starting new tank for a betta

Question
Hi Jaymie,

Now that I have my 20 gal tank finished, I have decided to start my 10 gal tank that I have had previously. I want to get a betta because I lost the one I used to have and miss him. My question is I would like to help the cycling along faster. What do you think of my getting the tank set up with new plants and stones. Then taking some of the water from my 20 gal and use that? Also I heard that if you put some of the old gravel from my 20 gal in an old nylon stalking and make a ball out of it and hang it in the tank by the filter, it should help the cycling along. Does this seem crazy to you? and also any suggestions you have would be appreciated.    Thanks Pat

Answer
Pat,
The thing with the Betta fish is he does not need a cycled tank because he does not need a filter. Most male Betta don't like the filter because it makes it harder to swim with a current. All the things you mentioned will help cycle a tank, but it will still take a few weeks to do. Most of my tanks don't have filters and they are all doing great. Regardless you will still need to do weekly water changes.