a question from a new betta owner

[supermonkey785]

I'm getting a betta in a few weeks after I head to college and I was wondering what else I need to get. I have a small tank (maybe a gallon, I'm not sure), a couple of little plastic trees that came with the tank, and some gravel. What else do I need to have and how do I take care of the betta when I get it?

[onefish2fish]

i dont have a betta but i'd personally invest in a small filter and DEF. cycle the tank before you go out and buy any type of fish. if you dont know what cycling a tank is =
google.com
and type in.... fishless tank cycle
or read some threads on here about cycling a tank.
other then that you're going to need betta food and you should be just fine. if you want to get really fancy you can upgrade to a 5 gallon tank, get a small light, small heater, thermometer and whatever tank decorations you choose however your 1 gallon should be just fine for a college dorm room, especially since i know how they get ( with traffic )
JUST REMEMBER TO CYCLE THE TANK FIRST!

[Flashygrrl]

Just so you know, with that little gallon tank you'd either need to be doing partial water changes every day or full water changes every other day. If you invested in a nice pretty 2.5 mini-bow tank, changed the lightbulb to one of the special CF ones they sell at the petstore (regular swirly ones don't fit and are too bright), got him a heater (we could recommend one), then you could do partial water changes twice a week (once the tank is cycled) and have a MUCH happier betta. You'd be shocked at the difference! Even better would be the 5 gallon, you'd only have to do a partial water change once a week and I have one in that size tank and he loves it, though some of them are so shy and weakened by their time "in the cup" that they would prefer to be in a 2.5 gallon.

Oh, and plastic plants are generally a big no cuz they tear the fins. Silk are much better.