betta fish- changing to a new tank

Question
Hi Chris! I had a betta previously, years ago that lived to be 4.5 yrs old and
looking back, I wasn't the best keeper.  I was too young, but luckily he was
very tough.  Now I have a new one and have him in a tiny 1 gallon AT MOST
tank with one plant and after googling some stuff, realized that was not too
nice! I had no idea.  I have had him for one month, and already he is not
doing too well.  First week , bubble nests everywhere.  NExt week, none and
he is getting listless. It is winter here, I imagine the water is too cold..so I
went out and bought a 3 gallon tank that has a mack daddy filtration sys, a
heater to keep it around 75 and I have had it running for 20 hours. The
directions say wait 24 until he can come in. I won't be having any other fish,
just him but I JUST read that betta's don't do well with filtration sys! What
should I do?  I was so excited for his new home, but is he better off in the
$10 bowl as opposed to the $55 3 gallon system with the bio wheel?  I am so
confused :(  Which is best for him????

Answer
Hi Allison;

It's fine to use a tank with a filter for a betta. He will get used to the current from it just fine. Add some live plants and more decorations to slow down the flow a bit if it seems to bother him. Some filters even have a regulator to turn it down too.

It's also okay to use the tank right now too. There's nothing magical about a 24 hour period of letting the tank run. Several hours of operation to be sure the filter is running properly and the heater is keeping the temperature pretty stable is fine. Just add some water conditioner and it is good to go. Float him in the new tank in a bag of his old water (with a big air bubble) for 10 to 20 minutes so he acclimates slowly to the warmer temperature. Net him from the bag and gently release him into the tank. Throw away the bagged water.

Have fun!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins