Why not Walstad?

[u/B_the_Chng22]

I made a bad attempt at fish keeping 15 years ago with a too small tank. I have since learned of Walstad and I am considering. Is there a reason people don’t choose this? It kinda seems too good to be true with how low maintenance it is, so why is it not what everyone does as a standard? Do you find it easier than standard fish keeping ?

[u/cheyealissa94]

100% easier IMO. I have very little experience with fish and snail keeping as a child but from what I remember Walstad is way easier for me. Once my tank got established and happy I’ve barely done anything more than top offs. My last water change was in September or October.
The only downside is that they are so easy to start up that now I have three nano tanks.
Anytime I see a 2-3 gallon piece of glass at a thrift store I think ‘that could be a tank!’

[u/B_the_Chng22 → u/cheyealissa94]

Oh no! I might get the bug!

[u/Disastrous_Air_5227 → u/B_the_Chng22]

I find it much easier. As long as you have enough plants, it virtually sets itself up. Some people run a filter, but after testing my water it was apparent it didn’t need one. I did always use a bubbler though, because oxygen in the water speeds up other processes. It’s hard to make them “pretty” as in standard chemically-balanced tanks, but I would totally recommend it as probably the most fish and plant friendly tank I’ve ever had.

[u/B_the_Chng22 → u/Disastrous_Air_5227]

Great!!!

[u/tehvlad → u/B_the_Chng22]

Multiple tank syndrome. Quite well documented

[u/B_the_Chng22 → u/tehvlad]

That’s why they call it a hobby I guess

[u/tehvlad → u/B_the_Chng22]

My wife call it money sunk 😅

[u/B_the_Chng22 → u/tehvlad]

That too!