Hi guys, I am new to this hobby. So far I've purchased a 37g tank a 40g filter and a 200w heater. I've read online that it is necessary to cycle the tank to ensure a stable water chemistry. I've read that it can take weeks to cycle an aquarium, I don't want to wait that long.
I found that you can use Tetra's Safestart to speed up the process and it will take less than a week to cycle the tank.
Has anyone ever used Safestart, if so is it any good and how long did it take for your tank to cycle?
Also if I added this(safestart) to my tank, can I add it with the plants that I purchased or must I add the plants after the water is stable?
Can I put gravel in along to cycle?
I am using a mix of Eco Complete and regular National Geographic gravel, how will the bacteria in Eco Complete compete with the one in safestart?
Can I add some fish when I use safe start? How about shrimp?
If I change my filter(just the cartridge) will I need to add more safestart?
WILL I EVEN NEED SAFESTART? Since I am going for a planted tank will this even be necessary? Plants use the nitrogen too!
It's a long list a question, I know, but if anyone could answer these questions for me it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I found that you can use Tetra's Safestart to speed up the process and it will take less than a week to cycle the tank.
Has anyone ever used Safestart, if so is it any good and how long did it take for your tank to cycle?
Also if I added this(safestart) to my tank, can I add it with the plants that I purchased or must I add the plants after the water is stable?
Can I put gravel in along to cycle?
I am using a mix of Eco Complete and regular National Geographic gravel, how will the bacteria in Eco Complete compete with the one in safestart?
Can I add some fish when I use safe start? How about shrimp?
If I change my filter(just the cartridge) will I need to add more safestart?
WILL I EVEN NEED SAFESTART? Since I am going for a planted tank will this even be necessary? Plants use the nitrogen too!
It's a long list a question, I know, but if anyone could answer these questions for me it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!