New Fish Owner

[Ketchup]

Hello There,

My name is Keesha and I've been thinking about getting a betta. I remember having some over the years as a child and I'd always sit and watch them before I would any of our other fish. I've been doing some research and have found out some of the basics, like they need to be in water around temps of 77-83 degrees and they need at least 2.5 gal. and plants whether they be fake or real. I had a few questions though.

1. I'm a little confused because I've been seeing people say that you need a filter and others say that you don't unless you're cycling. I saw some stuff on cycling, but I found the wording kind of confusing. I have a 5 gal tank that has never been used that I was considering using. Can someone explain to me what cycling is and will I need a filter for said tank?

2. I really want to use live plants for my tank. Does anyone have any suggestions for some good plants that are easy to maintain? How would you install these plants into a tank and what are the best ways to keep them healthy?

I really want to set up the tank before I get my fish so I can make sure that the ammonia and ph levels and such are okay before I introduce my fish. I appreciate the help!

[registereduser]

click the link in my sig and read the threads, they will answer all your questions and more! Welcome, please post some photos when you are up and running and bring home your betta! Well, your first betta they are addicting!

[Ketchup]

Thanks! The one about the cycle with the pics helped out a lot. I tend to be a bit dyslexic at times!

[registereduser]

I love that one

[Ketchup]

Did you have any suggestions about planting the aquatic plants? It won't allow me to see that page for some reason. I saw some plant substrate and I was wondering how that affected the fish. Can I also put rocks in if I use substrate? And is there any chance it might get stuck in my filter or cause it to malfunction?

[registereduser]

You can ask those questions in the Planted Tank forum. There are some real experts there.

[Ketchup]

Okay, thanks!