[KoeKoe]

So I recently got my betta, Jaws, a fluval spec III, to upgrade him from his current unfiltered, 1 gallon tank. I'm going to be going to petsmart this weekend to buy some stuff and I want to make sure I'm covering all the necessities.

-a small heater
-a thermometer
-a small siphon
-maybe a little more decor. Do your bettas like the betta leaf beds? Also, they make a bit of fake white coral I really like but I'm not sure if the texture of the coral would be bad for the fins. Thoughts?
-some way to test the water parameters. In your experience, what is the best, least expensive product that does this?

I already have betta pellets and water conditioner and all that stuff. I've only had him for a few weeks and I'm so excited to move him into a bigger, more fitting home. How long should I wait once I get it all set up to put him in? Do you have to start a cycle with small tanks? Or is it safe to put in the betta before it's cycled?

Lastly, I've done some research on the fluval specs and I know their filters are too strong for bettas. It seems the easiest way to fix this is to poke a few holes in the out-take pump, but I'm a little nervous about it. Has anyone else done this?

 

[VivianKJean]

- I would just rub your hands lightly around any decor you buy. if it feels rough or there is sharp edges, I wouldn't buy it.

- You need the API freshwater liquid master test kit. The strips are not accurate. It is a lot of money to shell out at once but it lasts forever.

- You can do a fish-in-cycle. I would get him out of that 1 gallon tank ASAP since the ammonia levels must be very high. check this link out. http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=111960

- You can baffle any filter by add some filter sponge to the tank. You can buy a box for under $10. Just stick the sponge in the output or wrap it around the input or both.