Cycling my tank questions?

Question

I set up my 46 gallon bow front tank yesterday. I put in the dechlorinate chemicals, and then I realized that it expired last year. Will this effect anything? Or will it still do its job?

Also, when do i add my live plants? Before, during, or after the cycle?

Thanks, any other info would be of great help!

Answer 1

i think after. like once you're ready to put fish in.

it may be before though.

not shure.

Answer 2

It's better to put the plants in near the end of the cycle.  High ammonia levels can burn the leaves and the plants need nitrate to survive.

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Answer 3

plants need nitrate to survive , you get nitrate after the filter has converted the ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. you only get ammonia from fish waste ,so the fish will have to go in before the plants.

Answer 4

The expired conditioner should not be a big deal and should work fine. I would add plants after it is cycled.