artificial to real...

Jack Middleton

They may well act as filtration, but only if lighting and CO2 are up to the plants needs, a plant is a living thing, why subject it to something unnecessary? and to more than likely kill it?

It wont speed up your cycle at all, it will just feed off some of the available ammonia.

baron von bubba

personally i would also plant right from the off.
it seems a bit pointless "cycling" a tank only for all those bacteria to die off when the plants are added at a later date and start consuming the ammonia the bacteria would have been having before.

if the tank is planted heavily from the beginning you will possibly see no ammonia or nitrite spikes.
if done correctly fish can be added from day one will no ill effects.

molliefan09

with that being said baron, would you not recommend i start planting my tank now?? or is there a different way to do it so i can make sure my fish and plants have the best possible chance...

Jack Middleton

If you buy a load of fast growing, stems that are easy to grow then baron's method is a very good one.

Calmwaters

About 3 weeks ago I set up a 20 gallon tank well planted from the begining and I had a very small cycle no major spikes in any of the parimeters it was the easiest tank I have ever set up and I have done quite a bit. I have a large Ozelot Sword, a large Marble Queen Radican Sword, 2 medium size Bronze Wendth, 2 big bunches of Water Sprite and 2 small bunches of Micro Sword. All of these so far have been very easy to care for I used Seachem Flourish tablets for feeding and as needed I will add doses of Seachem Flourish liquid fert. I do not have CO2 and have a light made for plants. My tank currently houses 3 Harlequin Rasbora, and 3 Golden Barbs. I add the 3 Rasbora the day after tank was planted and the barbs I added last Friday. Water paremeters have remained good and fish are happy. This is my first planted tank and I have had alot of help from Byron and I am very pleased with the results so far. Good luck with your fish and plants.

molliefan09

thanks guys!!!!