Planted tank cycling period

**plasticknife** · 11th May 2009, 18:53

Just wondering how long should i run my 6ft tank with sump, Now rescaping substrate is 70kg of used ada amazonia soil 50 kg of used mixed gravel.

forgot to keep my old water, now have to recycle. new to planted tank. and attempting a 6footer tank is a big risk.

so i need some advise here.

**Fingerling** · 12th May 2009, 23:35

There is no definite time, you can leave it running for a week or so and introduce test fish into the tank. Most importantly since you are using ADA amazonia soil mixed with gravel, you might wanna monitor your PH value. ( Stuff like PH buffers, coral chips if you know how to estimate the amount needed can be utilized to maintain a stable PH value ). You can introduce co2 into your tank if you are planning to and monitor for PH change. Once all's stable, you can start introducing lifestock into your 6 feet tank. There would be less risk if you do some research on the lifestock and plants you are planning to keep.

Good luck, im sure you're gonna have a hell lot of fun scaping this 6 feet tank.

**|squee|** · 12th May 2009, 23:56

If the tank is heavily stocked with plants in the beginning, I'd introduce fish and shrimp once the water is clear. Then again, your mileage may vary.

**Ian Lim** · 13th May 2009, 00:12

If the old substrate is still moist when you put in the tank, it should have benefitial bacteria in it that will expedite the cycle, once the water clear and after 2 weeks you can do partial water change and safely add some hardy fishes to start with.

**plasticknife** · 14th May 2009, 01:34

my tank still not clear yet, i'm planning to remove all the water and then add gravel to suppress the mud then fill it up again, will the new water kill the bb?

does anti clorine help? or should i add stresszyme to my tank after refilling?