Getting Started!

[Kyrtis]

I'd like to get started on starting up my betta tank however i am torn over various options. I would like the opinion of other people on this particular set, "Marina Style 5 Glass Aquarium Kit" on amazon.

Linked here: http/www.amazon.com/Marina-Style-Glass-Aquarium-Kit/dp/B0035HBFWM

Now i have done enough reading to know that the thermometer in the kit seems useless and I plan to replace that with the "Marina Floating Thermometer with Suction Cup" http/www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AQITK/. The fishnet and food wasn't designed for bettas in mind so i'll likely give that away to a friend. The Hydor 25W Submersible Aquarium Heater will be bought to keep the water tempature within comfortable ranges as well as the API Freshwater Master Test Kit for various water tests during the filter cycle as well as after.

Included in the set is the, "Marina S10 Slim Power Filter" http/www.amazon.com/Hagen-A285-Marina-Power-Filter/dp/B0032G8TPW/ and what i am wondering is whether or not this is a filter that will work for my betta and if can handle the fishless cycle.

I doubt that the incandescent bulb will work that well so i'll likely replace that with a Compact fluorescent bulb or modify the canopy to use LED lighting. Another question i have is related to the fishless cycleless thing. Is the filter strong enough without needing to buy a seperate an air stone with pump? If not, what kind of air stone should i look into getting?

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi, Kyrtis, to the forum.
 
That tank looks like a very nice home for a betta; but that will be all you can keep in a 5g; you wont have the option to add any more fish.
 
All filters can be fishless cycled, and as that one has an adjustable flow, it's good choice; bettas don't like strong currents You don't need to run any additional air.

 

[Kyrtis]

Thanks allot!

A single male betta is good enough for me. Thanks for the info.

 

[attibones]

Keep in mind that you don't need to use the carbon cartridge that comes with the filter. Keep it, though, in case you have to remove any medication. Either way, that will be a pretty good set up. I'd be tempted to get the ten gallon, though, as my betta in his ten gallon is doing far better than when he was in a five.

 

[Kyrtis]

When i have the space in the future, i just may get a bigger tank. For now, the five gallon will have to do. I'm only getting one fish for now. If i don't use the carbon cartridge, what would you suggest i do with the empty slot? Add a second of the other cartridge? Use a different media?


 

 

[attibones]

I would just do ceramic media or a sponge. You don't need to waste your money and your precious bacteria by disposing of the cartridges every two weeks.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

attibones is exactly right!
 
 
Carbon plays its role, but its NOT what the big companies want you to do with it.  It removes certain chemical compounds from the water, but its "used up" rather quickly... depending on what's in your water. 
 
 
Carbon is really useful for two things:

• Removing meds after you have completed a course of treatment.  Of course, you want to add FRESH carbon to the tank to remove that, and you want to remove and toss that after about a week or two, and replace with fresh.  I recommend two carbon treatments to fully clear all meds (I'm overly cautious!)
• Removing tannins (the brownish yellow stain) that sometimes happens with the addition of driftwood to your tank.  Personally, I love tannins in the water and they are certainly not harmful to the fish, but some people prefer that "crystal clear" tank appearance. 

 
Carbon once used can also provide a nice home for bacteria.  Which means that the bacteria colony grows there very nicely, and when you replace it every 2 weeks, you are removing a good portion of your bacteria, which leaves you vulnerable for a mini-cycle.  If its in the filter already, its best to leave it.  If you've just added new... its best to remove it and go with a sponge or ceramics - as stated above.  These will last a REALLY long time with just a quick rinse in old tank water every few weeks or so.

 

[Kyrtis]

According to the package on the filter cartridge, it both contains ceramics. http/www.amazon.com/Marina-Filter-Zeolite-Ceramic-Cartridge/dp/B0032GED0C

Sponge wise, what kind should i look for?

 

If its in the filter already, its best to leave it.  If you've just added new... its best to remove it and go with a sponge or ceramics - as stated above.  These will last a REALLY long time with just a quick rinse in old tank water every few weeks or so.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Any aquatics sponge.  Either coarse or medium would be best, I think, as its less likely to restrict flow. Get an oversized sponge and you can cut it to fit your exact space.  


Bad news is about those cartridges, they contain zeolite - which as advertised, does in fact adsorb ammonia - for a while.  It works similar to carbon, but on a wider range of molecules...  The issue with it adsorbing ammonia, is that it can starve your beneficial bacteria.  That means once it's done adsorbing the ammonia, you start to poison your fish with ammonia... and you never see it coming (or you replace/recharge it more frequently than necessary and burn a hole in your pockets...).
 
 
As with carbon, zeolite has its place in a fish tank.  But, it needs to be the LAST thing that the water filters through in the filter, just before going back into the tank.  Otherwise, as mentioned, it can rob your bacteria of the ammonia (and nitrite) that your bacteria need to survive.

 

[Kyrtis]

I don't have to use those cartridges yet I can still keep the filter. I can probably fit a sponge in one of the slots. What other filter media can i use along side with the sponge? 

 

Any aquatics sponge.  Either coarse or medium would be best, I think, as its less likely to restrict flow. Get an oversized sponge and you can cut it to fit your exact space.  

\

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Any really that fits...  Ceramics are pretty good as they give good places for bacteria to colonize.

 

[Kyrtis]

Can you link me to a few example sponge and ceramic brands?


 

Any really that fits...  Ceramics are pretty good as they give good places for bacteria to colonize.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

"Sponges"
 
"Ceramics"
 
These are the ones I use:

 

[Kyrtis]

Regarding the ceramics. Can i pour them right into one slot or should i look for some kind of plastic mesh bagging to put them in?
 

"Sponges"
 
"Ceramics"
 
These are the ones I use:

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I put mine in a mesh bag... its easier to deal with for monthly rinsing.