Jump Start On Fishless Cycling

[kassy360]

Yep I have read the sticky type post on fishless cycling and no one seems to be near me. I think I have read too much info and am more confused then before I started. I am picking up one of the new Mini BiOrb tanks.. 4 gallons I believe. Right now I have a betta in a 1 gallon bowl where he has been living for over a year. What would be the best way for me to "cycle" the tank prior to adding him. Please simple instructions and step by step.. I am such a newbie it's sad.

 

[Scotty87]

I've heard with a small tank you could just do 100% water changes if you didn't want to cycle your tank.

I'm not positive on this so forgive me if i'm wrong

 

[diademhill]

I've heard with a small tank you could just do 100% water changes if you didn't want to cycle your tank.

I'm not positive on this so forgive me if i'm wrong

You can't do this with a biorb - they are tricky to maintain.
Please reconsider your choice of tank - the 15l biorb is a very tricky tank - either go for the 30l biorb or 45L aquel globe or get an aqua one cube that is the same price as the baby biorb but has twice the volume and much better filtration.

Do you know anyone with a mature tank? Some media from their filter would jump start your cycle, otherwise follow the fishless cycling links stickied around.
Don't be conned into buying any bacteria in a bottle. They are not proven to work. If somewhere locally sells bactinetts you could use these & have an instant cycle but get the tank running ok first.

 

[kassy360]

I've heard with a small tank you could just do 100% water changes if you didn't want to cycle your tank.

I'm not positive on this so forgive me if i'm wrong

You can't do this with a biorb - they are tricky to maintain.
Please reconsider your choice of tank - the 15l biorb is a very tricky tank - either go for the 30l biorb or 45L aquel globe or get an aqua one cube that is the same price as the baby biorb but has twice the volume and much better filtration.

Do you know anyone with a mature tank? Some media from their filter would jump start your cycle, otherwise follow the fishless cycling links stickied around.
Don't be conned into buying any bacteria in a bottle. They are not proven to work. If somewhere locally sells bactinetts you could use these & have an instant cycle but get the tank running ok first.

Ugh the reason I was thinking BiOrb was that it sounded like once it was all in place there was hardly any maintanence to it at all.. currently my beta is in a 1 gal. bowl and is a peice of cake to maintain.. maybe I am better off leaving well enough alone.

 

[diademhill]

If you are in the UK you will need a heaterstat & there are non available that are safe for a bowl.
The work involved on one of the tanks I suggested would be less than for your bowl or for a Biorb with the advantage of more stability for your fish.