quick cycling ?

[Shylynn]

As some of you may know i got my betta as a gift and he has been living at my office, ive decided even tho i love having him there with me he would be happoer at home. my question is, i got him a 5 gallon tank im am about to set up...when cycling it should i add the water from hes bowl that he has been swimming in since it has some of his bateria in it already or should i use 100% fresh water? I have all my plants and decor in my tank i cant wait to get my betta in it but i want to make sure i do it right

[Red Betta]

Well the bacteria for cycling isnt in the water, its on the gravel, plants, decor, and other things like that, but it is mostly in the filter. The best method I have heard is to take a sponge filter from an already cycled tank, and squeeze the water in it into your new tank. The water will be brown and you will probably think you are just dirtying the tank, but the brown stuff is the bacteria that you are trying to get through cycling.

To put it quickly, use your gravel, plants, decor, but best is a sponge filter. Not water.