Upgrading to a much larger tank, any advice?

[G H Nelson]

The new scape is a completely fresh build… only plants, fish and filter from old set up… I was under the impression that new soil.. tropica in my case releases ammonia until properly cycled

Using stem plants as a filtering aid at Start Up!

The subject of using fast-growing stem plants as part of a filtering aid has cropped up a few times recently. This idea has been around for a long time so not new, it has benefits, especially for a new setup. 1. Improves water quality. 2. Reduces excess light. 3. Reduces diatoms. 4. Reduces...

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[John q]

I was under the impression that new soil.. tropica in my case releases ammonia

Just soak the new soil in a bucket of water for a few days before adding it to the tank, that's what I'd do if wanting to instantaneously add livestock. This should remove the worst of the ammonium leach.