Cycling of tank

[CT]

Just wondering, do we cycle the tank with it fully planted or cycle it with no plants inside?

[juggler]

Here's a good article Setting up a New Planted Tank by Chuck Gadd

Usually I start planting heavily right away. Adding some old tank water helps to speed up the cycling process. I slowly add fish a few days later.

[neon]

I started my 3' tank ~ 2 months ago. Initially I pumped my canister to my 2' goldfish tank for at least a week to cultivate the bateria. Put a few small gold fishes and platies, more hardy fish. In no more time, my 3' tank when planted , Ammonia, Nitrite are 0 , nitrate was around 40ppm. Removed my gold fishes , and left with platies.

Avoid putting other less hardy fishes , like Neon, trhread fin, rummy nose in big school initially. I learnt my lesson.

Can put a few otto , may be 1-2 SAE.

[CT]

oic! thanks for the information.

[sherchoo]

Actually Neon's method of cycling which I practised in the past does help cycling very much. I've managed to cycle my tank within a week without problems. But do take care when addig too many fish in so that it will not break the N cycle when overloaded. Do it slowly as in few fishes in few days.