Cycling a planted 20g long tank

[Retired Viking]

I do planted cycles on all my tanks. Your water sprite and hornwort are good at absorbing ammonia compared to the other plants. They can do an even better job floating since they get a better exchange with the surface air. I let my plants sit for 2 weeks before I add my first group of fish. With tetras I added a shoal (6) Then I tested for ammonia a few days later and then again the next week and then added my next shoal of 6 if the test showed 0. If you are adding larger fish then add less fish each time. Depending on how many fish and size you may want to add more fast growing plants as you go.

 

[Sergical]

With those plants growing (you indicated they are not dying), you should not see ammonia or nitrite at all. You do not "cycle" planted tanks. Are you adding any artificial ammonia? I ask because the nitrite at 1 is very odd, it should be zero. Was the testing accurate?

I re-did the nitrite test and got 0. Must've done something wrong.

 

[Byron]

I re-did the nitrite test and got 0. Must've done something wrong.

Good. So, you can fertilize the plants (the swords should have a Flourish Tab inserted close to the crown) and use a comprehensive liquid, and you are good to go.

 

[Sergical]

@Retired Viking @essjay @Byron I just wanted to ask a quick question. Should I be doing water changes while my tank is cycling? If so how often?

 

[Byron]

@Retired Viking @essjay @Byron I just wanted to ask a quick question. Should I be doing water changes while my tank is cycling? If so how often?

You are not actually "cycling" as such, since you have live plants. If the plants are showing signs of growth, you can add some fish. Do regular weekly water changes of 50-70% provided all is well.

 

[Retired Viking]

Yes, when I did my planted/silent cycle I still did my weekly water change

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I have also always cycled with plants. I find that tanks cycle faster with plants, than without.