fishgirl

I'm still working on the husband to let me get a betta....What are the must haves I should have on hand before I get the fish?

I have a 5.5G heated,filtered cycle tank.

capekate

Sounds like you are all set to get a Betta.
I would get the Hikari Tropical, Betta Bio-Gold Pellets they are baby sized pellets and my Betta love them.The Bio-gold IMO is the best daily meal for Betta's,IMO.
You may want to add some frozen brine shrimp (also by Hikari) and frozen blood worms and keep them in the freezer for a weekly treat. Just make sure that you dont over feed your little guy.
I would also add a silk plant, like a wide leaved Amazon Sword. They like to sleep on those leaves that are closer to the surface of the water. Then during the night when they have to go up for air, they won't have to travel so far.
Have fun picking one out! lol.. its going to be tough.... Especially when they all are calling to you!

joy613

You will need a good quality food. I use Atison's betta pro, I get it off ebay since no one around here carries it. I keep betta spa on hand, if a fish doesn't seem to be acting right and I don't see any outward signs of disease I use it right away, if I could get my hands on some Indian almond leaf I would use that. If I find a seller on ebay in the USA I will get it there. When I get a new betta I put the betta spa in and give it a piece of pea to help clean it out. Someplace for the betta to hide and rest. If you want to go a cheap way get a clay pot from the garden center. An excuse for the betta, "the tank is empty and cycled I need to keep the cycle going, the betta is ONLY one fish after all and how bad is it just to get one fish. He doesn't each much and he will share your peas with you."

COBettaCouple

I'd look for some toys for your betta. a flexible bubble wand is often fun for them, or a cave type decor as well as plants to swim through. Just be sure everything is smooth with no rough edges inside or out and no holes too small for your thumb.

fishgirl

Thanks for all the info everyone.