Rocks In Or Out When Cycling Tank

[festo]

Hi everyone
would like to know when doing a fishless cycle is it ok to have rocks in the tank,
have read on here that there could be brown algae covering the rocks when cycling
so would have to take them back out to clean them,
or would they be ok,also would java moss be ok while cycling,
thanks.

 

[zophie]

Well, festo, people have different idea's about this. I find that you should put everything in before a cycle- by putting something in, you might screw up th balence. I am sure people have different idea's about this, I have done this many times with no problems, but who knows- mabey your tank will not react well?

ZOphie

 

[Twinklecaz]

Getting brown algae is kinda part and parcel to the cycle. You can clean it off when you do your water changes, it's no major problem. Personally I would put your rocks in, it's more surfaces for the good bacteria to cling to.

I'd leave the plants out for now though. The high levels of Ammonia may damage them.

Mind you don't listen to me, my plants die when I look at them!

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, agree with the others. Its really just not a big deal one way or the other and should be left more to what will please you for the weeks of cycling. Sponging brown algae off rocks under the tap is no big deal. It can even be part of weekly maintenance if you want it too.

~~waterdrop~~