My first dirted tank questions

Hi.

I bought a 20 gallon tank and I just placed about 1 1/4" of dirt on the bottom and capped it with pea gravel. I was wondering if I am doing the right thing before adding any plants to it:

100% water changes on Days 1-3

50% water changes on Days 4-7

50% water changes every other day after Day 7.

I don't plan on adding plants for the next 7-10 days.

To my understanding, I know the frequent water changes are to rid the water of any excess nutrients and ammonia that the dirt leeches into the water. What should I expect after adding plants? Also is there any other advice for someone like myself who is dirting an aquarium for the first time?

-Ed

PS - I don't plan on adding any fish until after September.

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Permalink Reply by Peter on August 24, 2012 at 11:38pm

I would recommend adding plants as soon as possible to help soak up excess nutrients and ur step 3 should be after day 7 30%-50% water changes weekly or even biweekly

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on August 25, 2012 at 2:38am

Ditto on Peter's advice.

The plants will eat the ammonia and nitrogenous waste (nutrients). After that you won't have to do too many water changes - once a week or once every two weeks will be fine. If you want to do more that's ok too. Floating plants will do the best job cleaning the water but a nice thicket of planted grass in the soil will be great for the tank too. Expect your plants to respond well to the soil. I planted some Dwarf Sagittaria about two months ago and now the bottom is almost completely covered with it.

I would have added clay gravel instead of pea gravel but pea gravel IS pretty. Sounds like you're going to have a beautiful tank. Most fish love having plants around too. Good luck.