jbradway

I have a thirty gallon tank with 1 betta, 1 african dwarf frog, 1 large apple (?) snail, 5 cories ( 1 spotted, 4 albino), 4 kuhli loaches (I think there still in there anyway), 5 neon tertas, and 6 pristella tetras. The tank had been cycled before most of these fish were added. However I lost a most of my fish due to an ammonia spike from overfeeding the fish. I added the betta and the tetras to the tank as it cycled again. it has no been cycling for approx 3 weeks with me doing a 20-30% water change every two days or so. Are the frequent water changes slowing down the cycling process at all? Or should I do them more often?

MissMTS

Welcome to Fishlore!

Water changes slow down the cycling process, but they also make the tank safe for you fish. If you already have fish in the tank, you should be doing 50 percent daily water changes, and adding prime to the tank daily. This will help the fish withstand the toxic levels of ammonia and nitrite in the tank. If you can, I would purchase some Tetra Safe Start. It contains nitrifying bacteria, and it will cycle your tank in about seven days.

As far as the fish you have, I would definitely watch your betta. Bettas typically do not do well in community tanks,and are most comfortable housed alone in 2.5-10 gallon tanks. The tetras may also nip the bettas fins. I also would add another ADF to the tank. They should be housed alone in a tank just like bettas should.

jbradway

One other question, once the tank has completed cycling would it be safe to double the amount of tetras in it?

MissMTS

How many do you currently have? Are all the fish listed above currently in your tank?

Lucy

If I haven't said it before, welcome to Fish Lore.
I agree with MissMTS, it would be a good idea to keep a close eye on your betta. They really don't make good community fish. Personally, I would move him/her to a tank of it's own, at least 5g's.

ADF's are very sensitive to water parameters. Sometimes, they can be slow to find the food. When housed with fish, you'll have to make sure he gets his fair share of food (not fish food), blood worms and Frog & Tadpole pellets are good for him. A 30g is kind of tall for them. Their tank really shouldn't be over 21" tall or so. They have to dart up for air and will sometimes tire out before they're able to get to the top if the tank is too tall.
Again, same as the betta, I prefer a species only tank for ADF's. They're lots of fun.

The water changes you're doing does slow down the cycle because you're removing the ammonia the bacteria needs to develop.
However, as you know, ammonia is toxic and you're doing this for the health of your fish and frog.
I agree, water changes should be done daily...about 50%.

Doubling the amount of tetras would over stock your tank unless you decide to give the betta and ADF their own tank. You might want to consider moving them to a 10g. Bettas and ADF's have been known to get along in the same tank.
Then you would have more room to increase your tetra school.

Good luck with your tank

MissMTS

I did not know that Lucy! You learn something new everyday, lol.

Tony G.

great info from kate. I got an instant cycle from extra sponges i had in my ten gallon. I cycled my 32 gallon in 2 days. ( i started it 3 days ago) and i can tell you its deffinatly easier.. If you have extra sponges in your other tanks by all means use them, if not, i woulg get some sponges and leave them there for about 2-3 weeks to allow bacteria to colonize.
Best of luck

Lucy

I guess because the ADF is so low profile. They just kind of hang around. lol
The don't normally invade the betta's space.
An ADF's eyesight isn't all that terrific, one of the concerns is the way they snap at something they perceive to be food. Like a fish or Mr bettas tail.
Good thing ADF's don't have teeth.

peacemaker92

WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

I'd agree with the others, use Tetra SafeStart!