ricktavious

Kind of curious on how these two compare. I'm cycling my new betta Deuce's 10 gallon tank with him in it (also using a product called Stability by Seachem to speed up the process). I know alot of people cycle with their bettas in the tank, just kind of curious how the water quality of the cups and cycling tank water compare. Assume the water in the cycling tank is treated Prime (or similar product) and the water changes are frequent.

Barbrella

I would never cycle a tank with a betta (or other fish) in it. They're being unnecessarily exposed to ammonia and nitrites.

The cups bettas come in are usually very high in ammonia and they need good quality water to recover from that.

COBettaCouple

The water in the cycling tank is much better, with filtration, heater and Prime. Do water changes of 25% or more every 2-3 days and they shouldn't suffer from being in a cycling tank. The Prime locks the toxins well enough that combined with the frequent water changes, the levels shouldn't get high enough to harm the Betta.

capekate

I know it is not the standard procedure and many would disagree ... but all my bettas have been brought into uncycled tanks. I just make sure the water quality is good an that takes more time and attention, but the fish is worth it to me. I have not lost a betta yet and my first one I brought home 10 months ago. Other than Gypsy who didnt last a week, she was ill and I had her in a cycled tank at the time.
When I think about what they tolerate in those tiny cups, I believe they can do fine in a new tank set up with clean fresh water and prime. But they do need a lot of water changes til the tank cycles.
~ kate

Tazmiche

I have also brought all of mine to uncycled tanks apart from my first, he died 36 hour later but the mark that was on his head turned out to be an ulcer.

I use Nutrafin Aquaplus and daily water changes. I have the API master test kit to monitor changes. Touch wood so far so good!! Just requires a little extra work to start off with but as Kate said they are worth it!!

Allie

I don't either. We have the 120g full of established goodness. I just take the water from there when I 1st set up. All our gravel has been used over & over. I don't mind the water changes. They are only tiny tanks.
I have only lost 2 during the 1st week. Sammy and Molly who had a fungus issue when I brought her home.
When they are healthy fish, they are tough little fellas.
I has my Nigel RIP for a year. He was my first Betta, my learning Betta lol. He was put thru a lot b/c of my lack of knowledge. Ich, fin rot a few times. Gotten beaten up by kribs in 2006. All healed up from all experiences...started looking old & died.

COBettaCouple

All of our Betta, aside from Chloe (our newest), were brought into uncycled tanks. Prime and frequent water changes are the way to go if that's necessary, but cycling really is SO much better.