thanks alot chickadee, lot to remember there. i'll bookmark this thread to later review again as i plan to let my tank setup for a couple weeks or so. i still need to buy a new filter.
i also have no intentions of using mirrors, i dont prefer to stress my fish and i learned from years ago to plan ahead well when getting any kind of fish and to let my tank setup well beforehand.

i may get a cheap goldfish first to get the tank cycled...good idea to do so right? i didnt used to do that stuff as i got impatient. i wont make that mistake again.
any other advice is appreciated, i'll review it all again in a few weeks when i'm ready to purchase.

*edit: wait, one more question...when buying the betta, their in those cups and they dont move much or cant, how can i be sure i'm choosing a good young healthy one?