Emmersed plants and cycling!

[leap]

I'm thinking of going for an emmersed set up with the latest venture...then flooding once the plants look more established.

However once the filters get connected does one still have to undergo the usual lengthy cycling process or is it somehow magically shortened?

 

[Martin in Holland]

Nope...no short cuts...your tank won't have enough bacteria to turn Ammonia into Nitrite into Nitrate yet.

 

[leap]

Sheesh....and there I was hoping.....😛

Ah well, it seems to be risks versus benefits whether one jumps right in, plants, put's the filters on & hopes there won't be big melt down...😱 or whether one is more patient and goes for stronger plant growth initially....

Why is it so hard sometimes to decide which way to go!

 

[Edvet]

The plants won't mind the ammonium, as long as there are no fish it will cycle without problems, you can even start adding ferts immediatly if needed.