1g Shrimp Tank Journal

[Smalltank3]

Hey PT! I just started up an extra 1g tank I had laying around and decided to make a shrimp tank. As of right now, It holds 100% natural spring water from a natural spring close by. I used this water because I've read that shrimp do fine in it, opposed to my shrimp-killing well water filled with copper. I've tried shrimp before, but all died due to the copper in my house water. I have to cycle the tank, but I don't know how to do it- With my betta in the well established 5g, or a fishless, which I don't know what to do.
As of now, here are the specs:
Tank:
Temp: 72° F
7w CF Bulb
Mini-HOB Filter
Plain Black Gravel
Rock
Little Plantlet of Watersprite
Parameters:
pH: 7.6
Ammonia: 0ppm
NitrIte: 0ppm
NitrAte: 0ppm
Here is a picture of the tank:

Should I cycle the tank with my Betta, or do a fishless cycle(please explain how to do)?

Thanks,

Smalltank

[fshfanatic]

throw the beta in there. and some more plants and call it good.

[Smalltank3]

Yeah, I thought that would be easier then fishless cycle. Acclimating him now and putting in some Dwarf Hairgrass I will update with parameters when first signs of Ammonia are showing up.

Thanks,

Smalltank

[Haeun]

Well, just make sure you're keeping up with the water changes. 1 gallon is SMALL, so ammonia can get toxic fast, especially in the initial stages of the cycle.

[gotcheaprice]

Also, I suggest changing your substrate. It looks pretty big, especially in a nano.

[oblongshrimp]

actually if your 5gal betta tank is already cycled you could just move some gravel over from there to seed it. If you add enough it should instantly cycle it for you.

[Smalltank3]

Wow, why didn't I think of that before^^^^

I think I'll just let it cycle with the betta, and I'll test the water later today for Ammonia.

[Smalltank3]

Went to the LFS today for my 5g, and put the extra Hornwort I didn't need for the 5g went into here. Also added 2 more Watersprites, and some Dwarf Hairgrass. The Betta from the 5g is in here cycling the tank. I tested the water for Ammonia today, but no signs yet. I will test for it tomorrow.
Tank:


Thanks,

Smalltank

[waterfaller1]

Why subject a fish to a potential cycle?
Perhaps gets some Bio-Spira?
It looks really cute. I would put a smaller rock, or break that one up.

[Smalltank3]

Well my betta is in for his third day, showing no signs of stress. I've tested every day for Ammonia and NitrItes, including today, and they're both at zero. I added about a dixie cup full(Those small cups some people put in their bathrooms) of gravel from the 5g, and put it inside my filter. Do you think my tank had no cycle? Would bacteria from all the plants in the tank(look at last post), and gravel I put in instantly cycle the tank? If so, should I wait atleast a week until adding Ghost shrimp, and continue testing every day for Ammonia and NitrIte just incase the added bacteria didn't instantly cycle the tank?

Oh, lots of questions

Smalltank

[Haeun]

Well. A cycle takes about a month or so to finish... So you might see ammonia by the end of this week or next week. Won't happen in a few days...

[Speshall*K]

nicetank so far... have fun with it, but i would get rid of the betta after you establish the tank... just my opinion

[Smalltank3]

Originally Posted by Haeun

Well. A cycle takes about a month or so to finish... So you might see ammonia by the end of this week or next week. Won't happen in a few days...

Thanks for the heads up, I'll keep testing

Originally Posted by Speshall*K

nicetank so far... have fun with it, but i would get rid of the betta after you establish the tank... just my opinion

Thanks, and if you read what I said earlier, that's exactly what I'm doing

Smalltank

[Smalltank3]

The Nitrogen Cycle has started in my tank I just tested for Ammonia and it is currently at 0.25ppm.

Just a little update

Smalltank

[~T~]

Does the tank have a lid cos bettas will jump and if the water params get bad its all the more reason.Are you adding CO2 or ferts cos your hairgrass will probably not do very well without it.