New Betta Owner...hopefully.

[sjackson]

Hi everyone, new to the site.

Would really like to get a Betta as I think their a beautiful fish but have got a few questions.

I've been given a biorb 15 litre tank, is this big enough for just a single betta? I've got a heater and some ceramic media in the tank and have also got a filter and pump.

How should I go about making the water suitable for the fish? I've filled it with water, turned on the pump and added some safestart to remove the ammonia and nitrate, is this ok?

If the tank is too small then I can get hold of a bigger one.

Thanks guys.

 

[razer121]

im pretty sure most will agree that even though you may be able to keep the betta in that tank i would advise a different one, maybe a 25lite min? and more a square/rectangle shape

 

[sjackson]

Thanks Razer.

 

[silverrabbit]

I'm all for bigger tanks, but 15 litres is prob like the minimum size for a betta, so should be fine as long as it's heated and filtered and you keep on top of water changes

Did you add dechlorinator? You will need to cycle your tank (lots of info on this site about it) and it's best to get a liquid test kit so you can keep trac of the cycling process

 

[sjackson]

Thanks silverrabbit.

I added dechlorinator and have been reading up about cycling tonight on the site. I've set the heater to around 84 degrees and will find some ammonia tomorrow to add to the tank.

I saw the tetraAqua SafeStart product, is this a waste of time or is it simply better to do the cycling to help grow the good bacteria?

One thing that is confusing me is the water changes, before I found this forum I found alot of differing views on the frequency and quantity of water changes. How often and how much should they be?

 

[silverrabbit]

Personally i'm not too sure about water changes during a fishless cycle. I had my first fish before coming on here and reading about it, so my fish had a fish-in . Since that first tank I just take some media from cycled tanks to fill up the filter for a new tank

Those bacteria products are usually just a waste of money IMO, though I do know my mum and a friend used the refrigerated one with success in helping to kick-start things.

Do you know anyone with a tank? Maybe they could donate you some filter media which would mean you're tank would be up and ready to go.

 

[Night61]

i agree with silverrabbit, a 15 liter is a good size to start off with and the fish will be very happy.

 

[sjackson]

Thanks Silverrabbit and Night.

I'm going to pop to the aquatics shop and pick up some plants today for the tank and will ask if they have any filter media I could have.

 

[BethK]

I use the nutrafin products and haven't had a problem at all, I think they are suited to the smaller tanks, rather than bigger ones.

15ltrs will be ok for 1 betta, just ensure you do not over crowd the tank with plants etc an you should be OK. Get yourself some betta food too x

 

[The betta expert]

You really don't need all that sgtuff- but great job! Your betta will be happy!

 

[silverrabbit]

TBH I think bettas are happier when they have lots of plants... nice silk ones that he can duck and dive in and out of - he'll have plenty of fun

Must have pics, hehe

 

[BethK]

Ohh and a coconut hut or something to nose about in, they love that!

Ohhhhh and lots of piccies

 

[OohFeeshy]

I would possibly say to replace the ceramic stuff with normal gravel- still functions in the same way, but not sharp so won't damage the betta or the tank and should also make it easier to anchor any plants.