Getting back into the hobby...again.

517 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by jag14, May 16, 2014

agunn1231

Discussion Starter · May 13, 2014

It has been 2 years since I have had a betta, and about a year since I sort of attempted to get back into the hobby. That attempt was unsuccessful, due to some personal issues. Well, I have gotten many of those issues taken care of, and have a lot more free time lately. I think I am ready to get back into the hobby, and start from square 1....again.

I was looking over all of my old stuff today, and my tank has a crack in it, so I am going to be getting another one, so far my list of what I will need to acquire is: a new 10 gallon tank, sponge filter, gravel, safe decorations, some sort of hiding spot, lid for the tank, and a heater.

I am unsure as to whether or not I should get a low level light, because the spot where the tank will go gets very little natural light, and almost no artificail light, as I only turn on one small lamp in my living room after it gets dark out.

I am sure that I am forgetting something here or there, but does the list that I made above seem about right for starting up the hobby again. I want to do it right this time, a few years ago I made a lot of stupid mistakes.

Edit: Mods, if perchance I put this in the wrong section, please don't hesitate to move it.

Save

1 - 11 of 11 Posts

JessiesGill

· #2 · May 14, 2014

agunn1231 said:
... so far my list of what I will need to acquire is: a new 10 gallon tank, sponge filter, gravel, safe decorations, some sort of hiding spot, lid for the tank, and a heater.

If you find a tank that comes with the hood, you can get florescent bulbs for the hood that will support live plants, should you choose to add some. As for plants, anubias can simply be floated in the water. They are super hardy, and bettas love using them as beds and lounge chairs.

Water conditioner: Prime by Seachem is recommended here because it detoxifies ammonia and is very concentrated. It's an invaluable tool before your tank cycles, as well.

Do get the API Freshwater Master test kit so you can keep an eye on your water chemistry. You'll especially need to watch ammonia until your tank cycles. If you want to speed the cycling process along you can add a small bottle of Tetra Safe Start.

For 10 gallons, your heater should be 50 watts and adjustable. Remember to get a thermometer, too.

The sponge filter will need an air pump, tubing, and backflow check valve.

Quality food: New Life Spectrum pellets or Omega One Betta Buffet pellets are the 2 most recommended here. Do not buy the dried bloodworm treats; they tend to cause digestive problems.

Welcome back!

See less See more

Save

agunn1231

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 14, 2014

Thank you, I am excited to get back into this, it really helps keep my depression in check.

I do know about the heater size, I have always been partial to the adjustable ones, and wonder which ones are recommended now as opposed to a couple years ago?

I have an API liquid kit sitting over with all my aquarium stuff, but it is over a year old, I also have some prime, as I remembered people recommending it before.

I will look into the anubias, I would love to go with live plants, but have no experience.

I appreciate the quality food recommendation as well, I wouldn't have even thought about the quality of the food.

Save

Tree

· #4 · May 14, 2014

Leave while you can! we are all addicted! LOL Just kidding. Welcome back and I will love to see your new companions someday. =)

Save

tromboneplaya

· #5 · May 14, 2014

I'm getting back into the hobby after two years as well. My plan was to just get one betta, and I ended up getting a second within a week. I have no self control!

Save

agunn1231

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 14, 2014

tromboneplaya said:
I'm getting back into the hobby after two years as well. My plan was to just get one betta, and I ended up getting a second within a week. I have no self control!

I feel like this will happen to me as well, I feel so out of the loop with everything too.

Save

JessiesGill

· #7 · May 14, 2014

For heaters, I've seen recommendations for Aqueon, Hydor, and Eheim Jager. I have the Eheim Jager in my 10 gallon tank, and it keeps the temperature rock solid, all the time.

Check the expiration date of your API kit. If it's within the date, and you've kept it safe from extreme temperatures, you could give it a try. Maybe test some tank water (after you get going) and compare to test results at the pet store. The nitrate test is very fussy; it's the one that you have to shake really well. If bottle #2 has crystallized, you'd need to replace it.

I have two very black thumbs. Seriously, plants hate me. So far, my anubias are thriving. When they float, the roots take in ammonia from the water. I haven't added any fertilizers for them. They do well in low or medium light. And my fishy thinks they are the best thing ever.

Save

agunn1231

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 14, 2014

Sweet. I know what I am getting for the tank when it gets going ^_^

Save

StrangeDejavu

· #9 · May 14, 2014

JessiesGill said:
For heaters, I've seen recommendations for Aqueon, Hydor, and Eheim Jager. I have the Eheim Jager in my 10 gallon tank, and it keeps the temperature rock solid, all the time.

+1 Eheim Jager. I have two, one in each 10 gallon and they're top quality.

Save

bettacrazygirl86

· #10 · May 14, 2014

I have an Aqueon heater, and I love it. Never gave me any problems. I also have a no name heater that came with my 10 gallon kit, and it's fantastic. I wish it was a brand, so I could get more.

I got the 10 gallon kit at Petsmart though. Came with the tank, hood, HOB filter, and the heater for $60-ish.

Save

jag14

· #11 · May 16, 2014

Walmart has a 10 gallon setup for about 30.00, with filter and led lights. The 5 gallon kit is around 25.00, I think. Includes whisper filters.

Save

1 - 11 of 11 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month