Cycling?

E

elliriyanna

AC Members
May 31, 2010
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I have made a lot of mistakes with my fish in the past so I am super paranoid about doing this right.

I am currently cycling a 5 gallon hex betta tank with a 10 gallon in-tank whisper filter

I have been changing 10-15% of the water every other day and testing Ammonia and nitrates every 2-3 days.

I just set up my tank so I know I will need patience I just want to make sure I am doing everything right and wondering if everything is progressing as it should be.

So Far :

1/13 - Added Betta Thus adding ammonia
1/15- Ammonia .75 ppm , Nitrites 0
1/18 - Ammonia 1 ppm , Nitrites 0

I have an API test kit I am just only testing ammonia and nitrites currently. After it shows Nitrites I will start testing for Nitrates

Water Changes :
1/14
1/16
1/18
 
Sorry to tell you that you've made another mistake by adding a Betta to a tank that has just begun cycling.
You should have obtained some seeded filter media from an established, mature tank to start off with, then added the Betta, or done a fishless cycle using store bought ammonia, and not added the Betta until your tank was fully cycled - a 4 to 6 week time period to do so.
The ammonia level you have in the tank now will likely kill your fish, so if you want to save your Betta, do moderate to largeish water changes every day for the next few weeks, using Seachem Prime conditioner each time to detoxify the ammonia & nitrite, or get some seeded filter media now, add it to your filter, and keep doing wcs for a while until your testing shows you have 0 ammonia and nitrites.
 
I researched the fishless cycle and that was my plan to be honest but the more I read the more it scared me since I had ZERO experience with it. I then tried feeder guppies ... Which immediately died ... As they always do they arent exactly quality bred.

I know most believe in the fishless cycle and I wish I hadn't been so scared away from it.

As for using a seeded filter I know noone with tanks and dont trust any of the local stores to get Media :(

BUT I more meant as for what I am doing now am I doing it right ... I have cycled before I just didnt test constantly like I am now so I didn't see the entire cycle

I was worried changing his water too often would restart my cycle
 
do larger water changes.. remember dillution is your bettas best friend in an uncycled tank. you want to try and get ammonia down to below .25.

it also will not delay the cycle process.
you can, as suggested add media from an established tank to seed the current tank if you don't have another tank running you can use media from a 'trusted' source.

there are also additives you can use to kick start the cycle (dr Tims one and only is a very good product)
I believe tetra has a similar product called safe start(I believe it was formerly known as bio spira)
 
Ok I will definetly change more water then :) How much? 30%

Thank you Star_Rider :) I will definitely do that in the morning ( I am out petsitting tonight) I got stresscoat water conditioner for him so I do hope that will help him.

I will look for the SafeStart :)
 
I would go at least 50%
 
Test daily and do 50% wcs daily for tne next while.
Using SafeStart is a good supplement to add beneficial bacteria, and accelerate the cycle.
But do yourself, and the Betta, a big favor by also getting a bottle of Seachem Prime water conditioner to de-toxify the ammonia & nitrites that will be present while the cycle is progressing.
 
i would be doing 10-20% every day, and i would leave your filter alone so it can collect bacteria. other than that you might loose your betta
 
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