Fishless Cycling And Plants

[Claire121]

Fishless cycling going well thanks to all the information here, just wanted to ask when it would be the best time to plant ?

I have the time to do it step by step, but is there a correct sequence or timing ?

I started cycling 12 days ago and ammonia currently drops to 0.25 in 12 hours, 0 in 24 hours, nitrites are off the scale (Nutrafin test >3.3) so I've got a few weeks to play with I guess. Currently tank is in the dark at a temp of 84/29 so I imagine this plays a part too.

Can I add fish and plants at the same time ?

Thanks for advice !

 

[eaglesaquarium]

This is the advice I got from ianho in another thread to a very similar question:

add the plants after the cycle. Most aquatic plants are grown out of water, they then get shipped to our LFS and are then put into water. We then buy then and put them straight into our tanks, they then have to get used to the environment. Not all will melt and depending on your system (high tech tend to do a little better, ie crypts do better in high tech from the off). Some leaves may die off and cause small ammonia build ups, which in turn can cause alagae out breaks. This is why i would advocate doing more water changes within the first couple of weeks, every other day is fine.

I would also add the fish after the plants, same day is fine aslong as the filter is mature.

 

[Claire121]

Thanks so much.

So do you think I could add plants at end of cycling and then continue to 'feed the filter' with ammonia for a week or so, until I get the fish ?

Thanks

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I'll let someone more experienced answer that one... I'm a newbie, and I asked the same question as you not that long ago.


If ianho, Oldman47, waterdrop, fluttermoth, or StandbySetting happen into this thread, I'm sure they will give you some advice on that.

 

[mattbleasby]

I planted my tank before and during my Cycle. And all worked out with me. I think it varies from tank too tank too be honest, Best way is too keep on top of water stats

 

[StandbySetting]

Planting during the cycle is not a good idea as Ammonia + Light = Algae, so it's best to leave your lights off whilst cycling and wait until your cycle is finished before adding plants. There is a method known as the silent cycle but if you're new to the hobby I wouldn't recommend it just yet.

 

[CrazyAirborne]

a little ammonia dosing, after the cycle, with plants in, before u get get fish probably wont hurt anything, depending on how heavily you plant your tank. it will just simulate putting fish in.