I am really stuck

[Tindy]

Hi everyone ,

I have just setup a new tank and it is not even finished cycling. I need to know if I can add plants before cycling is complete or if they go in with the fish.

I have also put the gravel in the tank (as I said in the beginners forum and the palaver I had with that). It is white gravel and does not seem too natural it is more rocky than gravely. I need to know what type of plants it will support if it can support any or if they all have to be potted.

I have never had a tank before but have seen loads, which look beautiful due to its plants. If you could suggest any reading material I would be most grateful.

Tindy

 

[cutecotton]

i heard that when your'e cycling your fishtank, you can add the plants in before the cycling is done.

Plants and grow on just about nething, if you can just bury it in ur rocky-ish gravel it should do alright. i threw plants in my 25G that's still cycling right now it's fine

 

[clutterydrawer]

Different plants need different substrates I think.

I had a book with a profiles of many plants in it which was very useful to me when I planted my tank - unfortunately I've lent the book to my friend so I can't tell you what it was called. : /

However there's a site here with info about various plants, you could use it to find some that match your lighting/substrate etc.

http/www.tropica.com/default.asp

although there's a LOT there so i guess if you told us what your lighting, pH and hardness are like maybe someone would have some ideas for plants that would grow well for you, and it'd be quicker.

I'm not 100% sure about the cycling thing but i think people often put them in whilst cycling with no ill effects. good luck!

 

[tstenback]

Yes, you can cycle with plants in the tank. Sometimes a rocky substrate is not the best for finely rooted plants like cabomba and other stem type plants but it is usually ok for the big rooted plants like swords and crypts. HTH