New to Bettas, fish, and the forums

[BZWingZero]

I've always liked watching fish in aquariums and found them extremely relaxing. But I had never owned a fish before. My sister had a [extremely ugly] goldfish.

Upon discovering the only real aquariums in town were at the themeparks (with $75+ admission per day), I decided I should get a fish and tank for myself. I did quite a bit of research before settling on a betta.

So I got an old tank (approximately 1 gal), some gravel, and a silk plant, and of course the fish (and food and water treatment). I plan on doing 50% water changes every other day and 100% changes about twice a week, at least until I can afford a bigger tank that can be filtered properly and cycled. (Probably ~6 months from now).

I still have no idea what to name him. http://twitpic.com/2lv9y3

Ideas and suggestions for a name or other helpful tips for a newbie to the world of fishkeeping would be appreciated.

[dramaqueen]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm glad you're doing your research. :)I'm sure you'll have a happy, healthy fish.

[Cutar]

1 Gallon really is a little too small for that fish. If you are on a budget they have large and extra large critter keeps that are perfect and they can fit a 25 watt heater. That is what my original betta setup was.

[Adastra]

He's very cute. :) Normally for a one gallon container, I recommend 100% water changes every other day, but if you test your tank regularly and things seem to be working out with this routine, you could stick to it. If you add a hardy live plant like java moss, you'll get a bit more wiggle room as well. Plants absorb some of the wastes fish excrete as food and just a bit of moss can make a big difference. You should look into it. :)

If you want a cheap temporary home for your betta, you could use a rubbermaid/sterilite plastic storage bin. They're not the prettiest containers in the world, but the clear ones are only about $3 for a 4 gallon bin--you can't beat that. Plus they're safe to use with a quality adjustable heater, which your boy needs. :) They're very durable and light for easy cleaning and make great betta homes. If you want to upgrade to a setup like this, I recommend this heater or one like it: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...8&pcatid=11368 since it has an adjustable temperature dial, you have more control and stability. Nonadjustable heaters often don't heat the water enough or overheat it, so you should avoid those.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[onlyhope1912]

The fish is very pretty. Have you thought of a name yet?

[BZWingZero]

I'm thinking that he'll be named "Roy". Not sure why but he seems like a Roy.

[Lion Mom]

Originally Posted by BZWingZero

I'm thinking that he'll be named "Roy". Not sure why but he seems like a Roy.

It happens that way sometimes.

I once had a large calico fantail goldfish that my husband said looked like a "Bernard" - so "Bernard" it was!!!

BTW, welcome to the forum!

[actbillie27]

i have a question, if my fish seem hungry and they dont leave food behind should i keep feeding them every so many hrs or only 2 times a day?

[Waterbottle2]

Originally Posted by actbillie27

i have a question, if my fish seem hungry and they dont leave food behind should i keep feeding them every so many hrs or only 2 times a day?

Twice a day for sure. Trust me they SEEM hungry mine do the same thing lol! They are little pigs sometimes. But I've read on this forum that a bettas stomach is about the size of its eyeball so they really dont need more than twice a day

[actbillie27]

I only say they seem hungry because one of betta's in particular hunts the bottom of her tank for food all the time