Fish Stocking Advice

[NannaLou]

So, you could probably get ten or so amanos. They'd be happy to take advantage of that algae resource you're cultivating.

But can they go in now..? Or do I have to wait until it’s ’matured’?
Tonight my water parameters were Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0.25 ppm and Nitrates 5 ppm before a 50% water change.

 

[Madisonkeug]

Nerites and other snails eat algae. And I think livebearers in general eat some (?), plus they like harder water. I don't know enough about the fish yet and forgot you are still cycling. Snails?

These can also eat plants so I would suggest not in a walstad tank since you’ll be needing the plants to keep the balance

 

[WhistlingBadger]

But can they go in now..? Or do I have to wait until it’s ’matured’?
Tonight my water parameters were Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0.25 ppm and Nitrates 5 ppm before a 50% water change.

I would wait until it's finished cycling. (Nitrites 0)

 

[NannaLou]

These can also eat plants so I would suggest not in a walstad tank since you’ll be needing the plants to keep the balance

From reading they don’t eat healthy plants..just nibble any damaged and decomposing bits..?

 

[Essjay]

As a general rule, pest snails will survive anything; snails we spend good money on will die at a hint of ammonia or nitrite. Shrimps are also more sensitive than fish.

I've had nerites for years and never had them touch a plant. Some snails do though. The Colombian giant ramshorn, for example, is a known plant eater.

 

[NannaLou]

Malaysian trumpet snails most certainly can. I think that bladder snails can, too. I don't know much about other snails, though.

Ordered ?

 

[PlasticGalaxy]

Ordered ?

Beware that pest snails will breed like crazy! But if you'd ever like a few more, I'm happy to give you some of mine. I've literally got hundreds!

 

[Madisonkeug]

As a general rule, pest snails will survive anything; snails we spend good money on will die at a hint of ammonia or nitrite. Shrimps are also more sensitive than fish.

I've had nerites for years and never had them touch a plant. Some snails do though. The Colombian giant ramshorn, for example, is a known plant eater.

Oh sorry guys I had apple snails they just demolished my plants lol! I have a Nerite now and I think he just nibble on the algae

 

[Lajos_Detari]

My tank is a low tech/Walstad style so only has light from the window...

blind up and blind down in the photos..
I’m not adding fertiliser at the moment as there is soil under the sand and I don’t add CO2. I have put a small air filter in at the weekend as I was worried that the water was stagnating...still not been able to work that out in my thinking...Lots of Walstad tanks say you don’t need filters, others say you need to keep water movement... any thoughts?

What other options are there instead of the Otos..? I don’t think shrimp are an option at the moment as they like a mature tank...

It will be good to have water movement.

By the way, since you don't have any filter in your tank, I think you can't have too many fish.(definitely not 18 fish).
If possible get a simple hang on filter.

Also, get more fast growing plants that can help to absorb the ammonia.
You can consider Anacharis Elodea, Cabomba and Hornworts.