New tank planting questions

[Erik713]

Hey everyone. I have a 10 gal tank that is a week old. It's fishy cycling right now (with two mollies and two tetra) and the pH and ammonia levels are a bit high, but water changes are helping.

My question is this - once the tank is established, would it be possible to add some live plants? I'm not sure if the tank needs to be started with the plants or they can be added later. The fake ones I have look just that -- fake. What would I need to add along with plants if I can add them? Right now I have a mini Penguin bio-wheel filter and the tank is heated between 80* and 81*.

Thanks for your help for a newb :)

[anonapersona]

If you add them now they would reduce the ammonia the fish are seeing. Even tossing in some anarchris to float on the surface will be helpful.

[medge00]

you just need to be sure you have the right parameters.... like do you have gravel or sand? plants to best with substrate thats 1-3 mm in size... flourescent or incandescent light? and how many watts? I'd shoot for 2 watts per gallon of flourescent lighting. your plants will appreciate this. if your 10 gallon hood is like mine, you'll need to find screw in flourescent bulbs. try lowes, home depot, osh.... if you're wondering about fertilizers and such, I strongly recomend the seachem flourish line. i'm seeing some success with the flourish excel as well.

how high is your ph? thats something to watch....

[rich]

heres a link to planting a cycling tank. its a good site if your interested in getting a garden going in your tank.
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_newtank.htm