Claim OwnershipAquariums and Fish Tanks by Father Fish
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While having an aquarium can be challenging, Father Fish with his down to earth explanations makes it easy. If you want more episodes you can go to and support the Father Fish Patreon at https://patreon.com/@FatherFish
Fish Tank setups and all things surrounding the keeping of these tanks will be discussed during this podcast. If you are searching for a better way to do your fish aquarium, this is the podcast for you. You may be a beginning fish keeper or an experienced one that is searching for the truth about natural aquariums, Father Fish's knowledge and wisdom from a lifetime of fish keeping strives to share his aquarium know-how with those seeking to learning how to build a natural aquarium.
The Father Fish Method also shows that there is a way to keep aquarium fish without using chemicals or medicine. In the world of aquarium keeping, the shift towards natural setups is not just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in our understanding of how to provide the best possible environment for our aquatic companions. For far too long, many aquariums resembled sterile glass boxes, lacking the richness and complexity found in the natural habitats of fish. Natural setups attempt to copy the balance of nature in an aquarium. They use plants, sand, deep substrate and even leaves in the aquarium to copy a fish's natural habitats. In these setups, fish are not just inhabitants; they become part of a thriving community. Real plants provide hiding spots and contribute to water quality.
Fish need natural setups because they require more than just a place to swim; they need an environment that nourishes their physical and mental well-being. Natural aquariums provide the complexity and diversity that benefits the fish, which in turn helps us enjoy them as aquarists. It's a shift that benefits both fish and the people who care for them, making the aquarium hobby more rewarding and fulfilling than ever before.
You are invited to follow our step-by-step playlist! Join Father Fish, an experienced fish keeper, as he demonstrates the ins and outs of setting up 'natural aquariums' with deep substrate. Dive into the details of 'microfauna' and 'food webs' crucial for ecosystem health. Get hands-on with a 'dirted tank' and learn how to transform your aquarium into a thriving aquatic environment. Whether you're new or seasoned in aquarium care, our videos provide practical insights to help you create a flourishing natural aquarium. Start your journey today and see your tank thrive!
🌿🐠🌍 #NaturalAquariums #DeepSubstrate #FatherFish #PlantedAquarium #Microfauna #FoodWeb #DirtedTank #AquariumCare #fishcast #podcast #tropicalfish #aquarium #fatherfish #fishtank #naturalaquarium #aquariumfish #fishkeeping #plantedtank #plantedaquarium
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Fish do not die from old age. Fish die from several different reasons. First your fish die in your average aquarium and here's why: Your average fish tank has gravel substrate, fake plants, fish with ich and non-nutritional dry fish food. This is a ''Death Tank!" Stop Killing Your Fish! Secondly, fish die from diseases in captivity they are immune from in the wild. As well as, red algae which is a bacteria caused by oxygen deprivation due to a overwhelming amount of nutrients dumped into the water. Third, small fish are eaten by big fish. The biggest fish are eaten by the littlest parasite. The parasite doesn't mean to kill its host, out in the wild, this doesn't happen. Fourth, fishermen catch them. Father Fish has the solution to the aquarium side of each of these problems, except for the fourth one!
#fish #aquarium #fishtank #fatherfish #substrate #fakeplants #ich #ick #redalgae #foodweb #plantedaquarium #plantedtank
Dead leaves in your aquarium?? Yes, put dead leaves in your aquarium. Dead leaves build organics. First, basically, you are using dead dry tree leaves. If you use leaves from a variety of trees, i.e. oak, ash, pine, all at once, then you will have the most success as the leaves will break down at different rates and these organics each release different nutrients into your fish tank. Secondly, if you are setting up a fish tank for the first time, your tank needs these organics in the top layer of the substrate. Many people chop the leaves or use leaf mulch to meet this requirement. Aqua Preta works hand in hand with the dead leaves to keep the aquarium healthy and stabilizing the water column. The Aqua Preta has buffers which buffer against the water becoming to acidic. Organics need to be consumed before water becomes acidic. What we are doing is organic farming in a fish tank. The nitrogen cycle is complete the moment you add plants. Why? Because the plants use ammonia (organics at work). If you have a test kit, you may find ammonia that's because the plants haven't taken it up yet. If you have a natural aquarium you need to throw that test kit away. Organics from dried leaves in your fish tank release nutrients and become organics. No special fertilizer, minerals or nutrients are needed. Your aquarium reaches stasis on its own. Its all natural. Just watch your fish...
#aquapreta #leaflitter #FishTank #Aquascaping #PlantedTank #AquariumHobby #fatherfish #AquariumSetup #aquarium #naturalaquarium #aquariumplants #plantedaquarium
This video explains how to build a healthy, natural aquarium using the simple and proven Father Fish method. The focus is on creating balance, instead of constantly fixing problems, and this takes time. A successful planted tank starts with good substrate that contains nutrients which will last for years. The problem with using aquarium fertilizers, as opposed to this substrate, is that the are not beneficial in the long run. They cause the wrong type of growth; leaves and fruit, for example, not roots. Bacteria, also, assists plants in growing. Using ferts, on your aquarium plants, block this process, while good substrate, Aqua Preta Supplement, assists. By prioritizing a nutrient rich substrate, aquarist can develop a resilient, low-maintenance aquarium that mirrors nature and supports healthier aquarium fish and plants over time.
#aquarium #fishtank #fatherfish #plantedaquarium #plantedtank #fatherfishmethod #naturalaquarium #aquapreta #bacteria #nutrients #aquariumfertilizer #aquariumplants
In this YouTube video about the Unwritten Contract between you and Nature, Father Fish explores the delicate balance between humans and nature in maintaining an aquarium ecosystem. He highlights the unspoken agreement where humans provide the setup – aquarium, soil, sand, plants, water, and fish – while nature sustains life with minimal interference. Father Fish emphasizes the importance of understanding this symbiotic relationship, allowing nature to thrive autonomously within the aquarium environment. By honoring this unwritten contract, enthusiasts can witness the beauty of a naturally flourishing aquatic ecosystem, showcasing the marvels of nature's resilience and harmony within confined spaces. #aquarium #fishtank
A clean tank can not support life. A balanced tank allows waste to be used to feed microscopic life. Without microscopic life everything in the tank will die. Father Fish explains the distinction between Natural and Hi-Tech sterile aquarium setups. Natural setups use dirted substrates and aquarium plants for a balanced ecosystem. Hi-Tech aquariums involve technology like CO2 injection, high-intensity lighting, and nutrient dosing for optimal plant growth. Father Fish emphasizes the importance of choosing aquarium systems that mirror Nature.
Watch as a pastor-turned-hobbyist reveals the astonishing secret behind why aquariums make us feel calm, whole, and alive. What starts as a nostalgic story about high school friends and tropical fish becomes a powerful, faith-infused lesson on belonging. Father Fish argues that watching healthy fish and plants isn’t just relaxing—it’s a window into creation, a living proof that harmony and life can exist amid chaos. This talk flips common aquarium advice into a spiritual metaphor: nature shows us how to be rooted, confident, and at peace. Expect surprising claims about violence, wholeness, and how tiny ecosystems teach us to reject what’s “unnatural.” Whether you keep fish or simply crave meaning, this video promises an emotional, provocative reframing of an ordinary hobby into a guide for life. Hit play and prepare to see your fish tank—and your world—in a radically new way today and forever.
Don't suck at siphoning!! Father Fish teaches an important tricks on how to siphon your aquarium while doing water changes during fish tank maintenance. #fishtank #fish #aquarium #tropicalfish #fatherfish #aquariummaintenance #waterchange
You Aquarium is a living ecosystem. Leaves in your aquarium bring microfauna for the fish to eat as well as the macro fauna which the larger fish eat. Your fish tank, no matter which type of aquarium fish you have will benefit from leaves Want a healthier, more stable natural aquarium? In this video, Brenda and Dina dive deep into the power of botanicals and leaf litter—one of the most misunderstood yet essential parts of the Father Fish Method. We talk about: 🌿 Why leaf litter fuels microflora & microfauna
🌰 Seed pods, “gumballs,” magnolia, oak, pine cones, acorn caps
🚫 What NOT to put in your tank (pine needles!)
🐟 Safe fish-keeping with botanicals
🔍 How botanicals help build a natural ecosystem
💧 Tannins, shelter, biofilm, infusoria, decomposition, and cycling benefits
🏞️ How to collect your own botanicals from your yard or local park
🪱 How to culture microcritters from soaked botanicals
🐠 Bonus: tank tour + pea puffer tankmates
🎭 Father Fish rules for natural aquarium success Whether you're new to natural aquariums or already running deep substrate tanks, leaf litter and botanicals bring your ecosystem to life.
👉 Learn what’s safe, what to avoid, and how to build a thriving, self-sustaining aquarium the Father Fish way.in your aquarium! #aquarium #fishtank #fatherfish #fish #tropicalfish #leavesinaquarium #tannins #naturalaquarium
#plantedaquarium
Parasites are everywhere and they are especially found in water. Ponds are full of parasites also known as microfauna. There are roughly 100,00 species of microfauna. A few examples of microfauna are: Ameba, Paramecium, Nematodes, Daphnia and Moina. When you have biodiversity in your aquarium, the good parasites control the dangerous pathogens. A good example of this is the ich parasite. If you have microfauna in your aquarium, ich will usually not be a problem. So travel with Father Fish as he explains that scooping parasites with pond water brings interesting results.
#parasites #pond #fatherfish #microfauna #bacteria #biodiversity #ick #ich #aquarium #fishtank #fishaquarium #fishkeeping
Fishkeeping is where it all began — a connection between people and fishkeeping that teaches patience, care, and respect for life. An aquarium is more than a glass tank filled with water; it is a living ecosystem where tropical fish, plants, and natural balance come together. In this video, Father Fish explores the origins of fishkeeping and the evolution of the aquarium, from early Roman times to modern natural aquariums. We follow the development of the fish tank as both a tool for observation and a reflection of Nature itself. Watching fish move calmly through a natural aquarium helps us stay calm and find peace. A healthy fish tank depends on understanding that Nature knows best. Fish thrive when their environment mirrors Nature, and fishkeeping becomes a lesson in responsibility and mindfulness. For many, the aquarium becomes a private place of focus and reflection, and is shared only with those in their innermost circle. Whether you are new to fishkeeping, fascinated by natural aquariums, or inspired by Father Fish’s philosophy, this video shows what in fishkeeping started everything — and why it continues to connect us today. #Fishkeeping #FatherFish #Aquarium #NaturalAquarium #FishTank #TropicalFish #AquaticLife #Nature #AquariumEducation
🎥 How to Build a Natural Aquarium With NO FAILURES | The Father Fish Method Tired of fish dying, algae blooms, and confusing advice from all directions? This step-by-step video breaks down the Father Fish Method — a natural, low-maintenance aquarium setup that WORKS. No CO₂, no chemicals, no constant water changes. Just nature doing what it does best 🌿🐟 🛑 Hobbyists are taught to fear ammonia, chlorine, nitrates, bugs, dirt, and “old water.” But that fear is keeping you from success. Father Fish shows you how to create a completely balanced aquarium the very first time — using a proven method that builds natural filtration, supports healthy plants, and creates crystal-clear water with minimal maintenance. 🧠
A nature aquarium is amazing. The nature aquarium does not exist in a sterile aquarium, the nature aquarium, according to Father Fish, is a natural aquarium that mirrors nature. Nature can be both violent and peaceful. Nature can be both destructive and creative. Nature is all around us! Nature in our aquariums is no different; plants grow,your aquarium fish eat plants or each other, they then feed the microfauna which then adds the nutrients to the substrate which the plants use for fertilizer and the cycle replays it self again and again. So just as the 'real' world lives the cycle of life so does the planted aquarium become a nature aquarium as it matures and the cycle of life grows within. #natureaquarium #naturalaquarium #fatherfish #aquarium #fishtank #microfauna #substrato #aquariumfish
In this video, Father Fish has a simple message: soil is life. Healthy, living soil is full of microorganisms that support balance and growth, both in nature and inside an aquarium. When real soil is used in a fish tank, it introduces beneficial life that helps create a stable, thriving ecosystem. Unlike artificial substrates or “fake dirt,” which can break down into muddy waste over time, natural soil continues to function and support life for years. In long‑established aquariums, the soil layer slowly changes, pushing sand upward and accumulating organic material. After several years, the substrate may need cleaning—much like a natural pond that gradually fills in with sediment. Soil is not just decoration; it is a living foundation that sustains aquatic health and mirrors the natural processes that support life on Earth.
#aquariumsoil, #livingsoil #FatherFishmethod #naturalaquarium #dirtedtank #aquariumsubstrate #beneficialbacteria #micro‑organisms #plantedaquarium #ecosystem #biologicalfiltration #aquascaping #soilnutrients #AquariumTips #FishKeeping101 #fatherfish #aquarium #fishtank #NaturalAquarium #AquariumEducation #FishCare #AquariumLife #aquariumdirt #aquariumsand #aquariumecology
Are nitrates good? or Bad! You might be surprised...
This plant is the scourge of fish tanks! It covers the surface, preventing light from penetrating the water column. How do we get rid of this enemy? Father Fish has developed some techniques to achieve the goal of a duckweed free aquarium. Follow along as the discipline of duckweed extraction is taught.
A Natural Aquarium is the ultimate goal of very serious fish keeper. Father fish is the absolute Master of natural fish keeping. This video explains in perfect detail precisely what is required to create a perfect natural aquarium. Join us as we change the hobby to one that is genuine, natural, and joyous.
What makes a fish tank stink? An aquarium that smells bad is not healthy. A stinky tank is a dying tank. An aquarium will die when it is not able to maintain the life of its aquarium plants and animals in it. So what kills aquariums. There are 2 primary causes. Both are a result of bad advice. The first cause of stinky tank is excess food. Even if all the food is eaten by the aquarium fish, they may create more waste than the biological activity in the tank is able to covert to energy. Waste that is not converted to energy rots and stinks. The main cause of inadequate biological activity is chemical treatment of the tank. Father Fish believes there are no chemicals that are critical for the health of an aquarium. Most chemicals are dosed in the tank to kill something. This creates death. Death is the opposite of life. Killing living organisms is not an appropriate method to maintain a healthy, living aquarium. Build a dirted deep substrate according to Father Fish instructions found in the Father Fish Shoal. Create a good web using Father Fish's techniques. Feed less than daily high quality foods in very small amounts. These procedures, followed carefully will mean your tank will be sweet smelling and thriving with life. and never, never stink. #fatherfish #aquarium #fatherfishaquarium #fatherfishpodcast #deepsubstrate #fishtank #aquariumplants #fishaquarium #podcast #aquariumfish #walstad #fishtube 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Causes of a stinky tank 02:00 What a stinky tank means 02:42 Father Fish's tanks 04:00 When chemicals are added 11:03 Chemicals and Natural Aquariums 13:00 It's that simple
Watch Father Fish expertly set up a A Very Simple Large Planted Aquarium. Delve into the world of deep substrate and sand substrate as he crafts a planted aquarium. Immerse yourself in the art of creating a natural aquarium, learning essential tips and tricks along the way. Whether you're a seasoned hobbyist or a beginner, Father Fish guides you through the steps to create a stunning Very Simple Large Planted Aquarium for your fish. Dive in now!
#aquarium #fishtank #fishkeepinghobby #aquascape #plantedtank #plantedaquarium #fatherfishpodcast #aquariumpodcast #fish #tropicalfish #fatherfish #fispodcast
What is the best substrate for an aquarium? Is is a bare botttom? Or is it gravel? Father Fish believes that dirt, capped with sand is the very best substrate for any aquarium. Explore the dynamic world of aquariums with a focus on substrate in this engaging YouTube video. Dive into the concept of a deep substrate system. Father Fish explores the pros and cons of bare bottom aquariums as well as gravel substrates. Discover how a deep sand substrate contributes to a natural aquarium environment, providing a foundation for a balanced ecosystem. With a natural substrate plants can absorb the nutrients produced by fish. You will learn the intricacies of nutrient distribution in the water versus the substrate, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between plants and substrate in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. The video will not only educate you on the technical aspects of substrate but also inspire you to create personalized, thriving aquariums. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, this exploration of substrate dynamics promises valuable insights into enhancing the beauty and sustainability of your aquarium.
#substrate #gravelsubstrate #fatherfish #fishtank #deepsubstrate #sandsubstrate #dirtedtank #dirtedsubstrate #aquarium
Fish Tanks with gravel have to have maintenance and water changes. In spite of these actions your aquarium still contains fish poop! detritus...There is an answer to this problem, listen up and find out! #aquarium #fishtank #waterchange #fish #tropicalfish #aquariumfish #gravelsubstrate #substrate #sandsubstrate #fatherfish
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