New tank

[Kaida]

Hi

I'm looking to get a betta as soon as I settle in at uni and persuade the cleaners to look the other way to the mild rule breaking ... Thing is, I don't have any transport, so the only time I'll have access to a fish shop is when my parents come up for the day in a few weeks.

My question is, if I buy the tank and the fish at the same time, will this be okay? I'm going to have him without a filter and do frequent water changes, so I assume the tank doesn't need to cycle? But does it need to "settle" at all before I put the fish it?

Lucy

Also, anybody in the Stoke-on-Trent/Newcastle-Under-Lyme area with a betta I could buy? I doubt it, but I thought I'd ask... I'd rather buy from a breeder than a lfs.

 

[red-devil0602]

Hi

I'm looking to get a betta as soon as I settle in at uni and persuade the cleaners to look the other way to the mild rule breaking ... Thing is, I don't have any transport, so the only time I'll have access to a fish shop is when my parents come up for the day in a few weeks.

My question is, if I buy the tank and the fish at the same time, will this be okay? I'm going to have him without a filter and do frequent water changes, so I assume the tank doesn't need to cycle? But does it need to "settle" at all before I put the fish it?

Lucy

Also, anybody in the Stoke-on-Trent/Newcastle-Under-Lyme area with a betta I could buy? I doubt it, but I thought I'd ask... I'd rather buy from a breeder than a lfs.

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bettaman lives near stoke up at new- und-lyme his website is http/www.kgbettas.co.uk/

 

[Durbkat]

What size is the bowl going to be? Are you planning to give him roommates? Remeber to all ways have a lid like a CD or that green mesh from a fish net. Here is a link on everything you need to know about bettas.
http/www.bettatalk.com/betta_behavior.htm
http/www.bettatalk.com/acclimatation.htm
http/www.bettatalk.com/housing.htm
http/www.bettatalk.com/basic_care.htm

ALL CREDIT BELONGS TO FAITH THE AUTHOR OF BETTATALK.COM
I know its alot of links to read but it will help you in the long run.

 

[Kaida]

I read all the links, thanks for providing them Durbkat. I also visited Bettaman's website, and there are some gorgeous fish on there!

Nobody still answered my original question though, about letting the tank settle. And now after reading those links, I have another question! If I'm not supposed to use a heater on a small tank, how do I maintain a correct temperature, being as I have very little control over the heating in the room I'm in? Why are heaters a no-no with little tanks, don't they have a thermostat to stop them overheating?

Oh, Durbkat's questions: - the tank will be about 2 gallons. And the type I have my eye on come with a lid. No room-mates.

Thanks everyone.

Lucy

 

[Durbkat]

They don't make heaters small enough to heat it even though it has a thermostat it doesn't matter because it will get to hot. And good luck.

 

[basia]

The hydor mini heaters on this link are quite good to put on if it goes cold at night, but there is no thermostat on them so I turn them off in the day and in the milder weather.
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/Z039130.asp

 

[MegTheFish]

You'd be safe using a 25 watt heater in a 2 gallon, I haven't tried it but I have a 50 watt in my 5 gallon, so why not a 25 watt in a 2 gallon? I think theres a few members on here that have that, also.

 

[Naughtygirlrlw]

You do not have to cycle a tank under 5 gallons. Just put the water in, add the dechlorinator and you and you're new fishy are good to go!

 

[SRC]

They don't make heaters small enough to heat it even though it has a thermostat it doesn't matter because it will get to hot. And good luck.

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That is not true at all.

You really need to quit giving out assumed information...do some research before giving out advice, please. Giving out incorrect information makes people leary of taking anyone else's advice later on down the road.

Link to heaters and filtration for small tanks

My question is, if I buy the tank and the fish at the same time, will this be okay?

Yes, it is perectly fine.

I'm going to have him without a filter and do frequent water changes, so I assume the tank doesn't need to cycle?

Tanks without filtration cannot cycle.
They need weekly 100% water changes on anything 1-3 gallons (more frequent for less than a gallon (not a recommended size though) and less frequent on 4+ gallons)

But does it need to "settle" at all before I put the fish it?

All you need to do is make sure you put dechlorinator in the water and swirl it around, make sure the temp of the water in the tank is the same as the water he was transported in, and then put the fish in it.

 

[Andie]

Jennie, each and every one of my professors would adore you; you're so brilliantly concise

Kaida; there's really nothing left for me to say because she's pretty well said it all The only thing I'd like to mention if you're strapped for cash is that it might be worth purchasing a thermometer for the tank before you buy a heater, just to see what temp it is already. If your dorm room is warm enough to keep a small bowl at a good temp, the heater might not even be necessary.

ETA: Though if you can't stand warm temperatures yourself, the heater is a worthwhile investment! I'm in the hottest section of our building so only my very largest tanks need heaters; my room keeps all the others at 75 F no problem at all

 

[Ethos]

I think SRC said it best

 

[SRC]

)

lol thanks . I hope my professors enjoy it too, starting Monday lol. (I start college Monday..for the second time mind you..I'm going for my bach.)

I tend to rub alot of people the wrong way sometimes because of that "trait". They think I'm being rude...when in fact I'm just a very factual/literal/logical person . (I do have my illogical moments though lmao)

 

[Andie]

Concise, direct arguments are what professors LIVE for. As long as you back up each point - and you do - then mine, at least, will write glowing praises all over your paper. It's a warm, fuzzy feeling )

 

[thelastbetta]

Just use a UV lamp. It's what I use, it keeps the water warm and they're cheap.

 

[SRC]

lol They should love me then

********
Problem with using a light to keep your bettas water warm..is that you need to turn the light off for at least 8-10 hours a day...they need a rest period just like any other living thing. You don't get much rest with a light on 24/7.

If you need heating, and you are only using a light and you turn it off for periods of time....you're going to get big temp flucs. which can lead to stress, which can lead to health problems.

Might take a while to show up..but it will eventually wear them out.