Hey guys!
So I am (as of yesterday) the proud owner of a Betta! It was rather an impulse buy, in terms of I hadn't been planning on getting one right away, but when I saw them I couldn't resist! He is a beautiful blue/green "veil" tail (I think that's what he is?) with some red. My boyfriend insisted on naming him Poseidon (cliche, but he is just so beautiful!). I mortify the poor guy by referring to him as Po.
Anyway, he is in this horribly tiny 1 gallon tank from the store, and I'd like to change that ASAP (which is kind open top, which I don't know is a good thing?)! Thing is, I've never owned any kind of fish before! I'd like to get a 5 gallon tank, which I hear is the minimum size if you want to be good to your Betta. But I know NOTHING about filters, heaters, tanks, or anything like that! I just have my little 1 gallon tank with a plant inside (small, real plant).
So I guess my questions are as follows:
Can anyone recommend good brands/types for the tank, filter, heater, etc - maybe ones particularly good for Bettas? (I hear Betta's need minimal water movement... how do I ensure this? Is there are particular filter to use?)
Should I buy a "kit" or just buy separates? I'm not TOO concerned with price, although I'd rather not spend an arm and a leg (i.e. I appreciate bang for my buck).
Is there anything I need to know in regards to moving Po from my icky 1 gallon to his new 5 gallon (once I get it)? I have skimmed the threads and see something about "cycling", what is that and how do I do it? (Do I have to do it?) - I know about conditioning my water and everything, just not sure about cycling.
What kinds of other decorations do bettas like? I know not to get anything sharp because of their delicate fins.. but anything you recommend?
Phew! I feel like I have a ton of questions, I just want to make sure Po has the best life he can! Thanks guys, and I'm glad to be part of this community.
So I am (as of yesterday) the proud owner of a Betta! It was rather an impulse buy, in terms of I hadn't been planning on getting one right away, but when I saw them I couldn't resist! He is a beautiful blue/green "veil" tail (I think that's what he is?) with some red. My boyfriend insisted on naming him Poseidon (cliche, but he is just so beautiful!). I mortify the poor guy by referring to him as Po.
Anyway, he is in this horribly tiny 1 gallon tank from the store, and I'd like to change that ASAP (which is kind open top, which I don't know is a good thing?)! Thing is, I've never owned any kind of fish before! I'd like to get a 5 gallon tank, which I hear is the minimum size if you want to be good to your Betta. But I know NOTHING about filters, heaters, tanks, or anything like that! I just have my little 1 gallon tank with a plant inside (small, real plant).
So I guess my questions are as follows:
Can anyone recommend good brands/types for the tank, filter, heater, etc - maybe ones particularly good for Bettas? (I hear Betta's need minimal water movement... how do I ensure this? Is there are particular filter to use?)
Should I buy a "kit" or just buy separates? I'm not TOO concerned with price, although I'd rather not spend an arm and a leg (i.e. I appreciate bang for my buck).
Is there anything I need to know in regards to moving Po from my icky 1 gallon to his new 5 gallon (once I get it)? I have skimmed the threads and see something about "cycling", what is that and how do I do it? (Do I have to do it?) - I know about conditioning my water and everything, just not sure about cycling.
What kinds of other decorations do bettas like? I know not to get anything sharp because of their delicate fins.. but anything you recommend?
Phew! I feel like I have a ton of questions, I just want to make sure Po has the best life he can! Thanks guys, and I'm glad to be part of this community.