Homebase Cornish Cobbles

[doubledee]

Hi,

I bought some cornish cobbles from Homebase the other night when I bought my silver sand. Although the bag says that they're suitable for ponds, there are a few rocks that have what appears to be rust on them. I've discarded those from the small amount I'm actually going to use but I'm a bit concerned that they might not actually be suitable for an aquarium. Has anyone else used them for their tanks?

Also, I washed my sand last night and it didn't take as long as I thought. It was only £4.99 from Homebase for a bag as opposed to £6.99 (IIRC) for a small bag from Pets at home. I couldn't believe how easy it was to wash and was actually easier than some of the gravel I used many moons ago! I only hope that it's clean enough.

I also got a bottle of 9.5% ammonia to use for cycling the tank. I take it (from what I've read on these forums) that's it best to cycle without the plants, so should I just cycle using the plant substrate/silver sand and some rocks? I need to get some larger flattish rocks as well from somewhere to make caves for my proposed plecs.

If I place some gravel from my brothers tank in my filter how much quicker will the tank take to cycle? I appreciate that every tank is different (mine is 180ltrs) but any tips and tales of previous experiences would be appreciated. I have plenty of time to sort the tank out before I get any fish.

Once cycled, does anyone know which fish I should add first from my proposed list of rummy nosed tetras, possibly another type of tetra, Corydoras or small plecs. I intend adding some dward cichlids last, probably Rams but I'm still doing my homework on those.

Thanks.

 

[miniman]

I am cycling with plants, not many just a few easy plants on bogwood. I read that this is a good source of bacteria. I think when people say not to cycle with plants they mean not a planted tank as too many plants will use up the ammonia before the filter.

As with most things different people have different opinion, I wouldnt say that my plants have sped up or slowed down the process.

 

[babybell911]

I use thoe cornish cobbles even the ones with the rust in been in there a fair few months now and not a problem xx

 

[Dave Spencer]

I think when people say not to cycle with plants they mean not a planted tank as too many plants will use up the ammonia before the filter.

If you have enough healthy, growing plants, then the tank doesn`t actually cycle. I planted my substrate with 75% plants and never saw any Ammonia or nitrite and put Otos and Amano Shrimp in the tank after the first week. This means, of course, that my filter will only have a small bacteria colony.

Dave.