Thinking About Getting A Betta

[PA_fishlover]

I've been thinking of getting a betta for my son. I've always loved how they look, and now I think I'm finally ready to break down and get one.

First question is about settting up the tank. Do you need to "cycle" the tank before you put a fish in it?

I was thinking of buying the Eclipse System 3 Aquarium by Marineland. It's a 3 gallon aquarium. Or will the filter on that tank be a problem? Do I need a filter? Or would a plain small tank with a heater only be adequate?

And finally, is there a particular type of betta you would recommend for a beginner? The LFS we use has some that are just labeled as "bettas" and some that are crowntail bettas. Also, male or female?

Thanks for all your help.

Lisa

 

[Kame-San]

IMO, a betta doesn't need a filter for that size tank (which is a good size, BTW). But you'd have to do a 50-100% water change once a week without a filter. Without a filter, you don't need to cycle, just keep up the water changes.

LFS bettas are usually veiltails or crowntails. Whatever you prefer is what you should get. If you like it, that's what matters. No one tail type is easier to take care of (though some of the larger finned bettas like halfmoons and super deltas to sometimes have a little problem with the weight of their fins).

Again, male or female: whatever you prefer

(edited bad wording)

 

[SarahFish]

if you intend to keep just one, i recommend a male

it's true that these times you can fing really nice females too, but in comparison to a male they have no chance

 

[Kame-San]

I think it's just preference. A lot of females are just as colorful and pretty, if not more so that some males.

 

[SarahFish]

yes but you can't compare a male and a female from the same variety (colors, fins...), surely the male will win

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

yes i would recommend a filter with a low current. maybe if you get your 3 gallon with a heater you could get a air pump for 1-3 gallons and have it lower this will increase the amount of oxygen in the water and even though bettas don't need it they still purfer it. you could also do a planted tank. although that can be tricky if your a beginner if you choose to plant stick with Java moss and swords and other easier plants to take care of.

 

[ZeeZee]

Fill the bowl or tank with regular tap water and add some conditioner (or you could do what I do and leave the water out for a day ). A filter isn't necessary but if you don't have one, you'll have to do a water change every week. What type of betta? whatever type you like the best! Just a suggestion, when choosing a betta, don't get the bigger ones because they are usually older and bettas only live for about two years. I personally prefer males because they have such lovely fins!