I cleaned out my 5 gallon tank that housed my sick betta yesterday after he passed. I divided it and put my other betta, Krycek (CT) in there on the left side, and his new friend that I bought today (HMDT), who is nameless at the moment, is on the right.
I also bought a Marimo moss ball for Krycek's side, and have a piece of pothos in the other side. I might add some more pothos and some other live plants later. My light is not a plant light (small LED) so I'm not sure what can and will grow in there.
I am hoping it will be cycled soon - half of the water in the tank is from my mom's well-established, cycled tank of a few years and from Krycek's previous home. I am so excited about having a divided tank! It is so pretty too! I made the divider from plastic mesh and report binder things, it has two layers of mesh so it's not very easy for them to see each other which is nice. Both of them really seem to like their new home so hopefully they will thrive. :)
The beneficial bacteria from a cycled tank normally isn't in the water.. or if it is, it's not very much. Ideally you'll want filter media and gravel from that tank. Normally the good bacteria lives on the walls of the established tank as well as in the filter media (most bacteria is here) and in the gravel. Take some gravel from the cycled tank, and put it in a mesh bag, or panty ho and have it hanging by the filter, that will speed up your cycle. Until then, make sure to keep up with water changes to avoid an ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spike.
The beneficial bacteria from a cycled tank normally isn't in the water.. or if it is, it's not very much. Ideally you'll want filter media and gravel from that tank. Normally the good bacteria lives on the walls of the established tank as well as in the filter media (most bacteria is here) and in the gravel. Take some gravel from the cycled tank, and put it in a mesh bag, or panty ho and have it hanging by the filter, that will speed up your cycle. Until then, make sure to keep up with water changes to avoid an ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spike.
I do have gravel and water from Krycek's previous home in there. I'm not sure if that tank was cycled, but the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate readings were always good. It was only up and running for about a month though. I will ask my mom for some filter media and or gravel from her tank though, thanks for the tip!
I'm unsure as to when I should do my first water change though? And how much? I know OFL says 50% but should I do less until my tank is cycled?
I do have gravel and water from Krycek's previous home in there. I'm not sure if that tank was cycled, but the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate readings were always good. It was only up and running for about a month though. I will ask my mom for some filter media and or gravel from her tank though, thanks for the tip!
I'm unsure as to when I should do my first water change though? And how much? I know OFL says 50% but should I do less until my tank is cycled?
When you do a water change you aren't going to be removing any good bacteria, they like to stick to the filter, and glass. The fish will enjoy the extra clean water and you will be removing any unnecessary ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
Your tank is 5 gallons, so I'd do 50% once a week.. but since you just set it up, I'd test the water and consider doing a 30% every other day?(I'm not an expert by any means) I have 2 5 gallons and I do a 50% change every Sunday.. but they are well established. Do you have a test kit?
When you do a water change you aren't going to be removing any good bacteria, they like to stick to the filter, and glass. The fish will enjoy the extra clean water and you will be removing any unnecessary ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
Your tank is 5 gallons, so I'd do 50% once a week.. but since you just set it up, I'd test the water and consider doing a 30% every other day?(I'm not an expert by any means) I have 2 5 gallons and I do a 50% change every Sunday.. but they are well established. Do you have a test kit?
I don't mind cleaning it as often as I need too, the gravel vac is easy and fairly quick so not an issue. I have the test strips, 5-in-1 (pH, nitrate, nitrite, hardness and alkalinity) and the ammonia strips. I know these aren't the most reliable though...
Anyone know of any good inexpensive 5 gallon tanks? I am looking to upgrade mine a little, simply because I don't like the shape and such as much takes away a lot of space for my fish. I already have the heater and filter, simply need the tank and hood I guess.
After I added a mug in a panic to help keep him occupied when he seemed to be very interested in his fins (and the day before I was due to get a pot with plants attached, too!)
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