Aeration

[WaterBaby]

How important is it to aerate a 6 gallon tank with one betta?

[wetmanNY]

Are you getting a film of cyanobacteria across the water surface so thick that he can't get a breath of air?

No? Then it's okay.

Do you have floating plants for him? Much more important than a bubbler.

[WaterBaby]

There's no film as far as I can tell. I have Water Sprite on order from the LFS, but it hasn't come in yet. I am getting impatient though...... and may go somewhere else.... I wonder, do pond suppliers carry water sprite??

I have never gone without live plants in my tanks before, and I think they are a great thing.. It seems as though I really never had a problem with ammonia and nitrites when I had live plants in my tanks.

It just seems that in this tank, there is alot of water movement from the filter (eclipse filter) on one side of the tank and I have an aerator stone on the other side, and there is no happy calm place other than the corner of the tank near the heater and filter intake tube for him to hang out.

[Wulfy]

If the tank is small and there is no water movement as is frequently the case with Bettas aeration might be necessary.

Actualy, LOL, I just realised. Nope.
Bettas are air breathers, they come to the surface :)

[Hebdizzle]

why are floating plants required for bettas? Or reccomended rather?

Aaron

[Matak]

Mr. Playswithsquirrels, the floating plants will help keep the nasty film of bacteria from forming on the surface of the water as the Wetman has mentioned.

[WaterBaby]

Exactly what is that nasty bacteria film (cyanobacteria) that can accumulate on the surface of the water and where does it come from?

[Fishskin]

I don't think there is any need for any aeration other than that from the Elipse filter which should be plenty. Why do you think you need more?

[WaterBaby]

It's not that I think I need more.. The airstone was in the tank before I decided to keep a betta in it.

It would be nice not to hear the "purr" of the compressor at night (no, it's not soothing)...:D