Hello, I am new here and I need advice. Just set up a new 3 gal tank ( I know that is very small) for a betta. Ive had other larger tanks before with the standard hanging filter...never dealt with an underground filter. Is the cycling process any different? Is the gravel substrate actually the filter media since there is no filter cartridge? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Right now tank is up heaters running and filter is running of course no fish in the tank. Thank you for any help.
help...cycling tank with underground filter
- Thread starter Kris2005
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No, not really.
Yes. As ever, you're after surface area, and the area of the media may be huge for the volume taken, but you have far more gravel, so it's surface area is still pretty good.
Get a gravel cleaner for your syphon, UGF's deliberately attract all of the debris, so will need to be cleaned.
Thank you for answering my questions. I do have a gravel vac. Do you think I should add quick start? Does it really help it cycle?
If you are talking about adding API Quick Start, then that is filter bacteria in a bottle and can help speed the cycling process up. Just check the expiry date and don't buy any that is kept in a warm fish room or next to a fridge because the heat reduces shelf life. 
If you are talking about adding API Quick Start, then that is filter bacteria in a bottle and can help speed the cycling process up. Just check the expiry date and don't buy any that is kept in a warm fish room or next to a fridge because the heat reduces shelf life.
Ok thank you
The best bottled bacteria products are Dr Tim's One & Only and Tetra Safe Start. Others may not contain the correct species of nitrite eating bacteria.
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