MeGustaUnaPez926

So, one of my best friends birthday is coming up, and she has asked for, drumroll please, A betta! I'm so happy, the fishy feeling in finally catching on! So, since I can't afford to buy her the whole set up on my own, me and my other friend are going to pool our money and get her one together. I was thinking that, since we are on a bit of a budget, we would start out with a 2.5 gallon tank, which I know is on the small side, but its better than a bowl.
So- heres the list of things we will buy
1. Tank (it will come with a filter, I think gravel and a decoration of some kind)
2. Heater
3. Water conditioner
4. Food (any recomendations for what kind?)
5. Small gravel vacuum? The substrate is those glass pebbles, can you even vaccuum them?
6. test kit
7. Betta, of course!

I am going to insta-cycle it with media from my tank, taking care to explain to her the nitrogin cycle, water changes and everything. I figured we won't need a net, I'll just use mine, she doesn't have anywhere to move the guy anyways.
I have some Maracyn left over, not a full dose, but should I maybe put one packet in? We haven't got the betta yet, so I don't know if he'll have fin rot.
Also, how long will it take to cycle the tank (with water changes) The only time we had to get the fish was the day before the party, so I know it won't be done by the time she gets it. Should I maybe put in a cup of my gravel, too? It will look funny against the pebbles, but thats her problem.
So, am I missing anything? I've never set up a betta tank before, anything else they need? Thanks in advance.

Red1313

Established media should be enough to get the cycle started (infact it will likely insta cycle it). I often use a glass jar to move my betta's if I have to. Less stressful and easier on the fins. For fin rot the best treatment is warm fresh water. I only move onto meds if that doesn't work. I would recommend getting stress coat plus as a water conditioner or even just as an extra. It's a must have for new bettas.
For food I'll leave that to others.
Just a suggestion but a 5 gal kit is usually only $3X dollars in my area. All you'd need to add would be a heater for it. And tetra has a great one at wally for around $10. If not i'd say that the 2.5 gal would be fine.
Good Luck and Best wishes.

MeGustaUnaPez926

Okay, I won't put in any meds. When I get to the store, i'll look at the tanks, but my LCPS is pretty understocked in terms of tanks, they had a 5 gallon for 50, and a 2.5 for 20, so I chose the 2.5. I figure it will at least be better than the cup. And I was going to get stresscoat+ as the conditioner, forgot to write that.
Lemme see if I'm reading this right, will the tank really cycle that fast? If so, that'd be great, I don't really want to scare her off immediately.
Oh, and any suggestions for food? I'm thinking pellets, she's a little squeamish and I don't know if she could handle worms.

Lucy

How fun! What a great gift. You could print this out for your friend to:
Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

Emory

For around $25 a piece you and your friend could get her a 10 gallon kit from petsmart, or one of the other kits.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2754151
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2754539
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752372
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752369
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752239
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752385

Not knowing your budget, those are some nice sizes for a single Betta. There is #1 addressed for you.

#2) Not sure how long you have until your friend's birthday but put an add for a 25 watt or 50 watt heater on here and/or craigslist. Don't forget freecycle. Sometimes people get into fish and then the newness wears off... they get rid of their stuff. Whatever size tank you get you will need about 5 watts per gallon of water.

3) my favorite water conditioners:
Prime
Stress coat plus
4) Hikari Betta Bio Gold

Oh.... lol. Sorry for the links. I guess your list means you know what you want to get, and that you aren't seeking suggestions.

I just got excited cause that is an awesome birthday gift. Heck, its what I got for my 27th birthday.



<------- me

Red1313

Pellets will be fine, Hikari is a good brand. (Avoid flakes, they cause only pain).
With well established media the bacteria should be enough to handle the entire betta bio load easily. If not then it won't take much time at all for the mini cycle to catch up.
OK I didn't realize that you were getting the tank from an LFS in that case unless there's some kind of deal on you likely won't find a 5gal cheaper.
Let her know that she'll either need to fast one day a week or feed a small piece of pea that day to prevent constipation. And also only feed 3 or so pellets a couple times a day. Betta's can eat ALOT in a couple of minuets if you feed as the directions say.
If I missed anything I know someone will let you know.

Red1313

lol super ninja'd

MeGustaUnaPez926

Oooh, thats a good idea, Lucy, thanks! And Emory, thanks for the links, that might be a good idea, I haven't looked at the 10 gallons recently.

Emory

I didn't realise it was you MGUP.... sorry!

So yeah, Red has ya covered. And I second Red's Ninja info.

MeGustaUnaPez926

Thanks, everyone, I'll let you know how it goes.

agabr123

atisons betta pro pellets are also really great, they may originally seem much more expensive than hikari (i paid $4 for hikari and $13 for atisons including shipping) but they come in a HUGE container and have lots more pellets, so you're getting more for your money i'd also get some frozen bloodworms too