I wanted to get a betta for a pet. After some research, I got this as a starter kit. I've had it for about two months and here are my thoughts. First of all, its' a kit. With the tank, you get a filter, lighting, a packet of water de-chlorinator, and a packet of fish food. This is standard with most kits, but for me, the tank is the most important thing. The tank is easy to assemble, and the parts (base, lid, and tank) integrate well. Once things were running, I plopped Mo into the tank, and he thrived. There was no need to cycle the tank, but I did use Safe Start (liquid bacteria) to help initialize the water. These are the +s, 0s, and -s I noted. (+) The tank is well constructed, and the parts are well integrated. It would have been nice just to get the tank by itself. It may be a bit small for a betta, but Mo seems to like it. The lid is domed shape and has a feeding hole at the front. Very convenient. It also has an opening in the back to accommodate your electrical cords and tubing. (0) The filter is OK. It is easy to use and kept the water parameters (pH, Nitrite/Nitrate, Ammonia) stable. It takes up more space in the small tank than you would like. Also, the filter cartridges (which are costly) need to be replaced regularly. Although the water was stable, I noticed a very slight yellow tint to the water. I don't know if the filter was the cause. After some research, I decided to replace the kit filter with a simple sponge filter. After a couple of days, the water was crystal clear, and it has stayed that way ever since. My sponge filter set up (Air pump, sponge filter, and hose) cost less than $10 and was worth it. The sponge on the filter just needs to be cleaned and not replaced, so no costly filter cartridges are needed. My advice here is to research filters and see if another type might be better for you. (-) Self Clean Technology. This is incorporated into the filter (see product video) but isn't really a great help. It makes it easy to do a partial water change but doesn't help with debris on your gravel (substrate). For me, getting rid of it (the kit filter) and using a sponge filter with an inexpensive siphon hose/gravel vacuum (which you would need anyway) works better, and is just as easy. (-) The lighting is attached to the underside of the lid. There is no way to adjust the brightness, so you're stuck with lighting that is probably a little too bright for a betta. Also, since the lid is black, you can't get "after market" external lighting for this tank. It would have been great if these guys made a clear top. (-) The kit doesn't not come with a heater. Very few kits do. If you're going to keep a betta, you need a heater. Plan on shelling out about $20 for a low wattage heater, but get one that reads out the temperature, or you'll have to get a thermometer as well. (0) This just a nit. They provide a packet of generic tropical fish food with the kit. Do not feed this to your betta. Get food specifically made for bettas (high in essential protein). Make sure you get a water test kit (not cheap). This will help you feel confident about the quality of your water. Overall, Mo is doing fine in his new home with the adjustments I've made. Update (9-8-2022): So the light on the lid fizzled out after a few months use. I went to the vendor site, and they can sell you a replacement lid for $23. Not worth it, given the overall cost of the entire kit. I was able to find an adjustable submersible light for less than half the cost. It was easy to remove the original light fixture (you have to snip the wiring off) and attach the submersible light to the roof with the suction cups provided, and a little super glue to secure the suction cups. Now, I have an adjustable light that I don't have to submerse in the water, that's perfect for the tank. I guess what I learned is that everything you get with this kit can be replaced very inexpensively and will work out better for you. The only thing I use now from the original kit is the tank itself and lid (without light)... but I have learned a ton from the experience.
