Using small cycled filter in a bigger tank to instant cycle?

Probably an idiotic question but at the risk of being ridiculed I’m still going to ask it. I have a 3 gallon that my betta, Atlas is currently in using an aqueon xs 3 gallon filter. The tank is fully cycled. I have a 5.5G running and dosing with ammonia using the fish food method. It’s been about a week and a half.
Out of curiosity, could I change the water to remove ammonia in the bigger thank and just add the cycled 3g filter in addition to the uncycled sponge filter and move my betta right away? Or is that just asking for trouble?

 

Welcome to FishLore!!
Not an idiotic question at all!

You should be able to especially since you'll just be adding the same fish without any additional bioload

Just keep an eye on your readings for a while.

 

No such thing as an idiotic question !!

I prefer — Clarification to a query. Just sounds better hah

I second the above answer. Just move over the filter to kick start the process, test parameters and water change as and when on top of your usual. Not only filters hold the beneficial bacteria , plants , substrate , decor and basically anything that sat in your tank for a while will help and add to that boost

 

Welcome to FishLore!!
Not an idiotic question at all!

You should be able to especially since you'll just be adding the same fish without any additional bioload

Just keep an eye on your readings for a while.

That’s the answer I was hoping for. The 3 gallon is far too small and he isn’t getting enough exercise, want to give him a better quality of like. Thank you!

No such thing as an idiotic question !!

I prefer — Clarification to a query. Just sounds better hah

I second the above answer. Just move over the filter to kick start the process, test parameters and water change as and when on top of your usual. Not only filters hold the beneficial bacteria , plants , substrate , decor and basically anything that sat in your tank for a while will help and add to that boost

Thank you so much! Also I’m totally using that phrase from now on.

 

It’s times like this that using the old water is acceptable and recommended practice.

Move the fish with all 3 gallons of its old water and add 2 gallons of fresh new conditioned water. That is similar to a water change and is not going to shock like put a fish in 5 gallons of new water MIGHT. ?