i was wondering, i have my betta in a 2.5 with an annoying filter. and i was wondering, can i take out the filter and just not have a filter? cuz bettas dont like currents. and all id have to do is have frequent water changes.
Bettas don't have a problem with current. Removing the filter is a bad idea, unless you plan on doing daily water changes. The filter hosts most of the bacteria needed to process wastes, as well as preventing the water from stagnating.
Planted tanks can be setup to run without filtration, but typically in larger setups with lots of plants and very few fish. In a 2.5--not a good idea.
What's annoying about the filter? Maybe we can offer some options. They make very small, very quite "hang on back" filter for betta bowls now.
If you decide against the above advice and do away with the filter, then daily water changes, of maybe a gallon would be recomended. Java moss, and java fern in the tank will help a little, will grow with very little light, and will look alot nicer.
i agree with the killer bunny person. ok so keep the filter. but could i add a piece of quartz i found in a local stream. its been siting around for 2 weeks, should i let it soak in water for a while or something?
Non-reactive--meaning the water won't cause it to break down. Some materials, like coral, limestone, sandstone, etc can break down in water, releasing minerals and typically increasing pH and hardness. Inert materials don't break down in normal tank conditions, so don't change water parameters.