Finally! (Pics to Follow!)

[Relic]

Looks good. It's my understanding that with the use of potting soil, there is no need for CO2...the carbon is created naturally within the tank. The trick is not to have any surface disruption so the CO2 is not dissipated. I recommend an internal filter or if your filter is adjustable make sure the outflow is below the surface.

[Bettanewbie60]

That looks awesome! I am so excited to get mine going...I am trying not to use any Co2 or ferts in mine...Walstad method I'm hoping. I don't think OFL uses any in hers, but I may be mistaken. So with the filter, do you just take the cartridge out and let it run that way, or do you put something else in the filter area?

[Relic]

Originally Posted by Bettanewbie60

That looks awesome! I am so excited to get mine going...I am trying not to use any Co2 or ferts in mine...Walstad method I'm hoping. I don't think OFL uses any in hers, but I may be mistaken. So with the filter, do you just take the cartridge out and let it run that way, or do you put something else in the filter area?

You can use filters..just don't use activated carbon. you can uses sponges or get some quilt backing from the craft store and use that.

[Bettanewbie60]

Originally Posted by Relic

You can use filters..just don't use activated carbon. you can uses sponges or get some quilt backing from the craft store and use that.

Thanks! I have heard so many conflicting opinions..and I'm thinking if it is a Walstad set up, it should be only one right? LOL...it's all good.

[starrlamia]

Originally Posted by Relic

Looks good. It's my understanding that with the use of potting soil, there is no need for CO2...the carbon is created naturally within the tank. The trick is not to have any surface disruption so the CO2 is not dissipated. I recommend an internal filter or if your filter is adjustable make sure the outflow is below the surface.

actually if you want to maximize growth co2 is needed. Your plants will only grow based on what you provide them, with no co2 plants grow much more slowly but will remain healthy. co2 wont be produced in the same quantities by the soil as you would get from a full setup.

The tank looks amazing!

[Relic]

Originally Posted by starrlamia

actually if you want to maximize growth co2 is needed. Your plants will only grow based on what you provide them, with no co2 plants grow much more slowly but will remain healthy. co2 wont be produced in the same quantities by the soil as you would get from a full setup.

The tank looks amazing!

Agreed.
Though...from what I understand a true NPT should be pretty much self sustaining as far as the plant care is concerned?

[starrlamia]

Originally Posted by Relic

Agreed.
Though...from what I understand a true NPT should be pretty much self sustaining as far as the plant care is concerned?

Yes it's self sustaining but with limits, because of the low amount of nutrients and co2 plant growth is limited. To maximise you would have to go high tech including ferts and co2.

[xjenuhfur]

So pretty! What are the red plants in there? (:

[Relic]

Originally Posted by starrlamia

Yes it's self sustaining but with limits, because of the low amount of nutrients and co2 plant growth is limited. To maximise you would have to go high tech including ferts and co2.

Makes sense.
I run CO2 in all my planted tanks and use ferts where needed{flourish liquid and flourish root tabs}
I'm getting ready to set up a high pressure system for the big tank. I work for a gas company so I can get everything needed for next to nothing...the CO2 would be free.

[starrlamia]

Oh lucky! I would look into dosing more macro ferts though, flourish is good for micro and root tabs are good for root feeders but dosing macros into the water column is good for stems etc. I get dry ferts and it's cheap and they last a long time.