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I just upgraded Darwin's habitat from a 1 gallon bowl to a 2.5 gallon tank, and I'm looking to find out the new specifics about how it should be treated... How do I clean the tank, what sort of water-changes should I be doing, how do I work this siphon thing, what kind of tank-mates can I consider, is sunlight still a problem, etc... basically, anything you can tell me about working with a tank is appreciated.

EDIT: Yes, this is for a Betta Splend. If it belongs in a different forum, I'm happy to move it.

Last edited by BettaVu at 26-Jul-2005 17:55

I'd still go with larger water changes on a tank that size, and still do them frequently. Weekly for sure if not more often.

The siphon is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
Place the large plastic piece into the tank, it'll fill with water. Then with your finger poised over the end of the hose raise up the tube till the water starts to flow down the hose, but before it compleatly drains frome the plastic tube. Once it's started to run down cover the end of the hose with your finger and place the plastic tube back into the tank. once you position the hose over your water change bucket and remove your finger gravity will take care of the rest.

[link=Here is a good thread]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Getting%20Started/61456.html" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] where we discuss proper gravel vac tech.

Sunlight will pretty much always be a problem. You can combat it by adding some easy low light plants like hornwort and by keeping up on water changes so the nutrients dont build up as much. Keep in mind it will also cause temp changes (the sun not the plants ) so you'll want to make sure you've got a heater in the tank.
Tankmates will depend on the betta. Snails, or some shrimp are likely your best bet @this point as the tank really is too small for much else.

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I wouldn't worry about tank mates. The tank isn't that large. Shrimp will likely end up as a midnight snack. Snails if you want em. I would put a small java fern or java moss, for the bettas relaxation.

Don't add any tankmates, maybe an Apple Snail & some plants.



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I couldn't get the hang of the siphon for ages and could never get proper technique described by Babelfish. I go for the put the siphon in the water, bucket at the ready, quick suck on the hose end and move the hose to the bucket asap and away you go!

I’d get some plants and a rock for Darwin and look out in the LFS for a free standing ultra violet light. I saw a really good one at my LFS and it was AUS$40. Not only is it good for plants but it will help a little to keep water temperate warmer in winter. I’d go for a 50-75% water change every week. If you have a square shaped tank, invest in a small magnet cleaner to remove any algae from the tank.

Hope that’s useful.

My betta likes trys to attack and eat snails, so be careful.

I currently have Java moss in the tank... they're doing alright, but Algae has taken over. What's this about a Magnet cleaner?

http://shop.petsmart.com/product/2534374302023693/2534374302030062/845524441781397.htm

It's one of these. Very handy for cleaning your tank.

Oh... is there something wrong with sticking my hands in?

No I don't think so - as long as your hands are clean and free of detergents. Magnets are just really easy. Maybe I'm just a bit lazy!