LuvaBetta

I want to set up a tank just for growing plants - no fish. I'll use either Eco-Complete or fluorite substrate, but does the tank have to completely cycle before I add the plants? What about heat and filtration?

susitna-flower

No the tank doesn't have to be cycled. I would use filtration, as without movement the water will get stagnant......as for heat, I am sure most plants would grow better in normal tropical tank temperatures, which would require a heater.....But they wouldn't die without it, just not grow as well....

The main part is the lighting, research the plants you want then buy the light intensity that will keep them healthy. I would research all this on
www.plantgeek.net Why would you not want fish? One or two lovely ones dress up a planted tank, and help feed the plants!

LuvaBetta

I love the fish, but I have 1 saltwater and 4 freshwater tanks now - along with 5 dogs and 15 birds all the cleaning is a challenge! And sometimes I'm a bit cleaning-challenged as it is. The choice of healthy plants in our area is a bit slim so I thought I'd try to grow some for my sister (5 dogs, 3 fw tanks, breeds birds!) and myself.