do you cycle your tank before you get your betta?

[vinjashira]

HELP - I'm interested in getting a betta but I don't have an established tank.
Just wondered if you guys cycle your tank before you get your betta.
I have no idea how to cycle a new tank without taking things from an establish tank and I don't want to use other fish to cycle the tank. Will it help if I buy some live plants and keep them in the tank for several weeks before getting a betta?

[3muttsandaboston]

Bettas do not need tanks cycled like other fish do. Just keep on top of the perameters.

[Chilli]

What size tank to you plan to use? Most tanks people use for bettas are too small for a filter, so there isn't any need to cycle. I typically don't use filters on anything under 10g.

Hehe, have all the gorgeous bettas here on PT convinced you to get one, too? :) I can already tell you that everyone will warn that they are addicting! Good luck.

[critter crazy]

no I dont cycle my betta tanks. and like Chilli said they are very addicting!!! I got two within one week!!!:D

[BC_MoM]

*prepares to be attacked*

Honestly, I don't cycle tanks, I don't use a filter, or a heater. I have my tank, a thermometer, a light, decorative stones, and a few plants in mine. My Betta's are fine (except when they get into each other's tanks and try to kill each other :rolleyes: ).

[IRescue452]

For a single betta tank its safe enough to cycle while the fish is in it. If its a small enough tank you don't need to actively cycle because you can just dump the water when the ammonia builds up. You should still keep in control of the levels and watch for spikes. Even if you don't cycle on purpose, beneficial bacteria will grow on the decor. Plants have nothing to do with cycling a tank.

[vinjashira]

thank you for the replies everyone - really helpful.

I'm going to use a 2 gallon tank.
I have two tanks just in case I want another fish in the future http://www.petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/biggrin.gif

I had betta fish as a kid and I remember how I used to adore them.
Looking forward to having them again.

[Christmas_Hamster]

I don't cycle my smaller tanks. For a 2 gallon I just do a 100% water change weekly.

[Alasse]

All my tanks from small to large are cycled with fish, not lost one yet :) You just need to be very on with water changes to make it a comfortable ride for said fish

I just avoid adding any 'touchy' fish until the tank appears stable