nitrate levels on new cycling tank.

[rich]

so i just set up a 30 gal tank and have begun the fishless cycle in it. a few days after the start i added a few plants to help the seeding process along. i added three big hornworts and 2 potted crypts. i also set up a co2 injection system and have level my co2 out at about 15ppm. ive also begun adding small amounts of KENT freshwater plant micronutrient. every thing in tank is looking good after plants being in tank for 5 days. nice and green, hornworts looking bushy and pearling. red wenditii getting a nice color and leaves looking firm.

now is nitrate neccesary for plant growth and can the plants be harmed by the non existant levels in the tank. i havnt gotten along in the cycle far enough for nitrates to start being produced. heck i havnt even gotten a nitrite spike yet.

should i be adding small trace amounts of nitrate until the cycle is going strong or just leave it be to cycle naturally?

[Pink Pat]

rich,

No, at this stage it isn't necessary to have N03. The plants will use the NH you add. In fact, when they use N03 they do so by converting it back to NH for easier consumption.

HTH

PP