Explaining the Walstad Method: An Introduction

This is my first in a series of videos with my explanation of the Walstad Method for planted aquariums. In the intro i am talking about the basic idea behind a Walstad aquarium. This is my interpretation pf the approach based on my experience.
See all the videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrJoeGecko#grid/user/5A63461AF82A5DDB

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Walstad
• Walstad Aquarium
• aquarium
• fish tank
• dirt tank
• low tech
• tank
• freshwater tank
• 55
• 55 gallon
• naturally planted tank
• npt
• planted
• planted tank
• planted aquarium
• aquatic

[giloz2k]

Hi there, I have followed this method, or at least I tried but I cannot get rid of the dark stain (tannins maybe?) in the water, is there something that you recommend? any advice? thank you, your help is deeply appreciated.

[MrJoeGecko]

@giloz2k Tannins can come from a few different sources but the dirt and wood are the primary culprits. Not knowing how your tank is set up I would guess you have some wood in there and that would be the primary source. Generally speaking, a well capped dirt substrate will leech VERY little BUT a new tank could do this, especially if dirt has settled on the gravel/sand cap. PM me with some more detail and I might be able to get a bit more specific.

[mbezik]

very good vid! i use a similar method in my setup, maybe slightly more high tech but i use some of these principles, ill have to get a copy of that book

[MrJoeGecko]

@mbezik sometimes there is no substitute for high tech when it comes to certain plants or fish but it sounds like you got the idea, leverage what you can so that high-tech does not become such high maintenance.

[narnyslip]

Yes Very intresting!! I like the concept of a self maintained low maintanance aquarium and as natural as possible. Keep them coming.

[MrJoeGecko]

@narnyslip working on the next 2 videos today and hoping to have them up in the next day or 2. Glad everyone is finding them useful.

[giloz2k]

@ethansk8ter Thanks, tried but it did not work, I ended up starting from scratch and not using dirt, I used a mix of eco-complete, floramax and seachem's flourite. about 20 bags all together for a 179.5 US gallons.

[ethansk8ter]

@giloz2k Use Seachem's Purigen, it will pull it out of the water within a day.

[HylomantisLemur]

Nice video! Thinking of setting up a walsted style tank soon.

You sound like Tom Hanks IMO.

[gonnagetbannedanyway]

Very useful, thank you very very much.

[keepingfish]

well done. enjoyed this very much, thanks!