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New plants introduced into the cycling tank

2K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  soco1125 
#1 ·
I have had the fish tank for around 2 weeks by now, it's a 10 gallon, still cycling and with the fish.

The plants I initially got didn't seem to like it too much in there and one by one - as they changed color and started rotting - they were removed.

At the fish market they told me that the more porous the gravel is, the better chance there is the plants will actually root.

I got new gravel and am planning to introduce it in addition to the gravel I already have.

I also got some new plants and rinsed them in purified (not tap) water.

However, I am afraid of putting them into the tank since I am not sure if its possible to introduce new harmful bacteria this way.

Should it be done, and if so - how?

Thank you
 
#4 ·
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?
 
#5 ·
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.
 
#6 ·
Donut said:
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.
 
#8 ·
can the plants introduce harmful bacteria

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?
 
#9 ·
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.
 
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