Help? Need answers ASAP

[tpocicat]

If you don't have the cup the betta came in, a zip lock bag will work. Be careful with the timing and don't rush it. Slower is better when trying to keep the betta from going into shock.

[prodrumernate]

the tank is going to be cloudy for a few days.it will eventually clear up..u need a test kit that test for ammonia,nitrate,and nitrite..the best kit for it is called API freshwater master test kit.its a little pricey but is great and needed...

the package will tell u how much to use.for 5 gallons it is most likely about 2.5ml..but it depend on the brand and everything.the back of it should have the directions for use.

dont clean the tank while its cycling.leave it alone.ur only going to cause it to either take longer to cycle and or destroy all bacteria and none will grow.theres an article on here about cycling.

u need that water test kit to determine if its cycling,and when its done.without it,u wont know.and putting a betta in the tank when its not done can kill it.i have lost 5 bettas because of that...get the test kit trust me its worth it :)

[LebronTheBetta]

You don't have to have the test kit. It's highly recommended for people who are cycling, though. The Betta won't die if it's in the cycle, I'm doing a Fish-In cycle with my 3.5 gallon, and Lebron is doing just fine.

[Jully]

Okay good to know, I don't think she has a test kit and I don't think our LPS carries them so I will have to see.

[prodrumernate]

LPS will carry them.im more than sure of that.as long as its just 1 betta in the cycle wont really be any problems.i used rosy red minnows for my cycle.they are hardy fish.and i want to keep them as pets with my betta.so i pushed the load a little in my tank with the amount of fish :)

[Jully]

What happens if we don't have a test kit, how will we know the cycle is finished and it's safe to put her fish in?

Sorry for the so many questions

[LebronTheBetta]

You could just take the water to your pet store and ask them to test it. See what the exact ppm is and what they're using to test it.
You don't need the test kit! Just do the needed water changes and when you think you're done, go to the pet store for testing.

[prodrumernate]

if u dont have u wont know what part of the cycle ur in and what ur water parameters are..and of course not knowing when it has officially cycled.even after the first day u get results of a finished cycle.still gotta test a few more days to confirm and there not be any sudden changes that can harm the fish.im in my 4th day of being fully cycled.i still have not added my male betta yet.i test each day to confirm same results.but i plan on adding my male today.since i have the same results the past 4 days.

well without the test kit u really wont know when its cycled.atleast i dont know of any way of knowing without it.only way i guess is when u put fish in.their behavior may determine a little.but cant rely on that.

the main thing u look for when cycle is done is ur ammonia and nitrite is at 0 and u have nitrate.even then ur nitrates can be high and u have to do an initial water change to lower them to safe levels.luckily for me i have plants that suck up the nitrates so i didnt have to do a water change.my levels are low.

of another way u can find out is to take a water sample to ur LPS they will tet it for free.like petsmart or petco.

[LebronTheBetta]

I understand that but it IS possible to cycle without the kit. It's just a mystery of what the parameters are. During the cycle, you do the same thing as what you're supposed to do. Even without the test kit. That makes sure that the ammonia isn't going to build up and all that stuff we all know. I am just stating the FACT that it's possible to cycle without a test kit.

[Jully]

We have no Petcos & Petsmarts around here, only custom small pet stores, like King Eds Petsmart and Petco is so far away from here, maybe about 3 to 5 hours drive...And I am not sure if King Ed does water testing, Pet habitat also not sure since they don't know anything about there fish, when I was there they had 4 dead fish stuck to the filter, the guy said betta's cannot live with anything just themselves I had to tell them they can, and he is like "Well, we cannot stop the customer for buying, you can test it but there most likely to be killed."

My friend doesn't want her fish stressing out and going crazy if he can't breath, so I am not sure HOW we are going to be able to put in the fish if we cannot figure out when the cycle finishes.