Calcifer10000
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Hi all,
I know the "how to start a new aquarium" thing has been overdone, but I'd appreciate it if I could get some answers to a few questions...
I've never had an 'aquarium' persay, but I currently have 2 betta fish who are doing quite well, and I've never heard of the cycling process till now. Why is it so important if my bettas don't seem to be effected; I change their water completely when it gets dirty and they don't seem to mind? Are they just more hardy?
Right now I have a tank all set up with good water and no fish, and don't have gravel from a previously established tank to seed the new water with. I've been reading up on aquariums, and now I don't dare buy any fish to put into it...will they really die if I put one or two in now? Can I possibly put one of my bettas in there for awhile to start up the nitrogen cycle? Or maybe purchase a plant from the store that might carry some good bacteria?
And do I really have to wait for weeks before putting fish in?
Also, how important is the filtration apparatus? Will an air pump tube stuck in the tank work as long as I vaccum the gravel often?
Thank you so much! I really want this to work out, I appreciate any help or suggestions!
I know the "how to start a new aquarium" thing has been overdone, but I'd appreciate it if I could get some answers to a few questions...
I've never had an 'aquarium' persay, but I currently have 2 betta fish who are doing quite well, and I've never heard of the cycling process till now. Why is it so important if my bettas don't seem to be effected; I change their water completely when it gets dirty and they don't seem to mind? Are they just more hardy?
Right now I have a tank all set up with good water and no fish, and don't have gravel from a previously established tank to seed the new water with. I've been reading up on aquariums, and now I don't dare buy any fish to put into it...will they really die if I put one or two in now? Can I possibly put one of my bettas in there for awhile to start up the nitrogen cycle? Or maybe purchase a plant from the store that might carry some good bacteria?
And do I really have to wait for weeks before putting fish in?
Also, how important is the filtration apparatus? Will an air pump tube stuck in the tank work as long as I vaccum the gravel often?
Thank you so much! I really want this to work out, I appreciate any help or suggestions!