After an 8 year break from the hobby, this episode, and the 24” cube has inspired me to start up again. I can’t pin point why, there’s just something about the simplicity and beauty of this tank that strikes a chord with me. That fact it’s beautifully shot is a credit to you Alex.
I always love it when a large tank is mainly stocked with small fish in large numbers. Promotes natural behaviour and allows for the creation of interesting eco-systems! I would love to see a large school of microdevario kubotai, very underrated fish
Make sure you can’t see any cables or tubing. Dimond tipped hole saw the centre of the base, silicone a tube in for all the things to hide. Build the scape from that tube outwards 👌 I’d love to do this, but my home is simply not big enough for anymore tanks 😂 Can’t wait to see what you do!
Steve and his store are amazing. He has inspired many of his customers that just randomly stumbled into his shop, including me. Thanks for featuring him. Well deserved.
and so talented with his artistic eye! You must see and ponder the many other tanks at his shop! I am grateful that Zen is my LFS with its great and rare selection of interesting rocks, substrates, plants and fish.
So lucky that this is the closest store to me. The way that tank shimmers in person is just fantastic. Always get some new inspiration when I go into Zen.
Also suggestions for your tank, a central hardscape of pagoda stone with various buce and anubias in the cracks between the rocks and bushy crypts in the substrate. Then a breeding group of some kind of apistogramma to play around in the caves of the rocks, a school of nano tetras, albino bristlenose plecos and maybe a handful of otos to keep the anubias and buce clean. Oh wait... that might be my current dream tank. But I think a 360 tank with a colony of apistos would have a ton of action and life to it.
Awesome interview, incredible job capturing the atmosphere! I hope Steve digs it! It seems much more his speed than any channel has captured before. Thanks for the hardwork Alex!
Fantastic place....been doing this since 8 years old myself and now with my son who is 11 and it's such a great hobby for us to do together....beautiful aquariums sir....
Hi Alex - Nice to have you back. I take it NG has been keeping you busy :-) So that’s an incredible announcement about getting such a huge tank. I love the idea and wish you the best. Greenaqua has a couple of similar setups in case you aren’t aware. Also, there’s a video by James Findlay with the Green Machine which takes a different approach to a large 360 setup he calls “Spontaneity”, using “hills” of substrate and “knolls” of different clumps of plants to give a meadow-like feel, rather than relying on lots of hardscape forming an island in the center of the scape. I found the interplay of height and textures of the foliage to really draw in the viewer, making you want to dive in and glide through the scape in a way that one wouldn’t be invited in by say a large rock or branch in the middle of the tank. Although I’m not a big diorama fan, the kind of tank footprint you’re talking about could really lend itself to a “rolling” kind of aquascape with varying “altitudes” of substrate, which would be a bit challenging to build, but would be visually interesting from different angles. Each facade would be in essence a different aquascape, rather than having some kind of island that you view form different angles. Anyway, this is just something perhaps worth looking up to add to the inspiration you get from folks. Looking forward to more videos!
For your tank (assuming it larger): Hang lights off the ceiling Hide the filter inlet/outlet (probably bottom drilling) or something to that effect CO2, inject inline with the filter flow this will truely make it 360 with no visible hardware and an all around 360 view of the tank.
Beautifully filmed and edited Alex! It was a blast getting to chat with you briefly at AGA and thanks again for appearing on my dumb little question video. I can't wait to see what you choose to do with your project, my suggestion would be to emulate some portion of nature you've seen - an example: I've been doing a LOT of research on natural rainbow fish habitats since Rainbows are my jam. In doing so, it's given me a host of ideas and inspiration to work with for my next major project. I'd love to see, regardless of the choice, you draw from something - like Zen's wonderful tanks, that inspires you in the natural world. Cheers sir, I hope we get a chance to meet again!
I’ve been wanting to visit Seattle for a while. This is another thing to add to my list of things to see whenever I get the chance to visit. Thank you for sharing this.
I'd recommend using glass and clear tubing parts when you build your filtration. That was a lovely tank but it did feel to have a back to it as that side of the rank was messy. I just wish you hadn't shown those Betta's in jars. They may be better off than being in cups but there still wasn't any visible filtration for them and we weren't provided with a disclaimer on the frequency of their water changes. Without that it feels like it's promoting 'Betta's in vases', even if it's in the background of the video.
Just wanted to say I love the work you put into the channel. While I am not sure how I ended up subscribing to a channel related to fish tanks I do like the quality and clearness of the videos and I'ts all both interesting and relaxing to watch. Consistent quality!
Dear Alex, thanks for the video , I wish I were closer to visit the shop ... I am happy you got so inspired and I cannot wait to see what you will create with your new project! I would like to see small tight schooling fish with just a few bigger and eye catching fish... perhaps something black water? Enjoy the creation process!
Dope, we need stores like this in the East Coast. You should have big rocks and wood. Anubias hastafolia or red mangroves growing out the top are a must. Hanging Kessils or AI Primes too.
Nice store indeed. For your centrepiece tank, my ideal would be to have a large shoal of the smallest fish you can find. I'm thinking ember Tetras, Poropanchax normani or Boraras brigittae. I would try and create a central hardscape that reaches the surface and allows for a mutli level environment for plants. For every viewing side I also try to add one thing that can only be seen from that side. This way the viewer is rewarded as they explore around the tank. I look forward to seeing what you do.
Wow! You’ve set an ambitious project. If it were me I’d look for an impressive piece of Malaysian driftwood to build around. Maybe some elephant stone... maybe.
Hi Alex - Another high-quality video as always. Looking forward to your up and coming tank. I don't have many suggestions for your new tank, however I highly recommend it's open topped (no lid) with a couple of Kessil lights due to their high quality and classy appearance. For a substrate I recommend ADA Aquasoil Amazonia or Eco-Complete. As far as fish, I recommend a high diversity of fish in your case, so that your visitors have a big variety of species to notice and admire. A large school of one species is always nice, but a high species diversity or the presence of rarer fish can really steal the show and maximize the color of the display. You are no doubt a responsible aquarist so you can handle slightly more specific feeding / water requirements if needed for some species. Good luck with it Alex and take care.- Jason
Have you seen George Farmer's cichlid tank? Totally inspiring. I think a huge rock pile, cichlids living in the caves and crevices, and kessils providing a shimmer over the rocks would be a truly epic centerpiece.
OMG My dream is one day set up a true 360° tank. I mean, NOTHING hanging from ANY wall! A centralized water treatment system under the tank fed through a hole at the bottom of the tank. Also, light hanging from the ceiling, of course. That's a major effort, and something that would require a lot of really careful planning. But with a tank that size I could go bananas for large, deliciously lush plants. And long, winding driftwood. I wouldn't focus on rocks, though... Gaah I know this project is gonna take a long while, but I'm so excited!
I totally missed this video. I'm sure you already have a plan, but if not I would suggest picking a region you are interested in or a fish you love and build the tank's aquascape around said fish and/or region.
A flatter aesthetic would look nice. Like 4'x4'x2'tall. Centrally plumbed, pendant lighting, water feature and some emergent growth or air plants / broms /orchids etc. on emergent woodwork
You should put a tall piece of driftwood in the center coming up out of the water. Maybe a cypress stump. Grow some epiphytes on the part coming out of the water.
Beautiful video, Alex! I think you did an awesome job of capturing that same vibe you'd get by being in the actual store. Are you planning on attending Aquashella Chicago at the end of the month? :)
Have you tried a black water set up? Ember, glowlight tetra's, emerals raspboras, rams etc. Fish with that luminescent electric look like lampeyes have
Those jars are a much more humane temporary home for bettas, instead of those cruel cups, where they can hardly swim around in an accumulation of their own waste. You can better see the attributes of the betta also
When will we see u at green aqua? I think you can make some beautiful shots en learn them some of your film skills, im sure they will be uo for an collapse
It would be nice to make this tank a black water tank. 4-6 Keyhole cichlids, a dozen Diamond tetras, Cory cats Orange Laser, Giant Oto cats, and either Rummy Nose tetras, or Von Rio tetras.
Any other Roadkill fans here? Is it me or do you sound a bit like David Freiburger? Also when looking around the tank the other guy sounds a bit like Finnegan.
Video - on point
Editing - on point
Music - on point
The Fish Tanks - Amazing
the way he spoke in the video calm, composed, relaxed.
After an 8 year break from the hobby, this episode, and the 24” cube has inspired me to start up again. I can’t pin point why, there’s just something about the simplicity and beauty of this tank that strikes a chord with me. That fact it’s beautifully shot is a credit to you Alex.
I can totally empathise with that, one of his tanks inspired me too.
This is my LFS!!!! AQUARIUM ZEN rocks! I am so blessed! Steve is amazing!!! I went from 1 betta to about 12 tanks in under a year, so inspiring!!!
I really enjoyed him talking through his thought process of the tank and his inhabitants. Very relaxing.
I always love it when a large tank is mainly stocked with small fish in large numbers. Promotes natural behaviour and allows for the creation of interesting eco-systems! I would love to see a large school of microdevario kubotai, very underrated fish
this tank is perfect！
Make sure you can’t see any cables or tubing. Dimond tipped hole saw the centre of the base, silicone a tube in for all the things to hide. Build the scape from that tube outwards 👌
I’d love to do this, but my home is simply not big enough for anymore tanks 😂
Can’t wait to see what you do!
Steve and his store are amazing. He has inspired many of his customers that just randomly stumbled into his shop, including me. Thanks for featuring him. Well deserved.
Housing the Betas in big jars tells me everything. Fantastic shop.
Steve is amazing. He’s so kind, patient, and helpful.
and so talented with his artistic eye! You must see and ponder the many other tanks at his shop! I am grateful that Zen is my LFS with its great and rare selection of interesting rocks, substrates, plants and fish.
That Thumbnail though!! (thumbs up emoji!)
Like This Guy A Lot. He Reminds Me Of My Brother. Great Video, No Annoying Music, Peaceful.
I’m so jealous. I’ve been mulling over getting that tank all week. We shall see.
i keep revisiting this video. love❤ it
So lucky that this is the closest store to me. The way that tank shimmers in person is just fantastic.
Always get some new inspiration when I go into Zen.
Also suggestions for your tank, a central hardscape of pagoda stone with various buce and anubias in the cracks between the rocks and bushy crypts in the substrate.
Then a breeding group of some kind of apistogramma to play around in the caves of the rocks, a school of nano tetras, albino bristlenose plecos and maybe a handful of otos to keep the anubias and buce clean.
Oh wait... that might be my current dream tank. But I think a 360 tank with a colony of apistos would have a ton of action and life to it.
Aquarium Zen is an awesome place. It cool to look around and see all the displays, great video!
Awesome interview, incredible job capturing the atmosphere! I hope Steve digs it! It seems much more his speed than any channel has captured before. Thanks for the hardwork Alex!
Damn it's fishtory and no one even recognized him! Hey dude!
What an awesome store..This guy should do a series..will re-watch..thanks for the great video.
Nice minimalist tank. ❤ it. Really inspiring.
Please upload a separate video of the pinnatifida tank. It looks very peaceful.
Fantastic place....been doing this since 8 years old myself and now with my son who is 11 and it's such a great hobby for us to do together....beautiful aquariums sir....
I’m glad it’s something you can share!!
Hi Alex - Nice to have you back. I take it NG has been keeping you busy :-) So that’s an incredible announcement about getting such a huge tank. I love the idea and wish you the best. Greenaqua has a couple of similar setups in case you aren’t aware. Also, there’s a video by James Findlay with the Green Machine which takes a different approach to a large 360 setup he calls “Spontaneity”, using “hills” of substrate and “knolls” of different clumps of plants to give a meadow-like feel, rather than relying on lots of hardscape forming an island in the center of the scape. I found the interplay of height and textures of the foliage to really draw in the viewer, making you want to dive in and glide through the scape in a way that one wouldn’t be invited in by say a large rock or branch in the middle of the tank. Although I’m not a big diorama fan, the kind of tank footprint you’re talking about could really lend itself to a “rolling” kind of aquascape with varying “altitudes” of substrate, which would be a bit challenging to build, but would be visually interesting from different angles. Each facade would be in essence a different aquascape, rather than having some kind of island that you view form different angles. Anyway, this is just something perhaps worth looking up to add to the inspiration you get from folks. Looking forward to more videos!
Great inspiration!!!
NG is keeping me busy for sure. But there are quite a few videos in the pipeline that are close to complete!
A tank that size would be an incredible opportunity for a discus themed amazon tank, especially with that lighting effect.
For your tank (assuming it larger):
Hang lights off the ceiling
Hide the filter inlet/outlet (probably bottom drilling) or something to that effect
CO2, inject inline with the filter flow
this will truely make it 360 with no visible hardware and an all around 360 view of the tank.
I think that he said something about keeping it simple
I need to visit this shop. Thanks for this video. 💚🌱
Nice to see a planted tank, not in pristine condition
What a beautiful room! Beauty in every detail!
Beautifully filmed and edited Alex! It was a blast getting to chat with you briefly at AGA and thanks again for appearing on my dumb little question video. I can't wait to see what you choose to do with your project, my suggestion would be to emulate some portion of nature you've seen - an example: I've been doing a LOT of research on natural rainbow fish habitats since Rainbows are my jam. In doing so, it's given me a host of ideas and inspiration to work with for my next major project. I'd love to see, regardless of the choice, you draw from something - like Zen's wonderful tanks, that inspires you in the natural world. Cheers sir, I hope we get a chance to meet again!
I’ve been wanting to visit Seattle for a while. This is another thing to add to my list of things to see whenever I get the chance to visit. Thank you for sharing this.
Excellent video, loved visiting Aquarium Zen when I went to Seattle last year. Can't wait to see what you are going to do with your cube aquarium
Gorgeous video!!! SO well done. Shines a great light on Steve and his beautiful store. Thanks so much for making this! Definitely subbing!
great production quality
I would love to learn more about the living wall in combination of the aquarium, do you think you could have him talk about that?
I'd recommend using glass and clear tubing parts when you build your filtration. That was a lovely tank but it did feel to have a back to it as that side of the rank was messy.
I just wish you hadn't shown those Betta's in jars. They may be better off than being in cups but there still wasn't any visible filtration for them and we weren't provided with a disclaimer on the frequency of their water changes. Without that it feels like it's promoting 'Betta's in vases', even if it's in the background of the video.
Aquarium Zen just looks so, well, zen. Very peaceful place.
Looking forward to seeing what you do and what you stock.
👍💕👍
Pls share a short video of the tank Stand
very nice presentation...and music...
You can always make a biotope theme aquarium with some annubias or ferns on the wood🙌👍
I live in Renton. I’m just getting
Ready to set up my first low tech tank. I’ll have to come in check out your place....
I really love your canal is so relaxing:)
This is so stunning! I love cubes and this is so beautiful on all four sides
This is an awesome, awesome tank!
Cool and aesthetic video dude!
Thanks! Means a lot from you!
🤝
Just wanted to say I love the work you put into the channel. While I am not sure how I ended up subscribing to a channel related to fish tanks I do like the quality and clearness of the videos and I'ts all both interesting and relaxing to watch. Consistent quality!
Dear Alex, thanks for the video , I wish I were closer to visit the shop ... I am happy you got so inspired and I cannot wait to see what you will create with your new project!
I would like to see small tight schooling fish with just a few bigger and eye catching fish... perhaps something black water? Enjoy the creation process!
Good video Alex. I'm excited for your new display!
Alex, simply amazing shop. I can't wait too see your new tank and footage. Nice work as usual :-).
This video was amazing! Thanks for making such a high quality production.
Fantastic film and interview of this beautiful aquarium
Dope, we need stores like this in the East Coast. You should have big rocks and wood. Anubias hastafolia or red mangroves growing out the top are a must. Hanging Kessils or AI Primes too.
Nice store indeed.
For your centrepiece tank, my ideal would be to have a large shoal of the smallest fish you can find. I'm thinking ember Tetras, Poropanchax normani or Boraras brigittae.
I would try and create a central hardscape that reaches the surface and allows for a mutli level environment for plants.
For every viewing side I also try to add one thing that can only be seen from that side. This way the viewer is rewarded as they explore around the tank.
I look forward to seeing what you do.
Very Nice! I enjoyed this very much.
This guy is amazing! I hope one day I will be able to visit his store.
Wow! You’ve set an ambitious project. If it were me I’d look for an impressive piece of Malaysian driftwood to build around. Maybe some elephant stone... maybe.
Hi Alex - Another high-quality video as always. Looking forward to your up and coming tank. I don't have many suggestions for your new tank, however I highly recommend it's open topped (no lid) with a couple of Kessil lights due to their high quality and classy appearance. For a substrate I recommend ADA Aquasoil Amazonia or Eco-Complete. As far as fish, I recommend a high diversity of fish in your case, so that your visitors have a big variety of species to notice and admire. A large school of one species is always nice, but a high species diversity or the presence of rarer fish can really steal the show and maximize the color of the display. You are no doubt a responsible aquarist so you can handle slightly more specific feeding / water requirements if needed for some species. Good luck with it Alex and take care.- Jason
Have you seen George Farmer's cichlid tank? Totally inspiring. I think a huge rock pile, cichlids living in the caves and crevices, and kessils providing a shimmer over the rocks would be a truly epic centerpiece.
OMG My dream is one day set up a true 360° tank. I mean, NOTHING hanging from ANY wall! A centralized water treatment system under the tank fed through a hole at the bottom of the tank. Also, light hanging from the ceiling, of course. That's a major effort, and something that would require a lot of really careful planning. But with a tank that size I could go bananas for large, deliciously lush plants. And long, winding driftwood. I wouldn't focus on rocks, though... Gaah I know this project is gonna take a long while, but I'm so excited!
Wow, i would definitely be a frequent visitor. Great job. Looks like a fantastic store
Great video. Thank you for sharing! I love his style. - Little Bobby
Beautiful! It's inspiring and a must-see for me the next time I go to Seattle, just south of the border for me :D
that store is awesome
That was exceptional! Wow!
Congrats. So beautiful tanks, amazing gallery. 😍
Beautiful tank!! Great video production. Cheers 👍
I totally missed this video. I'm sure you already have a plan, but if not I would suggest picking a region you are interested in or a fish you love and build the tank's aquascape around said fish and/or region.
A flatter aesthetic would look nice. Like 4'x4'x2'tall. Centrally plumbed, pendant lighting, water feature and some emergent growth or air plants / broms /orchids etc. on emergent woodwork
Great looking store
Wow, great video like always! Can you do a tour of your fishroom? What kind of fish do you keep? Do you still have your low tech nano tank?
I might! I’m trading out almost everything for one centerpiece tank though! I’ve been downsizing for a few months in prep for it!
Awesome video, as usual!
You should put a tall piece of driftwood in the center coming up out of the water. Maybe a cypress stump. Grow some epiphytes on the part coming out of the water.
Beautiful video, Alex! I think you did an awesome job of capturing that same vibe you'd get by being in the actual store. Are you planning on attending Aquashella Chicago at the end of the month? :)
TBD!
0:00 Hi Nicholas Hoult this is Tank Tested.
Have you tried a black water set up? Ember, glowlight tetra's, emerals raspboras, rams etc. Fish with that luminescent electric look like lampeyes have
A dream of mine to have an oasis at home. Renting currently, so it wouldn't be practical. My 40L Betta and caridina shrimp tank will do until then
i would try attemp to have all the power and water filtration come from a central tube of the tank, nothing coming up and over any side,!
Are you in Seattle?
I have an Aqueon 14 gal Rimless cube and for some reason I feel like it’ll fall apart once i fill it up and on too of a dresser too.
Beautiful video.
im about to upgrade from a standandard 10 gallon to a 35/40 gallon rimless cube. Do you have any aquascaping ideas for me?
Looked up the stones, found out that the spelling is Hakkai, and they're available at Aquascape Supply.
What is the emersed fern(?) in the aquarium behind the owner of the store?!
Late reply but it looks like the emersed form of Bolbitis heudelotii. The African water fern
super love it man
Водоросли выращиваешь?
How is it that the angelfish do not fight to the death?
Very nice ❤️👍
Don't understand why the betta jars
Those jars are a much more humane temporary home for bettas, instead of those cruel cups, where they can hardly swim around in an accumulation of their own waste. You can better see the attributes of the betta also
Nice store
If I had a store...which hopefully I will someday...It would be like this. (Just with black walls obviously ;)
When will we see u at green aqua? I think you can make some beautiful shots en learn them some of your film skills, im sure they will be uo for an collapse
If they offered to ship me to Budapest, you can bet I’d be there is a heartbeat!
@@TankTestedi just asked them in their latest video, they where also into the idea of doing an collabs with you. fingers crossed
Very nice store!
But that Bettas are suffering!
Please make a west African Congo base community tank!
Tank size?
Nice !!
Can anyone please tell me the name of the plant at 11.47...
It would be nice to make this tank a black water tank. 4-6 Keyhole cichlids, a dozen Diamond tetras, Cory cats Orange Laser, Giant Oto cats, and either Rummy Nose tetras, or Von Rio tetras.
I think your new aquarium should use stainless steel lily pipes and maybe even a stainless steel stand!
When he said, ‘it’s not sth you see every day.’
Any other Roadkill fans here? Is it me or do you sound a bit like David Freiburger? Also when looking around the tank the other guy sounds a bit like Finnegan.
This dude doesn't understand anger 🤦♂️🤷♂️
O my god