[anasfire23]

It is sad that most stores that sell fish, even specialist aquarium shops, are just interested in a sale. They don't care if the fish lives or dies once it has left their shop and don't care if you get attached to it as long as you spend money in their store and 9/10 a person is more likely to want to buy a betta if it isn't going cost the earth to keep it. I wouldn't completely rule out that large pet store, as long as you've done your research and know what you are talking about and tell them firmly what you want they are going to be more than happy to help you as long as you remain steadfast in your resolve. I've found the same problem with my LFS. They don't sell betta kits in anything over 1/2gallon and they have one set up that holds maybe 1/4 ga of water and it's $50 all up with the fish. It's just ridiculous. Gather as much knowledge as you can and just tell them what you need. They will help you. Don't rely on them to know anything though, as I said they just want to make a sale and most times staff are hired not for their knowledge about pets but for their retail and sales abilities.

Good Luck