Ecology of the Planted Aquarium: A Practical Manual and Scientific Treatise for the Home Aquarist by Diana L. Walstad isbn: 0967377307 194 pages, Hardcover Publication date: 1999-12 Publisher: Echinodorus Publishing Buy this @amazon.com List price: $29.95(USD)

Customer reviews from amazon.com

Little heavy on the chemistry--very heavy on working results!

"Read this book cover to cover and some of the science was little deep, but the author really just uses the science to explain why the methods work. She fully and completely lays out the steps to be successful even if you can't master the science behind it.

After reading this book, I had to try it. I set up a small 10 gallon tank following her methods exactly. It's only been three weeks but the plant growth is better than any of my other tanks. Thick, lush growth already popping up out of the water and no algae. I had elevated ammonia levels on the third and fourth days, then things settled down. Plants and Fish are doing great. Of course, time will tell but so far I am sold. "

A must-read for all real aquarists

"For those really interested in maintaining a planted aquarium and those looking for reading on chemical and biological interaction between soil, water and plants this book is a mandatory one. Walstad exposes on a perfect scientific way (but still readable) how a mini-ecosystem like an aquarium works."

Very interesting

"This book has a lot of scientific data and an analytical feel to it. The writter put a lot of thought into this book and provided a lot of information not found in most aquarium books. She focuses on low tech tanks which is nice for those of us that don't have a lot of money to invest in equipment but want the look of a planted tank. I recommend this book to anyone that has a low tech tank or is interested in a different perspective on planted tanks."

Practical, yet scientific.

"This book can be useful to the layman and has the depth for the pro.

The author clearly knows her subject and has the technical expertise. The biology and chemistry is over my head (it has been a loooong time since taking those classes), but it is actually readable. Some items simply have to be taken on faith if you haven't got the background to fully comprehend everything. In other words, one does not have to understand 'redox equations' to get the content.

I haven't tried her methods yet, but I am intrigued. It goes against most of my library, but she makes a lot of sense.


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Other options

"First of all, I gave "Ecology ..." 4 stars rather 5 as my feeling is that a "Practical Manual" might offer some options in terms of an author's preference. And, being a "Manual," it may also present "Trouble shooting" type of pointers, or "How to find your way back if a different path was selected." I believe the above are areas that could have been addressed in better fashion. However, that said, "Ecology..." is really an excellent source. D. Walstad tackles subjects with both the scientific base as well as personal experience. At times, the scientific base is (for may tastes and background) a little too involved. But, sprinkled throughout, we have questions with answers. I really liked that. I also liked her chapter that basically dealt with "This has worked for me...." The author dispels some myths in terms of natural sunlight and carbon supplementation that generally runs against current trends. What I thought might be improved:
1) A chapter devoted to, "How to rectify a situation without a total breakdown of the aquarium."
2) Options to "Plotting soil"(gardening soil)in the substrate. For those of us who don't feel confident in running off to Wal-Mart for our substrate.
3. More information on filtration; I'm a little skeptical in terms of the plants "Can do it all."
But, compared to the other book also purchased, "Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants," I very much like the author stating in clear terms "This has worked for me." With "Encyclopedia," you need dig to find this information. "