planting while cycling? need help

M

M5Rk

AC Members
Jan 29, 2007
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ok.. this is my first 10g tank and I'm really excited.. after browsing the Internet on how-to's, rules of thumbs', and forums of Keeping fish, I learned a lot in 3 days.. (i mean a lot~) after reading a bunch of articles on guides how to start a Fresh water aquariums. I just have one question, do i put the plants and the wood in the water in the process of cycling..? or wait until the cycling process is done?

also,
can i get some brands of COMPLETE water test kits (works best, but then again affordable)

if u guys want to help me i have about $150 to spend this weekend
All i have is
the 10g tank
i have a hang-on-the-back filter (not biowheel, but thinking of buying one though..)

need to buy (open to any suggestion)
water heater "rules of thumb" 50watts heater
thermostat
what type of substrate do you think i need since im going to use live plants? I read somewhere that Flourite and Onyx Sand is good..

need lightings
again im going to follow rules of thumbs
Fluorescentslightning

when it comes to fishes
i think ill stick with only Dwarf Puffers(3) Ottos(2) and ghost shrimp
**i think I saw someone here with this kind of fish and i research them and they are just adorable

anyways here is my empty 10g tank i just cleaned

empty10g.jpg



this weekend ill buy
the heater
thermostat
test kits
light bulbs, (if i can add the plant and the driftwood in the process of cycling then ill buy em too..)
and what else do i need to start cycling???
type of hardy fish...?> for cycling


thank you very much for your help

Ill keep taking picutures of my tank to keep you guys posted
and to see from empty tank 10g to well cycled, planted, freshwater aqaurium
 
I just have one question, do i put the plants and the wood in the water in the process of cycling..? or wait until the cycling process is done?

Yes, you do need plants to speed up the cyclingproces (that is if you want live plants in it). Some fast growing ones like Hornwort, Cabomba are good. Put lot's of them in (you can always replace these when the tank is fully cycled and you'd like some other plants in it).

You can put the driftwood in too, just rinse it well before placing it into your tank. Put in the heater and the filter (adding some flakefood, just a little, into the filter will help to grow the good bacteria faster).
And then BE PATIENT for 2 or 3 weeks!!! You can use this time for testing your water every 2 days or so and by reading much more about tankkeeping and trying to figure out which fish you'd like to get. :)
Succes!!


 
M5Rk said:
also,
can i get some brands of COMPLETE water test kits (works best, but then again affordable)
Click to expand...


API Master Kit. I picked mine up for less than $20 (which included delivery by UPS).

I would stay away from test strips.
 
plants speed up the cycle so you can put them in before or after.

api master test kit. 13 at petsmart.

50watt heater is fine. go with a Visi-Therm heater.

you can go with Flourite or eco complete. i went with reg gravel from help depot. what ever you do just wash very well. also sand is fine.

lighting i would just go with a power compact screw in bulb you can find at home depot or walmart or just about any place now. i been told they are now making up to 42 watt bulbs.
 
Assentials:
  1. First: ask yourself what kind of fish you would like to put into your tank
  2. Second: google on the internet to see what kind of conditions the fish you'd like, need
  3. ask yourself if you can provide these conditions (tanksize)
  4. if not, don't do it
Many of us buy a tank, mostly small and tend to put as many a fish as possible. This is the wrong way!!

You should first look at the fish you want and then buy a tank that suits them! :)
 
Deddo said:
Assentials:
  1. First: ask yourself what kind of fish you would like to put into your tank
  2. Second: google on the internet to see what kind of conditions the fish you'd like, need
  3. ask yourself if you can provide these conditions (tanksize)
  4. if not, don't do it
Many of us buy a tank, mostly small and tend to put as many a fish as possible. This is the wrong way!!

You should first look at the fish you want and then buy a tank that suits them! :)
Click to expand...

First of all thanks for the replies.

definitely...

I'm really not in to rush, I'm in the military service and stuck in the Dorms most of the time, So i want something that will keep my sanity level at normal. so i decided to make a perfect 10g aquarium. Also, i like having plants and I'm gonna follow the "rules of thumbs". As of right now I want to get started on my tank cycle



Also just got back from petco and looked at some stuff I thought Saltwater aquarium is would be expensive but I guess not.. but i have my heart set to Fresh or Brackish Aquarium
 
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