Looking at getting a betta.... couple of questions

[boxman]

I'm keen to get a betta to go in the kitchen or on my desk but I've got a couple of questions

1) Do bettas prefer sand or gravel?
2) Do they perfer regular lighting or stronger?
3) Places to hide / bogwood a good idea?
4) Is one of those cheapo polycarbon filters good enough (ones that run off airpumps)?

Also, I've read some of the pinned threads and have I got it right that it's best to cycle the tank before adding a betta?

Lastly, I'd like to get a more unusual betta but I can't find anything locally, does anyone know a good UK supplier of more unusual varieties?

Thanks and sorry if it's the 1000th time these questions have been asked, feel free to point me in the right direction!

 

[Kiarra]

1) It doesn't really matter. That choice is more of an aesthetic preference for you.

2) Regular lighting would probably be best, unless you're planning to have live plants in there. In which case, do whatever you need to do for the plants.

3) Absolutely. Just make sure there's nothing sharp in there...they have extremely delicate fins.

4) A filter with the least current possible is ideal, or no filter at all. They don't deal incredibly well with current, but some deal better than others.

You can cycle the tank if you'd like, but you don't have to. It'd probably be more convenient to do so if the tank is 5 U.S. gallons or more, but it doesn't HAVE to be cycled as long as the water is kept clean.

Many people in the U.K., especially on these forums, get theirs from Bettaman at K G Bettas. Demand is incredibly high on these fish, but they tend to be worth it if you can get your hands on one. Here's his URL. http/www.kgbettas.co.uk/

 

[boxman]

Excellent! Thanks VERY much for that, it's answered everything!!!!!!

I've just found betta barracks too

 

[FishEnthusiast]

Kiarra answered all your questions quite well, but I noticed you opened your post with

I'm keen to get a betta to go in the kitchen or on my desk but I've got a couple of questions

I said something like that too when I decided to get a betta. My best advice is don't get one for the kitchen or your desk, get one for your kitchen AND your desk Especially if you are going to get some from K.G. Bettas. That site makes me wish I lived in the UK.

 

[boxman]

I'm trying to be really good this time!

When I kept fish before my bedroom was packed with fish, I had 5 tanks (which doesn't sound alot but the room was V small!) It used to get to the stage where it was a pain to do water changes. I don't want to get there again! But I've got a 4 bedroom house now so I've REALLY got to have self control!

Saying that I'd love to have a betta tank in the kitchen, study and a tetra / livebearer community tank in the hall. Also would love a 360L trigon for community tropicals in the front room and a 190L in the hall for african ciclid community.

It is all too addictive! I want a F8 and DP too! AND I want to start breeding either pl*cs, rams or ciclids

I guess I'll need a hospital / quarrantine tank or three!!!!!!!

 

[FishEnthusiast]

Do it! Sorry, can't help myself. I have 5 tanks and 3 betta bowls, and the only thing stopping me from getting more is space. I am moving soon and that will change. Betta tanks are easy to take care of cause they are small. My water changes aren't a pain. .