i just got a 5 gallon tank a couple of days ago, i got it all set up and ready to go for a couple freshwater tropical fish and let it sit for a day. then i read about how the tank needs to cycle so i am going to wait 6-8 weeks to get any more fish, but i got one beta fish to put in there. i am wondering if i should turn the air pump off because he doesnt need the air, but i want to know if that will impede the necesarry bacteria from growing? i also have a filter that makes some bubbles
2006-11-28 08:07:06 · 7 answers · asked by aj 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
What ever would convince you a Betta Splenden doesnt need air?
You sit and think about that for 30 seconds while I mix together a good explanation.
The Betta Splenden although has a labrynth for breathing terrestrial air is not by any means less maintenance than any other fish. Bettas shouldnt live in bowls. Bettas should always have a heater, an air pump and a water filter.
Sir, this is comparable to stating I can stick you in a room with 4 feet of water and you will not drown... No sir perhaps you will not drown, but I would be a mighty mean person to do this to you.
Leave your hardware running always.
P.S. Dont put anymore fish in your 5 gallon tank.. especially without research
2006-11-28 08:41:51 · answer #1 · answered by Accellerated Catalyst 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is your bubble-making filter a different thing from your air pump? If so, then yes, turn off your air pump. But leave your filter working.
I wouldn't put an air pump in with a betta. Bettas do not like high current.
You can cycle your tank instantly :) It's easy, either buy some bio-spira: http://fishstoretn.com/bio_spira.html
Or get some gravel or a filter sponge from an established tank. That will put the bacteria you need into your tank, to neutralize the ammonia.
If you let the tank cycle with your betta, you are causing your betta to suffer. Without those bacteria, the ammonia is building up in the tank and literally burning your fish. Do daily water changes of 30% to keep the water as clean as possible until the ammonia levels go down.
Also, a 5 gallon tank is not big enough for a betta AND other fish. Any fish small enough (like tetras) need to be in school of 6 or more, so you really don't have room. However, you could have the betta and a couple of african dwarf frogs: http://www.petplace.com/reptiles/choosing-an-african-dwarf-frog/page1.aspx
2006-11-28 16:16:37 · answer #2 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It does not hurt a Betta to have clean fresh water with air. You do not have to wait 6-8 weeks to put fish in your tank.
2006-11-28 16:19:55 · answer #3 · answered by BUPPY'S MEME 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is an underground filter.... do not turn it off. it is not necessary. Also waiting 6-8 weeks is a LONG time and that is also not necessary, if it is cycling then you should wait 2 weeks.
2006-11-28 16:13:36 · answer #4 · answered by sogullablegurly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well just keep your air pump on it wont affect anything u cant over "oxyinate"(probably not a word--haha) but just keep it on and its not nessecary to wait 6-8 weeks.
2006-11-28 19:27:09 · answer #5 · answered by azn.balla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you probably don't need the air pump because your tank is so small.
If you had a 99 gallon tank like my friend, definetly kepp it on.
2006-11-28 16:37:16 · answer #6 · answered by just tht kid over there 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bubbles are not bad and will definately help in the cycling
2006-11-28 17:05:13 · answer #7 · answered by weebles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋