COMPLETELY overwhelmed newbie!

[Lynxa]

:idea2: You can put bettas with other fish? I LOVE bettas! I had one named Widget for years! And I do feel so sorry for them in those horrid little cups

How about a betta named Eomer and some cories named after the riders of Rohan? (I'm glad there are people here who know what I'm talking about, otherwise I'd feel like a complete dork! )

So should I clean and cycle my aquarium anew or should I just let this one take its course while the two fishies are still small enough for it? (One of the links in the stickie said that the aquarium cycles better with one or two fish in it?)

Also, does anyone here know anything about outdoor goldfish ponds? I don't want to doom Glorfindel to a painful death outside. He's a very sweet fish.

 

[sdb]

You do not need to re-do your tank. It'll be cycled, which is perfect, and it's not like it's diseased or anything.
There is a section in this forum called "Outdoor/Indoor Ponds" that you can read. It's lower down on the main page, just scroll down. Also a coldwater fish section. I'm sure you'll find all you need to know there about how to care for your goldfish outside. (can your pond hold two goldfish, so he'll have a friend?)
Until you're ready to move him, by all means, leave him in the tank. He won't grow too big overnight, so you have a fair bit of time. And yes, keep the fish in the tank for now to complete the cycle. Once you start a fishy cycle, it's best to keep with it. Just keep doing water changes to keep the ammonia down as low as possible.

 

[ArkyLady]

You can put other fish in with Bettas. However, you can't put another Betta in there or any other fish that looks like a Betta (long flowing fins, etc) or they will fight.

Since you've already started, I'd just let the cycle complete as it is now. Just keep up your water changes to keep the ammonia and nitrIte levels down so the fish are more comfortable. If you keep a close eye on things, the fish should make it through just fine. Once the cycle is complete, then you can move the other fish out and move the new fish in. Be sure to do this all at the same time, don't leave the tank empty for a day or two between or you'll loose some of your bacteria that you're growing right now.