Betta Fish: Guapo – 4 days home

When I was a kid, I had a betta and four minnows in a 0.5 gallon tank. No filter, no heater, plastic plants. Barely cleaned it. Now as an adult, I have the chance to do better.

First picture is the day after we brought him home (Monday). Second is today (Thursday). Photos taken exactly 48 hours apart. He's really looking so much better I am so relieved.

He was in a pet store for 4 months, not adopted because he was "ugly". Rightfully so, I named him Guapo, which is spanish for 'handsome'.

Setup info:
– Fish-in cycling (he NEEDED out of there. I was afraid he wouldn't have the time for me to cycle first). Monitoring the water frequently with the API Freshwater Master Kit, water changes being done as needed (already did one 75% change).
– Being fed every second day currently while he settles in. Fluval Betta Bug Bites

He is in the Marine 10 Gallon Tank kit with (filter included):
– Top Fin Submersible Heater (50 watt)
– I have a backup aqueon 50 watt on hand just in case
case
– Two sticker thermometers on diagonal corners on the tank for double readings
– Subrate is biostratum with Clifford W Etes natural gravel on top (no dye)
– A terracotta plant pot for a hide
– One Anubias plant
– Hornwort which I am hating cause the bits be flying everywhere lol but the local fish store recommended it for him and hes always in it so I think he loves it
– Two double leaf betta hammocks on each side, high up near the top so he can rest and breathe
– 3 tropical almond leaves

If there is anything else you can think of please let me know. I was so scared he wasn't going to make it, but my boy is looking okay ❤️‍🩹