The problem with new plants is that they may have egg snails. The way to remove them is to rinse for some minutes the plants in a solution of potassium permanganate. Plants will not be harmed if they are put in an uncycled tank.
You will be ok planting the plants. I personally don't rinse new plants, as it will add some beneficial bacteria from the previous tank, if it was submerged. And as for the gravel, most any gravel will work, but plant gravel is better, but not required. What kind of plants did you get?
I've only had a little experience with plants but from experience, there are some plants that don't do too hot in a new tank. I've noticed that plants that rely on a healthy root system usually don't take root until the gravel is established.
Throwing a sword in there right away will probably not be successful... but everything else I've added right away took off ok.
I've only had a little experience with plants but from experience, there are some plants that don't do too hot in a new tank. I've noticed that plants that rely on a healthy root system usually don't take root until the gravel is established.
Throwing a sword in there right away will probably not be successful... but everything else I've added right away took off ok.
That is why Root Tabs are essential, especially in new tanks. That will provide the nutrients the plants need at the roots until enough gunk builds up to provide the nutrients for the plants.
to tell the truth I am not really worried about the plants so much, but about the fish, I've had 4 deaths since I got the tank and I am scared I might destroy the whatever equilibrium there might have developed.
another question - what are egg snails and what do they do?
questions number 3: when plant fertilizer disolves, does it affect the fish and if not - how come it doesn't - its the same water isn't it?
I add my plants when I set up the tank. If you delay, you add time to the cycling of the tank. I have found that my nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia levels come in line quicker than with a tank with normal filtration and gravel. The plants uses the nitrates as a fertilizer. Some plants, such as anachris, absorb nutrients through their leaves and also soften the water.
Egg snails = snail eggs. They are clear jelly-looking sacs attached to plant leaves and whatnot. Check your plants carefully and scrape the egg sacs off before putting them in your tank.
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