Cycling?

[Kestral]

I was wondering if you have to cycle a tank larger than 2.5 gallons. I'd like to get a square five gallon or three gallon for my new fish (with a hood) but I don't want to have to cycle it. Cycling confuses me.
Also, does anyone know any good 3 or five gallon tanks with hoods and lights? Or at least spaces for lights?

[LebronTheBetta]

5 Gallons is the Minimum for Cycling. Any lower it would be too hard.
You don't have to Cycle, but you need more Water Changes than usual.
And for the Hood, search on Amazon. They have a lot of things.
But, I have this 3.5 Gallon Tank that you could search up. It's called " Top Fin 180 Aquascene". Something like that. It comes with a Filter, I put mine in Storage, and LED Lights. The Tank of course. It's a Perfect Fit in my kitchen. But remember, Bigger is Better!!! Get the Biggest Tank you can Afford.

[Kestral]

Would I have to cycle a five gallon?
How many water changes should I do for a five gallon or three gallon?

[sholee]

for a 3 gal, u would have to do 2 water changes a week which consist of one 50% change and one 100% water change. If you get a 5 gal that is cycled, I believe you just do one 50% water change a week.

[Kestral]

Oh... are you sure? I currently do one 50% change a week for my 2.5 gallon, and one 100% a month or when I see fit.

[sholee]

For 2.5 it should be the same as a 3gal tank with 2 changes during the week. Once a week for a 2.5 gallon at 50% might have too much ammonia in it. Is your 2.5 filtered? Have you tested your ammonia levels in your tank?

[LebronTheBetta]

No, it's what sholee said. 2 Water Changes of 100% and 50%. The Ammonia would build up too quickly.

[laoshun]

if you dont want to cycle, it just amounts to more water changes more frequently, so if you are up for it then it shouldnt be a problem. Well, unless you slack off that is.

[Kestral]

Okay.
Yes, my 2.5 gallon has a filter.
So would I have to cycle a five gallon?

[trakehner]

So for a 3 gallon you should do more than 1 50% water change a week? If you have a ten gallon, can you do frequent water changes rather than cycle? I am trying to get a full understanding of this before I get a larger tank.