Cycle the tank for sure, it is a must. If the sand bed isn't too deep and is stirred either by snails or you during a w/c change there shouldn't be an issue.
looking for very basic care, tank setup, etc info for a single betta
- Thread starter Jennie Beth
- Start date
- If you're gonna go with a 10g, I'd suggest to go ahead and get a filter. It'll make your life so much easier in the long run.
- It's true, bettas are perfectly fine with no surface agitation and the addition of pumps/bubbles is unnecessary.
- Substrate is up to you, really. The swamp gas you speak of really only applies to sand and can be avoided if you stir the sand every once in a while or use malaysian trumpet snails.
- Yes, please avoid marbles for the reasons you've mentioned. Also, marbles have been known to crack and cause injury to bettas.
- Bare bottom plus potted plants is fine. I keep most of my bettas in bare bottom tanks myself. It's just faster and easier to clean.
- It's true, bettas are perfectly fine with no surface agitation and the addition of pumps/bubbles is unnecessary.
- Substrate is up to you, really. The swamp gas you speak of really only applies to sand and can be avoided if you stir the sand every once in a while or use malaysian trumpet snails.
- Yes, please avoid marbles for the reasons you've mentioned. Also, marbles have been known to crack and cause injury to bettas.
- Bare bottom plus potted plants is fine. I keep most of my bettas in bare bottom tanks myself. It's just faster and easier to clean.
I would go with filtered for sure. Main reason, that it's much easier to care for. If you leave the tank for 2 weeks, nothing bad happens, the water will still be OK, the fish will still be healthy.
It's true that betta don't like strong current, but because the tank is not crowded you can use a smaller filter, or turn down the current, or just use an air powered sponge filter.
Substrate - I prefer fine gravel, easier to vacuum and doesn't need to be stirred up. But nothing wrong with sand or bare bottom either. Personal choice really.
Ian
It's true that betta don't like strong current, but because the tank is not crowded you can use a smaller filter, or turn down the current, or just use an air powered sponge filter.
Substrate - I prefer fine gravel, easier to vacuum and doesn't need to be stirred up. But nothing wrong with sand or bare bottom either. Personal choice really.
Ian
I use a small HOB or sponge filter with my bettas. The small amount of turbulence keeps a biofilm from forming and helps keep the water oxygenated.
Each of my bettas are in a 5g with white play sand, HOB filters and a jungle of plants such as crypts, java moss, java fern and vals. Great advice from everyone else 
