New to the forum and need some guidance!

[Kohni]

Hello everyone! This is my first post here!

Here is my set up: Eclipse System 3


I am going to get a Java Fern to put to the right of the lantern. I plan on cycling this tank before I choose a Betta. So, that brings me to my first question:

Can I add the plant now and cycle with it in there? If not when is the best time to add the plant?

As far as cycling goes I am going to follow these guidlines:
http://www.flippersandfins.net/cyclingfishlesshowto.htm

That site says use 5 drops of ammonia per gallon. That would be 15 drops for this tank. That sounds like a lot. Is it?

Cycling takes a while but I want to do this right so that my fish will be healthy!

Today I'm going to get my heater, test kit, maybe a plant, and some water. I have to use bottled water in the tank because our tap water is evil!

I'm really getting excited about my new fish! Any advice is welcome! Thanks

[beta novice]

only advice i can give is you can have fun get a variety of foods flakes bloodworms etc

[sarbear]

I'm a new betta owner but all the things I read about cycling a tank said that live plants actually help the cycling process go faster.

I just bought a new tank for a 2nd betta fish and started cycling it last night. I added about 6 drops of ammonia and my ammonia level is 4 ppm, I guess it's supposed to be between 3 and 5 ppm (while cycling). Ammonia comes in different strengths (mine is 10%) so you have to just try a few drops and wait 30 minutes and test the level and then add more if needed until you get the level right.

And make sure that you have PURE ammonia, there shouldn't be any other ingredients on the label, just ammonium hydroxide. :)

[Oldfishlady]

What is wrong with your tap water?

Bottled water is not regulated and sometimes it is just filtered tap water and can still contain chlorine and chloramines that are harmful to fish and the good bacteria need to cycle.... so be sure to use a dechloranator.
Also, the filtration process can remove the needed minerals that the fish needs for long term health and you will need to add that back or use a 50/50 mix of bottled water and tap.

And just a note-using bottled water will get costly due to the amount of water changes that are needed on a 3g tank to provide quality water for fish to thrive after the fishless cycle is complete.

Your tank looks lovely too....and welcome to the wonderful world of Betta keeping.....

[dramaqueen]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[Kohni]

Thanks for the info guys!

My tap water is so bad that I went through 3 filter pump thingies (technical term) the last time I had a tank because the water is so hard on stuff. I am using Ozarka water right now. What sort of additive should I use in the tank to make it better for the fish?

I got a heater and Java Fern yesterday:


While I was at Petsmart I had to go look at the Bettas. Half of them were dead!!

I also looked at the mystery snails they have there. Do you guys think a snail and a betta is too much for a 3 gallon?

[beta novice]

yeah plus they reproduce like crazy and betta's are good with hardwater

[Kohni]

Weird I just noticed that on my original post the picture of the tank isn't there anymore. Is there a reason for this?

thanks!

[Kohni]

Well I refreshed and the picture is there. Weird!

[beta novice]

umm thats weird and try not to double post