Anything Else Essential For Bettas?

[ChilliPepper]

I have a 21 litre hexagonal tank, a sponge filter with an airpump to power it, heater, an Arcadia light to attach to the lid and Hikari Betta food. I was thinking of getting gravel as it's easier to wash than sand, just the fine black gravel. I'd like to get him a plant or something as well - any recommendations? Trying to keep the costs as low as possible! Would an Amazon Sword be enough for now?

The fish in my big tank get fed every 2-3 days, is it OK to feed the Betta at the same intervals or do they need feeding more frequently?

Also, how often and what percent of water should I change in his tank? I do 30% every week in my big tank.

I'm quite excited as he will be my first Betta

 

[Aussie_Dog]

I would go for more than one plant, for a 5.5gal (21 litres). I use 5gals and they look BARE with only one plant. I think 3 plants would do nicely, though you can supplement the one Sword with fake plants. For a betta, silk plants are better than plastic plants, which can tear the fins. Or instead of silk plants, you can get various ornaments that take up more room and don't leave the tank looking so empty. It's not just visual pleasure for us; Bettas thrive on having an actual environment. I don't imagine one would be happy having the same four see-through walls and one plant to swim around. Give him stuff to work that little mind. It doesn't have to be right away, he can live a week or two in boredom, lol, until you find something you like at the right price. But until then, he would love to have something to rest on at night.

As long as the Betta isn't wasting away to skin and bones, I don't think it matters when you feed them. But really, he'll be happiest if he gets fed every day, possibly twice a day (just portion out the food appropriately), and has one day of the week where he fasts. It helps the digestive system.

Once a week at 30% should be fine for water changes.

 

[Truck]

cambomba would be good because the betta can rest on it as would anubias and amazon swords

 

[ChilliPepper]

I saw an ornament I liked in Pets at Home, a vase, but was worried he may rip his fins on the edges. I've been looking on ebay but not seen anything I really like.
I'll get a couple of plants for definite I think P@H are doing 3 for 2 on plants now anyway.

 

[tibby25731]

Yeah get a few plants and maybe a coconut cave for him to sit in/on. Any plants with wide leaves that reach near the surface are always favourites, when the fish is feeling lazy he will sit on these leaves so he only has a short distance to get to the top for air!
I'd feed every day if i were you, aside from anything else, you won't be able to stop looking at him, and he will be begging for food with that little fishy dance so it is easy to pop a few pellets in for him! At least they are real easy to feed. try to give him a few bloodworms once a week as a special treat, too

 

[Honeythorn]

A lot of fish stores sell bunches of mixed plants for a couple of £'s. You usually get Cabomba and Elodia in these bunches and they are good space fillers, and also grow tall which is best for a hex tank and also your betta for resting spots.