Low tech nano dirt tank, need some advice

Hey i'm thinking of starting my low tech nano dirt tank, after looking through the forums i think i understand the processes of doing it.

My question is once i have capped it and added alot of plants (need to add heaps of plants because they absorb all the nutrience right?) how do i know it's safe to add fish? I dont have any test kits at home. and what happens if some of the organic potting mix seeps through the gravel layer and into the water, will it affect the plants or fish?

My tank is basically a empty fish bowl, and i don't want to add any filters or heaters, just adequate lighting, do you have any suggestions for this setup or improvements i can make?

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Permalink Reply by alex tang on January 21, 2013 at 2:23am

The only way to know if fish are ready to be added is test, no way around it, except for dead fish.

The dirt will inevitably get into the water, lightly siphon the rocks to remove any top lying dirt in your capping substrate.

Main tips: 1. With a tank your size, do not add over 1" of soil.

2. Add at least 1" of capping substrate (preferably dark, 1-3mm in diameter).

3. Use Miracle Grow Organic POTTING MIX. Not soil mix.

4. *Most Important* Be ready for your tank to cycle for 2-5 weeks before fish can be added.

This is because Ammonia will spike, then nitrites, then nitrates will level out.

5. Watch Dustins videos.

If those steps are disregarded, you'll probably be disappointed about your tanks performance in 2 months.

-Alex

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Permalink Reply by Faith-Magdalene Austin on January 24, 2013 at 4:28am

The advice by Alex Tang is good advice particularly about watching Dustin's videos. I joined this forum specifically because I watched the videos about his rainbowfish and about dirted tanks.

Don't just toss some fish in there right away because you can't. It is imperative that you wait. Wait as you watch your plants health take off and blossom. It's not like it'll be an empty tank, it'll be an ecosystem strengthening itself, evolving. After its required cycling your ecosystem will be ready for its next phase which is to support fish. Have patience, understand and respect the process, have fun.

Faith