Can I do a fishless cycle and THEN add plants and decorations?

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

Do I have to have everything in the tank (sans fish) as I do a fishless cycle or can I add stuff (plants and decorations) after the tank is stable?

Meaning, can I just have water and substrate?

 

[Mr. Limpet]

Do I have to have everything in the tank (sans fish) as I do a fishless cycle or can I add stuff (plants and decorations) after the tank is stable?

Meaning, can I just have water and substrate?

You can do it either way. The more decco/plants the more the bacteria has to collect/grow on though.

 

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

I have no experience in this... let's say the tank is fully cycled. Will adding plants screw things up and need time to stabilize?

 

[barterking85]

I have no experience in this... let's say the tank is fully cycled. Will adding plants screw things up and need time to stabilize?

Not really it will just bring your nitrates down some cause it feeds off it

 

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

Thanks!

 

[barterking85]

But if you like you can add plants now it's totally up to you won't hurt either way

 

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

I haven't decided on the plants, fish or CO2... o this will byt me a month of time!

 

[barterking85]

Got ya still in planning stages