Cycling A Betta Tank

[turnblom79]

I am thinking about getting a small tank, around 5 gallons, for a Betta. Is cycling the water necessary since they can live fine without a filter system? If so, what is the best way to do it, because I do not want to put some starter fish in there that will eventually be in conflict with the Betta.

 

[Igor The Cat]

cycling is VERY nessacary, fishless is the best, there is a good sticky on it somewhere on this Website.

cheers

-Java

 

[Katie217]

well, since it is a 5gal, i would suggest getting a filter. then it will need to cycle to get the bacteria. but u could do just what i did, ge tthe tank and filter and put the betta in it as the cycling fish

 

[Igor The Cat]

^^i would highly reccomend you DONT use this method, it is extremely cruel to the animal
but here is the aritcle i told you about http://www.myfishtank.net/articles/fishlesscycle.php

cheers

-Java

 

[Katie217]

no its called fish in cycling java

 

[Katie217]

BACK to helping turnblom,
i personally dont think its cruel to do a fish in cycle. allthough java seems to beleive that its this horrible thing, i do not. so you choose. and good luck!

 

[Igor The Cat]

and this time for once i am with the majority, meaning that most people think it is cruel to do a fish in cycle and would much rather do a fishless

cheers

-Java

 

[Lotus]

If you know how to do a fishless cycle, it's definitely preferable to do it that way. It's not hard, it's not expensive, and it does give you a better understanding of how your fish are able to live in a tank.

It will also give your fish a longer and healthier life. Ammonia has several effects on the fish's gills and can decrease its oxygen uptake ability. Nitrites destroy the hemoglobin, making the bloodstream less able to carry oxygen.

 

[JWright]

Lotus summed up the argument nicely. There is simply no reason not to fishless cycle.

 

[echoofformless]

I'm with the fishless cycle.

And I also want to suggest that you use a filter...a small internal or an air-driven sponge/cartridge type. (The Penn-Plax Clear-Free is a wonderful choice)

This will not only provide good water circulation/waste removal but will also reduce the amount of times you have to change the water. So it benefits not only the fish, but saves you some time and energy as well.