Do you think my tank is cycled?

[bettabeauty]

I'm not familiar with this tank cycling business. However, in another post, it was asked of my if I cycled my tank. I guess you could say, if I did, not knowingly.

About 10 days ago, I set up my new tank, waited 24 hours and then put my betta fish in.

Didn't do any type of cycling.

However, I have had my betta fish since Oct 1st. When I first got then, I got gravel for them that I was keeping in their bowls. When I set up this new aquarium, I used the same gravel as I did in their bowls.

Now, I have 2 bettas and three snails in my aquarium. Do you think the tank is cycled enough to add two ghost shrimp? Yes/no?

[vaygirl]

The only way to know for sure is to use a test kit.

[dramaqueen]

I would recommend the API freshwater master test kit. The strips aren't accurate.

[vaygirl]

Oh yeah! I had strips that said my ph was 5. Turns out it was 7.4. :\

[bettabeauty]

Oh? So then what kit do you recommend? Anything inexpensive?

[dramaqueen]

The API master test kit isn't cheap, unfortunately.

[TigerLily]

The API kit isn't cheap, however it will last you a very long time and will give you better results than the strips.
Some places I've been to have sold individual API drop tests, rather than the entire kit. Maybe you could check around for that?

[vaygirl]

I agree, the test kit will last you longer. You'll go through the strips fast and have to buy them over and over. The test kit will last a LONG time. It's probably cheaper in the long run.