Plants effect on cycling time

[paca444]

I just wanted to make sure that I'm not delaying my cycling time by having macro algae in there. It is my understanding that the algae will mostly just absorb the nitrates- not the ammonia and nitrites. If it did absorb all three then I worry that it could be stealing food from the cycling bacteria I'm trying to produce. Any thoughts?

 

[paca444]

Not that I didn't research a little before asking this question but I think I have found several additional answers. Some have said that macro algae will absorb ammonia the most followed by nitrite then nitrate. Definitely would stop the cycle in it's tracks then- My macro is turning white at the tips it has so little nutrients.

So I guess I'll slowly remove the algae to avoid a surge in ammonia.
Any other comments?

 

[lancer99]

paca, as you said, most macros preferentially absorb ammonia.

There's no reason to remove it slowly, unless you're cycling LR that has some organisms that you want to keep.....if not, just yank it out.

-R