Thinking about getting a betta

[dramaqueen]

I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than 2 gallons.

[Starbright]

Bettas are heavenly to take care of. They're so easy compared to other fish! AND they're rewarding :)

My community tank has poop everywhere thanks to my platies, but I doubt you'll ever see betta poop (unless you slack on the water changes or feed him too much).

You should get a Kritter Keeper! Those things are amazingly cheap. I forgot if the Large is 3 or 5 gallons, but it's only $13ish.

Basically, get:
- Tank
- Heater (Hydor's 7.5 watt heater is good for a tank 5 gallons or less)
- Thermometer
- Betta pellets
- Water conditioner
- Plants/caves/deco/gravel
- A water siphon isn't necessary but it sure does make cleaning SO much easier

[xxabc]

5 gallons is the best size for a betta. No less than 2-2.5 gallons IMO. You can get second-hand tanks, they're very cheap. I would say a heater is quite essential, colder temperatures lower their immune systems so they're a bit more susceptible to disease. Even lower than that (70F or less, about) they can probably die much more easily.

How much money can you spend? If you don't have a lot of money to spend, then you should wait before getting one. Fish are not exactly cheap little things if you want to really be interested in it.