2.5 gallon tank with a micro heater and a single betta (it's for my office). I'd like to include filtration, but I'm not sure how to go about it and keep the water movement to a minimum. Would an undergravel filter be okay or could the tank be set up with a sponge filter?
2007-03-14 07:34:51 · 15 answers · asked by Alejo678 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
An undergravel is a good choice for this type of set up in my opinion. It would take up far less space in the tank than even a small sponge.
MM
2007-03-14 07:44:13 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes that would be just fine!
They do make some small (5 gallons and less) tanks that have built-in filters in the lid. The water is pulled into a compartment in the lid by a water pump and runs over a filter sponge and some cartridge, then falls back into the tank. Those are great because they provide chemical (carbon) as well as mechanical (sponge) filtration.
If you can't find that, or if you already have the tank, I would not advise an undergravel filter. They are not particularly effective, and the air pump would cause more water movement than your betta would be happy with.
Instead, they make very small hang off the back filters (the waterfall type), such as the AZOO palm filter, which contain carbon.
A sponge filter will also be fine. They are not as effective as a filter with carbon, so you'll have to be diligent with water changes, but a sponge filter is perfectly adequate.
If you find that for some reason your filter is causing too much water movement, you can try raising the water level, or just wrapping a nylon sock or the net from a brine shrimp net around the intake tube and fixing it with an elastic band. This will slow the water flow.
Kudos for going with a filtered, heated tank instead of just sticking him in a bowl :)
2007-03-14 07:43:29 · answer #2 · answered by Zoe 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
A 2.5 gallon with mini heater would be fine. As others have said, there are small tanks (Mini bows, Explorers, Eclipses) that come with built-in filters. But if you want to be able to control water flow, most of these don't provide that. An undergravel filter will work - you can just add an air valve to the tubing from the pump. I don't know that there are undergravels made for the above tanks. You could get one made for goldfish bowls (sometimes even sold as a "kit" with pump and tubing included, but no valve) - these are round and won't cover the entire bottom of the tank. I've also seen small hex tanks (about 1-2 gallons) that have the undergravel plate already built in.
A sponge filter might work, but consider space, appearance, and having to clean it - IMO, the undergravel might be the better way to go. (not that you shouldn't clean these periodically as well!)
Another option is a hang-on-tank power filter - there's one called a nano filter made for small tanks - and there's a flow adjustment on the uptake tube, just as in larger HOTs.
2007-03-14 08:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a 2.5 gallon tank for my betta. I use an undergravel filtration system and my betta has done very well--going on 2+ years now. I would watch the amount of air from the pump because my betta seems to like much calmer water, but other than that it's great.
2007-03-14 07:41:18 · answer #4 · answered by Amber Ann 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whisper makes a 3 gallon tank that is perfect for keeping Betta's in. It's called the whisper 3 oddly enough (lmao).
The filter and light are built into the top of the tank, and a small heater fits perfectly on the back of the tank.
As Zoe and Magicman know from a previous question of mine, my boss lost a bet and had to buy everyone in the office one of these tanks to take home along with a male betta.
And so far everyone loves them even the people with no prior fish experience are finding them very easy to take care of.
Okay I'll stop shilling for whisper now if. lmfao.
Good luck
E.
2007-03-14 07:54:39 · answer #5 · answered by > 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you could easily use a Penguin 125 for filtration. That is what I have on all three of my Betta tanks. The oldest one is over 4 years old.You will have a calm water environment and a clean tank.
I have a total of thirteen fish aquariums and use Penguins on them all. The largest tank being a 55 gallon with a 350 Penguin and a Hot Magnum filter. Happy Fishing and enjoy!
2007-03-14 07:48:16 · answer #6 · answered by Me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont pay attention to those fools. Bettas choose a 5 gallon minimum. they stay in rice paddies that extend for many miles. they do high quality in huge tanks. keeping them in a tiny bowl like it somewhat is animal abuse Any hiding places. Driftwood. something they are able to swim by way of. and a log to cover in and sleep in could be super. stable luck! a 5 gallon could be high quality for a betta and a few ghost shrimp. yet no longer something extra. Dont pay attention to the human beings. all fish choose area. they're high priced too.
2016-09-30 22:17:09 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can do either. i know you can get small 1-3 gallon filters for tanks that don't move too much water. undergravel would probably be easier to take care of
2007-03-14 07:38:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you have right now is great. For the filter, you can go either way. A sponge filter is what i'd recomend, but the gravel filter is fine too. either way your fish will be very happy in his home. Good luck!!
2007-03-14 07:54:06 · answer #9 · answered by ♥Petlover♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sponge filter. Great choice. Make sure you change water once a week even with a filter.
2007-03-14 07:47:39 · answer #10 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋