I'd say that there might not be a preferred method to start a tank but there are a few things that one very much must do:
1. Start with all your equipment.
That may sound stupid but often people hook up only part of the equipment and add the rest later. I believe that is a receipe for a disaster.
2. Genrerally - the more plants from the start the better.
Chuck Gadd's article (on his site) about starting a tank is a good step by step advice.
3. Plants should be in good health and clean of algae.
So they will establish themselves as fast as possible.
4. The first few weeks of the tank development one needs to check things every single day.
By that I don't mean running all water parameter test every day. I'd say watch the plants is better - let them be your guide.
--Nikolay |