A Walstad Tank...

[WhistlingBadger]

They're going to LOVE it in there. How many are you getting? I miss hearing them talk to each other.

 

[connorlindeman]

They're going to LOVE it in there. How many are you getting? I miss hearing them talk to each other.

Aquahuna sells them in increments of 6, so thats how many I'm getting.


The Ludwigia isn't doing all that great.
I'm thinking of getting some guppy grass and seeing how it's like this tank.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I wouldn't worry about it. In all of my Walstad tanks, I've started with a ton of different plant species, expecting some to die off over time and others to dominate. It usually takes several months for them to sort themselves out. That's normal.

 

[connorlindeman]

I wouldn't worry about it. In all of my Walstad tanks, I've started with a ton of different plant species, expecting some to die off over time and others to dominate. It usually takes several months for them to sort themselves out. That's normal.

You're right. I'll leave it be.

 

[connorlindeman]

Just realized that I never updated on the new fish.
They settled in nicely. Hoping I have both make and female.
Haven’t heard them speak yet.
They are leaving the shrimp alone(for now)
Here’s some pics, they were cooperative for once.

 

[Byron]

How many sparkling gourami did you acquire?

 

[connorlindeman]

How many sparkling gourami did you acquire?

I got 6.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I miss my sparkling gouramis. Such a beautiful little fish.

 

[Byron]

I got 6.

Good.

 

[connorlindeman]

Just water changed.

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Just got caught up, what a joy this has been to read through! Well done matey, I would call this one a success!

 

[connorlindeman]

Just got caught up, what a joy this has been to read through! Well done matey, I would call this one a success!

Thanks! Its been a fun journey so far

 

[connorlindeman]

Ludwigia pretty much is all gone.
Trimmed a bunch yesterday.

 

[connorlindeman]

This tank came to an end last week. Plants had been suffering a bit(low nutrients from the soil I guess.) so I moved the remaining fish and shrimp and drained.

It doesn't work. Soil no matter how it is used, is completely exhausted within one year of any nutritive value. Diana is very clear about that. At that point, soil has no benefits whatsoever. If you had inert sand it would be just the same, the main reason I have never messed with soil, Diana maintains that you either continue with using fertilizers (liquid and/or tabs, depending), or you tear the tank down and restart. Suitable sand or fine gravel substrates will have an equal level of nutrient value after one year, no difference from soil.

Byron was pretty spot on. I miss his input here on the forum.

I'm going high tech with the next scape and a Co2 system is on the way. I kinda want to start another walstad in my empty 10g. I've still got left over soil and sand. Plants would be grown from trimmings. Watching the progress would be cool. It was nostalgic reading through this thread. Hmmm. Both of these tanks would be right next to each other. High tech, ultra low tech right next to each other... kinda a cool idea...

 

[Alice B]

I never started one - knowing what happens in water lily pots with mud was a deterrent. but it is a great read to see the lifecycle