Hi all
I'm currently in the process of setting up a 55 gallon low-tech planted aquarium. I'm interested in using the fish-less silent cycling method to cycle my aquarium. The articles I have read regarding silent cycling a planted aquarium recommend using fast growing stem plants such as Ceratopteris thalictroides, Hygrophila, et cetera, until the aquarium is established, and then replacing them with the plants of your choosing.
My question is, is it necessary to use these fast growing species when cycling the aquarium, or is it possible to plant slower growing species, such as Amazon Sword, Anubias, and Java Fern, that I would like to keep in the long run?
I'm not too concerned if doing it this way will make my cycling slower, however I'm concerned it could have adverse effects.
I guess I just like the simplicity of planting my choice species from the get go rather than swapping them out with the fast growers along the track.
I'm entirely new to tropical fish keeping, so please forgive me if I've misused any terminology.
Thanks
I'm currently in the process of setting up a 55 gallon low-tech planted aquarium. I'm interested in using the fish-less silent cycling method to cycle my aquarium. The articles I have read regarding silent cycling a planted aquarium recommend using fast growing stem plants such as Ceratopteris thalictroides, Hygrophila, et cetera, until the aquarium is established, and then replacing them with the plants of your choosing.
My question is, is it necessary to use these fast growing species when cycling the aquarium, or is it possible to plant slower growing species, such as Amazon Sword, Anubias, and Java Fern, that I would like to keep in the long run?
I'm not too concerned if doing it this way will make my cycling slower, however I'm concerned it could have adverse effects.
I guess I just like the simplicity of planting my choice species from the get go rather than swapping them out with the fast growers along the track.
I'm entirely new to tropical fish keeping, so please forgive me if I've misused any terminology.
Thanks