Stupid Newbie Questions

[BettaDad]

Ok, I've been reading and visiting various website about bettas...

Bowls, vases, cycles, change water, change 25% water, filters, no filters... ARRGH! It's enough to drive one batty...

Ok, I have a 2 gallon aquarium that probably has 1.5 gallons or so of water what with the gravel, space at the top, etc.

It has an undergravel filter that I've been adjusting so I don't get too many bubbles on the top, and don't create too much current.

Now to cleaning the tank/changing the water. Does the filter actually filter stuff out, or should I get one of those filters that go in the corner? How often to change the water? How much water to change each time? I'm assuming these little jobs will stress little Bugsy out, so I don't want to do them too often, just often enough to keep him nice and healthy.

Do I empty the entire tank to clean periodically? I'd think I'd have to. In between those times do I do partial changes?

I've read plenty on how to do these things, just not sure how often with my particular setup.

Thanks for any help. I just want to keep Bugsy happy and healthy 'cause he's a neat little pal.

 

[wuvmybetta]

UGF's stink, seriously, it will get a huge accumulation of waste underneath it and you'll never be able to get it out without dismantling the tank. Get a small corner filter and a mini gravel vac and you're good to go

 

[bittersweet]

i agree with wuv..err i mean kelly (hey you changed your name! lol)
or you dont even need a filter for a 2 gallon, you can just keep doing small water changes every 3 or 4 days and it should be fine.

 

[cutechic]

Do I empty the entire tank to clean periodically? I'd think I'd have to. In between those times do I do partial changes?

I don't think you'll need to if you do partial water changes every few days. It's quite stressful for the betta if you do 100% water changes.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi BettaDad

Since you are new to fish keeping, I'd like to suggest that you read the following article so that you will have a good understanding of the basic principles involved in cycling a tank. Then you will be better able to consider the differences and weigh the benefits of keeping your tank cycled, or of doing complete water changes:

http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=10099

Once you have done that, I'm sure you will have more questions, but be assured that none of them will be considered stupid.

 

[thellama]

ugfs really arent THAT bad... i think they have a bad rep...

ive been using one for years, never had problems with it at all... its a 20g.. so its more annoying to clean ..

but for a 2 gallon tank, the ugf shouldnt be bad... cleaning the whole thing prob takes 5-10 minutes....

but if you want to you can always get a little corner filter like everyone else said.