First Attempt (20 Gal)
Hi All,
I’ve been wanting to make an aquarium for many years, so finding the Walstad method was quite interesting and I figured to take a dive into it.
My tank has been set up for two weeks. So far, I have the following:
-Water Lettuce
-Rotala
-Assorted Crypts
-Dwarf Sag
-Java Fern
-Echinodorus grisebachii
I have an Imagitarium water skimmer to help with some of the water movement and oil on the surface of the water, along with a water heater to keep temp (which hasn’t been needed with this heat).
Biofilm has built, which I’ll take as a good sign. My rotala are all growing, and water lettuce have been the MVP as I’ve tried to source plants. I understand I may need more plants to put in to really fill out the tank. Though, I do not know what I should get next.
I had started with around 14 hours of light a day in the first week, now down to around 6-8 a day.
I believe I planted my dwarf sag incorrectly, as I just put in the whole plant from the container it was in instead of separating and planting in fear of destroying the roots.
I have done 4 50% water changes at this point. PH sitting around 7, and NH4 around 0.5-1.0 mg/L
I have learned a couple things:
- Plants are stubborn, and they can and will survive as long as you give them the minimum.
- Patience is the name of the game. I cannot rush things, I am making an ecosystem and that takes time.
- I have learned a lot already, and will continue to do so. I wish I knew more when starting the tank, but I could only learn through trying.
- Damn, this tank is cool to look at.
I’d love to hear advice from you all, as I am far from a master in this endeavor. Thanks for reading.