Beginner Help Needed

[tonym]

well just bought my first tank today letting it run for a few days before i go get my betta.
just some questions if anyone can help?

will i ever need to do a 100% water change and if so after how long?

seeing as bettas need warm water ive got a LCD thermometer(black and colour lights up) and its reading 75F. I know this is sort of ok for a betta but the water doesnt actually feel that warm. Is my thermometer working properly or is 75F not actually that warm?

Any replies will be fantastic

Tony

 

[black angel]

What size tank and does it have a filter?

 

[SkiFletch]

as far as the temp goees, 75f is fine for a betta

 

[Pidgecbr600rr]

I had same thoughts about thermometer esp seeing as i had to turn my heater down to 18deg to get 25deg, but yes it does feel coolish to touch, which surprised me

Paul

 

[tonym]

o sorry didnt put size down its a 5 gallon tank. but the heater hasnt got a stat on it n now its just reached 82 will this keep rising or will it level out?

and for who asked yea its got a filter that sucks up the water to a sponge n stuff at top.

I realise how crutial water condition is tis why im askin lots of questions want it best for my baby when i get him

help very very very greatly appreciated

Tony

 

[randalthor]

As far as I know, bettas do not like the flow from filters, and do not need a heater.

Just my two cents you can spend it or not.

 

[Yesac]

I've used a filter with my betta since I got him. Rite now I'm using a Tetra Whisper filter, and put the flow rate on a lower setting. He likes to play in the small current, but I am always sure he has somewhere to go to get away. I never do full water changes, I just vacume the crap out and do weekly 20 per cent water changes.

 

[Ethos]

As far as I know, bettas do not like the flow from filters, and do not need a heater.

You hit it on the head

 

[tonym]

ive been told everywhere that ill need a heater and your the only person to tell me i dont

tank temp is now 84 is this too warm?

thanx

Tony

 

[Bryan1957]

I don't know very much about bettas. Two of my children have them, they don't have heaters or filters. You can use a filter if it doesn't move the water very much, they don't like to be in current all the time.
The biggest advantage to a heater would be to stabilize the water temperature in the tank. I would try and get a more accurate thermometer, the plastic strips you have aren't as accurate as an in tank thermometer made for tanks.
I think the temperature if it is 84 degrees is way too warm.
Have you used something to remove the chlorine from the water?
Your tank won't be cycled when you introduce the betta unless you cycle it first.
There is useful information about the nitrogen cycle here.
Welcome to the forums
Bryan

 

[black angel]

Yes its too warm, it might be set on its highest setting so turn it anti clockwise a little bit and keep checking the temp until it gets to 80.
My bettas are all in 80-82 f water and they are fine. If the water gets too cold they stop eating and fluctuating temperatures cause swimbladder problems.

I asked for a filter because you will only need to ever change around 40% in one go. Only if you didnt have a filter would you need to change all of it. As said, make sure the filter is pointed so the fish can have some quiet water.

You should cycle the tank before adding your betta as well. Add some flake to the intake each day and keep an eye on ammonia readings.

 

[Yesac]

I would say its too warm, get it around 80, and if you can't, take the dang thing out lol. And a filter should be fine. Especially a sponge filter.