undergravel filter?

Question

i have an undergravel filter for my mini-bow 1 gallon tank and the bubbles are annoying at the top of the tank all the time from the air pump.what would be the best filter i could buy for my tank that will fit into my minibow?i have a betta living in it.i want a filter that will still be good for a slow current since bettas are used to calmer water.small also.thanks so much!

http://www.petco.com/product/15340/All-Glass-Mini-Bow-1-Junior-Aquarium-Kit.aspx

Answer 1

While an under-gravel filter is my least favorite type, I suspect that the "...bubbles are annoying at the top of the tank all the time..." may be foam from putting unrinsed hands in the water, not from the air pump.

I have 0 experience with 1 gal. tanks, but here is a link to the smallest filter I could find at Petco.
http://www.petco.com/product/12148/Red-Sea-Deco-Art-Nano-Filter-and-Replacement-Pads.aspx
Not the best on the market, but I'm sure it beats the under-gravel method.

Answer 2

One soilution would be to use a air valve or gang valve to reduce the amount of air going intot he undergravel especially if it's the sound of the bubbling that's the problem.

Another choice would be a sponge filter that may not create as much sound.

If the problem is an accumulation of bubbles on the surface, you are most likely over feeding just a bit and the excess protein and fats in the water are the cause of the bubbles, not the filter it's self. In this case keep the filtration as it is and do a little bit larger weekly water changes and also be careful not to feed more than your fish will eat in 3-4 minutes at each feeding.

MM

Answer 3

Unfortunately for a tank this small you really need to stick to your UGF. Sponge filters take too much room and also use air, power filters will be too powerful for such a tiny tank.

What you may want to consider is upgrading to a 10 gallon tank, where you can add plants, real filters, and even tankmates to create a nice full sized environment for your betta.

Answer 4

I *USED* to have a 1 gallon tank but that is gone now so im trying to remember the details so bear with me....i *think* i got rid of that under gravel filter and kept the airpump and bought a new airstone and a flow thingy that allows a lot, a little, medium,...etc. air come out, and bought a tetra 3i 1-3 gallon filter that has a a nice flow rate of i *think* 22 gallons per hour and kept my tank really clean so try that...OH and one last thing make sure you use a check valve on you air line tubing to prevent the water from siphoning out and leaving your fish to die.

Answer 5

The other option is a sponge filter (run by a airpump), But that is still going to have bubbles coming from it, And a power filter would be too strog for the betta and a tank that small.

Answer 6

I have seen this filter at Wal-Mart. I almost bough tone, but instead I upgraded my tank. I don't have experience with this filter, but it should be perfect for you.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/smwofi.html