New To Bettas

[uniFREAK134]

hi im new to betta fish and pretty much fish in general. i got a betta fish today! i have him in a 3 gallon tank with a filter, light, warm water, and a fake plant. i will probably get a real plant soo and maby a heater soon. but untill i get a heater i will change 50% off the water 1 time a week to keep the temp. good. i got him at petsmart. i felt really bad for him b/c they had all the bettas in little cups. i dont understand why they think all the other fish should get the big tanks but bettas get cups??? i have been told by people that work in petsmart say that they can be in cups because they live in tiny water areas in the wild and get oxygen from bubbles on the top of the water?

 

[Kekmet]

Bettas do indeed breathe off the surface of the water, and blow charming little bubble nests too, if they're happy.

There's a difference between 'living' and 'thriving' though, and while bettas can survive in those little cups (for awhile) they certainly won't be all that happy in them. In the wild they can 'survive' in the puddle made from a horse's hoofprint, but they sure as heck don't live in those 24/7 for their entire life.

Welcome to the hobby! Sounds like your fishy is going to be nice and spoiled.

 

[bronzecat]

Hi and welcome

The petsmart employees talk rubbish LOL

You have a good size tank But if the water temperature is any lower than 26 degrees you really need a heater soon
If its an all new set-up, you will need to do water changes at least twice a week, as the ammonia will build up pretty quick. Have a look at the "Cycling" pinned topics in New to the hobby It will explain what a filter does.

Anyway......pictures are required

 

[uniFREAK134]

i already have my betta in the tank and it has only been running for about 4 hours!!! i did not know about cyclinh! what should i do?

 

[bronzecat]

Dont panic Just do regular water changes, 50% twice a week minimum Dont forget to use Dechlorinator for any new water you put in.

Dont clean the stuff (sponge/filter wool) in the filter though. Once a month gently rinse in some tank water when you do your water change, but dont over clean them, and never let them dry out or use tap water on them. The media (sponge/wool) is what will hold all the good bacteria.

 

[uniFREAK134]

oh good. i was really scared! i will have pics up in about 30 min!!!

 

[bronzecat]

No probs You're now doing what is called a "fish in" cycle.

 

[uniFREAK134]

here is the pic!!! i LOVE the color. its like a red with a glow of purple.

http/s655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/u...nt=CAM_0061.jpg

 

[Netty]

Congrats on getting your first Betta.......he is a lovely colour

The name Bruce made me laugh though

 

[bronzecat]

Cool

 

[LionMom]

VERY handsome!

Welcome to our addiction! LOL!