I just got a new betta fish (MY FIRST EVER!!!!) from petsmart and he is in a 2.5 gallon tank. I have two plants, and momo(my fish lol) likes them alot. I was reading some posts and alot of them say i need a filter and a heater. What are some good brands of filters and heaters and should I get more decorations??
I'm terrible with brands, sorry, but I'm sure someone else will give you a nice list.
For the "decorations", get as many SILK/LIVE plants as possible~ plastic plants have a reputation of ripping fins. Bettas dislike open space, so it helps to crowd a bit, with plants.
Not ALL plastic plants are bad. I use plastic plants a lot, I make sure they aren't to rough first though.
You should get a Tetra 2-15 heater. 12-14 bucks at walmart. You really don't need a filter, because you should be doing two 100% changes a week. So, you don't need a filter. :) Get a heater though!
If you want to check if the plastic plants are good, run a pantyhose over them, and if it snags, don't even bother with it. Sorry to leave that out :)
'Dunno 'bout you, but I've had the worst luck with plastic, haha. I have the Walmart heater too, but honestly if I could upgrade, I would. But it does its job quite well, so no harm in getting it.
Unless your going to cycle you really don't need a filter. After a few weeks the carbon is basically useless so unless you have the cycle bacteria in the filter it doesn't do much but aerate the water.
In a 2.5 I recommend either a 10 or 25 watt heater. I prefer TopFin heaters.. they're not too expensive and they are adjustable... which is good if you need to warm up or cool down the tank for some reason.
Silk plants are very good but plastic is fine as long as you make sure its not sharp... I would also add some sort of cave... some fish prefer the cave to the plants.
You sound like you are well on your way :) Welcome to the forum!
I would first move him/her to a 5 or 10 gallon but you dont have to
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1fish2fish
Unless your going to cycle you really don't need a filter. After a few weeks the carbon is basically useless so unless you have the cycle bacteria in the filter it doesn't do much but aerate the water.
I Love Aqua Clear filters, and as long as you change the carbon once a month as you do the media there are no problems
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1fish2fish
In a 2.5 I recommend either a 10 or 25 watt heater. I prefer TopFin heaters.. they're not too expensive and they are adjustable... which is good if you need to warm up or cool down the tank for some reason.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1fish2fish
I totally agree top fin are really good, and adjustable is the way to go...summer/winter/heat/air conditioning...all change you tanks temp
Silk plants are very good but plastic is fine as long as you make sure its not sharp... I would also add some sort of cave... some fish prefer the cave to the plants.
yep agree here to, but another reason to increase tank size...gives you more of a choice for deco!
I use to buy ornaments from walmart and the LPS for my aquariums, But their rather expensive,
I only buy from the dollar store, Ornaments and fake plants, they save me lots of money and work great, never had a problem yet with anything,
Here's a few examples " All from my local Dollar store"
Fish don't have to be moved to a 5 or 10 gallon tank to be happy. I have a fish in a 2.5 and he is MUCH happier than he ever was in 5 gallons. A 2.5 is just fine.
Filters with carbon in them the carbon is basically useless after a week. Replacing them monthly is expensive and kills your cycle. I only change my filters once they start falling apart.
Like I said.. there's really not much point in filtering a tank that your not going to cycle.
Check out the eBook Betta Fish Care Made Easy
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