UGF is a good filter by all means. But if its not cleaned properly it can turn into a nitrate factory. And if some thing goes wrong, you need to take it all out and re do the tank. UGFs is an old idea. It may have been the best at its time, but today we have a number of more updated options. I spent $2500 on maybe $50 of fish too.
Thank you so much for all the great advice. It is really appreciated, just one more question: I know that ADF need hides, but because my tank is so small, I dont want to crowd it with a tacky fish decoraton. I read somewhere that you can use small terra cotta pots (sp??) (the one inch long ones) but I am worried about whether or not the material in them would effect the water? Has anybody here ever used terra cotta in a fish tank??
That stuff is perfect for fish tank. As long as they are new and have touched any soil that may have chemicals in it. You may need to cut it up a bit. Get a hammer and carefully tap on the sections that you want to take off. Make sure that nothing is really sharp with some sandpaper.
Everything went well the first night, but my new little ADF (Eli, he has a name now ) wasn't eating. I gave him sinking shrimp pellets like the pet store said, but he didn't eat them. This morning the tank was kinda merky (1g with UGF) This evening, I spoon fed him (literarly, it was really hard, but he won't eat without me putting the food right in front of him) this time I used frozen misqueto worm things. He ate about 10 (is that enough??). Here is my question, number one, should I keep hand feeding him, and will this eventually teach him how to hunt? and secondly, the water was kinda merky after all the feeding attempts, so I did a 1/3 water change and it cleared up, is this ok to do, and how often can I do a partial water change without putting him in danger? Lastly, how do I make a new post or thread? I can't figure how to start a new discussion. Thanks
He is doing well now, swiming around now that it is night time, he sleeps all day, but is very active at night I love him
10 Sounds like a Good meal.
You may have to keep hand feeding him. I use a baster. The thing wont seem to eat w/o it right in front of him either.
Water changes wont hurt him. Dont be stingy with water changes. As long as the temperature of the new water is very close to the same *** the old water. Also be sure to dechlorinate. I end up changing lots iof water on the tank with the frog ( and a betta) because the frog usually leaves some food.
I like undergravel filters.
I didnt even spend $2500 on my car.
On the general freshwater page, where it lists the threads, above the top of the list is a buton that says "new thread".
\ Also Kas has a good how to sticky. I think it is in FW newbies
If you are interested in a HOB filter for up tp a 3 gallon tank I found a place that sells them new for under $5. And their shipping is resonable. Let me know if you want me to post a link (and I have no affiliation with this place just found it on line).
If you are interested in a HOB filter for up tp a 3 gallon tank I found a place that sells them new for under $5. And their shipping is resonable. Let me know if you want me to post a link (and I have no affiliation with this place just found it on line).
yes, but my problem is that the 1 gallon i bought is enclosed (It even has a plastic cover that protects the fish from the light) I did this because I was told that ADF can jump out of the tank, will the HOB work in this type of enclosure?
side note: O my, if i am going to have to hand feed him, I am in for lot of work, lol, o well, I don't mind. :huh:
Well, I have 5 one gallon betta tanks....all healthy and happy little fish.
I used the ugf filter that came with these tanks at first..and ended up taking them out. They were more of a pain than anything else. I have no filters on these tanks and all I do is syphon out about a third of the water twice a week and about once a month I put the bettas in a cup....empty out all the water...rinse the gravel in the old water, wipe out the tank and clean off any of the plants...put it all back together with fresh clean water..and slowly put the betta back in.
This system has worked well for me and the fish. Two of them are about 3 years old by now and just as active and spry as when I got them. The others are fairly new additions. One of the tanks is a planted tank and the plants themselves are doing fantastic....I don't however, ever completely empty that one...I just wipe down the sides of the tank during regular water changes.
You could add an ADF in a setup like this, but you would have to do more frequent water changes as the frogs are dirty little creatures...lol...also, it could be hard to feed them without the betta eating all their food up. And then you would have constipation issues with your betta from eating too much..lol. And yes, they can hop out of the tank if it isn't covered.
IMHO..and from personal experience...you don't need a filter for that tank as long as you are strict with regular water changes and mainenance.
nice pics, beautiful set-ups. My tank looks similar to the ones you have on either side of the big one. I was figuring the same thing for the water changes. My betta (Frank)is curently in a 1g bowl, and he has been quite happy there without a filter, and a similar water change schedule as you use. I am just trying to get a feel for how things need to be before he is introduced to little Eli the ADF. How are u heating those tanks? Do the built in lights help any for temp?
Side Note: EMG, I love ur Darts, I was going to get a few, but once I was at the pet store, I some how ended up with a Leopard Gecko instead, go figure. lol