Avoid Algae During Start-up By Cycling Your Planted Tank Like This! - Loads Of Benefits!

[@MJAquascaping]

No more water changes! What to do with all that extra time? How about smashing that like button?

[@bollenium]

I'm busy with a new tank right now. I've chucked my spider wood in a bucket to waterlog them so I don't have to glue them to the rocks. If I'm going to dark start the tank, must I add the wood to the hardscape and then fill it, or can I exclude it and add ot after the 3 weeks?

[@marcel5427]

Would you happen to know what´s a white thin layer of hair sort of, on top of my branch inside of a dark mode going fish tank? Wd it be algee?

[@ranjanghosh4321]

@@marcel5427 This is usually a fungus (but sometimes bacteria) and is harmless to you and your fish. You can remove it with a toothbrush, but it may return a few times before disappearing permanently. This is not only during the dark start!! It can happen anytime! My fishes try to eat it!

[@marcel5427]

@@ranjanghosh4321 Thank you Ranjan. I am patiently waiting. On my second week now. 2 more to go. Wish me luck.

[@silveirawog]

you said "no lights" during the three weeks, what about natural lights? should i black it out?

[@stux56]

Dark start is perfect! The owner of aquarium design shop in Zaandam also recommended me this. Aquarium is super stable and plants grow very healthy after a dark start of 4 weeks. Also one more benefit: it’s easy to tweak your hardscape layout during the dark start 👍

[@marcel5427]

Joris, I am thinking you do not turn your filter system on, like Sump or Hang ons, right?

[@shakergt81]

Joris do you or have you run any citric acid c02 systems and if so how do you find them?

[@kevinb1155]

@@marcel5427 Did you get an answer regarding the filter needing to be on or off?

[@zer0pulse156]

@@kevinb1155 need to turn on the filter

[@mahergomez429]

Dark start finally.. very well explained.

[@NetherViking]

Hey, I have been binge-watching your channel lately and just want to thank you for all the information! It was a long time ago that I started my aquarium hobby but ended it because of failures. Now I have been excited again and starting up the hobby. I am currently in the last days of my dark start with aqua soil. I measure no ammonia anymore and can't wait to get started. Also thanks to your channel I have upped my game and bought everything I need to get a good start. Hope my big investments (new gear, co2 etc) are going to pay off. Let's hope!

[@NetherViking]

Well it has been a few months and my scape does so well! I love it. Aaand now I have 5 tanks running :D hahahaha

[@jolantakrystyna1220]

I've already done the DSM!!! It's amasing result😃 I knew this method from Juris Pro Tipe. I think He mentioned Your case. After I planted the tank and put a lifestock in, fish (Ramiresi) started to lye their eggs. This is a "must have (or done)" process to start a helthy tank🤗💯💯💯

[@MisterGreenw00d]

Each time I see an interesting video here the algorythm shoots me another one that makes me learn new things. Since budget is a bit tight for me since I'm starting. A dark start seems like the best thing to do before buying plants! Thank you so much for all the content you are posting

[@ZenCoryCat]

I'm almost 3 weeks in. I caved and did water changes because I wasn't using a skimmer, and it was driving me nuts. I installed one tonight after a water change. I hope to plant this weekend. Thanks, MJ. I'm always down for an experiment.

[@3DProjectsRC]

I am so so glad to have come across this video, it might just save me a ton of headache :) Thanks for making this method well known to everyone in these types of videos, It helps a lot!

[@klinekg1]

I am doing a dark start and it is my end of the first week. Waiting for another 2 weeks. Thanks MJ for encouraging me to go with this method....

[@costajl814]

Hello everybody. I already did, and still do this. And I only got to know your channel a few days ago. It really is the best method for cycling, and without any work. Just be patient. Thank you.

[@michellebreeden4962]

Hey man since you have a picture of a Betta,I was wondering do you own 1? I have a community tank with a male Betta,6 Neon Tetras and 4 Albino Cory Catfish,and I was wondering when I put the aquasoil in and put my sand over it,I put my filter in,do I also go ahead and put in my Tetra Safe Start?? Ot says Cycles New Aquariums, start up,removes Ammonia,starter bacteria, freshwater Aquariums,I've actually never used it yet!?? And the 2nd question would be do I also add my heater,and let it cycle through with both the filter running 100% of the time and the heater running 100% of the time,because my tank will indeed have to end up having a heater,and I don't want to throw anything off by adding anything I don't need to at the beginning and I really don't want to throw anything off after it's Cycles!!?? Please Help

[@costajl814]

@@michellebreeden4962 please ... Wait some minutes ...

[@costajl814]

@@michellebreeden4962 Hi... Sorry for the delay in replying. ... It was in my work .... For your two questions, I didn't understood very well. As I understand it, you already have your tanks working, and you've never used the products you should ... I did not understand. Some questions for you. - What is the size of your community aquarium? - How long has it been active? - Do you have plants? I have a tank with 26 liters, and with only 1 Betta. ( a girl ). All my tanks have heaters (26 degrees Celsius), filters working 24 hours a day, And in my cycling process: Fertile substrate covered with river sand + Rocks + water treated with Prime + Biology accelerator + filter and heater on 24 hours a day, and no lighting... None. It's a very long process...about 50 days. But, I don't have algae, from start to finish. Afterwards, I place the plants, and turn on the lighting. And then I put the fish. I apologize, but I didn't understand very well.

[@costajl814]

@@michellebreeden4962 Hello ... again ... In order for an aquarium to be able to have the little fish you want, it must have a filter, a heater with a thermostat, and if it has plants, adequate lighting. If you live in a cold place, depending on the plants, if you have a constant temperature of 25 degrees, I think it would be ideal. If you don't have plants, I think a temperature of 26 degrees would be ideal. I think you mixed acid water fish with alkaline water fish ( Betta ). Research your fish's needs before you buy. Here in my city, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, it's very hot, and in summer, the heater with a thermostat, is almost not turned on. And the problem is trying to cool the water. Hope you do an Ammonia and Nitrite test to check your tank's water condition. If you still have any questions, I'll answer them, or other people, too. Good luck. Jorge Luiz

[@shrikrishnauthirasamy6628]

Most importantly we save a lot of time changing the water.... Wish I knew this when I started... Thanks for the video ... Peace

[@ramiedarmody1582]

I have been starting my tanks this way for 25years. I didn't know it had a name and I just thought everyone did it this way.

[@Kaikoura26]

So I'm in the process of doing the dark start and I found something out that might help other folks here. Consider the temperature of the water. Beneficial bacteria grows best around 72 to 75 degrees. So consider using a heater if you can. Also, I have placed an air stone in the tank as well. It provides the bacteria more oxygen so they can grow even more rapidly. Currently I am at 2 weeks and my tank still has plenty of ammonia, some signs of nitrite and a plenty of nitrate. Which tells me it's working just fine. I might consider doing a water change because too much ammonia might hinder the bacteria. I might be a bit late to that game. Ah well. Good luck to all!

[@drhee9]

Im only a week in and my ammonia is at 8ppm and 0 NO2 and NO3... I dont have an airstone but do have a heater. Was expecting to see at least a few NO2 and NO3 ppm to show the cycle is at least started but I guess my bacteria are lazy.

[@Kaikoura26]

@@drhee9 thats a good start bud but I highly recommend an air stone. All living things in that tank, including bacteria, requires oxygen. Good luck and cheers!

[@Rafilkis]

No heater please

[@DadiEinarsson]

Just came across this and will use it with my next tank. It means I can spread the cost of tank, equipment, substrate, etc. over longer time .... much easier.

[@leeroberts163]

Well, this changes things! After awaiting LFS to get plants and therefore not wanting to set tank up, it's now set up and ticking over as of an hour or so ago. I will accelerate it slightly as a neighbour is giving me some of his mature water to add to my little tank. Tank is covered too, just to make sure. Luckily it's small! Am using a small layer of Fluval stratum on the bottom, then flourite black as the rest. I aim to have no substrate visible. Establish plants and cleanup crew first, then add stock once plants have taken hard. Nice video - mind, I learn a lot from all your content - thnaks for taking the time to make them.

[@MJAquascaping]

See if your neighbor can give you a dirty filter sponge. Squeeze it out in your tank and you will be miles ahead already!

[@YohanM99]

I've always wanted a planted tank I'll definitely use this method. It's exactly what I do for my reef tanks when I first set them up.

[@IndegeneHR]

On 28th December 2023, I have setup an aquarium following dark start method. But I followed my method which I tweaked according to my understanding. I started the light on 5th February , 2024 after 40 days but I have done four 90 percent water change in between, I have also added fish food and bacteria after each water change. The first water change was on 21st January, 2024. I have added plants on 7th February, 2024. 4 different varieties of rotala, hygrophila polysperma, reckini mini, ludwigia purple and mini sp red. I have also added DIY co2 on 9th February with liquid fertilizers and liquid carbon. I have not encountered the diatoms or any kind of algae. But for the last 10 days, green algae and some filament algae started growing, so I cut down my fertilizers and light and added alganil solution for 2 days and every algae disappeared. My dutch style aquarium is growing without any issues. It is a low/semi low tech dutch style aquarium. I have used fatherfis tweaked walstad setup combined with dark start method and I think I am successful with this one. Only key thing was the patience. I have continued with 50 percent weekly water change and from this week will start by dosing diy powder fertilizer with chelated iron and pgr1 and pgr 2 dosing.

[@tomahawk1556]

Yes , the Dark Start is definately the wiser way to start an aquarium! After the Dark Start , it is also beneficial to start the Bac Start , where we drained the tank & filled up with treated water plus the plants , lighting , filters & healthy bacteria but minus the fishes for another 3 to 4 weeks with weekly water changes before adding in the fishes species , group by group! Thank You So Much for the Valuable Tutorials! Stay Safe & Stay Grateful! 🇨🇭 p.s. Becareful with the DeChlorine , it is colourless & many fishes died from DeChlorine over dose! Sunning the water for a day , will lessen the Chlorine in the water , and is Safe to use without the need to add the colourless but corrosive DeChlorine! 🕯🌷🌿🌍

[@mizanthrop8270]

MJ: all you need for this method is patience Me: …Damn.

[@MJAquascaping]

😂

[@Falookmaam]

Hi from Thailand I use this method to setup my tank it perfect! Thank you very much.

[@jwlee1059]

I am in week 2 of my dark start. So far so good. It is a conversion from a salt take to fresh water aquascape. Will put the video up on You Tube when complete.

[@paulinarasmussonkling8041]

I had read that some of the plants I wanted to use in my first tank were sensitive to ammonia and I knew that the parameters could be pretty weird in the beginning. That is why I did exactly this. It took about four weeks. I had a fair bit of hair algae after planting, but nothing a little maintenence and a shrimp colony couldn't deal with.

[@samdennis96]

How I wish I had found this video three weeks ago!!! My current tank is cycled but I lost a LOT of plants to melting. This would have been a much better option and one I will definitely be trying in the future!!

[@nikfarishezrienikishak8582]

Hi sorry its a bit late but may I know how are your plants doing after the initial melts?

[@renmarkmarcelo4609]

Same here, my 5-gallon tank is already covered with algae (green and brown)... and my 12 neon tetras died last month and some of the plants are starting to melt / die 😔😔😔. But i'm still doing my best to keep it running.

[@mohamadsyahfrudin5796]

So, if i planning to use bacteria starter, should i put them in the start, or after the darkstart end? If i put it in the start, should i put fish food everyday to make bacteria growth faster? From what i learn that the beneficial bacteria eat amonia from left over food. Anyway, thanks for give us insight about this method. I do really like this video! ❤❤

[@Thorathome]

Great idea! Starting up a new high-tech 29 gallon now, will use your dark start. Thanks.

[@mtgtomescourer]

Just set up a new tank and using this method. Best way to reduce cha ces of melt.

[@caiomello8338]

Great video, straight to the point! My aquarium is cycling for a week now, i'm going to wait a month after adding plants and fishes... The only doubt left about it is: after the cycling is over shoul'd i change the water for a new one after drained? Or should i use the old one? Thanks a lot for the information.

[@momma678]

It'll be good to drain the water and use new conditioned water. I hardly had any plants melt with this method. Gonna do this for a new tank again!

[@CharlesAlvinRodolfo]

Hi my tank is already 1 week on cycling,can I still add more aqua soil during the cycling process? Thanks Mj you're the best 🙏

[@tomtran9442]

In the process of putting a new tank together and definitely will try this.

[@Sakura1]

So much useful info. You really know your stuff. Use a sheet of bubble wrap instead of tissue as it will float. Use a heater at 28*C to speed up growth of beneficial bacteria.

[@JeffreyGVny]

My last tank set up resulted in a lot of melted plants, esp my MC. The next one is definitely going to be DSM. Thanks for the video!

[@janecourtenay3676]

Definitely going to try this … I have 2 x 45cm cubes sitting there waiting. Way to go! 🤗

[@MJAquascaping]

Good luck!

[@janecourtenay3676]

@@MJAquascaping started this on one of my cubes on the 16th December, and just tested the water parameters. It would appear to be cycled … is this possible in 13 days? I think I will leave it for the full three weeks anyway. Better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes. 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼

[@Paul_Holman]

Currently running a dark start. Rather than waiting 3 weeks, i think il wait until the ammonia reads zero before planting and adding in live stock👍

[@rng3664]

Going to start a new tank with plants, going to try the dark start method this time. Had been struggling so much with algae and didn’t know the reason.

[@boebender]

I love your method of sharing your experience with a CO2 reactor. Super concise and to the point. Pros and Cons were excellent!!! Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@abellokki76]

I'm going to apply this method following your instructions. I'm sure I will get a very good result! Many thanks MJ!

[@Sue.5776]

I'm going to give a dark start a try with my next set up. Thank you for sharing this with technique.

[@benedekszabo8946]

Just setting up a new tank at the weekend, what a suprise! I was worried about water changes, now I'm not!

[@kalbekanani2279]

I did this with my first aquascape but I put the soil in 3 different buckets for about 3 weeks in a dark room. I had literally no algae. Dark start is the best method for sure man, very clear explanation! Thanks

[@MJAquascaping]

That is awesome!

[@Joshua-uq9zw]

Did u add water or anything else in the buckets?

[@kalbekanani2279]

@@Joshua-uq9zw yes of course, only water

[@mikeyt8074]

@@kalbekanani2279 hi did you just let the soil sit in the water? no filters in the buckets? i'd like to try too as i've got a bag of aquasoil ready to cycle and use buckets first before scooping into the tank.

[@jansenlee4084]

I just started a dry start trying to grow moss on driftwood but just saw this dark start method. I added soil into my dry start so I should remove the soil and put them into a pail, fill with water and cover it up for 3weeks for dark start?

[@monlegaspi]

I just got a new 80x40x40 tank and planning of using the Dry start method. Good thing i saw your video. Definitely will go for the dark side 😁👍🏻

[@MJAquascaping]

Good luck!

[@monlegaspi]

@@MJAquascaping thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏

[@a.dokter7069]

this is awesome :) do you recommend dosing your tank with beneficial bacteria? i'm just wondering if that helps get the right bacterial colonies forming.

[@MJAquascaping]

Yeah that always helps

[@gizmogrem988]

Hi everyone! How does colony of beneficial bacteria colonise your filter and aquarium if there's no amonijum to feed bacteria. Does soil like Tropica soil contain organic materials that would start to break and feed aquarium bacteria with amonijum during dark period. Thanks.

[@dawnt6791]

Fabulous information! I've avoided "fish in" cycling, so I'm used to waiting for weeks to put fish into a tank, so this 3 week wait wouldn't bother me a bit. I've dealt with the plant melt issue with new tanks, and doing this will help me avoid that. Thank you for sharing this!

[@dannettepeters1507]

Already started up my 15 gal, using the dark start method, and I am setting up my 46gal the same way. After 4 weeks and water testing is good, I will plant. Plan on going fishless for another month or so, while the plants are getting establish and filling out. During this time, I will feed the tank a little fish food daily, to keep the bacteria fed. Can't wait for the results!!

[@AsianAmericanGuy]

You explained it the best I find a lot of videos where they're just talking too much and explaining everything which gets kinda complicated.

[@leonguyen7005]

thank you bros! I always have problems with algae at the first two weeks.

[@przemok7769]

I'm still waiting for my plants, and every video is so helpful. Thank you. I have tropica soil and they say change water twice a week for 4 weeks.

[@MJAquascaping]

Yeah this is a good solution while you are waiting for plants!

[@B69395]

Nice explanation, thanks for considered the FAQ that lots of people would like to know, I can see you spend much effort on your channel, keep going 😁

[@al3xandremagalhaes]

Hi, you have some kind of perls in 0:21, what is this? Thank you so much for your advise! I'm going to follow this cycle in the upcoming days. Cheers

[@jessieroygalvan2635]

I just started a new aquarium and is currently trying to do a dark start at the moment. I hope everything goes well after

[@devachapman6315]

great video man. I think I am gonna do it. as a new aquascaper there is a lot of options and opinions out there on how to start and set up a planted aquascape but this makes since to me. i'll use bacteria and just skip the water chances for 3 weeks even tho I bought nice stuff you help with that. this method seems like it's a better way for the new scaper. I dont want plant meld from my TC plants.

[@RickWilliamson-jq6gt]

Thank you so much for this information. It will be a great help as I am setting up an aquarium very soon.

[@Planetaverde455]

Excelente tus vídeos estoy suscrito a tu canal xq e aprendido muchas con tus vídeos te felicito 🤗 me puedes aclarar una duda ? Que es más seguro el método oscuro o el arranque en seco .?

[@acaciagardner4695]

I've never heard of a dark start. But I'm getting ready to start up a 60gal tank and the water changes have made me hesitate.. this is intriguing and I think I'm going to try this. Do you recommend testing every 2-3 days like a normal cycle?

[@luiswicho5301]

Hi, I'm planning to do this method. Last time I had a lot of problems with algae and the white fungus. I used Dennerle Scaper's soil. However I have some questions about water changes. You said we dont need to do it, but I'm a little doubtful, can you tell me more about your experience?. Maybe 2 water changes per week will be ok?. Thanks anyway. Cheers.

[@MJAquascaping]

Really no need to do any water changes! You can do it of course, but it really is not necessary

[@aisukurimu9341]

Great timing! I'm doing Dark Start Method rn. Just waiting for my driftwood to be waterlogged before I can flood. ❤️

[@MJAquascaping]

Good luck!

[@aisukurimu9341]

@@MJAquascaping Any tips so I can fasten the DW to sink? I've been soaking it for entirely 1 week now..

[@MrCav35]

I've just done this. Due to a house move I set up the tank with the hard scape and it was left to cycle for nearly 6 weeks ( also did a few water changes and used Seachem Stablity). Finally added plants last weekend and look to add my first fish this weekend.

[@MJAquascaping]

That is awesome!

[@tressymegan33]

I have a simple question, but first, I just wanted to thank you for this video! Can I start the Dark Start Method with substrate and driftwood now, and add new hardscape pieces halfway through? Like Dragon Stone for example. I know some stones like Seiryu can change parameters, but I'm looking for things that a inert. Would this just extend the cycling time, or have no real effect on the cycle? I wish I knew about this method weeks ago! I'm new to the hobby and this seems to be the safest way to save money and give me time to stock up on the essentials without being overwhelmed! Thanks again!!

[@marcel5427]

MJ I am sorry I do not wish to manipulate your time, but I have done a few questions which will help me a lot. I will condesate them here: If I do a Dark Start Mode, can later, before planting the plants and after I empty the tank to start filling it up again after the 3 weeks in the dark, to prepare the three types of moths, that you blend together, and brush them on stones and branches and then wait till they germinate? with lights, and just spraying water? and then.. only then start filling up the tank? In resume, do a dark start mode and then a dry start for the plants? How´s that? Can any bacteria survive the 2 weeks period without water? or I could leave just a slight bit of water?

[@MJAquascaping]

Hey Marcel! No I don't think it's possible to do a dry start after a dark start. The beneficial bacteria will not survive the drystart, so it's a little bit pointless

[@marcel5427]

@@MJAquascaping that's what I thought. I will have to.manually insert all the plants not as you instructed on the dry Mode. Oh well. Can't have it all right? Dankeee

[@kmarters733]

Just begun 3 week Dark Start. 1st ever aquascape. Hopefully after removing it's covering, I'll still like my hardscape design. Thanks from: PA-USA

[@Backblast72]

Great information Learned a couple of things I didn't know and will definitely put it to good use. Thank you for the heads up and the very informative knowledge you shared with us in this video.

[@youtubeviewer9523]

what a coincidence, I am going to start a planted tank in about a week

[@-strmisan-7741]

SAMEEE

[@pepe6943]

When we do the water change you mentioned, should we add fertilizer for plants!?

[@tonymullins9712]

I'm doing my 1st ever Auquascape tank, and going the dark start method. Now I wait :)

[@MJAquascaping]

Awesome! Good luck man!

[@eddiesaiz9672]

Hello I’m new to planted aquariums and I’ve been dark cycling the past 9 weeks. The only reason I haven’t started planting is because my last water test still had some ammonia (7ppm). Should I wait still until the ammonia is completely gone and I’m starting to see nitrates?

[@josezambrana5773]

Thanks to this video I am wanting to use this method, it seems very practical. I am also wanting to use the Aquasoil substrate, tell me what is your opinion of this substrate, is it good? Do you need to add nutrient tablets? Does the granule compact or remain over time?

[@MJAquascaping]

The best substrate for a planted tank in my opinion. Some soil particles might get crushed over time, but it never compacts

[@josezambrana5773]

Excuse me, I meant Neo soil. I was talking about the Neo soil, do you confirm your answer?

[@martinfisher495]

thanks for all your advice, i have recently had an aquarium fail, came home and 125ltr water all over the lounge floor. So buying a new set up and looking to have real plants co2 etc, so you have given me so much info so far. One question, you seem to fill your tanks using a hose from the sink tap, ive always added a neutralising chemical into a watering can to fill mine, can you use just tap water?

[@Karma_would_return]

Thank you for this update... Im doing a dark start as well for my first low tech planted tank with no co2. Question i have is in your video you mentioned no need to change water... However when i see at 4:10 you are adding plants and there is no water in the tank.. is this the time after 3 weeks you change 100% water or you would be adding the same water back?

[@MJAquascaping]

Yep indeed! This was after 3 weeks when my dark start was completed :) I drained the tank completely, planted it, and filled it back up with fresh water :)

[@GoodSamaritan1972]

Hi & thank you for this video. It was very comprehensive. I have a question though. Can we add floating plants during a darkstart if our room has some significant ambient light

[@Rafilkis]

I loved the back sont !

[@XxPRDAORxX]

Hi After three weeks when the aquarium is emptied, the filling is done with new osmosis water or you use the old one. Thanks

[@frankambrose7593]

Hi MJ, how long can the bacteria in my canister filter survive after the dark start? I ask this as it’ll take me a long time to drain the tank and do planting and the subsequent refill. I intend to leave it dark for 8weeks. Appreciate your advice. Thank you!

[@joeanthony7933]

Very interesting setup. I'm going to do another tank soon, I'm going to try this method. Should test my patience because I hate to wait for anything. Thanks

[@MJAquascaping]

good luck!

[@MrDoldora]

Very instructional video, straight to the point, as always. I'll be using this method as well for my new tank. I think it should be the new standard in planted aquariums.

[@vijayrupnath1744]

The dark start method seems to be the best way to start! Thanks a ton for sharing! 🙏🏽😇 I love your videos! They are clean, crisp and to the point! Appreciate all the time and effort behind sharing such invaluable pearls of wisdom 😇❤🙏🏽

[@Laphroig1482]

Thank you so very much for your dark Start Method!I am planning still for my new 450 l and 54 liter Aquariums. Now I can look much more forward,as I'm 65 and my tanks are all in de kelder.Much lesser work for me this way!Danke!

[@beastly_brisket_man6249]

Trying it with my new scape! Just waiting for my large lava stones and neo flow to get in!

[@louishardy1499]

Shame my new plants are turning up tomorrow for my new tank hopefully i may be able to fit them in a tiny nano tank to keep them whilst i do this method

[@HassanHassan-fm4rq]

Thanks for the information. Will try it with this new ideas. Had tried more.. but my plants get melting. Hope it grow healthy this time. Thanks! 🙏

[@tatcalrn78]

I have started a 44 gallon with ADA Amazonia. Ammonia is through the roof as expected, nitrates are at 30 and no nitrites. I have been adding batter 100 to get the beneficial bacteria. I have been changing the water and replacing it with RO water. I am injecting CO2 but the tissue cultures all died and I lost $300 worth in plants. The tank is at 5.4 pH even though I am replenishing the water with minerals. Instead of a nice planted tank, I have an algae farm. Can I just stop the madness and just leave the water in the tank, stop the CO2 and turn off the light? add beneficial bacteria and wait for the tank to cycle or is it too late?

[@BeamTeam2024]

I just started a dry start. Should I pull out the plants? Or is it too late ?

[@HoheGeo]

Hi, great video thanks . I did a 5 week dark start and then fully planted my 80 gal tank. Today is day 3 after plantitng: 2 wrgb2 lights (4hours day) , nutritive substrate. Water parameters are no3 =0 and po4=0.2. Should I start dosing the water column? It make sense to balance No3 and Po4. Aquarium plants are mainly fast stems, and also lots of epiphites plant. So should I dose more nutrients to the water colum?

[@gk9417]

Do you run the filters during the three week waiting period 🤷🏼‍♂️✌️🙏

[@Happyfinsandnature]

Planning to try this out... Will let you know how it goes...

[@AquariumHobbist]

I have an aquarium setup for close to a year now but there’s still plenty of algae. I need to do water changes every 1-2 weeks to control it. Did not use dark start but I would imagine 1 year should be sufficient to stabilize the water. What should I do now? I have it in my balcony, and there is indirect sunlight. Not sure if that’s the problem. I do not overfeed either

[@maxmarinic2981]

Should I do a dark start if I’m making a Blackwater tank with only houseplants growing in it?

[@LBitoeverything]

Just wondering, lets say you do Dark start and after 3 weeks you drain the tank, now at this stage can you plant and do dry start ?.

[@marcosmarcosmarcos1133]

Is it recommended to change out the regular materials in the filter during these first 3-4 weeks? Much appreciated and thanks for educating us on this method!

[@TheElathema]

Love your channel btw. Currently using the dark start method on week 2 and have diatoms pH 7.6 and ammonia 0.5. anything to worry about? I know they are a natural part but you didn't say whether thwy can come during dark start. Tank is fully covered from light.

[@MJAquascaping]

Nothing to worry about

[@peterhofman6999]

Great secret MJ, I will definitely try it just about to start , I have everything thing needed but the soil, Does Neo Soil release enough ammonia to feed bacteria ? Thnx and great info !!!!

[@MJAquascaping]

Yes it does

[@scotth9881]

That's a great idea. I'll have to give it a try.

[@AlperArslan-gh9ch]

Do you still need to treat the driftwood by boiling before adding to the aquascape at the beginning of the dark star or not required?

[@scott3028]

ill probably do this method on my next (1st) planted aquarium! thanks MJ killing it as always

[@MohdFaiz-lk6jr]

This is what i need to watch..thanks dude,my plants leaves always have algae anda ended up died

[@SWu-sl5kz]

Hey MJ, I'm gonna try my very first dark start! Question, can I just use an air stone without the filter? I'm upgrading to a bigger tank and only have 1 filter which I need for my existing community. Thank you!

[@gaDLordot]

MJ thank you a lot for your video. I have a question. I have 160 liters tank and I'm not using soil. I will put just a sand. Should I start ghost feeding to start producing ammonia? Also my friend can give me a 10l water from his mature tank, hope this will help to cycle faster. So, first if I start to do ,,ghost feeding" should I after that, put those 10L of mature water in my tank or should I put the water at the start. I'm asking this process cause I'm afraid that the beneficial bacteria in this 10L will gone, because there is no ammonia to feed. Sorry for my bad English.

[@canonegro666]

Cool ideas. Thinking about things. Consideration. These will lead us to success. Versus impulsively driving toward your goals with passion as your guide.

[@TriptalkGuy]

I have planted some love grass in my waterless tank in the last few days. Can I still do a dark start or will the plants die away?

[@vegeboy01]

Superb idea MJ!!! This is very good idea, let the aquarium mature first, then planting. Maybe adding bacteria will quicker the cycling process.

[@sebastianguerrafuentes6415]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I have one question. When you drain the water, What type of water do you put back? Thank you!

[@jyur245]

Good question. What did you find out?

[@marcuswong1797]

Quick question. I am new to freshwater (always into reef tanks). Where does the bacteria and/or ammonia come from if its just water and soil/hardscape? Does the special soil come with bacteria and ammonia?