hello! after some researching i’ve finally committed to getting a tank and preparing for a betta, but because i’ve never done it before i’m unsure on just about everything i’m doing. just got the tank this week, so no fish yet of course, but i got plants i saw recommended and am starting the cycling process. i have conditioned the water with seachem prime + api tap water conditioner, added api leafzone for plants, added pure ammonia from gingerbread pet supply, and added api quickstart for good bacteria + added some moss from my cousin’s pre-existing tank. how often should i check the parameters? i know the tank won’t be cycled over night, but how often should i test it just to see if there’s something i need to add/change?
side note:
– 10g tank with heater and sponge filter (i have an airstone i could add, but i’m also unsure if that’s necessary?)
– it looks empty because the driftwood i got won’t sink regardless of how much i boil it, so i’ll have to bolt it to a rock or something when i have the time but trust it’ll be added soon
– also need more hiding holes but i’m broke and have a bit of time for the tank to actually cycle so i’m waiting til next check
– sorry about the Omonous Shape on the right, our apartment is messy at the moment 😅
any help is greatly appreciated! if i’m missing anything else you can think of please let me know!
https://i.redd.it/lj9665bonlog1.jpeg
Posted by rubbercip
3 Comments
Check as often as you want to know. With QuickStart it should take a few weeks. I like to check daily to know how far along the cycle is and how quickly it’s going, but really I’d say check every couple of days or when nitrates are high check regularly
I personally dont test at all for the first 2-3 weeks. There’s no point unless you’re just curious and want to know how it’s going. Not much can go wrong in this step anyway.
I mean you would need to check fairly often to see when you need to add more ammonia right?