New betta has red spots on head, and curled/clamped fins?

[Mollzo]

Hey, I too, am a newbie to Betta's and this forum, but the best site I have found for Betta's. Anyways, I got my fish two days ago, and he eats and swims fine, but his dorsal and anal fins are clamped, and he has red spots on his head. So, my question is, do I keep him, or do I take him back and exchange him for a healthy one? Oh, and I am currently keeping him a 1/2 gallon until I move t my dorm room, then he will be upgraded to a 2.5 gallon, and keep the half gallon for when I come home for Christmas, and whatnot. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you! :)

[Comet1993]

How often do you change his water? How is the ammonia level in it? I've heard that red spots could be a sign of ammonia poisoning.

[Mollzo]

I've done half water changes every day, since I got him on monday. I don't have a test kit, so I'm not sure how high the ammonia is... Maybe I can convince one of my parents to take me to Petsmart to get an ammonia test. And he's in a little 1/2 gallon "betta starter kit" for now

[Comet1993]

Half a gallon is awfully small. I believe it requires a 100% water change daily, or maybe it was every other day.. A bigger tank would definitely be better for him (and you). How is his behavior? Does he eat normally?

[Mollzo]

He eats fine, and he flares with the mirror, and he swims fine. But I am upgrading him in a couple of weeks to a 2.5 gallon, so I will have a pretty happy fish on my hands.
I know this has nothing to do with what we are talking about, but do I need to cycle a 2.5? I just want to know so I can get it set up and cycling as soon as I get it

[Comet1993]

From what I've heard, smaller tanks don't really need cycling because of their size. You just have to make fairly frequent water changes to ensure the fish's safety, and testing the water periodically wouldn't hurt.

[dramaqueen]

A 2.5 doesn't need to be cycled. 2 100% changes a week should be fine.