Betta 5Gal. Filtration Necessary?

W

Waylander

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Jun 23, 2006
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Tasmania, Australia
Hi all, just a quick question. I have an old glass tank of a little over 5 gallons, which I'm thinking of using to house a betta sometime in the future. It had a crack in it which is now fixed using some water proof sealant (silicone?). If I use it again it will definitely be quite heavily planted.

My question is: could I get away without a filter? I ask this because the only place I have room for it is in my bedroom, which must be absolutely unconditionally silent. A heater would definitely be installed though. I'd be happy to do partial water changes several times a week if necessary.

Please don't flame me, I'm just curious and wanting to learn more about our great hobby. I'm not going to do anything that may endanger any fish I take into my care. :) So please advise me.

Thanks,

Kieren
 
I wouldn't use a cracked tank. You can get a new 5g for like eight or nine dollars. The cost vs. the risk of using the old one is quite worth it.

Now that being said, if you want silence, just use an internal filter. The Hagen Stingray is what I use in my bedroom 5g, and I don't hear a thing.
 
I would never think of flaming you for asking a great question - and I would certainly "flame" anyone that would! You are right to heat the tank...bettas like it on the warm side - I keep mine at about 78 degrees. And, given that the tank will be planted will help keep nitrates down. Most importantly, you are planning to do frequent water changes, which should work out fine. I would shoot for about 25-30% two or three times a week. Let water clarity and a nitrate test kit be your guide. Take your time to cycle the tank properly. People kept fish for centuries before filters and were quite successful. Check out the forums for cycling information and ideas on low-care plants. Enjoy and GIVE US PICS!
 
no, you really don't need a filter IMO as long as you have live plants and are religious with your water changes, but it is a good idea.
 
Don't tell anyone but I have two female bettas in separate tanks (they fought in the 55 gal tank) without filters. They love their plants and I keep the tanks very clean.
 
Both my tanks are planted with no filters. I dislike the sound of humming motors and splashing filters, so filterless is my #1 choice. The secret to doing this kind of tank is to use a lot of fast-growing plants, which consume ammonia like crazy. I use hygrophila polysperma plants, but anacharis works just as well (although it grows a little too fast for me!). In fact I can "filter" a 5 gallon (with a guppy and an endler) using only 2 bunches of plants and a weekly 40% water change.

I'm a little concerned about using a cracked tank though.
 
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I have a tetra internal filter and I can't hear it at all. I just think it would be better to have a filter but you could not have one if you keep up on water changes. I agree about the cracked tank. How bad's the crack?
 
My betta is in a tank (3.5 gallons?) with a large plant and he has been around for a couple of years (no filter, small heater).
 
i have a few bettas, and one is in a moderatley planted tank, be it its rather large, everything in it stays relitively stable. (actually more so than my filtered 10 gallon) and the betta is doing wonderfully. i also have one in a bit of a smaller tank (hes getting a bigger home very soon) but he is also doing well. the big tank gets changes once a week, and the little one gets a small change every other day, and once a week ill do a quick vacume and a 50 percent change. he is doing much better than he was when i rescued him, and cant wait to see how hell turn out im his soon to come new home. (im actually more excited for that than for my 20 g, and the large predetor tank im setting for next year, i got inspired/gealous by my boss' arowana and clown knife)
 
You dont need a filter, but it reduces water changes. Just be sure you aren't keeping more than a couple.
 
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