What Do You Think Of This?

[Chuka1212]

So in my hunt to find a good method for starting a successful planted tank, I came across this. It seems like a hippy way of doing a planted tank...

What are you opinions about it?

http/thegab.org/Articles/WalstadTank.html

 

[Mikaila31]

It is possible to have a planted tank, with fish but no filter and 0ammonia. Yet it isn't possible for the tank in the picture and some of the things they say aren't right. The tank in the picture looks like it has a filter anyway. For a planted tank with no filter, you will still need a powerhead to circulate the water or else you will have heating problems. Also they tend to be lightly stocked with fish, because if you add too many fish they will produce more ammonia then the plants can use.

 

[Bignose]

Before you decry this a "the hippie way" (which is nothing more than an ad hominem attack), maybe you should actually read her book and understand the ideas in the book. Her book is Ecology of the Panted Aquarium and it is very well researched and documented. That is to say, when she uses a nugget of information, she cites where she got the information from so you can go look it up for yourself rather than take her word on it. Her book is written on sound scientific principles, and she and many others have had lots of success keeping tanks the way she describes.

Rather than name calling (ad hom attacks) why don't you actually try to argue against the science or principles of the method.

 

[Themuleous]

Rather than name calling (ad hom attacks) why don't you actually try to argue against the science or principles of the method.

I don't think that was their intention at all to be fair its not often used these days, so it might to some seem a bit hippy as its very 'natural' and not at all like the high light, co2, lots of ferts tanks we typically run.

I would second the call to read her book, it can be a bit tough going but its well worth a read

Sam

 

[Chuka1212]

Before you decry this a "the hippie way" (which is nothing more than an ad hominem attack), maybe you should actually read her book and understand the ideas in the book. Her book is Ecology of the Panted Aquarium and it is very well researched and documented. That is to say, when she uses a nugget of information, she cites where she got the information from so you can go look it up for yourself rather than take her word on it. Her book is written on sound scientific principles, and she and many others have had lots of success keeping tanks the way she describes.

Rather than name calling (ad hom attacks) why don't you actually try to argue against the science or principles of the method.

Yikes, I must have insulted a hippie. Just kidding... don't get offended all over again. I really didn't mean it as an attack (like Themoleous said and thank you), just sort of joking around about how natural and carefree it seemed. If I would have discounted it completely as some crummy way of doing things, I would not have brought it to these forums seeking opinions and advise about it. Surely this attests to the fact that I was indeed considering to set up a tank in this way.

 

[Bignose]

I'm sorry if I got a little too aggressive myself, but it just looked like you we doing nothing but name-calling when you didn't know anything about it. The science behind the method is very sound, and when I perceived as an attack on the method by name calling instead of questioning the science (a huge logical fallacy, ad hom like I said above), I really get riled up.

So, go read up on the method. Your local library should be able to get the book for you, or you can order it off of amazon.com. Like I said, the science is very sound. It is based on exactly the methods nature uses. Nature doesn't have CO2 injectors, or fluorite substrates. Nature does have soil substrates and sunlight.

 

[lljdma06]

I'm sorry if I got a little too aggressive myself, but it just looked like you we doing nothing but name-calling when you didn't know anything about it. The science behind the method is very sound, and when I perceived as an attack on the method by name calling instead of questioning the science (a huge logical fallacy, ad hom like I said above), I really get riled up.

So, go read up on the method. Your local library should be able to get the book for you, or you can order it off of amazon.com. Like I said, the science is very sound. It is based on exactly the methods nature uses. Nature doesn't have CO2 injectors, or fluorite substrates. Nature does have soil substrates and sunlight.

Watch your terminology, a "Nature" aquarium can several different meanings. "Nature" aquarium often refers to the aquascaping methodology of Takashi Amano and often involves CO2 injection and either soil or fluorite substrates. It can also mean Walstad style types, though the terms I often come across are "Walstad" or "El Natural" aquariums.

Glad this was resolved with minimal if any bloodshed. I almost had to watch this thread.

llj

 

[Chuka1212]

I'm sorry if I got a little too aggressive myself, but it just looked like you we doing nothing but name-calling when you didn't know anything about it. The science behind the method is very sound, and when I perceived as an attack on the method by name calling instead of questioning the science (a huge logical fallacy, ad hom like I said above), I really get riled up.

So, go read up on the method. Your local library should be able to get the book for you, or you can order it off of amazon.com. Like I said, the science is very sound. It is based on exactly the methods nature uses. Nature doesn't have CO2 injectors, or fluorite substrates. Nature does have soil substrates and sunlight.

I sure will, it is very intriguing and seems to be quite economical too.

Man, we almost got the mod involved! Scary stuff... Good thing we are adults and capable of resolving issue or the TFF would have had his way with us.

 

[Themuleous]

Alls well that ends well

 

[George Farmer]

It's a good book.

A bit too 'hippy'? No way.

 

[Chuka1212]

Someone was nice enough to let me borrow this book (that talks about the Walsted tank) and it is AMAZING. I am just glad I have a background in studying Biology and Chemistry or else this would have been a difficult read. It is amazing in its detail and in referencing scientific experiments... I have never seen an aquarium book like it. The website I found originally and posted does not do justice to the Walsted method.

 

[TammyLiz]

I've become more and more interested in these types of methods and have been doing some reading on them myself. Its good to know the book is good. I might try and get a hold of a copy.