live plants w/ cycling???

[Corykid94]

Right now im cycling a 28g bowfront w/ 3 leopard danios and 2 corys, and live plants. Will the live plants be ok w/ cycling and will they speed up/ slow down the process??? thnx

CORYKID94

 

[Zing]

I think plants should be ok. They wouldn affect cycling in any measurable way though, i believe.

 

[redswi]

in most cases a heavily planted tank will show no cycle at all

 

[skeletonhand]

The addition of live plants during a cycle is a very good thing. They will help keep the nitrates in check at the end of the cycle. Not only that they will help introduce more beneficial bacteria into you tank. In fact, in a heavily planted tank some people only experience a mini-cycle if any.

 

[Ghostshrimp55]

Not only will the plants consume nitrates at the end of the cycle, they will also consume ammonia at the beginning. They won't be able to out compete the bacteria in the filter but they will add another level of biofiltration.

 

[ChuckP]

a couple of live plants in the tank didn't really shorten my cycle any (three weeks fishy with biospira added a few days in), though I think the plants may have helped file down the spikes a little bit...they certainly grew well during enough, I think the plants appreciated the nitrogen.

 

[peter j. fedyk]

live plants in new tank?

live plants in a new tank is good.i would suggest though untill your tank is

established you use plant food to ensure they are getting some nutrients.

i have a well planted tank ( 1 year) now and i don"t have to use plant food

at all.

 

[BrkD]

nice pidgeon blood peter.

anyway..live plants will consume the nitrates that will build up while your tank is cycling. when you get aquatic plants from the lfs you will also bring back a small amout of the bacteria that will speed your cycle up.

 

[Swayde]

My tank cycled with plants and danios in about 2 weeks. I did use some gravel from my lfs as well to help seed though (small amount). And Stress Zyme (which may or may not have done anything).

 

[Marinemom]

Live plants in a cycling tank are wonderful. They will help with the cycle if there are enough of them especially if you fill it with the fast growing stem plants like swordplants and hygro. It does add another level of filteration and the fish in the aquarium weather during a cycle or any time after the cycle is completed will appreciate the addition of live plants.

Marinemom