The Ultimate Guide to WALSTAD Dirted Aquarium Upkeep

Discover the art of balancing a Walstad tank in our latest video. Dive into our step-by-step guide where we demonstrate a 50% water change to regulate potassium levels, increase feeding schedules to boost nitrate, and introduce Sulawesi GH buffer and bicarbonate of soda to enhance water hardness. Join us on this journey to create the perfect environment for your aquatic life. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with fellow aquarium enthusiasts.

[@pattys_aquatics]

Another great video Keith! Dropping informative knowledge as usual . That tank I looking great as well😁👍

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Cheers my mate!

[@gbeeshrimp]

Be good to get feedback on how you find that Gh+ in the walstad tank. Great video

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

I'll keep you updated. I usually make stock solutions like the balling method, but I thought this would be easier.

[@peterkeightley4256]

Really informative stuff. Thanks for posting this. What's your nitrate test kit? Always found it hard to get a reliable test for nitrate.

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

I've been using the NT labs test kits for a while now.

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

Informative and interesting which is hard on a dry subject.. great job buddy

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

Thanks, Stubbsy! I'm just trying to add the background theory to my catalogue before I start having fun with my planted tanks.

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

@@aquaticfanaticsuk oh it will be good my friend

[@bigfishlad4847]

Another top video Keith 💯 why do you heat the bicarbonate soda?

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

I bake it on low to create soda ash so it won't raise Ph. I mix with warm water to get it to dissolve if that makes sense? Cheers, Paul!

[@bigfishlad4847]

@@aquaticfanaticsuk yes it does

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

@@bigfishlad4847 it's an idea I knocked from my marine keeping days

[@Gilsfishroom]

I might have to test my little dirted tank. Before I put the dirt in, I spread some potash and dolomite on the bottom. Would that be measurable in the water do you think?

[@aquaticfanaticsuk]

It depends, really on the soil you used. Most soils should buffer the water to a neutral Ph. However, some can have peat, which will turn the water slightly acidic. In theory, as the water becomes more acidic, the solubility of the calcium and magnesium in the dolomite and the potassium from the potash should increase. However, the soil or Kh in your water may buffer the ph and render them pretty inert. If they are dissolving into the water, you would be able to measure them with a test kit.