Betta Question

[fishinAZ]

I have rescued 2 bettas, each in their own betta bowl purchased at LFS. With Fall coming, I'd like to put them in a small tank with a divider and a heater.

What I'd like to know is what kind of filtration can I use in a small tank that won't upset these fish. I've read that any water movement isn't good for bettas.

[dwayne]

As long as the current isn't SO strong that they cannot swim at all, fish enjoy water current, and it wouldn't harm them. If a current is way too strong for a betta, then their fins may get a bit shredded from trying to swim against it, but again, this has to be a very strong current.

We can make better suggestions if you let us know the size of the tank...

~Tara

[aquariumfishguy]

Depends on the size of aquarium for what size filter you get - or which type of filter. I have kept betta’s in the same size aquarium as all my other fish, with "normal" filters and they do fine.

[Bigguppy]

If the tank is large enough you can use regular filters. If you use a small setup similar to a bowl, you probably can get by making very regular water changes.

[fishinAZ]

The new tank size would be no more than 5 gal. I'd like to put a small hang on the outside of the tank or external filter.

[aquariumfishguy]

In that case, something like a small whisper or something of that par would work fine. Basically, all of those power box filters that are rated “mini” for tanks 10 gallons and under are appropriate in this situation.

[TKOS]

I use a small internal bubble filter for my 5 gallon betta tank. He likes to spend a little quality time playing in the flow of bubbles.

I would suggest if you are using a divider that a heater is most important and I would add a bunch of stem plants and something like duckweed. Essentially you would have a plant based filter. Do weekly water changes and all will work great. Plus the plants can be used to block the bettas sight of each other so they don't spend all day "attacking" each other.

[Neo Sithlord]

I've never used one, but what about an under gravel filter? Others might be able to go into more detail on those. I had a betta in a 10 gallon all to him self and with the hang on back that I had (can't remember brand) he got tossed arround alot. With a divider and a HoB I'm thinking one will get the brunt of it from the filter in that case. An under gravel should cut out all current while giving equal filtration to both sides of the tank I think.
-Neo SIthlord

[Leopardess]

Well, I keep a female betta in my 55g with a Fluval 304 on it and she's peachy keen. I also keep a few bettas in 10g tanks and I just use the HOB that came with the tank (Walmart deluxe kit thing). They are all fine.

For a 5g (I wouldn't go smaller than that for 2 bettas) tank, I would suggest something like the internal Whisper mini filter. It has an adjustable flow if you are worried. I keep 2 bettas each in their own 5g and they both use this filter.

Anything that isn't super strong will be okay. With time, their muscles will strengthen (they're weak from those darn cups that restrict movement) and they will be just fine. Their natural habitat isn't anywhere near as stagnant as some might think....not that it matters much I guess since our bettas are nothing like the ones in the wild.

Either way, I think a filter is a wise choice.

I'd stay away from UGF's. More trouble than they're worth IMO.

[fishinAZ]

Boy did I fall for this one at Petsmart. Decided on the above mentioned tank. Bought the little heater, set everything up, put the divider in it, put the fish in and they started in on each other.

Somehow during the day while I was at work, one of the bettas slipped through a small space in the divider and was with the other betta beating the crap out of each other. Fin pieces on the gravel. The fish were immediately separated and are exhausted but hopefully will survive.

This tank Box has a nice picture of the aquarium set up with two bettas looking peacefully at each other thru the divider and OH how lovely and nice.

Really stupid purchase.

[Leopardess]

Aw Im sorry to hear that.

However, I suggest you go out and get a 5g tank. A 2.5g tank may be fine for one betta, but split in two, thats only 1.25g per. Contrary to popular belief, they do like to swim around a decent amount. A standard 5g tank is something like 6-7$ around here...course you'd need the rest of the stuff, but those minibows are a bit of a rip off, IMO. Get a few plants and stick them in front of the divider. Out of sight is out of mind to these little guys. If you want to make certain that the divider wont do that again, you can silicone the edges to the tank on the sides and bottom. Get a tight fitting lid because some will not hesitate to jump over the divider.

Good luck and hope they're okay. I'd treat with some melafix or antibiotics...

[fishinAZ]

Thank you for your advice Leopardess. After this happened, I rushed to the LFS and purchased another minibow for the other guy. So they both will have their own tanks with filtration, heat and space to swim and play. :)

[hcgirl80]

Since you are getting a minibow with a heater, when spring comes again, don't don't DON'T put them back in the betta bowls. Leave them in their tank. It's a great permanent home for the little guys. :)

~Paige