Betta fish help? about gravel and stuff?

[undercoverbabe911]

well i've done some research and figured out the betas just cant be put to together but i can live with that i wouldn't want someone killing me for no apparent reason. so i'm going to buy a divider to separate my 10 gallon tank into Two 5 gallon tanks one for a male and one for a female. i don't think i need a filter system because what i've read it bothers the fish? and a heating system? i don't know if i should get one of those for my beta's . so my final question is should i get live sand or gravel ? which one is easier to clean? i want one that is easy and won't harm my beta's. oh sorry one last question do i need an air pump or no? i really don't know none of this so i want you guys to help me out . Best answer will get points :]
What do you mean by cycling a tank i dont know what that is?

 

[Athena]

Instead of buying a divider, you can always make one. If you go to Wal-mart, they sell plastic craft canvases, 6 in a pack and only cost less than $2. You cut the canvas to fit your tank and just edge it between gravel and rocks and place some tap on the top of the canvas to hold it steady (make sure the tape is above the water line though.)

It is better to get a filtration system, but I don't use one in my 10 gallon as I am comfortable with frequent water changes. I don't plan on keeping my tank this way forever though. I will have a filtration system soon enough.

Heaters is a must for all bettas. I have a 100 watt submersible heater in my 10 gallon and I recommend you get one as well. Your betta will definitely be thanking you for it (with wiggle dances)

I've never used live sand for bettas, and I don't think it's really a necessity. Gravel is just as great. remember to cycle your tank first before placing your bettas in. Cycling your tank will help you get the bacteria you need. Gravel is easiest to clean.

Air pump is not a necessity either as it create water turbulence, which bettas don't like. Unless you have a filter, you wouldn't need an air pump.

 

[nono0606]

If you get a divider do NOT get a transparent one they will try to attack each other and hurt themselves. Get a filter appropriate for a 10 gallon tank but not a heater. finally i would recommend getting NATURAL not coloured gravel because the coloured ones can cause problems in the future. Before putting gravel in tank make sure you clean it thoroughly first like anything els you put in a tank.

 

[Sarah]

Beta fish can be put together, but only females. Males and females cannot be put together except when breeding, but amateur Beta breeders do not get amazing results. Males cannot be put together, you're right.

I don't know what you've been reading, but it bothers the fish more if you do NOT get a filter! Your fish will not thrive very well in a tank that is not filtered, because they need a cycled tank in order to thrive, and you cannot do this without cycling the filter as well. You need a heater since Beta's are tropical fish and will thrive in heat, otherwise your fish will undoubtedly be cold and less active.

If you are new to live sand, then I suggest you don't attempt it just yet, and just get gravel since gravel is easiest to clean with a siphon/vacuum. Also, the fine sand may hurt the Beta's fragile fins.

You need an air pump in order to get the most out of your Beta's lifespan which can be 8-10 years if cared for properly. An air pump allows for proper circulation of oxygen within the tank that is being provided by live plants.

Good luck!

~In order for your tank to be suitable for your fish, you need to cycle it. Cycling a tank isn’t that hard, but it does involve patience. Set up your tank in the area of preference, fill it with treated tap water (you can buy water condition in any pet store) and plug the filter and heater (if needed) in. Do not unplug them for five days, since this is the minimal amount of time it takes for a tank to fully cycle.
You should purchase specific bottles which can be sold in most pet stores that are made for testing the ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH. During the cycling process, you should be testing your water daily. You will also see your tank cloud up and slowly become clear again, this will repeat for a little while until your tank becomes stable. When you see your tank water become slightly milky, do not change the water unless you absolutely need to, (like if there is a sudden ammonia rise) or else the bacteria levels in your tank will become unstable. The murkiness of the water is just all the levels of bacteria trying to populate, and settle down.
After you have cycled your tank, you should perform weekly water changes, and replace 25% of the water. In order to do this properly, you should purchase a gravel siphon/vacuum, which is a tool that will help you get your tank as clean as possible and get rid of all the unnecessary waste.

 

[reignofcheese]

A heater is a good idea and a 10 gallon is plenty big enough for one - it will not only keep the water at proper temperature of mid 70's, but will also ensure it is stable. Any small heater will do.

A filter never hurts, but since betta's do need calm water, you will certainly want one that is driven by an air pump, and not a power filter - the bettta will have NO PROBLEM with calm water movement. A sponge filter works wonderfully for such a cheap and simple alternative. Some water movement, even very calm, is beneficial to any tank, even a betta tank.

Make sure the divider breathes - that is, has small holes in it to allow water to pass through.

Oh, and I prefer sand because it keeps the tank cleaner. I can easily sift waste off the top of the sand and it doesn't sink in to disappear and rot. For my betta I bought a small bag of hermit crab sand and it works wonderfully. Not to mention sand looks ten times more natural than gravel. But in the end both sand and gravel will work.

Cycling is the creation of bacteria in the filter or gravel to deal with toxins created by the fish - ammonia. . Cycling is something that will just happen in your case, without you ever knowing it, and with just two bettas in that tank, it's not something you need to worry about. For more info, google "aquarium cycle".

 

[foxc1]

I kept a female betta in a small 2 gallon tank with no heater or filter and gravel for the bottom. She was so easy to take care of, i had her for about 4 years and when I got ready to clean the tank, I'd simply get some water in a cup from the tank and catch her and put her in it and pour my gravel into my sink, clean it really good and put it back in my tank and then my treated water and my fish. I'd think gravel was easier than sand.