In a 2.5 gallon 2-female betta tank, can I run a power filter continuously?

Question

I just started a new tank and doing further internet research realized I might have gotten some bad advice.

For my 2.5 gallon coldwater (freshwater) tank, the guy at the store recommended that I get two female bettas as he didn't have any good goldfish to sell me that were small enough. He told me they should be fine in that size of tank, and in that temperature of water. I guess time will tell!

My question is about the power filter. Do I need to run it all the time or can I run it intermittenly (I have a gravel bottom) as I read that they prefer still water?

Thank you in advance for your answers!

Answer 1

a two gallon tank is not suitable for more then one fish, even bettas. one betta can live in a 2.5 gallons tank quite happily if you have a heater and filter. they do like still water, but you need a filter with all fish. just get a filter suited for the tank. a whisper filter for 1-3gallons tanks would be perfect.

Female bettas can be kept together in the right conditions, unlike males. Females can be kept together if there are 4 or more. Two bettas will result in one being dominant and relentlessly tormenting the other, three usually has the same result. 10-gallon tanks are ideal for group of female bettas. Five female bettas can safely live in a 10-gallon tank together. Tanks still require a filter and heater and plenty of hiding spots like plants. Females will usually fight in the beginning until they figure out who's boss. After a few days all fighting should be settled. Remove any overly weak fish or fish that are severely injuring other fish. Females can still however be kept alone, but still need the same tank qualifications as males, which is why it makes more sense to get a few females. No males can be kept with females; they will chase and kill each other.

I do not recommend anything less than a 10gallon for females. a 5gallon could be pulled off if the tank is well planted because sometimes 3 females bettas can live together, it's just best to have 4 or more. if you wanter females and can't do a 10gallon I suggest getting a 5 gallon with 3-5 bushy plants and putting 3 females in the tank. you will still need a filter (5-10 gallon filter would work nicely) and a heater, 5gallon heater are fairly cheap.

however, if a 2.5gallon is all you can have then return the females and get one male. keep the filter on all the time, and get a heater for his tank. bettas need temps around 75-80degrees.

why I recommend filters...
Bettas also need filtration. Just like any other fish bettas produce waste, waste that needs to be filtered out of the water unless you want to change the water every three or so days. However, bacteria grow on the rocks and filters of tanks, and when you change the tank often the bacteria go away. The bacteria are important to betta and all fish health. Frequent washings will keep ammonia levels good, but will wash away all the good bacteria; therefore frequent water changes are taking a step forward but also taking a step back. Solution? A tank big enough for a filter. Full water changes aren't recommended more than once a month on filtered tanks 5 gallons or more. Bacteria stays, ammonia levels still good

Answer 2

You should run the filter all the time, but if you can adjust the flow, do so. If you cannot, get one of those veggie clips they sell at the pet stores for putting cucumber and stuff into your tank. use it to attach some spongy filter media uner the flow of water. This will help minimize the surface movement. Get a small heater, a betta in an unheated tank will be more likely to ich or fin rot. Also, for two female bettas, you really need a 5 gallon tank. one female would be okay in a 2.5, but really you shouldn't keep ANY betta in smaller than a 5 b/c they are to hard to keep heated to the right temp!
Make sure they both have hiding places, b/c even female bettas can get agressive towards each other. Make sure any hinding spots have both an in and an out, as bettas can't swim bacwards and aren't always smart enough to turn around. if they can't make it to the surface, they will die as they take part of their oxygen from the surface!
good luck, and you are on the right track with having them in a filtered tank, that's much better than what most bettas get.

Answer 3

Yes, you can run a filter in the tank, but I don't think they sell filters for that small of a tank. Oh yea, it's also better if you buy 2 more females (they're cheap anyway) because than the females won't compete for territory since they'll be too much females to compete with. But since your tank is only 2.5, I don't think you could put 2 more females in there, but it's better to try and I would suggest it anyway since females arent that much violent.

Answer 4

I hope the female are separated with a divider. They could benefit from a heater if the water is under 70 degrees F. You don't have to run the filter all of the time if you don't want.

About keeping females together
http://www.healthybetta.com/articles/New%20To%20Bettas/keepingfemalestogether.htm

Answer 5

Betta's are Tropicals- they need a heated tank! a small heater cost around 5$

you do not need a filter- they do not like a fast stream of flowing- but you DO NEED to do weekly water changes. ALSO you need a bubblier.. good luck

http://www.geocities.com/asianangeldee/

Answer 6

Well is the filter the one that comes with the 2.5 minibow? Cause if it is it is calm enough

Answer 7

As long as the filter isn't too big.

Answer 8

make sure you watch ur bettas they are aggressive fish

Answer 9

YES, except when you go on vacation.

Answer 10

they don't need a filter