Betta

[CTlovesKS]

Im getting a 2 and a half ft tank with fish that wouldnt be able for the betta to go with. So I was wanting to get a smaller tank and put a betta on its own in the smaller tank. And I have a few questions for you

1. What size tank am I looking for getting for 1 betta on his own?
2. Does he need a fliter - If not how often would I clean the water?

And another other information that might be useful.
I have ahd a Betta before, though got given wrong information and he died

 

[lilfishie]

most people recommend that a 5 gallon is the minimum for a single male, and they will require both a filter and a heater, you will probably be told by some shop keeper or another that they can be kept in tiny bowls as they don't like open/ large areas, this is not true, they love space, on a side note if you going with fake plants i advise you get silk ones as plastic can shred there fins

 

[Honeythorn]

As above, 5 gallons minimum to keep a more stable biological environment, along with a filter ( sponge filters are fine and you can either make one or get on cheap on ebay ) and a heater.

Real plants or silk, never plastic, any ornamnts or wood must be smooth for long finned varieties as their delicate fins can catch and tear easily when they squeeze past ( and they love to do that for some reason ) Try to plant quite thickly in at least one area of the tank whichever you choose. They like to have some dense cover to lurk in and tall plants are good for them, to rest on and build bubblenests under if the leaves reach the surface.

Plakats fare a little better with normal ornaments as they have the short "wild" type fins so there is less to catch. They can also cope better with current, or slightly stronger current than long finned bettas.

With a filter you should do 25-50% water changes weekly. I do 50% on both my 5 gallon tanks as I'm paranoid about water parameters ( and both the other tanks too ) it's better to be safe than sorry!