The aquafarm is a pretty minimal package, so I'd recommend getting the following additional items: - a small bag of gravel (it doesn't come with enough to cover the floor and this is important for growing beneficial bacteria) - a heater (this is crucial to the happiness of the Betta, as they are originally from Thailand and used to warm waters) - lighting (I got a little strip of submersible LEDs that you can suction-cup underneath the cover) - tank thermometer (to confirm that the heater is doing its job and keeping the tank in the optimal range for Bettas (76-82ºF/24-27ºC) ). - water test kit... supposedly, the plants are going to filter out the fish's waste and clean the water, but I'm going to continue to test the water once a week to make sure that the water is at safe levels for the fish. And of course, follow the included directions and water conditioning instructions etc. Notes: the directions recommend getting a sea snail to help clean the tank... In a tank this small, that is not a great idea. I tried it with two sea snails and my Betta killed both of them overnight. I've seen Bettas coexist with snails, shrimp, catfish etc. in larger tanks, but you are tempting fate in a 3 gallon tank.

• published: 09 Dec 2013
• views: 20