Ei Dosing And Fishless Cycle

Nano Jake

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Is it possible to dose using the EI method and do a fishless cycle at the same time? I am using homebase ammonia but worried about water changes...
 
If you're planted heavily enough to justify EI, then there is no need to cycle a tank. You can lightly stock with small fish from the outset, and the plant growth will use up ammonia etc.

Cover at least 75% of the substrate with plants, preferbly fast growing weeds.

In a well-planted tank, the plants perform most of the biological filtration.

I still like a good filter though, too keep the water crystal clear and for good circulation.
 
If you're planted heavily enough to justify EI, then there is no need to cycle a tank. You can lightly stock with small fish from the outset, and the plant growth will use up ammonia etc.

Cover at least 75% of the substrate with plants, preferbly fast growing weeds.

In a well-planted tank, the plants perform most of the biological filtration.

I still like a good filter though, too keep the water crystal clear and for good circulation.

Sounds good but surely I would have a few casualties?
 
Nah. I did't cycle my 125l tank. I did IE form the off and it was fine.

Added 3 fish a week. Only casulty so far is 1 otto 8 month in.

Edit to add.

I was also adding cardinal tetras that have a rep for being sensitive fish as well
 
Plants use NH4 directly.

Why waste your time, energy, test kits, labor worrying about NH4, when adding plants removes all that?
There is no "N cycle".

Just plant growth.........which is a good reason to keep plants and why planted tanks tend to have healthier fish over time.......

Regards,
Tom Barr
 

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