Can you keep fish in an uncycled tank?

[dramaqueen]

I understand your parents not wanting to spend the money on a test kit. They can be expensive. I've held of buying one because of the same reason. By the time you buy all the paraphernalia needed for a tank, it really adds up.

[Twistersmom]

If I did not have a test kit, I would do 50% water changes every three days. (if its only the one betta) Fish stores will test for free, so if you know you are going to be passing a fish store, I would run in to have the water tested as often as possible.
Even if you do not test your water, your tank will cycle, as long as you do not over clean. A 10 gal tank will cycle in one or two months if you do not disturb the bacteria by over cleaning. A cycled tank only needs a 25% water change once a week.

[dramaqueen]

Can a tank cycle without a filter?

[Twistersmom]

I was thinking he had a filter?
Good question, a filter definitely helps. If you are on a budget, you can make a diy sponge filter and run it off a small air pump, would be cheap to do.

[dukie1346]

He does have a filter.........

[dukie1346]

So if I do a partial change about every 3-4 days with a normal filter, it will cycle by itself? Plus I am trying to get a tester for the ph level to buy soon

[dukie1346]

How much is a ph level test thing? Can you use the same tester more than once?

[Twistersmom]

Yes, if there is a source of ammonia your tank will cycle, even if you do 25 or 50% water changes every 3 days.
If it where me, and I could only buy one test kit, I would buy an API liquid test kit for ammonia.
PH does not usually fluctuate much, so you can take some of your tank or tap water to the fish store with you and let them test your ph for free.
Remember that if you are cycling and you start getting zero readings for ammmonia, you more than likely still have high nitrites and should continue with the frequent water changes.

[dramaqueen]

The test kit measures ph, nitrates, nitrites and ammonia. One test kit does all that.

[dukie1346]

Ok, so If I got a test kit, how much could that cost? Also, To check the ratings often, do you have to keep buying new test kits?