No Filter?

[Malawi MaD]

Think the 16L will be too small it will be more hassle than enjoyment a think? Got anything 100+? Think this is the only way it could work so the water is stable more than anything.

 

[mike455555]

the biggest iv got is 90l at the moment not set up but i can always get a bigger one if needed =] i might give it a go in the near future

thanks for Diana Wasltads natural planted tank iv just read it =] it sounds good i dident think it could be stocked that much tbh

 

[Ziggs180]

You can actually stock it pretty well, and the best part is you only need to change the water once a month because the plants eat up all the Nitrates. Just make sure to plant very heavily and get lots of fast growing plants to eat up Ammonia during the initial phase.

 

[mike455555]

thanks for the advice =] i think i might set one up eventually =] surely you don't need to do any water changes once the balance is spot on?

 

[ZoddyZod]

I don't know if you'll ever find an exat measurement for your answer. Basically you need a densely planted tank/palaudrium and very few fish. Even then I think you need a powerhead to move the water around (but not sure on that point)

Look at the thread "Tom's bucket o'mud" in the planted section to give you an idea.

 

[mike455555]

can you link me to it its proving hard to find?

 

[This Old Spouse]

Doesn't or didn't OldMan47 have a Walstad-type tank set up?

 

[nitrogen15]

Are you talking about a Leiden type of setup? Those used to be pretty common before filtration was readily available. Some fishkeepers swear by this method, and I've been planning to try it. I'd say a minimum of about 40 liters to stock it with a betta or a couple white clouds. You'd need a plant-friendly substrate, such as sand topped with peat moss topped with gravel, and then you'd need to plant it heavily and let the plants grow in before adding fish. Some people combine this technique with a filter to get the Dutch look with added peace of mind.

http/www.fishgeeks.com/fishforums/viewtopic.php?t=57246
http/www.tfhmagazine.com/blogs/2010/04/07/why-leiden-style/

 

[mike455555]

iv got a 90l i might try it with a betta, hes got alot of plants in his 4 inch's a day growth? that seems alot and alot of light (which i doubt the 90 will provide)

 

[nitrogen15]

Yep, in both of the linked setups they're using a lot of light and getting a lot of growth. The only biological filters are the substrate and the growing plants. It's necessary to have a fair amount of light once you've got that many plants competing for it, esp. when you're using fast-growing species. One betta in a 90L sounds like a really safe start for this method. If you give it a go, definitely share your results! I'm sorely tempted to start a planted nano now.

 

[fishyfeet]

im sure there is site where someone has done this, keep a few fish with a huge tank totally planted, the plants supply everything the fish needs and vise versa, i know its a lots of plants and very few small fish di