I picked up a book a few days ago, which had a lot of info about building an entire tank with a filters as well. Anyway it got me thinking about building a tank, My Dad is willing to help me build one, but obviosuly need to do some research first.

What it would be is a divided tank for my four betta fish, designed with them in mind. Filtered and heated as well. At a petstore we saw an idea for a filter that I'd like to try with it. The Filter was a divided section at the back of the tank, running the full length, with bits of charcoal (or carbon not sure), foam and some other stuff to provide surface area for bacteria. The tank we saw was a homemade affair, used to display the bettas that were for sale. I cant remember how the filter worked entirely but the wtaer ran through a channel that looking straight on at it looked like this, the lines being pieces of glass. Could anyone tell me what that style of filter is called? So I can google it?


Also we are either thinking of entirely building the tank, or buying a basic tank then putting in dividers and filter.

So Just a few more questions LOL, what would be easier? Building the whole thing or starting of with a base?

If you did build it would it be easier with a wooden frame?

I'm thinking about a 10 gallon tank being the minimum size so 2.5g per betta as a minimum, would that be okay for them?

Does anyone know of some really good sites with building a tank? LOl sorry for all the questions, I just love the idea of the inbuilt filter and making a tank, plus I got my Dad interested, thats more then i can say for the other daughter/father bonding things I've tried. Me and my Dad are way to similar in some aspects so often plans for building something have ended up with both of us refusing to listen to the other LOL.

Thanks
Emma