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By far the best way to "cycle" a planted tank is to use plenty of fast growing stem plants from the first day you set it up. It is the growth of those fast growing plants that keeps the ammonia in the water at virtually zero. That way you can add some fish within a week or so, waiting just long enough to be sure nothing is drastically wrong with the setup. I usually add otocinclus and a half dozen or so of some cheap, but enjoyable fish, like guppies or other live bearers, or tetras. After another couple of weeks you can safely add just about any fish you want.
The nitrifying bacteria colonies will still establish themselves on the substrate, plant leaves, hardscape, and filter, but they will obviously not be as big as they would be if you didn't have the plants doing their work for them.
Cycling a tank is very important for a fish only tank, and our "standard procedures" are built around that type of aquarium, not planted tanks. With lots of plants it just isn't required.
The nitrifying bacteria colonies will still establish themselves on the substrate, plant leaves, hardscape, and filter, but they will obviously not be as big as they would be if you didn't have the plants doing their work for them.
Cycling a tank is very important for a fish only tank, and our "standard procedures" are built around that type of aquarium, not planted tanks. With lots of plants it just isn't required.
