Looking for a few suggestions and tips

[TigerLily]

Hello everyone!

I just found myself the owner of a beautiful red male betta (I think he's a crowntail) that I've named Raphael. I currenty have him in a 2.5 gallon glass bowl, but I have a few questions about how exactly it should be set up.

I would like to get him a live plant, but considering the small size of his space, what kind of plant would be best?
Should he have a heater and if so, where might I find one small enough?
How often should I perform water changes since he currently doesn't have a filter? Should they be partial or whole water changes?

I would like to upgrade him to a five gallon tank with a filter, but that will have to wait until I have some more money.
Thanks in advance

[doggyhog]

2.5 gallons is a perfect size for him! Although he would LOVE the 5 gallon.

Java Fern and Java moss are good plants. Just make sure he has a lamp near him or something, so that the plants can get some light.

A Hydor Mini heater works great for tanks 2-5 gallons.

I would do two full water changes a week in a 2.5 gallon.

Welcome to the forum! Good luck!

[TigerLily]

Thanks for the information! While I'm out tomorrow I'll take a look for the supplies you mentioned.

Also, I'm curious: What is the ideal temperature I should keep his water at once I get a small heater?

[doggyhog]

72-80 degrees. :) Preferable around 78

[TigerLily]

Thank you!

[sumsum]

Welcome! I've got Mr. McFish in a 2.5 and he has lots of bublenest.=) The minimum size of the tank depends on the persomality of the fish. Some are fine with 2 gallons. Some aren't happy untill 5. It just depends on the fish.=) Good luck!!=)))

[TigerLily]

Just a quick update:

I was able to get a larger tank much faster than I expected. Today I brought home a five gallon tank complete with hood, light, and filter. I only just finished setting it up with sand that I recently bought (rinsed very well), rocks, a live plant, and a little bridge he can hide under.

I'll try to get some pictures soon. Hopefully my little guy will be happy with his new home!

[dramaqueen]

Your new tank sounds great! We'll be looking forward to some pics.