filters for bettas

[Chris]

Does anybody use a filter for their betta tanks. Ive heard they are really not necessary as long as you do regular water changes. The only thing that worries me about it is the lack of water flow around the heater and cold spots (and hot spots) appearing. Anyone got any tips or advice. I dont have a betta yet but my local shop has loads of new crown tails in and im so tempted to buy one.
Cheers

 

[Alien Anna]

Bettas definitely like a proper filter and heater as they are tropical fish, and although they can breathe air in extremis, they do have gills just like any other fish. Without a filter it is less likely you can cycle the bettas bowl or tank, which means you'll get a build up of ammonia between water changes which could easily harm your fish's health, or even kill him.

 

[wuvmybetta]

all of my betta live in CYCLED unfiltered tanks, a filter does make water changes easier but it's not exactly necessary for a betta, weekly 50% water changes along with thorough debris removal using a turkey baster should be just fine

your heater situation may be a good reason to invest in a little filter, even a sponge filter would help with that. I recently purchased a little azoo mini filter and I must say it's awesome but the current is a little too strong for my bettas, it may be perfect for something like a 5 gallon. I moved the filter from tank to tank to see who liked it the most and none of them were really crazy about it. I forgot and left it running in one of my males 2.5's and when I came back a couple of hours later he was lying on the gravel as if he was dying goofball so dramatic

good luck

 

[nene]

The Azoo filter has flow control. I have one in each of my 2.5 gallon tanks set on low and my male bettas don't even notice them. I also use them in my 5 gallons set on med. or high depending on the fish. For the price you can't beat them- $5.99 and the filters replacements are like $1.79 for 6 of them. My second choice would be the Whisper mini made by Tetra. They go inside of the tank tho and so take up some room in the tank but not much.

 

[lgreenmk]

I have both of my bettas in filtered tanks and they are fine. Also, the tank stays much cleaner.

 

[Where the river goes]

If you do get a filter, just make sure it has flow control. I like the whisper filters I have in my two tanks. They live up to their name....they're whisper quiet

 

[KnuckleHead]

I house all my bettas in 10g filtered tanks. I use the Whisper mini 5-10. It has a flow control and works great. I set it on the lowest setting and my water stays crystal clear with bi-weekly 20 percent water changes. I also use the same type of filter on my fry tanks, also set on the lowest setting, shortly after they become free swimming with no ill effects.

 

[bettabuddy]

I have a betta, 3 white clouds and 2 panda cories in a Hex 5. The tank comes with a built in filter hood and light. All I added to the setup was a submersble Visitherm 25W heater.
I do weekly 25% water changes. All the fish have been together for over a year. A very pretty and fun tank to watch.

 

[Chris]

Cheers everyone, that really helps. I think ill look into getting one of those all in one tanks that contain a small filter and light and purchase a heater for it. Thatll save on plugs too which are becoming a rare thing in my house.
Thanx again
Chris