keeping it cycled?

Python will be going to school and living in the 10 gallon once it's cycled(hoping to put snails and shrimp in there eventually) but I was hoping to keep the 2.5 running and cycled so when Python comes home during vacations she can go into a cycled tank. Anything I could put in to keep it cycled that would also co-exist with Python? I have a spare Whisper filter since the DIY filter will be in the 10 gallon(I'll probably make another DIY filter, the Whisper model I have gets bad reviews) The 10 gallon would also need to stay cycled, would shrimp and snails do that?

 

Well I wouldn't bother with a 2.5 gallon. I'm sure you could try like 1 female guppy. When your betta comes home, you can just give the guppy away

 

Would the store take the guppy back? I don't know anyone with a fish tank. Python would only come home during winter and spring break so the fish would live in the tank the majority of the year minus 2 weeks here and there. (and of course summer but we'll worry about that when we get there)

 

Would the store take the guppy back? I don't know anyone with a fish tank. Python would only come home during winter and spring break so the fish would live in the tank the majority of the year minus 2 weeks here and there. (and of course summer but we'll worry about that when we get there)

Would your fish have to come back for breaks? They can go over a week without eating, and besides, that's a lot of extra stress for Python.

And yes, they'll take the guppy. I give my lfs guppies all the time

 

I know they can go a week without eating but it's the week without water changes that worries me. I agree that is extra stress and I've considered keeping Python at home full time but it's not my place to make that decision. And I already have the 10 gallon(unfortunately it won't fit anywhere at home)

 

Keep a couple of feeder guppies in the 2.5, or just feed the fish tank itself. Or you could do some snails.

 

A 10 gallon will be fine without a water change for a week. I change mine every other week with 30% changes.

 

I agree - the 10 gallon should be fine for a week without a water change. It isn't like the aquarium is overstocked.

 

That sounds like a better wc schedule anyways, I was told 10% weekly. This makes things a lot less complicated!

As for the feeder guppies, how many would go in the 2.5? I'd be concerned about breeding though... anyway to guarantee all one gender? Would all male or all female be better?
If I were to go with snails would one be enough to keep the cycle? But not crowd Python? What kind of snail would be best?

 

All female would be best. And it's very obvious to tell genders. A female only has colors on her fins. Males have colors on their fins, have longer fins usually, their bodies are colored, and are much slimmer than females.


I'd say 2 females, maybe 3 in 2.5 gallons.

I'm also not sure if a snail can keep a cycle going. You're going to have to ask someone experienced with them. I don't know since snails are illegal in my state

Also, I say get all female because they're usually hardier than males. Males tend to be sensitive, in my past experience they have been.

 

Please don't put a single guppy in the 2.5 gal - it's not a big enough tank.

Why not just bring some of your cycled media from the 10 and use it in the 2.5 when you bring Python home? You can break down the tank when you're away and set it up when you bring him home.

 

Can't you just take the filter media with you in the same container of tank water that you're keeping Python in?

Edit: Ninja'd

 

That's not gonna work if it's a cartridge. Personally, I'd say just empty the tank

But 1 or 2 guppies will work in 2.5 gallons. They're just gonna need a filter and a heater

 

That's not gonna work if it's a cartridge. Personally, I'd say just empty the tank

Why wouldn't it?

 

Why wouldn't it?

Unless pythonthebetta is going to cut up the cartridge and shove it in a 2.5 gallon filter, I don't see it happening.

 

Probably should've asked. What is your 2.5 setup? Is there a filter? Heater? Airstones? Plants? Live or artificial?

 

Unless pythonthebetta is going to cut up the cartridge and shove it in a 2.5 gallon filter, I don't see it happening.

That's exactly what she could do. Most of the BB would live in that outside floss material.

 

If you're going to get guppies, you should also upgrade your tank while you're at it. Maybe a 5 gallon. I know walmart has a 6.5 gallon hex that'd work for 3 guppies

 

The current filter is a DIY filter(should be a pic on my 2.5 gallon update thread) I'm working on a better design(also mentioned on that thread I believe) and I would use 2 of the DIY water bottle filters in the 10 gallon and 1 in the 2.5. I have a Whisper that came with the 10 gallon but the reviews say it stops working after a few months and the water goes over the cartridge and not through.

No heater, the house stays at 80 F. However the 10 gallon will have an adjustable heater.

There's an air stone in the filter design.

Silk plants. Would love to eventually have live plants though. The 2.5 has Marimo moss balls that I'll transfer to the 10 gallon.

 

If you're going to get guppies, you should also upgrade your tank while you're at it. Maybe a 5 gallon. I know walmart has a 6.5 gallon hex that'd work for 3 guppies

I plan on eventually upgrading to a 5 gallon but the main issues are space and cost. The footprint of the 2.5(length wise) is about as big as I can go. Depth could be slightly larger I guess. I've seen that hex before, I'll look at it closer when I get the chance.