Cycling 10 gallon for bettas

[wolfrad]

Bought a 10 gallon setup new in a box at a yard sale yesterday for 8.00, it's one of the aqua setups mainly for goldfish---I think they sell for around 28.00 at walmart. Question is I want to put a couple dividers in the tank so as I can place my 3 males in it----can I cycle the tank while having the bettas in it? I already have a ten gallon setup and cycled---can I take the filter from this tank and use it to cycle the new tank without hurting the biological setup in my setup tank? I'm not sure if I'VE said or explained what I want to do properly, sorry!

 

[JoLtNbolt]

I think it would be ok to cycle with 3 bettas. If you're concerned you can do periodic water tests and then follow with water changes if the water quality warrants it. Also, taking the filter from an established tank is a great idea. Gravel from an established tank will help as well.

 

[Karah's_Mommy]

I would stick the filter cartridge from your new tank into the filter of your old tank and let it run for several days. Then use that and perhaps some gravel from your old tank and fishless cycle your new tank using ammonia. Yes, it takes a little more time until you're able to add new fish, but then there's no harm done to the fish.

 

[wolfrad]

If I went and cycled my tank with my 3 males what would be the chance of them surviving the ordeal + would I have to do a 100% water change each week or could I just extract 50-70% with a siphon hose. Also how much gravel should I take from the other cycled tank to help cycle the new one, I also will most certainly take the filter pad from my old tank and put it in my new one, ----------stupid question coming......is it the black pad next to the bag of charcoal, or could I use the charcoal bag---also if I take this out of my cycled tank will my other tanks cycling be injured. I figure these are maybe stupid questions, so I'm sorry if they are redundant.

 

[JoLtNbolt]

either the filter pad, or the charcoal should work... they should both be colonized with beneficial bacteria. The donor tank should also be fine because the gravel on the bottom of the tank will still be colonized with bacteria.

 

[wolfrad]

About how long should I cycle the new tank with the filter pad? Also thanks for all the help!

 

[Karah's_Mommy]

Here's a link to some good information on fishless cycling. Hope it helps.

Edit: Guess I should add the link, doh!

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=73365

 

[wolfrad]

Thanks KARAH'S MOM for all the infor this should give me alot of help.