Adding Substrate Before Cycling?

[Livewire88]

Hi all,

Just a quick question, shall I add my substrate before starting a fishless cycle? or should I add it once the cycle is complete?

Thanks

 

[chickennuggets123]

You add it before.

 

[catfish4ever]

before allowing bacteria to build up insiode it. (gravel)

 

[Miles_hot]

I don't think it makes any difference as the bacteria are in your filter. We cycles in a care tank (made water changes so easy - establish siphon, weight down the end with stainless steal kitchen implements, wait till tank drains, refill will hose at full bore, job done!) Once we had sand in water changes had to be supervised and the refill had to be far more restrained and slower.