Recent content by sn0wlvlan

Thanks for the advices GaryE. Yes it's cycled, with 0, 0, ~5 readings. For now it's in a 2ft as a juvenile. It's condition looks like it's deteriorating, I hope it will last and recover for me to do the wc next few days 🙏

HELP! My new Channa Bleheri appears to be having breathing issues. It's 4" in a 17.5g tank (1ft water depth) pH 6.6, Amm 0, Nitrates close to 5ppm Water temp 26°C Now reduced to 2.5" water level, did a water change, introduced in 1 air stone and 1 air stone disk. I do not have any...

BUT AS EXPECTED, HIGH AMMONIA, NITRATES ARE STILL PRESENT. Nitrites are normally 0 now. Until Day 9, maintenance as usual 30-50% WC Day 10 I thought of skipping a day and monitor. Then Day 11 below: The highest amm spike yet. Frm observation, the after wc will inc back to 2ppm. So...

Day 11 Update: Alright, understood that the current observation was no-go already, but at the same time many sources saying to just wait it out, and so I did just to experiment and learn. Day 11 (Some stems mostly ludwigia at the middle, java moss on driftwood & frogbit floaters added at day...

They look great! Thanks for sharing :)

Appreciate the sharing. Fish first, plants second. Most old "fads" abt rich soils for plants prolly end in disasters (well maybe unless it's a plant grow out tank). Research deeply before diving in.

True but isn't this the case with any substrate actually? Eventually ideally replacements, dosing, or tabs will be needed.

Got it, no substrate fish - but what about shrimps?Feels like I should just change my whole substrate.. I thought of walstad to be the ultra low tech no filter needed only light setup. "plants will grow equally well in inert sand as in soil, perhaps even better." Is this actually true? Or is it...

Thanks for this, I think many new walstad starters who just dive in (not proud) should be aware.

Thanks for the tips! On this note, I am actually capping it with inert sand (do correct me if I'm wrong - Rio Montana Medium. It should be PH & Substrate Neutral. The only active one is the soil below)

Yea I've always seen references to organic potting soil / topsoil / garden soil. Just not fertilized and no organic matter

Another question, once you have found the "perfect" combination for your soil & substrate, hows the maintenance usually like during the starting phase? Ideal case was like @connorlindeman having little no none ammonia. But shall there be spikes like my case of say 1ppm ammonia and 20ppm...