Much of this information I will provide is condensed and more basic, but comes a from a couple of very in depth and researched articles on this subject (which readers can read if they desire a more in depth understanding). I will not address the organic chemistry aspect (the Nitrogen Cycle), … Read more about Aquarium Chemistry, Including Redox for Bettas & Other Fish
10 Reasons to Cycle your Betta Tank
Tank cycling is when we assist our aquarium in growing a colony of beneficial bacteria that will consume dangerous ammonia and nitrite, the byproducts of fish waste and other decaying organic debris. This is a naturally occurring process that, given the right conditions, would occur anyway in your … Read more about 10 Reasons to Cycle your Betta Tank
Avoiding Mini-cycles
gustav1, originally uploaded by girlpirate. DW wrote, I just wanted to write to you, and say thank you so much for putting up your site! I’ve learned so much from it! I also am in love with the betta photos you put up with each post. Simply amazing. Make me wanna set up my tripod and take a few … Read more about Avoiding Mini-cycles
Choosing the Best Method for Tank Cycling
Q: SM wrote, I have a question about my tank…I told you in the other email what I have in my tank. I just want to be assured that when I add all the fish, I cannot change the tank,until I meausre the water and the ammonia is really up , then the bacteria starts? Is that how it works? I just … Read more about Choosing the Best Method for Tank Cycling
The Nitrogen Cycle & Fishless Cycling Method
In an aquarium or fish bowl the fish give off waste, which over a short time breaks down into toxic ammonia. We all know that ammonia is quite dangerous even in small quantities so as aquarists we need to take steps to combat it. In a small Betta bowl that might mean making full 100% water changes … Read more about The Nitrogen Cycle & Fishless Cycling Method
Glossary: Detritus (Mulm)
Dirty Tank (which has been cleaned!!!), originally uploaded by blaqphlegm. In the aquarium, detritus (often called mulm) is organic material made up of fragments of fish waste, uneaten food particles, dead animals, mucus, shed skin and decaying plant matter. It is commonly suspended in the water … Read more about Glossary: Detritus (Mulm)
Oops! You Forgot to Change Your Betta’s Water… (when serious time lapses)
Angry stick training one, originally uploaded by revs45. Q: J&J wrote, Christie, [We] have a beautiful dark blue and radiant red Beta Splenden (or at least I think that is what it is called) He has long flowing fins. His name is Earl. Two weeks after my parents gave him to me I received … Read more about Oops! You Forgot to Change Your Betta’s Water… (when serious time lapses)
Tank Cycling & Bacteria Blooms
Bacteria Bloom, originally uploaded by attack11. Bacteria blooms are caused by heterotrophic bacteria not the autotrophic nitrifying bacteria that are responsible for the cycling process.Q: RM wrote: Hi Christie, I thought I’d give you an update as I’m still looking for some advice. I have … Read more about Tank Cycling & Bacteria Blooms