Filtering Question In Betta Tank

[JBlacksmith]

I know that it is not necessary to have a light for a betta, and that the decision to get one tends to be for the aesthetic pleasure of humans. That said, I like it when my tanks have lighting, but I was recently told that my betta would be stressed out if I picked out a bright light for him. I guess my question is if anyone has formed a general consensus on lighting bright enough to actually see what is going on, but that does not also cause stress to a betta? Would he even care if he did have a somewhat bright light, or would it be best to stick to something dim for his well being? I know that a flood lamp, for example, would not be good, but I ask my question in terms of reasonable brightness levels. I really appreciate any input/advice you have to offer!

 

[JBlacksmith]

I have recently decided that my male betta should have a bigger tank (for a variety of reasons). He was in a three gallon with Lee's Round Under Gravel Filter designed for a two gallon. I wanted to use the same filter in a 5.5 gallon tank, but I find myself with a couple issues: first, obviously it is designed for a two gallon, and second, it produces more of a current than my betta seems to like. So my questions are would it be utterly pointless from a filtration standpoint to use it in a 5.5 gallon, if so, what would be a good way to filter the tank inexpensively without too much of a current? And if it were somehow beneficial to just use the same filter in the 5.5 gallon, what could I do to lessen the current it produces? I've mostly only dealt with a minimum tank size of fourteen gallons, so I am not well versed in the ways of tiny tanks! A preemptive thanks to any and all who can help me!

 

[christylee]

I've kept bettas in the past with and without light. I didn't really notice that much of a difference in their behavior. However, I did also have heavily planted tanks for them which does help dim the light.

 

[Ninjouzata]

I think if it were in a bare tank with a super bright light, then it'd be an issue. But if you have some plants and hiding places it should be fine. Floating plants especially help
 
I'd get an adjustable flow filter, like tetra whisper, or a sponge filter. You can find these pretty cheap online, or you can make one yourself.
I'm not familiar with that filter so not sure if it's suitable for a 5.5g or not.

 

[snowflake311]

Pick the light you need don't worry about your betta they do fine with light.  Its the wild type of bettas that would be more sensitive to light. Our fancy bettas are well adapted to life with humans.