Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
I wanted to do a quick tank cleaning on the 20G Back-to-Basics planted tank before I left for vacation, but it has absolutely grown out of control! While I don’t mind the jungle look, some of my plants are dying off from lack of light because the faster growing ones are covering the water surface. Follow along as I show you how to do a deep clean of your planted aquarium.
🐟 SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss my latest video: youtube.com/channel/UCNoNEF64ijgxK6OSTwdHOFA?sub_confirmation=1
🌿 BECOME A MEMBER for bonus content: youtube.com/channel/UCNoNEF64ijgxK6OSTwdHOFA/join
🛒 MATERIALS I USED
(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from the links below. Also, I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)
▶ Razor (for scraping algae): amzn.to/3B8Hrzs
▶ Pruning scissors: amzn.to/386X3XX
▶ Planting tweezers: aquariumcoop.com/products/planting-tweezers
▶ Towel: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-towel
▶ Plastic container: got it at the Dollar Tree
▶ Root tabs (ground fertilizer): aquariumcoop.com/products/easy-root-tabs
▶ Water test strips: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-multi-test-strips
▶ Python “No Spill Water Change” siphon:
▶ Water conditioner: amzn.to/3y9qkvO
▶ Easy Green (liquid fertilizer): aquariumcoop.com/products/easy-green-all-in-one-fertilizer
▶ Seachem Equilibrium (minerals): aquariumcoop.com/products/seachem-equilibrium
▶ Glass cleaner: aquariumcoop.com/products/fritz-glass-cleaner
📚 RESOURCES
▶ How to Clean a Betta Fish Tank… the Easy Way! youtu.be/W3VV_c69CyQ
▶ How to Clean a Sponge Filter + 3 Bonus Tips: youtu.be/AxX3Byy7cAg
▶ How to Clean Your Aquarium Sand... the Easy Way! youtu.be/mN0xICNIsYE
🦐 EXTRAS
▶ Instagram: instagram.com/girltalksfish
▶ Merch store: girltalksfish.creator-spring.com
EDITOR: Matt Gray at grayfamilyfilms.com and instagram.com/mentalityfilms
ATTRIBUTION
Music from Epidemic Sound: epidemicsound.com/referral/2earpi (if you use my referral link, I get 1 month free 😀)
Music from SoundStripe:
• Andy Ellison “New Leaf” - PFVLRNHRPLL41NAA
• Cast of Characters “Shoes N Socks” - XGF7WBUPKYGAUUMU
• Andy Ellison “Blank Canvas” - R4TAGJSZPV4I2YSE
• Andy Ellison “All Your Quirks” - 9E57ENEIFKTZNLO0
#girltalksfish #nanofish #plantedaquarium
0:00 Let’s do a detailed cleaning of my planted tank
0:57 Step 1: clean off algae
1:29 Step 2: prune overgrown plants and replant them
3:11 Step 3: add root tabs
4:31 Step 4: clean the filter
5:08 Step 5: test and change water
9:18 Step 6: add fertilizer
10:23 Step 7: wipe down the outside surfaces
11:12 Step 8: record the data and adjust as needed
I wanted to do a quick tank cleaning on the 20G Back-to-Basics planted tank before I left for vacation, but it has absolutely grown out of control! While I don’t mind the jungle look, some of my plants are dying off from lack of light because the faster growing ones are covering the water surface. Follow along as I show you how to do a deep clean of your planted aquarium.
🐟 SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss my latest video: youtube.com/channel/UCNoNEF64ijgxK6OSTwdHOFA?sub_confirmation=1
🌿 BECOME A MEMBER for bonus content: youtube.com/channel/UCNoNEF64ijgxK6OSTwdHOFA/join
🛒 MATERIALS I USED
(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from the links below. Also, I work for Aquarium Co-Op but do not receive commissions from their links.)
▶ Razor (for scraping algae): amzn.to/3B8Hrzs
▶ Pruning scissors: amzn.to/386X3XX
▶ Planting tweezers: aquariumcoop.com/products/planting-tweezers
▶ Towel: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-towel
▶ Plastic container: got it at the Dollar Tree
▶ Root tabs (ground fertilizer): aquariumcoop.com/products/easy-root-tabs
▶ Water test strips: aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-multi-test-strips
▶ Python “No Spill Water Change” siphon:
▶ Water conditioner: amzn.to/3y9qkvO
▶ Easy Green (liquid fertilizer): aquariumcoop.com/products/easy-green-all-in-one-fertilizer
▶ Seachem Equilibrium (minerals): aquariumcoop.com/products/seachem-equilibrium
▶ Glass cleaner: aquariumcoop.com/products/fritz-glass-cleaner
📚 RESOURCES
▶ How to Clean a Betta Fish Tank… the Easy Way! youtu.be/W3VV_c69CyQ
▶ How to Clean a Sponge Filter + 3 Bonus Tips: youtu.be/AxX3Byy7cAg
▶ How to Clean Your Aquarium Sand... the Easy Way! youtu.be/mN0xICNIsYE
🦐 EXTRAS
▶ Instagram: instagram.com/girltalksfish
▶ Merch store: girltalksfish.creator-spring.com
EDITOR: Matt Gray at grayfamilyfilms.com and instagram.com/mentalityfilms
ATTRIBUTION
Music from Epidemic Sound: epidemicsound.com/referral/2earpi (if you use my referral link, I get 1 month free 😀)
Music from SoundStripe:
• Andy Ellison “New Leaf” - PFVLRNHRPLL41NAA
• Cast of Characters “Shoes N Socks” - XGF7WBUPKYGAUUMU
• Andy Ellison “Blank Canvas” - R4TAGJSZPV4I2YSE
• Andy Ellison “All Your Quirks” - 9E57ENEIFKTZNLO0
#girltalksfish #nanofish #plantedaquarium
0:00 Let’s do a detailed cleaning of my planted tank
0:57 Step 1: clean off algae
1:29 Step 2: prune overgrown plants and replant them
3:11 Step 3: add root tabs
4:31 Step 4: clean the filter
5:08 Step 5: test and change water
9:18 Step 6: add fertilizer
10:23 Step 7: wipe down the outside surfaces
11:12 Step 8: record the data and adjust as needed
