Help With Betta

[Finka]

As for shrimps, some bettas are okay with them, while others aren't, so it's a very hit-or-miss affair.
 
OP; does your betta's current tank have a filter? If it does, you don't need to cycle the new tank, you can just move everything from the little tank to the bigger one, or you can put all the stuff from inside your current filter into the new one. Technically it's not tanks, or even filters, that cycle; it's the media inside them.
 
If your current tank doesn't have a filter, you might as well put him into the big tank straight away; the larger volume of water will dilute his wastes more so he'll be better off, even if the new tank isn't cycled.

 
 
Hi,
 
I'm completely new to this forum, but my question is very similar to JavaJinx, so not sure if to start a new one or piggy back?
 
Anyway, we have a betta male, we got him from my son's school in a 5l fishbowl (no filter, no heater, one plant, 3 stones), so decided to upgrade him to a nicer and warmer home. As our house temp is around 18-20C at the moment, he seems to be a bit lethargic (yes, cold...) and doesn't move much, so I think we need to move him quickly. 
 
I'm looking at 40l tank (roughly 10 gallon I think - we are in the UK by the way)
 
My questions:
 
1. TANK - I'm deciding between these 2 tanks (they are probably much of a muchness), but maybe someone has experience with either of them?
 
http/www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/love-fish-panorama-tank-40-litre-(in-store)
 
http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/aquariums/interpet-aquariums/interpet-insight-aquarium-40.html
 
 
2. HEATER, the first doesn't come with a heater, so would need to get one. (Or happy to replace the other if not adequate)
Any brand recommendations?
50W or 100W?
What to look out for?
 
 
3. FILTER - I understand betta don't like current. Do I need to do anything to the filter included in these kits or should they be ok?
 
 
4. WATER - Do I need to cycle the tank?? After reading various websites, I thought it was necessary, but Fluttermoth (above) is saying I don't need to? Obviously, that would be better, than waiting 6 more weeks for the new tank to be ready. Do I use any of the old water / move the stones? (sorry if my questions seem very basic, but I really don't know where to start, what's best & quickest way to sort him out!)
 
 
5. CLEANING - At the moment I clean & change water weekly, preserving about 30% of water (as I was told). With new / bigger tank, filter, heater etc, how & how often should I clean it?
 
 
6. PLANTS - which ones would you recommend? He is just permanently parked near the surface - doesn't even rest on the plant he has. It's a silk plant, but I would prefer to get real plants.
 
 
7. What to put at the bottom? Sand? Gravel? Do they like caves & arches? Ours doesn't come near the bottom.
 
 
8. FOOD - what's the best food (to get him healthier / happy again)?
 
 
9. Can we introduce any friends? When? What would you recommend?
 
 
I think that's all for now, any help will be much appreciated!
Thank you!! 

 

[Ninjouzata]

to TFF! Hope you enjoy it here.
 
1. I don't have experience with these particular tanks, sorry. You want it to be longer rather than tall, if that helps.
 
2. I use Aqueon heaters. I think a 50w would be fine but may want to wait on someone else to say, I can never remember how many watts/gal
 
3. I'm not familiar with those filters so not sure. You can baffle any filter though so I wouldn't worry unless you notice your betta getting blown around.
 
4. It'd be good if you could, but I agree it'll be much better for him to just go into the tank instead of sitting in the little 5L with no heater. The water contains virtually no bacteria so no point in keeping it really.
 
5. Make sure you vacuum when you clean it, and most do a 25% weekly. You can do more if you'd like.
 
6. Hardy, low light plants. Java fern, anubias, cryptocorynes, hornwort, watersprite are some. Attach the java fern & anubias to rocks or driftwood.
 
7. You can use sand or gravel. Sand looks more natural and is easier to clean IMO. They appreciate caves and arches.
 
8. A good quality betta pellet. You can feed something like bloodworms once a week as a treat.
 
9. Possibly. It depends on your bettas personality. If it will allow you to add other fish I'd recommend corydoras. You want a smaller variety (pygmy, hastatus, or habrosus) in this size tank.
 
Hope that helps somewhat.