So much conflicting information

[mlaugh]

Ok. I have always wanted to get a betta. I think they are absolutely gorgeous. My hubby went out and bought me one of those 5gal kits from Wally World ( like this except mine has one of those cheapie Aqua-Tech power filters (no bio wheel) ). Questions to follow regarding this set-up...

1) Cycle? I have read that it's pointless to cycle a 5gal tank. I also read that it's a good idea. I have no problem doing a fishless cycle, I have been successful before (thanks to the info found here at these forums!). So...???

2) Filter? As I said, I have a little power filter that came with the kit. Some say don't use a filter because bettas don't like churning water. Some say a filter is ok. So...???

3) Location? I orginally thought to put the tank on the island in my kitchen but thought the constant activity in there would drive him nuts. Thoughts?

4) Plants and substrate? I was going to use gravel with a live annubias and/or java moss. Thoughts?

I am in no hurry to get the fish; I want to make sure he'll be happy in the tank before I adopt him and bring him home. I have searched through this entire forum and still don't really have the answers I'm looking for, so going to pick your brains with this post. All help appreciated. TIA.

 

[endparenthesis]

Here're my opinions:

1) I wouldn't bother. You have such a tiny bioload that as long as you're doing water changes as often as you should (maybe 20% every week or week and a half) it won't be getting toxic in there, especially if you're adding a plant.

2) I think it depends on how strong the filter is. If it's gentle enough that the fish can rest pretty easily in most areas of the tank without the water moving him around I don't think it would bother him. If it's too strong, maybe you could just turn it on for a few hours once a week just to make sure the water gets cleaned a bit. A filter would be a place where you'd want bacteria to be building up if you were cycling, but if you aren't it isn't a concern.

3) Kitchen sounds fine to me.

4) I'm a big fan of plants, but the lighting in that tank won't be good enough to sustain the majority of them. In my opinion the ideal low light small tank plant is java fern. It's slow but it's indestructible. Drop it in and forget about it. Anubias would be my second choice. My java moss doesn't grow much in low light... but it seems to be stunted in general lately, so who knows. You could easily use all 3 plants in that tank anyway... might as well.

Sounds like you're set.

 

[jacblades]

glad youre being responsible about it
it would probably be easier to cycle a 5 gal than to change the water every week. its up to you though. but if its in the kitchen, you probably wont have to go far to clean it anyways.
some of the systems like that have filters with currents too strong for bettas. just put the little guy in there and see if he gets sucked over towards the filter. if so, get another filter. azoo palm filter i have a few of these on the way to my house right now i cant personally speak for how they work but i know many many people use these for their bettas.
i dont think the island would be a problem. just make sure he has some hiding places if he does get scared by some of the bustle.
if you dont live somewhere where its pretty hot, you should probably get a heater.
those plants soud great.
get some hikari betta bio-gold to feed him and perhaps some hikari blood worms.

 

[Draven]

Here're my opinions:

4) I'm a big fan of plants, but the lighting in that tank won't be good enough to sustain the majority of them. In my opinion the ideal low light small tank plant is java fern. It's slow but it's indestructible. Drop it in and forget about it. Anubias would be my second choice. My java moss doesn't grow much in low light... but it seems to be stunted in general lately, so who knows. You could easily use all 3 plants in that tank anyway... might as well.

I was planning to get some plants for my 2-3 gallon tank soon. Do you have suggestions on what I can sustain with the lighting of an Eclipse 3 gallon tank, or a MiniBow 2.5 gallon?

 

[endparenthesis]

These might help...

http/www.aquamaniacs.net/ProvenPerformer...aticPlants.html
http/www.petfish.net/eplant.htm

 

[mlaugh]

Thanks guys. I'll let you know how we do.

 

[Draven]

Thanks, that's what I've been needing to know!