Natural tank

[chiquitaemia]

Has any one made a tank substrate with crick or river bed then added plants to that made all natural tank

[ange]

I haven't done a long-term setup with creek water but I have done some work with creek water. If you choose this substrate you can expect a lot more variables compared to an inert substrate like gravel or sand. Invertebrates and runoff were consistently (always) present however the creek that I collect from is near a road. You may see less of that factor if you are taking from a more isolated area.

[chiquitaemia]

Doesn't this inverdabrets and micro organisms serve as food

Like worm to compost pile

[ange]

They can serve as food. That said, I wouldn't consider it worthwhile because the waterway that I have access to isn't water that I would consider safe due to the runoff. I've also found leeches of local species that can parasitize fish.

If you find your water source to be undesirable for an aquarium and still want micro-organisms and invertebrates in your tank I'd suggest running a planted tank over an extended period of time. Plants that aren't tissue cultured tend to have all matter of harmless hitchhikers. If it's mimicking nature that you're after, have you considered a biotope?

[chiquitaemia]

Biotope?

[Opie]

I took some gravel and plants from a river once. The little buggies that came out were amazing and kinda terrifying. I really enjoyed it! Highly recommend !