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Originally Posted by nealf_2000
If one is trying to create a microcosm of a natural system, then the hightech approach is antithetical to your objectives.
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Well, you understand that folks have different goals, that's the 1st step with making the rest of the hobbyists more aware of the issue.
Way too many run off the deep end with high tecgh gardens and think that's best.
Much likie farmers who think more yeild is best.
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I got my toes wet with high tech when I started DIY CO2 injection. I bought a 65w PC light fixture for my 28 gallon tank. I think I'm done. I am very conscious of the wasted water with 50% weekly water changes (we are just recovering from a historical drought). I'm aware of the energy use of many aquarium setups. I'm ready to explore any methods of reducing the ecological footprint of my aquarium.
- Incidently, living in a warmer climate, I am also very uncomfortable with the idea of introducing invasive species to local water ways. I wonder how many people in the planted tnak community also worry about invasive species and would be interested in exploring the use of local native species?
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If you have ever followed what I do and where I got and the photo's I post on natural systems, you'll see I'm very much on this side of the fence.
However, gardening is still something I like also.
My impact is low, the wastewater is used for landscape irrigation for the plants, compost and soil.
It is not "wasted", it is simply cycled to the next phase.
I'm developing an organic macro (low NH4) sustainable fert as well for the water column. Soil sediments make a lot of sense but you can mix a small amount and use the other methods I suggest within the Non CO2 approach.
If low in/out is the goal, then you cannot beat the non CO2 method approach.
It wins on most trade offs, and if you have the patience, it can also do very well with scaping.
I try not to be reactionary and put off by so called high tech approaches, each method and it's components should be objectively viewed and understood in practical terms as well as more in depth.
If you use a lot of water, find a post use for it.
I use 190 gallons per week or so and that all ends up on my yard and for my plants indoors. It also helps to humidify the dry air here inside.
The folks next door have their sprinkler on even if it rains
They dump lots of herbicides on it to keep weeds down, they are terrible.
They use at least 1000 gallons a week if not more. My Landlord is allowing me to redo some things to reduce the urban runoff and reuse water, as well as change out water hungry plants for natives that need much less water and look great year round.
ADA suggest doing 50% weekly water changes.
Amano does not suggest doing any other "no water change" methods.
where the water goes after you pour it down the drain(wastewater treatment and then it's often reused somewhere again) makes a big difference.
The composted liquid ferts I've seen are pretty good and I may make them from Azolla as I have some feed operations that are interested in using it for feed.
I'd like to feed/trade/sell to poultry farmers here.
We have some sustainable chicken farms not too far from here.
That + Azolla makes a great mix. Then it's mineralized to remove the NH4 and OM to very low levels and can be used for aquariums. Ideally, I can get them to invest in an aquatic plant farm to deal with their waste and water issues while providing them with a very high quality feed. They add a good deal of other aquatic weed suppression and a good source of PO4.
Cluck cluck, I like chicken
Of course I do not associate with any common "street chickens", only the organic sustainable raise birds that drink wine and discuss eye laying in coffee shops
Regards,
Tom Barr
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