Need Help - New Betta & Tank Setup!

[katielizabeth]

Hi everyone! I need a little help with setting up my new betta tank.

I just bought a gorgeous male double halfmoon tail from Petco for my daughter today (will post picture soon). I have the 2 gallon Hex Aquarium from Petco. I purchased the Petco black aquarium sand and a live plant. I washed the sand in a bag and added it to the tank, then filled the tank with room temperature Zephryhills bottled drinking water (as directed from the girl who sold me the fish). I have had the filter going on the tank for about 30 minutes now and just added the plant. I am wondering when I should put the betta in his new home, or how long I should have the water filtering before I add him. The water is already clear. However, some of the sand at the bottom is clumped up in little balls which I tried de-clumping with a fork which seemed to help. It's almost as if the sand is around a bubble.

We live in Florida and keep our home around 75 degrees so I didn't think I'd need to purchase a heater.

Any and all help/advice will be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[phoenixgsd]

you need to cycle your tank, preferably before you put fish in it, did you read the beginers section when you got your first betta? i know that one died but please read again, its full of all the info you need so you dont make the same mistake twice

 

[katielizabeth]

you need to cycle your tank, preferably before you put fish in it, did you read the beginers section when you got your first betta? i know that one died but please read again, its full of all the info you need so you dont make the same mistake twice

Thank you. I will go find it and read it now.

 

[phoenixgsd]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/ here it is, bettas are quite beatuiful fish arnt they

 

[Hmongol]

what kind of plant do you have. Generally live plants will not do well the n tanks that small. you will be better off with plastic or preferably soft frabic plants although they cost more cause the look and feel gentle with out sharp edges

 

[Hmongol]

what kind of plant do you have. Generally live plants will not do well the n tanks that small. you will be better off with plastic or preferably soft frabic plants although they cost more cause the look and feel gentle with out sharp edges

 

[katielizabeth]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/ here it is, bettas are quite beatuiful fish arnt they

Thanks! They are.

 

[katielizabeth]

what kind of plant do you have. Generally live plants will not do well the n tanks that small. you will be better off with plastic or preferably soft frabic plants although they cost more cause the look and feel gentle with out sharp edges

I can't remember the name of it but it starts with an A. It is very low in height and has wide leaves. It is growing on a rock right now. The fish guy at Petco suggested it for my size tank when I asked him about putting a live plant in the tank. I have the 2 gallon hex aquarium from Petco which has an LED light.

 

[phoenixgsd]

is it anubias?

 

[jasonh_000]

be careful with using bottled water. some of it has important minerals removed.

just go with tap water with water conditioner.

you really do not need to cycle your tank first. i think 2gallons is too small to cycle anyways.
just change 50% of the water every week.

i didnt even cycle my 10 gallon for my 1 betta. i tested water 2 times a week and everything was fine.