New tropical gal
New Member
Hi all
I'm currently cycling my tank (fishless at present) and would like some advice re adding live plants.
My new cubic 20gal aquarium has been running for 3 days. I have a clay-based plant substrate lining the bottom of the aquarium followed by gravel.
The readings of my tank are all fine (with the exception of low pH), the only issue is cloudy water. I believe the cloudy water resulted from the gravel/substrate (despite it being washed several times).
Can I add a few plants at this stage or should I wait until fish have been introducted? I'm aware that plants consume nitrate and therefore my thoughts are that I should wait until fish are added.
I ask this question because I have read two tropical fish books where it is suggested that plants are added first - but I can't fathom the logic?!
Many thanks to you all for reading - I greatly appreciate any help.
Kate
I'm currently cycling my tank (fishless at present) and would like some advice re adding live plants.
My new cubic 20gal aquarium has been running for 3 days. I have a clay-based plant substrate lining the bottom of the aquarium followed by gravel.
The readings of my tank are all fine (with the exception of low pH), the only issue is cloudy water. I believe the cloudy water resulted from the gravel/substrate (despite it being washed several times).
Can I add a few plants at this stage or should I wait until fish have been introducted? I'm aware that plants consume nitrate and therefore my thoughts are that I should wait until fish are added.
I ask this question because I have read two tropical fish books where it is suggested that plants are added first - but I can't fathom the logic?!
Many thanks to you all for reading - I greatly appreciate any help.
Kate
