Building a Planted Aquajar (no filter, no CO2, Walstad style aquarium)

Building a Planted Aquajar (no filter, no CO2 Walstad style aquarium setup for shrimp and snails)
This is not a sponsored video
A simple aquascape project using a VIV hydroponic cylinder which in my opinion is a very good product featuring 5mm clear glass. I started off the build by crafting a driftwood. It is next to impossible to find that perfect piece of driftwood so I always buy the best possible shapes and customize them according to my design by breaking, cutting and glueing pieces together. Here I wanted something that looks like a tree trunk with branches that that emerge out of the water surface. I also glued the driftwood onto a pice of rock so that it does not float up in water.
Happy with what I put together I proceeded to the next step.
I scraped out a bit of ADA bacter 100 from the ball ( as I do not need much for a small setup) and dropped it into the bottom of the container. This will develop into beneficial bacteria very quickly and will avoid the need for a long cycling time. I placed some washed pumice on the bacter 100 dust. It will provide surface for the bacteria to grow on. Next I poured in some ADA Amazonia aquasoil. This will provide nutrients to the plants. I poured only a small amount to minimise ammonia spikes and algae issues. Next I capped the soil with ADA La Plata sand and flattened it with a sand flattener. I filled the jar with water carefully using a bubble sheet and let it cycle for a day. The next day I drained the water and proceeded with planting. I used low demand plants from my propagation tank and also bought a few tissue culture pots from the aquarium store. The TC plants had to be washed in water to remove the gel growing media.
Here are the plants used in the setup:
Java Fern tied to a rock
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Dwarf hairgrass
Cabomba caroliniana
Alternanthera reineckii
Juncus repens
Floaters
I filled up the jar with water and let it cycle for another day.
The next day I drained out the water and filled it up with cycled water from my tank. I also added a pair of shrimps and guppies.
*******Please note that in my opinion only shrimps and snails are suitable for such small setups.
I have added the pair of guppies temporarily for the video shoot and cycling of the tank. They will be housed back to my main propagation tank after a couple of weeks. This will be a shrimp and snail tank only in the longer run*******
This is a Walstad style setup and hence no filter or CO2 has been used. It is meant to develop into a thriving ecosystem. The plants will act as a natural filter so more plants, the better it is.
However it will need regular water changes and maintenance to keep the plants and livestock in good health. Fertiliser dosing will also be needed for plant growth.
Timestamps:
0:00 - The VIV jar
0:13 - Crafting the driftwood hardscape
0:44 - Laying down the bacter 100, pumice, aquasoil and sand
1:28 - Placing the driftwood and completing the hardscape layout with river stones
1:44 - Filling in water
2:02 - Draining out water and proceeding with foreground planting
3:24 - Filling up water and proceed with remaining background planting
4:19 - Draining out water and refilling with cycled water to add livestock
4:35 - Enjoying the completed planted aquajar with guppies and shrimps
Material buying links:
ADA Bacter ball - amzn.to/3yDMWHz
ADA aquasoil - amzn.to/3kR4Ovg
Driftwood - amzn.to/3mBjU8E
Pumice - amzn.to/3yhfExE
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The urban nemophilist lives in the city but his heart and soul lives in the forest and wherever there is green.
The celebration of colours, the ambient sounds, the mystic scent and the fascinating wildlife that make up the forestlands and waterbodies of our earth is the elixir of his life.
The urban nemophilist attempts to capture all of this through his green art and sustainable gardening activities while his sketching and music sets up the mood for what is nature-appreciation at its best.
His goal is to create awareness on conservation of nature and wildlife through is art and sustainable initiatives.
Terrariums | Aquascapes | Dish Gardens | Bonsai | Gardening |Sketching | Music | Nature Walk
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Music :
Night Snow by Asher Fulero
TH-cam audio library
#aquajar #aquarium #aquascape

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Please note that in my opinion only shrimps and snails are suitable for such small setups.
I have added the pair of guppies temporarily for the video shoot and cycling of the tank. They will be housed back to my main propagation tank after a couple of weeks. This will be a shrimp and snail tank only in the longer run.
Also this is a Walstad style setup and hence no filter or CO2 has been used. It is meant to develop into a thriving ecosystem. The plants will act as a natural filter so more plants, the better it is.
However it will need regular water changes and maintenance to keep the plants and livestock in good health. Fertiliser dosing will also be needed for plant growth.

[@BleachMr873]

Nice jarrarium

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

@@BleachMr873 thanks

[@paulstingray]

I’m glad you added that
I wondered why you had guppies in there 😂😂😂

[@BleachMr873]

@@paulstingray same I also wondered why they put guppies in there

[@JustaKarenDiscoveredTheIntrnet]

@Galaxy Synth egg shells work well too...

[@puneethk4707]

Welcome to the beautiful world of aquascaping ..

[@diyas07]

Ay green aqua

[@BerZ3rker360]

Watching this made me question my priorities in life

[@shansiddiqui4741]

Oh my me too

[@kathrynallie9524]

This is so relaxing to watch after a hectic week

[@thewatcher720]

Yes, a tiny aquascape!
More aquatics please 🙏

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

I have plans for a few in the near future. Thanks

[@thewatcher720]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist That's great. I look forward to seeing more.
Maybe a paludarium or two would combine both the beauty of an aquascape with your skills of terrariums.

[@michaels5705]

I love the design, Sushanto. You have such skill putting hard scape with plants together with a natural look. Thanks for the post.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@ShellyCline]

This was absolutely breathtaking.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@Coffee_Lover11]

I needed this video 🥺🥺🥺, I've been searching for a video about diy mini aquarium for weeks with no satisfying results, this video ended my search

[@Growgreen445]

So beautiful sharing 🎉🎉

[@vinitamorrison3308]

Beautiful! That was a very valuable tip for adding water.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@nandinidasgupta5538]

Oh! Wow! I am speechless 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you. Glad you like it.

[@MakerTom2022]

So beautiful and delicately done. I love it!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@LL-oc1xw]

Thank you. This is so helpful - in addition to being beautiful to watch. I'm very encouraged by your take on the Walstad method. (Garden soil never worked for me) I'm eager to give your way a try!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you

[@stephenw.6588]

Elegant, as always. 😊

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@shivangyadav6290]

VERY AMAZING AQUASCAPE, I WAS WAITING FOR AN AQUASCAPE FROM YOU!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@cavemanbob82]

Beautiful build. And I learned something I'll use forever. The layer of bubble wrap to break up the stream of water when filling the tank.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you!

[@travellife08]

Fantastic job on this, shrimp will love it.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@judithjeffers7666]

WOW! I love it!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@KGSharath]

Wow. No words to describe

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Allow me, please make some new ones and longer videos and don't ever stop !!! 🌱🍂

[@MicheleDamato-co7vh]

That looks fantastic.

[@carmenbaez6459]

Precioso jarrón y gracias por la música
Gracias 🌹

[@angheslife]

How adorable! Thanks you for sharing

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@MO-ke5yf]

Great idea and construction. Thanks from Germany!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@BeigeBrownClip-jd2pv]

So beautiful

[@lindahahn720]

LOVE this!!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@oindrilamitra4196]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you 🙏

[@christylombardo7017]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

You are welcome. Thank you

[@Pankaj-Verma-]

That was really nice 👍

[@einlingling8316]

It was so calming to watch this video. 🌱🩷

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@aneekogaucha]

Loved it! I will do an small kind of aquarium for shrimps and needed this kind of instruction

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Go for it! Thanks

[@aprilmarz4311]

It is a dream! I love it so mutch. Thank you for video.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Glad you like it. Thanks

[@illyeen2320]

I'm binge watching so I can make one

[@shobhashenoy445]

Wow Sushanto, this is beautiful. Love to see your work. Mesmerising truly.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you!

[@wendycho2518]

That is just so amazing!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@Mikinct]

Good job,
Using "cycled water" from established tank doesnt instantly cycle a brand new tank.
Using old substrate, rocks, sand, wood does help. Adding beneficial bacteria in a bottle also helps.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks!
Quote from the book Ecology of the planted aquarium by Diana Walstad, chapter IV, page 57 “ the bacteria of natural waters include multitudinous unnamed species. All bacteria are aquatic in that they feed and reproduce in water. Even bacteria in dry terrestrial soils live within the soils pore water. However few bacteria live freely suspended in water, most live attached to surfaces”
Its true that there are more bacteria on surfaces but as per Walstad some live in the water column too. Water from a tested cycled tank is aged, will have less ammonia and nitrite levels which may be beneficial for supporting livestock that will be used from the same tank. The works of nature are most fascinating and not always be easy to understand. I am not an expert either. I simply study/follow the work of others known in the field and try to do my best. Thanks for your comment and knowledge sharing.

[@shanthimolmk3252]

Wow Absolutely Stunning 👌👍👍👍

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@wcdeich4]

I like the plastic blocking water pouring in :)

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes it prevents the sand and soil getting stirred up while filling up water

[@jeanpeter5337]

Just so beautiful and amazing

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@safinislamnahinmia7672]

wow great idea 💚💙

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@hoomanAdnan]

Beautiful work ❤

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@hoomanAdnan]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist bro welcome from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@ChristopherT1]

Well done friend. Beautiful photography!!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Many thanks!

[@rkr41]

Magnificent! You are an inspiration.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks!

[@ellem7258]

Love it 💕thank you for sharing!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@jenpink4298]

This is beautiful! And you did an excellent job creating the Hardscape! I am glad that they guppies are only in there temporarily 👍

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@sadruddinkhan6546]

Absolutely fabulous

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@mossonwood]

I love the setup! Im a smaller youtuber form india! Ive been following your channel for a long time and I find your work AMAZING!

[@mossonwood]

Any chance of a cloab 🤪🤪

[@harithasankalpa3711]

Beautiful fishes have in this tank. 👌👌👌🤩

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

This tank is good for shrimp and snails. Pls read pinned comment at the top

[@cakeeeetime]

It's an amazing build! And I love how this going to ge a shrimp/snail setup in the long run!
I realy would like to do something like this myself some day!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@rpmgarden2008]

Super job done 👍💐

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@amitsharma-bz7in]

I really love this setup 😍
I don't even remember that how many times I've seen this video 😂❤😊

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

🙏

[@joanrobinson9193]

First I’ll buy the super long tweezers.

[@michaelhrivnak1719]

Love it!

[@jorgevieira4851]

Beautiful!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@joo02]

Found a new favorite channel

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Welcome to the channel

[@charlenegarcia5144]

This was so awesome 💝

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@SwissFrogGuy]

Cool idea!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@SwissFrogGuy]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist
Sure!

[@ggevergreenbonsai1259]

Truly amazing! The fish and shrimp look very happy. Mesmerising 😊 👏👏

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@UjjalBhowmikindia]

Like your idea

[@lyndal.2119]

Love it. Love it. Love it.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Glad you like it. Thanks

[@meandtheworld3197]

Beautiful❤️❤️❤️

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@deanbean4606]

So beautiful 😍😍😍 a week ago I started the same project

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks and nice to know

[@full_metal2452]

One rams horn Nerite would eliminate any need for cleaning glass in future

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

I have added a horned nerite today.

[@subhadramahanta452]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist update video please 🙏

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

@@subhadramahanta452 th-cam.com/video/OnoIJbOIW5E/w-d-xo.html

[@ksleejerry]

wow..... beautiful!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@tygereyes]

Beautiful and well done. Only one minor thing - I could be wrong, but I think those are guppies not tetras.

[@jasper8909]

好漂亮！看著讓人感到沈靜。

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@arannosss]

Nice estetical build

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@Julie.D_Photography]

Magnifique 😍

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@adrichapoy6525]

@TheUrbanNemophilist Awesome👏🏿
The fish will be missed. Hope to see future art with fish. Cheers!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@_invertico_]

Very nice setup! I absolutely love it,next time try some caridina shrimp like tangerine tigers

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you 🙏. I haven’t seen them at my local aquarium store. Will check again. I like them too.

[@_invertico_]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist oh! You can also make a nano aquarium and add tangerine tigers and crystal blacks or reds ti make some cool shrimp hybrids

[@mark70s29]

Beautiful build sir:)

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@eyeticklemymind]

Beautiful 😍

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@DIYCreators.Z]

Wow super beautiful 😍💖🌹

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@WhiteCottages]

So beautiful. I have 4 of these but i need to work on the scaping part..

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@DIYCreators.Z]

Wow amazing 😍💖🌹

[@kiraaksai]

Super ❣️ please do more aquascape and more aquarium design please

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@indoplants7040]

Awesome!!

[@maggie4iwan785]

Beautiful

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@Mark583]

That was like 5 minutes of therapy 😌

[@archiesinclair6252]

Just made my first terrarium in an old sauce jar. Will let you know how it goes.

[@user-dr4vz7sv1p]

Fantastic!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Many thanks!

[@suleymanozpolat3128]

Perfect

[@wktek48]

Supercool love it.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@Animalerie_Amine]

Beautiful man

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@HoneySparkles2]

I did this with free pickle jar. I put in some water cuties from our local waterway. Fun! ❤

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

👍😀

[@maryjaneinwonderland]

Beautiful video 🪴💚

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@Ranfo]

Muito lindo

[@I-serve-you-tea]

Yes been doing this for over a year now. But I don’t put fish in it, just snails. Need a lot of plants and sunlight to make it work.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

These small setups not for fish actually. Pls read pinned comment and description

[@aquariopopular]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼lindo D+

[@lynnbonica4342]

I'm really glad you cleared up the fact that that wasn't the guppies permanent new home, because that's way too small for them. Do you know what kind of snails and shrimp are going in there yet?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Rili shrimp and horned nerite snails

[@SangitamurmuMurmu-wq1ez]

Fabulous

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@rahulkori1667]

Amezing ❤️i like small typ setup i have tow bowl setop in my home 😍❤️

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@aakashmohan5703]

Wow 🔥

[@castdn]

Artiste 😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

🙏

[@greenguider]

Thank you for Your Video 🥳🤠🤠 Be Green and Keep Growing 🤡💪

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you so much

[@alphacentauri1979]

Secret garden 🎉

[@laserspade3022]

What a beautiful little tank! Question: what purpose does the bubble wrap have when you fill the tank with water?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks. It prevents the soil getting displaced from the force of falling water.

[@clecirampazzo368]

Maravilhoso😊

[@med20131]

Thank you so much for your video . If we don’t want to use artificial lights, would you recommend to put the tank by the window?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks. Yes you can but very bright light can accelerate algae growth.

[@med20131]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Got it. Thank you so much. Are there any maintenance besides adding water and trimming plants? (Such as adding more bacteria powder, adding nutrient) Do you have to take some snails/shrimps if it's overcrowded?

[@damianaoliveira3874]

Lindo,bom dia.

[@jumaricarrussell6583]

Cute