Just a thought: 100% water changes every month?

[ChoclateBetta]

Snails create solid waste.

[babystarz]

Originally Posted by ChoclateBetta

Snails create solid waste.

Right, but the plants will eat it as it breaks down.

[ChoclateBetta]

Fish tanks are not balanced ecosystems they do not work like that.

[babystarz]

Originally Posted by ChoclateBetta

Fish tanks are not balanced ecosystems they do not work like that.

Actually, that is the whole point of the Walstad method (naturally planted tank). To create a balanced ecosystem between the fish and plants. The only open part of the ecosystem is water additions and infrequent changes. Oh, and food.

[ChoclateBetta]

Whoops sorry thought you meant regular tank. What is special about Walstrad method?

[babystarz]

Originally Posted by ChoclateBetta

Whoops sorry thought you meant regular tank. What is special about Walstrad method?

The Walstad method uses real organic soil capped with sand, so that dead matter and waste can break down efficiently enough for the plants to eat it quickly. Its aim is to get as close to a closed ecosystem as is possible for a fish tank. Once the tank is established, water changes need to be done much less frequently than your average fish tank, because if you find the right balance of plants and animals, they contribute to each others' needs and do not produce excess waste.

If you've just got a gravel bottomed tank, then once a month changes certainly aren't going to work. With the Walstad method, this is easily achievable.

[ChoclateBetta]

I would never try the Walstrad method. Maybe someday I will try it.

[babystarz]

Originally Posted by ChoclateBetta

I would never try the Walstrad method. Maybe someday I will try it.

Er, huh? That was a little contradictory :P But I highly recommend it, and OFL has a great stickied thread explaining her version of the method in the plants subforum :) Despite the technical-sounding name, I found the method very beginner-friendly too.

[ChoclateBetta]

I might try ot in a small tank when I am older but if I get a new tank for christmas I am using aquarium plant substrate.

[Hallyx]

Unless you're running a NPT, weekly 50% changes are recommended to reduce DOCs (disolved organic compounds) and to replace minerals.

There's more to it, if you're interested:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...hanges-117205/