u/nerdycustoms007

There is a 99% chance that this has been covered over and over, so be kind.

I’m planning on assembling a 10 gallon betta tank. I’ve found all these fun looking plants for it, I’ve picked out the tank I want (but not purchased yet), I’ve found some add ons for the tank to make life easier for me and the fish, some decor, and now I’m seeing this stuff about cycling the tank. The guy at the fish store mentioned it too.

Would someone please explain this to me since i’m new at all this? I know that there are drops and add ins that I could use that are supposed to make the tank instantly habitable.

Also, what are the typical steps for setting the tank up? Do I wait to add plants until after the tank is cycled? Also, am I better off rinsing the plants in a bleach solution to rid them of pests or quarantine them?