UnderwaterEden

Greetings,

One week ago I placed a single betta into my new 10g aquarium. I had ordered a full supply of aquarium plants, but the grower is concerned that since my tank is still cycling, ammonia could harm the plants. He recommended Seachem Stability, but where I live it is too expensive for my budget, if I can possibly avoid getting it.

I was just allowing the tank to cycle naturally, without water testing, and the betta has been doing fine. I have done two 10-15% water changes.

Do you think that my plants may be in danger from the ammonia? I know that if I were going to spend a little more I could invest in tests, chemical or bacterial boosters, etc., and if I need to I will. I am just trying to save as much as possible.

Thank you for your suggestions!

davemonkey

At very high levels (enough to kill fish), ammonia can harm plants. Other than that, ammonia is plant food. You don't have to "cycle" a planted tank. The plants do the water filtering for you instead of the bacteria. Plant away!

Unless you used Amazonia AquaSoil, I can't imagine there is enough ammonia in a new tank to cause any harm to plants.

-Dave

Tex Gal

Even with ADA Amazonia AquaSoil I have planted immediately. I have experienced exploding plant growth in all the tanks in which I've done this. Since reading the forums it's always been the ADA AquaSoil that has the big ammonia spikes. So... I would venture to say that it's a rare case that you can't plant immediately in a new tank. Having said that, I always plant heavily. That doesn't mean a plant here or there, that means stuffing the tank with fast growing plants, including floating plants. They suck up the ammonia and I can either sell the plants or give them away after my tank has been cycled. win/win

geeks_15

I prefer to plant the tank as the first step in tank setup. I get all the equipment ready, add a little water, plant the plants and then fill the tank. I've never had a problem.

I can't believe a single betta could produce enough ammonia to damage plants as long as you don't go a looooong time between water changes. I think you are fine.

UnderwaterEden

Thank you so much for your help! I am not using the Amazonia substrate, and my tank will be pretty thickly planted (I am getting 14 plants for 10 gallons). I feel much better now about going ahead. Thanks again!

davemonkey

By the way,
Welcome to APC!!

UnderwaterEden

Thank you. I can see this is going to be a very helpful forum.