Basic Cycling Info-discussion thread

[msjinkzd]

The article can be found at the link below, please feel free to share your experiences in this thread.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81388

[wastedtime]

Nice article. Thanks for the concise explanations.

I am curious to know the effects of aquatic plants and driftwood on the Nitrogen cycle

All my questions are in regards to fishless cycling.

1. Should you start cycling the tank with the plants and the driftwood already in the tank ?

2. Will the nitrite spike affect the plants in any way ?

3. Is it more advantageous to introduce plants and /or driftwood midway through the cycle . i.e after the nitrite spike has subsided.

4. Should you fertilize your plants using commercial fertilizers eg : Seachem flourish during the nitrogen cycle. If yes do the fertilizers affect the cycle in any way ?

5. What amount of lighting should you be using in the tank during the cycling process ?
If the addition of plants necessitates light... growth of algae could be a concern.

6. What are the optimal temperature for the cycle to complete effectively.

Regards,
wastedtime

[Rbishop]

see bold

Nice article. Thanks for the concise explanations.

I am curious to know the effects of aquatic plants and driftwood on the Nitrogen cycle

All my questions are in regards to fishless cycling.

1. Should you start cycling the tank with the plants and the driftwood already in the tank ? Doesn't hurt to do so at all.

2. Will the nitrite spike affect the plants in any way ? Nope, and actually the plants will help minimize it.

3. Is it more advantageous to introduce plants and /or driftwood midway through the cycle . i.e after the nitrite spike has subsided. Right from the start is perfectly okay.

4. Should you fertilize your plants using commercial fertilizers eg : Seachem flourish during the nitrogen cycle. If yes do the fertilizers affect the cycle in any way ? Depends on your substrate.

5. What amount of lighting should you be using in the tank during the cycling process ?
If the addition of plants necessitates light... growth of algae could be a concern. Use whatever lighting your plants require.

6. What are the optimal temperature for the cycle to complete effectively. I just keep mine at the tank temp I will need for the fish I plan on having in there.

Regards,
wastedtime

[wastedtime]

Perfect. Thanks for the info. I plan on using some eco-complete as substrate. So I guess I should not worry about fertilizing the plants during the cycling phase.

Thanks Again,
wastedtime