ozark06

I am in the process of setting up a 10gal. tank. I currently have a 2.5 gal Minibow tank that as of today had 0 ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings. I have a beta and a snail in the 2.5 gal tank. I would like to cycle the 10 gal tank by using some gravel from the 2.5 gal tank. About how much gravel should I use? After I put the gravel in the 10 gal tank, should I wait a few days and then start testing the ammonia and nitrites? Do I still need to use the ammonia drops? On the other hand I have heard about using the filter cartridge from the cycled tank. How is that done?

Gunnie

A handful of gravel from you 2.5 gal placed in a nylon stocking would be okay. If you want to use filter media from another filter, simply place it behind the filter media in your new filter for about a week or 2. Add your ammonia that same day. The bacteria needs the ammonia to eat and could starve to death after 3 days.