10 gallon "native" build

[jpappy789]

Patience!? This is what I have to look at for another week...and if you're wondering what that is, it would be a bowl of najas...

 

[jpappy789]

patience young padawan (side note, went out yesterday and got a bunch more e.evergladei, not sure if any e.gilberti are in there but I'll have to check. Also some kind of najas grass with curly tips made its way in)

Definitely let me know if any gilberti pop up!

 

[pbeemer]

for what it's worth, i've ordered from aquaculture store and while they're pricey i've been quite happy with the fish i got

 

[jpappy789]

I will probably be getting the killies there at least.

 

[garyfla]

Hi
I think if I were you I'd fill the tank with water to see how stable the soil will be .??
I've tried this on several tanks and the best IMO is either "topsoil" or boiled canadian peat. Most potting soils have too much organic matter and /or fertilizers. There is also a period where the bacteria form gas pockets which blows up a nice display lol.
Anyway filling with water will give you some idea how it will behave?? Good luck gary

 

[jpappy789]

I will be capping it with sand but am waiting for the plants to arrive so they can be planted into the soil first.

I am following Diana Walstad's methods found here: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/00388Shrimp.pdf

Same exact soil. No chemical fertilizers and low NPK (0.010-0.05-0.05).

I trust what she has to say especially considering how her methods are unorthodox already.

 

[jpappy789]

Plants supposed to arrive tomorrow...pumped! :thumbsup:

 

[RazzleFish]

Sounds like a great little tank! I'll be checking this often for updates!

 

[jpappy789]

Plants are here :dance:

Will post pics sometime tomorrow evening after I do some rearranging.

 

[allaboutfish]

the sooner the better