How to cycle a ten gallon betta tank?

Question

so i have a ten gallon with a single betta and i didnt want to get more becuase i heard i have to cycle. I am using a dirty old filter which i tried to clean but im getting a new one. I just put the water in yesterday and its allready murky today. How can i cycle this tank? how often should i do partial water changes?

Answer 1

If the fish is already in it then you are already starting to cycle.  Putting a dirty old filter in was not a good idea unless it came directly out of another tank.  

http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/profiles...  This link tells you how to do a fishless cycle which is best but the same idea applies with your fish in there except you don't need to add ammonia.  You'll need to get a test kit to test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.  It usually takes about 4 weeks for a tank to cycle completely.  You'll need to do partial water changes based on your test results.  If you only have one betta in the tank it shouldn't be creating a huge amount of waste so ammonia levels shouldn't get too out of control.

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Answer 2

alright, get  a marineland filter they are the best, a little pricey but the are the best -i have 2 emperor400's in my 46 gallon- then drain all water since its murky put the betta in a bowl get he filter running with the new water put the betta back in, and change the water every week or 2 to be safe with a grave vacuum to suck up his p**p, if that doesn't help just ask some one at petsmart. I'm pretty sure this will work though