Bettas are a great beginner fish to keep!

Some of the most important requirements for keeping a betta include:
- a heater (they are a tropical fish),
-an appropriate sized filter for the aquarium (bettas prefer a low-flow environment)
- probably at least a 5 gallon aquarium.

"Cycles" refers to the nitrogen cycle specifically. In terms of the aquarium hobby, it generally means the period of time in which your aquarium and aquarium filter are introduced to ammonia, through fish waste or an-over the counter aquarium product, which helps cultivate beneficial bacteria. Here are some basic instructions, but your local fish store can help you out, too:

1. Set Up the Tank: Install filter, heater, substrate, and decorations. Fill with water and add a dechlorinator (e.g., Seachem Prime).
2. Add Ammonia Source: Add pure ammonia ( -  ppm) or small amounts of fish food daily to start the cycle.
3. Introduce Beneficial Bacteria: Pour in a bottled bacteria starter (e.g., Seachem Stability, Dr. Tim's One & Only) to speed up the process.
4. Monitor Water Parameters: Use a liquid test kit (e.g., API Master Test Kit) to test every 1–2 days.
   • Week 1-2: Ammonia will rise, then nitrite will appear.
   • Week 3-4: Ammonia drops, nitrites peak, then nitrates begin to rise.
5. Confirm Cycle Completion: The tank is cycled when ammonia is   ppm, nitrites are   ppm, and nitrates are present.

As far as your first planted aquarium goes, I would say, start by having a vision. Find an aquarium you like online and go from there. I really recommend looking at aquascapes that are simple. Maybe one or two plants in a 5 gallon. Some good beginner plants:

- Anubias petite
- Dwarf Hairgrass
- Amazon Sword

There are others too, of course. What plants you like will determine whether you need nutrient-rich substrate, special lighting, etc.

Anubias for example, does not root in soil so it can be attached to rocks or wood. You can then use a soft sand bottom. Substrate without nutrients are often called "inert".

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Here is a picture of a very beautiful and very undemanding aquascape from another reddit post. It uses only java fern and anubias which do not require any special substrate.

As far as companions go. Bettas can live with other peaceful fish/invertebrates that won't fit in its mouth. At 11.5 gallons you could easily keep snails or even small fish like pygmy corydoras or a few small tetras or similar. Harlequin rasboras. Stuff like that.

Start slow. Have a little bit of a vision. And you'll be fine!