mychl717

My ammonia is 0, Nitrites are coming down (< .25), and Nitrate has dropped to 0!!! A few days ago, Nitrate was at 7.5, and I've not changed any water since...

I have quite a few plants in my 46G tank, and they are the only explanation I can think of for why Nitrates have dropped to undetectable levels.

My tank is maxed out biologically, I've got 45 inches of fish.

Can plants really do that much

Thanks

Gunnie

I have read that some folks have added fish to a brand new tank and never had a cycle issue because they had so many plants in the tank. It's possible, but keep close tabs on your water parameters and check it daily for awhile.

finmama

Thats amazing about the nitrates! What kind of plants do you have? I want to get some live plants but I can never decide on a kind lol

mychl717

Mostly Amazon Sword plants... I bought 2 of the tubes at petsmart. I think that's about 8 plants, some w/ only 2 leaves and others w/ a lot.

Also a pretty big arentine sword plant that I got from petsmart.

I've also got a big bunch of Elodea that has grown about 6 inches in 2 weeks.

I added some Java Moss and a Cabomba plant.

I am testing the water 2 time/day since I'm trying to see where my cycle is.

Thanks,

mychl717

We'll, I'm finally cycled... no Nitrites anymore, and I'm still getting 0 for Nitrates.

I havn't done a water change in over 1 week...

Go plants go!