Help S Jones out with filter ideas!

[sjones]

Hi,

My filter that came with my walmart ten gallon kit died last year. I newver was able to successfully cycle with it in any case and I dindn't want to return my tank so I let it go. Still doing 100% wc.

In any case I found a free 10 gallon and I want to try to set up a cycle in it. I have amminia and a test kit (will not do shrimp in method again, too unsanitary IMO).. I also have an air pump for one of those airstones. I don't use it and was wondering is I could use it to set up some kind of sponge filter system, I have seen them mentioned but am not sure how they work and how they would help cycle a tank. Anyone got any experience with this?

The one thing i did not like about the HOB filter is it caused to much water disturbance, even after being baffled.

Also, I have some extra heaters, and a ton of betta things I would be willing to trade if some one has a filter that I could use to cycle my tank instead..

Just an idea. I only have one betta now. :( :) But he is doing FINE!!! )I am attaching his photo "Patchy"

THanks

[MyRainbowBettaFish]

sponge filters are amazing! They help keep a very stable cycle because of the large surface area on the sponge allows more bacteria to colonize! They are also very efficient! Love your betta!

[Hallyx]

And....adequate sponge filters are available on Amazon for just a few bucks.

If you're doing a fishless cycle:

---keep your filter on high (lots of aeration)
---keep your temperature in the eighties
---keep your ammonia >3ppm until you get nitrite
---keep it <2ppm after
---keep it dark

Read the cycling stickies.

Good luck. Tell us how it's going.