Betta Shopping List :)

So this is my list of things I need for my betta fish. PLEASE let me know if I am forgetting anything. Also, I can post links of what the exact item is.

-10 gallon tank from walmart
-15 watt nano heater-IDK if this is enough...
-sponge filter
-air pump
-prime
-java fern/moss and moss balls
-betta cave from petsmart (will sand)
-river rocks
-aqueon betta pellets

IK I am forgetting something. Please tell me what lol

 

15 watts heater isn't enough for a 10 gallon. I would go for at least 30 watts. I would also get those air tubes to connect the pump to the sponge filter. I would also get some frozen bloodworms, fish love them.

Remember when you get rocks from outside, do a vinegar test. If it fizzes when a drop of vinegar is dropped on it, it can change your pH, GH, and/or KH. If it doesn't fizz then it won't change the parameters. Then boil the rocks, bleach it, or let it soak in a bucket with boiled water to kill off the germs.

 

If you are not getting the setup but just the tank, you are going to need some type of hood or lid. Bettas can be jumpers and it's awful finding them stranded or dead after their little adventures.

 

LOL ok, will change the heater, and a mesh lid, maybe?

 

Mesh would work, just gotta keep them from going on adventures.

 

a betta hammock that little leaf with the suction cup...

 

One of my suggestions for the heater: don't get 78 degree preset on. Not only can you not adjust it if you come to find it's not heating to the right temp, but if for some reason (certain illnesses) you need to raise the temp, you'll be unable yo do so.

If you like live plants and don't was to get the previously mentioned betta hammock, you could get a smallish anubias on a piece of driftwood.

 

What substrate are you planning on using?

 

I would honestly get a 50 watt heater. I'd also get some Ghost Shrimp to help clean up his leftovers. They have very low bioload, and neither of my bettas ever seem to notice them.

 

yeah, to elaborate on the betta hammock: its just nice to add something that your betta can rest on near the top of the tank (since they're air breathers). I got a betta hammock for my betta and he NEVER used it. butthead. He did, however use a real plant that was also near the top. something to keep in mind.

 

My small anubias on driftwood has already grown a lot in about 10 days.

 

In addition to what others have said-

-A Nerite snail or two to clean up. (I guess you can go with a shrimp, but Nerites are great glass cleaners, go over them like a lawnmower. They also don't reproduce in fresh water, and Betta's usually leave them alone. I've only cleaned my two month old tank's glass two or three times, and, knocking on wood, it's never gotten bad.)

-Seachem Stability to start the cycle- and it's so much easier to start it fishless unless you're prepared to do a lot of water changes.

-Silk or real plants to hide behind (avoid plastic as they can tear Bettas' delicate fins.)

 

-10 gallon tank from walmart
-15 watt nano heater-IDK if this is enough...
-sponge filter
-air pump
-prime
-java fern/moss and moss balls
-betta cave from petsmart (will sand)
-river rocks
-aqueon betta pellets
IK I am forgetting something. Please tell me what lol

- Are the river rocks for your substrate? Those are likely too large and will make cleaning a pain
- I would upgrade the heater to an adjustable one (prev suggested)
- Omega One pellets are my personal choice (and remember to only feed approx the size of his eye) like 2-4 pellets depending on pellet/fish size, most feed is safest if pre-soaked prior to feeding
- and ! Invaluable for tank maintenance and easy/safe water changes
- (Prime is best), others will work (walmart) Jungle pond start or Jungle Start Right, I've used both
- Pure ammonia source to start the cycle in your tank BEFORE you bring your Betta buddy home! (someone has found small bottles at dollar store! if you have those)
- 1 gal stertilite tote to use as a "hospital" tank
- API Freshwater Tests (kit is easiest) liquid not strips

 

My small anubias on driftwood has already grown a lot in about 10 days.

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what kind of lighting are you using? I feel like my plants aren't growing at all

 

As fishtankwatcher said- definitely a gravel vac.

 

what kind of lighting are you using? I feel like my plants aren't growing at all

I bought a Finnex planted+ for the color options and timer. (Which I probably could have gotten much cheaper in another brand, but this one works, so whatever!)

 

Thermometer
Bucket
Fish Net

 

Is this a good heater?

 

Is this a good heater?

Based on the reviews, it's iffy

 

What is a good heater for a 10 gallon, then?

 

I use aqueon 50 watt adjustable heaters in all my tanks 10 gallon or smaller.

 

What is a good heater for a 10 gallon, then?

I use the Aqueon 50 watt Submersible heater in my 10 gallon. I use the 100 watt in my 20 long. They do have the adjustable feature. Only other heater I've used is a starter one in a 10 gallon kit. It didn't last long.

EDIT: Ah. AngelTheGypsy beat me to it. Lol. Great mind think alike....at the same time.

 

Thanks! One more thing, lol. Can I keep cories (pygmy, of course) with my betta?

Oh and my final list of items I am getting, is here:
XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon
walmart standard 10 gallon tank
prime
java fern/moss and moss balls
tetra whisper air pump
airline tubing
cave
river rocks
aqueon 50 watt heater
omega one betta buffet pellets
substrate - sand
the betta itself

 

Thanks! One more thing, lol. Can I keep cories (pygmy, of course) with my betta?

Oh and my final list of items I am getting, is here:
XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon
walmart standard 10 gallon tank
prime
java fern/moss and moss balls
tetra whisper air pump
airline tubing
cave
river rocks
aqueon 50 watt heater
omega one betta buffet pellets
substrate - sand
the betta itself

Don't forget something near the surface for him to rest on and breathe more easily. Be it a live plant or a plastic hammock, like someone mentioned earlier.

 

Only thing I would add is two heaters... backup heater is important if the first one fails (happens occasionally)

 

Thanks! One more thing, lol. Can I keep cories (pygmy, of course) with my betta?

Oh and my final list of items I am getting, is here:
XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon
walmart standard 10 gallon tank
prime
java fern/moss and moss balls
tetra whisper air pump
airline tubing
cave
river rocks
aqueon 50 watt heater
omega one betta buffet pellets
substrate - sand
the betta itself

No pygmies. Those would need cooler water than the betta and a minimum of 20 gallons. It is also very risky to keep any other fish with a betta in a 10 gallon.

 

What is a good heater for a 10 gallon, then?

I use a 25 watt Hydor heater. I bought it back when I had a smaller tank, but it works for my 10 gal. you may want to go ahead and get a 50 watt since your starting with a 10 gal. (btw its way cheaper on amazon than in store)

 

Sorry for double posting

 

A great tank mate would be amano shrimp or really any shrimp but amanos seem to be the best, they are big enough they don't get eaten as easily. They have a low bioload and are great scavengers.