No, don't boil gravel or rocks, they could explode. Just rinse them well with hot water and they'll be fine. :)

I was just wondering what you think is the best way to clean newly brought gravel. It's Marina branded and it has a natural lookin shade of white,yellow and brown rocks. But I noticed some rocks have like paint on them by "axident" like little splotches and after a bit of hot water i could scrape it off with nails. I read somewhere about boiling it and was wondering how that works and what else I can do to ensure the gravel is cleaned well and is safe.

You're good to go with everything. :) I'm glad you found Prime.

I found Prime today!!! :D haha I got sooo excited at the store xP andddddd it was 40% off along with Stress Coat!!! I calculated weekly uses for my 5 gallon and PRIME WILL LAST FOR NINE YEARS!!!($8.73) and over two years worth of Stress Coat for $6.71. It's a happeh happeh day.
(ps:there's no expiry date on the Prime though, but it is tightly sealed, that should be ok right? The Stress Coat expires in 2015 so I dont think this stuff is old stock)

I can't post links here but go to google and search for "firemouth flaring" and then click on the images option. A bunch of cool pics will come up.

Hmm, a lot of other male fishies flare but none of them are really known for flaring the same way bettas are. There's a type of cichlid called the firemouth who has red on his chin and underbelly and on his gill covers, as well as a big black spot on each gill cover. When he flares, it makes his head look twice as big and the black spots look like eyes.

Random question, what other type of fishies flare? Lol come to think of it i have no clue and im getting curious

Thank you! I hope you have a great new year too. :D

(belated but still) HAPPY NEW YEARS SAKURA!!!!! =) HOPE YOU HAD AND WILL HAVE AN AWESOME YEAR ;)