Starting Up Tank Again And Need Advice.

[Dorri]

I haven't had the 10 gal tank up in 3-4 years after my fish died. Lost my oranda after bringing home a new fish. I was thinking of starting it up again. Still not sure what fish I want? Right now I have a little betta in a separate tank and want to know if I can start to cycle my big tank with the betta fish water when I change it. I would have to do it several times. Any suggestions? I could also go to the Pet Store and buy a cheap fish to cycle it, but even the cheap ones around here have gotten expensive. Is there any fish that will survive in a unrecycled tank starting out? or should it be recycled for all fish?

 

[Aquascaper]

Have a read through the pinned topic on fishless cycling rather than wasting money on a fish you think will die anyway.

Also, old tank water will not do anything to help cycle another tank. Mature filter media, gravel or (at a push) an ornament would be better.

 

[Dorri]

I bought some ammonia to do fishless cycling? How bad will it smell in the room if I add it to the tank water? The owner at the Pet Store relates very little, when I asked him if the tank needs to be cycled he told me it doesn't?

 

[Wills]

hmmm maybe dont listen to that store owner...

the ammonia stinks to high hell when its out of the water but in the water with the tank lid on its fine

If you have an other tank - cut off a small amount of the filter media pop it in the new filter or restarting filter and then start the fishless cycle

Just for some reading RE stocking on the new set up a few profile sites

seriouslyfish.com
planetcatfish.com
loaches.com


Well worth a browse

Wills

 

[magical trevor]

The owner at the Pet Store relates very little, when I asked him if the tank needs to be cycled he told me it doesn't?

TBH watever pet shop workers tell you double check with the forum.

Anything your not sure about ask on here as there are some members on this forum are very knowledgeable so im sure they will be happy to help that way your not wasting money buying fish that might not survive.
As 90% of the time the shop will tell you anything to spend money. Because pennys in the till = profits.
Shame really.