Cycle With Plants Or Without

[loveforfhishies]

ok so to sum up this thread, as long as the filter is cycled i can pretty much do what i want with that tank to a certain extent?

 

[MHunt]

ok so to sum up this thread, as long as the filter is cycled i can pretty much do what i want with that tank to a certain extent?

I would say mainly yes. Just remember that whatever you do, protect the filter bacteria by keeping it away from water out of the tap that contains chemicals to kill bacteria.

 

[Tolak]

Also, aobut changing the filter media, only squeeze it once, don't do it until it's perfectly clear, or else all of your bacteria will have gone.

You can give it more than one squeeze, those bacteria stick to media pretty good. As long as you don't go wringing out the sponge the bacteria will be fine. I squeeze mine multiple times, I don't go counting, until most of the debris is out.

ok i get it, now how about if i do a big water change. like after my cycle and i take like 50% of water out and put new in

As long as you use a water conditioner that removes chlorine, chloramine, and ammonia you can do that. I do 50% water canges on many tanks, some get 75%, anywhere from daily to weekly, depending on the fish & stocking level.

ok so to sum up this thread, as long as the filter is cycled i can pretty much do what i want with that tank to a certain extent?

Pretty much anything. At least half of aquatics is keeping healthy bacteria, as long as you use a good water conditioner, and don't let the media dry out or go without a source of food, you can add & remove decorations, substrate, whatever.