Betta tank cover and filter questions

I don't currently have a cover for my betta tank as I planned on finding a tupperware lid and poking holes or possibly using saran wrap if that didn't work out, but I have learned a lot of things from the other thread I'm currently partaking in. I know that the top needs to be covered as bettas are jumpers, but before I do anything are there specific ways to go about this? My current tank has a round opening with a lip and has the wires for the heater and filter sticking out. It did not come with a cover, nor is there one currently made for it.

Also, I read that betta's large fins mean they dislike stronger currents as they can get easily swept in them. How do I know if my filter is too strong for my betta? It is currently moving the leaves of the plant right below the output similarly to a continuous gust of wind. I know that filters are important to keep the water clean and to oxygenate it, but is the flow too much for my fish?

Thank you!

For lids, make sure that you cover everything, including small gaps. For the filter, you can either do sponge filtration or if you have a HOB, you can make a baffle.

I thought I needed small gaps so that the betta could have breathing holes? Also, I have a lot of research to do either way, but I'm not really sure what an HOB or a baffle are. Could you explain? Thank you so much!

Bettas can and will jump on small openings. HOB is an acronym for "hang on back." A baffle is something you can modify your HOB filter where you can lessen the amount of flow.

What brand and model is your tank and what does the filter look like? Please post pictures.
I use these, sometimes in combination with strategic placement of plants, to keep my little guys comfy and safe.

Quin said:

I thought I needed small gaps so that the betta could have breathing holes? Also, I have a lot of research to do either way, but I'm not really sure what an HOB or a baffle are. Could you explain? Thank you so much!

Click to expand...

You don't need breathing holes in a tank lid - not even for Betta's. Just don't fill the tank to the brim. If oxygen can get through breathing holes, it can get through the holes made for the filter and heater wires.

I don't think anything that is in my tank currently is for sure permanent as we found out last night it was not 5 gallons like I initially assumed so he will be getting a much nicer one as soon as I can. As for tank pictures, because the black filter is backed by a black tv and mirror it's very hard to see but I have a heater suction cupped to the left side and a filter suction cupped to the right and up enough to disturb the top of the water. These pictures were taken this morning, pardon the opaqueness of the bowl I can see him clearly but I think my phone likes the tv reflection better than him
These pictures were from when I had to supplement his heat with a heating pad because our furnace was off.

If you can get to a shop, something like craft mesh will stop him jumping out. If that's not possible, a piece of lightweight fabric would work.