Upgrading Tank Size - do I still need to cycle?

Hey guys,

Soooo, I've got a question for you about upgrading the tank size. If I wanted to upgrade to a 5 gallon from a 3 tank for my betta and planned on using the same water, gravel, plants, ECT.... Would I still need to do the 2-6 week nitrogen cycle? Or since my current tank is properly cycled could I just move everything over and add new water? I've never upgraded my tank before, so I'm not sure of the proper procedure.

 

Unless you wash everything out, you shouldn’t need to cycle your tank again. Just use the same mature filter media in your new tank and you should be ready to go.

 

No need to cycle. Just don’t wash things off and don’t let the filter media get dry and your same bacteria will still do the trick. The amount of bacteria needed is dependent upon the bioload (amount of fish and their waste) not the amount of water.

 

Awesome, that makes it easier. Thanks for the replies!

 

It’s more about the filter. Most bacteria are housed in your filter. So as long as you don’t change your filter, you should be fine. Why 5 gal, why not 10. I truly think 10 gal works the best.