Rusty8687 said:is it a good idea to introduce some real plants once I've got the levels in control? I've read this can help - but other places I've read say no. but your advice is paying off and dramatically helping
Some plants are more delicate and sensitive to high levels of ammonia... BUT, all plants will readily take up ammonia from the water and use this as their nitrogen source. I'd recommend sticking to the 'beginner' level plants for now.
What type of lighting you have will also dictate your plant choices. But, going with java ferns, anubias (both need to be tied to decor, rocks, wood, etc. rather than buried in the substrate!), most amazon swords, most cryptocoryne plants (these will 'melt' many times when introduced to a new tank, but just leave them alone and they will almost always put out new shoots and start to regrow).
Personally, I'd get some plants and add them to the tank. Your fish will appreciate them, they will help your cycle and they make the tank look so much nicer!
Your ammonia levels now are low enough that the plants (even the more sensitive ones) should be fine... especially after adding the sponges with the bacteria. Completing both of these steps will greatly reduce the amount of nitrite you will end up seeing (which is a very good thing!)
The sponges likely have sufficient nitrite chomping bacteria to deal with whatever nitrite the ammonia chomping bacteria create. And the plants will directly utilize the ammonia, meaning that less nitrite will ever even be produced. You might see a slight bump in nitrite, but it won't last long and it will be far easier to deal with for the sake of your fish.
You are doing just fine... and remember:
