How long should I let the water sit/adjust before adding a betta?

[EmZajex]

I just did a total water-change in my tank so the betta I'm getting can have clean water with no remnants of the previous fish. How long should I let this water sit and cycle and everything before I go get the fish and can adjust him to the tank?

[registereduser]

How many gallons? Filtered? Do you have a test kit?

[EmZajex]

2.5 gal tank
I do have a filter. The water is being filtered as we speak
I currently ran out of test strips but I was planning on buying more anyway when I got the betta

[registereduser]

Read this:



http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=107771

[Hallyx]

Good advice from User and good advice in that sticky. But....

especially with a small tank, you'll want to be able to check your water frequently and accurately. Accuracy requires a liquid test kit, like this one: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater-Master-Test-Kit/dp/B000255NCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349093361&sr=8-1&keywords=API+test+kit]Amazon.com: API Freshwater Master Test Kit: Pet Supplies[/ame]

Test strips have been shown to be inaccurate, not good when you're cycling a small tank.

What kind of filter are you using?