View Full Version : Betta in a 2.5 gal?
I when to my LFS yesterday and saw a 2.5 gal kit for $25. or maybe it was a 3.5 gal. Anyways, it comes with a hood, air pump/tube/air-stone, under gravel filter, some fake plants (which I want to replace with live ones), some food, and a small bottle of water conditioner (not a big deal since I have a huge bottle already for my 5 and 10 gal). Should I get a heater with it? I was thinking about putting a Betta along with maybe 2 ghost shrimps. Is this a good idea?? Will the under gravel filter do it's job in cleaning water, and will the filter harm the roots of live plants? (not really sure how under gravel filter works) Can Bettas be in the same tank with shrimps?? Thanks, and sorry for all the questions.
kjr928
03-22-2007, 12:52 PM
I believe that an undergravel filter in a tank like that will just be kind of like a grate that sits above the floor of the tank and let's the crap float down. That's how my 1g is. So no, it won't hurt the roots of the plants, but it's kind of a pain to clean (I collect the clean water from the top and save it, then I dump the rest out from the bottom - its full of poop).
I believe the betta will be ok with the shrimp. Overall it sounds like an ok setup. I say go for it, but I suggest you get larger sized rocks for the substrate so that you don't have to gravel vac it. You can just dump them in the sink and they won't wash down. That's how I do it with my 1g and I've had it for over a year. Also, I don't heat mine and it's been ok as long as it's room temperature. If your room temperature isn't really cold, that is.
I say go for it.
fishcatch22
03-22-2007, 1:24 PM
go for it, but my betta used to kill and devour any shrimp he could. I think about 50-60% of bettas are not shrimp safe. keep this in mind if you want shrimp. I also feel bettas should have a 5G minimum.
if you have alot of light over than tank (get a 10W CF bubl) and alot of plants, you can easily go without the UGF if you want a betta.
you could also do:
a pair of scarlet badis
a clown killifish
a pair of sparkiling gouramis
a bumblebee goby (you'd need to make it brackish)
it's also good for african dwarf frogs and many diferent kinds of shrimp.
It's actually this one right here... in black...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3635102
jm1212
03-22-2007, 7:13 PM
2.5 gallon for $25? if im not mistaken, wal mart has 10 gallon tanks for like $10 and a filter is about $14 more. MUCH more space
2.5 gallon for $25? if im not mistaken, wal mart has 10 gallon tanks for like $10 and a filter is about $14 more. MUCH more space
Sorry, I went there again yesterday and it was a 5 gal kit, my bad! but I'll check Wal-Mart this weekend no doubt. Thanks for the heads up.
TommyR
03-23-2007, 10:22 PM
Sorry, I went there again yesterday and it was a 5 gal kit, my bad! but I'll check Wal-Mart this weekend no doubt. Thanks for the heads up.
Get the 5 gal! He'll be happier!
Tom
icecubez189
03-25-2007, 2:48 AM
for that price, i'd opt for a 10G with an HOB filter. your betta and your wallet will tank you.
Mgamer20o0
03-26-2007, 2:31 AM
for that price, i'd opt for a 10G with an HOB filter. your betta and your wallet will tank you.
thats what i would do also.
platytetrafan
03-30-2007, 12:45 AM
Hi I have my betta in a 3 gallon eclipse tank with filter and biowheel the light acts like a heater so I don't have to bother buying a heater separately and it keeps the water warm. My betta loves it considering he was in that awlful small bowl they had them in at the LFS. The filter keeps the water super clean my betta is actually in the pic under my name. Good luck with yours!
lilshoe2
04-01-2007, 1:45 AM
Yeah I'd personally go with the 10 gallon setup also......but for like $40....sounds like a lot, but you get a starter kit with lights and all (10 gal) or check local papers I always see 10-20 gallon tank setups goin for $20....some even come with stands....If you get a 10 gallon, (like me) there is alot more room for more fish, but in the end its up to you and its your money :) good luck
-shoe
musho3210
04-01-2007, 1:55 AM
dont buy starter kits, they are either missing something, or have bad quality stuff
The best way to save money, buy a 10 gallon tank with flourecent hood for about 20 dollars
Buy a filter rated for 5 gallons, internal is good, sponge is also good, try not to get a HOB as these can make the water too violent for the betta
Buy a GOOD quality 50 watt heater
gravel
ornaments
make own stand or buy iron stand
get the fish
This setup would cost around.... 75 dollars, not that bad of a deal considering that when i was uneducated i spent 400 dollars on a non pleasing 20 gallon aquarium (at least it got me interested in the hobby)
lilshoe2
04-01-2007, 12:56 PM
around here the tank and hood go for about $30 so thats why I suggested the starter but I would check a local paper for a good deal. also Im sorry musho, but the HOB in my opinion works fine! :P lol and why would you pay $400 for a 20 gallon tank??? I bought mine for $10 in the paper! anyways, for the gravel go to wallyworld they have good rock for cheap, $1.99 a bag, better than the $4 for the same at a petco/petsmart.....just my opinion though.....good luck with your fishies!
-shoe