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362 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  RussellTheShihTzu
I am brand new to the whole betta fish thing.

How small of a tank can I get away with getting without compromising the quality of life of a single betta? Also depending on the size, what size is the biggest aquarium I can get that will not need to be filtered? I am a student and working on a limited budget. I will need to get a heater for the aquarium because my house is relatively cold, especially in the winter.

I don't really know what to get other than:
-Aquarium
-heater (Do I need a light if I have a heater?)
-Water conditioner
-A betta fish
-gravel
-food for the fish
-liveplants/decorations(?)

Please let me know if there is anything else I need to get, and how small an aquarium I can get. Any and all advice is appreciated as I am a complete nooby.
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Hi, and welcome!


An important thing to realize is that a larger tank (within reason) is generally less work to maintain than a smaller one. In addition, a larger tank will hold a more steady temperature and water chemistry. So, a 2.5 gallon tank is easier than a 1.5 gallon, and a 5 gallon is easier than either. Look up the sticky with "Old Fishlady's water change recommendations" and you'll see what I mean. Another reason to go with a 5-7 gallon is that it is reasonable to establish a nitrogen cycle with a tank of that size, should you decide to go with a filter in the future. It also leaves open the possibility of dividing the tank in the futures for 2 bettas.


Light requirements partly depend on what you decide to do for plantings.
You will probably want to have some basic meds on hand for emergencies.
Wander around on the site, especially the "stickies"; there is so much information here!
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