Bubble nest and filter problems?

Question

I have a 2.5 gallon aquarium. My fish has lived in it for about a day and a half and seems really healthy (and ornery :D). I have the filter my aqarium came with installed in the back corner. The top of my water is oily, and the surface water is swirling Where the filter is putting the water out. Should I lower the level of my water just a little so the water actually falls into the aquarium? Would that help the surface and the stillness of my water? I think my betta is trying to blow a bubble nest because there was a small pile of bubbles, but it was swirling around due to the pump. i've got the pump on the lowest settings. I dont really know what is causing the oily stuff because I checked the water, and it doesn't have any ammonia or nitrite or unsafe levels of nitrate. Please help

Answer 1

In my experience, the lower the waterlevel, the higher the current


Hope that helps
good luck


EB


For livehelp follow the link in my profile

Answer 2

Surface disruption is a common problem when people add their Betta's to a new larger tank. I have the exact same problem with my 2.5 gallon tank. The air bubbles do not cause a "current" persay. My Betta does not struggle to swim around the tank, but they do stir-up the surface so my Betta cannot create bubble nests. Unfortunately, I have a UGF (under gravel filter) and it's difficult to break up the flow from this type of filter. Here is how I plan to remedy the problem:

First I have purchased a HOB mini filter, probably similar to the one you have on your tank. At this point, any other type of filter will be better than my UGF filter. I'm also planning to try this:

http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/347/

Check out that above link and see what you think. Secondly, I'm going to purchase some taller, aquatic plants for the center of my Hex tank. Plants will definitely break up the flow of water on the surface. Also, a small floating type plant will give your Betta a platform to create bubble nests on. Another thing I've seen people do, on the Internet is place a curved piece of a foam cup for a bubble nest platfrom. The idea being the Betta will create bubble nest in the convex portion of the cup. HOWEVER, I do not know how safe this is for the Betta. Hey may nip at the cup and eat a piece of foam. So it would depend on your Betta's temperment (i.e. curiousity, aggressiveness, etc.). If you try this, I would closely monitor your Betta to be sure he is not eating foam!

I would not lower or raise your water level. Lowering it may increase surface disruption because the water is going to fall farther from the filter and create more splash.

The oil could be from the Betta food your using. Many Betta pellets use soy bean oil in their ingredients. If there is no ammonia or nitrates (which you wouldn't be able to see anyway) then you're in good shape. This oil shouldn't be harmful to your Betta. If it bothers you, I think someone said using a piece of kleenex to blot it from the water- which seems like a good solution. Also new tanks sometimes may have a "film" that may gather on the surface, but naturally dissipates as the tank breaks in. This is also harmless to the fish.

I know some people think lowly of Bettas and how their owners go out of the way to make them "happy". Sometimes I wonder if these people have ever owned Bettas themselves! I think a male Bettas abilitly to make bubble nest is a natural part of their life and I don't want to deprive them of that.

Hope some of my suggestions have helped! Good Luck!

Answer 3

First of all your Betta Fish doesn't need a filter or anything like that. You Betta is blowing a bubble nest because he is ready to mate, but that doesn't mean that you have to give him a female betta, it also means that your Betta is just happy! :]

Also, the oily stuff is protein from your Betta's food. Do you feed him flakes or pellets? You can get rid of it by taking a 2 ply tissue and make it a one ply tissue. Now just take it and lay it on top of the water for about 2-3 seconds and it'll stick to the tissue. Also, you can do a water change if you want to get rid of it. I had the same problem too.

Hope this helps!


-Capp

Answer 4

You do not need any type of power filter in a small aquarium like that. A small pump with an airstone should be sufficient for water circulation. I have successfully used a small box filter filled with carbon and filter floss, and hooked it to a small air pump, if you think you need filtration. Regular water changes and a lighter feeding will clear up your "oily" film problem.

Answer 5

well of all things bettas dont like filters in there tanks
but dosent mean you cant have a air stone to break up that scum on the top of the water
and i dont know if your bettas making a bubble nest unless you have another betta that its mating with that is
so best just use a pump and a air stone and change the water just as if you where using a bowl 2-3 days 25% water change

Answer 6

Bettas do not like and do not need pumps in their tanks..

Answer 7

LOWER THE PUMPING SPEED OF UR FILTER..... THATS It...

Neha