Scarab
Fish Crazy
Might as well put my two cents in 
Both of my boys are in 1/2 gallons. You will hear differing opinions on this messageboard either way about 1/2 gallons...both with good, valid points. It really depends on two things: 1) is your betta happy and 2) are you willing and able to do what is necessary to keep his environment, whatever it may be, clean. My 1/2 gallons are very easy to clean and I have scheduled water changes (partial and 100%) and it's a total breeze. On the contrary, it's not a lot of work. Of course with a 1/2 gallon you can't use a heater...but depending on your room temperature it's probably not necessary. (Even if mine were in slightly larger homes, I wouldn't need one because of the room temperature...I have thermometers for both) Because I keep their homes very clean I don't need a filter (now, if I had something larger I'd have a filter).
And again, it depends on your betta...I've read posts here where some kept their bettas in smaller tanks, but when they were moved to larger ones they freaked out and had to moved back to the smaller one. Some enjoy larger environments and don't mind being in a community tank...others prefer solitude.
As for a test kit...I don't have one. I have been looking at some and the prices. But I don't need really one...not because I'm such an expert...but because I do regular water changes and I know my fish well enough to know if the ammonia's high or they're not feeling well, etc. But I may get one at some point (especially if I decide to get a larger tank...not for the bettas, but for some other species of fish I've been considering).
Even the IBC's (International Betta Congress)website says 1/2 gallons are ok. Your little guy will be ok in your 1/2 gallon. Especially since that's all you have for him right now...put him in there and let him get acclimated. And if you want to, try and move him to a larger one. Everyone means well and wants the best for fish...Just don't let anyone tell you you're committing some impardonable sin by putting him in a 1/2 gallon. He's your fish and you know him better than anyone.
As for finding out what 'cycling' is...it's the nitrogen cycle and there's some really good posts on this messageboard explaining it. Go to the newbie/beginner threads. Very helpful. And Petco has a really good information sheet about it (www.petco.com) and you can do an internet search and find tons of info about it. Invest is some good books too (or go the library). A couple suggestions:
"The Betta: an owner's guide to a happy, healthy pet" by Mic & Maddy Hargrove
"Freshwater Aquariums: basic aquarium setup and maintenance" by David Alderton
Forgive me if in my hasty read I missed something and you already own other aquariums and already know this.
Keep us posted on Squishy cute name
Both of my boys are in 1/2 gallons. You will hear differing opinions on this messageboard either way about 1/2 gallons...both with good, valid points. It really depends on two things: 1) is your betta happy and 2) are you willing and able to do what is necessary to keep his environment, whatever it may be, clean. My 1/2 gallons are very easy to clean and I have scheduled water changes (partial and 100%) and it's a total breeze. On the contrary, it's not a lot of work. Of course with a 1/2 gallon you can't use a heater...but depending on your room temperature it's probably not necessary. (Even if mine were in slightly larger homes, I wouldn't need one because of the room temperature...I have thermometers for both) Because I keep their homes very clean I don't need a filter (now, if I had something larger I'd have a filter).And again, it depends on your betta...I've read posts here where some kept their bettas in smaller tanks, but when they were moved to larger ones they freaked out and had to moved back to the smaller one. Some enjoy larger environments and don't mind being in a community tank...others prefer solitude.
As for a test kit...I don't have one. I have been looking at some and the prices. But I don't need really one...not because I'm such an expert...but because I do regular water changes and I know my fish well enough to know if the ammonia's high or they're not feeling well, etc. But I may get one at some point (especially if I decide to get a larger tank...not for the bettas, but for some other species of fish I've been considering).
Even the IBC's (International Betta Congress)website says 1/2 gallons are ok. Your little guy will be ok in your 1/2 gallon. Especially since that's all you have for him right now...put him in there and let him get acclimated. And if you want to, try and move him to a larger one. Everyone means well and wants the best for fish...Just don't let anyone tell you you're committing some impardonable sin by putting him in a 1/2 gallon. He's your fish and you know him better than anyone.
As for finding out what 'cycling' is...it's the nitrogen cycle and there's some really good posts on this messageboard explaining it. Go to the newbie/beginner threads. Very helpful. And Petco has a really good information sheet about it (www.petco.com) and you can do an internet search and find tons of info about it. Invest is some good books too (or go the library). A couple suggestions:
"The Betta: an owner's guide to a happy, healthy pet" by Mic & Maddy Hargrove
"Freshwater Aquariums: basic aquarium setup and maintenance" by David Alderton
Forgive me if in my hasty read I missed something and you already own other aquariums and already know this.
Keep us posted on Squishy
cute name
i could buy a fully equiped 10 gallon for $39 !!!!!!!! maybe the price will go down and i could get it for Squish 
but first i think i should get him a light 
)
Well Squishy is turning into a really flashy guy he won't stop flaring and just likes 2 show off! 
Some bettas are really sensative to plastic plants, i had to remove all of mine also as mine were tearing up their finnage. Glad to hear all is well with him, and good luck. Glad to hear another betta found a good home, keep up the good work. Sandy
