of gravel sprinkle) substrate, dirt underneath and many plants. The inert sand keeps the nutrients down (only for the roots to reach). I finally got some sleep.
Yes, it sure can be... the substrate is the worst part (you can buy used or cheap tanks, find stones and wood, trade or buy plant trimmings from local hobbyists usually, but the lightning substrate and fertilizers and or co2 can really get pricey
Increase flow of o2 rich water .. don't bury the roots at all for a while and then never more than half of then in sand or stone Substrate. Cut away any mushy spots and yet co2 would likely help a little bit as well
You're literally a lifesaver! Thank you for filling in this gap for deep substrate planting. There are great videos on how to start but not what to expect moving forward and the absolute HELL that new hobbyist will have to face when aquarium plants have acclimation shock. From what I've seen and heard now from all these "seasoned" experts on youtube is that it's a guarantee that all plants will have a level of dieback. Thank you for mentioning how normal it is to have to conduct water changes often in the successive weeks of staring a tank. I thought I royally f'ed things up when nitrates spiked w/o any damn animals in it. Also, thanks for the review on plant lights - I just ordered one of the hygars to help out.
Theres quite a few...i just have a lot of videos haha...is there a specific task you'd like to see? My aquascape or hardscape builds are when i do turorials usually. Or timelapse stuff
One massive thing that helped me from the get go was I started this hobby by doing RODI water for everything, as I added up the costs and found dechlorinators in the long term add up to the same price but give way less benefits then RODI water. Because I used RODI water I learned water parameters really in depth really early on. This massively helps with keeping plants and making sure the water conditions are right for the right type of plant your keeping. Number one reason a plant will start to melt is massively wrong water hardness of gh or kh.
Please help..I am setting a new tank up. I have opted for sand , plants and spider wood. As well as a hang on the back filter system. I added Fritz stuff to get the growth going. My tank looks like a swamp! Im so discouraged. Is this normal? I know i need to let things grow..for the plants and fish that i plan to put in there..but this 65 gallon tank looks a mess. Should i do water changes?? Or just leave it be. Its been 3 days..thank you!
I remember having this problem years ago with fish aquariums and grown plants from pet stores. In planted aquariums I only but cups and I am running C02 when the lights are on. Also just a few fishes with the maintenance crew of amano shrimp, otocinclus and snails.
So I have a soiled tank, as per father fish. Do I still need to be adding plant fertilizer? Tank is about 3 weeks old. It's mid cycle. No ammonia, .25 nitrites. No nitrates yet. Tank does have some fish. 40 gallon breeder, 8 neons, 3 nerite snails and 3 otocynclis. Am I supposed to be doing water changes as well???
I did an experiment which cost melting to my monte carlo and a stagnant growth of my plants last few week. What I did was my inline CO2 diffuser I switched from outflow to inflow which goes into my canister filter first than it goes out to the tank. First day I saw my plants started melting it happens from bad to worst till the third day. So I decided to switch back from inflow to outflow. It started growing back.
True. Just sharing. Who knows anyone has done that before. The purpose of me doing that hopefully the CO2 will dissolve in the canister. That's my main thing.
Don't we need some ammonia in the water to start nitrogen cycling? Or how do you start a new tank from scratch? Not to say that trimming dead parts of plants isn't good, but does keeping some of the trim in the water help with jump starting a cycle ? I have no idea. I'm very new to the hobby but loving all the science and the deep dives. Thank you again, Alex. Edit: I'm not using an active substrate. It was a bit out of the budget.
thank you so much, can you please clarify? If every leaf is melted, do we literally cut everything off? to where there is NO leaves left at all, and it's just roots with a couple stumpy, bare stems just poking out of the substrate? i have terrible problems with this issue, and have wasted so much money, i had given up and resigned myself to the fact that I could only grow swords, dwarf lily, pogostemon, and banana plant, lol. Thank you again, your videos are always the most helpful
No problem. With most species of rooted plants (they have enough root tissue that if can suck up nutrients and re-grow) can be cut back all the way to about and inch from the root if its a stem plant...or if its a sword or crypt, some people cut off the leaves completely, before they even melt! I find that a bit extreme, bit once I see about 30% of a leaf that is dead, I get scissors and cleanly cut the whole leaf off. Tearing leaves can shock plants, so total "amputation", cleaning is best from my experience. Underlying all this is nutrients in the substrate and plenty strong lighting. Plus water changes every 2 or 3 days when a tank is new
Nothing smells as bad as those disintegrating plant stems. So bad that when I remove a melting stem, from the waterlogged plant, it instantly attracts blowflies (like a rotten corpse). I keep big plastic tubs of pond like waterscapes, under the verandah (filtered sun and out of the sight of clever predators, like native carnivorous birds and reptiles (kookaburras, butcher birds, magpies, scrub turkeys pee wees, baza oacifics, eastern water dragons, carpet snakes, tree snakes.....etc etc) I have been raising my native Striped Marsh frogs ( an aquatic species), from eggs I rescue from the swimming pool from September (Brisbane Queensland beginning of Spring), before chlorinating for swimming after winter. Then it is the Dainty Green Tree frogs that commence breeding, with the coming of the Summer rain, and, of course, the green tree frogs ( both the Dainty Green and Green Tree Frogs are arboreal but need still water to lay their eggs). I walk a fine line of maintaining the tanks to suit the tadpoles, the morphology of these creatures, and the baby newly emerged tiny frogs (very fragile), and ultimately the returning breeding adults, of predominantly these 3 native species. I also have native pacific blue eyes in my rainwater catchment 65 litre tubs, to keep the mosquito breeding in check, that the native parrots and birds come to drink from. It is a wild trip and a clever balancing act to watch over, nurture and maintain optimal balance and wellbeing for these creatures and the safe protected appealing habitat I have provided for them ( as an alternative to the chlorine swimming pool and often drought conditions without adequate summer rain). The water, if not rainwater then aged water, a balance between tadpole numbers, size of the tanks (I have 4 plastic 65 litre storage rectangular containers I use, plus several large round plastic dishes/tubs), the amount and type of substrate, rocks, plant life, (and extensive use of various plumber type piece of pvc piping and elbows to form underwater tunnels, secret passageways, and hiding places for these magnificent, inquisitive, and intrepid tadpoles frogs and pacific blue eye. .....sometimes the odd eastern water dragon juvenile will take a dip in with them as well. I raised thousands of tadpoles this summer alone (at the height of their populations I was feeding them 2 cos lettuces a day, and going through a canister of fish food a week). As the populations of tadpoles diminish the waterscape can no longer support the amount of plant life it did when the tadpoles were in their hundreds in each tank. I adjust the tanks accordingly but ensure they remain viable for returning mature frogs to breed in. A well spent Summer, always. Thanks for imparting your expertise. It is always reassuring to gave the necessary knowledge to ensure the status quo is maintained. xo . I used to do weekly water changes but as I achieved a balance between the population capacity each tub could support, and the amount of plants needed, it was just a matter of adjusting as the tadpoles metamorphosised, and the frogs left. Hundreds and hundreds of frogs, already this Summer, gave left the tubs to go forth into the garden and then the scrub beyond (the untamed Australian bush). Other matu
WOW, You really make science fun and very understandable. I wish I had you as a science/biology teacher in grade/high school. Thanks for all you do! 😘 I love your channel💚💚💚😊
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you. I think the world is a fascinating story...and every sub-plot or part of this world, ties into the bigger picture. When things aren't just obscure facts with no practical application, it's much more engaging for most of us (myself included)
I've killed literally hundreds of plants over the years, and will likely kill a few hundred more. Sometimes it's an uphill battle. A very important thing i should have mentioned is that starting a little log or list of plants that flourish for you, then looking up what their needs are- is a great way to find more plants related to the ones that work for your water and tanks vs. Wasting money on the ones that don't...or that require so much effort that you'd rather skip it. Thanks for tuning in!
best method from my years of aquascaping: 1) Water change 70% every 2 days for a week or so before adding new plants 2) Use your old filter media (I can't stress how impt this is in speeding up the nitrogen cycle)
Yeah that works great. I do that much water changing for the first month or so... and usually hit algae at 6 to 9 weeks in... then take a week to beat it, and continue smoothly for the next year or more after that
I'm about to add plant'a for the first time to my aquarium. Starting for now with dwarf grass. My question is can you still add salt with the plant's? and how much?
I am just now getting into rooted plants from having watched so many of your videos on the plants in your tanks. My go to has always been the fluffy kind of hornwort, mosses, marimo moss balls, and narrow leaf java fern, anubias and buces. Pearlweed is fast becoming a fav of mine. 👍💓👍
Very good information about this topic and answers so many questions about this frustrating situation. You make it look so easy lol! You're like the aquarium plants whisper you know that, right??? It's a little bit more involved than just placing plants in dirt and letting them go do their thing. For a little more than 12 years I had the pleasure of owning and making what seemed to be a perfect ecosystem in a 30 gallon tank. It had everything from fish of all sizes and species that got along well with crustaceans freshwater clams a apple snail and crayfish in the same tank with the fish who ate pellets rather than the fishes. I had a big hollow white oak log for him and the catfish to hang out in. And plants of all varieties along with the fuji moss which grew so well and quickly that I had to cut it down every week removing over a full cup compressed of the stuff at a time. Then I had to move...... and I really tried to keep everything in place and make the 37 miles without fully emptying the tank. For years I never had to do water changes because it was a actual functioning ecosystem and hey if it's not broken, then don't try fixing it....Right? My water quality number's were mint and all I ever did was clean the filters. Then I moved, and being I couldn't bring all 30 gallons with me I had no choice but to take the chance and try using the new well water here and everything went to hell within a couple weeks of it being back up and running! I lost my fish 1 by 1 and then the plants as well. The only thing that I can think of that could have happened is during the move it moved the substrate all over and stirred up the pot 🤔??? SMFH basically ruining the whole natural ecosystem I once had in perfect order for so very long! I had fish some as old as 10+ yrs which all ended up keeling on me afterwards! And since then I've never had the ambition to do it all over again...... it takes a lot time to get it right and a lot of time as well. My father owning a aquarium shop in NY could not believe that I never had to change my water out? I only added from evaporation and filter changes. But I think now I have the time I may have to try this again 🤔? And after your video lesson I learned so much more about this topic. Like I knew about the C02 systems that were just beginning to get popular when my old man decided to retire and sell his shop. But it's definitely an interesting and expensive hobby these days now! But what isn't anymore right??? SMFH! I'm use to paying wholesale or free LMFAO? Took a lot for granted back then I'm seeing now..... but it would always frustrate the old man, who's changing waters on dozens and dozens of tanks all day long and he'd ask how much and how often you check and change your water? I'd shrug my shoulders and say go see how everything looks and see if it needs it?? So he would and he'd come back scratching his head 🙄LOL!! But again thanks for your tips and information about how these plants work! Much appreciated.
You are very welcome and I appreciate your input/ experiences. I've noticed many of the same things too! It's hard to get that perfect balance of a well seasoned and cycled tank, back into its groove.
I have had a dirtied tank set up for around 4 months and I am unable to find a effective way to fertilize. Every time I dose even 1/5 of the recommended dose I get stag horn Algee growth. There are many guppies and shrimp who are healthy I decided to not dose anything for a month, and see so deficiencies yet. Would love your feed back as what to try I have used easy green- and at first I used this with flourish advance.
So I have a very easy solution. Add root tabs to the soil, then add 1 inch of fine sand to cap the soil completely, or 2 inches of coarse grain sand. This will "lock in" the nutrients your plants need. If you want to start dosing liquid fertalizers, you want to make sure you have a nice powerful light, so the plants can use the nutrients before the algae does...I'm guessing you need stronger lighting, but should only have it on 6-9 hours, then keep the tank dark the rest of the time (even a towel or quilt over top,, if you have an algae bloom. Ambient light will grow algae but not plants. So I'd suggest shorter light periods if you are doing 10 or 12 hours (like most people do). Just cut that back to 8, 7 or even 6 if a bloom is going on.. then get that bright, full spectrum light (I have a video series called "let there be light!" About all of this lighting stuff.. The LED bar should really be so bright that you can't stare at it for more than a second.
Appreciate the help a lot you hit the nail on the head with how long I have the lights on. The tank is in my living room as well so the ambient light is something I never considered but I think I will try blacking it out while the lights turn off forsure. Thank for the help love the videos keep making the hobby great.
The other reason to get rid of stalled or dying emergent growth is to keep algae from infesting your tank. It's funny, I've bought air growth C. Willisii in rockwool pots that hasn't suffered a great melt when transplanted into my tanks. A couple older leaves, may melt, but any newer leaves just pick up where the plant left off from the nursery. I think some of this is because our water is pretty soft and we have a certain amount of tannins from our well.
@Fishstory I currently have about 5 or 6 types of swordplants and the bigger ones collect detritus and other tank material. I used to manually clean the leaves but tried to think how the leaves keep themselves clean in nature. So i have started experimenting with add more flow into the water so that the leaves can move and sway which means it naturally shakes off dirt from the leaves and by adding siamese algae eaters. I have noticed that these Algae eating busy bodies eat debris off the leaves and also eat any floating debris from the water column Clean leaves = Siamese Algae Eaters + water flow 👍🏽
Hot crypt tip: remove the young shoots. Then trim the oldest outside leaves on the main plant. Use Consistent high light and you’ll have new growth. Crypts will spiral I lost a flamingo by leaving it alone when it needed a big chop.
True. That's the point of this video... a lot of folks don't honestly know what their plants need. I also assumed since ammonia nitrate and ammonium are in soil and fertz, that ammonia is good for plants/bad for fish, end of story...but most melt is ammonia burn combined with lack of usable carbon in the face of the nutrient spike
Hey Uncle Alex! (You look like my uncle) I bought some Anubias Barteri & Rotala red. I did a 20 hour alum dip. The Anubias is doing ok, but the Rotala is not looking too good. There is some new growth, but the stems are turning black & the leaves look like they have see-through white fungus on them. Should i toss them? Thanks.
Dude! My tank was so good the first 2 weeks then boom! Everything is dying and white algae on all my mini leafs. I don't know what to do. Is it too much light? Thought my water was too warm. Put plant food fertilizer algea remover. I'm stumped
It could be a case of too many changes. Sometimes one starts a reaction and then It just keeps going. I'd do a few days of big water changes and not add anything for a few weeks perhaps...adding more plants always helps
Respiration occurs all day , it is not the opposite of photosynthesis. Transpiration is not CO2 emission , it is vapor water emission
Thanks for wording that correctly! I said Respiration thinking "breathing in AND out"... like humans and that was a poor choice of words and made it confusing. Appologies, I know it's specifically one way in plants and the opposite process of photosynthesis sort of.
I should have had a script rather than speaking off the cuff.
And transportation, I just didn't use correctly, clearly. So thank you. I'll pin this note up top.
Thank you!
@@Fishtory Not necessary to thanks . I understand your explanation is very useful for beginners, I was just trying to clarify the concepts because it can cause some confusion.
Well I appreciate it.... so THANK YOU haha 😄
I know im asking the wrong place but does someone know a tool to log back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot my account password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Harvey Caiden I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Best advice I ever received on preventing Crypt melt is before you plant them (or right after) clip EVERYTHING off. Yes, everything! Why? Because Crypt melt is almost inevitable. When the leaves start to melt, the plant is still trying to provide nutrients to those dying leaves. By clipping everything of right from the start, the plant now directs all of its nutrients to growing healthy immersed leaves, not trying to keep melting ones alive. This is not something that comes easy for everyone to do. When we get new plants we want to see them in our aquarium. But the results will actually be a healthy beautiful plant in less time.
Yes...(as long as they are not tissue cultures). If they have roots, I totally agree... chop the top!
I clip EVERYTHING, and they all died.
@@wnf.268 🤣🤣
@@wnf.268 wdym?
@@wnf.268 The Beard is incorrect. The plant typically looses about 80 to 90 percent of the emersed growth, but the remaining leaves, usually smaller, newer ones are critical in recovery. Clipping everything simply compounds the shock of being submerged and significantly slows new growth or kills the plant outright if the rhizome isn't developed enough.
First time watching one of your videos, and wow! So impressed! Thank you for your thorough and easy to follow presentation style, I learned a lot and really enjoyed watching and listening! I’m definitely looking forward to learning more from your channel! 😁👍 Also, your tanks are gorgeous, love what you’re doing with them!
Thanks for the kind words. The channel has a ton of content from 5 years now. (760 videos or so), but I'd recommend watching the "best of" playlist if you like super info dense episodes.
In any case, welcome to the community, and if you have any questions or info to add, please don't be shy. Cheers!
-Alex
How long do you wait before introducing fish/shrimp/snails into a new tank? I've been planning on waiting about a week. Thank you, Alex.
Until the ammonia and nitrates are gone... so it can very from 5 or 6 days to 5 or 6 weeks if its a super fertilized aquascape for carpeting plants or something
thanks you for a very detail , informative video. My question is , what to do with my Amazon sword that I bought submerged in a tank at Petco and when I placed it in my tank, planted it in a fluval substrate ,with in a week it started turning brown & look like it’s dying , I have a very good lighting there also , what shld I do? Thanks in advance
So I would cut off the dying part, anything clear, yellow or brown and mushy...you can trim the leaves back to the rosette or root ball/base. As long as it has roots it should bounce back ...it may take a couple months in the worst case though
My tissue cultures are all melting as well, should I cut them all off?
Yeah toss the mushy and clear debris out
really cool man! saludos desde Costa Rica :)
Thank you for watching! Welcome
About the most comprehensive explanation of "melting" out there. I wasted a lot of time. money, and hope in the early days in the hobby, when raising crypts was hopeless, as they are particularly susceptible. I don't remember this process being explained anywhere in the 1950s - 70s.
I'm an old timer 1968 was when I started with fishkeeping. There's one Cryptocoryne from that era that's darn near impossible to find nowadays and it used to be very common. Cryptocoryne Affinis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocoryne_affinis
@@tauncfester3022 Your link tips the reader to refer to the genus page for info on "crypt melt." Twas very helpful.
"Crypt melt: A phenomenon often encountered when planting new crypts in an aquarium is commonly called Crypt melt, whereby the plant loses all its leaves.[3] There seem to be two possible causes for this.
"Rapid environmental changes is thought to trigger this, as these plants do not seem to adapt well to transplantion, and may need 30 days or so to become established and for the leaves to regrow. Experienced growers report that it is better to plant crypts in aquariums that have been established for at least three months[citation needed].
"In the wild, crypts can grow fully submerged underwater, but in some plant nurseries they are often grown emersed and crypt melt could then be triggered by the change from emerse to submerse conditions.
"There is lately a trend for such nurseries to send crypts as just a rootstock (i.e. without the leaves) to reduce shipping costs and because the leaves will be lost anyway once planted in an aquarium.
"Other reports[4] emphasise the need to change the aquarium water regularly to prevent the buildup of nitrates which are thought to trigger this condition (often referred to as a disease). "
@@tauncfester3022 hi I have the cryptocoryne affinis red I grow them plus I have some rare cryptocoryne rare anubias I grow rare java fern orange tip
A general thank you to Alex for putting out comprehensive videos for the more advanced hobbyist. You explain things really well for the beginner, as well as for the more advanced and/or sciencey folks, but you don't necessarily waste time explaining the same old insanley basic stuff you can find on any TH-cam channel. Seems like you really do your research and get the whys behind the topics you cover. Great education here!
Thank you kindly. That's my exact goal. In this day of Google, I just assume people have done some basic searching and thus I can treat them like adult, engaged hobbyists. Thank you so much for your participation on this channel and for your kind words!
Yeah I'm new here and it's clear this guy isn't playing around he's coming correct
i 100% agree. got into aquariums a few months ago and have basically blown through all the basic advice and common knowledge but i still love to learn. this channel has been such a great resource
i just bought some lush hornworts and in a single day they r literally shedding their asses off!
Some even have ony the stick like stem remaining
did i do something wrong ? i only dipped them in a brine solution for sterillzing(in my way) and nothing else
will they even grow back ? honestly it seems liek they r throwing apart everything , its a real mess:((
One thing I have been doing lately is floating new plants at the surface for about 2 weeks. CO2 is at a higher concentration at the surface and the plant will "reach for the sky"thereby lessening the shock of being fully submerged. Since I don't inject CO2. This has worked so well I'm actually considering buying more crypts which I have stayed away from for quite some time now due to the frustration I have had with them in the past. Great video!!!
Good idea. They also are close to the light source. This is best for stem plants.
Interesting, I wondered about that.
@@geekbot5000 great tip and awesome suggestion!
@@Fishtory thanks dude!
Being a new planted aquarium person this really helps me immensely. I remember when I first planted my one Aquarium I experienced melt and I almost gave up because I just thought it was me!! Videos like this help me not give up and make want to even try new species of plants. I love the way you break it down where even beginners like myself can understand! Thanks Alex for all you do have a blessed day! 🤗🌿🐟🌿💚🙏
Always such thoughtful comments
Easily the most in depth individual out here.
You have and incredible grasp on everything you speak on. And you put it into terms that are extremely easy to understand, no codes. I like the video a lot, super helpful.
Keep rockin man, well done. Your scapes are incredible 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words as well as you watching and commenting on the channel. Take care, Alex.
@@Fishtory and thank you. For keeping us all well educated in our hobby. Fish keeping is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Aqua scapes and just beautiful creations we've all made. None of us would ever make it far without useful knowledge to depend on and turn to in our times of need. A lot can happen in your tanks. Things we can't always see. I've used a multitude of your videos as reference points in my own everyday care for my fish room.
You're a true inspiration my friend. Really happy you popped up in my feed. And your channel was my very first official follow. That alone says enough. You compelled me to smash that like button and then soon after I was convinced I must subscribe, as I feared I might miss something 😂
Now everything comes to my notifications and I go through and watch what helps in my times of need.
Thank you again, Alex.
You have incredible talent. Can't wait to see where your journey takes you 🙌🏼😎 -Justin
I love what some people call "a mess of plants" that need trimming to make nice and neat. I find the fish love alot of healthy plants and prevents fish dominating each other and out competing for food. The fish are more relaxed! Plus, when I see underwater videos of rivers I always notice the plants are thick and tangled.
Good content, not enough to help people trouble shooting in the right way out there
I just hope that if I explain the biology and chemistry, maybe people will have solutions better than mine hehe...then I get to learn a new trick
I teach college physiology, and his explanation of oxidants and how cells use oxygen is spot on. Great information and great video !
Thank you so kindly. I'm self taught with botany, but do have a basic biology background with an archeology degree. But it makes me truly happy to read I did the topic justice. Thanks for coming by
Really informative! Thought my plants were dying. Is there a recommended frequency of water changes for a newly setup planted aquarium? I've been doing 50% water change twice a week but wasn't sure if it was ruining the growth of the bacteria.
Thank you. I would recommend 2x a week 30% if it's a newer tank...just keep that free nitrate and nitrite level down... the plants like free ammonia in small doses...but it kills fish at that same "small" dose, so for the benefit of both fish and plants, I recommend 2x a week for 4 or 5 weeks and then once a week or even once every 2 weeks if your tank is stable.
Thanks for tuning in.
Cheers and best wishes, Alex.
You sir are a hero. Thank you for this incredibly informative video.
Haha "Hero" , I'll take it ! Hahaha. Well I'm glad if it helps a bit. Sometimes even when you know WHY It's how to stop it WHEN it inevitably occurs. But at least you are prepared
Can we talk about how sexy the landscape in that tank is
Please go right ahead haha.. thank you so very much for the compliment
I've been all over the internet past few days n after watching this video most of my doubts are clear🙏 thank you for explaining things so simply, tc stay safe
So glad you found this useful. I have several hour long videos on tissue cultured plants and transforming emersed plants to submerged ones and the strange behavior of tissue culture plants
The main thing some people don't know is for floaters is to minimize their movement, generally don't like roots being disturbed. Besides like you stated emersed grown and adapting. Rhizomal plants don't bury on substrate. Your videos are great for beginners.
Thanks, I appreciate your input!
My bettas require low flow filters. Maybe that's why my stem plants haven't done well. Lack of water agitation.
Could very well be the case
I’ve been keepin’ bronze crypts for almost 10 years and I’ve barely touched them except to get algae off of the leaves because I’m afraid they’ll melt if I move any of them to another tank
They may...but the root should survive and regrow quickly
Great video, with tons of information! I too trim off some of the leaves that are half dead, so the plant doesn't focus on saving that leaf. So much information!
Is C02 safe for axolotls and other shrimp like it? probably a dumb question but just dont wanna screw anything up
I was wondering the same thing when it was new to me...good question. But they're totally fine with it. Shrimp tolerate more co2 than fish Even
Bro. Your a genius. Let's just be friends and you talk and I'll just absorb knowledge from you. You are a Great example of "do not judge a book by its cover". Much Respect
Thank you for your information and education.
Thank you kindly. Check out the live streams Tues and Sat at 4:05pm pacific time / 7pm Eastern. I think you'd enjoy our chats.
Also the playlist called "podcasts friendly" videos...its mostly audio topics of mine...and not reliant on visual info.
@@Fishtory thanks for the info.
Wow, you explained this so well! Answered all my questions in one video, but I've been looking into getting co2 for my 55 gal tank, and I'm 50 50 on getting it because it looks scary! And the co2 case can explode if you do it wrong!! It also seems really complex, and I was wondering if you could make a vid explaining how to use it?
I have a video on setting up and using co2 if you subscribe and then look n through the video archive on the channel. I hope the videos help! There are over 700 on this channel now :)
Ammonia is NOT toxic to plants at low levels, they actually use it directly and more efficiently than nitrate
Correct....its toxic in HIGH LEVELS. i was saying plants prefer using ammonia even though its more toxic to our fish and shrimp
Thanks for the great info😅
I like the way you make your videos engaging! Thank you
Thank you kindly. I try to rely on information, facts and speaking to folks the way I would one on one... no worries on editing or producing special effects etc. Im honored you see that and are enjoying it. Thank you for watching!
Keep up the good work 👍🏻.
I wonder if seltzer water would be a good way to supply CO2 to the tank.
They use it for photos of aquascapes often times! Old Amano trick from the 1990s
I don’t necessarily watch your video but I do listen to it while I’m driving, and that’s why I subscribed. You do an excellent job of putting out information and keeping it interesting
Haha well thank you, the video production is a bit rubbish anyhow. Info is my focus for now.
one error. Ammonia and ammonium are two different things and plants take up ammonia just like they do nitrates.
Yes Ammonia and ammonium are different molecules. But plants can use and metabolize ammonia and ammonium better than nitrates and nitrites. Especially in low concentrations ...too much and it can burn them
Great information. ❤ the way you explain the situation..
Glad you liked it
I am somewhat new to planted tanks but I have done a lot of research so the potential of the Dunning Kruger effect is great. What I understand is that plants actually prefer to use ammonium and ammonia over nitrate. There is less resources needed to breakdown them down. Of course at an excessive level ammonia can become toxic to them. Please explain why this isn't correct.
That is correct. You got it
Why is my susswasertan melting? Ohhhhhh. Lord
Too high of ph most likely
Very informative thanks Alex
My pleasure!
Liked subscribed, and now leaving a comment 🙈
Welcome aboard! And thank you so very much
Thanks AGAIN Alex! I love that you pop up every time i go to solve an aquarium issue! Love what you do brother!
Haha right on! Thanks man. If you have questions feel free to message me brotha. Good to see you in zee internetz too though
good tips sir....getto get that light for sure....we do undergravel lights too and that helps hit em from inside the tank
Right on!
I'll have to give that a try... I kind of want to see if you placed all the lights below the leaves/ at the bottom, if the plants would hug the light, or grow slowly upright and normal?
@@Fishtory Experiment time....we have many and it gives the plecos a constant supply of algae....we have done several videos on different ones....they are very fun to experiment with.....it is cool to hit the roots and plants from the bottom and also to light the fish up from the bottom!
Great content!! I could have avoid total melt if I find this video earlier. I thought it was walk in the park and my plant literally melts away day by day to beyond save (roots and rhizome too)
Well good luck in the future and welcome to the community here!
Love you Alexander. You are amazing! I have learned so much from you! And it’s nice to finally see your face! Thank you for sharing you vast knowledge with us,
No problem :) glad to hear you enjoy the channel. There are 700 other videos from the last several years, on all sorts of topics, so if you're looking for an answer- perhaps check the channel and key word search the subject...if I haven't covered it, message me and I WILL :)
Can I just use the sunlight coming through the window?
You can but algae is far more likely. Knowing for water and tank dynamics makes this much more attainable too
Alexander THE ONE ... 👍🏽😜👍🏽😜👍🏽
Whoa quite the statement....full of ego full of animosity...ill allow it 😆
Wow 😯 I had no idea. Thank you so much. I'm so glad I came across your channel.
Welcome to the channel! There are over 700 videos, so if you come across a question you need answered, check my videos...if it's not already a video, let me know- and if will likely become a video
@@FishtoryVery cool! Happy New Year and thank you again. I just had no idea most aquatic plants were actually land plants 😯🌿🌿🌿 Last week, I learned quite a few types of moss can happily grow under water (from Tanner on Serpa Squad) so now I'm starting to put all these little puzzle pieces together! 🧩👍👍👍
How do I get rid of the black alge? I keep doing water changes and carefully scrubbing it off the leafs but my green and red hedge and not doing good.
It's really tricky. It likes flowing water... and big water changes can help, but manual removing it and then reducing the nitrates are basically the best you can do with black beard algae unfortunately. Good luck though... oh hydrogen peroxide also kill it ( Google that process. If you're interested).
@Fishtory ahh ok thanks for the info definitely more than I knew and I'll look in to the methods u suggested thanks alot.
I used fancy Amazonia aquasoil with supplements underneath and then I found out about the ammonia problem. Now I'm stuck in front of my new tank staring at the new plants and my fingers cramping up from crossing. Water changes every day for who knows how long...
Yeah its tough...buuut eventually that substrate will be so fertile itll blow your mind lol
@@Fishtory I ended up starting over with deep sand (and bit of gravel sprinkle) substrate, dirt underneath and many plants. The inert sand keeps the nutrients down (only for the roots to reach). I finally got some sleep.
I am a simple men but damn aquascaping is costly as hell
Yes, it sure can be... the substrate is the worst part (you can buy used or cheap tanks, find stones and wood, trade or buy plant trimmings from local hobbyists usually, but the lightning substrate and fertilizers and or co2 can really get pricey
Ikr... I started expecting it to be a $200 tank plus some fish but noooo I've spent over a grand now 🤦♀️
I love this video. My anubias nana is browning and only the roots are in the ground. would c02 and a stronger light help it?
Increase flow of o2 rich water .. don't bury the roots at all for a while and then never more than half of then in sand or stone Substrate. Cut away any mushy spots and yet co2 would likely help a little bit as well
@@Fishtory thank you so much. I did exactly what you suggested. I hope to see improvements 😀
You're literally a lifesaver! Thank you for filling in this gap for deep substrate planting. There are great videos on how to start but not what to expect moving forward and the absolute HELL that new hobbyist will have to face when aquarium plants have acclimation shock. From what I've seen and heard now from all these "seasoned" experts on youtube is that it's a guarantee that all plants will have a level of dieback. Thank you for mentioning how normal it is to have to conduct water changes often in the successive weeks of staring a tank. I thought I royally f'ed things up when nitrates spiked w/o any damn animals in it. Also, thanks for the review on plant lights - I just ordered one of the hygars to help out.
Best of luck to you. Please feel free to ask lots of questions here or in live streams 😀
🤑🤑🤑aquarium👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽
Can you make a video where you are actually doing what you are saying? Please? Like a workshop tutorial style. Thanks in advance.
Theres quite a few...i just have a lot of videos haha...is there a specific task you'd like to see? My aquascape or hardscape builds are when i do turorials usually. Or timelapse stuff
@@Fishtory thank you very much.. I'll check on it
One massive thing that helped me from the get go was I started this hobby by doing RODI water for everything, as I added up the costs and found dechlorinators in the long term add up to the same price but give way less benefits then RODI water. Because I used RODI water I learned water parameters really in depth really early on. This massively helps with keeping plants and making sure the water conditions are right for the right type of plant your keeping. Number one reason a plant will start to melt is massively wrong water hardness of gh or kh.
Very good points
Wow, you are knowledgeable! I keep thinking…how do you vacuum that tank? 😜 I’m new to this….
Haha i dont vacuum this tank at all. Thats the way haha
I have so much to learn!🤣🤣
Please help..I am setting a new tank up. I have opted for sand , plants and spider wood. As well as a hang on the back filter system. I added Fritz stuff to get the growth going. My tank looks like a swamp! Im so discouraged. Is this normal? I know i need to let things grow..for the plants and fish that i plan to put in there..but this 65 gallon tank looks a mess. Should i do water changes?? Or just leave it be. Its been 3 days..thank you!
I remember having this problem years ago with fish aquariums and grown plants from pet stores. In planted aquariums I only but cups and I am running C02 when the lights are on. Also just a few fishes with the maintenance crew of amano shrimp, otocinclus and snails.
So I have a soiled tank, as per father fish. Do I still need to be adding plant fertilizer? Tank is about 3 weeks old. It's mid cycle. No ammonia, .25 nitrites. No nitrates yet. Tank does have some fish. 40 gallon breeder, 8 neons, 3 nerite snails and 3 otocynclis.
Am I supposed to be doing water changes as well???
I did an experiment which cost melting to my monte carlo and a stagnant growth of my plants last few week. What I did was my inline CO2 diffuser I switched from outflow to inflow which goes into my canister filter first than it goes out to the tank. First day I saw my plants started melting it happens from bad to worst till the third day. So I decided to switch back from inflow to outflow. It started growing back.
Bad move I made.
Whoa thats very interesting...hmmm *mind pondering*
True. Just sharing. Who knows anyone has done that before. The purpose of me doing that hopefully the CO2 will dissolve in the canister. That's my main thing.
@@Ttblondey Bad idea, since beneficial bacteria need O2.
What is the black round substrate?
Ada amazonia
Don't we need some ammonia in the water to start nitrogen cycling? Or how do you start a new tank from scratch?
Not to say that trimming dead parts of plants isn't good, but does keeping some of the trim in the water help with jump starting a cycle ?
I have no idea. I'm very new to the hobby but loving all the science and the deep dives. Thank you again, Alex.
Edit: I'm not using an active substrate. It was a bit out of the budget.
You have 2x4 hanging out your tank bro
1x3 but yes lol
thank you so much, can you please clarify? If every leaf is melted, do we literally cut everything off? to where there is NO leaves left at all, and it's just roots with a couple stumpy, bare stems just poking out of the substrate? i have terrible problems with this issue, and have wasted so much money, i had given up and resigned myself to the fact that I could only grow swords, dwarf lily, pogostemon, and banana plant, lol. Thank you again, your videos are always the most helpful
No problem. With most species of rooted plants (they have enough root tissue that if can suck up nutrients and re-grow) can be cut back all the way to about and inch from the root if its a stem plant...or if its a sword or crypt, some people cut off the leaves completely, before they even melt! I find that a bit extreme, bit once I see about 30% of a leaf that is dead, I get scissors and cleanly cut the whole leaf off. Tearing leaves can shock plants, so total "amputation", cleaning is best from my experience. Underlying all this is nutrients in the substrate and plenty strong lighting. Plus water changes every 2 or 3 days when a tank is new
This is by far the most useful video on the topic. Thank you so much.
You are so very welcome. Thank you for coming by
Nothing smells as bad as those disintegrating plant stems. So bad that when I remove a melting stem, from the waterlogged plant, it instantly attracts blowflies (like a rotten corpse). I keep big plastic tubs of pond like waterscapes, under the verandah (filtered sun and out of the sight of clever predators, like native carnivorous birds and reptiles (kookaburras, butcher birds, magpies, scrub turkeys pee wees, baza oacifics, eastern water dragons, carpet snakes, tree snakes.....etc etc) I have been raising my native Striped Marsh frogs ( an aquatic species), from eggs I rescue from the swimming pool from September (Brisbane Queensland beginning of Spring), before chlorinating for swimming after winter. Then it is the Dainty Green Tree frogs that commence breeding, with the coming of the Summer rain, and, of course, the green tree frogs ( both the Dainty Green and Green Tree Frogs are arboreal but need still water to lay their eggs). I walk a fine line of maintaining the tanks to suit the tadpoles, the morphology of these creatures, and the baby newly emerged tiny frogs (very fragile), and ultimately the returning breeding adults, of predominantly these 3 native species. I also have native pacific blue eyes in my rainwater catchment 65 litre tubs, to keep the mosquito breeding in check, that the native parrots and birds come to drink from. It is a wild trip and a clever balancing act to watch over, nurture and maintain optimal balance and wellbeing for these creatures and the safe protected appealing habitat I have provided for them ( as an alternative to the chlorine swimming pool and often drought conditions without adequate summer rain). The water, if not rainwater then aged water, a balance between tadpole numbers, size of the tanks (I have 4 plastic 65 litre storage rectangular containers I use, plus several large round plastic dishes/tubs), the amount and type of substrate, rocks, plant life, (and extensive use of various plumber type piece of pvc piping and elbows to form underwater tunnels, secret passageways, and hiding places for these magnificent, inquisitive, and intrepid tadpoles frogs and pacific blue eye. .....sometimes the odd eastern water dragon juvenile will take a dip in with them as well. I raised thousands of tadpoles this summer alone (at the height of their populations I was feeding them 2 cos lettuces a day, and going through a canister of fish food a week). As the populations of tadpoles diminish the waterscape can no longer support the amount of plant life it did when the tadpoles were in their hundreds in each tank. I adjust the tanks accordingly but ensure they remain viable for returning mature frogs to breed in. A well spent Summer, always. Thanks for imparting your expertise. It is always reassuring to gave the necessary knowledge to ensure the status quo is maintained. xo
. I used to do weekly water changes but as I achieved a balance between the population capacity each tub could support, and the amount of plants needed, it was just a matter of adjusting as the tadpoles metamorphosised, and the frogs left. Hundreds and hundreds of frogs, already this Summer, gave left the tubs to go forth into the garden and then the scrub beyond (the untamed Australian bush). Other matu
Great details in your video. I've been a plant slaughterer from way back, at least now I understand why. Thank you.
Glad you found it illuminating :) also, welcome to the channel.
I appreciate the how to or care /species spotlight type videos.. I generally dont share too much but I DO watch all the way through
Thanks for the feedback!
WOW, You really make science fun and very understandable. I wish I had you as a science/biology teacher in grade/high school. Thanks for all you do! 😘 I love your channel💚💚💚😊
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you. I think the world is a fascinating story...and every sub-plot or part of this world, ties into the bigger picture.
When things aren't just obscure facts with no practical application, it's much more engaging for most of us (myself included)
@@Fishtory AGREE💚💚💚
Subscribed great video! Just got a new plant today!
Welcome and thank you for joining the community!.
-Alex.
@@Fishtory 🙏
Thanks for the tips. Already killed most of my plants lol.
I've killed literally hundreds of plants over the years, and will likely kill a few hundred more. Sometimes it's an uphill battle. A very important thing i should have mentioned is that starting a little log or list of plants that flourish for you, then looking up what their needs are- is a great way to find more plants related to the ones that work for your water and tanks vs. Wasting money on the ones that don't...or that require so much effort that you'd rather skip it. Thanks for tuning in!
Sir you are definitely an encyclopedia
I try ...probably too hard lol. Sometimes I'm total nerd
👍👍👍 You are detailed and goes straight to the point.
Thank you. Glad it sounds like it was of some use to you. Have a great day!
best method from my years of aquascaping:
1) Water change 70% every 2 days for a week or so before adding new plants
2) Use your old filter media (I can't stress how impt this is in speeding up the nitrogen cycle)
Yeah that works great. I do that much water changing for the first month or so... and usually hit algae at 6 to 9 weeks in... then take a week to beat it, and continue smoothly for the next year or more after that
SUB and LIKED! Thanks
Welcome 🙏 and thank you kindly
Hey, I have 3badis badis and a killifish in my pond I gave them live blood worms but the killifish taking badis badis is not taking food :(
Oh bummer. Id get some sort of mosquito or fruit fly... wing-less fruit flies sold for pet lizards, work really well in my experience
I'm about to add plant'a for the first time to my aquarium. Starting for now with dwarf grass. My question is can you still add salt with the plant's? and how much?
You can add a tbl spoon or so for every 2 or 3 gallons usually... any more and ive had trouble personally
I am just now getting into rooted plants from having watched so many of your videos on the plants in your tanks. My go to has always been the fluffy kind of hornwort, mosses, marimo moss balls, and narrow leaf java fern, anubias and buces. Pearlweed is fast becoming a fav of mine.
👍💓👍
Wonderful! Pearlweed can be sculpted into so many forms... floating, shrubs, stems etc
I love my olive nerites snails they always do a great job and they can't populate the tank in freshwater! Win win
th-cam.com/play/PLQ5rFOVA1KB-POA1-3jTaWejPhOxzCIIQ.html this culture video was so helpful!
Doesn’t adding more fish increase CO2?
Yes slightly
@@Fishtory so if my aquarium has few plants and a lot of fish, will the CO2 be enough? Anubias and java fern?
Very good information about this topic and answers so many questions about this frustrating situation. You make it look so easy lol! You're like the aquarium plants whisper you know that, right??? It's a little bit more involved than just placing plants in dirt and letting them go do their thing. For a little more than 12 years I had the pleasure of owning and making what seemed to be a perfect ecosystem in a 30 gallon tank. It had everything from fish of all sizes and species that got along well with crustaceans freshwater clams a apple snail and crayfish in the same tank with the fish who ate pellets rather than the fishes. I had a big hollow white oak log for him and the catfish to hang out in. And plants of all varieties along with the fuji moss which grew so well and quickly that I had to cut it down every week removing over a full cup compressed of the stuff at a time. Then I had to move...... and I really tried to keep everything in place and make the 37 miles without fully emptying the tank. For years I never had to do water changes because it was a actual functioning ecosystem and hey if it's not broken, then don't try fixing it....Right? My water quality number's were mint and all I ever did was clean the filters. Then I moved, and being I couldn't bring all 30 gallons with me I had no choice but to take the chance and try using the new well water here and everything went to hell within a couple weeks of it being back up and running! I lost my fish 1 by 1 and then the plants as well. The only thing that I can think of that could have happened is during the move it moved the substrate all over and stirred up the pot 🤔??? SMFH basically ruining the whole natural ecosystem I once had in perfect order for so very long! I had fish some as old as 10+ yrs which all ended up keeling on me afterwards! And since then I've never had the ambition to do it all over again...... it takes a lot time to get it right and a lot of time as well. My father owning a aquarium shop in NY could not believe that I never had to change my water out? I only added from evaporation and filter changes. But I think now I have the time I may have to try this again 🤔? And after your video lesson I learned so much more about this topic. Like I knew about the C02 systems that were just beginning to get popular when my old man decided to retire and sell his shop. But it's definitely an interesting and expensive hobby these days now! But what isn't anymore right??? SMFH! I'm use to paying wholesale or free LMFAO? Took a lot for granted back then I'm seeing now..... but it would always frustrate the old man, who's changing waters on dozens and dozens of tanks all day long and he'd ask how much and how often you check and change your water? I'd shrug my shoulders and say go see how everything looks and see if it needs it?? So he would and he'd come back scratching his head 🙄LOL!! But again thanks for your tips and information about how these plants work! Much appreciated.
You are very welcome and I appreciate your input/ experiences. I've noticed many of the same things too! It's hard to get that perfect balance of a well seasoned and cycled tank, back into its groove.
Can’t I just exhale into my tank everyday a few times a day lol
Yes if you did it all day :)
Good morning hope everyone is doing great And I am glad im up early to catch Alex.
Frequent water changes, or large water changes isn't , the best idea for amazon swords, they need some nitrates, iron also will melt them
Well i definitely recommend dosing liquid fertz and root tabs for that reason too
@@Fishtory root tabs. Yes,. They are heavy root feeders.. liquid not needed
@@Fishtory besides eventually root tabs gets dissolved into the water column anyway
I've watched this 4 times to learn... thank you, excellent clear instructions
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the plant melt video!
Why certainly!
Awesome video! I just learned SO MUCH! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I have had a dirtied tank set up for around 4 months and I am unable to find a effective way to fertilize. Every time I dose even 1/5 of the recommended dose I get stag horn Algee growth. There are many guppies and shrimp who are healthy I decided to not dose anything for a month, and see so deficiencies yet. Would love your feed back as what to try I have used easy green- and at first I used this with flourish advance.
So I have a very easy solution. Add root tabs to the soil, then add 1 inch of fine sand to cap the soil completely, or 2 inches of coarse grain sand. This will "lock in" the nutrients your plants need.
If you want to start dosing liquid fertalizers, you want to make sure you have a nice powerful light, so the plants can use the nutrients before the algae does...I'm guessing you need stronger lighting, but should only have it on 6-9 hours, then keep the tank dark the rest of the time (even a towel or quilt over top,, if you have an algae bloom. Ambient light will grow algae but not plants.
So I'd suggest shorter light periods if you are doing 10 or 12 hours (like most people do). Just cut that back to 8, 7 or even 6 if a bloom is going on.. then get that bright, full spectrum light (I have a video series called "let there be light!" About all of this lighting stuff.. The LED bar should really be so bright that you can't stare at it for more than a second.
Appreciate the help a lot you hit the nail on the head with how long I have the lights on. The tank is in my living room as well so the ambient light is something I never considered but I think I will try blacking it out while the lights turn off forsure. Thank for the help love the videos keep making the hobby great.
My solution to melt is a plant quarantine 😂. It doesnt mess up my main tank's ecosystem
Are 5 hours of lights sufficient for plants, 8 hours for sure algae will grow.
Yes if they are medium to high lights
Great video. Thank you for sharing! I love hearing your experiences with all things plants related. Scape on! - Little Bobby
Thanks Little Bobby! Have a great week, buddy.
plant need protein lol..
Plants are made of proteins, yes
I know this is an older video but is there a difference between air stones or CO2 cannisters?
Great episode very well and simply explained worth every minute watching i applaud you sir👏👏👍
So glad to hear you enjoyed it and thought it was worthwhile info. Have a great weekend!
The other reason to get rid of stalled or dying emergent growth is to keep algae from infesting your tank. It's funny, I've bought air growth C. Willisii in rockwool pots that hasn't suffered a great melt when transplanted into my tanks. A couple older leaves, may melt, but any newer leaves just pick up where the plant left off from the nursery. I think some of this is because our water is pretty soft and we have a certain amount of tannins from our well.
100% I agree with both your assertions. Spot on. Thank you
@Fishstory I currently have about 5 or 6 types of swordplants and the bigger ones collect detritus and other tank material. I used to manually clean the leaves but tried to think how the leaves keep themselves clean in nature. So i have started experimenting with add more flow into the water so that the leaves can move and sway which means it naturally shakes off dirt from the leaves and by adding siamese algae eaters.
I have noticed that these Algae eating busy bodies eat debris off the leaves and also eat any floating debris from the water column
Clean leaves = Siamese Algae Eaters + water flow 👍🏽
Hot crypt tip: remove the young shoots. Then trim the oldest outside leaves on the main plant. Use Consistent high light and you’ll have new growth. Crypts will spiral I lost a flamingo by leaving it alone when it needed a big chop.
OOOOOOHHHH! NOW I GET IT! Boy, you're an awesome teacher! I couldn't understand all of this until I watched your video! Thank you so much. 😁
Glad I could help!
The only time my plants began to melt is when they were converting oh and that one time i accidentally burried the crowns of my amazon swords
As long as you make sure their needs are met they will reward you
True. That's the point of this video... a lot of folks don't honestly know what their plants need. I also assumed since ammonia nitrate and ammonium are in soil and fertz, that ammonia is good for plants/bad for fish, end of story...but most melt is ammonia burn combined with lack of usable carbon in the face of the nutrient spike
Hey Uncle Alex! (You look like my uncle)
I bought some Anubias Barteri & Rotala red. I did a 20 hour alum dip. The Anubias is doing ok, but the Rotala is not looking too good. There is some new growth, but the stems are turning black & the leaves look like they have see-through white fungus on them. Should i toss them? Thanks.
I'd cut the sick leaves and see if it recovers. Sorry to hear that though!
Dude! My tank was so good the first 2 weeks then boom! Everything is dying and white algae on all my mini leafs. I don't know what to do. Is it too much light? Thought my water was too warm. Put plant food fertilizer algea remover. I'm stumped
It could be a case of too many changes. Sometimes one starts a reaction and then It just keeps going. I'd do a few days of big water changes and not add anything for a few weeks perhaps...adding more plants always helps