windymeadow

Thank you everyone for helping me out so much. I am just getting the tank set up for my betta. I have to buy the gravel online, because all we have around here is the wierd multicolored or neon pink gravel ( I hope that doesn't offend someone). Can I start to cycle it with the ammonia and then add the gravel when it gets here or do I need to wait? Same with live plants?

Butterfly

You can do that if you like.
Are you in the US? I like the natural look so I buy pea gravel at lowes in their garden dept. It is dusty and does have to be rinsed. It's not very expensive either
Carol

windymeadow

yes, I am in the U.S. I live in a small town in Utah, but I do have access to a Lowes so thanks for that great tip. I am going to check on that before I order online. Thanks! Robyn

shollia

For our 28 gallon, they got the rocks in it at the Dollar Tree. Nice natural looking smooth pebbles. *nodnod*

katy68did

Just a quick and possibly stupid question. I live in Missouri and we recently went thru a terrible ice storm that caused me to lose all of my fish in my 10 gallon.I still have the tank,gravel and decorations.Is it possible to use the same gravel and decor,just give it a little washing first?

Butterfly

yep you can use them again, just don't use any soap to clean them. You can use bleach if you feel you need to but make sure to rinse, rinse, rinse and the rinse again with extra strong dechlorinated water. good Luck!! sorry you lost your fish
Carol

katy68did

Thanks for the reply Carol.During our ice storm we lost power for 8 days and had to leave our home.The place we stayed was crowded enough with 5 adults ,2 teenagers,4 dogs and my bird!We didn't have power there either but we had heat and was able to cook.We were fortunate enough to come by a generator in case this happens again(another storm is predicted by the almanac for the 11th of this month) I am hoping it doesn't happen but the almanac was right about the first 2 we got.I am also buying battery powered filters and heaters just in case.

Butterfly

Welcome stay warm
Carol