Design Principles
Use natural processes: bacteria break down waste, plants absorb nutrients, snails clean algae, shrimp eat biofilm.
No chemicals, no supplements, minimal technology. Only additions: water changes and occasional feeding.
Population Balance
Start small: 4-6 small fish, 10-20 shrimp, snails in 60L planted tank.
Let population grow naturally. Cull (move out) excess to prevent crash.
Natural Feeding
Feed fish 3-4 times per week only. Plants provide biofilm and algae for shrimp and snails between feedings.
Overfeeding crashes permaculture systems fastest. Trust the ecosystem.
Water Changes
30% monthly instead of weekly. Test for ammonia/nitrite — should stay near 0 from established plants.
Top off evaporation weekly. No strict schedule needed once stable (3-6 months in).