I think i am cycled

[michaelg210]

have been cycling for-like-ever (with fish)....

last phase of the cycle went by at light speed....

latest readings..... last night

ammonia 0
nitrites 0
nitrates 20

this morning, readings are the same..........

was cycling with 2 platies, but long story short, tank is now occupied by a single betta.

will he create enough waste in a 10 G tank to sustain the bacteria cycle with 7 small plants? 2 crypts, 2 java ferns, 1 anubia, and 2 small dunnowhattheyarz?

 

[epond83]

You are cycled, since you have zero ammonia and nitites for a day or so. The bacteria grow or die off to what ever level of food (ammonia and nirites) will substain them. So no worries.

However plants do take in ammonia directly either way the plants or the bacteria will keep waste down. If you add more fish ad them slowly so that the bacteria can populate to a level that eleimanates all new waste.

 

[michaelg210]

reply

You are cycled, since you have zero ammonia and nitites for a day or so. The bacteria grow or die off to what ever level of food (ammonia and nirites) will substain them. So no worries.

However plants do take in ammonia directly either way the plants or the bacteria will keep waste down. If you add more fish ad them slowly so that the bacteria can populate to a level that eleimanates all new waste.

Thanks, i kind of thought it worked like that. I do not plan on adding fish...the betta will attack them. Was told platies would work with him and too keep an eye on them first few hours, which i did.

Everything was fine the first night, but the next morning he was on the attack, so I had to pull him out of the tank. One of them died a few days later.

So you don't think I need any kind of plant food then?

 

[epond83]

The plants you have are pretty low demanding plants and if you don't have a ton of light you are probably ok. Keep an eye on your nitrates. I think around 10 is good for plants. If you never get near that some ferts might be a good idea.

Pretty much look at your plants, if they are green and falling apart they are fine. If you want more/faster growth from them ferts and ot lighting will help.