Reddit mentions of Marina C10 Compact Heater, 10-Watt

Imma link to one of my old threads from another forum that shows some of the setup of my shrimp tank.

> The idea is to have one beta and maybe a couple of cherry shrimps. Maybe there's another fish that I can add instead of the beta?

I wouldn't recommend a betta for a tank that size. Some people do occasionally recommend tanks as small as 2.5 gallons for bettas; but that's pushing it a bit too far, IMO. Technically, you can keep a betta alive in one for an extended period; but the fish doesn't appreciate it (they're a bit listless; they stop swimming around and exploring and just sorta sit there). That tank is mostly only fit for small inverts.

> I got this kit to start with the cycling. Good enough?

Yup. That's the go-to kit; covers all the basics. Make sure you're brushed up on fishless cycling techniques (that article is a bit preachy; but it explains things well I think).

> Can I just get plastic plants?

Yeah, you can;. They're easy for sure. They're not really the same though (they're decorative, and can look quite nice; but they don't have any of the other benefits offered by live plants). Personally I tend to prefer live. There are a good number of unkillable plants that are pretty newbie friendly. I recommend java fern.

> Should I add a moss ball? Found this one that seems ok.

You can. Shrimp tend to appreciate that sort of thing.

> Do you know if the light is enough, or should I add a heater like this one?

I do recommend a heater. Cherry shrimp don't really require one (a betta would); but you can get really big temperature swings in a small volume like that. A heater with a thermostat would keep an even temperature. I dunno about that heater though. It doesn't appear to have a thermostat; it just heats all the time (meaning the temperature of your tank is somewhat unpredictable and will vary with the room temperature; which is useless for most purposes). I've used this one for a number of years without issues.

> Aside from that I know I also need a thermometer and gravel, but I'm sure I'll probably need more stuff that maybe you could recommend!

I might go with sand over gravel. Gravel might mess with the sense of scale a little bit in a tank that small (small tank, small shrimp, big pebbles... it'll look weird). Aside from that, I recommend:

• Siphon. Make sure you get a mini one though.
  
  
• Buckets. You'll need an aquarium only (a new bucket with no soap or residue in it) bucket or two. For a tank that small an ice cream bucket isn't a bad choice.
  
  
• algae scrubber. Get one that says it's safe for acrylic.
  
  
• Tweezers/scissors. Essential for small planted tanks. They make long handled planting tools.
  
  
• Net. They make tiny fish nets; which will occasionally be handy (mostly if your shrimp die; which happens).
  
  
• Water conditioner. Your kit doesn't say what it comes with; but you'll need something to remove chlorine. If your water supplier uses chloramine, you'll want something like Seachem Prime (which binds ammonia; the 'amine' in chloramine turns into ammonia when it's broken down).
  
  
• Shrimp food.

This is what we've been using in our 2 gallon shrimp tank for about a year:
http://www.amazon.com/Marina-C10-Compact-Heater-10-Watt/dp/B003TLWWOO/ref=pd_bxgy_petsupplies_text_y

We have a pretty cool house (60 - 65 degrees air temp in the winter) and it still keeps the water at 75 degrees.

you def want something adjustable, with an internal thermostat. depending on your room temperature, a 10 or 25 Watt heater will probably be enough. This marina heater is a pretty good option

Thanks! It's the Aqueon Mini Bow 5 Gallon. I think I have the old model, there's a newer one which seems to be more available on Amazon at this point. That comes with a filter. I just got a large silk plant today to put under the flow because it is a little strong for the betta. I have this heater. I had a lot of trouble with the really cheap Aqueon heaters. Didn't seem to work at all. I have the 10watt now because I bought it when I had a smaller tank, it manages to get the 5gal up to 76, I should probably order the 25watt now though. Didn't remember the one I have is too small! I also got this gravel vacc which you definitely want with an upgrade so you can do 25% water changes every week. Its really easy to use! Just need a bucket or container of some sort to put on the ground to collect the water. Good luck!

I can only answer question #4 as I've never had a blind better, but I have this heater: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TLWWOO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

in 3 of my betta tanks (2 of which are 2.5 gallons and one 2 gallon). They were only $10 when I bought them from Amazon, but it seems they are out of stock and only available from private sellers on Amazon for $14. Maybe you can find the same brand somewhere else for $10, but either way, they are good quality heaters and work great. They keep the temperature in the upper 70's, which is great for bettas.

>smaller tank will never fully cycle

That's not true at all.

I have one in a 2 gallon cube, with this filter and this heater. Added eco complete, plants, floating plants and the tank pretty much takes care of itself. Plenty of things in there to absorb nitrates.

EDIT: I should add, nobody should start out with a nano tank until you have experience under your belt, just that it is doable. For the most part, beginners should start with a 5-10 gallon for bettas. It's also much easier to find off the shelf equipment for it in stores.

Here is the mobile version of your link

It could but it might be too powerful for such a small tank, making it too hot too quickly before turning off. The typically suggested target is 3-5 watts per gallon: on the lower side if room and tank temp are close and on the higher side if they vary more, up to 10°F variance.

I'd consider a 10 watt for a 3g. I use this 10 watt heater on my 2.5g ($4 on Amazon) and have no complaints.

If you try a 25 watt just watch it closely at first to see how high the tank temp gets.

I bought this Marina C10 on Amazon.com and it keeps the temp around 77 degrees. Marina C10 Compact Heater, 10-Watt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TLWWOO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_T246wbTQ0TJ6C