Got Betta, Now What?

[StuManChu]

Was at the pet store getting dog stuff, walked by the betta display, and out of the 50 or so fish was this tiny guy (about 1/2") swimming like crazy telling me to buy him, so I did.

My daughter named him Spock, and he is cream color with red fins. He is a curious fellow, always swimming up to see what your doing, and really took exception with a small speck of styrofoam stuck on the side of his bowl, striking at it repeatedly until removed.

I have him in a betta starter bowl, which holds the equivalent of 3 waterbottles, and is 4x the size of the container he came in. I've had fish tanks in my youth, so I know general stuff, but was wondering if his current setup would work until he gets bigger, and any tips to make it work.

Long term, when he gets larger, I do plan on getting him a larger tank (10gl?), but am working with my wife with having yet another life form to take care of. She really likes him and has set items around his bowl for him to look at for stimulation lol. I believe once he outgrows his current bowl she will be on board getting a larger tank.

Thanks for any help.

Stu

 

[SmexxyNick]

A 10 gallon from the right place is about 15$ A aquaclear 20 filter is about 22-25$ depending, A ehiem jager heater 50 watt 18$ off the correct website, if your serious i'll tell you which website to get it from. And a light from amazon is like 18$ It's just a aquarium clip lamp. And all you need is gravel and fake silk plants. Any questions just ask. But your at least expected to pay 100$ for even a betta buying everything, And order online, so much cheaper than retail. Goodluck

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Does the tank have a filter? Have you cycled your tank? Do you know what cycling is?
Have a look around here even if you do know about cycling:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

 

[RCA]

Stu...
Do you have a picture of your boy?
 
I would recommend you get him at least a 5 gal, filtered and heated tank as soon as you can as a small bowl will inhibit his growth.  Get a tank with a lid, then you can add some Amano Shrimp to keep the bottom of the tank clean from food that drops to the bottom, plus they will eat the algae.
 
If possible use live plants as they like to rest in these, if not then silk but not plastic.
 
The filter needs to be very gentle as Bettas are not strong swimmers.
 
Get hold of some Indian Almond Leaves and or a piece of Bog-Wood as these help to release tannin's into the water which is good for your Betta.
 
What are you currently feeding him?
 
Can you add your location to your profile as it assist with advising you further.  Can advise on good Betta tanks once we know where you are.

 

[Wildbetta]

I definitely recommend you upgrade his living accommodations as soon as possible because the container you have him in at the moment is way too small.  I do not recommend anything smaller than 2.5 gallons for a betta no matter how small it is.  You need to be able to reliably heat the tank which is more important than a filter for a betta. In a tank under 5 gallons, then you can choose whether you want to filter (and then cycle) your tank or if you want to do water changes every other day to keep the water clean.  You need a lid/cover because bettas jump often.  As far as decoration, live plants are the best but bettas are just as happy with nice soft silk plants as well. (plastic is normally a no no because they tend to have rough edges and will tear a betta's fragile fins)  
 
We would love to see pics of him of course.  As we LOVE pics!    

 

[StuManChu]

I wanted to thank everyone with your prompt and helpful responses. I will be getting a larger tank for him as soon as I can, but will probably will have to have him in his current setup for a month. Any suggestions on how many times to change his water?
 
I have to tell you, he is quickly growing on my whole family, with them putting various things around his bowl for him to look at, which he does. Very fun to watch. Will post a pic of him soon.
 
I am feeding him the micro betta food that came with the bowl, but would be open for any suggestions. I live in Central California, and we are starting our hot season, so temp wont be a problem for a while.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Change his water every second day about 50%.
Even in his bowl would you be able to add a live/silk plant?

 

[Shelster]

I feed mine different foods every day for variation:

He loves this, although it is recommended to pre soak first (I use an eggcup and put 4 pellets in)

This is good also, I feed what's left over to my other tanks - again I thaw in an eggcup and give him about four.

This is a flake food, so I give a tiny pinch, and then lastly some frozen bloodworm (thaw in eggcup and give 3)

Hope this helps and these foods are available for you.

A picture is a must please

 

[Wildbetta]

In his current setup, you need to be doing a full 100% water change every day.  Even though your summer temps are warm there, they are not stable which is what the betta needs to not stress and get sick.  Water temps tend to be a couple of degrees lower than room temp and the water temp drops at night.  The temp needs to stay no lower than 78F and is best at around 82F.  As far as food, a good protein rich pellet food needs to be the staple in the diet.  Other stuff like frozen bloodworms/brine shrimp should be given once a week or so.  I do not recommend flake food as it tends to foul the water terribly and most bettas never eat the amount given.  Make sure you have the bowl covered as bettas jump.  
 
Patiently waiting on pics.