Thoughts, advice, and help?

[Psylk87]

SO brought me home a spurr of the moment suprise. He picked up a betta from Walmart.

I love it and think he is really pretty but I didnt have any spare tanks so SO then went and picked up a little 3 gallon tank. Since he already bought the fish I couldnt cycle it and I have heard anything smaller than a 5a gallon wont ever properly cycle anyway... So what can I do to give him the best chance? I used Prime to treat the water and used a little water from one of my other tanks. Also a bit of RO water. I pulled plants out of my other tank as well as a spare betta leaf hammock i had hoping they would have some bacteria on them. The tank has a small filter and has a heater.

What else should I do to give him the best chance? I know its terrible not to cycle first but I didn't know SO was going to buy him and I hate returning bettas to Walmart since they are treated pretty bad. Any and all thoughts welcome and appreciated.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

A 3g will definitely cycle. For the best chance of a healthy tank and fish I would suggest getting some used filter media from your other tank and adding it to the new filter. You will have to test the water parameters regularly and preform a water change if ammonia or nitrite register.

 

[Sharpchick]

I'd add some stems of anacharis - either planted in the gravel or floating. Anacharis will really help out with ammonia and nitrate while you're cycling.