Do live plants effect the fishless cycle?

[mattman0182]

I am in no hurry to put an animal in my tank until I know the water is safe, but I was wondering if I could go ahead and put a plant or two in the tank to be established for when the fish do arrive.

 

[joy13]

Most plants do fine when you cycle your tank. I have had vals and crypts melt when I cycle my tanks, it could be my water or it could be from cycling I don't know. I do have crypts that seem to do well after I cycle my tank.

 

[fort384]

I am currently cycling a 5 gal that is full of plants. The ammonia is good for live plants so long as it is not out of control.

 

[jsoong]

The plants will use up some of the ammonia, so you would need to add it more frequently to keep up the levels. OTOH - most plants have some bacteria on them, so the introduction will likely seed your aquarium & speed up the cycle. And established plants in the tank will moderate any ammonia/nitrite spikes should your cycle be incomplete when you add fish. So all in all, I say add the plants.