So I've been wanting to get a new betta and decided to get a larger tank than what I've always used. I've had bettas all through my life but they were always kept in 1 gallon tanks without a filter...or a heater. So now that I'm older and know they need all this stuff I decided to get a new little fish and give it a happy healthy home.
This is what I plan on getting:
Top fin 5.5 starter kit
fluorescent lightbulb
heater (thinking about a tetra heater)
thermometer
live plants
I already have gravel and decorations.
So I have a few questions and was hoping that all you knowledgable people here could help me.
I've been hearing a lot about cycling and bio filtration lately. I know the top fin filter just using carbon cartridges and I was wondering if a filter sponge stuffed behind that would work to house bacteria? And how often am I going to need to do water changes? What percent?
Any ideas on how to baffle the filter besides using a water bottle?
I don't plan on doing a fishless cycle (completely) but I am going to let the tank run for a week before getting the fish.
Lastly, I was going to get a tetra heater just because it's small and inexpensive but if someone had suggestions for a better (adjustable) heater that's still cheap I would love that. Also any suggestions for low light live plants would be greatly appreciated!:-D
PS. This is my first post so sorry if it's in the wrong section.
This is what I plan on getting:
Top fin 5.5 starter kit
fluorescent lightbulb
heater (thinking about a tetra heater)
thermometer
live plants
I already have gravel and decorations.
So I have a few questions and was hoping that all you knowledgable people here could help me.
I've been hearing a lot about cycling and bio filtration lately. I know the top fin filter just using carbon cartridges and I was wondering if a filter sponge stuffed behind that would work to house bacteria? And how often am I going to need to do water changes? What percent?
Any ideas on how to baffle the filter besides using a water bottle?
I don't plan on doing a fishless cycle (completely) but I am going to let the tank run for a week before getting the fish.
Lastly, I was going to get a tetra heater just because it's small and inexpensive but if someone had suggestions for a better (adjustable) heater that's still cheap I would love that. Also any suggestions for low light live plants would be greatly appreciated!:-D
PS. This is my first post so sorry if it's in the wrong section.