Best fish for a newbie?

[Rache]

Okay, so here's the deal.

I tried adopting a dog about a week ago and realized it wasn't for me. I needed a "pet" that was a little more... independent.

Aside from the occasional goldfish I owned as a kid (that died after about two weeks, mind you) I've never owned any fish. Tips and suggestions on a particular kind for a newbie, anyone? Much obliged.
Right, so Beta Fish. Check. Thanks guys.

The gallon thing has confused me a little bit but I'll start off with 5 gallons.

How much will all of this cost me?

 

[animal guy]

A betta is often the best beginner fish, they require a 5+ gallon tank with a filter and heater. Or you could do some guppies they need a 10+ gallon tank and a group of 3+ because they are very social fish. If you do guppies you could get 5 and fully stock your tank. Always cycle a new tank BEFORE you get your fish.

EDIT: Please do NOT listen to Nintendo boys false and ignorant info, the minimum tank size for 1 betta is a 5+ gallon tank with a filter and heater, they need a heater because they are tropical fish and NEED warm water a heater or light will do, they come from tropical environments and live in warm water. Also bettas need to be kept as a single specimen or in a soroity of 5+ (5 females)

EDIT: Do not go by the 1 inch per gallon rule it is very false and a lie it WILL overstock your tank could you imagine a 10 inch goldfish living in a 10 gallon tank, dont think so same with a 2.5 inch betta living in a 2.5 gallon tank they need 5+ gallons to live comfortably, a bowl or 2.5 gallon tank isn't sutiable for ANY fish period. A 2.5 gallon will hold shrimp or a snail thats it.

 

[Nintendo Boy]

... please not this 5 gallon betta trash again. 2.5 gallons for a betta. filtered, they do not require heating as some say but its best if you do. temp should be 75-80. feed twice a day, morning and evening. if you have a tank light, after morning feeding turn it on and after evening feeding turn it off. change water weekly, taking 25-50% out with a gravel siphon vaccuum. you must condition the water. aquasafe by tetra is the best conditioner. you can only keep one male betta but you can have several females together. females have the shorter fins. 5 gallons is the proper size for TWO not ONE. sheesh. so yeah, a betta is the best beginner fish as most beginners dont really want(or have room for) a bigger tank like a 10 gallon. its also really easy to take care of. OK FINE LISTEN TO THESE PEOPLE AND GET A 5 GALLON WITH 1 LITTLE FISH IN IT.

EDIT: ok, if you really dont want a newt and want a betta, and if you choose to listen to these 5 gallon betta people, then you can get a 5 gallon tank with filter and tank hood and light for 30 bucks. then buy some gravel, some plants, a decoration or two and food and conditioner and you're good. you dont need a heater. costs about 50 bucks in the end.

 

[Julliet]

Well first of all if your going to get a fish you need the proper equipment. If you plan on getting a betta fish, you need a 5 gallon tank.
tropical fishes:
heater
filter
etc. etc.

i suggest betta but make sure you have the right things for the betta fish to survive

 

[cutie pie]

beta! they're the most low maintenance fish i know of! only one tho, they will kill each other, if u put more than one in the same bowl.

 

[Bookitty]

betta are amazing fish and they are so pretty but you can only have one in a tank because they fight each other but tetra are also really pretty they group together so they are good if you want more then one fish ask the people at a pet store im sure they might know also