Fishless Cycling in Planted tanks...makes sense or no?

[credenza]

If a tank is to be heavily planted...I have read on some websites that that all you need to do is plant the tanks heavily and let the plants establish themselves for 2+ weeks or so. Then fish can be added slowly, and that there is no need to fishless cycle.

What do you guys think. I have so far done the fishless cycling and after that simultaneously started adding plants and fish.

 

[carpguy]

If the tank is to be heavily planted, the plants will hoover up the ammonia produce by the fish and there isn't any need to do the traditional cycle.

Chuck Gadd has a nice page on starting a new planted. This method calls for lots of fast growing plants… not a couple and not slow growing.

Planted is considerably more complicated than not. I personally think its worth it, but if I was just starting up I think it might be easier to do the fishless and get everything up and running, and then moving into plants bit by bit. If you already have some experience and/or are prepared to charge up the learning curve, jump on in, the water is ideal :dive2:

Don't try to fishless a planted tank. Do one or the other. If you have suitable lighting for plants, the ammonia levels for a fishless are a big tall neon sign invitation to algae.

 

[credenza]

Thanks carpguy! I had come across Chuck Gadd's article and was wondering anyone here had experience going the planted tank way and skipping the cycling.
I guess I could use the bio-media from my other tank to help the process.