Walstad Method

[fish.com1]

hi everyone,

i am hoping to set up a 20 litre walstad style tank. I have just a few questions.


first do you need sunlight or can you just use artificial light? And obviously you need real plants but will the soil substrate under the gravel provide c02 for the plants so there would be no need for more c02. If i don't have the tank near sunlight would it be best to have 1.8 wpg or 3.6 wpg of light?
i know your meant to keep them lightly stocked.Would one betta be ok in a 20 litre?

oh and does anyone have any experience with aqua vital heaters? are they good?

thanks

 

[tenohfive]

Might be better sticking a post up in the planted section for advice.

 

[fish.com1]

Anybody?

 

[Colin_T]

You can use natural sunlight or artificial lighting for any tank. Artificial lighting is easier to control and you get more even results. Sunlight can vary depending on where you live. In Australia it can be too much but in the UK it might not be enough.

Most tanks have plenty of bacteria living in the gravel and in the filter. These bacteria produce plenty of carbon dioxide (CO2) and this is used by the plants. Additional/ supplemental CO2 can be added if the tank is really heavily planted and there is lots of light and nutrients. If there aren’t heaps of plants getting lots of light or nutrients than it isn’t worth adding CO2.

You can have 1.8wpg or more. The amount of light you have will determine what plants you can keep. The more light, the more variety of plants you will be able to keep.

1 Betta will be fine in a 20litre tank.
Sorry can’t help you with the heater info.

 

[aaronnorth]

first do you need sunlight or can you just use artificial light?

you dont really use sunlight, but natural daylight, so p[lace it where it will recieve the most daylight. Artificail can be used if you want, and like colin says, it will give better results.

And obviously you need real plants but will the soil substrate under the gravel provide c02 for the plants so there would be no need for more c02.

Plants dont take in CO2 through the roots, but anyway you dont have to inject CO2, the idea with a Walstad style tank is for it to be natural. You dont see CO2 injection systems beside the Amazon!

If i don't have the tank near sunlight would it be best to have 1.8 wpg or 3.6 wpg of light?

1.8wpg, it is lower light therefore less niutrients and CO2 are needed, so this means it is easier for the fish & food to produce enough for the plant needs.

i know your meant to keep them lightly stocked.Would one betta be ok in a 20 litre?

In a walstad style tank, you have to overstock, as this is how the plants get their nutrients, and a bit of CO2.

Have you read her book? Ecology of the planted aquarium? If not then i suggest you do before using this method, there is alot to get your head around.