beginnerfishlover

So, I think I passed the love of fish on to my sister. My parents basically said no to the ten gallon, but said I could get a small tank for a betta. This afternoon I'll be getting the tank. I know all about the nitrogen cycle, but I do have one question.

Do you run the filter during the cycle? Oh, and do you clean the tank at all (for me that would mean: do you vacuum the gravel and clean the ornaments, etc.)? I'll be doing it fishless and I'm going to add some gravel from my five gallon and possibly one of their figurines. I'm probably going to do the method of feeding the tank. You guys have changed me.

Thanks for the help!

capekate

I would run the filter, so that it the beneficial bacteria has a place to grow.
I would not do any gravel cleaning during the cycle, or clean any of the decorations and you really would not have to do that w/ cycling fishless. Before adding fish I would do a small gravel vacuuming tho and use a water tester to check the nitrate levels.
Good luck and have fun!

sirdarksol

You can also take some filter media from one of your established tanks and put it in the filter for the new tank. This will speed the process up.

susitna-flower

Hi beginnerfishlover, I am really glad to see you are going to do a fishless cycle. Do you have a water testing kit? You have to test the water for all three ammonia, nitrite AND nitrate to know where the cycle is.

Also keep feeding the tank even after ammonia spikes....when BOTH ammonia and nitrite have spiked and gone back to 0 the nitrates should be up....but don't add fish while either ammonia or nitrite are up....then in addition to a gravel vacuuming, do a 50% water change, and you should be good to go!

beginnerfishlover

Thanks very much. So I won't do any water changes until the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are at the correct level? I am getting the kits today when I buy the tank. Do you think I could get away with just buying the ammonia kit? I know it probably would be better to get all three. I guess I'll just risk being broke and go for it. I'm very excited. Thank you so much, you all have been so helpful.

susitna-flower

I know it is a big out-lay for supplies, but you really need to get the API Master test kit (liquid). It will pay for itself many times over as you keep your tanks healthy by testing....chart it every time you do and it gives you a good picture of how things are going on with your tank.


The full kit should be under $20....and will give you hundreds of tests.

You can hold off on other things like maybe an air pump, until it is time to add fish. This will give you several weeks to save up...Good Luck!

beginnerfishlover

Yes, I've decided to get the whole thing. All for the love of fish. I do have another question. (As always.) This tank is 1 gallon. It has an under-gravel filter. My thing is, I don't see any way to use my gravel cleaner. It seems like I'd just need to empty it out each time. So I was thinking, could I just empty the tank and save half of the water. How the slats are in the bottom tray, it is so the poop and extra food get down in there. So a gravel cleaner won't get in there. Do you think by just saving half of the water I'd be okay and wouldn't start a mini-cycle? (And this is talking about after I get the fish.)

angelfish220

I wouldnt even use the underground filter, just dont include it, and hook up a hob filter.

I really wouldnt recommend keeping a betta in 1 gal. really the only thing I can think of is a cherry shrimp colony. 1 gallon is just to small