cycle a 5 gallon tank?

[aclysma]

I'm interested in getting another betta and I want to make sure the tank is set up correctly. As I am a college student, I have a "unique" situation ... though I understand that there might be a(n) college student(s) on here as well.

I want to set up a good tank, but I'm not sure how I should cycle it, if I should cycle it, etc. I am also concerned about the bacteria when I'm moving.

I live approx 1 hour from home. It would take me 2 hours to dismantle the tank, get home, and put the tank back up. If I keep my tank cycled, how should I preserve the bacteria. I expect to move my fish about 6-8 times a year (Spring semester in, spring break out, spring break in, spring semester out, summer session in, summer session out, fall semester in, fall semester out)

I have a 5 gallon all-glass which is unfiltered and heated.

I am also concerned with the betta's ability to adapt to changing water conditions. I can take water with me home and bring water from home back to help him adjust, but I would like to know suggestions on the wisest way to do this. FYI, at college, the faucet water, treated with amquel and novaqua, is 8.4. I have pH down but I'm not sure if it is safe to lower it more than one full pH.

So to sum up:
5 gallon tank that will move a lot. Cycle or not? If I cycle, how do I preserve the bacteria
How do I deal with bringing a fish from home to college with different water sources. The water here is... hard or soft - I forget, but it is where soap gets really sudsy. There is a definate difference in hardness, and pH.

I would like to get the betta after spring break (which starts tomorrow. YAY!) so I have plenty of time to decide and prepare.

Thanks in advance
Philip

[amanichen]

aclysma said:

As I am a college student, I have a "unique" situation ... though I understand that there might be a(n) college student(s) on here as well.

I transport two fully functional 10 gallon tanks 350 miles multiple times a year. Chances are, whatever you will have to deal with is something I've done already.

I want to set up a good tank, but I'm not sure how I should cycle it, if I should cycle it, etc. I am also concerned about the bacteria when I'm moving.

My tank(s) (one is my roomate's) have a total of seven hours of downtime between the time it's drained, and the time it's filled at its destination.

That's about as long as you'd want to leave filter media without giving it a fresh supply of fish waste.

I live approx 1 hour from home. It would take me 2 hours to dismantle the tank, get home, and put the tank back up.

Two hours should be fine.

If I keep my tank cycled, how should I preserve the bacteria. I expect to move my fish about 6-8 times a year (Spring semester in, spring break out, spring break in, spring semester out, summer session in, summer session out, fall semester in, fall semester out)

Keep the media wet, and keep the filter in a cool dry spot in your car. Don't expose it to direct sunlight.

I am also concerned with the betta's ability to adapt to changing water conditions. I can take water with me home and bring water from home back to help him adjust, but I would like to know suggestions on the wisest way to do this. FYI, at college, the faucet water, treated with amquel and novaqua, is 8.4. I have pH down but I'm not sure if it is safe to lower it more than one full pH.

pH changes like this aren't good, but it's a compromise you choose to make by transporting fish back and forth.

The easiest thing to do would be take water from college for short trips, and keep the betta in that.

For long vacations, bring water from wherever you are coming from. This water will also be used to gradually adjust the fish. Before you leave for home or college, do a few partial water changes to make sure the water is relatively clean.

Exactly how you go about this will depend on the water chemistry at both locations, and is something I can't really go over without more information.

[quoteSo to sum up:
5 gallon tank that will move a lot. Cycle or not? If I cycle, how do I preserve the bacteria
How do I deal with bringing a fish from home to college with different water sources. The water here is... hard or soft - I forget, but it is where soap gets really sudsy. There is a definate difference in hardness, and pH.

Go ahead and do a fishless cycle on the tank, get the water tested at both locations:

pH
kH (alkalinity = carbonate level)
GH (hardness = calcium + magnesium)

[aclysma]

Sounds like I'll be getting a filter then

Anyone have any suggestions? I know it needs to be a pretty small filter as bettas don't like a lot of current. I see a lot about hagen heaters, do they make a good filter?

It needs to be small, inexpensive, and hang on the tank if possible. And it would be nice if it were pretty quiet too

Thanks again!
Philip

[amanichen]

aclysma said:

Sounds like I'll be getting a filter then

Anyone have any suggestions? I know it needs to be a pretty small filter as bettas don't like a lot of current. I see a lot about hagen heaters, do they make a good filter?

It needs to be small, inexpensive, and hang on the tank if possible. And it would be nice if it were pretty quiet too

Thanks again!
Philip

Hagen makes aquaclear filters, and an Aquaclear Mini (with adjustable flow rate) would be an option.

You could also get a duetto DJ50, which is marketed by Marineland (although designed and produced by Aquarium Systems.) It has all sorts of features that make it suitable for a 5 gallon (or smaller) tank.

Both filters will run you around $20-$25, but both are worth it.

The Aquaclear mini will tend to be more reliable.