TheresaM's Project Tank thread

[TheresaM]

A couple of months ago I was browsing all of the no tech nano tanks, both here on AA and over at TPK. Ended up stumbling across threads about Walstad/NPT/el natural so I did some research and thought I'd give it a try.

I already had a small tank to use, some small gravel (Carib Sea Natural Peace River Sand), and lots of plant clippings; just needed some organic potting soil which the spouse picked up at HD.

Some of the plants:

Soil does not have to be rinsed, I just ran it thru my hands to remove larger bits then tapped it into place:

Next step is a small layer of gravel around the edges:

The very slow start of adding water:

 

[Angela1108]

Following


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[Mattfinn]

Following. Is this tank separate to your other nano tank build?

 

[TheresaM]

Following. Is this tank separate to your other nano tank build?

Yes it is

 

[Alexwm125]

Following. Looks cool ??


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3g Betta

 

[TheresaM]

Thanks, it's totally different from anything else I've ever done. I'll continue with the pics later today.

Also have another very nano setup I'm going to be starting soon....

 

[Alexwm125]

I'll have to make sure to check that out too!!

By no tech do you mean absolutely nothing including light?

Or is it just the light and no filter or heater?




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3g Betta

 

[TheresaM]

I'll have to make sure to check that out too!!

By no tech do you mean absolutely nothing including light?

Or is it just the light and no filter or heater?

This one is no light, no filter, no heater, no ferts. Mine is on a very small level but some folks end up with absolute jungles in larger tanks using the same concept.

 

[Alexwm125]

Seriously? I never though it would be possible to do that. Especially without a light. Wouldn't all of the plants just grow to the glass facing the window?

Also how does the water not go stagnant and get funky?/dead spot everywhere!?

I know nothing about this btw.
Is it possible to stock? Or no because of no filtration?


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3g Betta

 

[Mattfinn]

This one is no light, no filter, no heater, no ferts. Mine is on a very small level but some folks end up with absolute jungles in larger tanks using the same concept.

So you're aiming for walstad method?

 

[TheresaM]

Catching up on posts and emails while the coffee brews but I thought I'd share this link from The Planted Tank. A big variety of mini or nano low tech setups, the criteria to be in the thread was the following:

A clear container of 2g or less
Must have submersed plant(s)
Artificial light is the only technology
No to minimal fertilization
Must have a picture

I just wish folks who posted had listed their plants and stock. Quite interesting to see what people do successfully though!

 

[TheresaM]

Seriously? I never though it would be possible to do that. Especially without a light. Wouldn't all of the plants just grow to the glass facing the window?

Also how does the water not go stagnant and get funky?/dead spot everywhere!?

I know nothing about this btw.
Is it possible to stock? Or no because of no filtration?

Mine faces southeast so it gets a lot of morning sun. So far all plant growth has been upward rather than towards the side facing the window.

Honestly I only know the basics of Walstad. I did buy her book but I think a college degree is necessary to understand most of it. Found some basic help in the low tech section over at TPK.

I currently have some shrimp, MTS, and a bumblebee nerite in the tank. I'm planning to add a small group of dwarf amber barbs in the near future.

So you're aiming for walstad method?

That's what I'm trying for. Quite a few Walstad folks use a light and/or airstone, I probably would with a larger tank but so far everything is going along nicely without either.

 

[TheresaM]

At this point it was time to put it in the plants. It also started to get very messy and I started second guessing the project. Small tank, dirt, water, my hand, plants that kept popping out...very frustrating.

I don't know why capping only around the edges was recommended but I gave up on that quickly; at least the plants were staying in place. The floating debris at the waterline was not easy to remove.

Added a bit more water and really needed a break so I carefully moved it so it would be facing west, some sun for the plants and a chance for the messy water to settle.

 

[john_franzwa]

Following


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[RevLine]

Seriously? I never though it would be possible to do that. Especially without a light. Wouldn't all of the plants just grow to the glass facing the window?

Also how does the water not go stagnant and get funky?/dead spot everywhere!?

I know nothing about this btw.
Is it possible to stock? Or no because of no filtration?


29g Community

3g Betta

i would like to know as well. are you planning to put any fauna?
must be extra tricky due to the small tank size.

 

[tiger terror]

Quick question,did you moisten the soil before cap was applied?

Getcha sleeves wet fish tank people!

 

[TheresaM]

Quick question,did you moisten the soil before cap was applied?

I did not. I had a link with a photo step by step that I was carefully following...first time I felt stressed setting up a tank, I guess worried that I was going to do something wrong

 

[TheresaM]

First evening I set the tank up under a desk light, at least the water was finally starting to clear....

 

[TheresaM]

And the tank the following morning:

That's where the tank is currently located, like I said earlier it gets a good deal of morning sun.

There is one bumblebee nerite snail and a few random neo shrimp I grabbed from my other tanks. I originally put in 3 or 4 small MTS, they're breeding like crazy! There's also a single dwarf amber barb in the tank, not quite .5" long. It was the survivor of thinking my australe pair could live with other fish. I'm definitely planning on giving it a few more friends.

Best shot I could get, even alone it's very active and doesn't hide:

 

[Slavo]

Looking good Therasa, following.

Btw - Nice shot of the Barbus gracilis!


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