how long should i wait?

[JayCreek]

I just finished cycling my 48 gallon tank, but im affraid to touch it because I dont want to ruin my *perfect* water!
but I want to upgrade my newbie plastic plants to live ones. I've already checked out the lighting and substrate specification, so how long should I wait before I start planting?

[travelinman1969]

This really belongs in the plant forum. :rolleyes: If the tank has cycled go ahead and start planting but slowly and watch your parameters.

[JayCreek]

sorry about that...i just became a member here and I guess I got a little confused. Thanks for the advice nonetheless.

[PumaWard]

Plants aren't hurt by the cycle and don't really produce waste so you can add them whenever you want. They can actually utilize and break down ammonia.


Do you have something in your tank to keep it cycled? (Did you cycle with fish, or fishless?)

[JayCreek]

well i actually had been keeping fish in there for almost 6 months, before i even realized that i needed to cylce my tank. I blame that on "newbie-itice". I didnt really know what i was doing, but after learning about the nitrogen cycle i immediately started to watch and test my water for almost 30 days. My fish were still in the tank during the whole process. But Im happy to say all but one survived the grueling 30days.
I just want to thank everyone here for all the advice they have given me and all of the things i learned from reading other peoples questions. Thanks alot!