Is the filter in my aquarium to strong for Norbert?

Question

Okay, so I have a male betta named Norbert (crowntailed betta) and I just bought a new 10 gallons aquarium (we've moved past the bowl stage). Anyways, the brand is Tetra and it came with the tank, filter, hood and light along with some sample things. Anyways, whenever my fish swims away from behind his colliseum (toy), it looks almost as if the current from the filter is pulling him away a little bit and like he has to work a little bit harder to keep up. Is the filter too strong or is this normal? It doesn't seem like he can just rest with only minor moving of his fins.

Answer 1

It may be that the current is too strong. The long fins on bettas don't allow for fast swimming, and they can catch water like a kite if they're spread.

Is there a way to adjust the flow rate on the filter? Some have a know to turn at the top of the intake tube, others, the whole tube turns to the side.

If not, maybe you can reposition the filter to one end of the tank, use a sponge filter (don't use an ordinary household sponge, these can contain harmful chemicals), or tie a piece of nylon hose or old sock over the strainer so water is pulled through the filter at a slower rate.

Answer 2

What kind of filter is it? If it is an outside filter ( one that hangs on the tanks) you can usually move the intake valve to slow the intake of water so that it doesn't send such a current into the tank. Bettas are used to stagnant bodies of water that don't have much current but "optimally the water for keeping healthy Bettas should be soft, warm, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Water movement should be kept to a minimum, which means that power filters and powerheads are not suitable." Bettas also thrive in warmer water- 75 to 86- I usually keep mine in water around 80 and then you will see that they are less listless and more energetic- the cool water slows their metabolism- so I would set a heater up on the tank and get the water the right temp and see if you can play with the current of the filter and your betta will have a happy life- mine usually last up to 4 years under these conditions and kept by themselves- tank mates- no matter what others may say- just stress out male bettas and drastically shorten their lives!


In response to the people that think Bettas do not need filtration- Yes they do- just because they are labrynth fish does not mean that they don't need well maintained and oxygenated water, as well--- you just need to maintain a softer current- if you feel that the outside filter is just too strong for your betta- switch to a undergravel filter for that tank- it will maintain water quality and oxygenate the water but not create as harsh a current.

Answer 3

It sounds like you have a pretty strong filter there. Betta's don't need filtration, so he may not be used to it. And since it is only a ten gal tank, there isn't a lot of places for him to get far away from the filter. Can you turn down the pump? If not try a splitter on the line so that there isn't such a strong pull.

Answer 4

community fish can stay with your betta. merely evade fish that are infamous for been fin nippers. additionally evade male guppies. to boot which you would be able to placed maximum fish with your betta. as some distance by using fact the clear out, I even have used those and its high quality. merely ensure you have alternative cartridges waiting. As for while it gets grimy, it wont clear out and could merely pass the water over the media. to keep funds, wash the "cotton" and upload new carbon. wish this helps!!!

Answer 5

betta fish do not need filters in their aquarium. They are used to slow moving water naturally, it sounds like it is definately too strong for him. I would just take out the filter, or get a smaller one, if you prefer to have one.