Cycling

[korin123456789]

Hi
This might sound stupid but i'm new to the hobby ,my question is how do you know the tank has been cycled mine has been up and running for about 1 1/2 months (5gl tank)i've loss a beta and a guppy. and another begginier question is how do i get my new water for changes to be the right temp to add to tank, i was told to only use cold water since hot water had minerals. Any info would be great
Thanks

 

[kamanut]

Your tank is cycled when the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate readings are all zero. I just get my water out of the shower and dechlorinate it...and just estimate the temperature. If you do 25% water changes (recommended), and the water temp is a little off, it shouldn't bother the fish too much.

 

[Rooster]

Get youself a liquid test kit, or at least ammonia and nitrite... when these two reach ZERO, or close - measured twice with 24 hours, then you should be cycled, but its a good idea to do more tests (hence the "kit")
As for the water changes, all I do is fill a kettle from the cold tap, and add to the bucket of cold water until its about right !
If your shower is electric, you could just use that on a low heat.