setting up betta tank

E

emmaS

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Nov 6, 2006
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Hi. I have been given a 2.5 gallon (I think) tank. Not glass--but plastic? It had been used to house goldfish but I would like to make it a betta tank.

I am looking online (mostly petsmart) at filters and heaters since it has neither. I am interested in the Hagen Stingray filter for up to 5 gallons. Any reviews? Also, I can't find the replacement cartridges for it (circular shape) so am I supposed to buy the square ones and cut them? I also was told that I may not need a filter at all--but does that mean I'll have to clean the water frequently? How frequently?

Also the smallest heater petsmart sells online is a 50 watt. Is that too big for my 2.5 gallon?

Any other things I need to take in consideration for a betta?
 
Walmart does sell a smaller heater, which would work in a 2.5 gallon tank. I don't know about that particular fliter, but you do want a filter so you don't have to change the water daily.

The only other thing to take into consideration for a betta is that you need to have soft decorations, no prickly parts or he'll tear his fins. So silk plants rather then plastic, and round rocks rather then jagged ones.
 
Def Wal-mart for your heater, they sell a no name brand designed for 2-5 gallons and they also sell a whisper brand for the same size tanks. As far as filters go, I've heard mixed reviews about the stingray filters(issues with becoming clogged mostly), there are some small filters you can look into for example Azoo Palm Filter its a HOB style that is designed for small tanks. you can go with whisper internal filters, I think they now make an air powered one also found at walmart and petsmart, there is also Fluval (no personal experiance with them), and the Duetto Mini I used one for a newt QT tank, which I'm going to convert to a Betta setup its also a 2.5 gallon. Hope that helps
 
I had that stingray filter (for up to 5 gallons) in my 5 gallon betta tank and the current was way too strong for the betta. It would be even stronger in a 2.5 gallon tank, so I wouldn't recommend it.

I'd go with a 25 watt heater. I like this one:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11368&N=2004+113767
I use it in my 2 gallon and it keeps a nice steady temperature. You want something that is adjustable.

For a filter, a lot of folks use the Azoo Palm or Red Sea Nano filter.
 
For a tank that small look for a small undergravel kit and an air pump. It would take up the least amountof space, giving the betta more room to swim in and create very little current.

I definatley suggest heat and water mov't of some kind. If you don't add a filter I would be doing 50% water change every couple of days. As it is, filtered, I would still do them a couple of times a week.
 
I have three 2.5g setups.

I tried that stingray filter in my 5g and let me tell you - it is pure crap. It just creates lots of current, but it hardly cleans the water in the least. I have since switched to the tetra whisper 10 and I am never looking back. That stingray isn't even good for a qt tank. Plus it's a pretty large object to have in a small tank.

NOW - as far as your filtration and heat go for the 2.5, please please take my advice at any price. I have a few years of experience with these now, so do trust me.

The best filter in the whole world for that size tank is the red sea nano filter. (Or you could try the azoo palm filter...though I have only used the red seas.) This way you get a proper power filter but with a nice gentle flow that is adjustable. You can use any media you want. (i have peat in mine to make the water nice and acidic) Plus it's inexpnsive and reliable - http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19169/si1380910/cl0/redseadecoartnanofilterclear

Now for heat you would be wasting your money on one of those adjustable heaters. They are far too big for a tank that small anyway. I have a hydor mini-heater in each of my tanks. It's small, black, and easily hidden from sight. Keeps the tank at a constant 74 degrees and only uses a fraction of the wattage that the larger heaters use. It is far cheaper and safer in my opinion. http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18534/si1382454/cl0/hydorminiheater75watt

Hope this helps. The other suggestions are good, but I personally feel these are the best choices for the type of tank you are planning.
 
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echoofformless said:
Now for heat you would be wasting your money on one of those adjustable heaters. They are far too big for a tank that small anyway. I have a hydor mini-heater in each of my tanks. It's small, black, and easily hidden from sight. Keeps the tank at a constant 74 degrees and only uses a fraction of the wattage that the larger heaters use. It is far cheaper and safer in my opinion. http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18534/si1382454/cl0/hydorminiheater75watt
Click to expand...

Those little heater pad things raise the water temperature by 4 to 5 degrees above the room temperature with no control. In my case, we keep the house at 65 during the winter (sweaters are cheaper than a high heating bill). Water left at room temperature would be about 65. Add that heater, and at most it reaches 70. This is much too cold for a betta that prefers 78-80 degrees. Keep in mind how cool the house is and how stable your house temperature is before purchasing one of these heaters.
 
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Hi. I just put in water to measure the 2.5 and to my surprise it's 1.5! I was given the tank for free so I'm not complaining but I was surprised.

I was planning on getting the Neptune 25watt heater but is that too big for the 1.5? I saw the 7.5 watt at Walmart but not sure that it'll work well.
 
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