Filter for 5 gal.

[FroFro]

I've come to the conclusion that my current filter is the root cause of the excess slime in my tank. I experimented by taking it from my bettas tank and putting it in a bucket of clean water and lettig it run. I replaced the filter media and cleaned the filter before testing this. Within 3 days the water had already developed a thick film of the slime on top of the water. Right now Im using a small hang on the back I bought with borrowed filter media and a baffled outtake. I'm looking for a more suitable solution for his 5 gallon and would like suggestions if you have any.

 

[Essjay]

Have you thought about a sponge filter powered by an air pump? These are adjustable to get the flow slow enough for a betta, but they also produce bubbles which break up the surface and should help to disperse any film on top of the water. This is what is in my betta's tank.

Something like this http://www.aquaoneonline.co.uk/aqua-one-air-filter-30-7683-p.asp

 

[FroFro]

Have you thought about a sponge filter powered by an air pump? These are adjustable to get the flow slow enough for a betta, but they also produce bubbles which break up the surface and should help to disperse any film on top of the water. This is what is in my betta's tank.

Something like this http://www.aquaoneonline.co.uk/aqua-one-air-filter-30-7683-p.asp

I stopped at my local family owned fish store as they were the only ones who called me and told me they have "small" sponge filters. I went inside and while they are for 2-40 gal. capacity the filter is quite wide. I'm thinking a sponge filter but I'd need one a bit thinner, height isn't an issue (as long as the filter isn't over one foot ). Would buying a narrow sort of filter model be less beneficial than the wider ones I've been seeing?

I've never had a sponge filter so I'm not sure what to look for performance wise when it comes to choosing one other than its capacity.

 

[Essjay]

It is hard for me to recommend a particular sponge filter because I'm in the UK and you are in the US

I have the filter in the link in my last post, they do come in a range of sizes and I have the smallest in my betta's tank which is 26 litres = 7 gals. I had a JBL air pump but I recently changed it for an Eheim which is a lot quieter, if more expensive. The advantage with this type of filter is that if the water flow in the tank is too strong, you can just put a two tap splitter in the air line and use one to bleed some air into the room so there is less going through the filter so the water flow is less.
I looked on Amazon for "sponge filter 5 gallon" to see what was available in the US and the search gave these filters
You would also need an air pump of the same type as used for air stones, some air line though that often comes with the pump, and a non return valve.

 

[NickAu]

I like this one because the flow is adjustable and it has a pre filter in the tank this will stop the Bettas tail from being damaged.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07316ZGBV/?tag=ff0d01-20

The flow control knob can be adjusted from full flow to nothing and anywhere in between.

I have a similar unit I got rid of the filter pad and filled it with media.

This is the unit I have

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Dr's foster and smith is a great place to get sponge filters. They have multiple sizes available and I've been happy with every purchase. Also, they come with an extra filter sponge in case you ever need one. Here is the link.

http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3954&pcatid=3954&s=lh

 

[Byron]

On sponge filters, I use the type in the two photos. The single sponge is more than adequate for a 10g; the dual are better in larger tanks (I use one of these dual sponge filters in each of my 20g, 29g, and 40g tanks. They take up less horizontal space. But otherwise, any simple sponge will be good filtration.

 

[FroFro]

I like this one because the flow is adjustable and it has a pre filter in the tank this will stop the Bettas tail from being damaged.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07316ZGBV/?tag=ff0d01-20

The flow control knob can be adjusted from full flow to nothing and anywhere in between.

I have a similar unit I got rid of the filter pad and filled it with media.

This is the unit I have

I've seen that filter before but I was always concerned if it would fit over the back of his tank, there is an odd black trip that was designed along with the tank. If you don't mind my asking, how well does it hang off your tank?

 

[NickAu]

It fits and works fine.