Do I need to cycle?

[Alicia]

Ok, I had a 2.5 gallon all set up with a Betta in it. I also had a 5 gallon all set up with a Betta in it. I moved the Bettas int o a 20 and a 10 gallon tank and I wanted to keep the 5 gallon set up. I put the sand and plants and filter from the 2 gallon into the 5 gallon without rinsing any of it, only thing new in the tank is the water. Will my 5 gallon need to cycle or should it be safe for fish now? I did this 3 days ago.

 

[OrionGirl]

Any food source in there? With the plant and the contents, it should be okay for a light bio-load, even if there hasn't been a food source for a day or three--but I do mean a small load--only one fish, preferably a small one. You'll need to monitor the tank, to be on the safe side.

In the future, continue to feed the tank even if there are no fish in there. Feed less than you would with fish, but a bit of fish food each day will keep an empty tank ready for fish.

 

[Alicia]

Thanks All I was going to put in there was a Betta. I love those little fishes Now I will have 3 Bettas. I found the most georgous Crown Tail at HyVee yesterday. He is a deep purplish blue color and he was very lively. I can't stand to leave the really really pretty ones in the store. I know that it makes the store keep getting them in but it don't really matter here cause they sell fish anyways. i will probably go get him tonight. I just wasn't sure about the whole cycle thing cause I have never just moved the stuff outta one tank and put it into another without washing it first. Thanks again.