There you have it, that is the true nature aquarium. Thousands of species of microorganisms doing their job as usual, just like on the other side of the house door. In streams, ponds and lakes, not to forget in the oceans. Seventy percent of the world's surface, a hundred if you count their role in terrestrial ecosystems. Balancing it all beautifully so that everybody in that microbiome stays happy, and everybody in the macrobiome can base their lives on them, tagging along. I like high tech because of the fast growth, but let's be honest: tech messes up the relations amongst the microorganisms, which makes need for more tech. All to keep it looking natural.
I am new to this hobby, and I have been loving watching all kinds of different aquascaping videos, there are so many wonderful artists in this hobby and so many different creative ways to do things. But I have certainly been the most drawn towards low-tech. The idea of creating an ecosystem and watching it sustain itself as much as possible is so exciting to me. Setting up a beautiful scene in a box and then watching nature take place, and just giving it little nudges to try and encourage it to become as beautiful as possible by its own mechanisms. I can appreciate a cleverly designed piece of technology, but I am more interested in seeing what nature will do, and how nature can solve problems, because it is always surprising. But I will continue to appreciate creators of all kinds. I love seeing what is possible.
Appreciate the honesty George, i've done a mix of high tech and low tech myself. We as hobbyists should absolutely cherish the low tech, it's the 'gateway drug' to this beautiful hobby.
I am not sure if this is what you meant so pardon me if it isn't..Some people choose low tech. It isn't a second choice _"gateway" for whatever reason to doing high tech...either not being able to afford it or lack of knowledge. There are people who like to nerd out more on science and eco interaction more than creating a perfect and more design oriented aquatic experience. it doesn't mean one is lesser than the other. I think high tech aquarists appreciate nature and keep their fish healthy so that's a basic connection between the low and high tech approaches.
I got inti this hobby with a ''low tech'' tank. Small filter just to move around the water a bit, and some species of plants and a simple desk light. I had no idea what I was doing. Now some time down the line, I have a big shallow aquarium that is just absolutely thriving, just a simple canister filter hooked up and a thick substrate system. Shrimps are absolutely exploding in population, and are bigger then I've seen them. Fish are vibrant and very active, plants are growing slowly but steadily and water changes are non existent anymore, just top offs. I just absolutely love the simplicity of this little eco system. I've always dreaded getting into aquariums because of the water changing stuff, filters, cleaning sand etc. Low tech is the best thing I could've done. It makes me so happy to see a little piece of nature thrive under my care.
Unfortunately there is a big division in high and low tech hobbyists. I started the hobby a few years ago, and researched a little about both high and low techs. So I went to my LFS and asked about their opinion on low tech tanks. They ridiculed at the idea, and even labeled it impossible. Fast forward a few years later, I've succeeded in a few low tech tanks. They're not as vibrant as the high techs but the eco system within it are thriving and I love it! No hate to high or low tank we should all enjoy what we love ❤ peace
That's really sad. Shopkeepers should never be ridiculing their customers. Do they want to drive you away so you never come back? This is a hobby! They need repeat customers!
I agree...except if plants are growing well...in low tanks they will look very vibrant equally as any high tech growth.....but you might have more meant the thick growth which does add to the extreme visual for sure. For me...I don't want super growth...it looks like it takes up so much time. I just am not a fan of trimming plants so often is all. Keeping the structure of a high tech "scape" requires that kind of attention.
I've had 20 plus tanks and never ever had the interest in c02 injection. I understand the want/need for c02 from hobbyists but I LOVE the task at hand of trying to grow a well established beautifully planted tank. All you need is patience, be prepared that some plants may just not work out, replace them when needed, adjust lighting photo period if needed, adjust ferts if needed. And once you finally get there and everythings growing well there's no better feeling. George id love to see you do a 140 litre plus sized low tech tank. Maybe go as far as medium category plants. You may be pleasantly surprised! Remember - patience!
Low tech doesn't mean it doesn't require knowledge as it really requires it. Knowledge of science...it isn't an approach that is "lowly". The high tech approach is so fetish about the decorative, but I realize it's fitting for people into that.
In January my first low tech planted tank will be a year old. It is slightly less low tech than yours, I have a sponge filter. My favorite thing about it is watching it all come to life. I occasionally see detritus worms, and some other one I don't know the name of. I added some scuds and other tiny critters, and snails. I have battled algae (my fault for keeping the lights on too long), but that is much better now. I do add nutrients, and calcium for the shrimp and snails. I used soil capped with sand as the substrate, and it is interesting to see how that all stratifies. It is a very peaceful way to keep fish.
After years of following George, this is the first time I've seen him speak with the excitement of a child who's found the most awesome thing ever. The little glint in his eye brings me joy to see, and reminds me of how precious the little things in life are. Good for you George, glad to see you've acquired a new passion within the hobby :)
I was really struggling with my aquarium and was losing the weekly algae battle As a result of the BBA's speed across the tank I was ready give it up Then I accidentally fell on one of George's budget aquascaping videos and was inspired to give it one more go I now run a low tech and a high tech tank with good success And that's thanks to you George You are the reason I have tanks I my home The high tech tank was put together on a very tight budget so it is possible to do a high tech without spending a fortune Thank you for your inspiration
Glad to see you’re comin round mate. Nature is not high tech. Nature is what has produced the fish and other aquatic life that we fish keepers are fortunate to be able to keep a slice of in our homes.
I spent a small fortune in my first tank based on the advice at the time on UKAPS. Expensive everything. Spent ages trying to get it balanced. When I downscaled I ran tanks with mud, gravel and an ikea desk light and it so much easier and they thrived. All my tanks are low tech and neglected to some extent now. They do really well.
❤. i smiled when I read your post. Me too. Have not bought an ‘aquarium lamp’ since the 90s. Any old desk or floor lamp will do, or spotlight (for me). For me this hobby has always been about ‘cheap’. Free sand, free fish if you can get it. Not spending a ton of money. IKEA is always my favourite for lights.
Maybe they are just balanced and allow you to just relax. I feel I should be doing something when I observe my tanks (low tech) that are doing well. I think it's just important to monitor the water parameters and fish. I use a filter which is a part of low tech as well, but it looks like the no filter thing works for people so if it's working and your tanks are cool..its a gift.
I look forward to this more natural approach, I remember telling the lady at a local fish store that I hadn't change my water in two years. She basically said it wasn't possible because all the toxins would concentrate due to evaporation and all my fish would die. I just had to shrug my shoulders because I didn't understand the biology at that time. It's been great to find videos like this that discuss the natural cycles or biology. Very enjoyable.
I started this hobby when i was 19 and broke. Walstad/low tech tanks were the my only options. I made plenty of mistakes, learned a lot and enjoyed the process. 2 years later, i was not broke anymore. I set up my first high tech aquascape after researching and planning for 8 months. I still made a few mistakes, learned and experienced different aspects of this hobby and again, enjoyed the process. I keep both low and high tech scapes now. Best part is i can use the learning experiences from both these types whenever i create or help create a new scape for myself or a friend. As you said, it is sad to see some hobbyist in real life and the internet completely disregard one method and uplift the other, when both have its own pros ans cons. Some people can afford one while others can't. Some have the time to spare, while others dont. When a newcomer (to this hobby) gets introduced first to a method which may not be suitable for him/her, they get discouraged. I wish that one day, LFS and YT aquascape channels bring the concept 'aquascaping for ALL' . If I ever start a YT channel or a aquascaping store, this would be my logo.
To me, even if you're in it for the plants, it's all about the occupants. If they are not comfortable & happy, I dont care how clear the water looks & how pretty the underwater garden. I watch Prime Time Aquatics, who I highly recommend to anyone who includes fish in their tanks. He's a biology professor with a masters in fish health & does great educational utube videos. Love your beautiful tanks, George 😍
Agree 100%. A lot of aquascapers treat the fish as if they are decoration or part of the scape itself rather than as animals. So much space inside the tank is lost due to the height of soil, density of plants and large rocks/wood used that the fish often only have the front 1/3rd to swim in. Plus people care more about aesthetics than the safety of their fish. Tanks filled to the brim without lids lead to fish jumping out and dying
I learn a lot from Prime Time as well as some other channels who focus on the science that is so important to keep learning about in low tech. I don't absorb science so easily but it's just something that has helped me work out the issues I've come across over time. Sometimes I get the feeling high tech aquarists think low tech is the easy way. which it really isn't..maybe I'm wrong I don't know. I know that high tech enthusiasts can really respect their aquarium inhabitants too though.
Been doing high tech, low tech and everything in between on planted aquariums. Still lots to be learned. Loved this episode @george. Honestly it’s the low tech tanks that give me a lot more joy because they evolve slowly over time and it can give a lot more reasons for joy in building and keeping these low tech beauties.
Good for you on this wonderful journey of enlightenment and emotional growth. Isn't the world so beautiful? Even when we think we have reached the top, we are pulled back to the ground with a magnifying glass just to learn there is still soooo much we have missed. Love Lex, by the way!
Thank you for your honesty. I do low tech. I watch what you do for ideas to adapt to my low tech tanks. It does take a lot longer to grow in but I like to watch the progress. I considered high tech but defer to low tech given where I live is guaranteed to have power outages for days a couple of times per year. Running low tech I never lose fish or plants during an outage cause the tank takes care of itself.
I got back into the hobby at over 50 when I learned about the Walstad method, thinking that I would be able to handle a tank without water changes. Then I listened to the George Farmer Podcast, and decided that I should do water changes! I live in Toronto, Canada, which has very hard water, being a big city on limestone bedrock. I still don’t exactly know why, but when I change my water with treated tap water, my plants always pearl like crazy, especially the pearlweed. Moving or removing rooted plants breaks the sand cap and allows a small amount of dirt from underneath out. This turns the water milky white, and a water change is the best way I’ve found to fix this. I’m currently raising CPD fry in my Walstad bowl.
Dear George, My first aquarium appeared 63 years ago, and it was, of course, low tech. My reference book was published in 1914, “Amateur Aquarium”, its author N.F. Zolotnitsky, he was the chairman of the Moscow Society of Aquarists. Diana wasn't even alive yet)) This is a classic, not a tight budget and lack of time. Back then they weren’t shy, but were proud of their ability to create a tank without any equipment, it simply didn’t exist... Since then I have owned and served clients with different tanks, but my heart is with low tech)
I remember reading one book written in the 1970s or 1980s (probably Rataj or Zukal), where author said aquarium lights help to extend the day for aquarium plants during the winter.
@@PaulZyCZ It is possible, but difficult, to use only natural light. There must be the right choice of plants and location for the aquarium. But artificial lighting helps a lot
I am in favor of high tech if you have the ability to. If you have a co2 system there is no reason not to use it. But if you don’t and don’t want to spend the money on it, there is no need for that either. You can enjoy this hobby no matter what your budget is. Which is why I love it and always will! Love you George! I remember watching your video over 10 years ago and was so inspired by you and the green machine and have been in the hobby for 8 years now and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon! 💚💚
Thanks for sharing this and hope to see more low tech aquariums. I would argue that low-tech forces us to understand true natural balance as opposed to what is the equivalent of aquariums on steroids (co2, heavy ferts, heavy maintenance etc). Both have their places and much to be learned from both. I have had experience with marine aquariums and if you want to talk about high-tech and high maintenance then that is the ultimate...a 30 minute power outage can kill a tank with $1000s of livestock. At some point it feels like life-support rather than life in nature. I'm done with that world.
What a confession to make.... your honesty draws my respect towards you. I have low tech 40 gallon tank and I find it more interesting, challenging. For me high-tech is forcing the nature.
Love the candid nature of this George. I totally understand your shock. I myself subscribe more toward the High Tech side of the spectrum. Though I specifically remember watching one of your videos and you were talking about your oase filter and how you had hardly touched it other than to do the pre-filter rinse. I feel that this should have opened your eyes a bit. Because though the pre-filter on oase setups is a huge chunk of filtration you know as well as I do that a lot of stuff is still getting through to your main filtration. Honestly my tank has been setup for just about a year here (in it's current layout), and I have not opened the main portion of the filter once. Honestly the pre-filter has only been touched a few times in that year, if I had to guess I'd say that I've rinsed the pre-filter about 6 times. I guess my point is, high tech has some serious advantages, particularly for quick, sense plant growth, but lowtech has some serious advantages as well in that the amount of time you have to spend maintaining is much lower. I think the hobby needs to coalesce on this topic. If we can find a healthy amount of lowtech mentality that can safely be brought into the high tech world, the hobby would be better for it. I have been holding off on doing any kind of scape in my 6 gallon right now due to the amount of work I am afraid it will ad to my week. However I may have to do a lowtech now to really make that tank shine again. Love your content George. You constantly make me want to become an aquarium expert. Which too many people at my lfs already think I am.... And I feel very unknowledgeable... I am only about 5 years old in this hobby, and I've had about 10 different scapes in that time of varying success it's only with my last scape that I truly felt some real accomplishment when I finally said, that's it, now just watch it grow.
I think there is more than enough room for both the high and low energy approach in the hobby. There is another way too, somewhere in the middle - have an electronic, mechanical filter; lightly fertilise and do water changes dependent on your bioload/plant biomass. That's the beauty of aquariums - there is no right or wrong way. There are actually many ways to have successful planted tanks! Loved this video and your point about the way you feel about divisiveness today I found very relatable.
Thank you for sharing. No matter who it is, or what topic, any time someone admits to holding an unhealthy or incorrect belief is hugely impressive. And hugely vulnerable. Lovely to hear how such little aquariums have made a big impact on you.
Beautiful scapes and beautiful epiphany. I have never felt division or superiority for my tank (maybe because my setup is very simple), but I have caught myself many times over the years looking down on people making different choices, different priorities, different interests. I think it is natural to develop this sense of superiority when you've devoted so much of your life and become very good at something. But when you take a step back you see just how silly it all is.
Thanks, George, for the moment of transparency. I think many of us have been there, at some point. And I've found myself at both extremes, thinking myself quite accomplished for both high tech and low tech achievements. Coming of age, I can now deeply enjoy all my aquariums, whether they're high energy systems with frenetic growth, or well established low tech systems that need a lot less maintenance.
As always, very well done George. You are truly understanding aquascaping like I do. We put a little piece of life within glass and it starts to teach us valuable lessons about life outside that glass. Keep the journey going.
Thank you George for my daily dose of honesty, calm and balance during these increasingly hectic times. I now love this sentimental, thoughtful content more than the technical stuff. Keep it up and add videos like this every now and then
Your honesty is refreshing. I personally don't equate low tech with "no filtration and no water changes"- in fact I'd asay a TwinStar light makes that a high-tech tank! But I have definitely sensed elitism from people who don't keep low-techs. Personally I keep my tanks (which are a mix of low and high tech) to please myself, and don't much care what anyone else thinks of my methods.
Nice video. In my tanks the only thing that i do not use is co2, but a part from that i always like to have a filter of some kind to have water movement, a heater and a good light on a timer. Also like to promote a food web so that fish dont depend solo on me to eat, and a deep substrate bed. I only do water changes up until i see a drop on nitrates close to zero, and after that i just top up the water with regular tap water. I have four tanks that i dont do water changes for over a year now and they are thriving. Take care.
I recall those early PFK articles George. They were quite different to everything else in a magazine that back then seemed 100% focused on "fish keeping" as opposed to creating an indoor planted water garden (with some fish). Fully planted aquariums and aquascaping were so new then. The Green Machine near Wrexham was the place to go for inspiration.
Great video George, very nicely balanced and honest. I don’t think it matters which camp you’re in, low tech or high, we should all be able to enjoy this wonderful hobby in the way that best suits us, or our interests within the hobby. My whole fishkeeping journey changed in the early 2000s. When I discovered that with low tech, I could grow plants indefinitely without fertilisers, siphoning or water changes. I’ve never looked back since, and still have that original tank going strong. Incidentally these tanks can be just as addictive as high tech Co2 :) Just with a different dynamic. I look forward to seeing how your low tech journey progresses. I wish you all the best.
Thanks George, your videos are very relaxing. After 40yrs in the hobby, I recently set up a "Father Fish" style natural aquarium, which is thriving. The hardest part for me, was the not having to do anything, or fiddle with the tank lol! Nice to see that the hobby can be a lot simpler and still have happy fish and plants....
Thanks George, I have a 15l cube and started scaping with only a couple nano fish and bit of wood with some java fern attached I was really put off by the sound of my tiny filter that to forced me to research into different methods..eventually I found the no filter style. After lots of trail and error over the past year, I now have a scape consisting of spiderwood, a carpet of monte carlo, red and fast growing stems and various floating plants, ive upgraded the light to a Onf, along with some dosing. When I saw your community post I was really worried but this is fantastic news. Please keep us updated. Thanks again
Wow. Well done. Good show. I think not everyone has been so fortunate - to uncover some unintended egoism... You are one of the lucky ones. To see and accept such a truth is a doorway unto grace. It's uncomfortable but it is a holy cleansing. Bravo! Now, you are an expert!
Beautiful message and wonderful tanks! The “highest tech” I have done is diy co2. I love all my tanks from vases with shrimp to my crypts and annubias only tanks to canister filters. I WISH I had the time to maintain more than one stem plant heavy 5.5 gallon but love watching you tank for inspiration for the future. I hope you do a larger low tech tank!
You are so sweet, George. It is wonderful to see you so humble and filled with excitement over something new. I am a low-tech person myself...AND the reasons were originally just what you said - my income is low, and I have minimal time for maintenance. But I find that I gravitate toward "old school" ways in all things. I prefer antiques, my old dog is my favorite (lol) and I still read actual books. Hahhahaha. So I don't think I will ever gravitate toward high tech. I enjoy a bit of a challenge. but I've never felt fish people to be prickly or snobbish. I find them to be some of the very finest people. So keep up your wonderful work.
Love the transparency of your thoughts. I am building a 75 gallon nature aquarium, hoping to build it so I can minimize water changes. As I get older, would rather spend the time enjoying the view, the fish, provide a stable and enriching environment for them. I totally look up to high tech folks, or saltwater folks, due to the dedication and knowledge it takes to create beautiful aquascapes, and you should feel proud of what you have accomplished and the knowledge you have shared. That said, simplicity and patience are worthy endeavours. I think, as a gardener, low tech and lack of algae in a balanced aquarium has to do with the choice of plants. I can’t grow roses or tomatoes in shade, but my ferns and hostas thrive.
Some plants in my tanks just fizzle out, even though I believe at least some of my tanks have plenty of nutrients and a good balance of light, etc. I have discovered many plants now though that are growing so well! I never knew I'd ever get to this point. Time can do wonders..
Lovely little tanks. I’ve kept sort of low tech, just no Co2, dirted with top soil, low light and easy plants like Sagittarius, Crypts and Amazon Sword a 30L, 60L and Just torn down a 120L I had for eight years. I’ve just set up a 30L with a tiny filter to begin with which I want to dispense with after it’s matured. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with these 10L tanks. Super impressed by your open minded honesty and willingness to try a new approach too!
I am 60 and been keeping fish for a long long time. When I started I was clueless even about the cycle a tank goes through and to be honest at that time not many people talked or knew about that. Fast forward....I drooled over high tech but as a young father I could not afford that luxury....then finally, I started my first "high tech" tank and I could suddenly grow anything I wanted.......but the maintenance was just too time consuming for me. Now I do a "medium" tech tank. Pressurized CO2 but I do not stress about it, medium lights and my tank is in balance. I do not "need" to make water changes but I still do. Old habits I guess and the fish perk up every time I do it. I have never done a dirt/Walstad kind of tank but I have 2 old 15 gallon tanks that I plan to experiment with this winter. I really liked this video and wish you the best. Cheers from Winnipeg.
Amazing how something so simple can be so gratifying. The simplest of setups can make it with just letting it run its coarse. The beauty of nature, thanks George for another awesome video!
Hello George, it's funny that you use to feel like that about low light planted tanks but you were one of the few TH-camrs that got me into the low light planted tanks as I have always loved my low light plants.
George I just finished reading your book and gained a lot of knowledge as a result. So much fun that you can now also talk about low tech aquariums. I have just picked up the hobby again after 30 years and now have a mix of low and high tech aquariums and can completely agree with your story. The mix allows me to keep the hobby affordable and still enjoy both. Thanks for this video.
Love following. I was so fascinated and intimidated when I started a year ago with aquariums and your videos. Now 6 tanks in (all low tech), with research, trial and error, I've made things work thanks to alot of your knowledgeable videos. Always glad to see how humble you are and keeping us inspired.
I've been out of the fish keeping hobby for over twenty years but have been looking at getting a tank again. What surprised me how high tech it all is now. Years ago it was a case of just getting the balance right and you would hardly have to touch it. If I do go ahead and get back into the hobby it will be low tech, but do love the high tech setups.
Siempre los extremos nunca son buenos. Me encanta que gente como tú habrá su mente y sepa volver a aprender una experiencia(baja-tegnologia) que su estimamos. Bajo mi conocimiento el co2 es punto de inflexión, me explico cuando lo utilizamos con mucha luz es fácil que con fluctuaciones sea peor el remedio que la enfermedad. Sin embargo cuando ponemos el sustrato y las plantas adecuadas sin co2 no hay fluctuaciones las plantas absorben carbono del sustrato y de los carbonatos del agua. Entonces se crea un equilibrio de carbono que no fluctúa apreciablemente. El crecimiento es más lento pero más seguro. Como todo habrá plantas que no se desarrollarán igual de bien. Pero como digo es saber seleccionar el sustrato, plantas y en menor medida luz. Yo al igual que tu tengo que practicar esa experiencia y abrir la mente a algo más relajado. Saludos george
All my tanks are low tech but I Do use a filter, heater and i do regular water changes .I think it's so important as we keep our fish /shrimp in glass boxes And I like to think it keeps there environment nice and fresh .in nature rivers would constantly be flowing ,or heavy Rain falling. Lovely aquariums George .😊
I appreciate everything you shared. 💜Having started this hobby only a year ago I’m really enjoying it. But I haven’t taken myself seriously, feeling silly mentioning my hobby to anyone. I thought once I have a CO2 system it would allow me to feel like I’ve achieved something. So thank you. This kinda gives me permission to feel good about what I’ve created.
I am listening from across the pond. My advice is to live a little and enjoy the simplicity of what life has to offer. Time is everything it's only one life. The stresses brought on by the excess noises turn it off. Unnecessary stress will be the end of all mankind .😚🙌🌅 Thank you for sharing I personally love the landscaping you do.
Great video. Im so glad you said it. There are many people that think that way, and to beginners and experienced scapers and fish keepers, it's a kick in the teeth. Some guys are really arrogant. Great show. I can't wait for the next one.😊
I have three tanks at the moment all of which I consider to be low tech in as much that none use CO2. However, two have good sized filters and are fed regularly. The third has no filter and until recently got the usual 50% water change each week, I have now stopped the water changes and all is still going well. I use good lights but all are on a maximum of 35% power, I have plenty of plant growth and the buce and Anubias flower regularly. I dabbled with CO2 in the past but found it quite hard work, I’ll never go back to it now. The think I like best about all my tanks is that I don’t have any problems with algae. The algae on the glass is easily wiped off and I quite like the small amount that appears on the rocks as do the shrimp. This was a great video and I think it will be very popular.
Really looking forward to reading your next book George! Always best to be open minded and self reflective. Your an inspiration, brave, open and honest ❤
I have had several low-tech tanks for more than 5 years ago. I don't have any intentions to go CO2 injection anytime soon, the convenience and results for low tech have left me astonished. You just gotta know your water parameters and what plants will adapt better to your setup. As plants, we have to adapt to whatever environment we are. I always get inspiration from your work George, keep up the good work.
I just started with the hobby a couple of weeks ago with my first nano low tech plant tank. I will be adding some shrimps and snails later and for me the low tech nano tank is a way to see if this is my hobby, do I enjoy it, do I become hungrier and need more? Instead of straight on buying expensive high tech stuff and larger tank to sit 6 months later in the corner of my living room unused since I found out it was not for me. Wish me luck!
I have one no filter shrimp tank. It is 2.5 gallons with 5 cherry shrimp, plants and a fairly deep substrate. The plants are a crypt, and anubias, with red root floaters. It is doing well. Might add some stem plants. My other tanks only have internal filters, heaters and lights. Only have algae issues in one. Haven't figured it out yet. I don't do many water changes, I just top up and clean out the filter media. Makes it so much easier than how I used to keep fish.
i have a low tech cardina shrimp tank that i've used for breeding for 10 years now. The last time i did a water change was a year ago. and the last time before that also roughly a year. it's still thriving. Sometimes i really don't get why it's still doing so well.. it's at my dads house which is why my maintenance on it is so low. My dad tops it off with some RO water every now and then and that's it. I even feed the shrimp only once every month or so. and there is hundreds in there just living of the algea (which is invisible but i reckon it's there because they are foraging heavily all the time).
Amazing video. I was introduced to CO2 back in the 1980's and was amazed at what could be achieved. Over the years I have come to believe there are so many ways of success that fall between High and Low tech that people should accept we all have our methods and the beauty of the hobby is measured by what we, as individuals, get from it. There are differing levels of intricacy giving breath taking high tech 'scapes to beautiful natural low tech ones. Choose what suits you knowing there are a multitude of different ways of producing a pleasurable result.
love this video and love how you mentioned your uncomfortable truth. cant we all get along :), i use a high tech, lower light and lower co2 method and it's been working well for me. One of my client's office had about similar 20cm cube tanks with filters, plants,, rocks with guppies and cherry shrimp in 10 desks of different offices throughout the building and i found that to be amazing for a work space (a 8 footer planted tank would be nice also) now that i've watched this video, it gets me thinking if i should set up a small nano aquarium on my desk, similar but with a HOB filter. keep up the great content!
I have a low tech 45 litre tank. Basic plants, basic led light, sponge filter attached to glass, small community fish, amanos, nerites, liquid fertilise once in while but everytime people see it they go wow, I love your tank!
I tend to find that deeper my sand substrate the better the tank does, of course there's a limit, I go for a 2/3inch sand bottom with thin manure or soil layer beneath that. Seems to do well even long term.
I'm glad you are open to learn. I know you'll get to learn that you'll be able to apply even on your high tech tanks. Best of luck, gonna keep following it
I’ve only done low tech tanks so I can’t speak for high tech, but I love the slow but steady of low tech! If there’s a problem you can catch it before it gets out of hand! Those two nanos are looking amazing mate! I have a 1 gallon cube I want to scape no filter! Great content George! 👏
So I do not know exactly what the proportions are, but have you taken the volume/light ratio? I think one has to think of that more of a Footprint/light ratio, since the water is almost clear and it therefore works like a projector projecting light on a screen.
Hey George! You should check out the TH-cam videos made on “Ocean Aquarium” in San Francisco. That store is truly the pinnacle of low tech fishkeeping. The shop owner is a true master of his craft. The keys are deep substrate beds, tons of plant bio mass, and most importantly, time.
I messed around with Aquario Neo CO2 just to dip my toes but I've always run low-tech and I don't think that will change. I'm more than happy with the results I got in my first tank from two years ago and now I'm about to setup my fourth.
I have everything from CO2 injected tanks to Walstad vases. When I’m planning them out, I’m thinking about metabolism. Can these plants sprint? Or, can these plants be endurance specialists? The requirements of an enduro athlete are different from the requirements of a sprinter. The success of each are also measured in different ways. You can’t expect an Olympic velodrome cyclist to compete in the Tour de France. Sure, there is some overlap, but the training and mindset is very different.
I have both low tech and high tech (medium energy) tanks. I still have filtration in my low tech tanks and all but one get weekly (or two weeks depending on my schedule) water changes. The one that doesn’t is my office 10g riparium.
Great video George! 👌 I prefer to keep lower tech planted tanks (filtration but no CO2 and less intense lighting). I find these setups more predictable and things can't go wrong as quickly, although admittedly it does mean it can take longer to fix issues like algae. That's not to say I don't appreciate high tech planted tanks, I actually believe they overall look better, most of the time superior, to low tech tanks and I know the amount of hard work that goes into them. I believe it ultimately comes down to what you want from the hobby, are you looking constantly to challenge yourself, or do you want as little input as possible with a high enjoyment to input ratio, or perhaps some people are more focused on fish behaviour. I think everyone approaches the hobby differently which we should celebrate 🐟🎉 Again fantastic content George, love to hear this type of thought provoking content 👌
It was learning about low-tech that made me actually interested in trying out an aquarium, because I don't like the sounds of filters and motors. I do have an aquarium and got filters and lighting but I'd like to get phase them out once I'm done cycling and the plants grow in more. First time seeing your videos - you seem like a very sweet and compassionate person.
Low tech can mean no filter or using filters. i think there is so much info out there on this topic. people seem to make no filter systems work....others prefer filters, heaters....electric stuff.
I once heard that if you want to acknowledge if someone is a good cook "ask for an olive oil and garlic spaghetti". Well, if someone can turn the simplest of ingredients into something delicious, this person is a true "chef de cuisine". I believe there is a parallel between this "cooking parabola" and keeping planted tanks: almost everyone can achieve good results with the best equipment, supplements, and the most unique hardscape, fish, and plants...but to achieve good results with limited resources is an exercise and in many cases, a challenge, which requires lots of knowledge, patience, and experience. It's funny because I only realized this recently after setting up 2 low-tech tanks after 4 years of only high-tech experiences...it's really interesting to see that relevant people to the hobby, such as George, also come to this understanding. Let's always keep our minds open and experience new things, the hobby is vast and offers infinite possibilities...it's always a pleasure to try and share different approaches and experiences: this is what keeps the hobby alive and growing. Keep up the good work, George.
Hey George, thank you very much for this video. I only started 1 year ago with the hobby and especially videos like these have been very inspirational. I started with a low tech 180 liter tank, still have lots to learn and to experiment. Please, do a bigger size low tech aquarium, that would be great to see. ❤
I don't know if anyone else has brought up, the shrimp in the red (plants) tank may be slower in breeding if they're all the yellow/ gold varieties. Those seem to not be as quick and strong genetic wise as your "red cherry" Neocaridina varieties. I've found strongest and quickest to weakest genes to be; red, blue, yellow and orange variants. Anyways, thanks for another great video! This was a special treat for me as I'm strictly low/ no tech and trying to get to as much as possible natural light. And especially thanks for admitting you used to look down on us low techies and feel superior. Personally speaking I do low and no tech first and foremost because I want to be as close to the natural ecology as possible to where my livestock came from. I strive to make tanks that look like a side view snapshot of a natural pond, stream or lake. For me, IMPERFECTIONS ARE PERFECTION!! 😉🙏💙✌️
Fantastic George. As you know high light is needed with hardwater if no CO2 injected, biogenic carbon requires lots of energy. Way back in the 1980s I got Amazon swords to grow in a London hard water tank by simply adding two extra cheap warm white T8s bought at a discount at Woolworths, squeezed them in, it was a 'revelation' to me the difference within a week or so. Topping up with tank water is interesting, maybe quite a lot of Nitrate. I add water from a condensing drier to top up to stop my tank turning into the 'Dead Sea'.
Oh yes your honesty is admirable. It’s awesome to see a but of a paradigm shift with you. I hope these systems give you much more pleasure as they slowly undergo change.
I have been keeping one of my tank as an experimental tank. Substrate are pumice, base fert, aquasoil, topping with crushed lava rock. It was a high tech tank at first, I inject CO2, using filtration, strong light, liquid fert. After 2 years I decide to move the tank outside in the shaded area. It becoming really low tech tank, only top up the water. No filter, no lighting except partly sunlight. It survived 3 years until now, but off course the heavy rooter plant suffer. Fish, shrimp, snail, moss and epiphyte are all happy
It all depend on your 'need', time and budget. I keep both at my home. I also make nursery for plant at the outdoor pond. Really enjoy the process and the outcome
There you have it, that is the true nature aquarium. Thousands of species of microorganisms doing their job as usual, just like on the other side of the house door. In streams, ponds and lakes, not to forget in the oceans. Seventy percent of the world's surface, a hundred if you count their role in terrestrial ecosystems. Balancing it all beautifully so that everybody in that microbiome stays happy, and everybody in the macrobiome can base their lives on them, tagging along. I like high tech because of the fast growth, but let's be honest: tech messes up the relations amongst the microorganisms, which makes need for more tech. All to keep it looking natural.
Wise words, thank you. Do you mind if I quote you in a future podcast or video? 🙏💚
Wow...well said.
I am new to this hobby, and I have been loving watching all kinds of different aquascaping videos, there are so many wonderful artists in this hobby and so many different creative ways to do things. But I have certainly been the most drawn towards low-tech. The idea of creating an ecosystem and watching it sustain itself as much as possible is so exciting to me. Setting up a beautiful scene in a box and then watching nature take place, and just giving it little nudges to try and encourage it to become as beautiful as possible by its own mechanisms. I can appreciate a cleverly designed piece of technology, but I am more interested in seeing what nature will do, and how nature can solve problems, because it is always surprising. But I will continue to appreciate creators of all kinds. I love seeing what is possible.
Appreciate the honesty George, i've done a mix of high tech and low tech myself. We as hobbyists should absolutely cherish the low tech, it's the 'gateway drug' to this beautiful hobby.
Well said buddy 🤙
I am not sure if this is what you meant so pardon me if it isn't..Some people choose low tech. It isn't a second choice _"gateway" for whatever reason to doing high tech...either not being able to afford it or lack of knowledge. There are people who like to nerd out more on science and eco interaction more than creating a perfect and more design oriented aquatic experience. it doesn't mean one is lesser than the other. I think high tech aquarists appreciate nature and keep their fish healthy so that's a basic connection between the low and high tech approaches.
@@heaven7360 100% it's a totally different experience in itself.
I got inti this hobby with a ''low tech'' tank. Small filter just to move around the water a bit, and some species of plants and a simple desk light.
I had no idea what I was doing. Now some time down the line, I have a big shallow aquarium that is just absolutely thriving, just a simple canister filter hooked up and a thick substrate system. Shrimps are absolutely exploding in population, and are bigger then I've seen them. Fish are vibrant and very active, plants are growing slowly but steadily and water changes are non existent anymore, just top offs. I just absolutely love the simplicity of this little eco system. I've always dreaded getting into aquariums because of the water changing stuff, filters, cleaning sand etc. Low tech is the best thing I could've done. It makes me so happy to see a little piece of nature thrive under my care.
Unfortunately there is a big division in high and low tech hobbyists. I started the hobby a few years ago, and researched a little about both high and low techs. So I went to my LFS and asked about their opinion on low tech tanks. They ridiculed at the idea, and even labeled it impossible. Fast forward a few years later, I've succeeded in a few low tech tanks. They're not as vibrant as the high techs but the eco system within it are thriving and I love it! No hate to high or low tank we should all enjoy what we love ❤ peace
That's really sad. Shopkeepers should never be ridiculing their customers. Do they want to drive you away so you never come back? This is a hobby! They need repeat customers!
I agree...except if plants are growing well...in low tanks they will look very vibrant equally as any high tech growth.....but you might have more meant the thick growth which does add to the extreme visual for sure. For me...I don't want super growth...it looks like it takes up so much time. I just am not a fan of trimming plants so often is all. Keeping the structure of a high tech "scape" requires that kind of attention.
I've had 20 plus tanks and never ever had the interest in c02 injection. I understand the want/need for c02 from hobbyists but I LOVE the task at hand of trying to grow a well established beautifully planted tank. All you need is patience, be prepared that some plants may just not work out, replace them when needed, adjust lighting photo period if needed, adjust ferts if needed. And once you finally get there and everythings growing well there's no better feeling.
George id love to see you do a 140 litre plus sized low tech tank. Maybe go as far as medium category plants. You may be pleasantly surprised! Remember - patience!
Low tech doesn't mean it doesn't require knowledge as it really requires it. Knowledge of science...it isn't an approach that is "lowly". The high tech approach is so fetish about the decorative, but I realize it's fitting for people into that.
In January my first low tech planted tank will be a year old. It is slightly less low tech than yours, I have a sponge filter. My favorite thing about it is watching it all come to life. I occasionally see detritus worms, and some other one I don't know the name of. I added some scuds and other tiny critters, and snails. I have battled algae (my fault for keeping the lights on too long), but that is much better now. I do add nutrients, and calcium for the shrimp and snails. I used soil capped with sand as the substrate, and it is interesting to see how that all stratifies. It is a very peaceful way to keep fish.
After years of following George, this is the first time I've seen him speak with the excitement of a child who's found the most awesome thing ever. The little glint in his eye brings me joy to see, and reminds me of how precious the little things in life are. Good for you George, glad to see you've acquired a new passion within the hobby :)
High tech aquarists can learn from the low tech experience. I guess we all should learn the acceptance of different directions people choose.
I was really struggling with my aquarium and was losing the weekly algae battle
As a result of the BBA's speed across the tank I was ready give it up
Then I accidentally fell on one of George's budget aquascaping videos and was inspired to give it one more go
I now run a low tech and a high tech tank with good success
And that's thanks to you George
You are the reason I have tanks I my home
The high tech tank was put together on a very tight budget so it is possible to do a high tech without spending a fortune
Thank you for your inspiration
Glad to see you’re comin round mate. Nature is not high tech. Nature is what has produced the fish and other aquatic life that we fish keepers are fortunate to be able to keep a slice of in our homes.
I spent a small fortune in my first tank based on the advice at the time on UKAPS. Expensive everything. Spent ages trying to get it balanced. When I downscaled I ran tanks with mud, gravel and an ikea desk light and it so much easier and they thrived. All my tanks are low tech and neglected to some extent now. They do really well.
❤. i smiled when I read your post. Me too. Have not bought an ‘aquarium lamp’ since the 90s. Any old desk or floor lamp will do, or spotlight (for me). For me this hobby has always been about ‘cheap’. Free sand, free fish if you can get it. Not spending a ton of money. IKEA is always my favourite for lights.
Maybe they are just balanced and allow you to just relax. I feel I should be doing something when I observe my tanks (low tech) that are doing well. I think it's just important to monitor the water parameters and fish. I use a filter which is a part of low tech as well, but it looks like the no filter thing works for people so if it's working and your tanks are cool..its a gift.
I look forward to this more natural approach, I remember telling the lady at a local fish store that I hadn't change my water in two years. She basically said it wasn't possible because all the toxins would concentrate due to evaporation and all my fish would die. I just had to shrug my shoulders because I didn't understand the biology at that time. It's been great to find videos like this that discuss the natural cycles or biology. Very enjoyable.
This has been one of your best videos. Your honesty is as it always is, a breath of fresh air.
I started this hobby when i was 19 and broke. Walstad/low tech tanks were the my only options. I made plenty of mistakes, learned a lot and enjoyed the process.
2 years later, i was not broke anymore. I set up my first high tech aquascape after researching and planning for 8 months. I still made a few mistakes, learned and experienced different aspects of this hobby and again, enjoyed the process.
I keep both low and high tech scapes now. Best part is i can use the learning experiences from both these types whenever i create or help create a new scape for myself or a friend.
As you said, it is sad to see some hobbyist in real life and the internet completely disregard one method and uplift the other, when both have its own pros ans cons. Some people can afford one while others can't. Some have the time to spare, while others dont. When a newcomer (to this hobby) gets introduced first to a method which may not be suitable for him/her, they get discouraged.
I wish that one day, LFS and YT aquascape channels bring the concept 'aquascaping for ALL' .
If I ever start a YT channel or a aquascaping store, this would be my logo.
What a humble video. Good effort George.
Lex Fridman fan myself.
To me, even if you're in it for the plants, it's all about the occupants. If they are not comfortable & happy, I dont care how clear the water looks & how pretty the underwater garden. I watch Prime Time Aquatics, who I highly recommend to anyone who includes fish in their tanks. He's a biology professor with a masters in fish health & does great educational utube videos. Love your beautiful tanks, George 😍
Agree 100%. A lot of aquascapers treat the fish as if they are decoration or part of the scape itself rather than as animals.
So much space inside the tank is lost due to the height of soil, density of plants and large rocks/wood used that the fish often only have the front 1/3rd to swim in.
Plus people care more about aesthetics than the safety of their fish. Tanks filled to the brim without lids lead to fish jumping out and dying
I learn a lot from Prime Time as well as some other channels who focus on the science that is so important to keep learning about in low tech. I don't absorb science so easily but it's just something that has helped me work out the issues I've come across over time. Sometimes I get the feeling high tech aquarists think low tech is the easy way. which it really isn't..maybe I'm wrong I don't know.
I know that high tech enthusiasts can really respect their aquarium inhabitants too though.
Low tech forever!!! ❤ Meaning I love the feeling I get when the balance is reached and the level of maintenance drops to the enjoyable one :)
Been doing high tech, low tech and everything in between on planted aquariums. Still lots to be learned. Loved this episode @george. Honestly it’s the low tech tanks that give me a lot more joy because they evolve slowly over time and it can give a lot more reasons for joy in building and keeping these low tech beauties.
Good for you on this wonderful journey of enlightenment and emotional growth. Isn't the world so beautiful? Even when we think we have reached the top, we are pulled back to the ground with a magnifying glass just to learn there is still soooo much we have missed.
Love Lex, by the way!
Thank you for your honesty. I do low tech. I watch what you do for ideas to adapt to my low tech tanks. It does take a lot longer to grow in but I like to watch the progress. I considered high tech but defer to low tech given where I live is guaranteed to have power outages for days a couple of times per year. Running low tech I never lose fish or plants during an outage cause the tank takes care of itself.
I got back into the hobby at over 50 when I learned about the Walstad method, thinking that I would be able to handle a tank without water changes. Then I listened to the George Farmer Podcast, and decided that I should do water changes! I live in Toronto, Canada, which has very hard water, being a big city on limestone bedrock. I still don’t exactly know why, but when I change my water with treated tap water, my plants always pearl like crazy, especially the pearlweed.
Moving or removing rooted plants breaks the sand cap and allows a small amount of dirt from underneath out. This turns the water milky white, and a water change is the best way I’ve found to fix this. I’m currently raising CPD fry in my Walstad bowl.
Dear George, My first aquarium appeared 63 years ago, and it was, of course, low tech. My reference book was published in 1914, “Amateur Aquarium”, its author N.F. Zolotnitsky, he was the chairman of the Moscow Society of Aquarists. Diana wasn't even alive yet))
This is a classic, not a tight budget and lack of time. Back then they weren’t shy, but were proud of their ability to create a tank without any equipment, it simply didn’t exist... Since then I have owned and served clients with different tanks, but my heart is with low tech)
I remember reading one book written in the 1970s or 1980s (probably Rataj or Zukal), where author said aquarium lights help to extend the day for aquarium plants during the winter.
@@PaulZyCZ
It is possible, but difficult, to use only natural light. There must be the right choice of plants and location for the aquarium. But artificial lighting helps a lot
I am in favor of high tech if you have the ability to. If you have a co2 system there is no reason not to use it. But if you don’t and don’t want to spend the money on it, there is no need for that either. You can enjoy this hobby no matter what your budget is. Which is why I love it and always will! Love you George! I remember watching your video over 10 years ago and was so inspired by you and the green machine and have been in the hobby for 8 years now and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon! 💚💚
I just love George Farmers attitude about not only the aquarium hobby but life in general. Great video. Very interesting! ❤
Thanks for sharing this and hope to see more low tech aquariums. I would argue that low-tech forces us to understand true natural balance as opposed to what is the equivalent of aquariums on steroids (co2, heavy ferts, heavy maintenance etc). Both have their places and much to be learned from both. I have had experience with marine aquariums and if you want to talk about high-tech and high maintenance then that is the ultimate...a 30 minute power outage can kill a tank with $1000s of livestock. At some point it feels like life-support rather than life in nature. I'm done with that world.
What a confession to make.... your honesty draws my respect towards you. I have low tech 40 gallon tank and I find it more interesting, challenging. For me high-tech is forcing the nature.
Beautiful self-reflection and authentic sharing. Thank you for everything you've brought to the hobby!
Love the candid nature of this George. I totally understand your shock. I myself subscribe more toward the High Tech side of the spectrum. Though I specifically remember watching one of your videos and you were talking about your oase filter and how you had hardly touched it other than to do the pre-filter rinse. I feel that this should have opened your eyes a bit. Because though the pre-filter on oase setups is a huge chunk of filtration you know as well as I do that a lot of stuff is still getting through to your main filtration.
Honestly my tank has been setup for just about a year here (in it's current layout), and I have not opened the main portion of the filter once. Honestly the pre-filter has only been touched a few times in that year, if I had to guess I'd say that I've rinsed the pre-filter about 6 times.
I guess my point is, high tech has some serious advantages, particularly for quick, sense plant growth, but lowtech has some serious advantages as well in that the amount of time you have to spend maintaining is much lower. I think the hobby needs to coalesce on this topic. If we can find a healthy amount of lowtech mentality that can safely be brought into the high tech world, the hobby would be better for it. I have been holding off on doing any kind of scape in my 6 gallon right now due to the amount of work I am afraid it will ad to my week. However I may have to do a lowtech now to really make that tank shine again.
Love your content George. You constantly make me want to become an aquarium expert. Which too many people at my lfs already think I am.... And I feel very unknowledgeable... I am only about 5 years old in this hobby, and I've had about 10 different scapes in that time of varying success it's only with my last scape that I truly felt some real accomplishment when I finally said, that's it, now just watch it grow.
I think there is more than enough room for both the high and low energy approach in the hobby. There is another way too, somewhere in the middle - have an electronic, mechanical filter; lightly fertilise and do water changes dependent on your bioload/plant biomass. That's the beauty of aquariums - there is no right or wrong way. There are actually many ways to have successful planted tanks!
Loved this video and your point about the way you feel about divisiveness today I found very relatable.
Thank you for sharing. No matter who it is, or what topic, any time someone admits to holding an unhealthy or incorrect belief is hugely impressive. And hugely vulnerable. Lovely to hear how such little aquariums have made a big impact on you.
Beautiful scapes and beautiful epiphany. I have never felt division or superiority for my tank (maybe because my setup is very simple), but I have caught myself many times over the years looking down on people making different choices, different priorities, different interests. I think it is natural to develop this sense of superiority when you've devoted so much of your life and become very good at something. But when you take a step back you see just how silly it all is.
Thanks, George, for the moment of transparency. I think many of us have been there, at some point. And I've found myself at both extremes, thinking myself quite accomplished for both high tech and low tech achievements. Coming of age, I can now deeply enjoy all my aquariums, whether they're high energy systems with frenetic growth, or well established low tech systems that need a lot less maintenance.
As always, very well done George.
You are truly understanding aquascaping like I do. We put a little piece of life within glass and it starts to teach us valuable lessons about life outside that glass.
Keep the journey going.
One of my favorite GF videos of all time!
Thank you George for my daily dose of honesty, calm and balance during these increasingly hectic times. I now love this sentimental, thoughtful content more than the technical stuff. Keep it up and add videos like this every now and then
Your honesty is refreshing. I personally don't equate low tech with "no filtration and no water changes"- in fact I'd asay a TwinStar light makes that a high-tech tank! But I have definitely sensed elitism from people who don't keep low-techs. Personally I keep my tanks (which are a mix of low and high tech) to please myself, and don't much care what anyone else thinks of my methods.
That’s a wise approach. Thanks for sharing your feedback 🙏
Nice video. In my tanks the only thing that i do not use is co2, but a part from that i always like to have a filter of some kind to have water movement, a heater and a good light on a timer. Also like to promote a food web so that fish dont depend solo on me to eat, and a deep substrate bed. I only do water changes up until i see a drop on nitrates close to zero, and after that i just top up the water with regular tap water. I have four tanks that i dont do water changes for over a year now and they are thriving. Take care.
I recall those early PFK articles George. They were quite different to everything else in a magazine that back then seemed 100% focused on "fish keeping" as opposed to creating an indoor planted water garden (with some fish). Fully planted aquariums and aquascaping were so new then. The Green Machine near Wrexham was the place to go for inspiration.
Great video George, very nicely balanced and honest.
I don’t think it matters which camp you’re in, low tech or high, we should all be able to enjoy this wonderful hobby in the way that best suits us, or our interests within the hobby.
My whole fishkeeping journey changed in the early 2000s. When I discovered that with low tech, I could grow plants indefinitely without fertilisers, siphoning or water changes. I’ve never looked back since, and still have that original tank going strong. Incidentally these tanks can be just as addictive as high tech Co2 :) Just with a different dynamic.
I look forward to seeing how your low tech journey progresses.
I wish you all the best.
Thanks George, your videos are very relaxing. After 40yrs in the hobby, I recently set up a "Father Fish" style natural aquarium, which is thriving. The hardest part for me, was the not having to do anything, or fiddle with the tank lol! Nice to see that the hobby can be a lot simpler and still have happy fish and plants....
Yes same here asmrkiddo the not let it be part is hard haha I crashed one of the tanks
Thanks George, I have a 15l cube and started scaping with only a couple nano fish and bit of wood with some java fern attached
I was really put off by the sound of my tiny filter that to forced me to research into different methods..eventually I found the no filter style.
After lots of trail and error over the past year, I now have a scape consisting of spiderwood, a carpet of monte carlo, red and fast growing stems and various floating plants, ive upgraded the light to a Onf, along with some dosing.
When I saw your community post I was really worried but this is fantastic news.
Please keep us updated. Thanks again
Wow. Well done. Good show. I think not everyone has been so fortunate - to uncover some unintended egoism... You are one of the lucky ones. To see and accept such a truth is a doorway unto grace.
It's uncomfortable but it is a holy cleansing.
Bravo!
Now, you are an expert!
Beautiful message and wonderful tanks! The “highest tech” I have done is diy co2. I love all my tanks from vases with shrimp to my crypts and annubias only tanks to canister filters. I WISH I had the time to maintain more than one stem plant heavy 5.5 gallon but love watching you tank for inspiration for the future. I hope you do a larger low tech tank!
Nice video, gorgeous intro (perfect zoom), nice calming voice and great content.
Thumbs UP from Montréal!!!
You are so sweet, George. It is wonderful to see you so humble and filled with excitement over something new. I am a low-tech person myself...AND the reasons were originally just what you said - my income is low, and I have minimal time for maintenance. But I find that I gravitate toward "old school" ways in all things. I prefer antiques, my old dog is my favorite (lol) and I still read actual books. Hahhahaha. So I don't think I will ever gravitate toward high tech. I enjoy a bit of a challenge. but I've never felt fish people to be prickly or snobbish. I find them to be some of the very finest people. So keep up your wonderful work.
Love the transparency of your thoughts. I am building a 75 gallon nature aquarium, hoping to build it so I can minimize water changes. As I get older, would rather spend the time enjoying the view, the fish, provide a stable and enriching environment for them.
I totally look up to high tech folks, or saltwater folks, due to the dedication and knowledge it takes to create beautiful aquascapes, and you should feel proud of what you have accomplished and the knowledge you have shared.
That said, simplicity and patience are worthy endeavours.
I think, as a gardener, low tech and lack of algae in a balanced aquarium has to do with the choice of plants. I can’t grow roses or tomatoes in shade, but my ferns and hostas thrive.
Some plants in my tanks just fizzle out, even though I believe at least some of my tanks have plenty of nutrients and a good balance of light, etc. I have discovered many plants now though that are growing so well! I never knew I'd ever get to this point. Time can do wonders..
Lovely little tanks. I’ve kept sort of low tech, just no Co2, dirted with top soil, low light and easy plants like Sagittarius, Crypts and Amazon Sword a 30L, 60L and Just torn down a 120L I had for eight years. I’ve just set up a 30L with a tiny filter to begin with which I want to dispense with after it’s matured. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with these 10L tanks. Super impressed by your open minded honesty and willingness to try a new approach too!
I am 60 and been keeping fish for a long long time. When I started I was clueless even about the cycle a tank goes through and to be honest at that time not many people talked or knew about that. Fast forward....I drooled over high tech but as a young father I could not afford that luxury....then finally, I started my first "high tech" tank and I could suddenly grow anything I wanted.......but the maintenance was just too time consuming for me. Now I do a "medium" tech tank. Pressurized CO2 but I do not stress about it, medium lights and my tank is in balance. I do not "need" to make water changes but I still do. Old habits I guess and the fish perk up every time I do it. I have never done a dirt/Walstad kind of tank but I have 2 old 15 gallon tanks that I plan to experiment with this winter. I really liked this video and wish you the best. Cheers from Winnipeg.
Amazing how something so simple can be so gratifying. The simplest of setups can make it with just letting it run its coarse. The beauty of nature, thanks George for another awesome video!
Hello George, it's funny that you use to feel like that about low light planted tanks but you were one of the few TH-camrs that got me into the low light planted tanks as I have always loved my low light plants.
I was always worried about what light to use etc so this gives me a bit peice of mind to try it 😊 thanks for sharing
The real "balance of nature"
I will love to see you achieve it.
As you are really abble (thanks to your knowledge and open mindness) ❤
Mika
George I just finished reading your book and gained a lot of knowledge as a result. So much fun that you can now also talk about low tech aquariums. I have just picked up the hobby again after 30 years and now have a mix of low and high tech aquariums and can completely agree with your story. The mix allows me to keep the hobby affordable and still enjoy both. Thanks for this video.
Salut, George. Félicitations pour vos magnifiques aquariums. Continuez à nous émerveiller avec vos réservoirs low tech...
Love following. I was so fascinated and intimidated when I started a year ago with aquariums and your videos. Now 6 tanks in (all low tech), with research, trial and error, I've made things work thanks to alot of your knowledgeable videos.
Always glad to see how humble you are and keeping us inspired.
I've been out of the fish keeping hobby for over twenty years but have been looking at getting a tank again. What surprised me how high tech it all is now. Years ago it was a case of just getting the balance right and you would hardly have to touch it.
If I do go ahead and get back into the hobby it will be low tech, but do love the high tech setups.
Hi George. Great video, mate. Inspied me to try my own. Especially like the tropica cube. Any tips on cycling these to get them ready for shrimp?
Siempre los extremos nunca son buenos. Me encanta que gente como tú habrá su mente y sepa volver a aprender una experiencia(baja-tegnologia) que su estimamos. Bajo mi conocimiento el co2 es punto de inflexión, me explico cuando lo utilizamos con mucha luz es fácil que con fluctuaciones sea peor el remedio que la enfermedad. Sin embargo cuando ponemos el sustrato y las plantas adecuadas sin co2 no hay fluctuaciones las plantas absorben carbono del sustrato y de los carbonatos del agua. Entonces se crea un equilibrio de carbono que no fluctúa apreciablemente. El crecimiento es más lento pero más seguro. Como todo habrá plantas que no se desarrollarán igual de bien. Pero como digo es saber seleccionar el sustrato, plantas y en menor medida luz. Yo al igual que tu tengo que practicar esa experiencia y abrir la mente a algo más relajado. Saludos george
All my tanks are low tech but I
Do use a filter, heater and i do regular water changes .I think it's so important as we keep our fish /shrimp in glass boxes
And I like to think it keeps there environment nice and fresh .in nature rivers would constantly be flowing ,or heavy
Rain falling. Lovely aquariums
George .😊
I appreciate everything you shared. 💜Having started this hobby only a year ago I’m really enjoying it. But I haven’t taken myself seriously, feeling silly mentioning my hobby to anyone. I thought once I have a CO2 system it would allow me to feel like I’ve achieved something. So thank you. This kinda gives me permission to feel good about what I’ve created.
Keep it up! It’s a beautiful hobby 😊
I am listening from across the pond. My advice is to live a little and enjoy the simplicity of what life has to offer. Time is everything it's only one life. The stresses brought on by the excess noises turn it off. Unnecessary stress will be the end of all mankind .😚🙌🌅 Thank you for sharing I personally love the landscaping you do.
Great video. Im so glad you said it. There are many people that think that way, and to beginners and experienced scapers and fish keepers, it's a kick in the teeth. Some guys are really arrogant. Great show. I can't wait for the next one.😊
What a beautiful video. Enjoyed your little chat. Good luck on your journey 👍👊
always nice to see an older person admit their errors an mature. best of luck to your tanks and channel
I have three tanks at the moment all of which I consider to be low tech in as much that none use CO2. However, two have good sized filters and are fed regularly. The third has no filter and until recently got the usual 50% water change each week, I have now stopped the water changes and all is still going well. I use good lights but all are on a maximum of 35% power, I have plenty of plant growth and the buce and Anubias flower regularly. I dabbled with CO2 in the past but found it quite hard work, I’ll never go back to it now. The think I like best about all my tanks is that I don’t have any problems with algae. The algae on the glass is easily wiped off and I quite like the small amount that appears on the rocks as do the shrimp. This was a great video and I think it will be very popular.
Ever considered audio business ?
You got the most spectacular, beautiful voice
appreciate the honesty George, i have start low tech tank myself , hope it is going to work , like yours
Really looking forward to reading your next book George! Always best to be open minded and self reflective. Your an inspiration, brave, open and honest ❤
Lovely tanks! For substrate, can you use the planted tank soils, or is it better to use inert gravel/substrate? Thanks for your honesty and insights.
I have had several low-tech tanks for more than 5 years ago. I don't have any intentions to go CO2 injection anytime soon, the convenience and results for low tech have left me astonished. You just gotta know your water parameters and what plants will adapt better to your setup. As plants, we have to adapt to whatever environment we are. I always get inspiration from your work George, keep up the good work.
I just started with the hobby a couple of weeks ago with my first nano low tech plant tank. I will be adding some shrimps and snails later and for me the low tech nano tank is a way to see if this is my hobby, do I enjoy it, do I become hungrier and need more? Instead of straight on buying expensive high tech stuff and larger tank to sit 6 months later in the corner of my living room unused since I found out it was not for me. Wish me luck!
just 6wks into our fist low tech mini tank. love it . thank you for your beautiful video 💚
I have one no filter shrimp tank. It is 2.5 gallons with 5 cherry shrimp, plants and a fairly deep substrate. The plants are a crypt, and anubias, with red root floaters. It is doing well. Might add some stem plants. My other tanks only have internal filters, heaters and lights. Only have algae issues in one. Haven't figured it out yet. I don't do many water changes, I just top up and clean out the filter media. Makes it so much easier than how I used to keep fish.
i have a low tech cardina shrimp tank that i've used for breeding for 10 years now. The last time i did a water change was a year ago. and the last time before that also roughly a year. it's still thriving. Sometimes i really don't get why it's still doing so well.. it's at my dads house which is why my maintenance on it is so low. My dad tops it off with some RO water every now and then and that's it. I even feed the shrimp only once every month or so. and there is hundreds in there just living of the algea (which is invisible but i reckon it's there because they are foraging heavily all the time).
Amazing video. I was introduced to CO2 back in the 1980's and was amazed at what could be achieved.
Over the years I have come to believe there are so many ways of success that fall between High and Low tech that people should accept we all have our methods and the beauty of the hobby is measured by what we, as individuals, get from it.
There are differing levels of intricacy giving breath taking high tech 'scapes to beautiful natural low tech ones.
Choose what suits you knowing there are a multitude of different ways of producing a pleasurable result.
love this video and love how you mentioned your uncomfortable truth. cant we all get along :), i use a high tech, lower light and lower co2 method and it's been working well for me. One of my client's office had about similar 20cm cube tanks with filters, plants,, rocks with guppies and cherry shrimp in 10 desks of different offices throughout the building and i found that to be amazing for a work space (a 8 footer planted tank would be nice also) now that i've watched this video, it gets me thinking if i should set up a small nano aquarium on my desk, similar but with a HOB filter. keep up the great content!
I have a low tech 45 litre tank. Basic plants, basic led light, sponge filter attached to glass, small community fish, amanos, nerites, liquid fertilise once in while but everytime people see it they go wow, I love your tank!
I tend to find that deeper my sand substrate the better the tank does, of course there's a limit, I go for a 2/3inch sand bottom with thin manure or soil layer beneath that. Seems to do well even long term.
I'm glad you are open to learn. I know you'll get to learn that you'll be able to apply even on your high tech tanks. Best of luck, gonna keep following it
My favourite video of yours, so far!
We love you George ❤
I’ve only done low tech tanks so I can’t speak for high tech, but I love the slow but steady of low tech! If there’s a problem you can catch it before it gets out of hand! Those two nanos are looking amazing mate! I have a 1 gallon cube I want to scape no filter! Great content George! 👏
So I do not know exactly what the proportions are, but have you taken the volume/light ratio? I think one has to think of that more of a Footprint/light ratio, since the water is almost clear and it therefore works like a projector projecting light on a screen.
Hey George! You should check out the TH-cam videos made on “Ocean Aquarium” in San Francisco. That store is truly the pinnacle of low tech fishkeeping. The shop owner is a true master of his craft. The keys are deep substrate beds, tons of plant bio mass, and most importantly, time.
I messed around with Aquario Neo CO2 just to dip my toes but I've always run low-tech and I don't think that will change. I'm more than happy with the results I got in my first tank from two years ago and now I'm about to setup my fourth.
I have everything from CO2 injected tanks to Walstad vases. When I’m planning them out, I’m thinking about metabolism. Can these plants sprint? Or, can these plants be endurance specialists? The requirements of an enduro athlete are different from the requirements of a sprinter. The success of each are also measured in different ways. You can’t expect an Olympic velodrome cyclist to compete in the Tour de France. Sure, there is some overlap, but the training and mindset is very different.
I have both low tech and high tech (medium energy) tanks. I still have filtration in my low tech tanks and all but one get weekly (or two weeks depending on my schedule) water changes. The one that doesn’t is my office 10g riparium.
Definitely a fan of Lex!! Thank you 🙏 for this video and I wish you a wonderful day 🐠🐟🍀☘️🌿
Great video... I'm on lowtech tanks for some decades, and now I'm planning to build a nano cube (about 20cm). Your 2 cubes gave me some ideas
Great video George! 👌
I prefer to keep lower tech planted tanks (filtration but no CO2 and less intense lighting). I find these setups more predictable and things can't go wrong as quickly, although admittedly it does mean it can take longer to fix issues like algae.
That's not to say I don't appreciate high tech planted tanks, I actually believe they overall look better, most of the time superior, to low tech tanks and I know the amount of hard work that goes into them.
I believe it ultimately comes down to what you want from the hobby, are you looking constantly to challenge yourself, or do you want as little input as possible with a high enjoyment to input ratio, or perhaps some people are more focused on fish behaviour. I think everyone approaches the hobby differently which we should celebrate 🐟🎉
Again fantastic content George, love to hear this type of thought provoking content 👌
It was learning about low-tech that made me actually interested in trying out an aquarium, because I don't like the sounds of filters and motors. I do have an aquarium and got filters and lighting but I'd like to get phase them out once I'm done cycling and the plants grow in more.
First time seeing your videos - you seem like a very sweet and compassionate person.
Low tech can mean no filter or using filters. i think there is so much info out there on this topic. people seem to make no filter systems work....others prefer filters, heaters....electric stuff.
Good video as always George personally I keep only low tech planted tanks more focused on the livestock
You are talking about something that a lot of people are banging on about on YT but with a different view point. It's nearly a confession.
Cheers!
I once heard that if you want to acknowledge if someone is a good cook "ask for an olive oil and garlic spaghetti". Well, if someone can turn the simplest of ingredients into something delicious, this person is a true "chef de cuisine". I believe there is a parallel between this "cooking parabola" and keeping planted tanks: almost everyone can achieve good results with the best equipment, supplements, and the most unique hardscape, fish, and plants...but to achieve good results with limited resources is an exercise and in many cases, a challenge, which requires lots of knowledge, patience, and experience. It's funny because I only realized this recently after setting up 2 low-tech tanks after 4 years of only high-tech experiences...it's really interesting to see that relevant people to the hobby, such as George, also come to this understanding. Let's always keep our minds open and experience new things, the hobby is vast and offers infinite possibilities...it's always a pleasure to try and share different approaches and experiences: this is what keeps the hobby alive and growing.
Keep up the good work, George.
Hey George, thank you very much for this video. I only started 1 year ago with the hobby and especially videos like these have been very inspirational. I started with a low tech 180 liter tank, still have lots to learn and to experiment. Please, do a bigger size low tech aquarium, that would be great to see. ❤
I don't know if anyone else has brought up, the shrimp in the red (plants) tank may be slower in breeding if they're all the yellow/ gold varieties. Those seem to not be as quick and strong genetic wise as your "red cherry" Neocaridina varieties. I've found strongest and quickest to weakest genes to be; red, blue, yellow and orange variants.
Anyways, thanks for another great video! This was a special treat for me as I'm strictly low/ no tech and trying to get to as much as possible natural light. And especially thanks for admitting you used to look down on us low techies and feel superior. Personally speaking I do low and no tech first and foremost because I want to be as close to the natural ecology as possible to where my livestock came from. I strive to make tanks that look like a side view snapshot of a natural pond, stream or lake. For me, IMPERFECTIONS ARE PERFECTION!! 😉🙏💙✌️
Beautiful tanks! I'm trying to go minimal to no tech tanks. Just recently started with shrimp also, I just love them.
Fantastic George.
As you know high light is needed with hardwater if no CO2 injected, biogenic carbon requires lots of energy. Way back in the 1980s I got Amazon swords to grow in a London hard water tank by simply adding two extra cheap warm white T8s bought at a discount at Woolworths, squeezed them in, it was a 'revelation' to me the difference within a week or so. Topping up with tank water is interesting, maybe quite a lot of Nitrate. I add water from a condensing drier to top up to stop my tank turning into the 'Dead Sea'.
Oh yes your honesty is admirable. It’s awesome to see a but of a paradigm shift with you. I hope these systems give you much more pleasure as they slowly undergo change.
I have been keeping one of my tank as an experimental tank. Substrate are pumice, base fert, aquasoil, topping with crushed lava rock. It was a high tech tank at first, I inject CO2, using filtration, strong light, liquid fert. After 2 years I decide to move the tank outside in the shaded area. It becoming really low tech tank, only top up the water. No filter, no lighting except partly sunlight. It survived 3 years until now, but off course the heavy rooter plant suffer. Fish, shrimp, snail, moss and epiphyte are all happy
It all depend on your 'need', time and budget. I keep both at my home. I also make nursery for plant at the outdoor pond. Really enjoy the process and the outcome