Much has changed in the aquarium hobby since I last owned one as far as cycling a newly set up freshwater tank. Back then, all one did was to fill your aquarium...add chlorine drops....and run the tank for a day or two before adding your fish. So, I've been doing a lot of research online and talking to an expreienced aquarist to re-educate myself with the hobby.

               I recently set up a 10 gallon to be used as a breeding and fry tank for fancy guppies and also have a 15 gallon (not set up yet), for my community tank of all males. I plan to do this in the next few days.

               When I do set up the 15 gallon, I would like to include live plants, but I seem to be getting conflicting information on whether to add them immediately or to wait til the cycle is comlete. Has anyone incorporated live plants into their initial set up? What would be the hardiest to start out with?Would the ammonia buildup be harmful to the plants or would the plants be benificial to the cycling? Can anyone recommend a good plant source online...someone who sells healthy aquatic plants? I've been reading a lot of bad comments about buying plants ( and fish) from PetCo and Petsmart, and unfortunately, these are the only two stores in my town who sells fish and the supplies...no independant aquarium shop.

              I have many more questions but will kind of ask them on an "as need" basis. Any help is greatly appreciated.  Don M.