Can I add plant fertilizers while my tank is starting to cycle?

I'm doing a fishless cycle with raw shrimp and was advised that I need to start fertilizing my plants sooner rather than later.

Will the ingredients of a liquid fert mess up the water while it's working to get cycled? Should I consider the root tab type that I stick in the gravel instead? Or leave the tank alone and fertilize after I have an established cycle?

 

This will be interesting to hear. I've lately been told to not fertilize the tank... however, I need to do some more research to verify this. Not fertilizing has given me a different perspective on the water quality that is occurring as the days go by.

 

Good morning,

A link you may find helpful:


I found the link by doing a Search Fish Lore located right above post #1 left hand side for Fertilizer and Cycling.

Ken

 

I rarely, if ever, fertilize a newly planted tank. Plants do not take in the nutrition until they are more established.

With this in mind, there is no need to fertilize while cycling. What little nutrition the need will be available.

What type of light do you have? What is the color temperature? While cycling with plants they will need some light, but keep it to a bare minimum as too much light will trigger an algae outbreak while cycling.

Good luck.

 

I have a T5HO 2-bulb setup in my 30G that I have set for two 4-hour periods of light per day. I planted it 8 days ago.

Any recommendations on shortening this lighting period? I was also advised to crank up the temp to 83+ to get the cycle moving. Just want to be sure the plants are not going to suffer.

I want to do this balancing act right!

 

Most plants can survive the hotter temps for a short term. Just research what you have to be sure. For example anacharis will most likely melt or die in the heat.

As for the photo period, I'd start with a single 6 hour photo period. This will provide enough light for the plants, but hopefully not get algae started.

With the amount of light that you have, I would go ahead and start the CO2 supplementation you've decided to use with your tank.

Then in a month or two, your tank will be cycled and the plants will be growing. This is the point to begin fert dosing.

Hope this helps.

 

Very helpful! I researched all my plants yesterday, and I believe they're all rated for 72-82 degrees, so I won't go higher than 82.

Will move to 6 hours lighting and liquid CO2. Thanks!!