Planting during a fishless cycle

[Balance]

hey all!

would I have any real problems planting my tank while I'm doing a fishless cycle?

and would the plants be a good way to introduce bacteria into the tank? (as opposed to filter water or gravel from a tank)

thanks!

 

[valdok]

hmm, well, it depends on your take setup. If you have a co2 reactor working in the tank, and the lighting and everything else is ready to go, then i would say you have no real problems. But fish supply co2 to the plants, if even though co2 from the air can diffuse into the water naturally, fish in the tank helps. i've always waited to plant and then plant right when i get fish. but i don't see any problem with planting before hand. another opinion might be good.

 

[Balance]

I was planning on making a CO2 reactor, though i was just going to be simple at first..... 2-liter bottle to an airstone into the back of my filter. I was going to make a powered reactor later on, just didnt want to drop more cash on a powerhead and some of the other pieces i'd need.

 

[FroggyFox]

I've heard that with fishless cycling the ammonia level gets too high for plants and that its better to wait until after you cycle to plant. OR plant heavily and your tank will cycle more naturally...

Personally I don't do plants so theres another somewhat worthless opinion...sorry

 

[Gomer]

You should be fine IF you meet the following conditions.

1) you control the amout of ammonia you add. Plants will use it for food too...but too much is dangerous.
2) you have enough light
3) you carefully balance light and anything else you add. High ammonia and high light=algae if you are not carefull. The biggest culpret being phosphate levels.

 

[valdok]

Wow Naperville... I live pretty close to you

Like 5 miles. Freaky, eh?

Anyways, it's probably better to wait if you are new to planting, for reasons gomer stated.

 

[Balance]

I was thinking I should wait until at least the ammonia part of the cycle is finished, that way the plants wouldnt have to deal with as much ammonia over the course of each day......

 

[tetra girl]

I tried planting before my tank was cycled and nearly lost them all. From then on i plant once fish have been introduced