Surface Agitation Or No?

[cowgirluntamed]

I just set up my 5.5 gallon and got the SunSun 603b canister filter. (here's the link for it http/www.amazon.com/TechnToy-HW-603B-3-Stage-External-Canister/dp/B00CC6SCJQ).Everything is working fine and I have the spray bar pointed to the back and slightly down in the tank. Hardly any movement in there so nice home for betta. I was wondering though as I played with the position of it....should I point it forward and towards the surface instead for agitation? Otherwise it doesn't have any. I could always add a small airstone as well if I need to if that's a better option.

My new guy, Aedan, is coming this week. (I will post a pic when he gets here!!)I do plan on ordering plants in the morning as well when I get off work. Hopefully either they will come in or my Dr. Tim's one and only will or at least soon after. I just wanted to make sure I had that in case I couldn't get plants right away. But I saw a betta on eBay I just fell in love with and the guy held him for me so I could get the tank set up. I have his warrior helmet in there and some plastic plants. Yeah yeah I know....plastic...but he's a plakat so no long fins and they won't be in there for very long! Hopefully not at all but don't know. I had them on hand and picked the softest of the bunch. Just wanted to make him comfortable until the real plants come in.

 

[gmc1]

I would say if you are doing enough good sized water changes then surface agitation shouldn't be an issue.with my betta and marbled hatchetfish set up there's not much movement up top.the flow is two thirds down but I do have a lot of live plants in it.

 

[Akasha72]

firstly I know nothing about Betta's but I do know that if the surface isn't agitated it will eventually develop the horrible looking greasy film across it. I would try to get it moving even if it's just gently

 

[Wildbetta]

Akasha has a good point.  If there is absolutely no surface agitation then you will most likely develop the surface film.  Bettas don't need surface agitation so really it is up to you whether you decide to move your spray bar from the position you have it now or not.  

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Thanks guys. I may just add a small air stone to it then just to pick it up a tiny bit. Or I may just play around with the setup I have. Lol. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Akasha72]

have you thought about a sponge filter? The flow is gentle enough for newly hatched fry so should be fine for a betta - and it'll agitate the surface too

 

[Far_King]

I do direct mine towards the surface at the edge of the tank.  It's a very low flow but just enough to keep things moving.

 

[NickAu]

 
he's a plakat so no long fins and they won't be in there for very long!

Plakats can handle a bit of current, As long as he is not getting knocked about by the current he will be fine,  a sponge filter is a better option than an air stone and if you put a  In Line Control Valve  in you can regulate the air flow and current. If you do not have 1 get a check valve to, This stops water flowing back thru the air line into your air pump.
 
1 One Way Check Valve Non-Return Water Flow Control Aquarium Fish Tank Air Line
 
5 x Airline In Line Control Valve 4mm Control air flow in aquarium air line hose

 

[cowgirluntamed]

I got a mini canister filter for his tank. I didn't want a sponge in the tank as its only 5.5gallons. It does have a good control so I may just play with it before I do anything else. I may be able to agitate the surface good enough with it. Thanks for the tips! He should be getting shipped out to me this week. And I ordered live plants which are being shipped this week as well! When everything is set up I'll post again! Lol. I'm excited to get my first betta ever!