Possible New Fish Owner

[DanielaMarie]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and to fish keeping and was wondering if you could help me out.

I am a college student who lives in the dorms during the school year, so I don't have much space to keep a fish, but I would like to get a single male Betta Splenden. I've been going to the different pet stores to ask questions and have been doing research online as well, but everywhere I go I'm told something different about the same topics. I live in California and go to school in Arizona and I make an 8 hour (one way) car ride 6 times a year, so ideas on transportation will be a great help.

Because of the limited space I have, I can't get anything bigger than a 2.5 gallon tank (I would if I could). If this size tank is too small and I really shouldn't be getting a fish, please say so because I don't want to be unintentionally cruel.
1) I found a glass tank that's the right size, but it doesn't have a hood or anything to cover the top. Do I need one or can I leave it open? I've been told both that bettas like to jump, and that they don't jump. If something is needed to cover the tank, what could I make one out of, since I can't find any that fit a 2.5 gallon tank?
2) Do bettas need a filter, and if so what would be a good suggestion. I've heard they like little to no current and the reviews of most filters say the current is too strong for bettas? If that's true, how can I lessen the output current? What would be the maintenance difference between having and not having a filter? Once a week versus every day?
3) I know bettas are tropical fish and should be kept in water of 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. I've been told a heater is not needed, since this is typical room temperature. Is that true?
4) Is there something special about the betta De-Clorinators versus regular de-chlorinators?
5) Is it better to get the equipment separately or to get an aquarium kit? If the latter, are there any setups that are particularly good?

Also, I have 2 previous roommates who are also interested in fish and who have more room than I in their dorms and are in the same transportation situation as I am (8 hour car ride between school and home one way), and have the same questions as I have with the bigger tanks in mind. One of them is looking at getting a 5 gallon tank and the other a 10 gallon. Do you have any suggestions for them?

 

[Hmongol]

Your tank seems to be a bit small but large enough for one or two fish. Seeing how most tropical fish likes to live in groups I'd say that your best bet would be a betta.
Wild betta are known to jump but not so much as the ones we have, although there are cases they do but rarely. I would still prefer to use a cover due to the dust accumilation falling down on it.
Air stones are not require but filters aren't either but I would much suggest a filter so that you can avoid doing water changes weekly.
As for the temperature, I have never been to California so I do not know how cold the night can get. The reason why heaters should be used is because of water temperature fluxuating in the day and night, which is bad for the fish.
De-chlorinators are some what similar to each from my perspective.
At your local pet store like Petsmart they do sell 2-5 gallon tank kits otherwise you could buy your own filter and heater.

 

[LeiLana80]

You should totally get one of these: Marineland Eclipse. It's a 3 gallon (technially less, more like 2.5), with a full filtration system plus a bio wheel (more info about the bio wheel here). Perfect for one male betta. I don't even have to put a small heater in mine- there's only like a 1-2 degree difference for him day vs. night; it stays right at 79/80 degrees somehow. It takes little to no maintenance, really. Good luck!

 

[DanielaMarie]

Thanks for the heads up on the tank. I'll check it out.

 

[lilfishie]

Welcome

A 2.5gal is fine for a single betta, others will tell you 5 gal but me personally its fine (obviously bigger is better but its perfectly fine)
ideally you will want a lid/cover for the tank, its a 50/50 chance whether the betta is a jumper or not, most oftenly not but they do show up.
personally i'd want both a filter and a heater no matter what the tank size, i have Elite mini's in my two 3 gal tanks that are perfect for bettas as you can adjust the flow.

as for transporting, then either a small water tight tub or a fish bag would be best suited

 

[DanielaMarie]

I'm only planning on having 1 male betta if I get the 2.5 gallon tank. What would be the maintenace needed, in terms of partial water changes? How much and how often without a filter? Are there any filters you can suggest for this tank, and how often/much are the water changes with it?

 

[lilfishie]

with a filter you could get away with 50% weekly, without its going to be more like everyother day maybe even everyday

Filter wise, i use Elite Mini's

 

[DanielaMarie]

with a filter you could get away with 50% weekly, without its going to be more like everyother day maybe even everyday

Filter wise, i use Elite Mini's

Where did you get the Elite Mini?

 

[lilfishie]

they came with previous tanks, sure you could buy 1 cheapish though, try ebay maybe? a sponge filter would also be good