Cycling a planted tank

[Valleyglow]

I am a newbie and going to attempt my first aquascape. Im not using media from my current community tank as I've recently treated it for flukes.

Im finding conflicting information about cycling a planted aquascape and people are telling me that you should not cycling a tank with plants?

I was planning on doing large water changes etc.

Any help please

 

[NiteshAquascaper]

I have done cycling with plants.. I did 30-40% water change on every alternate days.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Im finding conflicting information about cycling a planted aquascape and people are telling me that you should not cycling a tank with plants?

You are in the right place, and you definitely don't need to add ammonia <"to "cycle" a planted tank">. It <"doesn't do any good"> and it may actually delay your tank becoming fish safe.

You just need to plant it and then wait for the plants to grow in. <"Plant/ microbe biofiltration"> is much, much more effective than <"microbe only" biofiltration">, but a lot of people still don't understand this.

Have a look at <"Dr Tim Hovanec's...."> it is quite along thread, but it covers the subject in some detail.

cheers Darrel

 

[Valleyglow]

Thank you. Im being told that the ammonia spikes will melt the plants?

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Im being told that the ammonia spikes will melt the plants?

Yes, it can do, it might also stimulate algae growth.

The main issue is just the <"actual level of ammonia">. Scientists have found that the bacteria that were thought to be present in aquarium filters <"aren't found there">, but a lot of novel organisms are present.

Have a look at the linked threads, they are well worth a read.

cheers Darrel