Question about cycling

[WDW Donna]

I was just reading the instructions about cycling a tank and had a question.
I just set up a 5gal for a new betta, (she is not in it yet. Just chillin in a bowl at the moment.) my other betta are in 2.5gal tanks. Can I use a little water from one of those tanks to "kick start" the cycling in the 5gal?
I have never had a problem with my smaller tanks, but my daughters new fish died within a week in the 5gal, eventhough I did everything the same as always. I wouldn't think there would be that much difference in the two sizes but just in case I am being careful and following guidlines closely.
Also I want to buy my own water testing kit instead of going to Petsmart all the time. I was confused on all the brands and types of kits. I am curious as to what bettafish.com members use. Thanks.

[LittleBettaFish]

The beneficial bacteria you need to kick-start a cycle is in the filter media not the water column. This is why you can do large water changes while cycling a tank and it will not effect your biological filter. If you could get your hands on some seeded media from a mature tank, this would be your best bet at a quick cycle.

The API liquid test kits are good although slightly pricey depending on your budget. I believe they sell them as a master set (includes ammonia, nitrite, pH etc.) which although expensive does last a long while.

[WDW Donna]

OK, a thought just occured to me. The filter is still in the 5gal from the last week. Will that work? Should I change it since the betta died that was living in it before?

[WDW Donna]

Sorry another thought occured to me after re-reading the cycling instructions. Could I swap my filter from my established 2.5gal to my 5gal. (they take the same filter)