@@MatthiasRosberg Man, there is an aerobic environment, it is impossible to have anaerobic bacteria. There are aerobic bacteria that oxidize ammonia to nitrate. There is no biometry that can reduce nitrates, this is scientifically proven.
Thats the thing, you dont. You want to setup your filter in a way that you dont disturb the bio-media for several months. Watch this series for more info - th-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8OrfNdgfTRnPIFSkG0MshTQ.html
My buddy found a lazy way to help MINIMIZE water changing. He puts a foam filter wall on one end of the tank and loads the other side with plants so the fish can’t get to them, then he put a bubbler to transfer water back to the other side. Thats a good way to add plants to an unplantable tank.
I agree. It’s a fluid situation and every tank is unique. Age, stock, feeding, amount of filtration, every moving part, constantly changing and evolving, has to be taken into consideration. 👍🏻
I agree to that, because a shrimp tank that makes barley any waste with a lot of plants can go long times with no nitrates or issues, but say maybe same tank with a bunch of fish you'd run into issues or atleast alot of mulm/detritus. Its like a big happy math equation lol. Well said!
I have had a lot of fish pass away as I started getting into the "hobby", I almost gave up, until I discovered your channel, none passed in months now and I was finally able to have crystal clear water. Thank you so much Kev!
Glad to be seeing you and kgtropicals dropping these vids. No water change tanks still takes a lot of work to start and perfect. It can be done. But again needs work, lots of testing and some changes in the beginning. And lots of love plants. Keeping passing on the knowledge.
Thanks for keeping it real. It’s amazing how much contradictory info is out there. By keeping consistent I hope the hard work will pay off with beautiful tanks like yours.
I have both styles of tanks setup(planted and large cichlid s) My 125 is a Frontosa colony(6 large/medium) and 2 large Angels. Use to do water changes weekly but now i grow house plants on top with roots in tank (pothos, monstera, peace lily, lucky bamboo). Doing this i change water once every 2 months now.
I have a stocked fancy goldfish tank with some plants and do 75% water change every 5 days (nitrates get to 20 ppm at this point) maybe excessive but my goldfish have been happy and healthy and growing so well. Thanks for always keeping it real. Has helped me grow a lot as a now fish keeper.
I have been doing water changes for 50 years, in fresh and salt water tanks. I kinda enjoy it. It's like occupational therapy! It keeps the fish healthy and the water crystal clear. I have NEVER seen a fish hurt by fresh clean water.
110% on water changes but will say personally I nearly never test. I only test if I feel things have gone weird. A good aquarist/hobbyist will be able to see if their tank is doing well without a test. Based off visual queues. That being said I like having a test if I think something is off from sight and using the test to confirm my visual inspections
Hi Kev, I was just led to your channel from watching an extended video by a prominent fish keeper from the "Dark Side." I've always been a little skeptical of his opinions...but what do I know as I've only been in the hobby for over seventy... (that's right 70 !!) years. It takes two things to profess what you're saying: A. COURAGE, and B. a GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR !! You seem to loaded with both. As a new subscriber, thank you . Ed
Love it kev people gonna hate they just jealous of your channel and the boom you are making in the hobby thanks for everthing you do to help us beginners
I stunted my favorite Kirin Oranda Lil Yoko overstocking in a acrylic tank last year, she's beautiful but she just never grew and now she's healthy and happy but still the same size. Stunting is 100% real and water changes better filtration and not over stocking goldfish definitely solve that problem.
Great video :) I hear a sump filter with a section for some plants in is one way to add the natural benefits of plants while keeping the fish separate so the plants don't get eaten
I was going to say that too. If I ever do a cichlid tank, I plan to do an above tank "sump", which will basically just be another display with a bunch of plants and probably some other kind of fish.
Thank you for teaching me this information for so many years. You have been such a big role in my fish keeping hobby and I appreciate your videos so very much 🫶
I’d like to also add that I’ve always been told fish excrete a hormone that inhibits growth, so my argument has always been how do those heavily planted tanks with just a few fish NEVER need a water change? Water parameters aside I just don’t see how it is healthy. Also I love how you are the only one that tells the truth about how those unfiltered, no water change nature tanks really are a big, cloudy, ugly mess 🤣
Hi Kev, because of your knowledgeable videos, I am able to live my aquarium lifestyle comfortably, I see many others TH-cam videos as well and I enjoyed them too, but yours and Jeff's aquarium knowledge is top of the line. Thank you ❤️❤️❤
I have a sump on my 90gl tank have plants in one of its compartments this does help the nitrate level but I still do a 20 gl water change per week adding minerals and supplement all of my 15 juvenile African cichlids are happy and heathy with a 40 to 20 drop after water change. Excellent video
Thanks Kev You hit it right on the mark on this one man ! You tell it like it is. Thsts why YOUR VIDEOS ARE THE FIRST ONES I WATCH !!!! You try to meet the needs of all levels in the hobby(lifestyle) Keep up the good work man. Luv your videos. Larry
I started out a full 18 months ago… omg I was frustrated but I stuck with it! I manage to grow an Tiger Oscar to adult. Wow was I ever proud. My biggest issue was a clear tank! It was clear but man I wanted it pristine. I finally have that and it’s with consistent water changes period!!!! I fell into the many tanks syndrome lol 10/20/40and now 75 ( filled with l clown loaches ) and my oscars tank 120 (thinking of a bigger one) this is all because of YOU, your willingness to explain and our kaveman groups. Keep the videos coming 👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽
Lifestyle baby ! I love it . I think having ample amount of surface agitation is key to not having cloudy musky water . But water changes weekly for overstock tanks is mandatory!!
I agree, there are many different styles. which is why I clearly mentioned that in the video. (You might want to watch it again if you missed that nugget) The people I’m “bashing” are those trying to claim that all of us doing water changes are wrong and wasteful.
hello kav, can you please help me with steps to reduce 1. Total Alkalinity is at 300mg/l 2. Carbonate KH is at 300 mg/l and PH is at > 8.4 .. i have goldfish tank. i use tap water with prime and stability and other parameters GH is at 0, Nitrate is at 25 and Nitrite and Ammonia is at 0. Tank is 187lts tank. 50 Gallon tank. Can you please also make a video to maintain ideal water parameters for fancy gold fish tanks. Thank you
I really like your aliases - would like to see more cameos of them in future videos. Joking aside, I'm starting to see that aquariums are a lot like the human body. So it makes me wonder do we maintain our aquariums like we maintain our bodies? I'm a vegetarian and kind of a hippie, so I think I maintain my aquarium like a hippie. But I do agree with the science behind water changes. Even in nature bodies of water replenish themselves addressing all the concerns you mentioned.
Thanks Kev. After feeding off the knowledge that you have given me, I look forward to my weekly water change. I can actually say that I haven't had a major nitrate problem. I try to keep it below 40ppm.👍👍
I think consistency is the key. I think each to their own and I think that if you love your aquarium do what you do. I've done both and will keep both. It's a very complicated subject that as fishkeepers we need to do the research and learn about our ecosystem.
This video made me a believer of this channel. I loved that you say that you’re into keeping fish and that helped me decide. I’m pretty new to this hobby as I was all about my yorkie as a pet. I just know that after watching your videos t what my next steps are for my 66 and 55g tanks. 1. White sand to show off my fish vibrant colors 2. The alternate power supply in case of emergency, like hurricane Irma and 3. The supplement to add to my fish food. Wishing you all the best in 2024!
Glad you're enjoying the channel! Welcome to the lifestyle 😊 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com
Anyone has its way of keeping fish, do not attack someone with a big tank full of plants that never changes water. If the fishes are healthy you have nothing to attack or complain. And honestly, if you keep doing water changes on a 1000 liters tank instead of installing a drip system the fault is yours and it's dumb way to keep fish. Anyway I do totally agree with the "context" point.
I'm on your side here, Kev. I've been keeping fish for over 40 years, and started with a 29 gallon tank with an undergravel filter (still running, btw!) Even though undergravel filters were advertised to keep the water clean naturally, I always did a weekly water change. And I didn't have the convenient test strips like we do now. I had a test kit, but didn't check it every week. Anyway, I started with weekly water changes 40 years ago, and still do them now on all 5 of my tanks. And that includes a 5 gallon, 29 gallon, 40 gallon, 55 gallon and 90 gallon. I've watched some of the videos you mentioned, and some of them at least were honest enough to say what works for them depends on the circumstances. But they never convinced me to try it.
My context is I have PRODUCTION tanks... I do 50% water change in every tank every week. The result... tanks full of fish and shrimp... way more than one inch per gallon. I have little to no fish deaths, and constant breeding.
Cave Man I am very new to fish keeping and I thank you very much as i looked at your videos when I was taking care of my friends fish that was my first introduction to fish so I got my own tank and a Fluval 407, I set it up as you said in your video and I have great beautiful goldfish crystal clear water and fantastic happy fish. I do weekly testing, water changes and I am extremely happy with all you help and advice. Thanks for all the knowledgeable advice and help. 🇺🇸 HOOAH 🇺🇸 And 🇺🇸Semper Fi 🇺🇸
Fully agree with u iam doing 2 water change every week This hobby is not for lzy guys Thanks for all ur experience u shared with us it helps alot to understand everything related to this hobby
Kev with the context. Congrats on the new huge tank. I do a 50% water change on my 60 gallon once a month and my cherry and gold barbs are frisky and loving it everytime I do it. U hit it right on Kev.
I some what agree, but I also know that it depends on the persons setup to what works for them doesn't always work for others cause of the MAIN THING "water" not all water is the same for fish keepers. Some have wells some has county or city water some might have O R water or even creek water no 2 tanks are the same either, so go with your gut & listen to your fish & watch your aquarium. It All comes down to what works for you on what you want to see everyday & how good you are at keeping your fish healthy & everyone happy.
KaveMan with the mic drop! Wow you got people talking! Love your tanks, love your content. Thank you for all you do and teach. I'm new to the hobby and find it hard to navigate the different styles of keeping. I'd love to see how you would do a smaller, lower tech, dirted tank with plants and an acceptable but smaller amount of maintenance - call it "The KaveMan Mini" or "KaveMan 20" "Small Kave"
Yoda, been keeping and breeding fish for a couple of years and I’ve recently been watching videos telling me to come over to the Dark Side of dirt substrate and no water changes. Thank you for saving me.
So glad you made this video, I am fairly new to the lifestyle and watching videos saying no need to water changes ever! Confused and disheartened me... my thoughts were and now you have reinforced.. freshwater to a tank is refreshing to the fish. Thank you, my friend, love from Sydney Australia. P.S I am growing hornwort in my tanks and it seems to be left alone by the cichlids..
Fairly simple imformation gleened from this video If your tank needs weekly water changes, your tank is overstocked Overstocked tanks are a lifestyle no judgement, did that myself in the past. More than one way to skin a cat...to each their own
Precisely! Some tanks, like an African Cichlid tank, is overstocked by design and without being able to keep plants requires weekly water changes. But that’s not the model for everyone. Thought I covered that in the video a few times 🤷🏼♂️
THANK YOU. I HAVE ALSO CREATING MY OWN 5 GALLOM WATER PUMP WITH ARDUINO. PRESS THE BUTTON IT RUNS FOR 1 MINUTE. The module will be velcro ed on the lid. I already got the water pump with tube, soldered battery box wires, and got the arduino with a relay.
@@KaveManAquatics definitely. I have set up a 60 gal (future) Mbuna tank in the last few weeks, it has 7 giant danios in it now to start. I have taken tons of your advice like setting up a backup bubbler, a temp controller for my heater, importance of a wave maker for large tanks and where to put it, learned about African cichlids and which species I should keep, how to set up a HOB, how to harden my water/raise pH, etc! I am not completely new to the hobby but your teaching has taken me to another level for this tank!
I love your video iv been learning alot on fish aquariums things that i didnt know i even needed to have to own i fish tank im new to the hobby well short of new i have a 20 gallon tank and iv upgraded to a 55 gallon tank theres stuff i didnt do to my 20 gallon tank because i didn't know anything about half the stuff youve said in your video's so now that I know i can make the best out of my 55 gallon tank Thank you i have lost a few fish on this journey but i have not giving up this is a fun hobby and i love it
First off… thank you Kev for the fantastic content! Your videos have really helped me starting into the hobby. I’ve had my tank going about six months now. I was asked by a family member, who has been keeping fish for years, over Easter how I keep my tank so clean. His tank is cloudy, and has lots of algae. I told him I do weekly 50% water changes, and scrub the glass when I do. His response was the “lazy” I only top off my tank., and rarely change the water. I directed him to your channel.
For my shrimp tank I have to do water changes. If the water keeps evaporating then the solutes will keep getting more concentrated when water is added but not removed. If I never removed water from my tank my shrimp would die from copper toxicity because I use tap water. I doubt very many of us have their own fresh water spring to access.
This is exactly my point. Your application is not like many others. Thanks for sharing how different keepers have to understand their fish and tank! 😊💪
For me it’s different I have 0 copper in my tap water, in fact I have good minerals. I’m in the same circumstance with you with my shrimp tank except that I topped off my tank for 3 years! Up until yesterday when I saw my ph dipped from 7.2 to 5.9 over night it just crept up not sure why but best believe I ran down and did a 50% water change.
Even Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake on Earth, does a 100% water change over the course of a couple hundred years. Water changes are literally how nature works!
Even a tank full of plants benefits from water changes. Glad you made this video. You're 100% right about calling the no water change group lazy too. 😂
@@Voyvoda1903 Plants don't absorb 100% of everything in the water. As you add fish food or top off your tank due to evaporation you introduce more minerals to the water. Classic problem for no water change people is a continued increase in both GH and KH because minerals don't evaporate.
@@Voyvoda1903 There is no right or wrong way so long as the inhabitants are healthy. I like Father Fish for the focus on whole aquarium ecosystem but Kevin is right about the tanks always looking murky because of some of the other practices like no water changes. It's just not how I want my aquarium to look like. To each their own.
@@Voyvoda1903 I disagree. The TH-cam universe is massive. He could have been talking about anyone. Father Fish isn't the only one promoting no water changes. He could have linked directly to the videos he's referring to but he left it vague.
The only poor character in this thread is you for confusing your opinions with fact. If you actually supported me and watched more than just this 1 video you would clearly know why I made this video. But instead, you choose to attack me because you THINK you know me. It's people like you that make the internet a horrible place! "We all know who he was attacking" Very arrogant of you to speak for "we all". Especially when you know nothing.
❤❤😂😂gawd I love listening to you. Straight shooter. My community tank gets to 40ppm after 3 weeks. I do have plants and have seen the nitrates rise when photosynthesis stops at night and drop in the morning when they fire up the N2 factory. I also went to RO water and acid/alkaline buffers/ adding back the good stuff and have a slick water changing set up. I have noticed the plants tend to keep my well intended 7.0 rather at more of a 7.4. My algae issues are a thing of the past and the fish seem to have adapted to this slightly higher pH. It stays constant and will even return to 7.4 within hours of a "big" water change. What is your opinion on my self regulating 7.4 pH?
Sounds like you've got it well under control! While PH stability is always important, its also very natural for it to change. A rain fall or sudden hot day in the wild can cause this. You're guys are in good hands! Keep doing what you're doing. BTW, Thanks for joining the membership! I appreciate your support 😊💪
It's all about stock in tank and plants using nitrates etc. Plan simple fish keeping. No need to get butt hurt about what other youtubers post about it. Everything you see o. TH-cam should be taken with a grain of salt the only true way to learn is experience
By far one of the most funny informative video, I have a battle with brown algae, I have try everything from phosphate removal pads often water changes, fluval and seachem phosphate removal media, I'm just done I just wiped it down every time I see it 😂😂😂😂, great video Kev
Thanks bro! If your tank is fairly new, like less than a year, dont stress it. Just wipe it away every water change. Eventually, as your tank matures they'll go away on their own 😊
Bro I have been suffering from shingles not a deadly virus but extremely painful for a week now that made me smile and I’m still doing my WC every week it’s so important plus the minerals in the water needs to be replaced💪
Love your channel and straightforward way of communicating the facts. You have inspired me to upgrade my 30 gallon to a 90. Keep the great videos coming!
Especially with big cichlids and many fish in one tank. I agree, you need water changes for certain conditions. Not everyone’s tank needs are the same.
AHTAB (All Healthy Tanks Are Beautiful). If the flora amd fauna are thriving, it’s a beauty in my books. Jungle, bare bottom, deep substrate, whatever your style, so long as the keeper shows care, I can dig it.
Bro you are spot on with your tips. Getting my wav maker to optimize the canister uptake was a critical tip. Water changing weekly like a pro does! Keep doing you bro!🎉
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 82 วันนี้!! คู่เอก | ยอดไอคิว vs อับดัลลาห์](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hSsyTl_9bqs/mqdefault.jpg)
Want your tank water to look like mine? I've got you covered! 😊💪- bit.ly/clearH2O
Seeing as though it takes such a long time to grow anaerobic bacteria on Matrix how do I clean my filter to ensure I don't kill it all?
@@MatthiasRosberg Man, there is an aerobic environment, it is impossible to have anaerobic bacteria. There are aerobic bacteria that oxidize ammonia to nitrate. There is no biometry that can reduce nitrates, this is scientifically proven.
It is not impossible to have anaerobic bacteria! 🙄
Thats the thing, you dont. You want to setup your filter in a way that you dont disturb the bio-media for several months. Watch this series for more info - th-cam.com/play/PLP5OXTIIDO8OrfNdgfTRnPIFSkG0MshTQ.html
My buddy found a lazy way to help MINIMIZE water changing. He puts a foam filter wall on one end of the tank and loads the other side with plants so the fish can’t get to them, then he put a bubbler to transfer water back to the other side. Thats a good way to add plants to an unplantable tank.
Keeping fish has become more like underwater gardening for me, and I kind of like it that way. I plan my tanks around the plants I want to grow.
That’s the beauty of this hobby, you can do it any way you like 😁
I agree. It’s a fluid situation and every tank is unique. Age, stock, feeding, amount of filtration, every moving part, constantly changing and evolving, has to be taken into consideration. 👍🏻
Sup ben
I agree to that, because a shrimp tank that makes barley any waste with a lot of plants can go long times with no nitrates or issues, but say maybe same tank with a bunch of fish you'd run into issues or atleast alot of mulm/detritus. Its like a big happy math equation lol. Well said!
I’ve grown to like water changes. It’s a great way to relax and a chance to change up the look.
Exactly! The work is part of the fun and care for your fish 😁
Yep
@@KaveManAquatics Couldn't agree more!
hahah seriously....who wants to mess around putting those rocks back or moving the stuff around when the tank is full! dam straight!
I was doing water changes weekly with 5 gallon buckets. Until I got a submersible pump and a method that’s really easy. Now it’s a once a week ritual
I have had a lot of fish pass away as I started getting into the "hobby", I almost gave up, until I discovered your channel, none passed in months now and I was finally able to have crystal clear water. Thank you so much Kev!
My pleasure! Happy to hear that you didnt give up and found success! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Watched this while doing my water change 😂😂💪🏽
🤣🤣 Great timing!
Glad to be seeing you and kgtropicals dropping these vids. No water change tanks still takes a lot of work to start and perfect. It can be done. But again needs work, lots of testing and some changes in the beginning. And lots of love plants. Keeping passing on the knowledge.
Thanks for keeping it real. It’s amazing how much contradictory info is out there. By keeping consistent I hope the hard work will pay off with beautiful tanks like yours.
It absolutely will Ruth! Keep at it! 😊💪
Those who do not water change are Philosophers in this hobby. A water change is a must and i fully agree with you. People talk because they can!🤣
Yes Sir! 🤣
LMMFAOROFL!
Best video in a long time. Love it. The facts and the humour thrown in.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Kev had the beanie the dark shades and the Rapper chain!!! I know that guy never cleans his tank!!!!😂😂
🤣🤣 Never!!
I have both styles of tanks setup(planted and large cichlid s)
My 125 is a Frontosa colony(6 large/medium) and 2 large Angels. Use to do water changes weekly but now i grow house plants on top with roots in tank (pothos, monstera, peace lily, lucky bamboo). Doing this i change water once every 2 months now.
I have a stocked fancy goldfish tank with some plants and do 75% water change every 5 days (nitrates get to 20 ppm at this point) maybe excessive but my goldfish have been happy and healthy and growing so well. Thanks for always keeping it real. Has helped me grow a lot as a now fish keeper.
I legit love you dawg. "Don't let some guy on the internet prob with a big dirty cloudy tank." It's so damm true. 🤣
I have been doing water changes for 50 years, in fresh and salt water tanks. I kinda enjoy it. It's like occupational therapy! It keeps the fish healthy and the water crystal clear. I have NEVER seen a fish hurt by fresh clean water.
I totally agree sir! 😁💪
@@KaveManAquatics BTW, I loved your 100K alter ego!
Thanks 🤣 he makes appearances from time to time. 😁
Man bro im a veteran fish keeper and imo i consider weekly testing & water changes are a non-negotiable part of the lifestyle.
Agreed bro! 😊💪
EXACTLY
100%
That in my opinion, is the minimum amount of maintenance that needs to happen.
110% on water changes but will say personally I nearly never test. I only test if I feel things have gone weird. A good aquarist/hobbyist will be able to see if their tank is doing well without a test. Based off visual queues. That being said I like having a test if I think something is off from sight and using the test to confirm my visual inspections
Exactly it is a lifestyle it’s like saying having a dog is a hobby!
YES! Great comparison! 😊💪
Man I trust and respect everything you report in this life style... lol😂😂😂😂
Appreciate you bro! 😊💪
Thanks man 😁😎🐓1/2 water changed weekly 😉👑
Hi Kev, I was just led to your channel from watching an extended video by a prominent fish keeper from the "Dark Side." I've always been a little skeptical of his opinions...but what do I know as I've only been in the hobby for over seventy... (that's right 70 !!) years. It takes two things to profess what you're saying: A. COURAGE, and B. a GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR !! You seem to loaded with both. As a new subscriber, thank you . Ed
Thank you so much Ed. I really appreciate the positive feedback, especially from the veterans of the hobby! Glad that "dark side" guy led you here! 😊💪
Love it kev people gonna hate they just jealous of your channel and the boom you are making in the hobby thanks for everthing you do to help us beginners
My pleasure bro! Thanks for the support! 😁💪
I stunted my favorite Kirin Oranda Lil Yoko overstocking in a acrylic tank last year, she's beautiful but she just never grew and now she's healthy and happy but still the same size. Stunting is 100% real and water changes better filtration and not over stocking goldfish definitely solve that problem.
Glad shes still doing well! 😊💪
Great video :) I hear a sump filter with a section for some plants in is one way to add the natural benefits of plants while keeping the fish separate so the plants don't get eaten
You are correct! That is an excellent way, a refugium! I will be dabbling with that when my new sump arrives for my new 450G tank 😊💪
I was going to say that too. If I ever do a cichlid tank, I plan to do an above tank "sump", which will basically just be another display with a bunch of plants and probably some other kind of fish.
You are 100% correct. One size does NOT fit all in this hobby.
Exactly my point! Glad you enjoyed it 😁
Thank you for teaching me this information for so many years. You have been such a big role in my fish keeping hobby and I appreciate your videos so very much 🫶
My pleasure! Appreciate the positive feedback. Glad to hear the channel has been helpful for you 😁
I’d like to also add that I’ve always been told fish excrete a hormone that inhibits growth, so my argument has always been how do those heavily planted tanks with just a few fish NEVER need a water change? Water parameters aside I just don’t see how it is healthy. Also I love how you are the only one that tells the truth about how those unfiltered, no water change nature tanks really are a big, cloudy, ugly mess 🤣
Glad too get a full length video. This was a fun one.
Hi Kev, because of your knowledgeable videos, I am able to live my aquarium lifestyle comfortably, I see many others TH-cam videos as well and I enjoyed them too, but yours and Jeff's aquarium knowledge is top of the line.
Thank you ❤️❤️❤
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
I have a sump on my 90gl tank have plants in one of its compartments this does help the nitrate level but I still do a 20 gl water change per week adding minerals and supplement all of my 15 juvenile African cichlids are happy and heathy with a 40 to 20 drop after water change. Excellent video
Thanks Kev
You hit it right on the mark on this one man !
You tell it like it is. Thsts why YOUR VIDEOS ARE THE FIRST ONES I WATCH !!!!
You try to meet the needs of all levels in the hobby(lifestyle)
Keep up the good work man.
Luv your videos.
Larry
Thank you Larry, I appreciate that 😊💪
I started out a full 18 months ago… omg I was frustrated but I stuck with it! I manage to grow an Tiger Oscar to adult. Wow was I ever proud. My biggest issue was a clear tank! It was clear but man I wanted it pristine. I finally have that and it’s with consistent water changes period!!!! I fell into the many tanks syndrome lol 10/20/40and now 75 ( filled with l clown loaches ) and my oscars tank 120 (thinking of a bigger one) this is all because of YOU, your willingness to explain and our kaveman groups. Keep the videos coming 👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽
11 loaches not 1
Right! Kev is the reason I stuck with it and have more tanks too!! 🤣😂🤣 He is The Best at explaining it all! And gotta love that personality!
Love to hear these kind of success stories! So glad I was able to help! 😁💪
Thanks Tiff!! 😁😁
I 100% agree! Finally someone says it.
😁💪
Couldn't agree with you more.
It's all about nuance.
One word “Amen”👍🏻
"No man, it’s more complicated than that!" QFT
Lifestyle baby ! I love it .
I think having ample amount of surface agitation is key to not having cloudy musky water . But water changes weekly for overstock tanks is mandatory!!
Great points, context matters!
Yes sir! 😊
Here for the realness!!!
Welcome! 😊
Different style tanks for different style people. No need to bash on anybody
I agree, there are many different styles. which is why I clearly mentioned that in the video. (You might want to watch it again if you missed that nugget) The people I’m “bashing” are those trying to claim that all of us doing water changes are wrong and wasteful.
Thanks Kev, I've learned from your channel frequent water changes will keep your fish nice and healthy !!
Yes sir! Glad you're enjoying the channel!! 😁
Only certain tanks can get away with 0 water changes. That's a expert level type tank though. Father fish refuses to admit this though
I do my water changes I’m glad I found you you have a Lotta good information
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com
hello kav, can you please help me with steps to reduce 1. Total Alkalinity is at 300mg/l 2. Carbonate KH is at 300 mg/l and PH is at > 8.4 .. i have goldfish tank. i use tap water with prime and stability and other parameters GH is at 0, Nitrate is at 25 and Nitrite and Ammonia is at 0. Tank is 187lts tank. 50 Gallon tank. Can you please also make a video to maintain ideal water parameters for fancy gold fish tanks. Thank you
I really like your aliases - would like to see more cameos of them in future videos. Joking aside, I'm starting to see that aquariums are a lot like the human body. So it makes me wonder do we maintain our aquariums like we maintain our bodies? I'm a vegetarian and kind of a hippie, so I think I maintain my aquarium like a hippie. But I do agree with the science behind water changes. Even in nature bodies of water replenish themselves addressing all the concerns you mentioned.
Bro Big "FAN" After watching your video i start keep african chiclid and the way you guide is amazing. thank you and keep the good work.
Thanks for the tips on the live Kev! My water is crystal clear again!
NWICEE!! Glad to hear that bro!
Thanks Kev. After feeding off the knowledge that you have given me, I look forward to my weekly water change. I can actually say that I haven't had a major nitrate problem. I try to keep it below 40ppm.👍👍
Always my pleasure bro! Glad I can help you keep your tank the way you and your fish like it! 😁
People can choose what they want to do, I’m on team kaveman!
Absolutely! 💪
🤣 love the "Kev 100K" character lol
Keep the good work up bro number 1 in this hobby hade tone of problems before your videos and now I class my self as a advanced keeper 😂
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
I think consistency is the key.
I think each to their own and I think that if you love your aquarium do what you do. I've done both and will keep both. It's a very complicated subject that as fishkeepers we need to do the research and learn about our ecosystem.
The secret life of your aquarium TH-cam channel talks about this a little bit about this great channel
The chain flip killed me 🤣
🤣🤣
Great information in the video bro! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! Will do!
Love ya videos Kev !! Keep it up !!!!
Thanks! Will do! 😁
This video made me a believer of this channel. I loved that you say that you’re into keeping fish and that helped me decide. I’m pretty new to this hobby as I was all about my yorkie as a pet. I just know that after watching your videos t what my next steps are for my 66 and 55g tanks. 1. White sand to show off my fish vibrant colors 2. The alternate power supply in case of emergency, like hurricane Irma and 3. The supplement to add to my fish food. Wishing you all the best in 2024!
Glad you're enjoying the channel! Welcome to the lifestyle 😊
BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com
Anyone has its way of keeping fish, do not attack someone with a big tank full of plants that never changes water. If the fishes are healthy you have nothing to attack or complain. And honestly, if you keep doing water changes on a 1000 liters tank instead of installing a drip system the fault is yours and it's dumb way to keep fish. Anyway I do totally agree with the "context" point.
I'm on your side here, Kev. I've been keeping fish for over 40 years, and started with a 29 gallon tank with an undergravel filter (still running, btw!) Even though undergravel filters were advertised to keep the water clean naturally, I always did a weekly water change. And I didn't have the convenient test strips like we do now. I had a test kit, but didn't check it every week. Anyway, I started with weekly water changes 40 years ago, and still do them now on all 5 of my tanks. And that includes a 5 gallon, 29 gallon, 40 gallon, 55 gallon and 90 gallon. I've watched some of the videos you mentioned, and some of them at least were honest enough to say what works for them depends on the circumstances. But they never convinced me to try it.
Glad to hear the perspective from a veteran of the Lifestyle! Hope to reach your level of experience some day 😊💪
AMEN my brother from another mother. I always think of it in terms of Einstein. "It's all relative"
My context is I have PRODUCTION tanks... I do 50% water change in every tank every week. The result... tanks full of fish and shrimp... way more than one inch per gallon. I have little to no fish deaths, and constant breeding.
Glad to hear that bro!
Cave Man I am very new to fish keeping and I thank you very much as i looked at your videos when I was taking care of my friends fish that was my first introduction to fish so I got my own tank and a Fluval 407, I set it up as you said in your video and I have great beautiful goldfish crystal clear water and fantastic happy fish. I do weekly testing, water changes and I am extremely happy with all you help and advice.
Thanks for all the knowledgeable advice and help. 🇺🇸 HOOAH 🇺🇸
And 🇺🇸Semper Fi 🇺🇸
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful OHHRAA!!
Fully agree with u iam doing 2 water change every week
This hobby is not for lzy guys
Thanks for all ur experience u shared with us it helps alot to understand everything related to this hobby
Yeah I do mine every 7 days
You are the only one I trust! 🙌🏻
What!? I can not believe
😊 I appreciate that!
Spitting facts as usual 👍🏻💯…btw Love seeing that Giants picture in the new fish room …Go Blue!
Glad you enjoyed it bro! Big Blue for life! 💪💪
Kev with the context. Congrats on the new huge tank. I do a 50% water change on my 60 gallon once a month and my cherry and gold barbs are frisky and loving it everytime I do it. U hit it right on Kev.
Nice! 😁💪
I change my water pretty regularly. I had to learn the hard way.
Many of us did too 😁💪
the fluval fx sure makes it easy. I can just run the tube out the door in the grass and run the garden hose inside to refill.
Yup, it is t that difficult to do at all! 💪
You brought some good points into this. And yeah I bet those plant tanks stink to high hell too
I’m with you Kevin 🙏🏼
😁💪
I some what agree, but I also know that it depends on
the persons setup to what works for them doesn't
always work for others cause of the MAIN THING
"water" not all water is the same for fish keepers.
Some have wells some has county or city water
some might have O R water or even creek water
no 2 tanks are the same either, so go with your
gut & listen to your fish & watch your aquarium.
It All comes down to what works for you on what
you want to see everyday & how good you are at
keeping your fish healthy & everyone happy.
KaveMan with the mic drop! Wow you got people talking! Love your tanks, love your content. Thank you for all you do and teach. I'm new to the hobby and find it hard to navigate the different styles of keeping. I'd love to see how you would do a smaller, lower tech, dirted tank with plants and an acceptable but smaller amount of maintenance - call it "The KaveMan Mini" or "KaveMan 20" "Small Kave"
Totally a lifestyle!
Yoda, been keeping and breeding fish for a couple of years and I’ve recently been watching videos telling me to come over to the Dark Side of dirt substrate and no water changes. Thank you for saving me.
LOL. Glad I could help 😊
So glad you made this video, I am fairly new to the lifestyle and watching videos saying no need to water changes ever! Confused and disheartened me... my thoughts were and now you have reinforced.. freshwater to a tank is refreshing to the fish. Thank you, my friend, love from Sydney Australia. P.S I am growing hornwort in my tanks and it seems to be left alone by the cichlids..
Glad it was helpful! 😊 Hornwort is great for nitrate removal. Glad you're guys are doing well with it 💪
Great video and straight up facts.
Thank you! 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!
Fairly simple imformation gleened from this video
If your tank needs weekly water changes, your tank is overstocked
Overstocked tanks are a lifestyle
no judgement, did that myself in the past.
More than one way to skin a cat...to each their own
Precisely! Some tanks, like an African Cichlid tank, is overstocked by design and without being able to keep plants requires weekly water changes.
But that’s not the model for everyone. Thought I covered that in the video a few times 🤷🏼♂️
@@KaveManAquatics Yes indeed, just for those who didn't "Hang around" to see the end of the video..... as many younger folks "Rage Quit" videos
THANK YOU. I HAVE ALSO CREATING MY OWN 5 GALLOM WATER PUMP WITH ARDUINO. PRESS THE BUTTON IT RUNS FOR 1 MINUTE. The module will be velcro ed on the lid. I already got the water pump with tube, soldered battery box wires, and got the arduino with a relay.
Sir, Can I ask you a question?
What is the best cleaning method when you have water stains outside of your Aquarium glass?
Have a good day Sir
Love your vids. You make everything so simple for us!
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
@@KaveManAquatics definitely. I have set up a 60 gal (future) Mbuna tank in the last few weeks, it has 7 giant danios in it now to start. I have taken tons of your advice like setting up a backup bubbler, a temp controller for my heater, importance of a wave maker for large tanks and where to put it, learned about African cichlids and which species I should keep, how to set up a HOB, how to harden my water/raise pH, etc! I am not completely new to the hobby but your teaching has taken me to another level for this tank!
My girlfriend said it was either her or the fish. Now I need a new girlfriend.
BAHAHAA...Definitely not a hobby! 🤣💪
Yes, sir. Good video
Thank you bro! 😊
But father fish said 😢
I love your video iv been learning alot on fish aquariums things that i didnt know i even needed to have to own i fish tank im new to the hobby well short of new i have a 20 gallon tank and iv upgraded to a 55 gallon tank theres stuff i didnt do to my 20 gallon tank because i didn't know anything about half the stuff youve said in your video's so now that I know i can make the best out of my 55 gallon tank Thank you i have lost a few fish on this journey but i have not giving up this is a fun hobby and i love it
My conscience won't let me go without water changes.... Especially now that I have more tanks.... Good stuff brother
First off… thank you Kev for the fantastic content! Your videos have really helped me starting into the hobby. I’ve had my tank going about six months now.
I was asked by a family member, who has been keeping fish for years, over Easter how I keep my tank so clean. His tank is cloudy, and has lots of algae. I told him I do weekly 50% water changes, and scrub the glass when I do. His response was the “lazy” I only top off my tank., and rarely change the water. I directed him to your channel.
I hear your local river needs a water change.
That was the best thing you could have done for him! 🤣 Hopefully he takes your advice!
Rivers are literally water-changed 24/7! 🤦♂️
@@KaveManAquatics so that's how they're always crystal clear TM!
Thanks for all the knowledge, I learnt alot from your channel sir.
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
For my shrimp tank I have to do water changes. If the water keeps evaporating then the solutes will keep getting more concentrated when water is added but not removed. If I never removed water from my tank my shrimp would die from copper toxicity because I use tap water. I doubt very many of us have their own fresh water spring to access.
This is exactly my point. Your application is not like many others. Thanks for sharing how different keepers have to understand their fish and tank! 😊💪
For me it’s different I have 0 copper in my tap water, in fact I have good minerals. I’m in the same circumstance with you with my shrimp tank except that I topped off my tank for 3 years! Up until yesterday when I saw my ph dipped from 7.2 to 5.9 over night it just crept up not sure why but best believe I ran down and did a 50% water change.
Great content kev... You have been my CNN of aquatics. And I'm thriving because of your content... Keep the science coming bro ✌🏾
My pleasure bro! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Shots fired!!
Even Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake on Earth, does a 100% water change over the course of a couple hundred years. Water changes are literally how nature works!
BOOM!! 👏👏👏
Right on ✊🏼 brother man!
🤙
Even a tank full of plants benefits from water changes. Glad you made this video. You're 100% right about calling the no water change group lazy too. 😂
@@Voyvoda1903 Plants don't absorb 100% of everything in the water. As you add fish food or top off your tank due to evaporation you introduce more minerals to the water. Classic problem for no water change people is a continued increase in both GH and KH because minerals don't evaporate.
@@Voyvoda1903 There is no right or wrong way so long as the inhabitants are healthy. I like Father Fish for the focus on whole aquarium ecosystem but Kevin is right about the tanks always looking murky because of some of the other practices like no water changes. It's just not how I want my aquarium to look like. To each their own.
@@Voyvoda1903 I disagree. The TH-cam universe is massive. He could have been talking about anyone. Father Fish isn't the only one promoting no water changes. He could have linked directly to the videos he's referring to but he left it vague.
The only poor character in this thread is you for confusing your opinions with fact. If you actually supported me and watched more than just this 1 video you would clearly know why I made this video. But instead, you choose to attack me because you THINK you know me. It's people like you that make the internet a horrible place!
"We all know who he was attacking" Very arrogant of you to speak for "we all". Especially when you know nothing.
❤❤😂😂gawd I love listening to you. Straight shooter. My community tank gets to 40ppm after 3 weeks. I do have plants and have seen the nitrates rise when photosynthesis stops at night and drop in the morning when they fire up the N2 factory. I also went to RO water and acid/alkaline buffers/ adding back the good stuff and have a slick water changing set up. I have noticed the plants tend to keep my well intended 7.0 rather at more of a 7.4. My algae issues are a thing of the past and the fish seem to have adapted to this slightly higher pH. It stays constant and will even return to 7.4 within hours of a "big" water change. What is your opinion on my self regulating 7.4 pH?
Sounds like you've got it well under control! While PH stability is always important, its also very natural for it to change. A rain fall or sudden hot day in the wild can cause this. You're guys are in good hands! Keep doing what you're doing.
BTW, Thanks for joining the membership! I appreciate your support 😊💪
It's all about stock in tank and plants using nitrates etc. Plan simple fish keeping. No need to get butt hurt about what other youtubers post about it. Everything you see o. TH-cam should be taken with a grain of salt the only true way to learn is experience
I instantly ignore the my way is the only way people. "Only a sith deals in absolutes"
Agreed! 💪
Love your channel...don't even have a tank but watch all your videos..much love from Ireland
Awesome! Thank you! 😁
By far one of the most funny informative video, I have a battle with brown algae, I have try everything from phosphate removal pads often water changes, fluval and seachem phosphate removal media, I'm just done I just wiped it down every time I see it 😂😂😂😂, great video Kev
Thanks bro! If your tank is fairly new, like less than a year, dont stress it. Just wipe it away every water change. Eventually, as your tank matures they'll go away on their own 😊
@@KaveManAquatics will do, I hope you recovery is going well 🙏🏽
Facts sir I completely agree 100% with you keep on keeping on
Glad you enjoyed it bro! 😊💪
Bro I have been suffering from shingles not a deadly virus but extremely painful for a week now that made me smile and I’m still doing my WC every week it’s so important plus the minerals in the water needs to be replaced💪
Nice work Kevin
Thanks 👍
Love your channel and straightforward way of communicating the facts. You have inspired me to upgrade my 30 gallon to a 90. Keep the great videos coming!
Thanks! Will do! Congrats on that awesome upgrade! 😊💪
Especially with big cichlids and many fish in one tank. I agree, you need water changes for certain conditions. Not everyone’s tank needs are the same.
Exactly! Totally agree 💪
AHTAB (All Healthy Tanks Are Beautiful). If the flora amd fauna are thriving, it’s a beauty in my books. Jungle, bare bottom, deep substrate, whatever your style, so long as the keeper shows care, I can dig it.
Bro you are spot on with your tips. Getting my wav maker to optimize the canister uptake was a critical tip. Water changing weekly like a pro does! Keep doing you bro!🎉
Thank you bro! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪