A natural aquarium setup using homemade aqua soil.

[floras]

I've been keeping fish for five years now, and I've never had more than three tanks running at the same time. They were all small tanks, though. After I moved a year ago, I set up my biggest aquarium yet - a 55-gallon one. It's my only tank right now. I've had mixed results in the past, losing some fish and having others live for years. So this time, I decided to do things differently.

I used to use artificial and painted ornaments, like pirate ships, in my old tanks. But for my 55-gallon tank, I went all natural. I've got natural plants, wood, rocks, and my homemade aqua soil in there. This is my first time using all natural stuff, and it's only been up and running for four months now. So far, so good, but we'll see how it goes in the long run.

I've also changed the way I feed my fish. Instead of just giving them freeze-dried flakes, I'm now feeding them more natural food like frozen brine shrimp.

Here's my homemade aqua soil recipe, which I learned from a YouTube video by an old guy called Father Fish.

For my 55-gallon tank, I used a 2" thick layer of aqua soil. Here are the supplements I added:

- 1/2 cup (4 oz) each of Earthworm Castings, Blood Meal, Baking Soda, Ironite Plus 15-10-10, Yellow Iron Oxide, and Pro Aglime
- 1/3 cup (2 oz) each of Epsom flour and Osomekote

My main ingredients were:

- 16 cups of Black Kow 0.5 0.5 0.5
- 16 cups of Organic Miracle Grow
- 16 cups of Peat Moss
- 16 cups of Pool Filter Sand

I mixed all these ingredients with just enough aquarium water to create a paste-like aqua soil. I didn't want it to be too soupy. This way, it would spread out in the tank without mixing with the sand and rock cap.

After adding the aqua soil to my tank, I mixed up another batch of 16 cups of Black Kow and 16 cups of Organic Miracle Grow. I mixed this with aquarium water to create a paste, then added it on top of the previous aqua soil.

Finally, I capped the aqua soil with a 1" layer of Pool Filter Sand and a 2" layer of Pea Pebbles.

[BadgersSong]

I've been following a similar path in my aquarium journey, and I'm glad to hear that you're having good results with your 55-gallon tank. I've also been experimenting with natural setups, and I've found that keeping things simple can be very effective. I've been using a mix of organic potting soil and sand in my tanks, with great success. I've found that the key is to give the soil time to settle and establish a healthy balance of bacteria before adding fish.

I've been doing some research on the topic, and I think you might find "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium" by Walstad to be a valuable resource. I've been following some of the principles outlined in the book, and I've found that they really do work. One of the things that I've found to be particularly important is the need to allow the soil to establish a healthy balance of bacteria before adding fish. This can take some time, but it's well worth it in the end.

I've also found that using a simple setup can be very beneficial. I've been using a mix of organic potting soil and sand, with a layer of sand on top to help prevent anaerobic zones from forming. I've found that this setup is very stable and easy to maintain, and it's allowed me to create some really thriving ecosystems in my tanks.

[floras]

I've been following a similar path in my aquarium journey, and I'm glad to hear that you're having good results with your 55-gallon tank. I've also been experimenting with natural setups, and I've found that keeping things simple can be very effective. I've been using a mix of organic potting soil and sand in my tanks, with great success. I've found that the key is to give the soil time to settle and establish a healthy balance of bacteria before adding fish.

I've been doing some research on the topic, and I think you might find "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium" by Walstad to be a valuable resource. I've been following some of the principles outlined in the book, and I've found that they really do work. One of the things that I've found to be particularly important is the need to allow the soil to establish a healthy balance of bacteria before adding fish. This can take some time, but it's well worth it in the end.

I've also found that using a simple setup can be very beneficial. I've been using a mix of organic potting soil and sand, with a layer of sand on top to help prevent anaerobic zones from forming. I've found that this setup is very stable and easy to maintain, and it's allowed me to create some really thriving ecosystems in my tanks.

I completely agree with you, having read a lot of Walstad's work, as well as others who have followed similar approaches, which is what initially drew me to all-natural aquariums. However, I wanted to create an aqua soil that would provide a longer-lasting nutrient supply for my plants, which is why I included the various ingredients I listed earlier. This approach was inspired by Father Fish on YouTube, so I decided to give it a try. My aquarium is still in its early stages, so only time will tell if it's successful.

I also appreciate your point about rooted plants making the aqua soil safer and helping to prevent anaerobic areas. I have seven Zoster Sword plants, which I've found take full advantage of the aqua soil and develop extensive root systems.

[CasCat]

I completely agree with you, I've already read a lot of Diana Walstad's work along with others who have also used the same basic method, which is what got me into all natural aquariums. But the reason I used so many ingredients is to give the aqua soil a much longer vitality for plant nutrients. I learned this from Father Fish on YouTube, so I decided to give it a try. As I mentioned earlier, my aquarium is still new, so only time will tell.

I also agree with you on the importance of rooted plants in making the aqua soil safer and helping to prevent anaerobic areas. My seven Zosteria Sword plants are a great example of this, as they take full advantage of the aqua soil and grow huge root systems.

[floras]

Photos are a must

I'm loving the growth in my tank, especially with the Zorchzon Swords and Temple Plants. I've also got some Moneywort Plants that are doing well.

Here's a pic of my tank from a bit ago, 8-15-20.

And here's one from today, 10-26-20.

[CasCat]

That sword plant is really thriving, I love how it's developing in my all-natuflake tank setup.

[gripit]

That sword is absolutely massive now, I'm loving the growth progress.

[floras]

That sword is absolutely massive now, I'm loving the growth progress.

In addition to my homemade aquasoil, I also supplement my tank with a weekly dose of Thrive C.

[floras]

That sword is absolutely massive now, I'm loving the growth progress.

I totally agree with using root tabs if you don't have aqua soil. Rooted plants like my Zorchzon Swords get nutrients through their roots and the water column.

[BadgersSong]

I'm loving the progress in your 55g tank, flor - Swords and Temple Plants are definitely taking over, and I mean that in the best way possible. It's a great problem to have, if you ask me. Your tank is looking fantastic, and I'm sure it'll only get better with time.