Do You Have To Cycle An Aquarium For A Betta ?

[bettaingermany]

Hi there-

I am thinking about buying a new Betta and just found in Germany a wonderful 20 L small Aquacube on sale. Happy early X-mas for me, but the question is, do I need to cycle it before buying a betta. The reason I ask is that it seems that since Bettas don't need to have filters in their aquariums, does one then have to cycle a non filter aquarium.

Many thanks in advance for any advice !


BING

 

[drewry]

hi bettaingermany

im not clued up on bettas at all ,read a few post by people on here saying they dont need filters
but id say 50% of a used tank water, from a mature tank as to get some good bactaria in ,
but dont quout me on it ,some one with more exspariance will help you out

 

[modaz]

the tank doesnt have to be cycled, a heater to maintain a steady temp is more important if needed in cooler climates, just fill the tank with conditioned tap water and leave to stand for 24 hours and then slowly acclimatize the betta to this

 

[dmarie04]

If I converted correctly, that tank is about 5 gallons. You could filter it if you want...and if you do, I'd reccomend cycling it. If you go unfiltered I wouldn't bother with cycling. When you cycle a tank you are, more or less, cycling the filter (which is pointless in an unfiltered tank), plus since it is unfiltered you will be doing more frequent water changes which would uncycle the tank anyhow.
So, in a nut shell...if you filter it I would suggest cycling. If you go unfiltered, I wouldn't bother with cycling, but make sure you step up the water changes.
Congrats on the good find and good luck with picking out the perfect betta to go with it!!

 

[bettaingermany]

Thanks everyone ! I will be on the hunt for a Betta now.... saw some pretty plackets in the LFS... housed together with 6 females no less... these people will never learn.

BING

If I converted correctly, that tank is about 5 gallons. You could filter it if you want...and if you do, I'd reccomend cycling it. If you go unfiltered I wouldn't bother with cycling. When you cycle a tank you are, more or less, cycling the filter (which is pointless in an unfiltered tank), plus since it is unfiltered you will be doing more frequent water changes which would uncycle the tank anyhow.
So, in a nut shell...if you filter it I would suggest cycling. If you go unfiltered, I wouldn't bother with cycling, but make sure you step up the water changes.
Congrats on the good find and good luck with picking out the perfect betta to go with it!!