When to add plants

[Conductor71]

Hi,

I have a betta crowntail who is adapting nicely considering that like most newbs I was clueless about cycling. So he is in there helping nature along. This is day 6 of the cycle. I didn't even start reading it until day 2 the water was cloudy. I haven't had a "spike" yet. I only have the betta in a 5 gal Chi with 2 small and 1 medium plant. I have two questions based on where I might be in the cycle.

ammonia level is 0.25
nitrites 0.25
nitrates 0
pH 6.0

My concern is that my readings the last few days are the same and the pH level has been between 6.0. and 6.4. I would rather use a biological approach to aid in the cycling, but do not want to overdue it. So do I add another plant now or wait?

Is there anyway to increase the pH? Seems it hsould be higher than 60?

[Conductor71]

Just bumping to see if there are any takers.

[Jupiter]

If I remember correctly, plants actually help with the cycling process.

What sort of plants do you have btw?

As for the PH, I think something in the 6.0 range is fine. 7.0 is neutral, and bettas prefer softer water. If your betta isn't bothered by it I wouldn't worry about it.