No Water Changes for 2 Years – A Self-Sustaining Aquarium Setup

For most aquarists, regular water changes are a non-negotiable part of keeping fish healthy. But what if you could build an aquarium that thrives without them? In this video, DALUA Fishroom demonstrates a tank that has gone two full years without a single water change—and it’s still flourishing.

The secret lies in creating a balanced ecosystem where plants, substrate, and cleanup crews do the heavy lifting. Here’s how it works:

Rich substrate: Starting with WIO Florabed provided nutrients for long-term plant growth.

Dense planting: Monte Carlo and fast-growing stem plants outcompete algae.

Strong lighting & steady CO₂: Ensures plants stay dominant and healthy.

Low fish load: Prevents excess waste buildup.

Cleanup crew: Shrimp, plecos, and pygmy corydoras handle detritus naturally.

Zero nitrates for 18 months: Regular testing shows the system remains in equilibrium.

Tips to replicate this setup:

Begin with a quality substrate.

Plant heavily from day one.

Gradually increase lighting and CO₂.

Don’t panic about algae—add more plants.

Trim regularly to keep growth compact.

Top up only with pure or RO water.

Use solid filtration for stability.

This approach transforms aquarium keeping into a more sustainable, low-maintenance hobby.