Seachem Stability, Eheim Substrat Pro, Cycle advice

I started a PICO freshwater planted tank a few days ago.

Substrate consists of prodac humus, humusplus, prodac substrate, topped with 4cm of black aquarium gravel.

The tank has a build in rear compartment (false sump) that had black sponges in. I have removed this and will replace them with Eheim Substrat Pro 250ml tomorrow morning!

I am also picking up some seachem stability.

I've read that I should purchase fish straight away and dose seachem stability for 7 days. Is this correct? If I do not purchase livestock, surely any bacteria from the stability will just die?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

No... The bacteria colony will not just die, it will continue to grow, but only till a point.

Why are you wanting to rush the addition of fish? It's always safer to let the tank cycle by itself. Just remember that tiny fluctuations in the waters parameters affect small tanks a lot more than in big tanks...

I'd let the tank cycle for a week, then when you go buy the fish and add them to the tank, add the Seachem Stability as per the instructions when you add fish. This should counter any ammonia/nitrite spikes that may occur.

It's the slower/safer way of doing it.

 

NO NO NO NO


You NEVER EVER put fish in straight away. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS let the tank cycle. Your small tank should cycle for at LEAST 7 days with the dosing of Stability.

 

Thanks guys - only ever kept marine and cycled with live rock.

If here is onln plants in the tank, how is it cycling?

 

Any dead or decaying leaves will start the cycle. Also, add a small pinch of fish food to the tank. It will also help.