[HDBenson]

Creeping Charlie and Creeping Jenny are two different plants from what I understand. Some nurseries may label them the same thing but Lysmachia nummularia is Creeping JENNY. Creeping CHARLIE is Glechoma hederacea. Use the plants profile on here for the H. polysperma. It's the fourth tab to the right at the top of the page. I wouldn't have 10 swordtails in a 20g long. They need elbow room, lol. Perhaps one swordtail as a centerpiece? These tanks are so low(regarding depth) that it'll be easier to just have a school of danios/tetras/guppies. They will utilize all levels. I have tetras AND danios in my twenty long and both of them utilize all levels of the tank.

 

[DHElder]

Creeping Charlie and Creeping Jenny are two different plants from what I understand. Some nurseries may label them the same thing but Lysmachia nummularia is Creeping JENNY. Creeping CHARLIE is Glechoma hederacea. Use the plants profile on here for the H. polysperma. It's the fourth tab to the right at the top of the page. I wouldn't have 10 swordtails in a 20g long. They need elbow room, lol. Perhaps one swordtail as a centerpiece? These tanks are so low(regarding depth) that it'll be easier to just have a school of danios/tetras/guppies. They will utilize all levels. I have tetras AND danios in my twenty long and both of them utilize all levels of the tank.

I'm glad you corrected me on the plant. Starting to get an education on how things are named. I guess I looked it up wrong at the plant site as they do call it Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'. I'll make a correction to my notes as I liked the coloring of that plant.

I was only thinking two swordtail max along with tetras and platies. But if the fish you mentioned use all the depths of the tank for a 20L since it is shallow, I might just get 1 swordtail as you suggested for a center piece or maybe a couple of platies. From what I understand, all livebearers will eat algae so I was thinking of both platies and guppies as possible fish to get. Still haven't decided on my final mix as I am stilling learning.

Do you think bottom feeders like a false Julii Cory catfish should even be in the tank? Are they beneficial or would they throw off the Walstad method as that says to use liberal feeding for fish?

 

[nchmi28]

Do you think bottom feeders like a false Julii Cory catfish should even be in the tank? Are they beneficial or would they throw off the Walstad method as that says to use liberal feeding for fish?

Are you supposed to feed liberally to also feed the plants? I think the plants like the food more once it has passed through a fish, It's already broken down then. The caution about corys is that they should have a softer substrate, like sand. My son has 4 dwarf corys in his tank and they always have their little barbells sifting through the top layer of the sand, hunting for bits of food. They are fun to watch.

 

[DHElder]

nchmi28, according to LiveAquaria.com, "A smooth sand or gravel substrate is needed because of the easily damaged barbels."

Same for FishChannel.com, "Provide a smooth sand or gravel substrate so they can search for food without damaging their sensitive barbels."

I made sure the gravel I bought was on the small size so I think they would be okay if I got them.

For my notes on Walstad: Fish waste (Mulm) and uneaten fish food will be quickly converted by soil bacteria into its component chemical parts so that plants can use them for their nutritional needs.

Of course if my tank is overstocked, the conversion might not be too quick. I went with gravel instead of sand so hopefully things will react better with soil bacteria. And maybe the bottom won't look to gunky either as you are not suppose to vacuum the substrate.

Current plant count for my plan is 24 stems / 2 potted plants / 2 Anubias on initial planting. Suggestion was to plant the stems about an 1" part so I need to see how my tank looks and see how it is working. The tank is suppose to be highly planted from the start so will do at least a two week cycle. Won't add fish until I'm sure the water is safe.

 

[benjaf]

I seem to have a tank which is somewhat similar to what you are setting up. I found it quite surprising how well the idea of using soil works!
It's at 14G with ~1" organic potting soil topped with ~1" fine gravel. Plants include a LOT of brown or red ( not sure) crypts, an anubias and a nymphea taiwan.
Livestock consist of 10 small tetras, some platys, a bristlenose and a whole lot of shrimp and snails.
The tank has been up for 2.5 years now and still going strong. I do a partial water change when I clean the canister ( ~ 2 times / year), but other than that the only maintenance is trimming the plants and topping off the water every few weeks, and feeding the fish.
No ferts or nutrients added. Ever.
Please keep in mind, crypts will spread like a plague when given soil substrate! I started with 3 - now the entire tank is overgrown. They have a huge root system, so removing them will stir up massive amounts of soil.
Other than that, if you can get your hands on floating plants they will be a huge help in the beginning. They suck up nutrients from the water like there is no tomorrow, making them ideal for maintaining a balance while the rest gets established.
Good luck!