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August 27th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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Kickstart for Betta tanks
Hi,
I'm relatively new to the site and was wondering about cycling a tank for Bettas. (1 Betta) I think I could be hooked. I have a 10 gal tank that was used as a quarantine tank for my Discus. The 10 has been empty for a month or so. Will I have to recycle this tank? Can I seed it with sponges from the 55 and be good to go?
I also have a small 2.5 gal hex tank at my mom's that's been empty for longer. I think it would be nice for her to have one as well. She also has a 30 gal tank with 2 goldfish. (messy, but easy keepers) The 2.5 has had its gravel/water and heater running for months. Do I have to seed that as well from her goldfish tank? To put a Betta in?
How do those little guys survive in the tiny cups in the LFS? I'm thinking even a 2.5 gal tank is a palace compared to where they're coming from.
I have read the section on Bettas, but was wondering if my tanks have been running as long as they have are they still good for fish. I'm not exactly starting with new tanks. Any suggestions?
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August 27th, 2008
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Fish Keeper
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If your tanks have been running empty with no source of ammonia, they are not cycled. The quickest way for you to cycle the tanks would definitely be to use the sponges from your 55 gallon. I cycled my 5 gallon tank almost immediatly and my 65 gallon within a few days both with filter media from my existing 30 gallon.
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August 28th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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Thanks Mrs Muffin. I thought that might work. I'll put sponges from the 30gal. into the 2.5, should get it up and running right away. : )
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August 28th, 2008
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Fish Keeper
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jess
Thanks Mrs Muffin. I thought that might work. I'll put sponges from the 30gal. into the 2.5, should get it up and running right away. : )
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No problem. Just make sure that you are feeding the bacteria until you get your fish in there. I know some have said that it could cause an algae outbrake but the easiest way for me is to just add a small pinch of food every day. It shouldn't cause too much of a problem since you won't be doing it for long.
Last edited by mrsmuffin; August 28th, 2008 at 11:37 AM.
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August 28th, 2008
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Fish Keeper
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Welcome to FishLore and good luck with your cycle!
We love photos, care to show off your betta?  |
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August 28th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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I started adding a pinch yesterday, there's no rush, no one waiting to use it yet. Thanks.
Thanks Devon  |
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August 28th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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I've been at war with algae before!  |
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August 28th, 2008
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Fish Keeper
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The 10 gallon would make a wonderfoul betta tank (you could get a divider and get two bettas)  |
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August 28th, 2008
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Fish Mentor
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Dividers are not the best idea at the moment because of the diseases going round - if 1 Betta is infected and the other isn't it won't stay like that for long.
DON'T trust just putting the filter media in and you are done. I lost a Betta due to that once - there wasn't enough bacteria in the gravel.
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August 28th, 2008
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Moderator
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HatchetHaven
DON'T trust just putting the filter media in and you are done. I lost a Betta due to that once - there wasn't enough bacteria in the gravel.
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I agree, Hatchet, although I didn't have an problem anytime I seeded my tanks, I've always tested daily for a while to be sure. |
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August 29th, 2008
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Fish Mentor
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucy
I agree, Hatchet, although I didn't have an problem anytime I seeded my tanks, I've always tested daily for a while to be sure.
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I wouldn't want the Malachai issue to be repeated.  I think adding a little bit of ammonia to test if it is actually cycled would be very wise. |
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August 29th, 2008
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Fish Keeper
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HatchetHaven
I wouldn't want the Malachai issue to be repeated. I think adding a little bit of ammonia to test if it is actually cycled would be very wise. |
I agree, I added a pinch of food for a couple of days and tested before I added fish. Of course right now I would trust seeding a tank with filter media more than using Tetra Safe Start because at least I know what I am getting... |
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August 29th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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You know I tested last night and no ammonia. Then I put in a pinch of food last night. I tested this morning still no ammonia.
Does this mean its cycled or should I keep going with the pinch and leave.
I've really only had about 5 days working with seeded and pinch method. Is this too soon to be cycled?
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August 29th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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Alessa I'm thinking of getting a small group of mini cories. They are so entertaining. And have one beautiful male Betta if I can find one. I've gone to 3 different LFS and I'm only seeing really dark reds and blues. I like the multi colored tails.
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August 29th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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Oh last night my Mollie had a baby. At least that's when I discovered it. Hiding under a piece of drift wood. Not very good hiding and I couldn't find any plants to put in so I put in a shell for her to hide under. Think this will protect her for now? I saw her move to it this morning. : )
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August 29th, 2008
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Moderator
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How cute, a baby!
Your tank very well might be cycled since you seeded it or it might take a little longer to the food to create enough ammonia to get a reading.
The only real way to tell would be to test the nitrites and nitrates along with the ammonia. |
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August 29th, 2008
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Fish Addict
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Thanks Lucy I'll do that when I get home.
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August 31st, 2008
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Fish Addict
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Hey Lucy, alls well! Its cycled. But meanwhile I'm feeding it till I find someone to live in it. Thanks again.
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