New Aquarium-Betta

Question
Hi, I have just got a 54 litre aquarium (I think it's 60 X 60 X 30) and have 1 Siamese fighting fish.  There's gravel on the bottom, 2 rocks, 2 plants, a ship, a filter, thermometer and heater. I have set the aquarium up as instructed(and left the tank running for 3 days before introducing the fish). I am writing because I am concerned about a few things in the aquarium:  1) There are 2 plants in there, 1 plastic, 1 fabric. The plastic one was in the corner diagonally opposite the filter. He spends alot of time resting on the leaves of the plastic one and I was worried he was getting snagged on the edge of the leaf and couldn't move. Is this possible or was he just enjoying resting there? I moved the plant to directly in front of the filter because... 2)I am worried the filter is too strong. Every time Percy (the fish!) swims into the current he gets tumbled around and pushed really fast into the corner of the tank, and it seems that he can't get out of the current. I tried putting a plastic plant in front of the filter to break the current a bit, but he still gets swirled around just the same. Now I am worried he'll swim in front of the filter then get swirled really fast and tangled and snagged on the plant. What should I do? 3) He spends alot of time hiding behind the filter. He has a pirate ship, but doesn't go in there. There doesn't seem to be any current behind there. Is he trying to get out of the current? Does he just like it there? Is he ok? 4) He won't eat! I have tried feeding him Aquarian Tropical flakes and freeze dried blood worm. Is he still stressed from the move from the fish store? Perhaps he just isn't hungry yet? I've only had him 1 night! Sorry for all the questions, this is my first aquarium and first fish, I'm an angst-ridden new parent! Hope you can help, thank you, Felicity
PS, I sent this question to 1 other expert too, I hope that is ok and allowed, just worried and hoping for a quick response!

Answer
Hi Felicity
No problem with all the questions and asking someone else :)  We all had to learn at some point, fortunately now a days, we have the internet which makes it soooo much easier lol.  Warning though, this is going to be a long post lol...

First, I'm giving you links here at about.com about cycling a fish tank.  Search through the articles(it's so hard to explain, much easier to read the articles) about cycling a fish tank, fishless tank cycling, and caring/maintaining an aquarium.  

Basically, cycling is the process a fish tank goes through.  Starts with an ammonia source(usually fish waste, uneaten food), which converts to nitrites(ammonia and nitrites are toxic to fish, and can/will kill fish), which is converted to nitrates(less toxic for fish under a certain level).  That's the basics, and it involves bacteria which is what converts everything-the articles will explain it better for you.

http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/startupcycle/Step_5_The_Cycle.htm

You're tank is new, and hasn't cycled yet.  Bettas(Siamese fighting fish) are poor fish to cycle a tank with-they're too delicate for it.  But, the good news, he's probably putting out some ammonia to start your tank cycling.  Bad news, you're going to need to remove him from the tank, or he probably won't make it through.  I'd recommend getting a large container like a vase or large bowl(preferably at least 1 US gallon size), or buy a small 1-2 gallon betta set up.  Keep him in there till the tank cycles(use the tank water he's in now to start it).  You'll need to do water changes on the smaller set up every other day or so.  Use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine from your tap water when you do water changes, and keep the new water temperature close to the tank water temperature.  

As for the other tank, if you have a piece of shrimp(cocktail, salad, any kind will do), drop that in the tank for a few days.  That'll kick up the ammonia source, or you could just "feed the tank" with some fish food, and leave it in there.  You're going to need to get a test kit, that will test ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the tank.  The first 2 should read 0ppm, and once those are 0 and it starts showing some nitrates(should always be under 20 ppm) then your tank will be cycled.  Usually takes about 4-6 weeks.

I know this all sounds confusing, but once you read and understand a little bit about the cycling part, it'll make sense, I promise :)  I don't know how many poor fish succumbed to my mistakes, before I finally sat down and read about it.

Now your questions you asked....
Your tank is about 14 US gallons(just noting in case someone else reads).  
1.  I would remove the plastic plant.  He can injure himself on them, they have such delicate flowing tails/fins.  Pick up some some more fabric/silk ones, or once you get the knack, try some live plants.

2.  The filter may be/is probably too strong for him.  I do believe they like calm, still waters.  If the water level is kept higher, and with the plant in front of it, does it decrease the output a bit?  I know with mine, once the water evaporates, it's like a waterfall with waves.  I just try to keep the water level up.  Could also try putting more plants in front of it, like a line of them, or what about moving the castle directly in front of it?  That would break it up from underneath I would think.
 
3 & 4.  The hiding and lack of eating, he is probably still stressed from the move.  As well as maybe getting away from the current too.  Did you use a dechlorinator for the water you put in the tank?(something to remove chlorine/chloramines from tap water) Those are good foods for bettas, could also try some frozen bloodworms, and betta pellets.  Feed sparingly though, they don't need much.  I only feed my fish every other day-and once at that.  And, be sure to clean/net out any food not eaten.  That will cause ammonia problems.  
Also, did you slowly adjust him to the new tank water by floating the bag for about 30 minutes and slowly adding tank water to the bag?  That's really important for new fish to adjust to your tank temperature and ph.  Since it's one night, I'd say it's a combo of those things, but you really need to get going on a new set up for him soon, the water parameters/quality(ammonia) will be deteriorating soon, and he won't fair well.  

You could leave him in the new tank instead of doing the temporary little set up, but it will be much easier for you work wise and being new at fish keeping, to put him in a smaller set temporarily.  

Hope that helps, and isn't too confusing.  Get back with me if you have any more questions!!

Christy