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Switched over to a Sponge filter on my 5.5 gallon Betta tank some weeks ago. Marcus is the better for it. No longer pushed around by the current of a HOB, he displays himself more frequently. Swims around the tank more gracefully. I got the "Mini" for the 5.5 and recently ordered a #1 for a 10...

Thanks for the link Stephen. I know what distilled and RO water is. But, what is DI water. New to me. March...

Besides looking at my fish at breakfast and lunch, I also enjoy reading. In my small collection I have Walstad's book and Amano's book #1. Lost my old Encyclopedia of Freshwater Fish in my last move. I would be very Interested in any current (more or less) books that you may recommend. Presently...

Thanks very much for taking on this experiment. My own experience with API Freshwater Master Test Kit has not been very good. I found that the PH test reads  on the low side when compared to a calibrated meter. The printed chart that they provide is difficult to read when comparing results for...

I am also working on a DIY hood for my small tank. I will be using Kilz which is advertised as primer and a sealer. I'll use this for the under side of the hood and a satin black for the outside. If you want to preserve the natural beauty of the wood, you may want to go with a marine type of...

Back from the LFS. Water Sprite was the clear winner as he had some nice examples. Had to trim about 3" from the stalks and planted a bunch toward the back of the tank. Have a few sprigs floating. They also had Anubias Nana, but I thought $12.95 for a very small pot was a bit too pricey. Maybe...

Thanks very much David. Lots of info that I can investigate and use. If my LFS doesn't have one or two of your suggestions, he's sure to have something. My water also comes from the tap at my PH of 5.6. On a well. Thanks for your offer John. Going with my daughter to pick up plants this...

that also enjoy low PH. PH averages right around 5.6 - 6.0  KH is generally 1 to 2. (also low) That's the reason that my Cabomba isn't doing well according to my LFS guy. Says it should be raised and that he has kept Bettas in water with a PH as high as 10.  I have no intention of raising my PH...

Checked water parameters today. Ammonia increased to .50. Removed half the water and scooped out both areas of gravel where I placed the Osmocote. Separating the Osmocote balls from the gravel, I am confident that I was able to remove at least 90% or more. Replaced cleaned gravel and filled the...

Thanks for this information Byron. Prior to the Filter switch and Osmocote, My water parameters were: Ammonia: 0  Nitrites: 0 Nitrates: 7.0 - 10.0 I got the Osmocote as an alternative to more expensive solutions. A lot of people are using it with no apparent problems. Some as a part of the...

Well...may have to re-think the sponge filter. One week after switching over to the sponge filter my water parameters have shot up. Ammonia: 2.0  Nitrites: 2.0  Nitrates  40. Should have been checking on a daily basis after a major change. Almost killed my poor Betta. Made a 60% water change...

Yep... Thanks for the recommendation. Available at Amazon, I believe. Cheers!

Correction to above: Filter is an ATI "Mini". (checked my receipt) I would use the #1 in my 10. March...

Air intake through the bottom of the pump seems to be sucking air ok where most of the folds of towel are. Tried it myself and was able to breath. Has been pumping twenty four hours. Thanks for the caution.

Ok...Have to recant my last post. Set up an ATI "Mini"  sponge filter in my 5.5 gallon Betta tank. Pulled out the HOB. Fish seems happier and more relaxed (in spite of the cat.) Feeding is easier. Water movement seems sufficient. Probably should have tried this a long time ago. Yes the pump...

Update to my post: Removed the HOB and fired up the sponge filter yesterday. What a difference. Marcus (all my Bettas get roman names) can now pause anywhere in the tank and display full fins. Swimming is now more languid and graceful. Feeding is easier. Instead of Marcus chasing his food around...

Think twice about a sponge filter. They are driven by an air pump that is too noisy for where I place my tanks. A mini or adjustable HOB may be a better choice. Bettas don't like a whole lot of water movement. Good luck. March...

Greetings: Used to keep shrimps when I lived in Florida. Interested in getting back to having a invert tank. Checking my present tank parameters which pretty closely mirror my filtered well water I find: PH: 5.70 DKH: 2 DKH seems a bit low. According to the (SERA) test kit, ideal would be 5.0...

Greetings: My .02$ if that is ok. First congratulations for choosing to keep your Betta in a 10 gallon tank. They really flourish once you get them out of those little bowls. I've kept Bettas in 10s and and a 5 gallon tank and have used HOB filters with no problem. The trick is to slow down the...

Greetings Jake. I'm new too and signed up for the same reasons you did. Hope all goes well with your fish keeping. March...

Just coming back to the hobby after relocating and recovering from same. Due to the difficulties in getting settled, its been about two years since keeping any fish. Since I'm pretty much a newb again, I made very good use of the helpful information here. So, I want to start off by expressing...