Diana Walstad?

[captmicha]

I want to try the Diana Walstad method. Right now I use Shultz Aquatic Plant Soil from Home Depot. It's called aquatic garden soil, but it's like small pieces of clay, kind of like clay pellets. So this isn't the kind of soil that they're saying to use when they're talking about the Diana Walstad method, or is it? And if it's not, do you think it'll work just as well as soil (the black/brown potting kind)?

http://media.photobucket.com/image/...aphotoguy/Plumeria photos/SchulttzAquatic.jpg

 

[petluvr]

Don't know about the soil but I LOVE the Walstad tanks. Just remember to plant HEAVILY and stock super lightly. Make sure to post up some pics

 

[Canuck]

Not an expert on Walstad's tanks but I don't believe the aquatic plant soil would be an adequate alternative. I believe the soil is supposed to provide low levels of ferts, micros and carbon as it would for plants in natural settings. The Shultz (I believe) does provide some micros but wouldn't provide ferts or work as a carbon source.

 

[jptjpt]

Head over to gwapa.com and read the soil substrate article by Aaron Talbot. I have a 55G tank done this way w/ a couple tweaks of my own, and plants are growing well. You won't need to dose any fertz for at least 5-6 mos. and after that, very minimal dosing. If you are still interested in doing one after the read, PM me; I'll give you links on where to get the needed materials.

 

[captmicha]

Thanks! I will. I haven't done a second read through yet of the first article (**** this A.D.D.!) but will look at your link too. Why does it have to be stocked lightly w/ fish? These tanks don't have mechanical filters?

 

[Notophthalmus]

Correct. The plants do all the filtration. That said, you can have a moderate stocking level once your plants are well-established. You just have to be careful, add fish a few at a time, and pay close attention to parameters.

 

[customdrum]

the shultz aquasoil is not that great, i tried it and its to light, wont hold plants down and will get sucked in your filter if its stirred up. its clay with no nutirents at all. hard to hold plants down with it since its so light and airy, i wouldnt recommend using it but people love it so your call lol

 

[captmicha]

Yeah, I noticed that too about it. My plants are constantly being uprooted unless I've had the plants in there for a while and they have extensive root systems. Dirt also gets down into it but it's hard to vac it b/c it all gets sucked up w/ the siphon action.

Can't I add a filter to the tank and that way I can add more fish?