Cycling Question - Whats the difference?

[Oldfishlady]

Great....it sounds like the dechlorinator you already have will take care of the ammonia in the source water and since your Betta is doing okay...its working.....

[agent89201]

Ok great! So should I be able to put him into the 5 gallon tank now?

[agent89201]

Also, how will I know if the tank is cycled? Will the ammonia be 0ppm even with the readings I've had?

[Oldfishlady]

Once the biological filter is established-you should test 0ppm ammonia/ammonium.

Once you have nitrate 5-10ppm without ammonia, nitrite spikes you are most likely cycled-this can take 4-8 weeks....

IMO-you should be safe adding him to the 5gal since you have been keeping him in this source from the start without issue...