I recently bought a $15 20 gallon tank off of Craigslist, it came with a filter that requires cartridges that was used with the tank, a brand new heater, some rocks and decorations I probably won't use and misc. medicines and treatments. Here's: the tank and filter:
http://imgur.com/a/spxVa . I plan on splitting it 7/13 and putting my Betta fish who is currently in a 2 gallon on the 7 gallon side and using the other 13 for Neon tetras and a couple African Dwarf frogs. I won't be putting fish in it till at least June 2nd. But I can set it up before hand. Here are my questions - How do I clean the tank and filter? I've rinsed it with high pressure on a garden hose and have wiped them both with paper towels but I figure I should clean it up more since there is still visible scud and still looks a little dirty. -the filter came with a used biofilter which I accidentally dropped in the grass and rinsed on high pressure with the same hose for some time, should I replace it? -what dangers come with splitting it like I am? What should I be aware of? -assuming I won't be getting fish to June 2nd when should I set it up at my future residents to start cycling? How can I cycle it if I won't always be there? - One last question, with my betta being in a 2 gallon till then, how often should I do full water changes and clean the gravel? I've been doing 2 50% each week and very small changes every day. I should also mention the tank had just been sitting in the guys closet for some time holding rocks, I believe it was a salt water aquarium before. Thank you for any help, it's greatly appreciated.