some cycling questions

[ara35]

How do you do the raw shrimp method? in detail alittle bit if possible

and also, when do you add the live plants into the tank? during cycling, after it's been cycled? are they beneficial to the cycling process?

also would i need co2 or extra chemicals for the following plants:
java fern, java moss, and anubias sp.

thanks for everything guys... you have made this easy. i am probably a pain in the *** by now because i dont get a chance to answer anyone elses questions or give suggestions cause im always the one asking the questions!! thanks alot guys!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

take raw shrimp and add some in. test every couple days to track the ammonia. you might have to add more shrimp or take some out and do water change.

the sooner the better for adding live plants. they speed up the cycle.

nope should be fine.

 

[davexstumpe]

take a cocktail shrimp, put it in a nylon stocking, and dunk it in.In the beginning try to keep the ammonia levels at atleast 2 and never let it go over 5ppm. If its under 2 add a little more and if its over 5 do a water change to get the readings under 5 and also take out some shrimp. The ammonia will spike, then the nitrite, and then you'll see some nitrates. Once you've gotten 0 readings of ammo and nitrite for a few days in a row, you're good to go.

 

[jm1212]

ammoina levels over 6ppm can acctually stall the cycle.