Two Weeks Into New Tank Cycle. How Am I Doing?

We are two weeks into cycling our new 10 gallon tank. This is going to be an upgrade for our Betta. He'll be moving into this tank from his 2.5 gallon. I was curious what you all thought of the progress. Should I be adding more ammonia or just let it go?

Filter:
Fluval C2 HOB w/ edge pre-filter sponge on intake (Replaced carbon with purigen)

Heater:
Hydor 50 watt (Set at 73, but keeps at a constant 79 - 80

Plants:
2 Java Fern
1 Anubis Barteri
Bunch of dwarf hair grass

1 Chollo wood

Resin BonzaI tree w/ bridge
Zoo Med floating Betta log

Fluval Strata base covered with Flourite
Caribsea FigI Pink Sand


8/5 – Day 1
Added Beta Water Conditioner
Added 5 ml stability

8/6 – Day 2
PH: 7.6
Amm: 0
Nitrite: 5
Nitrate: 5

Added .25 ml Stability

8/7 – Day 3
PH: 7.6
Amm: 0
Nitrite: 5
Nitrate: 5

Added .25 ml Stability
Added pinch of fish food flakes


8/8 – Day 4
PH: 7.4
Amm: .25
Nitrite: 1
Nitrate: 2.5

Added .25 ml Stability
Added pinch of fish food flakes

8/9 – Day 5
PH: 7.2
Amm: .25
Nitrite: .5
Nitrate: 2.5

Added .25 ml Stability

8/10 – Day 6
PH: 7.4
Amm: .25
Nitrite: .35
Nitrate: 0

Added .25 ml Stability

8/11 – Day 7

No Readings
Added 1 ml ammonia
Added .25 ml Stability

8/12 – Day 8
PH: 7.4
Amm: .75
Nitrite: .35
Nitrate: 0

Added 5 ml ammonia

8/13 – Day 9
PH: 7.2
Amm: 4
Nitrite: .5
Nitrate: 2

Added .25 ml Stability

8/14 – Day 10
PH: 7.4
Amm: 2
Nitrite: 5
Nitrate: 5

Added .25 ml Stability

8/15 – Day 11
No readings

Added .25 ml stability

8/16 – Day 12
PH: 7.4
Amm: 1.5
Nitrite: 5
Nitrate: 10

Added .25 ml Stability

8/17 – Day 13
PH: 7.4
Amm: .5
Nitrite: 5
Nitrate: 7.5

Added .25 ml Stability

 

Is his 2.5g tank cycled? It would be so much easier if you just moved him and the media right over into the 10 gallon for an instant cycle.

 

Is his 2.5g tank cycled? It would be so much easier if you just moved him and the media right over into the 10 gallon for an instant cycle.

He's in a Top Fin BettaFlo which only has a small carbon filter insert and we changed that a couple weeks ago. I didn't think that would be able to just transfer over to the new 10 gallon.

 

That's too bad as you should never change the filters. The bacteria that maintains your cycle is housed in the fabric that surrounds those inserts. The only thing needed is to rinse the cartridge or insert in old tank water during water changes. What I would do is cut the floss or fabric from the current insert, stuff that next to the new cartridge in the new filter and move your betta right into the new tank (after a 100% water change). Test your water parameters and do water changes with Prime for a fish-in cycle. You can use a bacteria supplement to speed things up.

 

I have no advice but wanted to say his new tank is gorgeous! Love the bridge area...curious about vacuuming though? I guess just very carefully?

 

That's too bad as you should never change the filters. The bacteria that maintains your cycle is housed in the fabric that surrounds those inserts. The only thing needed is to rinse the cartridge or insert in old tank water during water changes. What I would do is cut the floss or fabric from the current insert, stuff that next to the new cartridge in the new filter and move your betta right into the new tank (after a 100% water change). Test your water parameters and do water changes with Prime for a fish-in cycle. You can use a bacteria supplement to speed things up.

Thanks, but I think we'll take the slow way. I'm not confident enough with my knowledge yet to risk our betta.


Does anyone else have any advice about the actual cycling of the tank? How much longer we have, if we should add more ammonia, more stability?

 

I have no input but I wanted to say your tank is beautiful!! if I was a fish.. i'd be happy there lol

 

Thanks, but I think we'll take the slow way. I'm not confident enough with my knowledge yet to risk our betta.


Does anyone else have any advice about the actual cycling of the tank? How much longer we have, if we should add more ammonia, more stability?

That's fine and you can wait to fishless cycle this new tank but it would likely take you longer than just doing a fish in cycle. If he's already in an uncycled tank, that doesn't make things any better for him.

 

I have no input but I wanted to say your tank is beautiful!! if I was a fish.. i'd be happy there lol

I have no advice but wanted to say his new tank is gorgeous! Love the bridge area...curious about vacuuming though? I guess just very carefully?

Our end goal is to replace all fake plants on the bridge with real ones and to cover the fake leaves on the bonsaI with real moss so it looks even more realistic. We're not big fans of Java Moss, so it's been tough finding a better choice.