Finally Got Back To Fish Keeping!

[goldfish98]

So I was at petco today... and I got a 2.5 gallon tank and a sweet little betta fish. They tried to convince me that a 1/2 gallon tank would be plenty, but I know better. 

 

[McCool]

Glad you're back! Any pictures of your new addition?

 

[goldfish98]

Not until he is put in his tank. My camera can't focus on the round cup.

 

[brittgs]

Can't wait to see him.  I just got a Betta this week.

 

[goldfish98]

Well, he seems to have made it through the night. Still not eating though. 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Thats good you did not go with the half gallon tank that the LFS tried to persuade you to get for the Betta.
 
Good on you.
 
Pics would be good! 

 

[goldfish98]

All I have is a video, my camera can't focus on fish for some reason. View My Video

 

[Ch4rlie]

Nice little tank and lovely Betta! 

 
Although I could not see any heater or filter on that tank?
 
BTW I saw you have another tank next to that one in vid, whats the plans for that? 
Just me being nosey 

 

[goldfish98]

So they do need a heater and filter? Man I need to stop listening to the pet store. Any ideas for a heater that will work? That other tank was the 10 gallon that held the 3 platys, 1 swordtail, and 1 otto. They died a long time ago, never got around to restarting that. 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Yeah, afraid bettas do better with a heater, 78 to 86 F temps is best, also a filter is beneficial for the ammonia wastes.
 
Some people do without filters as long as regular water changes are made, personally i'd prefer a filter as this does 2 things at least, process the ammonia waste and aerates the water as well as giving a little water flow around the tank.
 
A simple sponge filter with air pump might do the job  perfectly. There are plenty choices out there, just a case of researching what you like best for your budget.
 
As for the 10 gal tank, you can keep the betta in that if you like. IMO 2.5 Gal is the absolute minimum I'd keep a betta in, better with a 10 gal, but thats just me.
 
EDIT - thought this might help you if you have not already read this.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/423364-betta-splendens-caresheet/

 

[goldfish98]

I was thinking about putting the betta in the 10 gallon, but then the tank would look so empty. 

Would the heater thats in the 10 gallon be too powerful?

 

[McCool]

I was thinking about putting the betta in the 10 gallon, but then the tank would look so empty. 

Would the heater thats in the 10 gallon be too powerful?

I don't see any reason it would be. Live plants also help with filtering the water, and they look good too!

 

[goldfish98]

Okay, the heater is in, and the betta quickly swam over to it.