Preparing For A Betta

[brittgs]

I started a 29 gal tank this past summer, did a fishless cycle and stocked it with albino cory cats, cherry barbs and harlequin rasbora.  It has two piles of rocks and lots of live plants. After a few little hiccups (thanks to forum members for good advice) it has been very stable and I have gotten into good routines with water testing, changes.   I just love watching my fish.
 
I've decided that I'd like a Betta. I can fit a 5 gal on my desk.  Will that be big enough?  Can I use some of the water from my 29 gal tank to get the fishless cycle started or start completely from scratch?
 
Do Bettas prefer rocks or wood for decoration? Or something else?  I read in one of the threads that they like broad leaf plants for resting-any recommendations?
 
I like the look of the crown tails but am open to suggestions.  Any pros or cons?
 
Thanks for any input.

 

[Ninjouzata]

A 5g will be fine. The water contains virtually no bacteria so that wouldn't do much. You can take a little bit of your filter media (take no more than 1/3 though) and put it in the 5g's filter. That will speed it up a lot.
 
They like plants, though wood and rock are fine too. Anubias are a good broad leaf plant, you want to attach it to wood or rock though. My betta likes resting on his banana plant.
 
Biggerfinned bettas like the halfmoons might tail bite more and their fins weigh them down making it a bit difficult to swim.
My crowntail goes all over the place though. I'd pick the one that "speaks" to you You'll know when you see it!
 
They appreciate IAL too, if you don't mind the water being a brownish color.
 
Make sure to get an adjustable heater, and read THIS if you havn't already.

 

[brittgs]

Thanks for the info.  Off to the LFS to get a 5 gal tank set up, adjustable heater, sand, decoration and plants  and then get started.  I am excited.  Now I can have Betta envy until the tank is cycled.

 

[brittgs]

Agggh!  Went to Petco where I have gotten supplies before.  All the 5 gal tanks were acrylic so I go the Aquelon 5 gal bow front.  Got it home and it came out of the box with scratches on it.  Returning it this evening. Fortunately I did not buy any plants.  Frustrated.

 

[TallTree01]

Hopefully you'll get a full refund. Take the new tank home ( shop should give you a full refund ) and have it filled with water and filters for about 1-2 days so you can be sure of no leaks or anything like that. Then add the substrate and plants.

 

[brittgs]

I was very pleased that there was no trouble getting a full refund.  I went ahead and got a glass 5.5 gal.  I will set it up tomorrow w/o plants to make sure that it is not leaking.  

 

[Ninjouzata]

Aw, sorry that happened. But glad they gave you a full refund! Hope it doesn't leak and looking forward to seeing your progress

 

[tunagirll]

For sure, they love plants to 'patrol' around... if you can set it up so there's nooks and crannies to inspect, they love it and will get into all kinds of places! I have driftwood in mine, along with anubias, java fern and moss. I also have shrimp in my tanks as company for the betta (the brightly coloured ones are a bit hit and miss, more success with the clear ones). Keep a thermometer in the tank along with the heater as the heaters can be a bit hit and miss; you'll also want to inspect how well it keeps the tank temperature steady, if it wavers you need a bigger heater. 25W should be okay and a 55W if your ambient temperature is quite low at night.

 

[brittgs]

Thanks for the advice about monitoring the temp. I do tend to keep the room cool so will make sure th heater is doing its job.

 

[brittgs]

Tank is not leaking so bought some plants today-anubias, java fern, banana plant and small amazon swords and planted them in the tank along with some nice rounded rocks.  I may use the rocks to make a little cave.
 
 I have a small piece of mopani wood that I had bought for my 29 gal but never used.  I like the shape but since 29 gal has a black substrate, it just didn't show up well so took it out.  Since I am using lighter gravel for the 5 gal, I thought it would look nice in there.  But am concerned that a Betta would snag his fins on it.  I can sand the edges a bit if that would help.  Is mopani wood appropriate for Bettas or should I look for something else?

 

[Ninjouzata]

I'd think it'd be alright, especially if you sand it. You can test it by running a bit of pantyhose over it. If it snags, then it will tear the betta's fins.