new tank cycle and plants...

[Venus_Spirit]

Hello,

It has been 10 years since I had an aquarium and now I'm thinking about starting one again. I am thinking of a natural looking 50gal tank fully planted with river rock and draftwood. (like the ones on www.freshwateraquariumplants.com) For fish I like Gourami, Barbs, Tetras, Danois, Glass Catfish, one Shark and a Plecos. Of course only if they can live peacefully together.. I am still researching into that.. suggestions would be great. Anyways I couldn't remember if it is best to add plants before or after the tank is cycled. Or while it is cycling. Any help, suggestions or comments are greatly welcome.

Thanks,
Venus

[djlen]

Add the plants(as many as you can afford) first. Give them a week to acclimate and root, and then add just a few fish a week, and you won't have to worry about any cycling. The plants will take care of the cycling process for you.
If you have access to a healthy tank, squeeze out the filter sponges into a bowl or jar and siphon the mulm(gunk) into your new filter and/or tank. This will greatly speed up the nutrification process, which will help your tank mature faster.

Len