[BatCakes]

I've had my betta, Ziggy (Full name, Ziggy Stardust) for about 6 months, and he's been pretty happy and healthy in his 1.5 gal cube, with regular water changes every 3 to 4 days. He also has a heater and a few ornaments he enjoys hiding in and swimming around.

Ziggy is still a pretty small betta, so I haven't been too worried about dashing out to buy a new tank immediately, but I do have some questions and would like recommendations.

I'm going to be in a very small dorm room, and until I get into the room I'm not sure how much space I will have, so I am teetering between a 3 gallon and a 5 gallon tank, and will buy one next month (after I am moved in).

My question is, does anyone have recommendations, or know of where to find great deals on some tanks? I'm looking to get a couple live plants as well, regardless of the tank I choose.

For the 3 gallon, I'm looking at:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tetra-LED-Cube-3-Gallon-Aquarium-Fish-Aquatic-Pets/20693135

And for the 5 gallon, I'm thinking:
http://www.petco.com/product/14978/...=bazaarvoice-_-RLP-_-14978-_-productname_link

Does anyone know of better prices, or have suggestions to help me one way or the other? Also, does anyone have tips that I may not be aware of in moving from a 1.5 to a larger tank? I've done a little bit of research, but am always open to those more knowledgeable than myself.

Thanks!

 

[bettaboytroy]

I got almost all my tanks at garage sales. If space is limited in your dorm I see nothing wrong with staying with the 1 1/2 gallon as long as it's warm and water changes are maintained. If you're on Facebook search for the city you live in then type "garage sale". Chances are there is a group in your area. You can then make a request. When people get out of the hobby they are more than happy to get rid of empty tanks taking up space. Offer a couple dollars.

 

[shannonpwns]

Like bettaboytroy said, you could just keep him in the 1.5.
Another cheaper option would be this 2.5 gal, it comes with a glass lid too. They're only $15.

 

[Namialus]

They have a sale at Petsmart, you should go looking there.

I think the 3 gallon looks very nice, but the 5 gallon might be better in the long run, for cycling purposes and such.

 

[BatCakes]

I know I should have room for the 3 gallon, but I just feel like I don't want to get a 3 gallon now, when I know I'm going to be getting a 5 gallon later. I will be waiting to see the space, but I'm just curious what other people will suggest is best for him, so thank you for your advice.
I have been looking at just getting a cheap glass tank from either craigslist or a garage sale, but I don't really know much about lighted lids and where to get them and such, since that would be the more space-efficient way to light my tank. I'd have to do some research on filters then as well.

 

[FirstBetta]

Do your lighting and filtering research before you make up your mind, it'll be better in the long run for Ziggy and you. If you aren't planning on live plants the lighting is simply for your viewing pleasure. The heater should be an adjustable heater, the Hydor 25W is superbly suited for anything up to and including a 5 gal unless the dorm is cold. But you can start with it, if it is not adequate simply add another one, which has the benefit of backing up the heater should one go out.

I'm a proponent of planted tanks due to their stabilization of the water parameters and hiding places for the fish.

 

[BatCakes]

I don't think I'll have the money and time to do a fully planted tank right away, but I was hoping to get a few live ones to have in his tank. I do have a Hydor 25 W (99% sure that's the one, but I don't have the box in hand to check). What kinds of light are necessary for low light plants? I'll probably have a north facing window and won't get any natural light. I'm guessing LED doesn't do the job.

 

[FirstBetta]

I have a LED light on my 5.5 gal Betta tank. It is adequate for low to moderate light plants. However, it might be a bit pricey for you ($43 including shipping). I'll give you the link for it if you want it.

A single T8 florescent full daylight spectrum bulb (available in a big box home improvement store made by Sylvania,GE among others ) hood will probably fill the bill for a low light small tank. Or you could use a desk lamp with full daylight CFL bulb. As a side issue you could also use a Halogen desk lamp but be careful, halogen bulbs give off quite a bit of heat.

I think the best way for a planted tank is to start with a few plants and as your finances permit add some more.

Hope I haven't overwhelmed you with info. Feel free to ask any questions you need to.

Enjoy!

 

[FirstBetta]

Here I go again with more info/experience. I found that a hood with enclosed light was a problem for me (old geezer). When I removed the hood during cleaning the light intensity dropped so much I had trouble seeing to the bottom of the tank.

 

[BatCakes]

Hmmm FirstBetta, I didn't think about that, about the hood light. My room may have enough light to clean it if it's a hood light, but I'll definitely keep that in mind! So you would say that whatever light comes in a tank hood probably isn't enough to keep the plants alive? And is it pretty easy to find another light (at something like a Home Despot, Menards, or other chain hardware store) to find a light that will fit a tank hood?

Thank you for all your help so far everyone!

 

[cbarger94]

Get this tank from Walmart:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hawkeye-5...uorescent-Lighting-Fish-Aquatic-Pets/14660258

It has excellent lighting (cfl) and doesn't take up much space, I have one set up in my dorm and I love it! Especially the hinged lid. Plus it's just 25$!!

 

[BatCakes]

Get this tank from Walmart:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hawkeye-5...uorescent-Lighting-Fish-Aquatic-Pets/14660258

It has excellent lighting (cfl) and doesn't take up much space, I have one set up in my dorm and I love it! Especially the hinged lid. Plus it's just 25$!!

Wow, that is a pretty good deal, and I like that it has the CFL lighting. I was really hoping for one of the longer and shallower rectangular tanks, however. Does anyone know if there are any good tanks with CFL lighting more like that? Since I'm thinking of added plants I love the CFL, but I love the look of the traditional rectangular aquariums.

I may end up getting that one if I can't find a better one though, thanks for the suggestion!