Fertilization in a paludarium setting

[Epiphile]

Hello,

I'm just wondering if anyone who keeps a paludarium can let me know of their method for fertilization- ideally I'm hoping to be able to add fertilizer to the main body of water within the tank which pumps to a drip wall which waters the epiphytes along the back. The tank is not stocked in any way.

Has anyone had any experience with this? I've been trying to read up on methods of aquarium nutrient dosing as well as that for terrestrial/epiphytic plants, and I have to say I can't tell up from down at this point.

My primary concerns are algae and anything else that might stem from a body of fertilized water sitting under a 55W power compact- any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

[johnblagg]

Hmmm I think I would try a uv sterilizer like they use for aquaria to try and control algae and bacteria but other than that I dont have anything.

[Epiphile]

I'm leaning towards planting the water area heavily (with duckweed on the surface to discourage too much light making it to the water itself) and fertilizing as one would for an aquarium of similar volume. I was just trying to get peoples' experiences with something like this.

I was also thinking of introducing aquatic snails that won't leave the water who will eat any algae that does come about- I think the water level may be too low for fish to feel comfortable.