hwardale
Aquarium Advice Newbie
Hello. I am looking for some advice regarding cycling. I have a 15ga column aquarium that is ready for planting. I would like a recommendation on which cycling method I should use...
I've read a lot of conflicting information about fish-less cycling with live plants. Some say go ahead, but realize that the cycle will take longer because the plants compete for the ammonia. Others say, ammonia cycling in a planted tank is a no-no and why bother when you can do silent?
I'm inclined to go the silent route, but if I follow the recommendation and densely plant my tank (which has all of a 13"x13" footprint), I'm eventually going to want to thin it out a bit. What is the consequence of that and at what point is it safe to do so? Is the process of modifying my plants something I should do slowly, to allow the biological filter to adjust? I don't plan to overstock with fish. I only plan to have 10-12 in the 1" variety. Is my concern unwarranted? Thanks in advance!
I've read a lot of conflicting information about fish-less cycling with live plants. Some say go ahead, but realize that the cycle will take longer because the plants compete for the ammonia. Others say, ammonia cycling in a planted tank is a no-no and why bother when you can do silent?
I'm inclined to go the silent route, but if I follow the recommendation and densely plant my tank (which has all of a 13"x13" footprint), I'm eventually going to want to thin it out a bit. What is the consequence of that and at what point is it safe to do so? Is the process of modifying my plants something I should do slowly, to allow the biological filter to adjust? I don't plan to overstock with fish. I only plan to have 10-12 in the 1" variety. Is my concern unwarranted? Thanks in advance!