Plants In A Fishlessly Cycling Tank? Does It Slow It Down?

[KingKenny]

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Currently doing a fishless cycle on a 160 gallon tank. I introduced a few potted plants from an established tank to help things along, I think there are five in total. Also I have Java Moss growing in a bag and Riccia growing well in a see through bottle with holes poked through for water circulation.

1) Will this contribute to algae growth?

2) Will it slow down a fishless cycle?

Thanks!

 

[TammyLiz]

Technically, it could slow it down by doing some of the bacteria's work, but IMO it would overall help. Since they are from an established tank they might even bring in some good bacteria.

Why do you have your java moss in a bag and riccia in a bottle? If the bag doesn't have holes like a bottle, I would think you should at least poke holes for it. If I'm not mistaken, Java Moss, like any other plant, needs CO2 among other things. In a closed system, although it is hardy, it will eventually die. I don't see how keeping it in a bag can do it any good, even for a while. Same for the ricca. Just let it float and get all that light it loves.

If I've missed something and you're privy to some new technique on getting this stuff to grow fill me in!

Tammy

EDIT: About algae growth, the lights that the plants require will also encourage algae growth, as well as the abundance of ammonia, but the plants themselves will not.