Want To Get A Betta. Need Some Advice!

[AngelPen]

I would like to get a betta, as have been reading around and have always liked looking at them in the lfs! I used to have one as a child called Sapphire!

Anyway I didn't realise they could live in such a small tank! I have a spare 25 litre hexangonal tank which used to house my goldfish. So would this be ok for one betta?

Also what would I need to go with it? Its just the tank, so doesnt have a light or heater or filter. I've been reading the FAQ pages on here. I think I read its not nesicary to have a filter if I do regular water changes? But will it need a light and heater?

Also is it best to plant the tank? If so will I need to clean the plants before putting them in? I put a plant in fo my shrimps, but it almost killed him! I think because they treat with anti snail stuff!

Also do I need to cycle the tank at all before adding the fish? Will it be ok to add him providing ive decholorinated?

 

[mommyof2bettas]

Bettas are really adorable water babies!
No, you don't need a filter.
The smallest tank for bettas is 1 gallon, and that needs a water change evry 3 days.
No heater needed if you could keep the temp. at I THINK between 60 and 80 degrees, I KNOW it has to be around the 70s, as for the light, you could get one if you wanted to.
I use plastic plants, they work fine, but I don't know about real ones.
Use tapwater, and if you can go to WalMart, maybe other places they should have a betta water purifier or something like that. It's a white bottle with a blue cap that comes in three sizes.
I suggest you buy a betta kit. I've seen them in WalMart and PJ's Pet Centre, They provide all the instructions on setting up the tank, a tank, the water purifier, betta food (in flakes, I find it to be messy though, so I buy Wardley's betta pellets. One small container could last your betta a lifetime!), a plant, and gravel. The colors come in purple, green, and red. I bought a red one for Alex, and a purple one for Kenni.
Good luck!
And remember, if you're gonna buy the betta kit, put in one cupful of betta purifier every time you change his water.
Agin, good luck

 

[wendywc]

I would at least get a heater with a temp control knob. To make maintenance of the tank easier, get a small filter or a sponge filter at least. Then the water changes can be simple partial changes every week; instead of a major change every 3 days.

 

[lisie]

Anyway I didn't realise they could live in such a small tank! I have a spare 25 litre hexangonal tank which used to house my goldfish. So would this be ok for one betta?

25 liters is awesome for a betta. You don't *need* that big of a tank, but it would be awesome.

Also what would I need to go with it? Its just the tank, so doesnt have a light or heater or filter. I've been reading the FAQ pages on here. I think I read its not nesicary to have a filter if I do regular water changes? But will it need a light and heater?

At has been said, you'll at least want a heater, because the water has to stay at 75-80 degrees F all the time. So unless you keep him in a room that stays nice and toasty all the time, you'll need a heater.

A filter isn't necessary, as long as you do 100% water changes. I actually think bettas prefer not to have a filter, because most really don't like any current.

You don't need a light (unless you have live plants of course) but it makes the tank look purdy.

Also is it best to plant the tank? If so will I need to clean the plants before putting them in? I put a plant in fo my shrimps, but it almost killed him! I think because they treat with anti snail stuff!

You don't need to use live plants, but live plants definitely look better in my opinion. They also help to keep nitrites levels down. Java moss is an awesome plant that does well in low light, and you can either attach it to a rock or driftwood, or just let it float in the tank. Anubias plants are great too, I have two of them and not only do they survive in low light, but they really -thrive-. The nice broad leaves are good for betta resting places too.

Anti-snail stuff shouldn't hurt a betta, but you'll want to get your plants from either a good pet store (from a non-diseased tank) or from somewhere reputable online.

Also do I need to cycle the tank at all before adding the fish? Will it be ok to add him providing ive decholorinated?

I haven't cycled any of my betta tanks except my 55 gallon. As long as you keep up with water changes, it's fine. Bettas are hardy little guys.

 

[hakisuma_chan]

I use bowls for my betta fish. I do 100% water changes every 2 days (I know 100% isn't recommended, but I can't stand to see dirty thing flaoting around XD) Umm, obviously, for a bowl, I have no heater or filter. *trying to think* Java moss is good for fish, as it gets rid of the nitrate in the water.

As for the fish, I would get one off Aquabid.com, and not a typical veiltail. That's just my personal opinion, but I think you'll find halfmoon tails and deltas and crowntails more pleasing to the eye. Some of them are around 5 dollars, if you are willing to spend that and shipping.

Hope I helped!