Скачать или смотреть Filterless Walstad Betta Tank Setup (No CO2, No Liquid Fert, No Filter) - 1 Month Update!

Here’s the one-month update on my new filterless Walstad betta tank 🌱🐟 This is my first time doing a Walstad setup specifically for a betta, and I’ve been really happy with the progress so far!

I’m using an 8-gallon portrait-style tank with organic soil capped with gravel. For the hardscape, I went with lava rock and spiderwood to provide texture and natural hiding places. The spiderwood also leaches tannins, which my betta will probably appreciate once added.

Plant-wise, Limnophila sessiliflora has been the standout star—it’s grown fast and helped soak up a lot of ammonium, which is important early on in a Walstad method tank when excess nutrients can lead to algae blooms or ammonia issues.

My Rotala Blood Red colored up surprisingly early, and Cryptocoryne beckettii has really settled in. Water Lettuce exploded—starting with just 4 plants and jumping to over 14 in a single week!

Not everything went perfectly, though. I tried adding Monte Carlo too early, straight from tissue culture, and it completely melted. Lesson learned: wait until the tank is more stable.

There was also a cloudy patch forming near the substrate, which I think was caused by excess nutrients building up. I’ve been doing water changes every 2–3 days and since then, the cloudiness has stopped reappearing.

For lighting, I originally ran a Chihiros AII at full power—big mistake. It’s a super strong light, and algae started forming near the top. I’ve since dialed it back, and now that the plants are established, the tank is stabilizing well. Water changes are now less frequent, and I’m letting the natural balance take over.

Next steps: I’ll be trimming and replanting the Limnophila and Rotala soon. I’m also planning to move some of the Water Lettuce to another tank.

Thinking about stocking soon too—maybe Amano shrimp, a new color of neocaridina shrimp, and horned nerite snails. Eventually, I might add a wild-type Betta imbellis from my friend’s breeding project once the juveniles are ready! 🐠

#aquarium #fishtank #bettafishtank