Betta fish tank, size, aquascaping and necessities?

Media thats already cycled, meaning there is bb in it. THat way, you can seed the new tank to jumpstart the cycling process, if the media has enough bb you may even be able to skip the whole cycling process.

Oh cool!! Thx!!

Oh cool!! Thx!!

Ok so i was just reading a bit... and i saw that the way to do it is to put my gravel on top of her gravel? But i would rather not do that if nit nessecary cause i spent alot of extra money trying to make it as similar to hers as possible.... are there any other ways?

 

Ok so i was just reading a bit... and i saw that the way to do it is to put my gravel on top of her gravel? But i would rather not do that if nit nessecary cause i spent alot of extra money trying to make it as similar to hers as possible.... are there any other ways?

You can use extra media. If you have extra media, you can put it into your filter, let it run(so theres going to be bb) and after some time you can put it in her tank. This way, you're seeding the tank with extra media. Something like a media sponge would do, even a clean pot scrubber(make sure that its clean) could work.

 

You can use extra media. If you have extra media, you can put it into your filter, let it run(so theres going to be bb) and after some time you can put it in her tank. This way, you're seeding the tank with extra media. Something like a media sponge would do, even a clean pot scrubber(make sure that its clean) could work.

Ok, im sorry, but i figured i would ask this before it gets too late... sorry... what exactly is media? And yes, im a total noob, but i still want to do what is best...

 

Ok, im sorry, but i figured i would ask this before it gets too late... sorry... what exactly is media? And yes, im a total noob, but i still want to do what is best...

Don't be sorry, I didn't know what media was when first researched lol. Basically, its that stuff in your filter. Your bio media is where your bb will grow, most medias can be used as bio media. Something like a filter cartridge, a sponge, some ceramic rings are all bio media.

 

Don't be sorry, I didn't know what media was when first researched lol. Basically, its that stuff in your filter. Your bio media is where your bb will grow, most medias can be used as bio media. Something like a filter cartridge, a sponge, some ceramic rings are all bio media.

Ok... so then umm... i might be missing the obvious here (probably) but um... then wouldnt i have to get a new filter cartrige for my goldfish? And isnt that bad?

 

Ok... so then umm... i might be missing the obvious here (probably) but um... then wouldnt i have to get a new filter cartrige for my goldfish? And isnt that bad?

Replacing isn't the best, thats why I suggest adding more media to the tank instead of replacing. I would add more media, let it run for maybe 2 months? This way its seeded but you won't be taking a huge amount of your bb away. When you take the media, I would stop feeding for a few days just in case.

 

Replacing isn't the best, thats why I suggest adding more media to the tank instead of replacing. I would add more media, let it run for maybe 2 months? This way its seeded but you won't be taking a huge amount of your bb away. When you take the media, I would stop feeding for a few days just in case.

What?? Ok... im sorry? Ok, here is what i understood, sorry!!! So, add a second cartidge, then let that cartrige stay in there for a while, then take the older one out and put it in the betta tank?

But in that case wouldnt it just be quicker to cycled it the regular way?

 

Not sure if you bought everything yet, but I'd save yourself the $20 and not get the quartz stones.

They won't provide any sort of hide for the betta.

Are the plastic plants soft plastic? Filing down plastic plants never has worked out well for me.

If you are in US, I'd really just got to Wal-Mart and get stuff from there in person. It'll be a lot cheaper and you can touch the plants to see if they are soft and get a little hideout as well.They have a 5.5 gallon rectangle aquarium for pretty cheap.

If you already spent the money then hopefully they work out!

I can post what I would recommend later if you haven't already bought everything.

EDIT: Saw you planned to get the heater and tank at Petsmart. It might be cheaper at Wal-mart still. For heater, definitely recommend an adjustable over a pre-set if that is an option, but a pre-set is better than none.

It would be less money and easier on you to just get a little hideout or more plants instead of the rocks and possibly having to sand them down if they are sharp.

Again, if you already bought everything, then this is all moot, and I hope that it all works out well!

Very kind and generous of you to want to help this betta out

 

Not sure if you bought everything yet, but I'd save yourself the $20 and not get the quartz stones.

They won't provide any sort of hide for the betta.

Are the plastic plants soft plastic?

If you are in US, I'd really just got to Wal-Mart and get stuff from there in person. It'll be a lot cheaper and you can touch the plants to see if they are soft and get a little hideout as well.They have a 5.5 gallon rectangle aquarium for pretty cheap.

If you already spent the money then hopefully they work out!

I can post what I would recommend later if you haven't already bought everything.

I would really like not to be doing stuff in person. My sister has RA and i would like to keep exposure to a minimum with covid-19

The plants are hard plastic, but i will file them, so they dont have any sharp edges

I want to get the rainbow stones because she really likes those colors, and i think that would really boost how much she wants to buy them

I havent bought stuff just yet. I want to get it all with the minimum amout of ordering possible, so i would really appreciate the links!!

And i can make hidey spaces with the stones

 

What?? Ok... im sorry? Ok, here is what i understood, sorry!!! So, add a second cartidge, then let that cartrige stay in there for a while, then take the older one out and put it in the betta tank?

But in that case wouldnt it just be quicker to cycled it the regular way?

Oh okay, sorry I didn't explain it very clearly. I would let the new cartridge stay for a while, and put that one into the betta tank. And I mean new media, I would keep ALL of your existing media and add more temporarily for the seeding purposes.

 

Oh okay, sorry I didn't explain it very clearly. I would let the new cartridge stay for a while, and put that one into the betta tank. And I mean new media, I would keep ALL of your existing media and add more temporarily for the seeding purposes.

Oooh ok!! I understand now, sorry!!

 

What?? Ok... im sorry? Ok, here is what i understood, sorry!!! So, add a second cartidge, then let that cartrige stay in there for a while, then take the older one out and put it in the betta tank?

But in that case wouldnt it just be quicker to cycled it the regular way?

Just to make sure, how did you cycle your goldfish tank?

Basically, your goldfish tank right (if it is indeed cycled) now went through the whole process of growing the bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates. All of this beneficial bacteria lives in your substrate, on decor items, and a great deal of it lives in your filter media. There is enough beneficial bacteria (bb) to process the waste of the amount of fish you have in your tank.

If you take out the filter media from your tank and give it for the betta tank, you are losing a good deal of your beneficial bacteria for your tank. If the tank is lightly stocked and has been established for several months or years where there is a good amount of bb in the substrate and throughout the tank, then you would be okay probably. But if your tank is heavier stocked or fairly new as well, taking the media from your tank could cause your tank to go through a mini-cycle again, because you would be taking the bb out that is needed to convert the fish waste to the less harmful nitrates.

So, the best way to do it is to add the filter that will be used for the new tank (in this case, the betta tank), so it the filter media) can collect beneficial bacteria. I'm unsure how long is recommended to leave the new filter onto the current cycled tank, maybe a week or two since your tank has goldies, and the filter is just for a single betta.

Then, when you pluck the filter off your goldy tank to put in the betta tank, you are not losing your bb, just the excess you had before.

People who have many tanks and get a lot of new fish who want to be able to set up quarantine or hospital tanks and have them instantly cycled will run an extra filter, like a sponge filter, on their main tanks, and pull it out for use on the QT or hospital tank.

Hopefully this makes sense.

 

I would really like not to be doing stuff in person. My sister has RA and i would like to keep exposure to a minimum with covid-19

The plants are hard plastic, but i will file them, so they dont have any sharp edges

I want to get the rainbow stones because she really likes those colors, and i think that would really boost how much she wants to buy them

I havent bought stuff just yet. I want to get it all with the minimum amout of ordering possible, so i would really appreciate the links!!

And i can make hidey spaces with the stones

What is your budget and I will post some links after work?

Will write more later, back to work.

 

Just to make sure, how did you cycle your goldfish tank?

Basically, your goldfish tank right (if it is indeed cycled) now went through the whole process of growing the bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates. All of this beneficial bacteria lives in your substrate, on decor items, and a great deal of it lives in your filter media. There is enough beneficial bacteria (bb) to process the waste of the amount of fish you have in your tank.

If you take out the filter media from your tank and give it for the betta tank, you are losing a good deal of your beneficial bacteria for your tank. If the tank is lightly stocked and has been established for several months or years where there is a good amount of bb in the substrate and throughout the tank, then you would be okay probably. But if your tank is heavier stocked or fairly new as well, taking the media from your tank could cause your tank to go through a mini-cycle again, because you would be taking the bb out that is needed to convert the fish waste to the less harmful nitrates.

So, the best way to do it is to add the filter that will be used for the new tank (in this case, the betta tank), so it the filter media) can collect beneficial bacteria. I'm unsure how long is recommended to leave the new filter onto the current cycled tank, maybe a week or two since your tank has goldies, and the filter is just for a single betta.

Then, when you pluck the filter off your goldy tank to put in the betta tank, you are not losing your bb, just the excess you had before.

People who have many tanks and get a lot of new fish who want to be able to set up quarantine or hospital tanks and have them instantly cycled will run an extra filter, like a sponge filter, on their main tanks, and pull it out for use on the QT or hospital tank.

Hopefully this makes sense.

Ok! Thx!
I have had my goldfish and tank for about 3.5 months i think... i did a fish in cycle, because i had no other option.

Its a 28g, and is prob about 26 gallons full, it is not planted, contains 1 goldfish.
Its been cycled for about 2 months now... i think... give of take a few weeks...

It has some rocks and a lot of plastic plants and a cave... thats it...

What is your budget and I will post some links after work?

Will write more later, back to work.

Ok, thx!! Umm... i would rather keep the entire thing below 100dollars but i am ok with streching it to 150 dollars. I cant really go much more than that, sorry.

 

Here is my new and revised amazon cart!




And here is the petsmart cart!!



Any suggestions for airstones? Any other suggestions/things im forgetting?

 

ok... erm so, ok, umm... is anyone still around?

so, i plan on getting the 5g, but a lot of the ratings said the filter it came with was too strong. anything i can do to slow it down without having to buy a new 1, but remaining safe?

 

Thank you everyone, @FishGirl115, @flyinGourami, @TW2AQUATICS, @00MagicKarp00, @Kieren Munson-Burke, @idkausernamesoyeah, @julifhy, @Bloodfeather, @nobettasinbowls, I want to say thank you to all of you for helping me out so much. I'm sorry that this is taking a sad turn, but I am afraid to say, her betta died. I had just called her this morning, and she informed me of it. I personally wish that I had not been scared, and just gone out and helped her betta, instead of waiting till coronavirus is over. I am very sorry to tell you all this, and I just wanted to say thank you all.

 

I’m so sorry to hear that . At least her betta is swimming in peace now. Your friend and her betta are really lucky to have you.
If your friend is planning on getting another betta, at least you can now tell her how to make a proper set up for it, if she’s planning on getting one.

 

I’m so sorry to hear that . At least her betta is swimming in peace now. Your friend and her betta are really lucky to have you.
If your friend is planning on getting another betta, at least you can now tell her how to make a proper set up for it, if she’s planning on getting one.

Im afraid to say... yes. She is planning on getting yet another betta. That betta was actually her 3rd betta. I wish that she would see, recognise and fix the problem, but apparently her solution is just to go out and buy another fish. I actually talked to her a bit, and it seems that she might be actually interested in helping her betta. A large problem is that i had called her mom, and she said no to buying a tank (she lives at her mom's place) and now i think i got the bigger tank thing stuck in her head. However, if what happens is that she gets a bigger tank for her betta and her mom hates me, then so be it. I also talked to my sister, and i was kinda upset, and she also seemed prone to helping, so i think that this may all work out in the end. I made a doc with reasons/arguments for larger tanks, and i also shared with her what i had found. Personally though, i dont think that she should get another fish just yet. I personally think that she should first take the time to help her parakeets, and then, and only then, when her parakeets are in a good space, should she get a fish.

 

Im afraid to say... yes. She is planning on getting yet another betta. That betta was actually her 3rd betta. I wish that she would see, recognise and fix the problem, but apparently her solution is just to go out and buy another fish. I actually talked to her a bit, and it seems that she might be actually interested in helping her betta. A large problem is that i had called her mom, and she said no to buying a tank (she lives at her mom's place) and now i think i got the bigger tank thing stuck in her head. However, if what happens is that she gets a bigger tank for her betta and her mom hates me, then so be it. I also talked to my sister, and i was kinda upset, and she also seemed prone to helping, so i think that this may all work out in the end. I made a doc with reasons/arguments for larger tanks, and i also shared with her what i had found. Personally though, i dont think that she should get another fish just yet. I personally think that she should first take the time to help her parakeets, and then, and only then, when her parakeets are in a good space, should she get a fish.

I agree. She should definitely help her parakeets first, do proper research, convince her mom, set up a tank, and then get another fish. Were you going to get her a 5 gallon tank? They’re honestly not that big. Idk why her mom would be against it.

 

I agree. She should definitely help her parakeets first, do proper research, convince her mom, set up a tank, and then get another fish. Were you going to get her a 5 gallon tank? They’re honestly not that big. Idk why her mom would be against it.

I actually think something was going on when i called... her mom is usually very in the moment, and just as an example the way they got their parakeets was by a friend literally leaving them on their doorstep. Right now, they are keeping the tank on a thin coumtertop, probably not even a foot and a half in width. Personally though, i think that the 5g would still fit. It was probably something going on...

 

I actually think something was going on when i called... her mom is usually very in the moment, and just as an example the way they got their parakeets was by a friend literally leaving them on their doorstep. Right now, they are keeping the tank on a thin coumtertop, probably not even a foot and a half in width. Personally though, i think that the 5g would still fit. It was probably something going on...

Oh okay I see. If her mom doesn’t really want the tank, can’t she maybe put it in her room? (When you say countertop, I’m assuming it’s not?) I know my parents probably wouldn’t want a fish tank anywhere besides my room lol. Although they would probably get used to it and like it after a while.

 

Oh okay I see. If her mom doesn’t really want the tank, can’t she maybe put it in her room? (When you say countertop, I’m assuming it’s not?) I know my parents probably wouldn’t want a fish tank anywhere besides my room lol. Although they would probably get used to it and like it after a while.

sorry i got to this so late. for some reason FL wouldnt load... and the tank actually fits on the countertop. she shares a room with her little brother, so that would need an ok from him... and since they are in a mortal combat against each other... well... you can predict that...

 

sorry i got to this so late. for some reason FL wouldnt load... and the tank actually fits on the countertop. she shares a room with her little brother, so that would need an ok from him... and since they are in a mortal combat against each other... well... you can predict that...

I mean if she keeps the tank on “her side” of the room, would it be okay? Idk lol. I don’t really know their situation, but your friend should definitely get a bigger, properly cycled tank before getting another fish. I guess that’s all I can really say.

 

I mean if she keeps the tank on “her side” of the room, would it be okay? Idk lol. I don’t really know their situation, but your friend should definitely get a bigger, properly cycled tank before getting another fish. I guess that’s all I can really say.

Yeah, sorry, and thank you for all of the help!!! There isnt really any kind of "split" thinf going on in thier room, so im not sure... however, i promise that i will do everything in my power to make her next fishie have a bigger tank. Speaking of, are there any fish that can fit in a 1.5g? If u fill it up to the top, then its 2.2g. That may be another way to do it...

 

Yeah, sorry, and thank you for all of the help!!! There isnt really any kind of "split" thinf going on in thier room, so im not sure... however, i promise that i will do everything in my power to make her next fishie have a bigger tank. Speaking of, are there any fish that can fit in a 1.5g? If u fill it up to the top, then its 2.2g. That may be another way to do it...

I think only a shrimp or snail would fit in that small tank lol

 

I think only a shrimp or snail would fit in that small tank lol

Lol oof. Im just gonna keep pestering her, provide her with a ton of links and arguments... idk what else i can do... i can pay for everything! That isnt too problematic, and then she doesnt have to worry about money, but i mean, i dont really know what to do other than pester her and try to explain to her how come they need that big of a tank. I guess i could try to talk to her mom some more, but im not really good with people, and i dont really talk well around anyone but like 3 people (thank god for the internet lol) and i would probably wind up saying that i agree with her mom that her betta can live in that small of a tank, when i really dont. So... yeah, i really want to try to avoid that...

 

Lol oof. Im just gonna keep pestering her, provide her with a ton of links and arguments... idk what else i can do... i can pay for everything! That isnt too problematic, and then she doesnt have to worry about money, but i mean, i dont really know what to do other than pester her and try to explain to her how come they need that big of a tank. I guess i could try to talk to her mom some more, but im not really good with people, and i dont really talk well around anyone but like 3 people (thank god for the internet lol) and i would probably wind up saying that i agree with her mom that her betta can live in that small of a tank, when i really dont. So... yeah, i really want to try to avoid that...

What I would do is act unsatisfied and keep repeating that it’s a really small tank, imagine if you were stuck in a space so small, etc. and just sort of hopefully guilt trip them lol. One thing you definitely have to give them is facts and hopefully they’ll agree. If you do find yourself agreeing (I tend to do that too lol) then just go back to the argument of the tank being way too small and explain why that’s bad. You can also mention that keeping a bigger tank is cheaper, since her fish keep dying in the small tank and if she kept it in a bigger tank with proper water conditions, she wouldn’t have to keep buying fish. Lastly, you could mention it would look more aesthetically pleasing. Do they like plants? If they do, then you can tell them there are plants that grow underwater lol.
Sorry if this doesn’t make sense. I just blurted our all my thoughts about how I would try convincing them lol.

 

What I would do is act unsatisfied and keep repeating that it’s a really small tank, imagine if you were stuck in a space so small, etc. and just sort of hopefully guilt trip them lol. One thing you definitely have to give them is facts and hopefully they’ll agree. If you do find yourself agreeing (I tend to do that too lol) then just go back to the argument of the tank being way too small and explain why that’s bad. You can also mention that keeping a bigger tank is cheaper, since her fish keep dying in the small tank and if she kept it in a bigger tank with proper water conditions, she wouldn’t have to keep buying fish. Lastly, you could mention it would look more aesthetically pleasing. Do they like plants? If they do, then you can tell them there are plants that grow underwater lol.
Sorry if this doesn’t make sense. I just blurted our all my thoughts about how I would try convincing them lol.

Nooo that makes total sense!!!! And guilt trip is a good idea lol, i know its not exactly kiind, but i ccan worry about being kind when she has either no ontentions of getting another fish, or when shes keeping her betta in a 5g. My problem is that i get all red in the face, my voice gets high, and ive no clue what im saying for like 30 minutes, and then later that night it all comes back to me, and its always me agreeing with what the other oerson is saying. However, email could work... aesthetics are a really good point!!! I might also be able to make it clearer to her mom that i will be the 1 paying... also good point abt the big tank being cheaper!!!!! So far what i have done is 1. Made a google doc with links for everything needed for a hapoy betta (tank plants food etc) and a lot of arguments of why to have a larger tank for a betta... though ive kinda run dry on arguments, do u have any? Thanks so much!!!

 

It happens to me all the time too. I sometimes start talking on and on and on and I didn’t even know what I am actually talking about lol. When that happens I sort of try to slow my brain down by taking deep breaths and talking slower. If I find myself agreeing with the person even if I actually don’t, I listen to them until their done talking and bring up what I actually think again. Idk I hope that helps. Talking slowly is what helps me most though. Also, if you don’t like eye contact (I don’t lol), just stare between their eyebrows/forehead lol (that works for me at least).
These are the arguments I would make:
1. Aesthetically pleasing - Does she really want a small tank full of water with random plastic plants? Or does she want a pretty underwater garden? In a bigger tank you would be able to see the fish more clearly.
2. Easier and cheaper to maintain -
Small tanks = more water changes
Small tanks are also recommended for experts because it’s hard to keep a fish a live in a small tank, since water quality is hard to maintain properly. Bigger tanks with good water quality are also sort of a one time payment. When you put the fish in the properly cycled tank, all you have to do is keep up with water changes (it’s just once a week) and feed the fish. In small tanks it’s easy for something to go wrong and if something goes wrong your fish will most likely get sick so you will have to get medicine which can be pricey. If the fish dies, you once again have to get another fish which also cost money.
3. Fish can get depressed - Some people might laugh at this, but a depressed fish won’t swim much and it might have clamped fish. Why would you want that?
Found a cool article on fish depression. | 452153 | General Discussion
4. I swear I had more arguments, but I stopped typing and I forgot them I’ll get back to you when I remember them lol.

 

It happens to me all the time too. I sometimes start talking on and on and on and I didn’t even know what I am actually talking about lol. When that happens I sort of try to slow my brain down by taking deep breaths and talking slower. If I find myself agreeing with the person even if I actually don’t, I listen to them until their done talking and bring up what I actually think again. Idk I hope that helps. Talking slowly is what helps me most though. Also, if you don’t like eye contact (I don’t lol), just stare between their eyebrows/forehead lol (that works for me at least).
These are the arguments I would make:
1. Aesthetically pleasing - Does she really want a small tank full of water with random plastic plants? Or does she want a pretty underwater garden? In a bigger tank you would be able to see the fish more clearly.
2. Easier and cheaper to maintain -
Small tanks = more water changes
Small tanks are also recommended for experts because it’s hard to keep a fish a live in a small tank, since water quality is hard to maintain properly. Bigger tanks with good water quality are also sort of a one time payment. When you put the fish in the properly cycled tank, all you have to do is keep up with water changes (it’s just once a week) and feed the fish. In small tanks it’s easy for something to go wrong and if something goes wrong your fish will most likely get sick so you will have to get medicine which can be pricey. If the fish dies, you once again have to get another fish which also cost money.
3. Fish can get depressed - Some people might laugh at this, but a depressed fish won’t swim much and it might have clamped fish. Why would you want that?
Found a cool article on fish depression. | 452153 | General Discussion
4. I swear I had more arguments, but I stopped typing and I forgot them I’ll get back to you when I remember them lol.

Im so sorry! i somehow completely missed this!!!
Thank you for all of this, its so helpful!!! I added all 3 of them to the doc, and kinda went rant-ish on my friend last night . i also added some info on how stress is bad for your fish!

 

It's fine! And np! Stress is also a good point. Small tank = stress = sick fish = having to spend money on fish medication (or a new fish ). I usually find that it's easier convincing people about them saving money than trying to convince them about what's actually good for the animal

 

It's fine! And np! Stress is also a good point. Small tank = stress = sick fish = having to spend money on fish medication (or a new fish ). I usually find that it's easier convincing people about them saving money than trying to convince them about what's actually good for the animal

IKR!! it drives me up the wall. Shouldnt "it will make your fish happy and prevent it from stress which induces diseases possibly leading to death" be a better excuse than "it will save you 40 dollars on medecine"????!!!!! *i picked a random price.

 

IKR!! it drives me up the wall. Shouldnt "it will make your fish happy and prevent it from stress which induces diseases possibly leading to death" be a better excuse than "it will save you 40 dollars on medecine"????!!!!! *i picked a random price.

It should be, but I guess people have different priorities . I also honestly don't get why people want a pet, but refuse to take proper care to make it happy .

 

It should be, but I guess people have different priorities . I also honestly don't get why people want a pet, but refuse to take proper care to make it happy .

Thank you!! I wish there were laws about that. Sure, sure, for large and fancy animals like horses there are, but for instance those little birds in the pet stores, nope. And fish? No way. i mean, i just wish that people would take care of them.

 

Thank you!! I wish there were laws about that. Sure, sure, for large and fancy animals like horses there are, but for instance those little birds in the pet stores, nope. And fish? No way. i mean, i just wish that people would take care of them.

It should definitely be a little more stricter or at least have a law for proper equipment to be sold (and not have companies advertising small bowls for bettas or tiny cages for rodents, etc. :mad. Also pet stores should educate their employees people with the right information, so they can spread that information to the customers. I was at a pet store once and the lady working there didn't even know how to handle a hamster?? They also shouldn't sell animals to people they know won't take care of them .