HELP ASAP. New Betta.

what kind of filter and media? i have a zoomed in my betta tank and the water was cloudy while i just had ceramic rings and a sponge in there...added a polishing pad and boy what a difference!
 
what kind of filter and media? i have a zoomed in my betta tank and the water was cloudy while i just had ceramic rings and a sponge in there...added a polishing pad and boy what a difference!

I have an AquaTech 5-15 gallon filter with both a carbon pad and regular media. I also have a few pieces of sponge inside the filter. Around the intake tube I have a large piece of sponge to reduce the amount of water sucked up.
 
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