Preparing Colombo Flora Base?

[Ben M]

Hi, I have recently bought some Colombo Flora Base, and i'd like to know how to prepare it before putting it into my aquarium. I understand that I must first wash it to remove dust as I would with sand/gravel? After that, however i'm not sure. I've read that I need to soak it for a period of time before putting it into the tank as there will be an ammonia spike, so i must do daily water changes. Is that correct? So would it be easier to soak it in a bucket so i can do the water changes easier? And for how long would i need to soak it? I won't be adding any fish/inverts until i've got it all planted and everything is growing well, so the ammonia spike wouldn't be a problem to any fish, but what effect does an ammonia spike have on the plants and the whole tank in general? can it cause algae? The filter will be cycled, as i'll use some media from my main tank.

i'd appreciate some help, as i'm not sure where to start with these new fangled substrates.

cheers

 

[aaronnorth]

You can do a fishless cycle.

Add it to the tank, then do 50% water changes daily, just as if it was in the bucket. Some of the NH3 will be removed and the rest will go towards the filter bacteria & plants.
Keep the lights on for no longer than 6hrs per day to start with.

Doing all of this should ensure you won't get any algae. You can also run Purigen and/ or carbon in the filter.

Leave it 4weeks then add about 6 small fish, nad then you can start building your stock up from there.

Thanks, Aaron