WHY Your WALSTAD METHOD Tank SUCKS - Solutions to DIRTED Aquarium Problems

Fish Tank Twink
Fish Tank Twink
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Published 2024-07-20
Comprehensive and easy-to-understand overview of solutions to common problems in Walstad method aquariums. Diagnosing and problem solving issues you may experience in the Walstad tank.
ABOUT THIS VIDEO & TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Identifying Problems
1:00 - Wrong Type of Substrate
2:38 - Wrong Amount of Substrate
4:21 - Add More Plants
5:00 - The Aerial Advantage
6:30 - Circulation
7:57 - For Beginners
8:19 - Final Thoughts

PLANT LIST
Hygrophila angustifolia
Bacopa monnieri
Ludwigia repens
Dwarf sagittaria
Anubias

FLOATING PLANTS
Salvinia minima
Duckweed

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WHO AM I?
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My name is Navin and I've been keeping aquariums for over 15 years. I've went to Marine Oceanographic Academy where I studied aquatic sciences and have a master's degree in communication. I wanted to combine my hobbies of fishkeeping and public speaking by creating educational and informative videos about aquariums. I enjoy teaching and sharing my love for this hobby with others!

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In this video, I cover common problems people encounter with their Walstad method tank, while giving solutions to these problems. I create a 3 gallon rimless cube, using a "dirted" soil substrate, capped by sand. The tank is inspired by the Diana Walstad method. Additionally, this video shows specific instances of how her book, Ecology of the Planted Aquarium, can help alleviate the problems many home aquarist encounter.

I personally love Walstad tanks and find them easy, but I understand many find them difficult. Don't be afraid of anaerobic soil conditions, or not having a filter. Afterall, nature is successful in keeping plants and microbial life alive in wetlands, bogs, and marshlands, where these low -oxygen conditions exist. Everyone's tank is different, and these topics may not apply to your tank but may apply to someone's. There is no correct way to have a successful aquarium. Some have high flow, some have no flow, some have light from windows, some have light from LED light bars. Everything is a balancing act, and any can have success or problems.

Happy Fishkeeping!

MUSIC

Autumn Voyage - Official RuneScape Soundtrack owned by
All Comments (21)
  • @princescdk3107
    Walsted method combined with modern equipment makes the dream. I got a 55 gallon 2 inch of soil and 4 inch of sand. In my soil layer I used potting soil, sprinkled some osmocote plus, and organic fertilizer this made it packed with nutrients so the 4 inch was necessary. For light I didn't want to drop 500 on Kessel so I baugh 4 60w led flood lights at 6500k. For plants I'm using pearl week and all around the edges like a wall is water wisteria. 2 tidal 110 for flow mostly but I do have some filter media. This tank has been running for 3 months now and I have a nearly complete carpet with a dense wall of wisteria. I think my fishes are happy because they are lively. This tank is my 6th try at no water change aquarium and I am proud to say I have never done one aside from top off. No heater the flood light keep the tank at 80f and I'm also using the walstead fiesta method 5 on 7off 5on 7off for light periods. Every new tank will be set up like this with the only difference being plant location and maybe species. I do love me some pearlweed carpet and wisteria 😅
  • @raimundosantana
    Great video! I'm starting a new tank soon, and it will be my second one using dirt. It will not be the Walstad Method, but these informations are so valuable. Its a great book, thanks for putting an image to visualize it properly.
  • @mirzuri
    as someone who newly started an aquarium using walstad method this is very helpful and informative thank you
  • @kirbymullins9266
    My hygrophila grew so fast. It started submerged, but within a couple of months it was growing a foot above the tank. Unfortunately when it grew out of the tank it decided to drop all it's submerged leaves so it didn't look great inside the tank, but at least it's still highly functional.
  • @beaglegod1
    Man, this was really good information. REALLY good and very well presented.
  • @guadaguppy4798
    @6:30 regarding circulation. In dianas book (mines was the pdf version) it was infact mentioned that the use of a filter to move water can be used. I dunno but the no filter aquarium has been highly romantizied that people are convinced that is what makes it a walstad tank. Pages 183 - 184 and even mentioned the use of HOBs and Canister filter (for bigger aquariums)
  • @mexicalifishkeeper
    Great video Navin, I've taken some of the Walstad and Father Fish methods and have modified it to my needs.
  • @RampartPh
    Great insights . But how about pathos and lucky bamboo plants? Are they of big help warding off deadly gases?
  • @roxymoron12345
    Starting a shrimp tank using walstad and a small bubbler. I have peat at the base and will cap with fine gravel. Subscribed baaaaaaby ❤
  • @AWY-LO
    What if you use aquasoil do you still need to cap it?
  • @DrWyatt-zk6oj
    You got me interested in aquariums now. As a beginner, would you recommend a Walstad Method style aquarium or something else?