Cycling Information Needed

[Neal]

When cycling a 2G tank, with a brand new filter, brand new heater, new gravel and a new ornament (it has nothing else in it) how long would it take before it's recommended I put my betta in? I only have a betta, also when cycling do you have to run your filter? Or does this clean out the bacteria?
I'm a bit confused, just tell me the directions I should do...

 

[bogwood]

You need to 'cycle' your tank, ie establish the useful bacteria needed to get rid of Ammonia, Nitrites and nitrates... these bacteria will predominantly 'live' in your substrate or filter media (sponge/foam)...

...search for forum member 'rdd1952' and read his easy to follow article on 'fishless' cycling... you will need pure ammonia and test kits for Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates and PH...

Where is your Betta now?... in another tank?

 

[Neal]

At the minute my betta is in that tank, and he seems to be ok. Two of my neons and my albino pleco died yesterday straight after I put him in, I think my betta is used to tank thats haven't been cycled, on these forums i've spoke to many people on here who said they have kept bettas in un-cycled tanks, so I don't think theres any need to do so...

 

[Wanda hornsey]

please read thisFish less cycle

 

[FBF]

im very surprised this hasn't been covered in a sticky post on a forum of this size and traffic. surely a must for beginners looking to start tanks?