fuzzyletters

which book was it?

Jimbo205

He has a bunch.
Google his name and indulge yourself either at the local library or order online. Enjoy.

Now I have a question about High Tech vs. Low Tech.

From what I have read and REREAD in Diana Walstad's book (also a classic that I reread about every 2 months, no exaggeration here!);

plants take care of or 'eat' or consume nitrates. They prefer ammonium and expend energy to utilize nitrates, but they do consume nitrates.

Why do I continue to read about nitrates being a concern in tanks with plants in them?

I don't get it.

If you have plants, nitrates should NOT be a problem; correct?

Or is there something that I missed while re-reading that chapter again (very, very good.)?

Kelley

I think that SUFFICIENT nitrates are the problem. When you have a high light set-up, your fish do not contribute enough nitrogenous wastes to nourish the plants. Of course, you can always have to much. It's all about balance.

gf225

High-tech offers limitless plant choice.

Low-tech has limited plant choice.

That doesn't mean one is better than the other.

I've seen much better low-tech aquascapes......not many though.

gf225

Ha, ha.

I run 1 wpg T8 with CO2 mist at 20ppm. Soil-based substrate, TMG 2x week, tap loaded with NO3 and PO4. 1/3 water change per week. Low fish load.

What's that? Low or high-tech?

Probably high. The plants (crypts, ferns and anubias) are all pearling after a few hours.

Growth is slow enough though, minimal maintenace except the weekly water change and 2x week dosing. So could be low-tech....?

Or mid-tech?

Ha, ha.

Jimbo205

George, it doesn't matter. You aquariums kick butt. Nuff said.

wakemenow

Yep. I agree. It's definitely a difference in personal philosophies.

Homer_Simpson

It also depends on how much time, money, and effort that you are prepared to put forth. I have done both, and hands down, low tech is the least costly and takes the least effort. If I were retired, I would definitely go high tech as I would have more than enough time to manage it and any problems that may arise. With very limited time on my hands, I would go low tech.

howie

I am switching from high tech to low tech and cutting down the number of tanks I have. Have a baby coming and all my tanks take a good 4 hours of maintenance every week. Not to mention the daily dosing. I have a 10 gallon low tech shrimp tank with 1wpg, no dosing and weekly water changes and it is doing the best. I am getting tired of pruning and fighting algae.

dwalstad

Welcome aboard!