Don't get me wrong, I am not a millionaire. But I am planning to have a betta tank at my desk at work, and for me to do so it can't look cheap otherwise I do get in trouble. So here is the thread: If you had a US$200.00 budget for a desktop aquarium for a single male betta, how would you spend it?
TANK: I'm very inclined to get the new Fluval V Spec, but I heard the filter is too strong for a betta. Along the same lines, any recommendation? There is a jbj 12 gallon on my local Craig's list for $100, but that's too big and too pricey, living no money for anything else. Unless you recommend getting that one if it is a bargain. I can go up to 10 gallons, as long as it is a decent shape for an office space and is not bigger than my desktop computer. JbJ looks awesome, and I really dig the black background. Anything out there similar for less?
Heater: No idea, not even where to start. the price range varies, and I don't want to spend more than the necessary money to get a heater. At the same time, I want something with a decent thermostat so the water doesn't get into 100F as I already read about. Please help me on this one.
Filter: if for any reason these nano tubes, fully integrated systems are not a good idea, please point me in the right direction
plants: I would rather have at least one natural plant inside the aquarium instead of silk one (I already read: no plastics to avoid fin damage). I really like the looks of the moss balls, but is there a plant that (no matter how ugly it looks) is beneficial to Bettas?
My purchase will take place in January. Between now and then I am reading about water quality, tank size, nitrogen cycle and everything else. If you can contribute with a list of everything I need to make this the dream home to this generic betta that I will rescue from the local big pet store, I appreciate it.
Thank you all in advance.
TANK: I'm very inclined to get the new Fluval V Spec, but I heard the filter is too strong for a betta. Along the same lines, any recommendation? There is a jbj 12 gallon on my local Craig's list for $100, but that's too big and too pricey, living no money for anything else. Unless you recommend getting that one if it is a bargain. I can go up to 10 gallons, as long as it is a decent shape for an office space and is not bigger than my desktop computer. JbJ looks awesome, and I really dig the black background. Anything out there similar for less?
Heater: No idea, not even where to start. the price range varies, and I don't want to spend more than the necessary money to get a heater. At the same time, I want something with a decent thermostat so the water doesn't get into 100F as I already read about. Please help me on this one.
Filter: if for any reason these nano tubes, fully integrated systems are not a good idea, please point me in the right direction
plants: I would rather have at least one natural plant inside the aquarium instead of silk one (I already read: no plastics to avoid fin damage). I really like the looks of the moss balls, but is there a plant that (no matter how ugly it looks) is beneficial to Bettas?
My purchase will take place in January. Between now and then I am reading about water quality, tank size, nitrogen cycle and everything else. If you can contribute with a list of everything I need to make this the dream home to this generic betta that I will rescue from the local big pet store, I appreciate it.
Thank you all in advance.