Is this living environment alright for my betta fish?

Question

I have an unfiltered 5 gallon take for one female betta fish. I plan on getting perhaps two more female betta fish for my tank. Is that alright?? A woman at walmart told me that I need a filter. This other woman at Petco told me a filter isn't necessary.

Answer 1

A filter would be far, far better on the tank, even with just one female betta. With three, it's practically a requirement. I would suggest you get the filter first, allow it to run on the tank a week or so, then get your additional female bettas.

MM

Answer 2

Sorry but Petco knows nothing really. I'm glad you have 5 gallons.. that's a great size and it sure beats keeping them in bowls like most ppl do and end up torchoring the poor fish.

Get a heater and a filter. You're betta's going to live longer... also make sure u feed him live food at least once every 2 weeks. It's loads of fun and keeps him happy!

As mentioned in this article (http://www.fish-care.net/bettafishcare.shtml) bettas come from warm and murky water. That's why she said you don't need a filter... but it's always better for it's health (remember, there's less plankton and other small microbes in your aquarium than in nature!).

Read that article, it's got good detail about why you should filther/heat betta water.

Answer 3

Of course you need a filter. There are some cheap small internal ones that you can easily install that cost under $15. I'd agree with MM's answer, let the filter run for a week with 1 betta in it, and add the bettas gradually (1 betta 1 weekend, and another the next weekend).

~ZTM

Answer 4

Beta fish dont need a filter as much as other fish.. as long as you change the water and keep it clean. I used to have one that lived in a tank without a filter for the longest time and then when we got a new tank with a filter it totally stressed out and grew a fungus on it's tail and died from the stress. Soo I don't think they like them too much lol because naturally they lived in still bodies of water.. I've even heard of them living in puddles

Answer 5

Amazing! I'm not surprised that Petco gave you bad info, but I am pleasantly surprised that there are people at Walmart who do know fish. Yes, all fish need filters. The woman probably told you that bettas don't need filters because she was assuming filters are the same as air pumps. They aren't. Yes, bettas can do without air/oxygen circulation, but all fish need filtration to remove the poop, etc,. and keep the water filtered and cycled. So, buy a filter.

Answer 6

despite the fact that the tank is a touch too small (he could be in a 5gallon heated + filtered tank), he's possibly in simple terms under pressure at getting used to his new ecosystem. If he would not have a heater he will additionally be feeling chilly. supply him a while and with a bit of luck he will start to return out his shell (in step with se) particularly extra. Edit: You believe what the puppy shops say whilst they ordinarily shop the bettas in small a million/2 gallon cups (it particularly is, if the bettas are fortunate)? except they seem to be a expert aquarists, do no longer believe what they say. They gave you incorrect counsel in this celebration, so believe people who know: they desire a heater and, ideally, a clear out.

Answer 7

The filter is nice, but not important. If you want a cheap alternitive, use a sponge filter. It's just an airpump connected to a sponge. The sponge catches debris and helps grow bacteria in the tank. It's not a great system, but for a small tank, it works.

The most important thing is to do regular water changes and make sure that you put in water that is declorinated and the same temp.

Answer 8

if you change 20-35% of the water weekly it is ok to not get i filter for a betta but it is easyer to get a filter. also for a 5 gallon tank i would only put 2 in there, the general rule is 1 gallon for every inch of fish. and female bettas are about 2 inches

Answer 9

Dont listen to anything the employees at petco have to say. Most of them dont have the slightest idea about the animals they "specialize" in. Yes, a filter is a requirement if you get three bettas.

Answer 10

bettas are actually quite tough fish. a filter is not necessary. per se. but you will maintain better water quality and your fish would be much more comfortable with one. esp. for a tank that small.