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I have a rather new, planted 29 gallon tank. It's got about 3 amazon swords, some java moss, and a couple java ferns that are pretty well established. Ten days ago, I added 8 Pristella tetras. Since then, I've tested the water every day and haven't noticed any ammonia or nitrite spikes at all. The fish are all still alive and thriving, as are the plants.

Should I just assume that the plants are taking care of everything, or is there something wrong with my test kit? I've never had live plants before this tank, and I've read that heavily planted tanks often don't cycle, but I wasn't sure exactly what constituted "heavily planted."

Also, if it's not going to go through a traditonal cycle, how much longer should I wait before adding more fish?

if your plants are established before you add fish, they will take care of most of the ammonia and nitrite spikes for you. still take care with how many fish you add at once, but yes your plants are helping out with the cycle.

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As moondog said, although they are aiding with the cycle do not depend on them. Still folllow the same rules for the number of fish to add at certain times.

Satinandtat

One thing you must learn very quickly and learn very well when fish keeping Never Assume.

Should I just assume that the plants are taking care of everything.

Regardless of your test results get it tested at your LFS as well this will tell if all your test are working properly.

The only rule with Cycling is take it very slowly and check regually. When you think it is perfect wait at least two more weeks. Then add your fish extremly slowly
to avoid any unnecessary mini cycles.

Keith

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Satinandtat,

I agree with the previous posters and would like to tag on a theory that I have.

I make the assumption that you have a low light tank, given your plant selection. So here comes my theory that I wouldn’t mind to be turned upside down by additional posters:

Your plants have a rather limited growth speed and they are only able to take a limited amount of nutrients (in form of ammonia etc.) from the water column. Your fish load currently is not too large for the plants to handle the waste they produce (in addition to water changes that you might perform).

When you add additional fish in the future, your plants will not be sufficient for the removal of waste anymore. The consequence will be the start of a cycle and your fish will be in trouble.

based on this theory, I would recommend 2 things:

a) Add more fast growers, if your light situation is suitable for them. You don’t need to get high light plants like ambulia, I would suggest something like Rotala rotundifolia which did fine in my 29G at 1.3wpg.

b) When adding new fish, take your time and stock very slowly, almost one fish at a time (not really recommended for schooling fish) with 2 weeks before the next one is added.

Again, this is only my theory and might not be true.

Hope this helps,

Ingo

Last edited by LITTLE_FISH at 28-Aug-2005 06:27

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Thanks all :-)

I'll get a second opinion on the water today at the lfs and look into some faster growing plants, and I'll give it a couple more weeks before adding any more fish, just to be safe. I'm in no hurry...I'm old, a couple of weeks/months is pretty insignificant ;-)

Well said:

a couple of weeks/months is pretty insignificant

No matter if you are old or young, that should always be the case as you would like to enjoy your fish for a long time.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club