[wolfiegreen]

one day skipping meals is a day you fast the fish so yes no feeding that day. Only do this once a week and keep it the same day every time. Food I'd say go with a good pellet type food try and stay away from flakes. Bloodworms freeze dried or frozen are snacks that are maybe a once a week thing.
You said you got an algae eater, those can get big so you either need to take him back or get a 10 gallon. I'd say get a mystery snail but do your research first. http://www.mediafire.com/?5wik5gn8f83da6a this is a pretty good care sheet you can look at.

 

[wolfiegreen]

Welcome

 

[wolfiegreen]

No you dont need snails and youd only get one for a 5 gallon. If you wanted another fish you could get a snail but if your fine with just the betta then dont get one. I got the black mystery snail from petsmart they had other colors like ivory and blue to.

 

[wolfiegreen]

not sure on that. i use water conditioner and tap water so it makes it safe its probably the cheapest thing really.