Cycling a new tank

[max15]

I will shortly set up a 190litre tank , intensivley planted with CO2 injection . I propose to cycle the tank without fish for 4-6 weeks .My question is do i need to add any fertiliser to the water column initially (aquabasis used as substrate)
when do i need a first water change and how much , and finally do i need to add any bacterial culture to the filter
or water if no fish will be present (i assume without fish bacteria will not have anything to 'eat ' and therefore should be added just before the first few fish .

 

[ceg4048]

Hi,
I propose that you don't add fish for 6-8 weeks because it will take you time, trial and error to figure things out and the fish will just get in the way.

Others will disagree, however, my general policy is to commence dosing 3.5 microseconds after the tank is filled with water.

First water change of at least 50% should be performed 2 days after fill up and every 3 days subsequently.

You do not need any commercial bacterial culture, however it's always a good idea if you have mulm or detritus from another tank, to seed the substrate and filter with this.

It is an completely incorrect assumption that bacteria will have nothing to eat. They will have plants to eat therefore no fish are needed.

It is also a good idea to check the Tutorial section of the forum for the information they contain regarding high tech tank setup, CO2 application and fert dosing.

Cheers,

Cheers,