cycle or established?

[setarris]

Just a quick thanks to MaleRubyBarb I put an old plant decoration in and it really made a difference. I was concerned I was going to have to do something drastic before my fish went ammonia toxic on me. But the bacteria off the plant, within 24 hours, seemed to make a big difference! Thanks

My question is Whats the difference between a cycled tank and an established tank? I want to put some plants in my 10 gal which cycled end of Jan, and from reading diff sources it sounds like the tank should be well aged befire putting plants in. I prefer not to add any artificial additives such as fertilizer etc. So after cycling when is it considered established?

 

[JWright]

Tanks don't have to be aged to put plants in. I planted my 45 before I started my fishless cycle. Go ahead and add them.

There is no difference between "cycled" and "established." "Established" refers to the bio-filter being established.

Josh

 

[setarris]

Thanks Josh. I have a bag of plants from walmart I wanted to try and am waiting for whoever it was I saw mention them previously to get back to me how it went for them.

Oh I see the distinction on the FILTER being established I assumed it was meant the TANK.

 

[huck]

well, it doesn't necessarily mean the filter.  You know, the gravel and tank decorations (driftwood, rocks, ect.) get colonized & established with bacteria too...  So therefore we can say the tank is established...      *thumbsupsmiley*

 

[Matt Nace]

Your welcome(i am sorry but I forgot what I told you to do!! *twirlysmiley*)
I also planted my tank before cycling.