I'm going to be a new betta owner and I have some questions

[Kpoo97]

I'm going to be getting me a betta this week with the Marina Betta kit. You can find it on Petsmart's website.

I have previously owned a betta but that was about 10 years ago, so I don't really remember how to care for one.

First of all, what kind of frogs/snails creature things can go in a tank with a betta? I know an African dwarf frog will do, but they get pretty big and I don't want something that will hog all the space from my betta in the tank.

Secondly, should I get a male or a female betta? I had a male betta for my first, and I'm wondering if I should get a female instead.

Thirdly, is it true that if you stick your hand in the water, your betta will let you take it out of the water to stroke it?

Lastly, Can their tanks go on a high shelf? There's a spot on my bookcase I cleaned off for the tank but I'm not sure if bettas can really handle being that high up off the ground.

Thanks for reading!

[fishman12]

#1: Most snails can go in. I would advise against them though. A Corydora Catfish is good. I HIGHLT ADVISE THAT YOU WAIT TO GET A TANK MATE UNTIL YOU ARE USED TO THE RYTHYM OF A FISH.
#2: It doesn't really matter. I think males are more popular because they have more fins and more colors.
#3: No. Where did you hear that?
#4: They can but I would put it lower.

[fishman12]

o.O Just saw the so-called tank. Don't get that get this, please.
http://www.petco.com/product/10313/A...t=OnSiteSearch

It is much larger and much better for your betta. If it doesn't meet your budget, then you wait and save up more money for it.

Sorry that I sound so harsh.

[Kpoo97]

Yeah, that's a little out of my price range.

How about this one instead?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...806&lmdn=Price

[fishman12]

All I got was the petsmart homepage. Could you give me the name of the tank?

[Kpoo97]

Hawkeye aquariums aquaview 360 aquarium kit.

Dang, that's a long name. XD

[fishman12]

That looks great! just remember thatyou need a heater and thermometer. Good luck!

[Littlebittyfish]

Honestly, I considered getting the Hawkeye 360 kit at first as well, however I read quite a bit of negative reviews on it so I decided to spend a little more money on a 5 gallon glass aquarium kit. The aquarium kit came with a water conditioner and a filter as well as a lighted hood. It was only 29.99 in store, I found it at walmart. So far so good, only thing is that the filter is pretty strong,and a baffle is a must for the filter if you choose to use it.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tetra-Aqua...ndingMethod=rr

[shinybetta]

Yes bettas need a heater and a 2-2.5 gallon aquarium minimum. Though the larger the aquarium the more you and your betta will enjoy it. As for tankmates I suggest getting ghost shrimp. They are very cool. Make sure to pick a clear one, milky ones are usually sick. Good Luck!

[fishman12]

That's a good tank.