Upgrading my fish

[Angelika]

I didn't think before coming here that bettas were able tohave filters in their tanks, i'm thinking of upgrading one of my fish to a bigger place, and am wondering if the filters as a good thing? what are the advantages to them? as well, what type of tank do you think is the best and what size filter etc?

i don't know much about these fish, i have two, in two separate fishbowls, one fishbowl is much bigger than the other one because i've had him for longer and he's moved up in the world.

any help is appreciated, i figure i could divide the tank in half for both of them, but again i don' tknow how. any help is so appreciated becuase i'm starting from almost scratch with this. i don't even know what kind of breed my fish are ) and only know for sure that one is male ) )

thanks!

 

[KeddyPie]

With Bettas, filters are unnecessary (assuming you do a majority water change at least once a week, at least 75%). Bettas like calm water, because their long flowy fins can make currents difficult, and because it makes it hard for them to build bubblenests. Air stones are also unnecessary, as they breathe air.

If you have a larger tank, as in more than 5 gallon, a small filter can be nice if it doesn't have much current, but it kind of pointless, as you still need the large water changes.

Bettas don't need much space. Ideally, if you want to get a bigger tank, but still want to stay small, a 5.5 US gallon tank divided into 2 segments is about perfect for 2 bettas. Just make sure they are STURDY dividers! A divided 10 gallon is even better; Just because they can live in one gallon, doesn't mean they don't appreciate having more!

Just avoid TALL thin tanks, as since they breath air from the top, it might be a pain for them to have to swim a long distance to get there.

I'm not an expert, but that is basic enough that I think I think it's right Honestly, you can even divide a 3 gallon tank into 2, as 1.5 is enough space for bettas to be comfortabe, but I think if you are only giving them 1.5 gallons each, it sort of defeats the purpose of upgrading

Also, I have only made 1 devider this far - I used aquarium-safe Silicon (available at pet stores and some hardware stores) and plexi-glass. Many people use that plastic knitting canvas, but it lacks stability. Maybe you could get plastic knitting canvas, and make some sort of sturdy, durable frame?

Katy

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

The wonderful thing about a filter is it helps the water avoid ammonia or nitrite build ups. And hence meaning less water changes. If you have a small filter that can be set not to cause much current so the water isn't over aggitated they';re great. You can even make them.
Hugs,
P.

 

[KeddyPie]

Oh, and welcome to TFF You'll learn a lot here! And find it's always nice to have someone to help you out

 

[Angelika]

thank you both! i actually used to have a whole bunch of the plastic needlepoint canvas, which is what i used to do, but i threw it out after i moved oops. but it is not expensive here. i think i will drag my boyfriend to the pet store with me tonight and take a look at tanks.

if i have a filter, do i have to change the water as much as do now? i will be starting school in september at univeristy so i'm not sure if i'll have enough time to change as much as i do now, and i want to keep the fishies happy.

 

[KeddyPie]

Part of the problem (I think) is that a filter strong enough to significantly reduce your water change, is going to create too much current, and a filter that doesn't ceate too much current isn't going to do a lot fo filters. I think you would be able to do a water change every 11 days or so, instead of once a week, and maybe so a slightly smaller water change with a smaller filter. (I might be making that one up, I'd get confirmation)

 

[FishEnthusiast]

Both of my 10G tanks are filtered. One is divided into three sections. There is a fish in both outer sections, and the filter and heater are housed in the middle section. I used craft canvas to make the dividers. I am using a whisper internal filter. I have found that there is little or no current at all. In my undivided 10G I have a standard HOB filter(Hang on Back for those who may not know). I had to kill the current with it as it was too strong for my boy. I used a the piece of plastic that you cut out of the back of the hood to fit the filter. I inserted it in front of where the flow of the filter comes out and taped it into place. It does a great job.

I will be dividing that 10G again... as soon as I can find a worthy tank mate.

This is a pic of the 10G that is divided three ways. This is before I added water and extra stability to the craft canvas.

I personally wouldn't divide a 10G more than 3 times. This is mainly because even though they would still have say 2.5G each divided 4 ways, it is 2.5G of up and down space, not side to side space. I have found my boys like to swim the length of the tank. And I also don't like the way it makes it appear crowded. But I have seen others that have done it, and they like it, so it really is up to you and your personal preference.

When you have a filter, you still have to change the water weekly or bi weekly. As long as it is cycled of course. If you are doing weekly changes, a 10-15% should be enough. If you are doing it bi-weekly, a 25-20% change is good. Live plants are a great way to keep your tank clear, and lower dangerous buildups of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. I use live plants in almost all of my tanks.