Help/Advice needed: How to startup a FW community tank?

[PurpleMonkey]

Background:
The wife got me a betta about a year ago. He came in a small 1/2 gallon tank with a small plant. I've done my best at keeping him happy but I'm not a fan of having MJ (the betta) in such a small tank.

What I've acquired:
I picked up a used Fluval Edge (tank only, no lights, etc). It came with a Tetra ex40 filter (I think thats the model). I've cleaned the tank and filter in a vinegar bath (it was used by the previous owner for SW).

What I would like to do:
I want to setup up a community tank with the betta in it. Maybe some plants and shrimp (if he doesn't eat them all). A few small fish?

Help/Advice part:
What filter do you recommend? Don't want to damage MJ's fins.

Anyone have some advice on best way to cycle the tank? Recommend where to get seed rock/ bacteria from?

Is there a recommended substrate to put in the tank? Would like ease of cleaning as the tank only has a small opening. Would like to keep a small plant or two in there for MJ to chill on, while provided shelter/etc for other inhabitants.

Is there any plants recommended?

Anything else you guys/gals can think of?

Thanks!

[effox]

A couple thoughts:

- I wouldn't recommend shrimp with a betta, few have had success while the majority don't.

- Purchase "Stability" or "Cycle" to seed the tank with BB.

- Substrate could be anything if you're not looking to breed shrimp, but if you are I'd stick with ADA, Florabase, or fluval stratum. I don't see successful breeding though with a betta present as mentioned.

Cheers,
Chris

[Elle]

The Edge tanks aren't really suitable for bettas unless you don't fill them completely. Bettas need to surface for air occasionally, and the Fluval Edge design doesn't allow enough air space for them. Plus the filter current can be fairly strong, so if you fill it right up, the only air access is by the filter and the betta may not be able to get past the current.

Cycle or Stability will seed the tank. For the first few weeks, change the water about 10% daily and test for ammonia/nitrites to avoid a spike.

For plants, try small java ferns, crypts or anubias, something low light with broad leaves. I'd avoid rocks with sharp edges as they can tear betta fins. My bettas are both on a thin layer of black sand substrate and seem to really like it.

I've never had shrimp last past 5 minutes with my bettas. You could try small schooling fish like chili or galaxy rasboras - anything that doesn't have flowy fins (betta will see it as a rival) or that is likely to nip at the betta's fins.

[pistolpete]

My #1 advice for new hobbyists is : read a book. Get as recent an edition as you can from a library and read through everything. Then come to the forum for more detailed questions.

You did not mention if this tank is heated or not and that will greatly affect your fish choices. floating water sprite, java moss, and java fern are good beginner plants for a small tank, since they don't require gravel to grow. Most other plants need at least 1.5 inches of fine gravel to thrive.