Tank Nearly Cycled. Planning Planting And Stocking.

[Derek2011]

Ive been cycling a tank for a collection of community fish. My tank is now at 0 ammonia (returning it to 2.5 mg/L each day and getting 0 the next day) and dropping nitrite levels so I'm thinking it is approaching being cycled.

I am looking to start planning a few plants to go in in and wondered if anyone had any guidance as to the depth of substrate I should go for. I don't want it deep enough to develop anaerobic conditions, but I want enough for the plants to root successfully.

Also, I will eventually be putting a pair of Dwarf Gouramis in, which I think like a floating plant to hide beneath. Does anyone have any suggestions for such a plant? It is a 36"x12"x12" tank, so I don't want anything particularly invasive, but big enough to give the Gouramis a feeling of security.

Many thanks.

 

[minnnt]

Salvinia will be a great floating plant for you.

As for the depth of the substrate, i would aim for 2" and preferably sand as it is easier for the plants to root into and easier for you to plant in too. It's also the best substrate if you wish to keep fish such as Corydoras.

And yes, i would say the tank is pretty much done mate.

Oh, and welcome to the forum Derek!

 

[ian]

Derek, don't worry about noxious gases from the substrate, plants roots will utilise these gases and if/when they escape they do no harm anyway. The deeper the substrate the better.

 

[Derek2011]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I tried to get some salvinia from the LFS, but they had none and said 'it's rather seasonal'. Still, I'll let the nitrites settle down and then have another more serious round of the local sources.

Your comments are much appreciated.

 

[minnnt]

Seasonal?

It's available at my lfs all year round. Maybe you should have a look on ebay or in the classifieds here. Usually some floating plants knocking around. Amazon Frogbit etc...