Hello!
In the past, I tried taking care of a Betta I had been given as a gift. I was given a tiny (1/2 gallon) bowl to keep him in, along with a polyester plant and some gravel. Over time, as he got sicker and sicker, I read up more on Bettas (I didn’t do research beforehand because I didn’t realize I would be given this fish) and started buying more and more equipment. Unfortunately, I did all this for my Betta too late to save his life.
I’m planning on getting another fish, but this time around, I’m determined to get everything ready for Mr. Future Fish beforehand.
Here’s what I already own:
- A 2 or 2.5 gallon bowl (I understand that some people say this is too small for a Betta. Others say that 1 gallon is the minimum size. I feel very strongly about keeping this size bowl, since I simply don’t have enough space for a larger bowl or tank.)
- A Theo Hydor adjustable mini heater. (I used this for a few weeks with my first Betta, constantly checking with a reliable thermometer that it kept the bowl at a good temperature. I’m very happy with it.)
- Gravel
- One silk plant (I have two polyester plants as well, but I am concerned that they snagged my first Betta’s fins.)
- Water Conditioner
- A BiOrb Cleaner Pump (This was so awkward to use. Does anyone have a better suggestion?)
- TetraBetta Floating Mini Pellets (My first Betta hated these–he’d refuse to eat them, just spitting them out. Any better suggestions?)
- Freeze dried bloodworms (My first Betta gobbled these up like candy, though I hear they’re not a wholesome diet.)
I am planning on getting a water test kit — http://amzn.com/B000255NCI.
I want to get a filter for Mr. Future Fish. It needs to be small, quiet, and low-flow, since he likes still water. Do you have any recommendations? Is this one–TOM Aquarium Mini Internal Filter 45gph adjustable flow (http://amzn.com/B00176GKM8)–okay? Are there any better?
Also, do I have to use gravel? The first time around, it just trapped random debris, and was so hard to clean. I did full water changes, though I’m not sure if that was a good thing.
Thank you so much! Mr. Future Fish and I are so grateful!