Cycling A Betta Fish Tank (Episode 4)

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Most popular comments
for Cycling A Betta Fish Tank (Episode 4)

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MISHELLR - 7 years ago

Hello
Thank you for your video
Unfortunately because of my ignorance I didn’t know that we need to do this before
My BF got me a betta fish, so that day I went and bought a tank with a kit
So I installed everything and I add the liquid for clear water, the liquid for the chlorine removal and the liquid for the cycle and I added my fish ☹️, that was yesterday.... what’s going to happen? Is he going to die?

Zheng Amy - 7 years ago

How often do you cycle a tank?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Once, when setting the tank up it will take 3-6 weeks to cycle.

chrishasaclue - 7 years ago

Thanks a lot. I couldn’t find this info anywhere

Valerie Thomas - 7 years ago

How do you know it's cycling?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

When you test the water you should have ammonia reading, as the cycle progresses you will then see nitrite and then nitrate.

Catalina Mejia - 7 years ago

You are the best! Keep doing what you are doing!

Otakuchi - 7 years ago

Do those bottles tell u how many drops to put in?? Also, for the nitrate, were there 2 bottles to test the water?? Just making sure, I’m getting my first ever tank this very weekend ☺️

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Yes, there is a booklet that tells you all you need to know.

Planet Earth - 7 years ago

I have a question. Yesterday I went to petsmart and there were bottles labeled betta water for sale.

Donya Lane - 7 years ago

I'm new to the pet fish/aquarium world. I have had some confusion about the instructions on the Stability bottle. First it says to turn off UV/ozone. Does that mean your lights? Then, it says 5 mL "for each" 10 gallons on day one, followed by 5mL "for each" 20 gallons over the next 7 days. My two tanks are only 3 and 3.5 gallons, respectively. Am I still supposed to use the same amount, even though my tanks are that much smaller? If the instructions were worded, "up to 10 gallons," for example, I would not have this confusion.
I was afraid to put the full dose in my small tanks (I have only put half a capful in daily). So far, my betta fish (and a snail) seem happy and healthy, but could you explain this for future reference? Thank you!

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Lol!

Donya Lane - 7 years ago

Understood. Thank you so much. I didn't realize I needed to also be good at math to keep pet fish! LOL

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Ok, so it’s like I said. You need to reduce the quantity down to your tank size. My tank was 5.5 gallons so I used a quarter of that they said for each of the 7 days.

Donya Lane - 7 years ago

Thank you for your reply. The product I was confused about is in your video at 4:25.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

You can leave your lights on when adding the stability. Without seeing the bottle I can’t really advise but if for day two onwards it’s 5 ml per 20 gallons then you’d need to reduce that for the size of your tank. For example if the tank was 10 gallons you’d put in 2.5ml and so on.

Small forest dweller - 7 years ago

My tank has been cycling for two weeks now, I think it's almost done cycling now. Is it normal that there is a film on the water surface?

10. comment for Cycling A Betta Fish Tank (Episode 4)

Tyne Shields - 7 years ago

I am interested to find out in the video at 9:13 it looks like some type of glass turned upside with bubbles? I would like to know how that is done

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

This is the video it’s in and I think there’s a link to the product in the description box. https://youtu.be/Bltkcg3ZU3

ninik09 - 7 years ago

Hi, I am so thankful for ur video it actually made me refresh some info from when I had a fish tank, many years ago I didn’t know a thing and did a fish in cycle... after many years naw I have started a new tank, I’m on day 3 my water readings are ph:7.6 ~~blue~~ ammonia:0.25 Nitrites:0.25 Nitrates:10. I am dosing with stability everyday feeding the tank with fish food but to me that is not a normal reading... can you help me with this please? For me it looks like it is too soon to change the water what do u think?

Corpse Bride - 7 years ago

Should I add the fish food until the cycle is complete or do I stop once I get a ammonia readjng

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

You continue to add fish food.

That Ninja Pons - 7 years ago

I’ve watched your video about 20 times and it is the best how to cycle your tank video I’ve searched. However I’ve been cycling my tank for just under two weeks and I still do not have any trace of nitrites. The ammonia level has been at 4ppm for the past week. I’ve been adding Seachem Stability everyday for the first 7 days as well as the past 3 days but still no nitrates in sight. I understand that cycling a tank is all about patience but I was wondering if I am doing something wrong or if there’s anything else I can do to produce nitrites. I have not done a water change yet.

That Ninja Pons - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets No, I just did those initial drops to get the ammonia level past 4 ppm. I have not added any additional drops since I got to that level because I was hoping that would be enough “food” for the beneficial bacteria and I would start seeing nitrites.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Are you doing 5-6 drops a day?

That Ninja Pons - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets Once again thank you for your response. I was starting to think I might have been doing something wrong. I’ve been looking at Bettas from Creative Pet Keeping and Momo Bettas which doesn’t help with the waiting process!
I’ll do a ten percent water change and continue to be patient!

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

All sounds good.

That Ninja Pons - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets 5 to 6 drops of janitorial strength ammonia hydroxide from Ace Hardware. I am cycling a new Fluval Spec V planted tank.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Yes. What are you using as your ammonia source?

That Ninja Pons - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets Should I add Seachem Prime with the small water change?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Keep doing what you're doing, it takes time. I'd do a small water changes.

That Ninja Pons - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets I don’t have either unfortunately.
Thank you for the reply!

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Unfortunately it's all about patience, it sounds like it's progressing. Do you not have nitrites or nitrates?

Margie Cooper - 7 years ago

Hi! First of all, this video is so thorough and easy to understand - thank you! Secondly, I've been trying to cycle my tank for a bit over a month at this point. I've treated the water correctly, used QuickStart, added an ammonia source (fish food), etc. However, my weekly water tests pretty much never change. I have zeros across the board. Any ideas as to why that may be? Any ideas as to how I can make certain my tank is cycling/cycled?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thank you. For the tank to be cycling it has to go through the cycle of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate if it hasn't done that it's very unlikely it's cycled.

charlene cipriani - 7 years ago

You don't talk about the ph or the high range ph can you explain them to me . Do you test the ph?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

I'm sorry but I don't really do pH. I occasionally test it, but it's not something I pay much attention to.

charlene cipriani - 7 years ago

How often to you have to cycle your tank?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

You only cycle a tank when it is first set up. After that as long as the tank is maintained then the tank should run smoothly.

brother kingx - 7 years ago

finally after gone through several videos in youtube.u made me clear about ammonia n nitrite stuff.
thanks from Malaysia.

by the way i am newbie about 3 weeks in aquarium.n today i lost my 3 mollies

Daniel Angelov - 7 years ago

So can I cycle my tank just by letting the filter run (I have a 3.5 gallon tank) or can I speed up the process by adding fish food every day while letting the filter go and how long will each take?

Daniel Angelov - 7 years ago

Thank you for all the useful info and I will definitely buy or borrow the testing kit to properly cycle my tank. You are a life saver!

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Not really you need the test kit to know where the cycle is up to and it helps you know how much food to put in and when to back off adding food. Each tank is different so it may take longer or a little shorter but only a test kit can tell you that.

Daniel Angelov - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets conditioner every week*** Is it possible to do the cycling without a testing kit and wait 4-5 weeks and do a water change around the 2nd or 3rd week?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Conditioner every day, why? We do fish food every other day and I would only do a water change once you start to see some nitrites in your tank when you test the water.

Daniel Angelov - 7 years ago

I am willing to wait 4-5 weeks for the tank to be cycled, but will all I have to do is put fish food in everyday or would I also have to use conditioner every day and do weekly water changes (btw this is my last question and I'm sorry to waste your time)

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

No, you need to add a source of ammonia so the bacteria have something to feed on. The process took 3 weeks for us but that included using stability, this will speed up the process. Without it and just using fish food it usually takes 4-5 weeks.

Daniel Angelov - 7 years ago

Btw I don't have a testing kit so can I cycle without it just with conditioner, giving the fish food everyday, and with a filter?

Kirsi Jackson - 7 years ago

What fish do you have in this tank?

20. comment for Cycling A Betta Fish Tank (Episode 4)

Larry's In My Closet - 7 years ago

Hi, iv'e been cycling my 5 gallon betta tank for a week now. I started with 0.25 ammonia (just from my tap water) and ive been adding a pinch of fish flakes everyday but my ammonia is still at 0.25 and isn't budging at all ? is this a problem ? how long will it take for my ammonia to start going up ? Thanks :)

Matt Yeow - 7 years ago

Newbie here. I was misinformed by the aquarium store and put a betta fish in a 3 gallon tank without cycling it! The only thing I used was Prime. He seems fine... swimming around and eating as per normal. Should I be concerned? Should I rush out to buy Stability or Betta Basics?

Matt Yeow - 7 years ago

I do appreciate your response. Thanks!

georc16 - 7 years ago

I would. I did the same thing. I didn't learn about cycling a tank til after I set up my aquarium x.x But you'll still want it to be cycled in the long run. Getting a bacteria supplement would be better late than never imo. You'd be doing a fish-in cycling. Just stay on top of your water changes and tests and it should be fine. Bettas are hardy fish.

Just giving my thoughts since no one else has on this comment which seems to be pretty time-sensitive and requires an answer, but if anyone a little more experienced with the hobby wanted to weigh in, I'm sure it'd be appreciated.

Corpse Bride - 7 years ago

Do you need to add the stability when you change the water once the fish is inside

Danielle G - 7 years ago

Do I have to fully re-cycle a 5.5 gallon single betta tank if I'm moving (the move is about 1 hour away, so I am assuming the tank will be down for about 3 hours) or do you think filling 2-3 milk bottles of the old water before I drain it help?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

It would be better to preserve the filter media in tank water. There is little bacteria in the water column so saving the tank water won't make much difference.

styvie jusino - 7 years ago

So how often shoulf I change my filter cartridge? mine takes two so I change one of them once a month after a water change, is that ok?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

That sound about right. Depending on the how stoked the tank is you may be able to go 4-6 weeks without changing it.

Warrior Lover - 7 years ago

I want to know which Betta I am getting for sure before I set up my tank, but I don't know how I would keep it before my tank is finished cycling. Any suggestions on what I should do?

Warrior Lover - 7 years ago

What I have decided to do is set up the tank designed for a certain color of betta(red themed for example), and let the tank cycle before looking for a fish that would fit.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

If you were going to keep it in a tank that wasn't cycled as long as you did 80-100% water changes every 2-3 days it should be ok. It's just a big commitment.

Kimsotus Orelius - 7 years ago

This video is a good resource. #cyclingatank #nitrogencycle #bacteria #waterparameters

Laurence Saunders - 7 years ago

Thank you for your insitght! How do you service your filter ?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

I will be doing a tank maintenance video this week,

Odannyb0i - 7 years ago

Can I feed my betta goldfish's Saki Hikari color enhancing pellets?

emmalee b. - 7 years ago

I have a new 5 gallon tank that I've been cycling for 6 days. I have 1 ppm of ammonia and 0 ppm of nitrite and nitrate, but my water is cloudy. Others have told me the cloudiness is a bacteria bloom. I've been adding 1/4 tsp of Stability everyday, and a pinch of food everyday. Am I cycling my tank correctly?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Yes, it sounds like the cycle is well on its way. I would maybe add a little more food.

30. comment for Cycling A Betta Fish Tank (Episode 4)

Bettafish Lover7 - 7 years ago

Thanks

Jessica Cook - 7 years ago

Substrates like ADA Aqua Soil ect also release ammonia for a few months after it's first added to the tank.

Thang Bui - 7 years ago

is it possible to cycle the tank even though you already have a fish in it ? i had my betta in my tank for almost a year now(i didn't know about cycling) so should i cycling the tank now or leave it like it be ?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Does the tank have a filter? If it does then it will already be cycled after that amount of time.

Fish For Thought - 7 years ago

Your voice is soothing! And your tanks look absolutely stunning, like the one behind you at the beginning of this video.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Lol...thank you!

J F - 7 years ago

Does the filter need to be on 24x7, or do you turn it off at night?

J F - 7 years ago

Thanks

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

No, the filter must run all the time.

Heavy Metal Lion - 7 years ago

thank you so much for breaking this down and making it understandable! i am one of the beginners that just followed the info on the bottle and added fish right away. needless to say i lost most of them, including my little koi betta. i now need to completely start the tank over. i really enjoy and appreciate this series!

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thank You!

Emily Brown - 7 years ago

I have a 36 gal planted aquarium that I'm starting to lose hope in. I cycled it and then moved my fish in once it was done. All of the original fish were fine until I added more last week. I added a guppy and 3 kuhli loaches. The next day one of my F gups was dead, the new M guppy was dead the next, and then I slowly lost the loaches. Today I lost another F guppy that I've had for a long time. They're dropping like flies!! I don't see anything visibly wrong with them and I've done a 30% water change 3 times since they started dying. The water had an ammonia spike but the water changes helped lower it to .25 ppm but they keep dying on me. Nitrites and nitrates are good. Do you have any idea what could be wrong?

Emily Brown - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets thank you!

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

It sounds like the tank had enough bacteria to take care of the fish in the tank but had not built up enough for the extra fish causing an ammonia spike. Keep doing regular small water changes till your back to no ammonia. Only add 2-3 fish every few weeks. This helps the bacteria keep up as you add more fish. Don't lose heart it takes time and patience and once it's done it will be very rewarding.

Zoo at 113 - 7 years ago

Very well done and informative! I know i learned some things I didn't realize! Thank you for this series :)

Joy Barton - 7 years ago

Great info! I made the mistake of buying a beautiful betta from a filthy cup in a pet store and not having any tank ready I bought a new tank and filter and put him in same time. Needless to say it was checking water for ammonia and nitrite every day plus daily water changes sometimes 2 or 3 water changes every day until the nitrites and ammonia were finally down to 0. This took five weeks. Not only was it a lot of work and stress every day for me it was stressful on the little guy. He is now doing so well and healthy and tank cycled. But I will never ever do that again. Your video is informative and so easy to understand. Next time I will have tank cycled before I put a betta in. Thank you again!

Fluffy an Trapinch - 7 years ago

This rly helped me out

CheerfulChibiArts - 7 years ago

That was an awesome explanation. Thank you so much!

nina v - 7 years ago

Hi! I recently tested the tap water that i use for water changes. I tested the PH and the Ammonia.
The pH was around 8 and the ammonia was 0.25ppm ~
I use a water conditioner which said to remove up to 1.0ppm of ammonia and 6ppm of chlorine.
Should i still be concerned?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Yes the bacteria in the filter will take care of it.

nina v - 7 years ago

Lifewithpets I do have a cycled tank with a filter :) It's just that my tap water contains ammonia and I"m worried if it can affect somehow. However i think my filter will take care of it, right ?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

If your conditioner is taking care of the ammonia then I would be worried.

Ammya Cat - 7 years ago

It's like you read my mind! I just emptied and went to redo my tank because I did it the wrong way and my tank was stinky and cloudy. I go to search a setup cycling video and you just made one! Yay! Easy to understand and hoping this next time goes better.

Bettafish Lover7 - 7 years ago

How often should I do a 100% water change ??

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

If you don't have a filter you should do it every 2-3 days. If you have a filter you should be doing approximately 20-40% once a week.

I AM AWESOME j - 7 years ago

Bettafish Lover7 never just do a 50 to 75 percent water changed you want to do a big water change it is not healthy for the fish

tecto12 - 7 years ago

It's so simple to my ears now lol !!! Thank you

Joyce Gentile - 7 years ago

I " fish in " cycled .... My fish was just fine she is 7 months old and healthy as a horse....soooooo! But I did a ton f water changes and tested like mad...actually my next tank will be fully cycled before fish!

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

I have done it in the past too but you really need to know what you're doing and it is very stressful for the fish.

Josalie Wilson - 7 years ago

I'm glad you are feeling better. This is a good series especially for beginners

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thank you.

Santa Monica Filtration - 7 years ago

Cycling is like bike cycling but with nutrients :)

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Lol..!

wu kalina - 7 years ago

I really love this series. Its so educational and im considering buying one by next year^^

Rulingtomax - 7 years ago

This is easily the best video I've seen of cycling a fish tank. This is really simple and easy to follow and understand.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thank you. It was a difficult one to put together.

50. comment for Cycling A Betta Fish Tank (Episode 4)

Expert Aquatic - 7 years ago

Do you sell those test tube holders

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Yes, although I think there're nearly all gone.

SubparPanda - 7 years ago

Would there be anything you do differently for a tank with more than one fish? I'm dividing my 10gal for 2 bettas.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

No, It would be the same. I would add a sponge filter on each side of the tank.

sumaiya kaleem - 7 years ago

Thank you in the future i will be using this for my 5 gallon

sumaiya kaleem - 7 years ago

Omfg sheila liked my comment :) !!!! Made my day ahaha

The Aquarium Show - 7 years ago

also the fluval stratum resales ammonia when first added :)
great video as always !

The Turtle Girl - 7 years ago

Great video, Sheila! Simple and easy to understand. Can I ask what microphone you use to record voiceovers?

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thanks. I use one from Amazon. I don't know which one I've had it a while. It's for an iPhone 7.

Isaac Corlett - 7 years ago

Great help

Julie Purcell - 7 years ago

I have 20 long. Live plants nitrates run high...any tips to keep them down...

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

How often do you do water changes and how much?

Julie Purcell - 7 years ago

Fluvel 50 hob filter...i added xtra sponge and also one in intake

Julie Purcell - 7 years ago

1 betta..4 albino cory...2 nerite and 1 mystery snail. 4 shrimp. 6 harlequin rasbora

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

What is the stocking level like and what filtration do you have?

Kim Drost - 7 years ago

Thank you for fully explaining this. You simplified it!

Alida A FishAddict - 7 years ago

great info...going to start a cycle soon..

Jh17 - 7 years ago

same

HopArt Studio - 7 years ago

Excellent ☺️

Big City Bettas - 7 years ago

This is really really amazing. You've made the entire process seem so simple, straightforward and non-threatening. Sometimes I will try to explain to people that there is more to setting up a tank than just buying a tank, filling it up and throwing fish in. I often can tell they feel daunted or overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information just in cycling a tank. Here you've broken it down into easy steps and stages that make it simple for anyone with a test kit. I will definitely be sending people to this series. It's just so wonderfully done!!! You should be really proud of all the hard work you put into this.

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thank you. I was not looking forward to this video as I told you but it came out ok. It was by far the hardest one yet! I've tried to keep it easy to understand. It's such a complex topic!

D.P.K Fish Aquariums - 7 years ago

I love all your videos you ,Deb Tim n Susan really love everything u do n all the information I learn keep it up u doing a spectacular job .

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thank you so much:)

Chris aquatics - 7 years ago

I can understand the whole video!, the most videos about the cycle I couldn't understand but that one is the best, I always use stability( before I thought that liquid you can put fish in there but no) thanks for video

Lifewithpets - 7 years ago

Thank you!