This is 7 months update. The fish are called Sparkling or Pygmy gourami.

The difficult decision of letting the Amano release her larvae in the tank was made. I researched quite a bit, and I figured there’s about 50/50 chance that I could raise the amano shrimplets. But if I failed, the larvae would go to waste, and if I succeeded, I would end up with over a hundred amanos. I really need the gourami fry to grow up and eat any newborn shrimplets. The number of shrimps in this tank is ridiculous. There are so many shrimplets that don’t show up on camera.

I think I’m gonna have to do something soon. The balance of the aquarium is breaking.

The fresh spinach was boiled for about 10 minutes. That’s why it sinks.


6 months update
5 months update
4 months update
3 months update:
2 months update:
The setup video:

NO filter, NO CO2, NO Ferts Planted Tank Series:



This is a Walstad Method tank. The credit goes to Diana Walstad for publishing the organic soil substrate method.

Check out her book in the link below if interested.

The book that I read to make this aquarium:
Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad(Hard cover)
Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad(digital)

4.6 gallon low iron rimless tank
5.4 gallon low iron rimless tank
50W heater
Heater cover so plants won't get burned
Tiny thermometer
Mini round shape magnet scrubber
Miracle gro organic choice potting mix
2~3mm gravel 20lb bag
2~3mm gravel 5lb bag

Aquarium scissors
Aquarium Tweezers
TetraMin Flakes (gourami and shrimp food)


Daphnia eggs



Camera: LG v10 (manual mode) stock app

Clip 3 in 1 lens photo kit. I used the macro lens for close up shots.

Vegas Pro 15


The Best Growing Plants in this tank:
1. Ceratophyllum demersum (hornwort)
2. Duckweed
3. Azolla imbricate (mosquito fern)
4. Najas Guadalupensis (guppy grass)
5. Bacopa caroliniana
6. Ludwigia Sp. Mini Super Red

The rest:
Hemianthus glomeratus (pearl grass)
Egeria densa (Anachris)
Didiplis diandra
Rotala rotundifolia (indica)
Dwarf hairgrass

Music:
Erik Satie:
Gymnopedie no.1 played by Kevin Macleod
Gnossiennes no. 1 played by Edward Rosser
Gymnopedie no.1 played by Accou