This channel is all about becoming a successful and happy fish keeper.
After relocating from SoCal to Middle Tennessee in Nov. 2020, my fish room includes SA/CA & African Cichlids, Live Bearers, a Planted Community Tank (egg layers) and Betta. The content I cover applies to all types of fish keeping and I enjoy being part of the friendly and helpful YT fish keeping community.
The channel has two mottos: "Always be learning!" and "We all learn from each other."
If you would like to support future content creation, here are a few ways you can do so:
1) Sub and hit that notification bell. 2) Consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: patreon.com/user?u=13754188 (monthly memberships start for as little as $3 a month). 3) Visit my Spring Store here: teespring.com/stores/ben-ocharts-store. 4) Visit my Amazon Store at: www.amazon.com/shop/benochart
I thank you for all the support and encouragement you've provided over the years.
Truly YOU ROCK!
-Ben O
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Best solution start your topic with Obama is getting ready, then have a video with a fish named Obama and he getting ready for dinner time with new fish flakes.
Hay ben you get your foam from swiss tropical, Google tells me it's a unsecured site .. are you familiar with this? Thank you brother..
I've made plenty of little fish shorts, but I want to get into making some nice long form videos. I dont know if I should make some of the begginer fishkeeping how-to videos or not.
Each person brings their unique take and experience, so go ahead and make videos on whatever topic you wish to share.
You don't have to be on any treadmill. It's a choice.
I guess ultimately everything is…
@@BenOchart Whoever is running whatever channel started doing videos and later got obsessed with views and monetary gains which is fine if one accepted it as a part of being a content creator. There's should be no reason to make a video about burning out and having to do a lot in order to gain publicity, views, likes, money. People just like to moan and that's another topic to create a video on.
I stopped using heaters in my aquariums years ago because we keep our house in the 70s at all times. My only fish tank that has a heater is the one I keep in my school classroom because it does get cold in there at night and on the weekends.
Request where you acquire your decor from.
A variety of sources from on-line providers to local fish stores.
@@BenOchart I’m new to the hobby and was curious where the best looking artificial plants a seasoned veteran as yourself might begin looking. I’m finding every where I turn someone wants my money and not all investments are good ones. Thanks!
Yeah I started chasing but done. Now I am putting out on my channel what I want and at a pace I am comfortable with. It is called prioritizing life. Sometimes the video isn't high on the list. By the way where do I get a hat?
That hat was a prototype that I didn’t like. I’ll get a final one approved and send you one😀👍🏻
@@BenOchart I will buy one when you do. I like supporting you.
Some of the content is good to excellent (like most of your presentations), the are accurate and factual and mostly very informative. I don't watch Corey as much and have yet to be able to complete a viewing of KGT presentations.
Tons of KZreadrs can't keep up with it. Its AI driven, and unless you're pumping out content like a factory, you can fall out of it pretty fast.
It’s that pressure to produce that creates the stress. It’s always been a fun game for me and I never intended to make it my primary source of income. That gives me the freedom to upload what pleases me and not worry so much about clicks and cash 😀
@@BenOchart In which case- ignore the algorithm and work your own pace. Granted you'll be recommended to less people because the algorithm is a literal slave driver, but people do search for content they want to see too. Unless YT shadow bans you (they claim it doesn't exist but we've all seen proof it does) Foran extended period of time, you should be ok. They took the You out of KZread years ago and became a draconian platform over years. 🤷
While I understand Cory's take on his issues with much respect, John whines to much, has enjoyed many perks. There's no such thing as easy money. He provides excellent knowledge and the ability to adapt but he's no svengalli or Einstein. No one pushes you to become a youtuber, if the ride is more then you can handle, simply get off. Thank you for your service and chase a new career.
I am watching yesterday's video today as I clean my tank. I was surprised to hear you read my question. I wasn't expecting that, lol. My last name is pronounced Shimkey (not that it matters but I always laugh when people mangle it). Anyway I wanted to comment about diatomaceous earth. I live in Phoenix and many people use it around their foundations because it slices the bellies of scorpions and kills them. For that reason, I don't think I would ever use it in an aquarium. You know more than I though!
I was surprised to see my comment too.
I totally butchered your name. Sorry. Yes, my wife uses it in the garden to kill pests. I think I'll stick with CaribSea, LOL!
If we let the media control us. They've won and it's only going to get worse. I think all 3 of you guys do great videos. I try to stay away from KZread because I'm not a big supporter of it. For this reason they try to push stuff on us. And most of it I have no use for. If I wanna watch a video I look it up
As long as you're not compromising your morals, I think it's the same as any other advertising. You have to get attention. You're all good channels.
The people you mentioned are the names I know. Even Corey, I've said awful things about him but I know him because he's on my radar. He taught me and I love him for it! It must be so hard to do what you do for this long. You're human, not computers. Thank you Ben.
Unfortunately it’s not just Aquarium content. Stay fresh my friend!!! ❤
Need to watch your video now
To thine own self be true Ben...i just made that up on the fly.. wonder if it'll catch on🤔
👍🤠 Good morning Ben. For me sense I don’t have a tank right now I watch for the entertainment mostly. What I don’t like or watch are shorts, and fish room updates get kinda boring if it’s someone I’ve been watching for a long time (like you, John & Cory) when something is different I’m good with that. I do enjoy live streams because we kinda look behind the curtain and see the person. ✌️
Keeping fish is a niche hobby that a lot of people are not into , you can put so much work into your content and not get the feedback you want so it’s all about sharing your journey with the community
I think instructional and teaching videos are good but I’m looking for entertainment not so much content for contents sake and I absolutely do get frustrated with the algorithm. I’ve stopped watching both of the channels you’ve highlighted here completely because they come across as know it alls and judgy way too often. I’m not looking for that here, I’m looking to have fun and to be entertained. If KZread is part of your business model produce visually pleasing and entertaining content and I’ll be there. I wish all of the content providers much success and good luck. The best “shows” are those that make me feel I can’t wait to see the next episode and only one or two aquarium fish related channels do that for me even though it’s my favorite subject. Ultimately it’s the market that decides what is watched and not the algorithm.
There’s a lot of truth in that!
Omg Ben this is happening to me had to brake down the tank and relocate all my fish. On one aqueon 55g tank. Things are expensive. I wanna get it up and running again. I made a video on my channel about it if you care to watch it!
I called glass cages about it. I’m way out of where they could help me out, however the phone call was very professional and had a great discussion.
They are good people. I’m fortunate to have them down the road.
I’ll be looking at that play list in the near future! wanna do my first canister on my 55g. Had to brake it down. The brace staters separating. Gotta do a reseal. Hopefully I’ll be able to build up my fish keeping funds so I can start this new project!
I have to do the same thing saw that you did a replacement on the aqueon 55g brace. You got refunded!?
Great information was unaware oxygen was so important to the biological filter.
It depends on what you want to deliver and what type of KZreadr you want to be. Yes, it is true that many KZreadrs comment about the KZread algorithm, but business is still business. KZread will definitely prioritize their customers (the companies advertising on KZread) first. They have huge amounts of data showing them what people are interested in and what people click on the most, and KZread will push those types of content more. If you want to earn income from KZread, then you have no choice but to create content that people want most. If you do not depend on KZread income, then just create content based on your interests. Business is still business.
I think there are 2 types of KZread content creators, those that want to earn a living from it and those that see it as more of an extension of their hobby. Those in the first category need to chase the algorithms and the subs to keep that revenue incoming. Sometimes, though, that can make for an unsatisfactory viewing experience. One if not the most successful fish KZreadrs is The King of DIY. I love a lot of his content, but his fishroom is in a constant state of flux, full of half completed projects. Sometimes you want to see how things pan out long term, even over years, but you never get the opportunity, because for these people, new builds deliver the best returns. The hobby KZreadr, however, who might like a bit of monetisation but doesn't rely on it, can do their own thing and play the long game. Subsequently I find channels like yours, Riffwaters, DWSDarius, Aquarium Domain etc more satisfying because I like seeing the end result and how that develops. There is space for both, it just needs you to decide what niche you want to fill.
Perfectly stated
Ben you’re right. Put out content that you care about. I have followed you for 3-4 years. I have kept fish for 30 years. I was burnt out and needed a change. I started watching you because you were into African cichlids. I used your videos along with KG tropicals, prime time aquatic, Jay Wilson and cichlids bros among others. I learned how to build stands watching the King of DYI. This is what I like about KZread. There is a lot of crap out there but you can use KZread to learn as long as you follow the people that are passionate about this crazy hobby.
Thank you
It's crazy. Cuz the market Mr.Beast is in to me, is different than what the Kardashians are into. I follow bowling stuff and RV stuff too. But I don't think anybof these niches/hobbies can be compared. Maybe they should have an algorithm for each industry. 1 for fish, 1 for makeup, Kardashians, this and that etc. You shouldn't have to compete with hundreds of other subjects that don't apply to fish. What youtube should do is really there is a market for fish as well and allow that space to grow accordingly without worrying what MR Beast is doing. Sure there maybe marketing tips and tricks but to have youtube totally control everything like the Gov't trys to me is wrong. Many of you have over 50,000 subscribers. To me that's proof of 10s of thousands of people showing an interest in this subject. Some markets are bigger than others with certain youtube subjects but so what. As a whole entire pie all of the millions os subjects on youtube is what I think makes youtube powerful and wonderful and ultimately makes youtube very rich as well. I wouldn't want youtube to ban or create censorship on certain subjects like fish or golfing just because youtube thinks it's not profitable enough. To me that's ridiculous. I feel thete should be a space for every hobby, sport, niche, subject, content. You can be in a successful rock band where you might only attract 5% of the population and yet your still massively successful. But the 95% may not like it because others may be into other genres. Probably not gonna convince a country music listener or rapper to listen to rock but you shouldn't have to. Where youtube would be like sorry we only gonna allow country music cuz its what sells the most so we will ban everything else. Stupid. Ok, sorry for my rambling. Lol
Very true
gorgeous fish ! the livingstony looks like an easter island head lol
I just post up what I am doing at any given time, couldn't care less what the algorithm thinks. For me it's just a Vlog.
I kind of do both. I definitely post lots of stuff that happens in my World, but I also share shorts and some short videos that other content creators have released that hit me in the feels, whether it's making me laugh or making me cry. Clearly, the algorithm HATES that I'm all over the board, but I dont care.
Ben, in the seventies I had fish tanks but in 1980 I fell in love with cichlids from lake Tanganyika. I lived in chino hills California and even joined a cichlid club. I even sold my cichlid’s to fish stores in the area. I moved to Albuquerque New Mexico in 1994 and took all my fish and they survived. A year later our new house was built and moving them only a few miles away I lost all my beautiful fish. Moved to Arkansas in 1998 to present but have never set up another tank after I lost everything. I watch your videos because you remind me of the love and passion I had for my cichlids. I’m 73 but still thinking of setting up a tank again. I enjoy all the different types of videos you put out and you do a excellent job. 🐟
I can see through click bsit BS and also can tell if domeone is trying really hard to be funny or spectacular...sensationalistic in their videos to be well known. I dont mind some entertainment but really I've needed questions answered or to gain more knowledge and insight about aquarium kerping. So thats who I subscribe to and continue to follow over time.🎉🎉
As KZread consumer , I just hate the algorithm and the advertising they decided we have to watch .Why do they want control our opinions and views. I watch the videos that I find relevant to me not what has been chosen for me. Great to hear that you guys are taking a stand on this and making videos based on your experiences and views. That’s what we want. Well done Ben ,John and Corey .
I love question answer shows😊
Thank you for stopping by😀👍🏻
Keep up the great work Ben, I have learnt all lot from you and Cory. FROM A GUY IN Canada Mike G
Thank you Mike😀👍🏻
different topic, RE Oscar. My Oscar (alone now after tank mate death) seems to hide somewhat all day. Is it ok for an Oscar to live alone? I have a 90 gallon tank now for just her. I bought her in a pair years ago when I had a 125 galoon but the male died a few years ago so I bought a smaller (apparently too small) Convict to keep her company in a smaller tank but the convict had to hide a lot. The convict just died yesterday ( not sure why, not obvious). Now my Oscar is alone again. I really don't want to go thru the hassle of finding a tankmate that can coexist with a big Oscar. Can she live happily alone?
I think this is such an important message and something that Cory has mentioned in another video as well. As a consumer of content, it’s always tempting to feel like I’m “doing fish keeping“ when I’m consuming a lot of fish related content, but there is no replacement for time spent in front of or with your arm in an aquarium truly, enjoying it for what it is: the hobby we all know and love.
So true!
I'm not a creator so idk? What I do know is I like freshwater content from a respected and entertaining creator like yourself. So whatever you want to put on yt I'll watch and let you know if I like or dis like the content. Thanks for sharing
I enjoy your weekly livestreams very much. Your passion for the hobby comes through every week. Keep doing what u feel important.
Hi Ben, I enjoy your videos ( Old and New!!) I learn something every time!! Keep up the good work. Every time I watch your videos, I learn something whether it's something you're talking about or something I see in your tanks!!
You should do what makes you happy. I enjoy your content and can tell from your tanks that you are keeping what you want not just setting up tanks to get views and make YT happy. I don't know how many times I've watched your sump videos when I set up mine. I know I can trust that your opinion is genuine and not sponsor based on products you use. I would like to see some vidoes on when you do switch out the 55 gallons.
Thank you and yes I will video swapping out those top braces 😀👍🏻
So Ben here's my take. I have a very small channel just a little over 300 subs. I personally dont really worry about any of that stuff im not worried about being monitized. Im here only to be myself share what i experience in the hobby. Im literally retired 2 times once from the military and then from the civilian sector. I dont need youtube 5 cent for every 1000 like or views or what have you. I just love my fish hobby and i love watching others and there experience in the hobby. Thats my 2 cents worth
👍🏻😎The burnout factor is real and is one of the reasons that I will only keep 5 aquariums max in service at one time. Now everybody is different and some may like more and some might like less than me. You have to find your sweet spot and enjoy the hobby without burning yourself out. I'm not a content creator but I thought I would just mention this.
Just came up on a 46-gallon bowfrony seaclear for 25. Yay!
I thought I would mention that on two of my tanks that I used under gravel filters on that were in service for 5 years when I took them out of service to move, I was surprised to find hardly any mulm accumulation below the under gravel filter grates. My gravel vacuum must have been pulling any excess mulm accumulation back up through the grates when I did my gravel vacuuming. When you use a UGF it's best to do only half of the bottom at a time and then do the other half on your next vacuuming (alternating sides) so as not to remove too much at one time to avoid crashing your cycle. They do work great for planted tanks as you mentioned. They probably should not be used on tanks that have fish that like to dig deeply in the gravel and expose the grate(s) because then you could have a bypass situation that renders them somewhat ineffective.
Makes sense👍🏻
Hi, Ben, are you getting this? Tammy. And I knew Jay Wilson, from way back.
How far back? Back to his Security Detail days?
Very beautiful fish and tanks, brother🤙🏻
Oh, and 1 hob in each tank as well!
I use 2 like that in Each tank! As I pull out, I drop into Rubbermaid w tank water, then Rinse, put back.
Always quarantine your fish!!!!!! 🐟