New Betta Tank - Help Please?

[CeeJayy]

Hi Guys,

My cousin came round today with my new betta tank. (Funnily enough its a betta make tank.)

The lights arent working
Theres no filter sponge
Theres no heater.

Here are some pictures, i have no idea what size it is im guessing 40/35L., but i think its the Betta LifeSpace aquarium, although i have no idea. Someone please help? I know i have to cycle for a couple of weeks.. And im going to a)Pets at home or B)my LFS. for a heater and such.. getting ready to pay out for equipment !

I think this: http/aquatic-store.co.uk/marine/view/1985 is the tank.

 

[Devorax]

We have one of those tanks for our coldwater fish, but the bigger version. If the lights aren't working and there is no filter sponge, I'd suggest taking it back, as the replacement bulbs can be quite hard to get for that tank. If you don't want to take it back for an exchange, then Wilkinsons do a box of filter wool for less than a pound which will do the job perfectly well.
Other than that, once cycled and planted, any betta you get will be very very happy in there.
Good luck

 

[CeeJayy]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

Thing is its a second hand tank, im sure ill be able to get the lights at Pets at home, LFS, or theres a lighting shop up my local highstreet tht seels EVERYTHING!

The filterwool, ill have a look at it, but ill try to get the right stuff if i can. Any other ideas of what i can do people?

Thankyou for your reply Devorax!

 

[Devorax]

Is this your first fish tank?

 

[CeeJayy]

My second tropical one, ive had coldwater fish for about 9 years though. Im well aware of the chemistry side so dw

 

[Honeythorn]

In which case you should know that cycling takes over a month, not a couple of weeks.

Take some filter sponge from your coldwater tank and fill your new filter compartment with it. This way you will have an instant cycle due to a full compartment of mature media, and can add a fish at once. You can actually use energy saver lightbulbs in some tanks. I have one in a 5 gal Algarde brand tank, and the plants are doing very well under it. Already at the surface.

Most electrical shops will sell a bulb suitable for the hood . You just have to make sure that it's the same wattage as the current bulb, and the fittings match ( bayonet or screw ) .

 

[liz2]

tank looks ok to me, have you checked the bulb is screwed in tight enough, sometimes they are just temperamental, heater yes, wouldnt bother with a filter if just for a betta, see if you can get live weed it helps keep the water in good condition.

 

[CeeJayy]

Im getting some BACTERNETT LIVE BACTERIA to do my cycle, Its amazing stuff, seriously!

My coldwater tank is a Tetra Aqua art, and doesnt have sponge so thats out of the question.

Thanks for your help! The filter is really really noisey though, so i might have to buy a new one! - It also causes ALOT of water aggitation, and bettas done like that do they?

The tanks also for Corys, so ill have to have a filter.

 

[CeeJayy]

Hi, Sorry for the double post, but heres my tank - New lights, new filter and new heater. Excuse the bubbles - Im sure they will go soon. My tanks temp. atm is exactly 26 degrees.

I bought a Elite Stingray 10 filter and a 50w Interpet delta therm. With new lights this cost me £50! !

Ive added Aqua Safe and ill be adding Bactinettes to the filter when i go out to get my corys. Im going to use the Bactinettes to cycle my tank.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

 

[bronzecat]

Nice neat tank The cories aren't for this new tank are they?

 

[CeeJayy]

I was going to get some Albino Corys, but looking at your post i dont think i will be able too...?

 

[bronzecat]

Hi
Cories aren't suited to a new tank, especially if not cycled Their barbels are very delicate and are easily damaged by ammonia and nitrIte. Plus, Cories are a shoaling fish and the tank just isn't big enough I'm afraid.

 

[CeeJayy]

Ah right! What hardy fish can i put in say.. tuesday then? Ones that are compatible with Bettas?

Thanks for your help btw!

 

[bronzecat]

Hmmmm.....I would say that tank is around the same size as one we have, if so its about 6 gallons? I cant really advise as I wouldn't actually have tankmates in a 6 gallon, due to the betta needing to establish its territory and most small peaceful fish are shoaling. With ours, we divided it down the middle and have a betta either side.

 

[CeeJayy]

Its a 7.5 Gal tank. Im not sure what to do now.... I wnated to get my betta some freinds.. but if not ill have to consider some other fish and not get the betta.