The Connection Between Vernal Pools & Natural Aquariums! #vernalpool

🌧️ Vernal pools are some of the most fascinating seasonal ecosystems on Earth—appearing after rain and teeming with life, then disappearing completely. In this video, we explore Southern California’s vernal pools, discovering fairy shrimp, copepods, and ostracods—tiny creatures that have adapted to this extreme cycle.

We also compare vernal pools to natural aquariums, showing how both ecosystems rely on nutrient cycling, live foods, and substrate ecosystems to thrive.

🔍 In this video, you’ll learn:
✅ What makes vernal pools unique and why they disappear 🌎
✅ The life cycles of fairy shrimp, ostracods, and copepods 🦐
✅ How vernal pools relate to natural planted aquariums 🌱
✅ The dangers of harmful algal blooms 🌊

🌿 If you love aquariums, microfauna, and natural ecosystems, make sure to like, subscribe, and comment! Let’s talk about how we can use nature’s wisdom to build better, self-sustaining aquariums.

Who is Father Fish?

Louis Foxwell, known on YouTube as Father Fish, is an old-time fish keeper with 70 years of experience. His simple, easy, and guaranteed methods insure healthy, happy tropical fish in your aquarium.

Lou adopted the role of Father Fish many years ago when he opened a tropical fish store as a retirement business. Prior to this, he served as a missionary for 25 years, following in his father's footsteps by ministering to a congregation of deaf worshipers. Lou fondly recalls his grandmother in Berlin, Germany, who inspired his love for fish keeping as a child.

As a founder and original board member of the National Aquarium, Lou played a significant role in its development, serving as chair of the Community Relations Committee and participating in the Search Committees. With extensive experience across nearly every level of the fish industry, Father Fish offers a wealth of knowledge and products, including plants, soil supplements, and more, to enhance your aquarium experience.

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All clips and images are used for illustration purposes only.

[mordorspy]

Love this, can watch these little critters all day

[davidjames]

This is a very beautiful video. Thank you.😊

[ChristianB]

Excellent video. I really enjoy the valuable information contained in these videos and the calm, relaxing way it is presented.

[RyderLaine]

Vernal pools are my go-to when collecting plants, botanicals, or microfauna. Scuds are almost guaranteed in every single one - as with species of daphnia and ostracods.
Eleocharis, sagittaria, ludwigia, bacopa, and pearlweed are all aquatic plants I have found in local vernal pools. They have just the right amount of sunlight, stagnation, and co2 concentration that they adapt great to aquaria!

[jayrowe]

I will definitely add them to my tank.

[risenfromyoutubesashesagai]

Adam Harrington, his channel is called Learn Your Land, lives much closer to us, Fish Dada. He is in the Pittsburgh area, and posted a video last spring about vernal pools, and the fairy shrimp within.

[skort]

Man I want a jar full of all that good stuff! Lol

[AllInOne-xmlb]

I have 4 koie carb 3inches. Non planted tank. How many times should i feed?

[thrilleex]

Jesus Christ, only this channel can get me all emotional about a puddle.
These videos make me look with even better eyes the mulm on my tank

[dn_]

Great video. I was wondering if you would still put two wave makers directed at each other in a 17g saltwater tank? Or is one enough in such a small tank?

[Justusorjustone]

Hlo father fish, how do I deal with ich problem in my planted tanks, can I use methylene blue?

[maddfries]

Aren't you Papa Fish's nephew?

[charlesfitzgeraldiii]

Great video! The only thing I disagree with is California's strict bogus rules on not allowing some collection to take home to your natural aquariums. I understand that some things are protected for EPA reasons, but most of their rules are ludicrous and make no sense! That's California for ya! Terrible!

[dblyoi]

Oh, please double down on this stuff. 🤤🤤🤤🤤

[thehappyboy]

Where did you go father fish? And who is narrating in your recent videos? Please if someone knows then tell me😢😢😢😢

[natashacavender]

This guy does an outstanding job at presenting great information and narration is just wonderful! Keep them coming....please!🙏🏼👏🏼🫶🏼