Yesterday’s optimism took a hit. Nitrite spiked back to 5.0 ppm, and we made a risky decision.

Test Results

Parameter Result Notes
Ammonia 0 ppm Still zero (good!)
Nitrite 5.0 ppm SPIKED back up
Nitrate 5 ppm Stable
pH 7.6 Back up

The Frustrating Spike

After yesterday’s encouraging drop to 2.0 ppm, nitrite shot back up to 5.0 ppm. The cycle isn’t as linear as we hoped.

Why the spike? Possible causes:

  • Die-off of some plant matter releasing nitrogen
  • Bacteria population fluctuation
  • Natural cycling variability

The ammonia staying at zero is reassuring—that part of the cycle is stable. But the nitrite rollercoaster continues.

Third Water Change

With snails showing stress again (one burrowed, two at rim), we did another 25% water change. Same procedure as before:

  • 5 gallons out
  • Dechlorinated water in
  • Surface skimmed
Tank on Day 24

Day 24 - A setback, but we’re learning

A Risky Decision: Adding Fertilizer

Our Red Root Floaters looked stressed—pale, some leaves browning. In a moment of well-intentioned panic, we added 2ml of Fluval Plant Micro Nutrients.

The reasoning: “The floaters need help! Nutrients will save them!”

But we’re second-guessing ourselves already. Walstad tanks supposedly don’t need fertilizer—the soil provides nutrients. Are the floaters actually nutrient-deficient, or is something else going on?

Time will tell if this was the right call.

Wave Maker Adjustment

We noticed the floaters congregating on one side of the tank—the surface current was pushing them around. Red Root Floaters need calm water to thrive.

We adjusted the wave maker to reduce surface agitation. Hopefully this helps.

Hitchhiker Discovery

During our water change observations, we spotted something unexpected: two adult bladder snails! They must have hitchhiked in on our plants.

Bladder snails are notorious breeders. We removed both adults and visible eggs, hoping to prevent a population explosion. Fingers crossed we got them all.

Status: Nitrite setback - Third water change - Fertilizer added