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The Ultimate Betta
Shopping List

Everything you need for a betta tank, all in one place.
 Quick Links:
      ○Tank
      ○Filter
      ○Heater
      ○Substrate
      ○Decor
      ○Water Care
      ○Misc.
      ○Food
I recommend shopping around and watching for sales. The prices for certain products may be cheaper in store than online, and vice versa. If money is not a concern, I highly recommend supporting local, privately owned fish stores or pet shops.
Don't forget to check Craigslist or local yard sales!

Buy these supplies before purchasing a fish!
 

○Tank

I recommend a 5 gallons for a single adult betta's home tank. There is controversy over this, as some say 2.5 gallons is enough. I find that these fish patrol their territory and often rest in decorations or on plants. I believe 2.5g is not enough space for a well decorated environment. If you are a breeder, and able to maintain many small containers with quality, heated water, then this is a slightly different case.
In any case, if you plan to add more fish, go for at least 10 gallons.

Glass or acrylic?

This is up to personal preference. Both are adequate.
Acrylic will scratch easily, but it is lighter and can be
more suitable for desktops or nightstands.

Kit or bare tank?

Kits come with filters and a hood light, as well as some other miscellaneous supplies. This is useful if this is your first aquarium. They can be overpriced compared to setting up a tank from scratch, and often
limit what type of filter you can use in the future. Check out a more detailed breakdown here: Budget Shopping List
*Aqua Culture is Walmart's fish care brand. Their products are usually very affordable, however, I have had one tank spontaneously leak, so I do not recommend these tanks or kits.
*Kits do not always come with the same items. (Ex. Some may come with heaters, others will not.)
*Keep in mind that betta fish prefer to swim horizontally, so a tall tank is less desirable then a long one.

5 Gallon

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Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium Starter Kit
Amazon: $51.68
Petco: $43.79

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Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Amazon: $66.99
Target: $66.99

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Empty Glass Tank
I recommend purchasing an Aqueon brand tank for around $10-$15 in a store. They are overpriced online.

10 Gallon

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Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit
Amazon: $44.99
Petco: $68.99

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Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Amazon: $79.99
Target: $79.99

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Empty Glass Tank
I recommend purchasing an Aqueon brand tank for $10 in a store, during a dollar per gallon sale. They are overpriced online.

20 Gallon

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Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit
Amazon: $100.28

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Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Amazon: $96.99
Target: $99.99
Chewy: $96.99

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Marineland (Aquaria) Aquarium Kit
Amazon: Price Unavailable
Foster & Smith: $97.99

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Tetra Complete Aquarium Kit
Amazon: $99.99
Walmart: $99.99

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Empty Glass Tank
I recommend purchasing an Aqueon brand tank for $20 in a store, during a dollar per gallon sale. They are overpriced online. They come in long or tall varieties.

Anything over 20 gallons is usually best not purchased as a kit.

I recommend buying an empty glass tank, as well as a dedicated stand, if you want to go over 20 gallons.
20 gallons is a great tank size to start out with if you are new to the hobby, because it allows more room for error.


Designer Tanks

These are tank kits which come in random sizes and unique shapes.
They are more expensive then regular tanks and you cannot remove the filter.

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Fluval 6 Gallon Edge
Amazon: $135.71
Petco: $129.99

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Imagitarium Frameless 6.8 Gallon
Amazon: $62.99
Petco: $62.99

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BiOrb by Oase Classic 8 Gallon Aquarium
Amazon: $99.00
Walmart: $99.00

 

○Filter

A common misconception about filters is that they are meant to keep the tank clean. This is not entirely true. While mechanical filters can suction up floating debris, most debris falls into the substrate and decays. The filter is meant to siphon up water and run it through media with beneficial bacteria, returning cleaner water to the tank. This is called biological filtration and is part of the nitrogen cycle.

What is the nitrogen cycle?

  • The nitrogen cycle starts with ammonia (hydrogen nitride) which comes from fish waste, decaying food, and decaying plant matter. Ammonia in large amounts is toxic.
  • Beneficial bacteria converts ammonia to nitrites. Nitrite is toxic.
  • Beneficial bacteria converts the nitrites into nitrates. Nitrates are less toxic to fish, and plants even use them for food.
  • You must remove excess nitrates from the tank by doing regular water changes.
The nitrogen cycle starts as soon as you introduce a form of ammonia. However, it takes weeks or even months for the beneficial bacteria to cultivate in the substrate and filter media. More information can be found on this page: Setting up a Betta Tank.
*If you google nitrogen cycle you will find diagrams that visually explain it.
*Kits and some designer tanks come with filters. If you are purchasing these, you do not need an additional filter.

How often should I change the filter media?

Often the various brands recommend anywhere from 2-3 weeks to 4-6 weeks. This is false. You really only need to replace the filter media when it starts to fall apart. The sponges, fabrics, and little porous pebbles used in media cartridges are prime homes for the various beneficial bacteria needed to keep the tank healthy. Simply rinse the filter media in the water removed during water changes, and put it back in its place. If it starts to smell, or is home to unpleasant bacteria or mold, it should be replaced.

Activated Carbon??

Activated carbon is found in some filter media. It is not a necessity for a healthy cycle. It does help to clear discolored water (by removing tannins) and remove odors, but it must be replaced every 3-4 weeks because the carbon looses its effectiveness. It works by attracting certain chemicals to its surface area; this is chemical filtration. Remove the carbon pack when medicating fish in tanks: the activated carbon will remove many medications (chemicals) from the water.

Sponge Filters

I recommend using sponge filters for betta fish and fry.
Since bettas have a relatively low bio-load (they don't produce much waste,)
and you can adjust the strength; this type of filter is perfect!

You will need to purchase an air pump if you decide to buy a sponge filter.
You may also need airline tubing, though some sponge filters or air pumps come with accessories. Check valves prevent water from running up the tube in case of a power outage/shortage.

Purchase a smaller sponge filter for a smaller tank, and a larger one for a larger tank. Tanks over 50 gallons may need 2 sponge filters.
The goal is to have as much surface area for beneficial bacteria as possible, without being too powerful.

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Basic Sponge Filter
Amazon (Mini): $2.15
Amazon (Regular): $6.84

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Air Pump
Amazon (Tetra Whisper): $6.99 - $19.99
Amazon (Pawfly): $14.98

*You must buy a pump strong enough to support the size of the tank. You can divide airline tubing to split the airflow, but remember to compensate by using a stronger pump.
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Bio Corner Filter
Amazon: $5.59 - $10.99
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Airline Tubing
Amazon (Lee's 8ft): $4.66
Amazon (Penn Plax 25ft): $5.69

*I recommend buying the longest tubing in whatever brand/color you want and cut it to the length you need. You can divide airline tubing with these: Air Control Valve
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Adjustable Sponge Filter
Amazon: $8.99
Amazon (Double): $4.57

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Check Valve
Amazon (Uxcell): $6.29
Amazon (Pawfly): $5.00


"Hang-On Back" (HOB) Filters

HOB filters come with most kits. Their strength can sometimes be adjusted with a knob. You can even stuff filter floss into the output to weaken the flow. Since bettas prefer slow moving water, this is useful.
If you are setting up a tank from scratch, it's important to consider what kind of lid or hood you plan on using, since many can be incompatible with certain HOB filters.
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MarineLand Emperor & Penguin Filter Systems
Amazon (Penguin 5-70 gallon): $10.82 - $23.16
Amazon (Emperor 80 gallon): $34.29
Petco - Chewy - Walmart

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Aqua Clear Power Filter (5-110 gallon)
Amazon: $25.99 - $67.85
Walmart

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Aqueon Quiet Flow (5-90 gallon)
Amazon: $12.99 - $43.45
Petco - Chewy - Walmart


Internal Filters

Internal filters are great for betta tanks, because their flow is generally weaker.
They are compatible with all hoods and lids since they go inside of the tank.

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Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter (10-40 gallon)
Amazon: $14.14 - $22.95
Petco: $12.74 - $25.49

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Marina Internal Filter (25 gallon)
Amazon: $21.74

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Penn Plax Cascade 300 (10 gallon)
Amazon: $15.71
Walmart: $17.22


Other Filters

Canister filters, under gravel filters, and trickle filters are other options for large or specialized tanks and ponds.
Canister filters are recommended for large tanks that need powerful water exchange rates, and thus have a stronger flow, which is not recommended for betta fish.
Under gravel filters are limited to the types of filtration they provide, and require weekly stirring of the substrate to prevent buildup.
Trickle filters and sumps are used for filtering multiple aquariums with one water supply.

 

○Heater

Bettas are tropical fish and therefore need warm water. Their preferred temperature ranges from 78°F to 83°F. I personally set most of my tanks to 80°F. The exact temperature matters less then consistent temperature. If the water is rapidly heated or cooled, it can shock the fish. Always add a thermometer to double check the water temperature in case the heater malfunctions or is defective.

Does a betta need a heater?

  • If you live in a climate where it is consistently around the proper temperature range, you do not need a heater.
  • If you can house your tank in a room set to the proper temperature range, you do not need a heater.
  • For everyone else: yes, you need a heater.

Heaters work in conjunction with water flow.

Tanks with no filter or water flow often encounter problems with heating. Heaters, typically, automatically turn off when they detect the surrounding water is at the set temperature. Therefore, stagnant water can take a while to properly disperse heat. If the temperature difference between the water and the air is too great, the water furthest from the heater will not maintain or reach the proper temp.
*It's important to buy a heater appropriate for the size of your tank. 3-4 watts per gallon is a good rule of thumb. You can round up or down, as needed.
5 gallon tanks = 15-20 watt     |     10 gallon tanks = 30-40 watt     |     20 gallon tank = 60-80 watt     |     30 gallon tank = 90-120 watts     |     50 gallon tank = 150-200 watts     and so on...


Preset Heaters

These heaters work in one of two ways: Either they are stuck at a set temperature (usually 78°F) or they raise the room temperature by 4-6°F depending on their wattage. Preset heaters tend to have lots of problems, ranging from inaccuracy to flat out malfunctioning. Mini, specialized "betta" heaters are not recommended as they typically continuously emit heat. If the room temperature were to increase (during summer months) the heater would not automatically turn off, which could be a danger to the fish.
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Aqueon Preset Heater
50-200 watts
Amazon: $11.29 - $16.10
Petco: $11.29 - $19.99
Chewy: $11.29 - $16.10

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Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater
50-200 watts
Amazon: $11.92 - $12.87
Walmart: $11.92 - $24.68


Adjustable Heaters

These heaters let you adjust the temperature from as low as 68°F to as high as 93°F.
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Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
25-300 watts

Amazon: $26.96 - $31.53
Foster & Smith: $23.99 - $34.99

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Fluval E Advanced Electronic Heater
100-300 watts
Amazon: $41.45 - $47.97
Foster & Smith: $52.99 - $55.99

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Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater
50-250 watts
Amazon: $24.89 - $33.99
Petco: $24.89 - $31.29


Thermometers

These are important for double checking the tank temperature.
I do not recommend strip/adhesive thermometers due to inaccuracy and the need to be regularly replaced.
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Penn Plax Floating Aquarium Thermometer
Amazon: $5.78
(Marina) Amazon: $2.49
(Marina) Chewy: $2.49

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Marina Stainless Steel Thermometer
Amazon: $4.99

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LCD Digital Thermometer
Amazon: $5.99
Chewy: $7.99

Petco Brand (Imagitarium) Various Thermometers: $2.99 - $9.99
Walmart Various Thermometers: $5.39 - $12.97
 

○Substrate

Substrate includes anything that covers the bottom of the tank. It can be fine sand or chunky stones; even a bed of leaf litter. Bettas do not need substrate, as it doesn't affect them in any way. However, since they enjoy resting on plants, it's a good idea to use substrate to hold them down.
It also makes the tank look nice for us.

Which substrate do I choose?

  • Sand is great because its fine particles prevent larger debris from sinking beneath the top layer, making it easier to clean. It can be home to beneficial bacteria, and assist in the nitrogen cycle. (Though substrate should never be a replacement for filter media.)
  • Gravel is popular due to the wide range of colors it comes in. Because of it's size, large debris can reach below the top layer, making it very important to regularly vacuum it.
  • Rocks, acrylic gems, & marbles are similar to gravel but are much bigger in size. These can also accumulate algae, making their attractive appearance fade over time. These must be moved around during water changes and vacuumed thoroughly.
It really comes down to personal preference, and how much work you are willing to put into the maintenance of your tank. You can also freely mix substrates. I often add gravel to my sand, to give the bottom more texture.

Can I use anything as substrate?

Almost.
You can use a bed of Cappata leaves (Indian Almond leaves) for bettas, though those will leach tannins into the water, discoloring it into a tea-like hue. Tannins are not harmful and actually good for the fish, but activated carbon will remove it from the water. You want to be sure the leaves are pesticide free.
Certain plastics can leak BPA or BPS into the water, which is harmful for both humans and fish. Check all plastic stones and gems, to make sure they are made of polypropylene or polyethylene, these are food grade "safe" plastics. Most products that advertise themselves for aquariums are safe, but be wary of toys and gardening products.
Soil is not a good substrate because of the pesticides and fertilizers it contains. Organic soil can be used, but it will cloud the water and should have a heavier substrate on top to weigh it down. Mulch can contain dyes which will leak into the water and can be toxic.

If you wanted to make a bed of moss balls, go right ahead.
You would need approximately 84 large Marimo Moss balls to cover the bottom of a 10 gallon tank.
This would cost nearly $200.

I'm going to link only to Amazon for the following substrates, but here are other store catalogues for reference:
Petco     |     Petsmart     |     Chewy     |     Walmart     |     Foster & Smith
*There are tons of different substrates you can use, but no matter what you choose, ALWAYS thoroughly rinse it with water to remove any dust or residue before adding it to the tank.

Gravel & Rocks

There are thousands of possibilities when it comes to gravels alone. Always thoroughly soak colored gravels with water to remove any dust or residue before adding them to the tank. Many gravels come with instructions to soak them for up to 2 days. Follow the directions!
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GloFish Gravel, 5lb
White: $4.69
Green: $4.39
Pink: $4.39
Black: $7.99
Salt & Pepper: $7.99
Rave: $4.69

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eGlomart Tumbled Real Stone Chips, 1lb
Black Agate: $10.99   Blue Sand Stone: $12.99
Aquamarine: $15.99   Lapis Lazuli: $10.99
Amazonite: $10.99   Green Aveturine: $10.99
Peridot: $11.99   Mixed Stone: $10.99
Garnet: $12.99   Red Jasper: $10.99
Carnelian: $10.99   Citrine: $10.99
Gold Sand Stone: $12.99

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Marina Decorative Gravel, 1lb
Burgundy: $6.49    Orange: $6.49
Neon Yellow: $7.23    Blue Mix: $10.61
Blue: $7.12    Surf: $10.39
Purple: $3.00    Pink: $7.59
Rainbow: $
3.00    Black: $3.00
Jellybean: $10.62
Marina Betta Gravel, 0.5lb
*Cost is $2 in stores.
White: $7.06    Blue: $2.76
Black: $8.98    Pink: $6.97
Red: $5.92    Brown: $5.00

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BXI Decorative Glass Pebbles, 2lb
Blue: $12.99
Mini Blue: $12.99
Black: $12.99
Orange: $12.99
Glass: $12.99
White: $12.89
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Spectrastone Gravel, 5lb
Shallow Creek: $10.49     Swift Creek: $9.20
Deep River: $9.50    Ocean Beach: $12.05
Nutmeg: $12.65    Berry Lake: $8.50
Black Lagoon: $10.26     Rainbow: $10.80
Blue Jean: $11.81    Lake Green: $4.49
Princess: $12.29      Summer Blend: $13.59
Burgundy: $10.25    S. Red: $9.90     Pink: $9.58
Orange: $12.54     Yellow: $4.89     Green: $9.75
S. Green: $13.23     S. Turq: $12.98     L. Blue: $11.43
S. Blue: $4.29     Lavender: $10.80    
White: $11.85    Black: $11.24


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Exo Terra Turtle Pebbles, 10lb
Large Stones: $9.99
Small Stones: $9.99


Sand

Always try to use sand advertised for aquariums. For bettas, avoid sand that alters the pH of the water, such as reef or marine sand.
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Carib Sea Super Naturals, 5lb
Moonlight: $11.35
Crystal River: $13.74
Torpedo Beach
: $12.73
Sunset Gold: $12.02
Tahitian Moon
: $10.41

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Imagitarium Sand, 5lb
White: $5.99
Black: $5.99

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HTH Pool Sand, 50lb
Amazon: $51.48

*Be cautious with pool sand, construction sand, and play sand: many contain added chemicals which are harmful for your aquarium. Pool sands are the safer of the three and affordable in bulk. Research thoroughly if you decide to go this route.



Aquatic Plant Soil

These substrates are meant to help grow aquatic plants by providing essential nutrients.
These must be gently rinsed because they can crumble apart.
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Fluval Stratum, 4.4-17.6lb
Plant and Shrimp: $16.98 - $44.99

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Seachem Flourite, 15.4lb
Black: $21.41
Black Sand: $27.46
Onyx Sand: $25.66
Flourite: $18.71
Flourite Dark: $28.14

Red
: $26.81

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ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia, 16.9lb
Regular: $52.99
Regular Powder: $69.99
Light: $49.99

Other

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Dashington Flat Marbles, 2.5lb
Red: $11.00
Blue: $9.99
Green: $9.99
Clear: $9.99

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Acrylic Gems, 1lb
Green: $9.99     Gold: $9.99
Blue: $9.99     Silver: $9.99
Aqua: $9.99     Mixed: $9.99
Purple: $9.99     Clear: $9.99
Pink: $9.99     Red: $9.99


 

○Decor

Decor can be just as varied as substrate, and like substrate, you don't really need it to keep bettas. However, bettas do rest on plants and often swim into caves, so I recommend having these available for your fish.

Plastic, Silk or Live Plants?

  • Plastic plants may feel soft and pliable to us, but to a small fish with delicate fins, they can be a problem. Large, flat structured plants are okay, but items with many small spines can snag and tear flesh. Algae can also accumulate all over these items, which can be a nightmare to clean off.
  • Silk plants are great for bettas because they are made of fabric and cannot tear fins. The downside to these is that algae can grow in the pores of the material and is extremely difficult to clean off.
  • Live plants must be fed with nutrients and light. They help reduce nitrates in the water and provide the most natural look.

Can I decorate my tank with anything?

Certain plastics can leak BPA or BPS into the water, which is harmful for both humans and fish. Check all plastic toys and decorations, to make sure they are made of polypropylene or polyethylene, these are food grade "safe" plastics. Also be wary of painted items: paint can chip off and become toxic for your fish. Most products that advertise themselves for aquariums are safe.
I'm going to link mainly to Amazon for the following decor, but here are other store catalogues for reference:
Petco     |     Petsmart     |     Chewy     |     Walmart     |     Foster & Smith
*Always thoroughly rinse decorations before adding them to the tank.

Caves & Hides

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SunGrow Coconut Shell Cave - $9.19
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Penn Plax Hideaway Pipes - $8.28
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Gosear Withered Tree - $11.89
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Vitality Cave - $15.99

You can also build your own hide by stacking rocks and driftwood. I recommend buying these in a store so you can pick out your own unique pieces.
Real driftwood needs to be soaked for up to two weeks to remove tannins that will discolor the water.

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Este Malaysian Driftwood - $19.78 - $36.06
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Natural Slate Stone - $15.95 - $22.95

Silk Plants

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Blue Ribbon Soft Foxtail - $8.69
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Marina Naturals Foreground - $11.20
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Blue Ribbon Flowering - $16.15
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Imagitarium Small Summer- $4.99
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Marina Naturals Foreground - $12.31
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Amazon Evergreen Betta Plant - $6.99
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Zazalum Artificial Plants - $7.59
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Imagitarium Aqua Bloom - $9.99
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Imagitarium Blue Fiesta - $14.99
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Blue Ribbon Blue Broad Leaf - $20.99
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Blue Ribbon Amazon Butterfly - $11.71
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Blue Ribbon African Sword - $8.99

Live Plants

This section is narrowed down to the most basic information and is not all inclusive.
I have only listed plants that I have owned myself, though there are hundreds to choose from.

Amazon     |     Live Aquaria     |     Aquarium Co-op     |     Live Fins     |     H2O Plants
There are four categories of aquatic plants: foreground, midground, background, and floating. Think: small, medium, large. Each specific plant species will have different needs in regards to lighting and nutrients, but most of the time they are simply classified by their lighting requirements: low light, medium light, and high light.
LEDs provide enough light to sustain low to medium light requirements. Plants also have water parameters they do best in, the main two being temperature and pH.

I recommend purchasing your first live plants in a local store, so you can see what they look like and pick out the ones you like best. Alternatively, you could purchase a "bundle," which is like a plant variety pack. These are available in many online stores.

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Marimo Moss Ball (6 Pack) - $12.95
Foreground, Low Light

72-82°F, pH 6.8-7.5
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Micro Sword - $7.99
Foreground, Med-High Light

70-83
°F, pH 6.8-7.5
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Anubias Nana - $9.99
Foreground, Med Light

72-82
°F, pH 6.0-7.5
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Kleiner Bar Sword - $14.99
Midground, Med Light
72-82
°F, pH 6.5-7.5
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Java Fern - $19.99
Midground, Low-Med Light

68-82
°F, pH 6.0-7.5
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Sagittaria Platyphylla - $10.00
Midground, Med Light

72-82
°F, pH 6.5-7.5
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Amazon Sword - $5.95
Background, Med Light

72-82
°F, pH 6.5-7.5
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Hornwort - $18.38
Background, Med Light

59-86
°F, pH 6.0-7.5
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Moneywort - $17.25
Background, Med-High Light

72-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5

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Amazon Frogbit - $9.29
Floating, Med Light

64-84°F, pH 6.0-7.5

 

○Water Care

There are no shortcuts with this part: you must take care of the fish tank water. This includes treating it to ensure it's non-toxic for the fish, testing it to make sure the tank is cycled, and changing it out to remove nitrates; which do not go away on their own.

Conditioners

 Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine (chlorine bonded with ammonia.) This is to kill bacteria so it's safe to drink.
However, these chemicals are toxic to fish. The chlorine will even interfere with the nitrogen cycle by killing off beneficial bacteria.
Water conditioners are essential if you are using tap water or other chemically treated water. Just add it to the water, stir, and wait 5 minutes.
Not all water conditioners are created equally.
Some only kill off chlorine, so read the labels carefully.

Many conditioners also remove heavy metals from the water, such as copper. This is important to know if you are keeping invertebrates.

Seachem Prime is favored by many because not only is it a traditional conditioner, but it also detoxifies ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. This is useful for cycling your tank but it should not be a replacement for filter media.
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Seachem Prime
Amazon: $12.48
Petco: $8.08
Chewy: $8.49

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API Water Conditioner
Amazon: $6.49
Petco: $8.59
Chewy: $6.49


Water Testing

Water testing tools are useful for ensuring your tank is cycled. It allows you to troubleshoot your tank by checking every parameter.
You do not need to purchase these products, because many pet shops will test your water for free if you bring a cup to them.
I highly recommend these if you own multiple tanks.

What are water parameters?

pH
Ammonia = NH3/NH4
Nitrite = NO−2
Nitrate = NO−3
General Hardness = GH
Carbonate Hardness = KH

pH is a scale that measures the acidity (0) or basicity (14) of water. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7.
Bettas prefer a pH of around 6-7 but can tolerate up to 8.5. It's important to keep the pH stable.
Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate are part of the nitrogen cycle, each serving a purpose. A tank without enough beneficial bacteria will have these levels all over the place. Ideally, you want nitrates between 5-10 parts per million (ppm) with ammonia and nitrites reading 0 ppm. You can lower all three levels with water changes.
GH refers to the water's ability to maintain positive mineral ions (calcium/magnesium/etc.) Weaker GH means the water is soft and stronger GH means the water is hard. Bettas originate from soft water, which is read between 70-140 ppm.
KH refers to the water's ability to maintain pH. KH correlates directly to pH, and the amount needed will vary.

Bettas are hardy fish, so if your pH, GH, and KH is reading slightly higher or lower levels then normal, they will adapt. What's important is that these levels are stable. (Ex. A rapidly dropping pH can kill a fish.)

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API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Amazon: $17.29
Chewy: $17.29
Petco: $34.99

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API GH & KH Test Kit
Amazon: $8.29
Chewy: $8.29
Walmart: $8.29

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API Test Strips 5 in 1
Amazon: $8.69
Chewy: $8.69
Petco: $19.79

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API Ammonia Test Strips
Amazon: $6.94
Chewy: $6.94
Walmart: $9.99

Undoubtedly, API dominates the water testing market, and I do recommend their products.
There is some controversy over the liquid tests and the strips; people claim the strips are inaccurate.
This is because the strips can easily expire: any moisture will contaminate them, rendering them useless.
If you go with the strips, buy the lowest count pack and always keep the container sealed tight.
Oh, and follow the directions on the box for all test kits.


Tools for Water Changing

Hoses and manual vacuums are necessary for siphoning debris at the bottom of the tank. These tools make water changing much easier. Instead of dunking a bucket in and out of the tank, just drop the hose in and start the suction!

A bucket will be required for bringing clean water to the tank and transporting dirty water away.

Any brand gravel cleaner will work.
Make sure the bucket you choose is capable of holding water.
Water weighs 8.34 lbs per gallon.
A 5 gallon bucket of water will weigh about 42 lbs.

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Aquarium Gravel Cleaner
Amazon: $8.95
Petco (BiOrb): $9.89
Chewy (Tetra): $14.99
Walmart: $7.99

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Python
Amazon: $39.99 - $99.99
Petco: $42.69 - $116.99
Chewy: $39.99 - $99.99


*Python's allow you to hook the hose up to a faucet and fill the tank remotely; eliminating the need for a bucket.
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Leaktite 5 Gallon Bucket
Home Depot (3 pack): $12.97
Lowes Brand: $3.25
Amazon: $19.36
Petco Brand: $8.99

 

○Misc.


Lights, Lids, & Hoods

Tops and lights are optional. Lighting is necessary if you've got live plants. Tops are useful for keeping cats out of the fish tank and can help trap moisture and heat inside. If you've purchased a kit, it likely came with a LED hood. You could replace it if you wanted, but remember to measure your tank before buying a new top. Some tanks are designed slightly different from brand to brand.


You could choose any type of lighting you want, but if you have aquatic plants, it's best to pay attention to their specific light requirements.
LED's are sufficient for plants that require low to medium light and they are much more energy efficient.

Again, any light will work if you just want to see your fish. I use these two lights in my planted tanks --->

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Eyocean Clamp Light, Black
Amazon: $17.99
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NICREW Classic LED Aquarium Light
Amazon: $17.99 - $57.99

Hoods can be complicated because of the difference in brand sizes. If you purchased an Aqueon glass tank, you'll want an Aqueon hood. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule; but, for example, if you purchased an Aquaculture glass tank, the Aqueon hood might not fit.
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Aqueon Deluxe LED Hood
Amazon: $44.96 - $75.00
Petco: $34.79 - $54.99
Petsmart: $42.99 - $47.99

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Marineland LED Hood
Amazon: $36.99 - $41.99
Foster & Smith: $36.99 - $41.99


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Zilla Fresh Air Screen Cover 2.5-55 Gallon
Amazon: $7.11 - $26.63

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Exo Terra Screen Cover 10-55 Gallon
Amazon: $15.15 - $26.20
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Aqueon Versa-Top Hinged Glass Aquarium Tops
Amazon: $21.00 - $50.84


Nets

You'll need a net to catch your fish. Some kits come with nets.
You can catch a fish with your hands, if you are gentle.



Not all nets are created equal. Since bettas have long, delicate fins, you'll want a net with smaller holes and made of finer material.

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Penn Plax Brine Shrimp Net
Amazon: $5.99

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Marina Fine Nylon Net
Amazon: $1.93
Chewy: $1.93
Walmart: $1.93


Other Useful Tools

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Magnetic Glass Cleaner
Example
Useful for removing algae in-between water changes, but they cannot reach corners effectively.
Do NOT use household cleaning sponges for wiping aquariums: They contain anti-microbial agents and are toxic to fish.

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Pipette
Example
Useful for dispensing food, medication, water conditioners, and other products into the aquarium.


Toys

You can play with your betta, and even teach him tricks! These are all completely optional, but fun additions.
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R2 Fish School Complete Fish Training Kit
Amazon: $27.99
Just see what this man trained his betta to do!

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Exercise Mirror
Example: $6.38
When bettas see their reflection, they think it's another fish.
As a result, they will flare! Flaring is healthy in moderation.
Any mirror will get the same result.
Never leave the mirror in the tank for more then 15 minutes a day, or the fish will become stressed.

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Betta Hammock
Example: $2.96
Bettas often rest on leaves, near the surface of the water.
If you don't have tall enough plants, these are simple solutions.
It's extremely cute to see them resting on the leaf.

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