Newbie with a few questions

[margotandfishy]

I've been haunting the forums for the past week trying to get good information and i have a few questions.
What makes a smaller tank harder/impossible to cycle? And how big does a tank have to be for it to cycle well?
I don't want a lot of cords or anything in my tank so I know I need a heater but is there anything else I really need?
Any good ideas to hide my heater because I really prefer just seeing the fish and the tank, none of the equipment.
And lastly if I have glass gems in the bottom of my tank instead of gravel should i get a vacuum thing or just rinse them when i do a 100% water change?
thanks in advance!

[YoshesMom]

A filter isnt NEEDED but it makes things easier all my heaters are hidden behind plants

[turtle10]

Also without a filter you can't cycle your tank. What makes a smaller tank harder to cycle is the lack of surface area for the bacteria to latch onto. And because it is a small tank you still have to make frequent water changes which can hurt the cycle. If you want to cycle a tank you need a filter and, ideally, at least a five gallon tank.

[luvmybetta]

Everything the other two people mentioned. I don't know what size tank you are trying to heat. I have read about people not wanting or can't fit an actual heater into their small tank/container and using a plant seedling heating mat or a heating pad made for people underneath their small tank/container. They cover the heating mat/pad with a decorative cloth. Be aware though: there is usually no way to control the heat other than turning it on/off (which is not a constant temperature). These pads may work well using the lowest setting. This thought may be something you want to explore through research either by trying a heating mat/pad out in a store or researching on the internet; Depending upon the size of tank/container you are trying to heat. Also, I would imagine these two types of heating devices are going to cost at least as much as a 25 Watt regular aquarium heater. But, I am providing you with another option you may want to look into. By submitting your question, this option may help other Bettas get warmer, also.

[margotandfishy]

ok thanks! I haven't completely decided on how big of a tank I'm going to get. I'm just about to go and look around right now to see. wish me luck!

[turtle10]

Good luck! lol