Nitrogen cycle before or after dry start?

1524 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by somewhatshocked, Aug 17, 2021

shobe

Discussion Starter · #1 · Aug 14, 2021

I've got a 20 gallon and I'm going to make it high tech (this is my first time). I want to dry start some Monte Carlo, S. Repens, and Hygrophila Pinnatifida (amount in that order), but I'm also worried about algae popping up, so I'm torn on whether to dry start or cycle first. Can they be done at the same time, or should one come after the other???

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JCnyc

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Joined Nov 7, 2019

33 Posts

#5 · Aug 15, 2021

I was watching a video about the Dark Start method. You fill up and let filter without light for about three weeks. Your soil will leach out all the ammonia and you tank will be cycled. Drain it. Plant. Refill. Result is less melting and minimal algae. Looked promising.