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Reading Material:	Ecology of the Planted Aquarium: A Practical Manual and Scientific Treatise for the Home Aquarist by Diana Walstad
	+ asst. romance novels and children's books

Dear Ms. Walstad,
      In the past it seemed that for every hobbyist with a $1000 lighting system there was another that reported that their best plant growth was in a tank illuminated by a desk lamp.  Information in books was often just better informed versions of this same anecdotal perspective.  This book finally allowed me to organize all those varied accounts and treatises on the 'proper' water chemistry under a greater understanding.  Thank you for writing this book.
      I will admit that it took two readings.  The first time through I felt that this was good stuff, but I kept thinking 'Yes, but what does this really mean in terms of my aquarium?'  The second time it all seemed to come together for me.
      I am particularly excited about the possibilities of a low-tech tank because I am concerned about the high consumption of energy and resources involved in other methods.  Eventually I would like to get all my energy from renewables and I have been wondering how I was going to make this work with my hobby.  Already I was having heretical thoughts like 'What if I put the tank where it would get some sunlight?'

      Finally, I can think of 2 questions that come to mind at the moment:

      1) I understand why plants that have found their niche in soft water streams often perform best in moderately hard water.   I like South American Tetras and other fish that come from these soft, acid environments.  In your experience, are soft water fish generally bothered by moderately hard, neutral aquarium environments?
      2) Besides delayed gratification, can you see any drawbacks to submerging the soil for 6 to 8 weeks to let it go through it's initial adjustment period before setting up the tank?

Sincerely,
Amanda Windsor