Betta tank upgrade

[eaturbyfill]

One last question, I have some of her aquarium gravel, but it doesn't match mine, so is there an easy way to add the bacteria without mixing?

[Bounce]

Get a new pair of pantyhose and put mom-in-law's gravel into the foot, tie it off and lay it on top of your substrate. I'm not sure how long it should be left in your tank, but when I heard about this method of jump starting a cycle, I thought it was pretty clever.

[eaturbyfill]

Thanks! That is a really great idea.

Anyone know how long to leave it? (:

[Bounce]

I would just do as thekoimaiden said and just leave it there until your readings indicate that the tank has cycled.

[thekoimaiden]

I know when you are changing out the substrate, you should leave it in there for 3-4 weeks. But this is a tank with an already established bio-filter in the filtration system. Just leave it in there until your readings are 0 and nitrate is showing. But all during this time, you are going to need an ammonia source or the bacteria won't survive. This means either a fish in the tank or adding pure ammonia daily.

[eaturbyfill]

I suppose I'll have to add the little guy, as I am nervous about dealing with pure ammonia. Will I need to do more frequent water changes than I normally would during this time?

[thekoimaiden]

You might have to. When you test the water and detect ammonia or nitrite above 0.25 ppm you will have to do a water change. For some people this turns out to be about twice a week. For others it turns out to be just once. Every single tank is different.

[eaturbyfill]

Thank you so much for everything, you are always so helpful in answering my little noob questions!! I'll be getting an ammonia kit tomorrow.