Advise Need

[simon10]

Hi, i just wanted some advise on plants, should i put them in the tank whilst the tank is cycling or shall i wait until the tank is cycled and put the in then?

Also i have a question about my heater, if i put it at i higher temperature does it speed up the cycling process?, i think i heard this around somewhere.

All your help will be much appreciated, thanks

 

[fatheadminnow]

Hi, i just wanted some advise on plants, should i put them in the tank whilst the tank is cycling or shall i wait until the tank is cycled and put the in then?

Also i have a question about my heater, if i put it at i higher temperature does it speed up the cycling process?, i think i heard this around somewhere.

All your help will be much appreciated, thanks

Yes, you can put plants in during a cycle. Plants will also use some ammonia and NitrAtes.

Yes, a temperature of 84 F/29 C is optimal for bacterial growth.

-FHM

 

[Colin_T]

Plants will be fine in the tank while it is cycling.

Warmer water will help speed up the cycling process but only by a bit. It will still take 3-4 weeks. If you do warm the water up, then increase the surface turbulence to maximise the oxygen levels in the water. Get the temp to about 32C and leave it until the cycling process has finished. Then drop it back to 24-26C before you add fish.
If you plan on keeping discus then drop the temp to about 28C.

 

[fatheadminnow]

I've had a tank cycle quickest with a temp at 84 F, any higher or lower it seemed to take long? IMO

So yes, a higher temp will help promote bacterial growth.

-FHM

 

[Colin_T]

I've had a tank cycle quickest with a temp at 84 F, any higher or lower it seemed to take long? IMO
So yes, a higher temp will help promote bacterial growth.
-FHM

fair enough, in which case set the temp on 28-30C (84F = 29C) and it should cycle pretty quickly

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yeah, that is just what I have found IME, so do what Colin_T said, and set the temp between 28-30 C.

-FHM

 

[simon10]

Any plants in particular? Any ones that are good for the tank?

 

[fatheadminnow]

Any plants in particular? Any ones that are good for the tank?

Amazon sword plants are good hardy plants.

Anubias plants are good.

Riccia fluitans is good and very neat I must add.

Also, fern plants will be good as well!

You can click in my sig where it says "Plants and Cichlids" to get ideas as to what type of plants are avaliable.

-FHM