Not Sure Where To Begin

[tonyshadow]

Hello, we are planning to start a larger tank for my 10 year old daughter, but while at the pet store my 6 year old decided she too would like her own fish, she really liked the Betta fish. Fish in general are new to my family, so I really don't know where to begin. I do know that Betta's can live in a smaller tank, but not sure how small is too small. The tank will be in her bedroom so we would need something small enough to fit on her desk or dresser. I was told at the pet store that Bettas do not need to have anything other than a bowl, however all the advise they gave me seems a little doggy. Could you please let me know the basics of what I will need to properly home a betta fish. Also, we were planning to have live plants in the 10 Year old's bigger tank, but I really don't think the 6 year old is ready for both live plants and a fish, so would artificial plants be ok for the Betta?

 

[tonyshadow]

This is the kit we were thinking of getting for the Betta. Will it work?

http/www.amazon.com/Tetra-5-5G-Starter-Aquarium-Kit/dp/B0026VJ56Q/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1264018520&sr=8-23

 

[tappas]

That tank would be great for a betta. They only thing you may have to do is some minor modification on the filter. You will want to cover the intake valve on the filter with eithor some sponge or nylon to protect the fins from getting caught in the filter current and getting torn. Sponge is usually perferred here only because it does double duty, it prevents the betta from torn fins, but it also helps to slow the current. Generally bettas don't like fast moving water and it may be difficult for them to swim if the filter current is too fast, so you will want to slow the output current. I am not sure if the Tetra filters have an adjustable out put, if they do not you can put some extra filter floss in the out put area to slow the current down.

 

[aly_starh]

Hiya

Minimum tank size you want is 3G (bigger is better!)
You also want a small trickle filter and a heater set to 26C. Plastic plants are a big no-no as they can/will snag a Bettas fins. Silk or Live will do.

Good Luck and can we see some pics wants its set-up please...?

 

[ellena]

Yes, 5 gall is ideal for a betta, slowed down filter, heater and silk plants and you're away. You'll have to do regular water changes at first while enough bacteria grow in the filter to deal with the fish waste. Maybe 50% every 2 days for 3-4 weeks?
Ideally you should get a test kit so you can keep an eye on levels and water change accordingly.
If you buy a new tank it will no doubt say in the manual that you should replace the sponges in your filter regularly. You should never replace them, just rinse them in some old tank water. They are where your good bacteria live and you want to hold onto them