When should I introduce live plants to an aquarium?

Question

When is the right time to introduce live plants to an aquarium? I have a 29 G tank that's been cycling for 2 weeks.
I would like to add them, because I want as natural an environment as I can get.
I would really appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Answer 1

The most important part of the answer to your quesiton is the fact that plants, like fish, have very particular requirements to do well. Lighting, water quality, substrate conditions, etc, etc, etc. All kinds of diferent requirements and also like fish, they vary from plant type to plant type.

It's really far more than can be covered in an answer post

Here's a website than gives some very basic info:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/articles/planted_aquarium.shtml
and here's one with a little more detail:
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/plants/randall_Setting%20up.html

I would really strongly recommend that you get a book about planted aquariums and read up before you get your first plant. That will really help you pick the right plants for your tank and help you be successful with them. Planted tanks are wonderful, they just take a little extra planning and work.

Best of luck

MM

Answer 2

Congratulations on deciding to put plants into your tank, it really is worth it. It really depends on what kind of scenery you want. You didn't specify if it was cold/tropical/fresh/saltwater so I'm not sure which type of plants you will be using. Usually when you buy the live plants, they come in a small dome with instructions. They instructions usually include the water settings. Some plants need lots of iron in the water to live. Also on the instructions there is usually a "compatible plant/fish" list there, so you see which type of fish goes well with what plants. If you know what type of fish you are putting in the tank already, just look for plants that work well with those fish. Before you buy the plants get your water to the right settings, so you don't lose your plants. Add them slowly, 1-2 plants a day. It may take up to a month after finishing adding the plants before you can put fish into it, but it's worth it. Just some pointers for people with plants in their tanks. Main one is, never put snails in your aquarium, may seem like a no brainer, but the snails will eat the plants! Some plants are very expensive. You will need to have deep gravel (4+ inches) for the plants to live in. you will also have to put special aquarium fertilizer in the gravel/soil/substrate...Whatever you decide to use. The fertilizer usually comes in small balls, and you just have to stick them into the gravel. Fish waste is used by the plants as fertilizer, so there will be less of this mess to clean up. You are also probably not going to get algae breakouts with live plants. Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 3

As soon as you have water in it. There is no need to cycle the water for the plants. You could have added them on day one.

Answer 4

Goldfish do have a habit of ingesting rather lots something, jointly with snails, so i does not be too worried approximately that. Snails could nicely be valuable, yet it extremely is a incredibly uncommon occurance. except you have a planted tank with Malaysian Trumpet Snails, you will in all probability be tearing your hair out attempting to do away with them (except you have a Goldfish to exterminate them). MTS help the flora by potential of conserving the substrate from turning out to be anaerobic, which prevents the accumulation of poisonous gasses and helps extra advantageous root boost. maximum different snails somewhat won't help the tank in any strategies different than the small volume of algae or left over nutrition they devour. in case you like the snails, save them, in case you do not, flow forward and do away with them; it somewhat won't make too lots distinction the two way. actual aquatic flora are very valuable to aquariums. They oxygenate the water, do away with risky ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate (to a small degree; they don't replace upkeep), and compete with algae for foodstuff. additionally they supply secure haven and nutrition for fish, as nicely as looking astounding (although they certainly could nicely be a headache at circumstances). If by potential of "ferns", you propose Java Ferns, great! they are going to be astonishing on your tank. in case you meant the pathetic excuses for ferns that they sell at Petco that appear like a salad garnishing, it extremely is a terrestrial plant, you're out of success. The small, pinnate leaved ferns that Petco sells of their little arrangements will quickly rot, on an analogous time as Java Fern will improve spectacularly. if this is the "pretend fern", you would be extra advantageous off tossing it out now (or getting a reimbursement) till now it rots and pollutes your tank. in case you may get a image or another identity on it, that must be great. be at liberty to digital mail me in case you have any questions. Soop Nazi EDIT: sixteen hours of light is the very final element you decide directly to your flora!!! that should reason a important algae breakout, it extremely is rather lots hell to handle... The very longest you will need the lighting fixtures fixtures on may be 12 hours an afternoon.

Answer 5

anytime they love it wont hert them it helps suppy oxgen to there tanks