Betta Question

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fishinAZ

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Jun 7, 2004
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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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
Mini Bow 2.5 gal Betta Tank

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.
 
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