fish keeping is so addicting. I think there's just this relaxing feeling you get from watching fish (and shrimp in my case) do their thing in an environment you've created for them. it's pretty rewarding in that sense.
27:00 - That really summarizes my feeling about the hobby. Don't keep fish just to keep fish; find a handful of species that you are really passionate about and spend time working with those. And Mel's philosophy of having fewer, larger aquariums is my kind of thinking. I can really admire his dedication to his fish as well; the water changes he was talking about on those two 600s were crazy. But on the other side of that, you can spend hours in a day watching one tank, and you could do a tank every day for a week, and then be right back to the first one again, with something to compare it to from the week before. My dream fish room has four tanks in it, comparable in size. I'll have to spend some time sifting through his videos; he and I seem to have similar ideas on the fish-keeping philosophy, and I really love the big nasty Central Americans to boot, with a particular soft spot for jags. For Cory: thanks for touring his fish room, and shooting a great-quality hour-long video about a great individual in the hobby. And for Mel; thanks for hosting Aquarium Co-op, letting them shoot your tanks, and spending some time sharing some of your vast knowledge of a really great group of fish with the Internet. There are a lot of great guys and great fish rooms on the Internet, but you certainly will stick out in my mind.
I've probably seen thousands of aquarium related videos over a decade, and this is still my favorite of all time. Mel's wonderful storytelling together with the excellent video footage of these well maintained big cichlid tanks.
That story about the red devil he saved when he was cleaning out the sump was awesome. I only have hurt one of my fish by accident and it makes you want to keep them and get them healthy.
Mel, thanks for showing off your fish and tanks, and stories. Truly magnificent. Also, thanks Cory for putting this together for the rest of us. Take care.
I’m finally watching this video and it’s honestly inspiring. You can see his passion for the hobby in his daily routine and how he discusses it. Thanks for sharing Cory.
40s are great if you don't have the space for big tanks.. for a while I had nothing but some 40s , few 55gal & a 75 gal... Had all kinds of fun with them AND had them handy to turn into sump filters when I got my bigger tanks & ponds!
Cory, there are times to talk and times to just sit back and listen.... This is one of those times. I bet you could sit and listen to him for hours. Great video. Great Job....
Thanks for the hour long, nicely made documentary/interview....I have been following Mel's channel for sometime now and always wanted to put a face to the voice. Thanks for sharing.
+Aquarium Co-Op Nope, like a true hobbyists he only shows his fish in the videos and occasionally his cat will do a cameo...lol and the fish tank glare of his face does not count...thanks again
I've never seen or heard of this guy, but he is a fucking legend. This is how you keep fish. Know what you like and master it. Know that aesthetically pristine doesn't necessarily mean functionally pristine. My goal for my fish keeping career is to amass the knowledge and experience this guy has. Great video.
wow, i'm sitting there and watching your video, and then you guys sit in front of the 1000 Gal tank and after a while it hits you WOW i am looking at a 1000 Gal tank.. WOW A Great Video!!!
OMG. I am blown away by this guys dedication to the hobby. I don't keep dovii but I truly enjoyed this video in terms of his passion on one species. It is just amazing. Thanks for the video. One of your best.
i like that Mel doesn't get his kicks off of LED lighting. There are no LEDs in the Amazon River Basin. Beautiful subtrate at 34:50. It blends w/ the fish very well! Great food list info! This is a once in a lifetime interview!
Anyone else start lookin for red dovii?. Cory check out a guy's vids named Mauricio Parra. Hes got a breeding pair in i think costa rica. They could be more attainable then Mel realizes!
I've used pears for my bushynose plecos... also spinach and squash, but never tried peas before...I do love learning things which is the primary reason I watch your videos...! I'm loving it...! Keep up your educational awesomeness...!!!
I envy you so much, being able to sit down with Mel and just talk. He is the GOAT and you get to just relax and chat with him. Honestly, he inspired me into the hobby and that helped with depression. I am missing his vids and am very saddened with no updates. But all things change.
built back In the day locally so it was done by someone with care and not a company shitting out quotas. makes sense why its still perfect. little company makes crap tanks closes make great ones and he'll live a comfortable life. is it just me or does it sound like that guy needed to clear his throat throught the whole video
I loved this upload, this man's love for his fish and the care that love involves made me feel less of a nutjob about my absolute love of everything fishkeeping related. Salute.
Awesome! WOW! Love seeing someone that into the fish and the hobby! So cool to have such large tanks with such few fish. Rare, and the only way to see natural behavior!
Wow, what a fantastic video. You had me hooked for the whole hour! So relaxing just looking at those amazing tanks and fish and listening to his stories. You've got yourself a new subscriber! Best wishes from the UK.
guapotemel is his youtube channel and he is an absolute scholar when it comes to CA and SA cichlids. Thanks for sharing man! Oh and by the way, nice intro!
I love the fact that the tanks have no green edges they're crystal clear. Very nice they most cost a fortune a friend fish would kill for are you, super cool.
It just got recommended to me (I guess youtube knows that I've been addicited to the aqua coops videos). I loved the video and after watching it I went to check out this guys channel and noticed that he DID get the red dovii after all these years. It literaly made my day.
I wonder if he has ever had a fish jump out from one of those large tanks? Heavenly massive tanks and fish for sure. Thank u Corey for this video! Loved it!
Mel is awesome! What a wealth of knowledge, great stories, super interesting to listen to. He is a legend. I've been subscribed to his channel for years now, I just wish he would make more videos! Thanks for sharing this with us.
It's really nice that you interviewed another guy who had already been on TH-cam, and was comfortable with the camera and all of that(as some of your other fish room tours seem a little nervous). The laid-back style of conversation that the two of you were having, just looking at an enormous aquarium, add another level of appreciation to an already impressive fish room. The natural-seeming element to the whole thing counted for a lot. Great job.
More monster tanks in this fish room tour: th-cam.com/video/aGDp92lDk7E/w-d-xo.html
@Hudson Kylo we don't care, this TH-cam channel is about cichlids
Hey Cory,
Is this made of glass or plexiglass?
Greetings from Denmark
fish keeping is so addicting. I think there's just this relaxing feeling you get from watching fish (and shrimp in my case) do their thing in an environment you've created for them. it's pretty rewarding in that sense.
Yeah, one of the main attractions for me too.
I personally think watching fish gets boring. I like them when they bite
@@AquariumCoop nothing beats sitting in front of your tank or TANK'S watching your fish be a fish.
Known to cause MTS... On the brighter note... It relieves stress.. :)
@@jakethesnakelover Multiple Tank Syndrome, when having just 1 isn't enough lol
I've now watched this hour long video twice since it was first posted. One of the very best fish keeping videos on TH-cam.
Agreed I've watched it atleast 5 times. Mel is a legend.
@@condorX2 third time watching for me!
I love my Dovii, currently raising a small male after losing my big boy, heater overheated and cooked him :/
I've watched it about 10 in the last few years lol 😆
Lol! I'm just watching it now for the third time! It never gets old.
Im back here for the 3rd or 4th time😂
I could listen to this guy talk about his tanks for hours! Really interesting guy with some really cool fish tanks and experiences.
Still true years later. Ken is the man.
Me too
Every fish keepers dream!!
Indeed, he is living the dream.
Oh hi i watch both of u giys u really helped me with fish keeping!
Wow just imagine them tanks full of guppies
Awesome vid, Cory. Great job. Felt like I was just spending the afternoon with a true master.
Me too!
+Mr.b he does lots of water changes and a car washing sponge for the acrylic.
He does do some gravel vacing yes.
This dude is like a 10th Dan Jedi Grand Master of fish knowledge and stories.
Fascinating watch!
27:00 - That really summarizes my feeling about the hobby. Don't keep fish just to keep fish; find a handful of species that you are really passionate about and spend time working with those. And Mel's philosophy of having fewer, larger aquariums is my kind of thinking. I can really admire his dedication to his fish as well; the water changes he was talking about on those two 600s were crazy. But on the other side of that, you can spend hours in a day watching one tank, and you could do a tank every day for a week, and then be right back to the first one again, with something to compare it to from the week before. My dream fish room has four tanks in it, comparable in size. I'll have to spend some time sifting through his videos; he and I seem to have similar ideas on the fish-keeping philosophy, and I really love the big nasty Central Americans to boot, with a particular soft spot for jags.
For Cory: thanks for touring his fish room, and shooting a great-quality hour-long video about a great individual in the hobby. And for Mel; thanks for hosting Aquarium Co-op, letting them shoot your tanks, and spending some time sharing some of your vast knowledge of a really great group of fish with the Internet. There are a lot of great guys and great fish rooms on the Internet, but you certainly will stick out in my mind.
Brad Simpson Blue eyed chilids
Brad Simpson Blue eyed chilids
I can totally agree to this, just with nano fish.
I have the same opinion. Keep fewer fish and be passionate about giving them a great natural life.
I really appreciate his dedication to his fish. You can tell he genuinely enjoys them and loves them.
I've probably seen thousands of aquarium related videos over a decade, and this is still my favorite of all time. Mel's wonderful storytelling together with the excellent video footage of these well maintained big cichlid tanks.
He is a lucky man . He has found what brings him joy.
That story about the red devil he saved when he was cleaning out the sump was awesome. I only have hurt one of my fish by accident and it makes you want to keep them and get them healthy.
Mel, thanks for showing off your fish and tanks, and stories. Truly magnificent. Also, thanks Cory for putting this together for the rest of us. Take care.
I cant believe i just watched the full hour without pausing.
Great great video and what an amazing person you got to visit and talk to.
hehe same. I didn't look a video length and now I'm an hour behind schedule. Worth it though :)
+Daniel hallonkvist indeed, it was my first time meeting Mel and hopefully not the last.
Crazy this video popped up on my feed. I look up to mel he's a good guy. I've been to his house, bought tanks and fish from him. That dovii was huge.
I’m finally watching this video and it’s honestly inspiring. You can see his passion for the hobby in his daily routine and how he discusses it. Thanks for sharing Cory.
HOLY CRAP !!....thats awesome....fricken massive tanks, and super cool fish!
Cheerz !!
Indeed.
his "little" 40 gallon breeder is my biggest tank 😭😂
Lol trash
Same
40s are great if you don't have the space for big tanks.. for a while I had nothing but some 40s , few 55gal & a 75 gal... Had all kinds of fun with them AND had them handy to turn into sump filters when I got my bigger tanks & ponds!
Much respect to a true fish lover. All the dedication and attention has proven to teach success to the rest.
Cory, there are times to talk and times to just sit back and listen.... This is one of those times. I bet you could sit and listen to him for hours. Great video. Great Job....
Yeah, I consider him an expert in his arena. He has lots of hands on experience with a select group of fish.
Thanks for the hour long, nicely made documentary/interview....I have been following Mel's channel for sometime now and always wanted to put a face to the voice. Thanks for sharing.
I hadn't realize he hadn't put his face on camera yet :P
+Aquarium Co-Op Nope, like a true hobbyists he only shows his fish in the videos and occasionally his cat will do a cameo...lol and the fish tank glare of his face does not count...thanks again
That was AWESOME! I could listen to that guy talk about fish all day long. Thanks for the video, Cory.
Yeah, had I not got called into my store, I'd of stayed longed.
your are officially the best and leading in fish content , great job Cory
Thanks!
12 minutes in and I'm still so interested and learning so much. This is a great chat.
I would love to see an update on these tanks sometime in the future!
Me too
By far my favorite fish room tour EVER. This guy is living my fish keeping dream.... Great video Cory!
I think he is living most people's fish dream :)
Been following Mel for years on TH-cam and had no idea that he lives here in Seattle! What a cool neighbor to have
I love finding other aquarists here in WA 🌲 🐟 😁 🐠
Not a monster fish but I love my festivum cichlid. Hes always a character. I hand feed him red worms. Love that guy.
What an inspiring guy. I hope you find that red dovii. If any person deserves their dream fish, It’s you. Thank you for all you’ve done for the hobby.
I love the growth on the rocks....besides all the rest of the awesomeness. Looking over at my 150; looks like a fishbowl now lol
+Ray Chipchase i was there to pick up one of his small tanks. Bought a 135 gallon off him.
As I look at my 55...haha!
awesome a cichlid keeper legend......
Indeed.
I've never seen or heard of this guy, but he is a fucking legend.
This is how you keep fish. Know what you like and master it.
Know that aesthetically pristine doesn't necessarily mean functionally pristine.
My goal for my fish keeping career is to amass the knowledge and experience this guy has.
Great video.
I agree. One of the best on the net
wow, i'm sitting there and watching your video, and then you guys sit in front of the 1000 Gal tank and after a while it hits you WOW i am looking at a 1000 Gal tank.. WOW A Great Video!!!
OMG. I am blown away by this guys dedication to the hobby. I don't keep dovii but I truly enjoyed this video in terms of his passion on one species. It is just amazing. Thanks for the video. One of your best.
+Hasan Cagri Ergen thanks
It was amazing to see his interest, dedication and love for those fish! Thank you!
Crazy he has been interested in the same group of fish for so many years.
i like that Mel doesn't get his kicks off of LED lighting. There are no LEDs in the Amazon River Basin. Beautiful subtrate at 34:50. It blends w/ the fish very well! Great food list info! This is a once in a lifetime interview!
I'm doing it again, this must be the 4th or 5th time I've watched these video. It gets better every time.
I love this guy . Started out watching him. Then he stopped making vids. Didnt know what happened to him. Cool to see he's still doin it the best!
Anyone else start lookin for red dovii?. Cory check out a guy's vids named Mauricio Parra. Hes got a breeding pair in i think costa rica. They could be more attainable then Mel realizes!
@@racheldolezal5039 he finally got them 👍
I've used pears for my bushynose plecos... also spinach and squash, but never tried peas before...I do love learning things which is the primary reason I watch your videos...! I'm loving it...! Keep up your educational awesomeness...!!!
I envy you so much, being able to sit down with Mel and just talk. He is the GOAT and you get to just relax and chat with him.
Honestly, he inspired me into the hobby and that helped with depression. I am missing his vids and am very saddened with no updates. But all things change.
What an fantastic video/interview. Can we have more epics like this. An amazing and very likable guy. Well done , Cory..
Amazing, such dedication. I could listen to him all day, what a great guy and a great video!
yeah, wish I hadn't gotten called to the shop, could have filmed longer :)
EPIC tour
Yeah, I already want an excuse to go back :D
well I fell in love with the jaguar. just a big lovable monster aren't they.
Yeah that one was old and super big.
I totally agree! I have some of my own. Really cool fish.
The cichlid god himself
Renegade Aquatics dovilid
what?
mixing david and dovii :P
😴
His name is David I thought it was mel
On my 4th attempt to finish this. Not into Dovi but love the tanks and style. Those seams are ridiculously nice for the age!!!
built back In the day locally so it was done by someone with care and not a company shitting out quotas. makes sense why its still perfect. little company makes crap tanks closes make great ones and he'll live a comfortable life. is it just me or does it sound like that guy needed to clear his throat throught the whole video
WHOA. I could spend a lot of time in that room! Awesome thanks for the video Cory!
I loved this upload, this man's love for his fish and the care that love involves made me feel less of a nutjob about my absolute love of everything fishkeeping related. Salute.
Awesome! WOW! Love seeing someone that into the fish and the hobby! So cool to have such large tanks with such few fish. Rare, and the only way to see natural behavior!
What an absolutely treat this was! Awesome video
The tanks are AWESOME
really cool video cory! thanks for taking the time to drive there visit his house and shown us his awesome set-up!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Wow, what a fantastic video. You had me hooked for the whole hour! So relaxing just looking at those amazing tanks and fish and listening to his stories. You've got yourself a new subscriber! Best wishes from the UK.
Thanks and welcome to the channel.
I was gonna go to bed, and then he started talking…an hour later I kind of wish you had filmed 2 hours of conversation! Thanks guys
guapotemel is his youtube channel and he is an absolute scholar when it comes to CA and SA cichlids.
Thanks for sharing man! Oh and by the way, nice intro!
Thanks for watchin.
Those tanks are amazing 🤩
I love the fact that the tanks have no green edges they're crystal clear. Very nice they most cost a fortune a friend fish would kill for are you, super cool.
It just got recommended to me (I guess youtube knows that I've been addicited to the aqua coops videos). I loved the video and after watching it I went to check out this guys channel and noticed that he DID get the red dovii after all these years. It literaly made my day.
27 inches! holy crap thats huge!!! incredible
Yeah, it was insane.
lol "just finished it's cycle last year" lol I don't why I laughed so hard on that
Subtle fish humor :P
human torpedo? great tanks fella i would love that set up.thanks for showing us around.all the best from across the pond.
Every time he says “So anyway” it’s like he’s not interested in the commentary 😂
Ever think he may be nervous??
I just thought this 🤣
Literally mind blown. Great share, thanks.
Thanks for watching.
awesome tanks... can't imagine the electric bill....
Or the water bill.
The Beta is the gateway fish to the aquarium addiction.
I wonder if he has ever had a fish jump out from one of those large tanks? Heavenly massive tanks and fish for sure. Thank u Corey for this video! Loved it!
Wonderful video...fish lover who can talk about the past all the way to 26 years!
Another great video! I wish I could have tanks like that!
So informative it’s ridiculous,this guy is a scholar on America Cichlids
great chat .... felt like I was there with you two, really informative. keep up the good work.
You had me at "1000 gallon aquarium".
Truly amazing! He takes such great care of those tanks. The fish are beautiful. What an inspiration.
Such deep substrate! It goes against everything i have been told.
Watched this video 3 times now and every time I find it just as interesting as the last great interview Cory
What a treat to see such massive tanks and someone so passionate about the hobby/lifestyle !!
+Free Swimmer indeed.
Mel is awesome! What a wealth of knowledge, great stories, super interesting to listen to. He is a legend. I've been subscribed to his channel for years now, I just wish he would make more videos! Thanks for sharing this with us.
No problem. Was a blast for me too.
hes probably the greatest of all time or his buddy i camt recall his name that he plays audio of . so cool i lovw the Dovii umbees and Devils
Unreal! that was an hour well spent. I will achieve this one day!
+Ryan's Cichlids glad you enjoyed it.
Really impressive. Thanks for sharing this with us. Appreciate here in Toronto, Canada.
That jag! So pretty! I want one so bad! Maybe when i can find a 180 i can look into a pair.... Have a 75 empty, oscars will have to do!
GUAPOTE MEL he is my aquarium idol!!! I have chatted to him on yt a few times. what a legend. my fish keeping is very similar to his style
Totally dedicated to his craft for sure.
Awesome! Incredible setup, and what a hobbyist.
I love the fact that you introduce us to different fish hobbiest. I'm going to check Mel's channel right now.
I find it keeps it interesting if we switch up the content :)
I like the brown algae
I enjoyed this vid! I watched it while doing water changes to all my tanks. Makes the job a bit less tiresome
Thanks
So great
Excellent video! Always been a huge fan of Mel's fish.
Yeah it's hard not to be honestly.
It's really nice that you interviewed another guy who had already been on TH-cam, and was comfortable with the camera and all of that(as some of your other fish room tours seem a little nervous). The laid-back style of conversation that the two of you were having, just looking at an enormous aquarium, add another level of appreciation to an already impressive fish room. The natural-seeming element to the whole thing counted for a lot. Great job.
Great video,great interview and great tanks!!!!
I know I’m late to the party on this vid but I found it very interesting and informative
I have a cube tank that is at least from 1982, never been resealed, it’s 105 gallons and still giving great service.
AWESOME!!!!! I LEARN SO MUCH WATCHING THESE VIDEOS!!!!
Loved this vid. Impressive tanks/fish/ gentleman. Very braw
Great video! Always love seeing Mel's fish room. I had a 21" umbee that died at 5 years old. He was huge! Mel's Dovii was a true monster
I can only imagine, since all his fish were pretty big in person.
2024 and still watching Mel's videos
I love that tank
Awesome massive tanks 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
indeed, thanks for watching
Really enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing.
Thank you, very much enjoyed this! Looking forward to checking out Mel's videos :-)
Thanks for watching
Considering living in Seattle, you can basically run a rain gutter through there and get a water change 24/7!