NanoAddict

well my new tank is filled about 4 inches from the top with water, and i can add another gallon, but my question is if I get 2 pieces of java fern, some anubias, and a little java moss, how much will my water level rise, i also didnt add my equipment yet

Jess

Wait till you have everything in place before you add more water. Its easier to work that way for decorating and that way it won't over flow.

Butterfly

I usually fill my tanks about 1/2 way full \, decorate, arrange plants then carefully fisll the rest of the way up
carol

NanoAddict

ok perfect, its about 3/4ths full now so ill leave it there, plus over half of my water is distilled and ammonia free

Jess

It will need to cycle. You've read about the nitrogen cycle?
If not check out Aquarium articles up in the blue band. Step by step directions for cycling your tank.
I'm assuming its a new tank without fish?

NanoAddict

yeah i know all the stuff, this is my fourth tank, i just use mostly distilled water from my dehumidifyer and i got some eco complete with bacteria in it, so i just made a crappy joke, but i only added two gallons of dechlorinated tap

NanoAddict

I added water and eco complete substrate yesterday that is very fine and my water is cloudy so i am wondering:

is it substrate that hasnt settled yet

or is it bacteria cycling already because my substrate has a lot of bacteria and bacteria primer stuff in it.

Butterfly

I would think the substrate hasn't settled yet If you want to rush it add some floss to your filter to catch tthe finer particles.
Carol

NanoAddict

i didnt actually start the filter yet because i wanted most of the fine stuff to settle in so i dont waste my cartridge on it, either way im getting my plants tomorrow so ill probably fire it up tonight