A Christmas Present

[soph_betta]

That tank size is fine for a betta! its alot betta than what some people keep theirs in!
I have three tanks that size (4.5usGal) each with a betta and an apple snail and they all do great they also have two live plants each and i find i do a 75% water change every sunday which has worked well for the last 6 -8 months

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Wow your sister is a lucky girl. I wish I had a brother like you.

Would you post pictures when you have it all set up?

 

[furry catfish]

Thanks also should I stick with the filter included or buy a new one.the filter is a mini elite,I couldn't get the link but could you look it up on google to see it?

 

[Haych]

i think that tank would be brill for a betta,

as someone else said, its preference for size.

whether its 3.5 or 4.5, its still good!

we want pics when set up

 

[furry catfish]

will do also ganna make a journal after I'm done

 

[loraxchick]

i dont know how much flow those elite filter produce, but if youd like direction on how to make a simple, cheap and very effective sponge filter let me know. most likely you have most of the stuff laying baout anyway. if using media from a mature filter it will cycle nearly instantly(i always use mature media and have yet to have one take longer than a week-two were instant and could handle the bioload fine from the get go). if the tank houses only one fish. ive made many and i cannot say enough how well they work keeping ammonia/nitrite at bay. and in a smaller tank (btw that tank is just fine for a single fish) they are customizable in the size, and generally hold MUCH more media than any small commercial filter(better for the water chemistry).
just a thought. they take about 15 minutes to make (well, your first one anyway-i can throw one together in about 5 at this point)...good luck.
chees

 

[furry catfish]

I have all the time in the world (well about a month but close enough ) but on a low budget, so will it be cheap?

 

[loraxchick]

I have all the time in the world (well about a month but close enough ) but on a low budget, so will it be cheap?

id say they are cheap. things you will need:
-airpump (the biggest cost.usually can find secondhand ones VERY cheap)
_airline tubing
-old fish food container or other similar container with a lid
-small handful of gravel
-filter media (sponges work best but can also use floss)

that's it. if you already keep fish, or know womeone who does, probably wont cost more than $7-$10 (and that is if you dont have an airpump)..i know you can buy sponge filters and ive never really looked into it casue they are so easy to make yourself, but i would think theyd be more expensive to purchase. and its fun to know you made it yourself
if this sounds like a good idea for you, ill send you directions on how to make it.
cheers

 

[furry catfish]

Ok thaks a lot

 

[StrontiumDog]

Algarde Biofoam 45 Aquarium Fish Tank Sponge Air Filter, I have 2 of these one in my betta fry tank, one in my cory fry tank.
They are on ebay for £2.99 plus £0.99 postage. Or you can try your lfs's to see if they sell them, Think I got mine for abot £3 at a lfs.

To run these I use an air pump (hi-tech series 800) which I got from the Wilkinson store for about £5.50.

and to regulate the flow a plastic valve for a couple of £'s