The True Walstad Method: Understand the Science Behind Planted Tanks

Discover the true essence of the Walstad method in this comprehensive video! 🌿 Learn how to grow rare aquarium plants. Dive deep into the scientific principles behind this popular approach to creating self-sustaining planted aquariums. We’ll explore the core concepts from Diana Walstad’s book, “Ecology of the Planted Aquarium,” and address common modifications made by hobbyists. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this video will help you understand the science behind a balanced, natural aquarium. Don’t miss out on expert tips and insights to perfect your planted tank setup!

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

You won't get oxigen in that bottom substrate. You are getting anaerobic condițions, and anaerobic release gases.

[@MiraSubieGirl]

I have like 45 plants in my 400L long tank. Its so much that I can go years with just top ups. However I dont, once a month or 2 ill do a vac of poop and about a 30-40% change. Top ups ofc.

[@crotchet1586]

Aquatics by nature claims not to do water changes and tops up with rain water, if memory serves. His aquarium has been running for 30 yrs.

[@Whitecloud706]

Your water is so cloudy you don’t get that with two inches of sand I set up three father fish tank and I’ve never looked back. I’ll stick with sand after seen your clouds water

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

Sand is best, since it is inert.

[@jeffkane4391]

Well said sir thanks for sharing 😊

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Thanks for watching mate!

[@arturproc7047]

Hi, you mentioned about epsom salt. Could you write how do you use it? I put a limestone to my lifebreeders tank and it works good. Epsom use for short threetments but think it can be also good source of magnesium in the main tank. What about some source of potassium?

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Good questions. To be honest, I've been using qualdrops designed for shrimp tanks to raise my gh. In her book, she recommends 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium when raising the gh. My tap gh is 7, so I only raise my gh by 1 using the qualdrops. The potassium, if I'm on, my tanks potassium levels are off the chart, they're usually at about 30 ppm due to the soil when I've tested them so I've never really needed to do anything with the potassium levels.

[@TalisaAquarist]

Very informative video! Did you use organic potting soil for the base layer? I watched the video but didn’t catch what exactly you used under the pea gravel.

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Yeah, it's organic potting soil. Specifically organic top soil.

[@TalisaAquarist]

Thanks! I am going to order her book and look into the walstad method a lot more!

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

@@TalisaAquarist thank you for sharing my video! The book is definitely worth a read. Even just for the understanding of plants

[@kacperptak7881]

Very informative this is the information i was trying to find thank you, i think when doing long informative videos, it would be useful to 1) split into distinct chapters throughout video 2) have some information up on screen, even if its just what youre talking about in the chapter (for example half the screen is you and half the screen is the important key ideas in this chapter). I think this would organise all the information nicely and make for an easier understanding for new people especially, as its alot of info to digest. Thanks for making the video.

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Thank you for this feedback! I set out to make this video with the intention of pointing out the key differences between the method described in the book and the versions that seem to live in the world of social media. It never occurred to me that people would watch for the information itself if that makes sense? I am more than happy to make more informative videos based on the method and my experiences with it if people would find this beneficial

[@neutronshiva2498]

Was this supposed to be rebuttal of Father FIsh? That is what you seem to be doing here. Not undermining your opinion, just curious.

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

No, I was pointing out some of the regular misconceptions about Diana Walstad’s book and what her book actually suggests

[@FreshwaterIchthyology]

Brilliant video. It certainly is worth discussing, I'd like to discuss it further. I am certainly more fish focused whereas others maybe more plant focused. I think there is the balance where some are prioritizing the plants so much more then the fish, the fish become decor for the plants in these modern methods, fishes aren't treated as sentient creatures similar to corals vs fishes in marine. The problem probably stems from these modern appealing methods who simplify it all and make it too DIY. The interesting thing is you mentioned the miracle grow soil Diana Walstad promoted? There was a later video made maybe last year where she said any house plant soil would work which is very misleading as house plant soils are vague. But peat caught my interest more. In horticulture everyone is moving away from peat and we're seeing more branded peat alternatives? It would be epic to see if anyone has used coco fibre as the alternative in these methods, maybe more of a personal soil mix as coco fibre itself can't be great. I can see a soon future where peat will become non-accessible.

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

If I'm honest, Rebecca, I tend to be a little more fish focused than plant. I tend to see them as attractive filtration at times. Put I also try to bear in mind that a growing plant is absorbing nutrients. With regards to the peat, I think it is going to be phased out in the UK. Therefore, I've been focusing on clay based organic soils for their high CEC value. This whole topic is something I'd value your opinion on with your background.

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

I've used coco nugs for a deep layer with clay balls under gravel and sand and they are still a nightmare working their way to the surface years later lol. Brownian motion is weird.

[@bigfishlad4847]

Great video Keith... Keeping it real I love it

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Yeah, I feel I needed a video in my collection that explains the difference between what I do compared to others

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

Excellent vid Keith I am releasing a vid soon on bog Filtration for both ponds and aquariums done by a number of KZbinrs throughout the world. I should of asked you.... Great work. Very well explained

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Thanks, mate! I don't plan on going anywhere for a long time, so we've got plenty of time to catch up and talk about natural filtration my mate!

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

@@aquaticfanaticsuk I will be releasing vid this week

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

@stubbsaquatics6080 looking forward to it mate

[@pelhamsaquatics]

2nd 🥈 😊- im thinking a half inch of potting soil 2 inch 2mm gravel. ?? How that sound keith?

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

I think more gravel is fine as the mulm will build over time

[@pelhamsaquatics]

@@aquaticfanaticsuk ahh ok, ill be setting up on a live , do you reckon ill need power for the tank other than a light?

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

@pelhamsaquatics I run a small powered in mine for flow.

[@bigfishlad4847]

First

[@pelhamsaquatics]

@@bigfishlad4847 was very close Paul😅 i got a phone call and i paused😭😭😭lol

[@bigfishlad4847]

@@pelhamsaquatics You were watching my video lol thats how I new I would win

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

@bigfishlad4847 😂