I just got a betta fish, and I'm going to the petstore on saturday...(pic of fishy included!)?

Question

So here is your chance to tell me what to get.

I already have a tank (I'm pretty sure its a 5 gallon, although I'm not positive.)

However, using bottled water in the 1/2 gallon it has now is well enough, but already getting expensive.

So, to use tapwater in the 5 gallon I need dechlorinating tablets, and what else?

I will probably get a heater (only if its $10 or under!) and some rock salt for him.

If I have enough $$ left over, I'll get him some snails as a tank mate.

(No, I will not be getting a filter. My parents got me the betta as it is inexpensive and they do not believe it requires much care. Me getting a heater is pushing it.)

Basically, what else should I get him?

(I have rocks for the bottom already and an old hamster tunnel I can put in there after washing it.)

Here is the lil guy. ^_^ (I call him Ryuu)

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r14/purplepeople443/0724081638.jpg

Answer 1

your fine although they prefer filters it is not nessasery so you basicly have every thing you need just make sure you do a 20% water change every 2-3 weeks

you have a very cute betta:D

Answer 2

ummm I think you are pretty much done.   You dont want to fill the tank with too many things, it gives him less swimming space. I had a betta, and the tank get dirty rather quickly,(then again maybe it was because of the food)   I got rid of it because it was too much to keep up with, and it was always getting fungus or something.  They do get sick, so Im thinking you might need to have Betta drop on hand in case they get sick.  

Check this site out

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/betta-fis...

Answer 3

Beautiful fish you have..well do you have fish food? The tank you have for him right now is just fine although a filter would make a betta very happy but if your have finacial problems right now dont worry about it. I think you have everything you need .

Answer 4

I would get him a filter but not totally necessary.  I would rather spend $ on that than the heater.  FOOD!!!!! maybe you just forgot to mention it :)  Don't get a snail... they reproduce and overpopulate the tank.  just leave him, or research online and find a good fish friend for him!  make sure it is not to big tho, you don't want to over crowd the tank.  Have fun with the beta!!!!

Answer 5

things to get

*DEFINATELY a heater

* betta food ( i use hilkari pellets)

* water conditioner (i use stress coat, water conditioner removes chlorine and chloramines)

*live plants (if you dont have a filter, live plants will help with the water)

* a background and decorations to make the betta feel more secure

-no snails

-aquarium salt is beneficial to prevent diseases and good overall, i have always used it

note: the ph of the bottled water you have been using is much different from the ph of the water from your tap. You need to acclimate the betta little by little, go to bettatalk to learn how to acclimate (i already gave you al link in the other question i answered for you). if you put him in a different water type without acclimating, that could send him into shock and he could die or catch a disease. Maybe you should get a ph tester (only about 3$)

Answer 6

beautiful fish=]  rock salt is NOT needed. it can do more harm than good if u dont know wht your doing. get some variety for his diet. a heater is a MUST! no matter what. as for the conditioner, its a hella of a lot cheaper to buy the liquid than the tabs. i recommend Topfin brand. =]

Answer 7

If possible get him a filter and/or the heater but if not those then you definitely need food. Duh. Otherwise you're pretty good to go.

Answer 8

Skip the salt and get liquid water conditioner instead of tablets.  The liquid is easier to measure the right dose, especially for small tanks.  Breaking up those tablets is messy and a pain.  A heater is really a must.  A small one can be had for less than $10.00 if you look around.  I got mine for $7.00.  Too bad you can't get him a filter, but see if you can get him a little plant.  They help keep up the water quality, too, and bettas love them.

Answer 9

well first of all get him beta food. He will need his tank changed every 2 1/2 weeks + they like a good hiding place ( like a sort of big rock cave thing.) and basicly thats all. Oh and you should check the temp every other day.       Good luck