Stocking new tank

[laka]

How soon after setting up a new tank should i wait before i add fish?
Do i need to dose with any ferts at all prior to fish being introduced? I have a laterite base with gravel on top.

 

[TTKarl]

Well I take it you are wanting to setup a planted tank. I found this very helpful to me. http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_newtank.htm

 

[laka]

Thanks TTKarl. I actually read it. I am in agreement with everything Chuck says. What i really wanted to clarify is why not dose with nitrates initially if there are no fish in the tank and the ammonia and nitrites read zero?

 

[ergo sum]

I usually plant a tank and then feed it. I run it for about a month sometimes longer. When I am happy with the growth of the plants I start adding a few fish.

 

[TTKarl]

From what i understand. (and I have to tell you I don't understand a whole lot) The plants will not use fertilizers in the water column when they are freshly planted. They need to become established in your tank first. While they are doing this they only use stored nutrients. Therfore dosing ferts in a newly planted tank will only attribute to growing algae instead of your plants.

Anybody with a little more experience feel free to chime in!

 

[laka]

OK We have two opposing thoughts here. ErgoSum feeds plants initially TTKarl doesn't. I do feel we need further clarification on this. Any gurus out there?