Is This Possible? No Tech, Planted, Snail Tank?

[starlitsunrise]

Hello, 

Long story short, I want to know if it would be possible to have a 2.5 gallon tank set up in such a way that I would not require a filter (or a heater for that matter)? I want to plant it and house my 1 mystery snail and few dozen pond snails is in. If I absolutely must include a filter/heater I will definetly do so, it's just I am running out of outlets in my room and this is the only place the snails could go. So IF this would be possible, what would I need to be aware of and what would I need to make sure I had in the tank (special substrate, certain plants etc)?
 
EDIT: I found this page on the "Walstad Method", I suppose this is what I want to do. http/www.theaquariumwiki.com/Walstad_method

Thanks for the help!

 

[Mamashack]

Just be aware that snails produce a heck of a lot of waste.

 

[Byron]

You can have a healthy planted tank with no filter.  As for the heater, it would depend upon the room temperature and the inhabitants.  Snails do not require tropical temperatures, so with no fish I would not bother with a heater.
 
I had a 10g running with just a heater for a year; planted, in a window for light for the plants, no tank light and no filter.  Fish included 9 pygmy corys, 11 Boraras brigittae, a dwarf puffer (this was by accident, it arrived with the corys), two shrimp (also accidental) and lots of pond snails and Malaysian Livebearing snails.  Sand substrate (no need for soil, that can cause other issues).  Weekly 50% water change.
 
Byron.

 

[Donya]

If the mystery snail is a Pomacea bridgesii/diffusa (apple/mystery snails), that will be way too much bioload for an unfiltered 2.5gal, even heavily planted. If the mystery snail is a small species of Viviparid then it would stand a better chance at working, since Vivs also prefer cooler temperatures, whereas Pomacea species usually need a heater over the winter in cold rooms.
 
If running out of outlets is the primary reason for your plan rather than specifically wanting a tank of that type or being prepared to set one up, then I would suggest getting a power strip (or using a bigger one with more plug space if you're already using strips on all your outlets) and doing a standard tank with a powered filter. 

 

[Byron]

Somehow I missed the tank size here...glad others picked it up.  B.

 

[starlitsunrise]

If the mystery snail is a Pomacea bridgesii/diffusa (apple/mystery snails), that will be way too much bioload for an unfiltered 2.5gal, even heavily planted. If the mystery snail is a small species of Viviparid then it would stand a better chance at working, since Vivs also prefer cooler temperatures, whereas Pomacea species usually need a heater over the winter in cold rooms.
 
If running out of outlets is the primary reason for your plan rather than specifically wanting a tank of that type or being prepared to set one up, then I would suggest getting a power strip (or using a bigger one with more plug space if you're already using strips on all your outlets) and doing a standard tank with a powered filter. 

 
Now that you mention it I'm actually not sure what type of mystery snail he/she is...all I know if petsmart had them listed as golden mystery snails. I had thought my snail was a viviparidae but now that I look at the snail page I see that I might actually have an apple snail. My guy is small but definetly has a siphon. Would having a filter make a difference, or would it be better to go a bit larger in tank size and go with a 5 gallon (keeping it unfiltered and I suppose with a heater)? I'm probably making this more complicated than it needs to be xD Thanks for your help.

Also, Byron and Ros, thanks for your input as well. 

 

[Mamashack]

If you can go bigger it would be better by far. I would always go with a filter (mainly because I can't keep plants alive for very long!) The only "downside" to a filter is having the patience to wait for it to cycle. The downside of the Walstad method is if the plants die back you lose the waste management system too. 
Attibones did a journal on his Walstad tank - might be worth you having a read.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/433825-10-gallon-walstad-tank/?hl=%2Bwalstad+%2Btank

 

[starlitsunrise]

Thanks for the info! 

But I think I will have to hold off on the Walstad method for now, I have been forbidden from setting up anymore tanks ; But I may try this out one day, it seems very interesting. 

So I'm going back to my original plan of splitting my 10 gallon in half for my betta and frog and then giving my snails the 5 gallon I am currently cycling. 

 

[Mamashack]

Good luck with the cycle. Will you be doing a journal?