thanks everyone, very informative.
while i'm here, i plan to use "beta bites" pellets to feed it...is there a specific amount of pellets to feed so i dont over feed? and how often?.

the tank size is no issue...its a 55 gal.
over kill i know, i used to have angels, algae eaters and some others in the past, but i'm just not too interested in the hassles of more fish atm. I know many people tend to put way too many fish in a tank, i say the fewer the better and what better to have a large tank for a single betta. my g/f says its stupid and a waste to just have 1 betta in a 55 gal.

i like snails but if they'll eat the plants i'll pass. odd i know, but i still have some sea monkeys brine shrimp i thought about using as food for the beta, not sure if the brine shrimp would survive and breed in it but what other living creatures could i put in the tank that would breed and make a good alternative food supply for a betta?