Where can I get a filter for a 5 gallon tank for a Betta fish?

Question

All of the filters I have seen are like 20 gallons and up. Will a filter create too much of a current for a betta? I have a pump and an air stone already, is this enough? I have six aqautic plants too will that help?

The plants are not for food, I feed him pellets, flakes and blood worms.

Will my betta eat my plants?

Answer 1

There are plenty of wimpy little filters for 5 gallon tanks. Most are operated with use of an air pump, such as a Clear Free, but there are a few powerhead type filters, such as one by Aqua Clear, that would fit that tank. There are also plenty of undergravel filters that would fit your needs. Look in the local pet store's betta section.

A pump and air stone will simply circulate the water for you. Bettas are labyrinth fish, meaning they have a labyrinth organ to breathe air directly, so oxygenating the water is fairly unimportant. A filter, however, would remove chemicals and toxins from the water and make it an overal healthier environment in terms of water quality. Most bettas are quite sensitive to water quality, many will start nipping at their own fins when it drops too low, resulting in one very raggedy looking betta.

You need only worry about too much of a current if you are trying to overfilter the water. Bettas are used to living in a very very slow moving body of water, but that doesn't mean you should sacrifice water quality. Buy the filter that will fit your tank and you should be just fine.

Aquatic plants do help to improve water quality and cut down on unsightly algae. Just remember to keep feeding your betta his special betta food - they are carnivores after all, and will slowly starve to death if left to forage on plants.

Answer 2

You really have a challenge before you if you want to keep a fish alive in a five gallon tank. The smaller the tank, the greater the chemical balance swings, and it is these swings in balance that kills most fish. Overfeeding, even slightly, can cause a rapid build up in ammonia, and then it's goodbye fish time. The fishes waste products build up over time, and if this issue isn't addressed, it's goodbye fish time as well.

If, and this is a big if, you can set up an undergravel filter that actually acheives a biological action, the ammonia that comes from fish waste is changed into nitrates, and then into nitrites. Nitrates are less toxic than ammonia, and nitrites are less toxic than nitrates. To do this, you will need an undergravel filter, and perhaps two inches of small river rock. In a tank this small, do NOT use a powerhead. Rather, use an airstone to lift the water up the chimneys. The pet store will probably try to sell you some crushed rock product that's dyed some garish color, but it's so fine that the water flow through the gravel medium is difficult, and it is this water flow that creates the conditions that allow the waste products to break down. You will need to remove about thirty per cent of the water in the tank weekly, and replace it with clean water, free of chlorine and chloromine, and ph and temperture adjusted to the water in the tank. I would avoid live plants....the roots tend to clog undergravel filters.

If I may offer a piece of advice, the smallest size tank that can be easily maintained is a 29 gallon. Set it up as I have described above, but also add a back filter to strain out the crud, and augment the biological action of the undergravel filter, and use power heads with the undergravel filter. The larger size will make the chemical changes less extreme, and your betta will be a much happier camper in a more spacious tank,

Answer 3

It's hard to find a good filter for a 5 gallon tank that doesn't produce too much for a betta. What you want is a sponge, or box filter. They are hard to find. So you may need to order online. Also ther are small under gravel filter.

The plants are okay. Betta like plants to hide under, or rest on. Other than that they aren't good or bad for you betta. Betta are carnivores for the most part. A betta won't do more than occassionly nibble on the plant. (Unless you starve him.) You'll still need to change the water every week or so without a filter. With a filter you need to do 10% changes every week to remove excess nitrates.

PS- Betta can't get oxygen from the water. They get it from the surface so the bubbler does him no good. It could be

Answer 4

I had a beta fish for 3 and half years so I must have been doing something right. I used a 5 gallon tank in which I purchased off the internet on www.safari.com. Aquatic plants help to create a calming environement and often to filter the water even if they are plastic which in turn helps the fish to stay alive longer. Also I reccommend that you buy a 24 hr filter patch that you pour in the water to help keep it clean. I hope it works out for you. You should also be able to buy a tank at your neighborhood pet store. If they do not have, you can always order one.

Answer 5

No need for a 5g (in fact just discussed this in another thread asking if a filter would be needed). Personally I would not maintain a tank without one (for biological and mechanical filtration needs), but you can do fine with what you have.

Your plants will be fine as well - they will hide in them - hang out by them - probably not eat them, but plants provide much needed O2 (though you air pump and stone should suffice that need).

Answer 6

No need for a filter with a betta. They require no filter, and the movement of the water flow will damage their fins. What you have is great! Plus the plant supply food for him. Just remember to weekly syphon some water from the tank and replace it with water that has been treated( to get rid of all of the chemicals in the water) and your fish will be very happy..just don't add another one! lol

Answer 7

You can't have a filter for betta fish because it can remove there fins and they will croke...no kidding My cousin had a betta fish and then she put a filter in the tank and in no time it die

Answer 8

Actually, I'm pretty sure the plants don't really provide the fish with much food...

Answer 9

gippy is correct. Bettas do well in a simple tank. Just clean water regular as gippy said.

Answer 10

most betas hate filters so dont get one they love being free