I have a question about my beta, he is really pretty, here is a pic:
Electra
Is it necessary to have any filtration, he is in a 2 1\2 gal. aquarium, and I change his water weekly and use complete care to dechlor. Is a plant good for him? Any info would be appreciated!

You might find this link intersting in the care of beta fish. http://beta-fighting-fish.com/ It says "They can live in a small fish bowl without filtration or aeration..."

NC

Thank you, NC! Nice site, I like the author, lol, it's funny, but I do have a beta right next to my monitor, just as he/she states.

I've had bettas for a few years now. Sounds like the conditions are good. Betta's can live in small amounts of stale water, being anabatoids they have a lung-type organ allowing them to get oxygen from the air. A plant will help with the nitrate levels. My betta's love bamboo. Keep the tank out of the sun, but just above room temp. Betta's like 75-80 deg. water. Also, half a teaspoon of aquaruim or sea salt per 2 gal. of water helps prevent diseases. Most importantly, clean water. Otherwise, if your fish is alive and eating you don't have to do anything extra. Betta's can go into shock from a fluctuating environment, they like getting used to their space. Hope this helps, ask if you need anything else.

P.S. They like a variety of foods, just like you.

NC - That is a cool site!

Soaringhorse - I've had many bettas over the years. They're beautiful and so easy to care for, even I can keep them alive!
A few tips I've learned:

When changing the water, I set another bowl, jar, whatever with the new water in it next to the one with the fish, for a couple of hours. That way, the new water will be the same temperature as the old and the fish won't go into shock from temp change.
This also allows the chlorine to evaporate from the water. Or you can add a drop of dechlorinator.

Also - I've been warned not to keep bettas with gold fish - at least in unfiltered water - as the urine from the goldfish will kill the betta.

I've found that gritty fish food will make the water dirty more quickly than will flake food.

You can also add a little gravel or colored glass stones on the bottom to spice up the environment.

Have fun with your betta-buddy!

dont use plastic plants.
the betas can get their fins in them and die because they cant get to the surface to breathe.
beta kits that include one of those plastic plants tick me off.

Good point mattlynda. I like live plants. My bettas live with "lucky bamboo" (it's really a type of lilly). Plants hepl maintain the proper chemistry in the water and can keep ammonia at bay for a few days. Use live underwater plants, your fish will love them.