Hi Matt, just wanted to say a massive thanks for making videos.I have only been in the hobby for two years after my Aunt died and some fish were thrust upon me. To say I had a lot to learn and very quick is an understatement. Your videos have been a source of education and importantly reassurance. Your storytelling, ways of breaking the complex into the understandable and welcoming, down to earth approach Is fantastic. My fish are happy , healthy fellows and you’ve had a huge hand in that.
Thank you for taking the time to comment! I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, but I am super happy I could help you look after her fishkeeping legacy! Thank you so much! It's comments like these that drive me forward to make more content!
I think it's true , beginner will take something they can put to garbage because it's easy.Here in my province I saw a lot of it have to be easy no maintenance no research. So this alternative is a good Idea. People watching this video are not the target consumer but knowing this exist and be able to recommand it is important.Thank you so much for showing it.
Thank you for understanding the video! This isn't for seasoned veterans and if we scare off all the newcomers our hobby won't survive the future! There is a reason every hobby is slowly getting easier and more accessible.
You're absolutely right convenient technology makes it easy for many people to set something up. That is why I think Superfish Start tanks are so convenient. They look good enough and come with the basics to get started. Though I'm someone who does do a lot of research beforehand and prepare things, doesn't do the cartridges but replaces them with foam and ceramic media. I modified the contents my Juwel Rio 240 filter pretty much the same way according to that video on Pondguru for example. My Superfish HOB filters contain ceramic media, bit of filter floss and one of them is even planted! But a lot of that is also after watching video's like yours and getting ideas.
Exactly this! Everyone has to start somewhere. I suppose it's a bit like learning anything really. But the easier we can make it the more people we can hopefully entice into the hobby.
Let's hope it's not too long before the big companies do these in a full range for filter systems and how brilliant straight into my compost. Well said Matt so enjoyable your. videos..
Totally agree. Hate having too use disposable cartridges and have been replacing the charcoal pads for my Fluvals with floss pads. They may not be degradable but it at least means the cartridge itself is not on a landfill site. Problem is I don't feel like buying a new filters and wonder if there are Intrepid cartridges that fit other manufacturers?
Yeah it's a great step in the right direction. I don't think they currently do a cartridge to fit other filters but maybe with time as these are a very new release!
Thanks, Matt. Nice to see some innovations like this. But my big complaint about the hobby is the number of plastic bags needed to transport fish and plants - I feel so incredibly guilty every time I add something to my aquarium. All those bags just get chucked out afterward. Not sure what alternatives could be implemented, but it would be nice to begin to change things there too.
Hopefully they will do recyclable plastic cartridges which will just add to what you are saying and also help people who just don’t have the facilities to compost themselves xxx
Is there any lids you recommend for that tank? I have the exact same one and unfortunately my Betta jumped out in the night and dried up like a quaver =(
Hi Matt I have the same issue as you do with livebearer plenty of females but very few males any chance of a video explaining why this happens and how to combat it
Plastic waste is the reason I reuse all the sponges in my filters. Though the fact I don't clean them for months at a time also helps reduce any waste too. And don't worry everyone my tanks are as healthy and green as they ever have been. A deep sand substrate goes a long way.
Exactly once you get into the hobby and start learning you can start doing things like deep sand substrates. We just need to make sure the beginners find it easy to start with.
@@FishShopMatt I feel that the companies should focus on things like deep sand substrates for beginners. Maybe offer a slightly cheaper sand or a larger volume of sand. When I started I jumped straight into the deep sand substrate and never looked back. It's a very natural approach and works superbly as a filter. They may sell more aquasoil or sand substrate if they push deep sand substrate. Got five all natural tanks going strong with very deep sand substrate. With the amount of funding that went into all the substrate the companies would be hard pressed to find a better cash cow if they pushed the proper procedures. Thank you for all the good content too. You, Father Fish, and MD are the reason I keep going in this wonderful hobby.
That's interesting, I guess companies need to be cautious and tell people to change more often when it comes to fish filtration. You just know who people would be blaming if they reused the filters and their fish started falling ill.
Yeah I can see your point from a seasoned fishkeeping stand point. But I promise you after working in the hobby for as long as I have, there are tons of customers who don't want to clean their filters or even don't like touching the dirty filters. This is the best of both worlds, no cleaning and healthy filtration.
Hi Matt love the videos. Can I ask some advice. I want to use aqua soil but I’ve read it lowers PH can you buy it that doesn’t lower it and recommend any many thanks
Thank you! There isn't really any soil that I know of that won't affect the pH. But it's not the end of the world obviously a lot of people manage with having full soil scapes it just takes a bit more work.
I argee that more eco friendly is always better. Now if I could just get some more influential hobbyists to start using under gravel filters like I do so there would be no waste at all...
The Bio Degradeable Thing is a bit weird. Don't get me wrong - I agree doing something is better than doing nothing, but how long do ceramics decompose, or glass for that matter, or even external filters? I think I would share a lot more enthusiasm if these were usable as a reasonable replacemet for for all those filter sponges ... I am also a bit sceptical about "natural" as some of the most dangerous toxins known to man are natural ... and give your bio chocolate to your dog and see what happens ... Can you throw these on your compost in the garden? How long until these decompose?
They're African Dwarf Frogs Matt.(See 44 seconds) African Clawed frogs are entirely different as you mentioned in your original tank building video. You may want to issue a correction as people may buy the wrong frogs & they shouldn't do that. Clawed frogs grow huge and eat all the livestock. ADFs do not.
I guess you could try and clean them, but you would honestly be surprised at how many newbies in the hobby just want an easy life and not to worry about cleaning. The cartridges with plastic in the middle and floss round the outside are a nightmare to clean as well.
I agree with you in the sense that there is work, but this filter doesn't mean the fish aren't cared for or that beginners with cartridge filters don't want to do maintenance. It just helps them make an easier transition into fishkeeping. A lot of shops in the UK are struggling and closing down and the more people we can help into the hobby the better. As long as the fish/frogs are happy, which these little guys most certainly have been I think it's a positive. The same as learning to do anything in life sometimes people need stabilisers on their bikes if you get what I mean.
Playing devil's advocate here and just because it amuses me - if I go to my local fish store to buy a box of these biodegradable filter pads because I want to save the environment with they put the box of filter pads into a plastic bag for me along with my receipt?
Tell me this is sponsored without telling me this is sponsored, being in after a month with those tanks stocked how they are means nothing. I haven’t “cleaned” my tank in 3 months.. 4 weeks really isn’t any kind of boast for a product..
I totally agree that it can come with time spent keeping fish. But I promise you the amount of people that come into an aquarium shop and would much rather do something like this at the start is huge. Eventually a lot of them get there with changing their filtration or regularly washing rather than discarding but there are a lot of people who don't. The millions of cartridges sold over the globe means it's engrained in our hobby whether we like it or not. So having something that is at least biodegradable is a huge step forward.
Hi Matt, just wanted to say a massive thanks for making videos.I have only been in the hobby for two years after my Aunt died and some fish were thrust upon me. To say I had a lot to learn and very quick is an understatement. Your videos have been a source of education and importantly reassurance.
Your storytelling, ways of breaking the complex into the understandable and welcoming, down to earth approach
Is fantastic. My fish are happy , healthy fellows and you’ve had a huge hand in that.
Thank you for taking the time to comment! I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, but I am super happy I could help you look after her fishkeeping legacy!
Thank you so much! It's comments like these that drive me forward to make more content!
@ Thanks so much for your comment back and kind words. Hopefully, I’ve done her proud.
J'aime beaucoup votre démarche écologique! Un grand merci pour la vidéo!
Thank you! I like to try and show off as many options for all different types of fishkeepers.
Thanks for catching us up with these new, natural cartridges! I think I'm gonna try some myself 😊 I'd love to help cut out plastics.
Yeah every little helps! They're very cool and I'm super happy with how well they've worked in these two tanks.
I think it's true , beginner will take something they can put to garbage because it's easy.Here in my province I saw a lot of it have to be easy no maintenance no research. So this alternative is a good Idea. People watching this video are not the target consumer but knowing this exist and be able to recommand it is important.Thank you so much for showing it.
Thank you for understanding the video! This isn't for seasoned veterans and if we scare off all the newcomers our hobby won't survive the future!
There is a reason every hobby is slowly getting easier and more accessible.
I know the piece of wood is supposed to look like a dragon's head, but all I see is a pig or hog. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it 😂 love the video
Hi Matt, thank you again 😊
My pleasure!
You're absolutely right convenient technology makes it easy for many people to set something up. That is why I think Superfish Start tanks are so convenient. They look good enough and come with the basics to get started.
Though I'm someone who does do a lot of research beforehand and prepare things, doesn't do the cartridges but replaces them with foam and ceramic media. I modified the contents my Juwel Rio 240 filter pretty much the same way according to that video on Pondguru for example. My Superfish HOB filters contain ceramic media, bit of filter floss and one of them is even planted! But a lot of that is also after watching video's like yours and getting ideas.
Exactly this! Everyone has to start somewhere. I suppose it's a bit like learning anything really. But the easier we can make it the more people we can hopefully entice into the hobby.
Yay Matt, happy days!🙂
Hey! 👋
Let's hope it's not too long before the big companies do these in a full range for filter systems and how brilliant straight into my compost. Well said Matt so enjoyable your. videos..
Totally agree.
Hate having too use disposable cartridges and have been replacing the charcoal pads for my Fluvals with floss pads.
They may not be degradable but it at least means the cartridge itself is not on a landfill site.
Problem is I don't feel like buying a new filters and wonder if there are Intrepid cartridges that fit other manufacturers?
Yeah it's a great step in the right direction. I don't think they currently do a cartridge to fit other filters but maybe with time as these are a very new release!
Great video update Matt. Get well soon
Great idea and video
what was the little white round thing with lips and no face in the tank that was floating near by the mickey mouse tail fish that you were showing.
Thanks, Matt. Nice to see some innovations like this. But my big complaint about the hobby is the number of plastic bags needed to transport fish and plants - I feel so incredibly guilty every time I add something to my aquarium. All those bags just get chucked out afterward. Not sure what alternatives could be implemented, but it would be nice to begin to change things there too.
Hopefully they will do recyclable plastic cartridges which will just add to what you are saying and also help people who just don’t have the facilities to compost themselves xxx
Absolutely, this I'm sure is the first step in many towards greener alternatives in the fishkeeping world.
Is there any lids you recommend for that tank? I have the exact same one and unfortunately my Betta jumped out in the night and dried up like a quaver =(
Hi Matt I have the same issue as you do with livebearer plenty of females but very few males any chance of a video explaining why this happens and how to combat it
Plastic waste is the reason I reuse all the sponges in my filters. Though the fact I don't clean them for months at a time also helps reduce any waste too. And don't worry everyone my tanks are as healthy and green as they ever have been. A deep sand substrate goes a long way.
Exactly once you get into the hobby and start learning you can start doing things like deep sand substrates. We just need to make sure the beginners find it easy to start with.
@FishShopMatt 100% agree that the beginners are the ones who need to help the most. And these filters are a great ecologically friendly way to start.
@@danielingalls8980 yeah that's why I wanted to show it off. The more people that use these the less cartridges end up in landfill.
@@FishShopMatt I feel that the companies should focus on things like deep sand substrates for beginners. Maybe offer a slightly cheaper sand or a larger volume of sand. When I started I jumped straight into the deep sand substrate and never looked back. It's a very natural approach and works superbly as a filter. They may sell more aquasoil or sand substrate if they push deep sand substrate. Got five all natural tanks going strong with very deep sand substrate. With the amount of funding that went into all the substrate the companies would be hard pressed to find a better cash cow if they pushed the proper procedures. Thank you for all the good content too. You, Father Fish, and MD are the reason I keep going in this wonderful hobby.
I use Coco coir in hydroponics and "wash" buckets through after each grow and reuse it....over and over again
That's interesting, I guess companies need to be cautious and tell people to change more often when it comes to fish filtration. You just know who people would be blaming if they reused the filters and their fish started falling ill.
Here's a novel idea clean the one's you have and you dont have to replace them
Yeah I can see your point from a seasoned fishkeeping stand point. But I promise you after working in the hobby for as long as I have, there are tons of customers who don't want to clean their filters or even don't like touching the dirty filters. This is the best of both worlds, no cleaning and healthy filtration.
Hope ya feel better, Matt! Use thieves essential oil in a diffuser. That will help keep y'all healthy ❤️
Thank you! I'm slowly feeling better, I expect to be hot with a new strain of a virus next week hahaha.
I don't miss my kids being in primary school. Every September was plague season!
Yeah I can relate to that!
Hey, that skull shirt... badass 🫵👍
Hi Matt love the videos. Can I ask some advice. I want to use aqua soil but I’ve read it lowers PH can you buy it that doesn’t lower it and recommend any many thanks
Thank you! There isn't really any soil that I know of that won't affect the pH. But it's not the end of the world obviously a lot of people manage with having full soil scapes it just takes a bit more work.
Thank you for the advice
Love it
I argee that more eco friendly is always better. Now if I could just get some more influential hobbyists to start using under gravel filters like I do so there would be no waste at all...
The Bio Degradeable Thing is a bit weird. Don't get me wrong - I agree doing something is better than doing nothing, but how long do ceramics decompose, or glass for that matter, or even external filters? I think I would share a lot more enthusiasm if these were usable as a reasonable replacemet for for all those filter sponges ... I am also a bit sceptical about "natural" as some of the most dangerous toxins known to man are natural ... and give your bio chocolate to your dog and see what happens ... Can you throw these on your compost in the garden? How long until these decompose?
Would be nice if you did like some videos of building the new fish house! Love the videos thanks!
Coming soon! I don't know how interesting the actual build is but there will be a stream of videos as tanks are added and the room is built.
They're African Dwarf Frogs Matt.(See 44 seconds) African Clawed frogs are entirely different as you mentioned in your original tank building video. You may want to issue a correction as people may buy the wrong frogs & they shouldn't do that. Clawed frogs grow huge and eat all the livestock. ADFs do not.
so you do not use sponges i your filters?
Not in these two tanks you see in this video. Obviously I'm trying to show off all types of filtration for all different types of fishkeepers.
i think you actually enjoy cleaning your tanks 😄
Hahaha you don't? There is definitely a level of satisfaction after cleaning a tank.
@FishShopMatt 😀 it fills me with dread lol😆
I still don't see the point. Just don't replace the cartridge, clean them just like you would in a canister or sump
I guess you could try and clean them, but you would honestly be surprised at how many newbies in the hobby just want an easy life and not to worry about cleaning.
The cartridges with plastic in the middle and floss round the outside are a nightmare to clean as well.
I just clean mine, replace maybe every 2 years when the floss starts to disintegrate.
I think you need to hargen your water a bit in your guppytanks.
If you have a pet there is work that goes along with it. If you dont want to do aquarium maintenance dont get one.
I agree with you in the sense that there is work, but this filter doesn't mean the fish aren't cared for or that beginners with cartridge filters don't want to do maintenance.
It just helps them make an easier transition into fishkeeping. A lot of shops in the UK are struggling and closing down and the more people we can help into the hobby the better.
As long as the fish/frogs are happy, which these little guys most certainly have been I think it's a positive.
The same as learning to do anything in life sometimes people need stabilisers on their bikes if you get what I mean.
Playing devil's advocate here and just because it amuses me - if I go to my local fish store to buy a box of these biodegradable filter pads because I want to save the environment with they put the box of filter pads into a plastic bag for me along with my receipt?
Cleaning a filter that size is a 5 min job
You would be surprised at how many people would find that too long hahaha.
cool doesnt equate to affordable unfortunately...rince wash reuse the old ones...
These are about the same as everyone else's cartridges so if beginners are looking at choosing between companies at least these are biodegradable.
Tell me this is sponsored without telling me this is sponsored, being in after a month with those tanks stocked how they are means nothing. I haven’t “cleaned” my tank in 3 months.. 4 weeks really isn’t any kind of boast for a product..
It’s just another gimmick for people to keep buying filter replacements. When a normal one is rinsed out quick and reused over and over and over.
I totally agree that it can come with time spent keeping fish. But I promise you the amount of people that come into an aquarium shop and would much rather do something like this at the start is huge.
Eventually a lot of them get there with changing their filtration or regularly washing rather than discarding but there are a lot of people who don't. The millions of cartridges sold over the globe means it's engrained in our hobby whether we like it or not. So having something that is at least biodegradable is a huge step forward.
Or you could buy these rinse them out, reuse them and helping the planet. That’s not a gimmick that’s just sensible!
Another money making scheme change every month my plastic one is three years old and going strong terrible idea