Betta in new tank

[woodyblueeyes]

Good morning all,

I have a question about my betta Nash.

I bought a new 5 gal tank this week that has a filter system in it. I put him in with a couple of plants and 2 cherry barbs.

I'm a tad concerned now because I've read that bettas do not like the currents of a filter system, and he just doesn't seem like he's very comfortable.

Is this something that will pass? Or should I consider putting him back in his 1 gal non filtered tank that he was in before?

I just want to provide a nice living space for him.

Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks,
Woody

[TKOS]

Most Bettas don't mind some current as long as there is a calm place to go and rest. In my 5 gallon tank I use a box filter - sponges in a plastic box with an attached air pump. This works great at providing enough filtration without too much current. My betta actually goes over to play with the bubbles every so often. This is not too expensive and would probably work great for your setup. It would be great in a system that needs heavy filtration though.

[woodyblueeyes]

Thanks, I might look into that box type filter system.

For now I've moved him back to his original one gal tank, and got a pair of black and yellow guppies for the 5 gal to go along with the pair of cherry barbs, and a clown loach.

I love the loach, and he's already checking the new tank out and doing some tricks...he's hilarious!

Woody

[fishfood]

Both the clown loach and barbs like to be in larger groups. They will probably not do well without more fish (which you could not fit into a 5 gallon). The loach also needs cover (i.e. caves, etc.) to be comfortable. Also, the clown loach will quickly outgrow the 5 gallon tank, if it already hasn't. These loaches get well over 12 inches long and need a great deal of space (most recommend minimum 75 gallons) for these fish.

You probably don't want to hear this but my suggestion is to take them back to the store and get some fish more suited for such a small tank.

I'm not trying to critizise but you have too much fish. Best of luck to you.

[woodyblueeyes]

Oh no problem at all...that's why I give information and ask questions...

I'll take the loach home and put him in my 30 gal...

As for cover I do have some rocks taken out of my garden in the tank...they're just Tennessee flagstone that I had in and around my outdoor pond before I filled it up, and I've used them in all my tanks for cover and decoration...gives it a natural look.

Thanks for the tips and keep them coming.

Woody

[woodyblueeyes]

Question,

Do you think the Betta would accustome himself with the flow of the pump and filter in the 5 gal? I only kept him in there for two days, maybe it wasn't long enough for him to atune himself with the new surroundings??

Possibly?

[ArkyLady]

I had a betta in a 10 gallon "kit" from Wal-Mart that had a filter. The first few days he fought and fought with the filter current, flaring up at it and I was afraid it was stressing him out. But after awhile he calmed down and did well in there, lived in there for 3+ years in fact.

Not sure if the current in a 5 gallon would be considerably more than what I had in the 10 gallon, but I'd think in a week or so he should adjust to it and be ok. If you can adjust the water flow, turn the filter down and keep the water level up as high as you can while still allowing space for the betta to breathe. Another good trick is attaching a bunch of plastic plants to the filter, that will help keep the current in check as well.

[woodyblueeyes]

Another good trick is attaching a bunch of plastic plants to the filter, that will help keep the current in check as well.

Do you mean attaching the plastic plants at the filters opening to the tank? So the water will diffuse as it comes out of the filter?

If so, that does sound like a grand idea, and one that I will indeed try.

Thanks,

Woody

[ArkyLady]

Yep, that's exactly what I mean. It helps to keep the water current down as it enters the tank.

[woodyblueeyes]

I think that's going to work out well. I drilled a few holes in the plastic cover of the filter, and attached some plastic red ludwigia to the filter top with some plant anchors...it seems to have slowed the current down quite a bit...so I'm going to transplant Nash, my red betta, back over this afternoon, and take the the clown loach and the guppy home.

I lost my male guppy last night. He got stuck in the strainer and was there when I came in this morning...poor guy...

So I'm taking the female guppy home to swim with the other guppies.

[micheline905]

Betta: Just got a betta yesterday p.m.; cobalt blue and gorgeous. I have serpae tetras-five to be exact-one neon and an algae eater in my 29 gallon. He seems to be happy. A slow eater compared to the tetras.

[Aderynglas]

micheline Hi,

Your new Betta sounds gorgeous :) :) and he'll love the space in your 29 gallon, its ages since I've seen a decent Betta over here (Wales)

I'd watch those Serpae Tetras if I were you. They may be fine but they are well known for fin-nipping, especially Betta Fins :( and as you have already observed the Betta doesn't move very fast. Sooo if his fins start to look tatty or he starts looking stressed.......

and only one Neon Tetra??? he needs at least another 5 to keep him company :eek:

Regards
Polly