Cycling with established media help?

So I have 2 successful tanks that have been running since spring. One is heavily planted and the other is not. I just got a 5 gallon tank for a Betta and if I've been reading things correctly is it actually true that if I bring over some filter media and a handful or two of substrate that I can add the Betta right away? I just see so much conflicting information. I already know the dangers of a fish in cycle and I successfully cycled two tanks already but just wanna know if established media really does mean it'll be immediately safe in there for the Betta. Thanks!

 

What kind of filters do you have in the other tanks? That will help with how to do it. Yes you can instant cycle but there are factors.

 

What kind of filters do you have in the other tanks? That will help with how to do it. Yes you can instant cycle but there are factors.

In the planted tank I have a tidal 35 which has the blue sponge it came with plus some more sponge and a bunch of polyfil. The other one is a top fin that came with the tank. It has sponges and polyfil in it also as well as a sponge around the intake.

 

What is the new one? I would take a sponge out of the tidal and the sponge off the intake of the top fin. You mean sponges not cartridges right?

 

What is the new one? I would take a sponge out of the tidal and the sponge off the intake of the top fin. You mean sponges not cartridges right?

Yes sponges no cartridges. And the one that came with the 5 gallon is a tetra internal micro filter.

 

Yep that will work. I would take the cartridge out and leave the other spiky thing and put the 2 sponges inside behind it, if there is room you could add floss. It should be fine for 1 betta. Just keep testing for a week or so. If you get a small spike it shouldnt last long. Make sure to put replacement sponges in the old tanks and keep an eye on them too.

 

Yep that will work. I would take the cartridge out and leave the other spiky thing and put the 2 sponges inside behind it, if there is room you could add floss. It should be fine for 1 betta. Just keep testing for a week or so. If you get a small spike it shouldnt last long. Make sure to put replacement sponges in the old tanks and keep an eye on them too.

Perfect thank you so much! I appreciate your help ☺️