Removing the plastic plants should not cause a mini-cycle.
Setting up a water-conditioning tank can be was easy as using a new 30gal trashcan or rubbermaid tub for water changes. It doesn't have to be a display tank, just pop a clamp light with a screw-in compact flourescent in it with some plants and a powerhead, and use that for your water changes.
Setting up a water-conditioning tank can be was easy as using a new 30gal trashcan or rubbermaid tub for water changes. It doesn't have to be a display tank, just pop a clamp light with a screw-in compact flourescent in it with some plants and a powerhead, and use that for your water changes.