Hello again.

Well, I cleaned out the betta tank today, replaced the rocks with new ones, cleaned the teracotta pot and plants and the tank itself, and added the airstone/undergravel filter setup that came with the 2 gallon hex tank. I added fresh water (bottled) that I premixed with Stress Zyme (I set aside the rest of the water for use in water changes). The tank is now back in my room on my dresser, airstone bubbling away. I hope to leave the tank this way till Monday before adding the betta, if I can find one I like this week.

Have I missed anything?? I really want to have everything go right this time.

..You Just Want To Make Sure Your Ph Is Right And Your Temp..But Really I See Nothing Missing

Hum. I am wondering if the airstone is a good idea with bettas. Bettas like very still water and the airstone would cause a fair amount of turbulence in a small tank.

Also, a small tank (under 5 gallons) usually does not cycle completely, so you will have to do full water changes anyway.

I hate to say this because I know those little tanks look so pretty with the airstone bubbling (I have one with a betta), but maybe you would be better to put something else in it, or not use the airstone.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

I think betta tanks look best with those fabric plants that match the color of the betta in there. I have a purple and red plant with marley and he really likes them. Also a background can make tons of difference. I guess If you just fill the tank up with a few different length plants the betta would probably like swimming around them. Marley likes to rest his fins on the higher plant when he is floating near the top, It must be annoying having such big fins on a small body...

I didn't have it in there the first time around with King. But when I was at the pet store in the mall, they had their pet betta in a 2.5 gallon tank, and it had and airstone going, and that betta's been there for 4 months now (I think, maybe longer). So I thought, if this place can do that, I'll try. If it seems to be causing a problem, I'll take it out. The airsone is down a pipe and at the bottom of the tank, but the hose comes out the top, so it's easy enough to grab. Plus, if I take it out, I can have a pluggin for my hairdryer again (gave it up for the fish!).

Sidenote: I love this pet store! The owners have their own fish, so they accutally know what they're doing. They also have many other pets in the store - an iguana, morning doves, and they always bring their huskies in, plus the betta.

I wish I could find a pet store that actually cares about pets! The best pet store in my area has hardley any pets and the ones thatdo have a lot of pets treat them horribly. :angry:

Just keep an eye on him and see how he reacts to the bubbles. Some bettas like airstones, and some don't. They are funny little fish

BTW, you could buy one of those blocks that give you extra outlets. The airstone isn't take much wattage, so you could then still plug in your hairdryer

I have one pluggin in my room, in which I have out one of those 6 outlet adapters. One of those outlets is a 3 outlet extension cord that runs under my bed and over to my goldfish tank. Can't add anymore!! it's ok though, I can blowdry in the bathroom.

I bought my new betta today!! He's very pretty, two toned blue (mostly dark body which tappers of to a light blue, and his fins are light blue too). He's currently cruising the tank, lights and airstone off for now so he can get used to the place. My pet store had 23 male bettas and 2 females today. The males each had there own betta bowls, and the females were in with the guppies (there's usually are, sometimes, when the girls are small, they are hard to tell apart!), so I had lots of choice.

I'll take pictures once he's settled.

Congratulations on your new boy! He sounds beautiful Can't wait to see pictures.

Yup, I think your plug is all used up

Gosh, do you live in Ontario at all, and if so, is this store in the Durham Region??

I'm looking for a new pet store since my favorite one closed down a few months ago.

Nope, sorry, I live in Southern Manitoba!

Well, Benson is happy in his new home, as far as I can tell. He eats everything I give him (big change from King!), especially the freeze dried blood worms. Only a few of everything though, don't want a fat fishie! He seems more upset with the light than with the airstone - as soon as the light go on, he flares. But then again, the airstone seems to be the only thing that he doesn't flare at! He speeds across the tank flaring at me when I peak in, then stops just short of the glass and stops flaring. It almost like he's trying to scare me, then asking if he did! Strange little guy!

Having trouble getting a pic, maybe during the next water change I can move him into better light. He's turning out black in every one of the pics I've taken so far with my digi. At least he poses - the goldies won't stay still!

I am glad to hear that Benson is doing so well! I think you got a healthy betta this time. You know, I think that King probably had an internal bacterial infection brewing when you got him