Thinking About a Walstad Tank

It's very interesting, though the science behind it requires more research because of the soil I might put some of the bacopa I got from you in it, it's growing very well!

I knew I recognized the name glad it’s doing great for u ... my 29 when I stated it outside was along the lines of a walstad it was organic soil capped with PFS then I added a sponge filter and snails and guppies and they all did well and since moving it inside I added a SunSun canister an led light and filter and it’s just exploded wit growth... here r some shots of it from last April outside to currently up n running inside.. bear in mind I’ve already trimmed the bacopa 3-4 times and removed many handfuls of guppy grass

 

I have a question. How long do I have to wait before adding livestock? I plan on testing the water and adding the shrimp first (any recommendations on how many for a 2.5 gallon?)

You will need to make sure the tank is fully cycled before you add livestock. This will take between 6-8 weeks. You can make it go a little faster by adding ammonia to 2ppm to "feed" your beneficial bacteria that undoubtedly live in any soil you would use.

 

You will need to make sure the tank is fully cycled before you add livestock. This will take between 6-8 weeks. You can make it go a little faster by adding ammonia to 2ppm to "feed" your beneficial bacteria that undoubtedly live in any soil you would use.

Thanks!

 

You keep repeating this mantra and yet I run these tanks for over a year and have no such problems. I'm sorry, but my experience simply doesn't stroke with that.

I really kind of resent how you present your view as undeniable facts when they are simply your view. You CAN do waterchanges in these tanks without making a mess. I did so yesterday.

Edit: in fact a few posts above you is a video of someone who does this successfully for two years. How about you try it yourself before denying everyone else's opinion.

I don't run into nutrient loss until 18-24 mos.
I have never had a problem with water changes either, the cap prevents that...eventually the root network is like a mat in the floor of the aqaurium. When you break this type of aqaurium down for a major remodel its initially hard to get the plants to separate from one another.
I like Foo the Flowerhorn...but those aquariums are groomed and pruned often etc. We get to see those aquariums on their best days not their worst.

 

I don't run into nutrient loss until 18-24 mos.
I have never had a problem with water changes either, the cap prevents that...eventually the root network is like a mat in the floor of the aqaurium. When you break this type of aqaurium down for a major remodel its initially hard to get the plants to separate from one another.
I like Foo the Flowerhorn...but those aquariums are groomed and pruned often etc. We get to see those aquariums on their best days not their worst.

I forgot to ask, will the soil produce copious amounts of ammonia? I guess some can, but I’m trying to figure out if the water will be initially toxic or if it simply needs to be cycled (or both)
I guess I get put down when I see tanks like that so good.. part of the excitement of a new tank is planning the aquascape, but I don’t think I’ve ever had it turn out that good. Maybe this one will be the one, who knows

 

It will not produce excessive ammonia...your plants will readily take ammonia and nitrates.
When I make this kimd of aqaurium I will install the soil and cap, rocks amd driftwood...wait 1-2 weeks...install 1-2 of the main plants....wait a couple weeks..put in a few more plants and a snail or two ,and then wait another week and fill in any other plants. Somewhere around 2 months add shrimp...and then later on a fish or two.
These kind of aquariums take some patience. If you are a type A personality that likes things to happen fast this kind of aqaurium might not be for you.

 

It will not produce excessive ammonia...your plants will readily take ammonia and nitrates.
When I make this kimd of aqaurium I will install the soil and cap, rocks amd driftwood...wait 1-2 weeks...install 1-2 of the main plants....wait a couple weeks..put in a few more plants and a snail or two ,and then wait another week and fill in any other plants. Somewhere around 2 months add shrimp...and then later on a fish or two.
These kind of aquariums take some patience. If you are a type A personality that likes things to happen fast this kind of aqaurium might not be for you.

I’m type A but I’m willing to wait for the tank to cycle. I’ll try to add the plants in slowly, and I’ll use the break I have to start the cycle too.

 

I’m type A but I’m willing to wait for the tank to cycle. I’ll try to add the plants in slowly, and I’ll use the break I have to start the cycle too.

Looking forward to seeing how it works out and post pics along the way. Good luck!!

 

I don't run into nutrient loss until 18-24 mos.
I have never had a problem with water changes either, the cap prevents that...eventually the root network is like a mat in the floor of the aqaurium. When you break this type of aqaurium down for a major remodel its initially hard to get the plants to separate from one another.
I like Foo the Flowerhorn...but those aquariums are groomed and pruned often etc. We get to see those aquariums on their best days not their worst.

Part of the solution is to have mainly stem and floating plants, don't stuff the tank with plants that only run roots in the soil. I do actually also 'replenish' the soil by putting in debris from outside, including dried leaves and twigs, plus I don't excessively clean/vacuum in order to allow some of the organics to decompose and return to the soil. That helps as well.
Obviously most neat youtube vloggers will groom what they show. Nonetheless the tank doesn't fall apart after a year because the nutrients are depleted, that's what I was pointing out.

It will not produce excessive ammonia...your plants will readily take ammonia and nitrates.
When I make this kimd of aqaurium I will install the soil and cap, rocks amd driftwood...wait 1-2 weeks...install 1-2 of the main plants....wait a couple weeks..put in a few more plants and a snail or two ,and then wait another week and fill in any other plants. Somewhere around 2 months add shrimp...and then later on a fish or two.
These kind of aquariums take some patience. If you are a type A personality that likes things to happen fast this kind of aqaurium might not be for you.

Agree with all except for the part where you advice to put in the plants in phases.
Best is to stuff the tank with plants right off the bat, as this is the best way to prevent algae problems later on. If you must add in batches, focus on the fast-growing and surface plants first, and do 'dress-ups' like anubias, java fern and moss later.

 

Since I'm thinking about a plexI lid (reduces evaporation, keeps mosquitos out), I've been looking for a light that'll work with it. I came across LED submersible lights on Amazon, but I've never used a submersible light before. Would it work if I used a larger size with it kept near the top? I wasn't thinking about any floating plants besides duckweed (which could literally multiple anywhere)
Edit: If I get the tank and gravel, I can set up the base of the tank without adding water. If I can get the lid before I leave, I'll add the water so it can sit for a week so I can hopefully start on cycling it early.

 

Since I'm thinking about a plexI lid (reduces evaporation, keeps mosquitos out), I've been looking for a light that'll work with it. I came across LED submersible lights on Amazon, but I've never used a submersible light before. Would it work if I used a larger size with it kept near the top? I wasn't thinking about any floating plants besides duckweed (which could literally multiple anywhere)
Edit: If I get the tank and gravel, I can set up the base of the tank without adding water. If I can get the lid before I leave, I'll add the water so it can sit for a week so I can hopefully start on cycling it early.

Research carefully what kind of light that is, most submersible lights widely available (that is, where I live at least) are just meant to be night lights for viewing your fish and are explicitly unsuitable for growing plants.

 

Quick update: I went to get the tank and realized just how tiny a 2.5 is, so I got a 5.5. I'll be using my other 5.5 for a pea puffer

 

I think the only reason they make 2.5 and 3 gallon aquariums is to get people into the hobby, have buyers remorse after seeing their fish in a tiny glass box and then go on to purchase a much larger aquarium.
Good luck to you, hope things go well with your new project.

 

I think the only reason they make 2.5 and 3 gallon aquariums is to get people into the hobby, have buyers remorse after seeing their fish in a tiny glass box and then go on to purchase a much larger aquarium.
Good luck to you, hope things go well with your new project.

Thanks. I spent about a half hour with my brother debating whether I should get a ten gallon tall instead and using my curent 5.5 for the walstad. I guess things were going to well, because I dropped my phone and cracked my screen lol. Tonight I'm back to sifting more soil so I can get enough lol.

 

Right now the tank has soil, the gravel cap, and water. I added the water last night, and it's a bit cloudy now. Tomorrow afternoon I'll do a 50-75% water change. The angle of the pic makes it look like it has less soil, and the black rI'm covers most of it too. I have a plexiglass lid to keep in the heat and reduce evaporation. I opted for a nonsubmersible light that I've bought before. It should arrive Monday, so I'll add the plants in then. I have a timer for the light so I can keep the plants growing while I'm gone. I did a water test and there's zero nitrites and ammonia (I didn't bother with nitrates). Also, I'm thinking of putting black construction paper behind the tank to cover the ugly wires

 

Since the light arrives tomorrow, I’m going to do the aquascaping today because tomorrow I’ll be too busy. I think I’ll also float some of my other plants in this tank because I can put a timer on the light while I’m gone for a week. Wish me luck!

 

Good luck and Merry Chrimiss