I don't know if it is similar, but I got my first brand new tank about 5 years ago. Because it was new, the whole 'cycling' process hadn't happened. I don't know how many poor fish I killed off before I got it right! It was only a small tank, so the balance is quite precarious. It took months of clearing 10-20% of the water a couple of times a week until it was fit for fish. Once I'd got it right, I could chuck any fish in quite safelyBriggs 2.0 wrote: Do I add plants first and feed them with seaweed extract plant food then add the fish, or do I add the fish and wait for bacteria to grow in my grow bed so that the plants can grow and prosper. I've been twisting my melon trying to get the answer and while I've been typing this I think the only way forward is trial and error. So, here's the plan: Add seaweed extract plant food to the lower tank. Let that circulate. Check the water quality. Add a few fish. Add a few plants. check water quality. Repeat.
What's the worst that can happen, it's not like it can catch fire, is it? If it all goes boobs up I'll let you all know.
A large set up isn't quite so sensitive, but I'd still hold off for a month or two before I put fish in. Just treat it exactly as if you have fish in there, throw a bit of food in, check for the usual chemicals and the levels will sort themselves out.