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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on June 13, 2012 at 11:28pm

Add the plants now. Its never too soon. Plants will consume the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates while  you're waiting for the nitrogen cycle to get started through the biological activity of your filter. If you add floating plants like Duckweed and Water Cabbage, I say add the fish the next day or so. These plants are the supermen of aquarium growers - they're not limited by the low amount of carbon dioxide in water  because they get their Co2 from the air. Additionally they (and plants like Hornwart, Cabomba, and Wisteria) consume way more ammonia and nitrogenous waste than bacteria and, at the same time, providing the surface area for the beneficial bacteria you're trying to get started inside your filter. Personally I don't use filters. I just keep my tank heavily planted.

Algae gets a bad rap too. If any crops up in your tank now, DO NOT kill it. Its feeding on excess nitrogenous waste. Just don't let it grow on your viewing pane. HaHa.

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Permalink Reply by Chu Xyooj on June 14, 2012 at 12:51am

Thank you so much, i will definitively go on a plant shopping spree tomorrow.  

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