Betta in a cycling tank

Question
Hi Karen, I have recently been talking to another expert as my betta got fin rot because I changed the filter media in my tank without thinking, causing a spike in ammonia.

I have had him in a 20L quarantine tank where I stopped the rot quite quickly with clean water and aquarium salt. I have been cycling a 54L tank for him however I have had to move him in early within my first week of cycling it.

I had a power surge and the heater in the 20L blew up and I didn't want to risk any chemicals leaching into the tank. I have added an ammonia nutraliser in the tank with him so he doesn't get burns, however I know that I can't get the tank to cycle while I have the neutraliser in there. I have two heaters, so I have set up the 20L again but this time with a thin layer of gravel since he will only be in there for about 3 weeks. The water is cloudy from the rocks (I scrubbed them but since they aren't coloured they still have some dust) and should clear up in a day or so.

I was wondering if it is a good option to move him back into the 20L for a few weeks to allow the tank to cycle. The ammonia neutraliser (ammo-lock API) doesn't allow the tank to cycle but keeps him safe as it permanently binds the ammonia into a safe form.

(I have snails in the 54L to keep adding waste so I can get a good cycle)

thanks for the help and sorry if this email seems all over the place, I am a little worried

Answer
Hi Alexander,
Sorry to hear about all the trouble you've had with your betta and tanks.

Instead of using Ammonia neutralizer (which does indeed slow a tank when cycling), I would simply just change 50% of the water everyday in the tank. This will not hurt your betta, he'll appreciate it. And this will definitely allow your fish to safely be living in tank while it is cycling.

All fish love water changes, and all you need to do is make sure the replacement water is conditioned with a water conditioner like stresscoat for example, and the temperature matches the original water's temp or just a tiny bit warmer.

Snails will cycle a tank quite well in most cases, they are big eaters and produce a good amount of waste. As with any tank, simply be cautious about adding your extra fish. Add a few gradually over the course of a month.

If you feel the 20L has been well washed out you could move him back in. Just remember to do the water changes everyday on his tank.

Or you could simply leave him in the 54L and do daily water changes to keep him safe. The extra clean water will also further help his fins heal and regrow and prevent finrot from taking ahold on him again.

I really hope this helps and best of luck!!