just got a betta

[G_Sharky]

i was in walmart today and i picked up a 2gallon hex tank and purchase a nice blue betta. I just read the pinned topic about taking care of betta and i think i did everything wrong first as soon as I filled the tank I just dump the betta right into and I didn't not purchase a heater as I was told that I don't need one. He looks pretty happy now, but my question is since the tank doesn't have a filter just an air pump how are u supposed to cycle it, I put some gravel from a previous tank which didn't have any fish on it for a week(it was cycled)and some "cycle" which I normally use when cycling my main tank. Also what should i feed him(Is it the same as other tropical fish) and lastly could I put a betta on my main tank(my sig)...thanks for putting with this nonsense guys

 

[Auratus]

First off, putting a betta in your 33 is a big no-no....

I'm glad you got a betta!!! Their fun huh? Well, dumping him straight into the water probably shocked him a little but if it has been a while and he's acting normal he should be fine. Not many people cycle betta tanks like larger tanks. They are pretty strong and can deal with tanks that aren't fully cycled.

A heater is a good thing for a betta because to be the most active they like temp in the 75-80's. Bettas aren't really coldwater fish they can just tolerate so people say they don't have to have one but it helps if you do!

Live foods are best for bettas but betta pellets are good two. Wal-mart has two different brands to choose from but if you have a lfs hikari is the best food.

You should take out the air pump because bettas hate aggitation on the water and don't need it because they are labyrinth fish meaning they can take air directly from the surface of the water. Also, if he decides to make a bubble nest it will be hard for him because the air pump ruins it.

 

[modernhamlet]

Hi, I'm new to bettas too. The first two rules of thumb I learned about keeping bettas stem from the fact that filtering is not always practical:

1. Don't overfeed. I know the rule and I still don't follow it. Don't be like me. )

2. Change the water frequently. I currently change 50% twice/week because I don't follow rule #1 very well.

Good luck and welcome to bettas!

 

[G_Sharky]

Do they actually sell heaters that small? I'll be going to my LFS tommorow and check also I'm planning on maybe putting a couple of neons in there is this a good idea?

 

[DizBjOhN104]

well... bettas usually don't need cycled water. they pretty much adapt to what water their in.

you could feed him, betta pellets, betta min, freezed blood worms, or anything live food such as

bbs(baby brine shrimp)
black worm
bs(brine shrimp)
microworm
tubifex worms

 

[bittersweet]

they do make heaters small, usually 2-5 gal ones..they are pricey where i live though.. i still need to get one

 

[DrOizo]

I use a 25W visitherm in my 4 gal and its really good!!

 

[G_Sharky]

saw one today for $30 canadian, thats a bit pricey considering that i got my 2 gallon hex tank for the same price. I think i'm just going to run without a heater, I'm going to put a couple of neons maybe next week(I saw a 2 gallon tank with a betta and 2 danios in my LFS) I would like to put guppies but i heard the betta might try to mate with it and end up killing it....

 

[staredecisis]

Guppy + Betta = No no. Fancy tail sets off betta aggression.

Don't worry about cycling or filtration in such a small tank, just make sure to do large water changes. I'd suggest 2 50% changes weekly. As for adding smaller fish in, it will work, but will increase the necessity of filtration or more water changing.

Also, wal-mart out here in AZ sells a 2-5 gallon heater for $6. Maybe try ordering one online.