Questions About Tank Cleaning?

[beginner]

Hi friends. Since I am new, I am a lot puzzled about cleaning tanks. Would someone please help me with information as regards a 5 gallons tank (which I plan to buy) with sand and plants. I plan to keep just 1 male Betta in it.
1. Does one need to do fishless cycling of this 5 gallons tank?
2. Which is the best filter for a Betta tank?
3. How often should the water change be done and how much quantity?
4. How to clean the sand?(I understand one shouldn't use tap water as it washes away the bacteria).
5. Can anyone please suggest some reading links on this subject?
6. Any important Dos & Don’ts as regards tank cleaning?
I am most GRATEFUL and THANKFUL to the members for providing continous information to my questions. Being a beginner, I am still puzzled on a lot of issues and I wish to clarify it all before I buy the Betta. (So that it does not suffer)
Thanks & Bye

 

[ImperfectFaerie]

Quick question- are you going to have filtration in the 5g tank?

 

[beginner]

Yes Imperfectfaerie, there would be filteration in the tank.

 

[SPLiSH]

It's great to see someone doing such good research before they get a betta! I am sure yours will be really happy. Ok, answers....

1. Not if the betta is the only occupant.
2. One that does not make too much current, and does not have a strong intake as the betta may tear fins if the intake is too strong. Sponge and corner filters are good, as are some gentle hang-on-the-back ones.
3. I would say, 25-50% weekly would be fine.
4. Use a thin hose as a syphon, hold it about 1" from the sand and make circular swirling motions to suck up the sand. You might suck up a bit of sand at first but you'll get the hang of it quickly, it took me two or three water changes to get a technique happening.
5. If you mean links to cleaning sand, then this article by nmonks is useful.
6. Do make sure the new water you are putting in isn't too hot or cold, it can shock your fish. Do pour the new water in gently, and keep an eye on your fish. Mine seem to love swimming under the fountain of water, it could easily injure your betta. Don't let the betta too close to the hose when syphoning, curiousity killed the cat (or the fish ).

Good luck!

 

[fishwatcher]

Do you have any other tanks that have filtration on them? If so, you can snip a piece of the filter off of it and put it in the filter on the betta tank. Then it will be instantly cycled. If you can do this, I suggest you do, as it is better not to cycle a tank with fish when you can help it. Of course you'll have to add the betta at the same time to keep the bacteria alive. If you can't, though, it will be ok, as bettas usually are not in pre-cycled tanks.
Good luck and post pix if you can!