ok to plant and aquascape while cycling?

[jimmyt]

I am about to begin the cycle - water is declorinated and I got the amonia - but there are no plants or aquascaping yet - is it ok to add plants and aquascape while planting?

thanks

jim

[NickFish]

You can, but its not recommended.

All that ammonia can kill the plants, create an algae bloom and distrub the bacteria in the substrate.

It is ok to put a few plants in there, but I wouldn't be tearing it up arranging your full on scape just yet.

[bushwhacker]

if you plant the tank very heavy with fast growing stem plants and floaters you wont have to cycle it ( silent cycle) the plants will use up any ammonia/nitrites and nitrates from the fish waste... i;d still keep a close eye on it and be ready to do water changes as needed