Any good books about setting up a betta tank?

[Pretty Bow]

Hello, my betta of 8 months died last night. Kinda has me depressed right now, but I want to start again. I have learned alot and want to make sure I have the perfect setup for the next go-round. I think the setup was my major problem from the beginning. The pet store, in my opinion, did not give me the best info. I think the root of all my problems was the fact I did not have a tank heater. Although I only had a 1.5 gallon tank (more than enough, so the pet store said), I was not under the impression I needed a heater. By the time I realized this about a couple weeks ago, my betta was not doing too well. Any ideas on good advice or book recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. RD

[Canuck Fins]

This is a really good thread full of information.

http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=20058

[Pekemom]

Pretty Bow, this has happened to all of us fishkeepers. I'm glad you're going to start again, you sound very responsible!! I have a preset heater in my 5 gal and a stick-on thermometer on the outside of my tank. The heater keeps the tank around 76 degrees, which I've learned is a bit cool. The optimum temp is closer to 80. But so far, my betta is very active and happy at that temp. Maybe someday in the future I'll get a heater I can manually set. Good luck with your next baby!! Keep us posted!

[vilmarisv]

Water quality is much more important that temperature... now, I don't mean you should keep your fish in cold water but they blossom in clean water.
You tank needed at least 2 water changes a week.
Good food and clean water are key to good betta health.