Might be getting a beta this Friday

[Tigerbarb]

Well, I was probably gonna get a beta this friday. I have a tank set up with decor and some gravel. No live plants yet. I have a small air driven filter inside, and two containers of beta food. Even a small net.
So, I have had a beta die of swim bladder disease months ago, back in '07. Since I will be getting a new one, I want to do all I can to prevent swim bladder disease. Do you guyz have any tips?

[cocoa_pleco]

dont overfeed him, that will prevent swimbladder

[Tigerbarb]

So should I feed him once a day and do a weekly water change?
The tank is plastic, so do I have to get a heater? If so, what is a kind of heater that is safe for a tank of about one gallon that won't melt the plastic walls?

[Drumachine09]

Hydor Mini Heaters are good. Find them at petco.


Also, don't you think you should cycle the tank first?

[Tigerbarb]

The tank has had water in it for weeks now. Does the filter need to run for a while to get the tank started? The last time it was used was when I had my first beta.
I might go get another filter cartridge too.

[Drumachine09]

The tank won't cycle without an ammonia source, and a working filter.

[Tigerbarb]

darn. How long does it take for a tank to cycle?
If I put some biozyme in, will it cycle in about a week?
Also, is the heater a must? I was really anxious to get the beta... and my electric bill is pretty high.