Betta Tank?

[Tina c]

Hi all i have never kept a betta before and i now have a spare empty tank so im wondering if its suitable for a betta? im also wondering what other tankmates would be ok to keep with him? the tank is heated and filtered with a mature filter.



http/www.bitsforpets.com/product_info.php?products_id=3610


also the filter i have on the tank is a clearseal 380. i know its probably a little overated for this tank but is it going to be to strong for the betta? there is a spray bar with it so i can direct the flow.

http/www.penfropets.co.uk/clear-seal-mag...ilter-639-p.asp

 

[Curiosity101]

Tank looks great for a betta. Just make sure there is somewhere good for him to rest near the top.

I personally think that filter will be a bit too strong for him. But you could give it a go and see, it might not be a problem with the spray bar. I'd definitely cover the bottom of the filter though, with something such as old tights. Just to make sure the fish can't get his fins stuck in it.

 

[lilacamy931]

The tank is great 9gallons is more than enough room and may even be able to have small companion with him (it does depend on the temprament of the betta though).

I would also look around for different filter types, as their fins are prone to getting sucked in and also do not like very turbulent or agitated water.

If not going for live plants go for silk as plastic will rip their fins

 

[jasminekiddell]

Great size tank.
Make sure you have a few live plants and maybe a cave goodluck wih your tank and betta.

 

[Curiosity101]

Agreed with Lilacamy.
And also as for tank mates I'd have thought the footprint of the tank isn't very good for bottom feeders.
So my suggestions (presuming the betta will accept tankmates), is cherry or amano shrimp and a couple of apple snails.
Though bear in mind the shrimp will need plenty of hiding places just incase the betta decides he wants to try to eat them.

 

[Tina c]

i do have a sponge filter that i could use its just the very basic sponge that you power with airline. would that be better

 

[Curiosity101]

That would probably be better yes.

What sort of decorations were you thinking of. I'd vote for live plants every time.

 

[jasminekiddell]

I dont know about the sponge filter, but alot of people and myself you a stingray filter, as there incredibly suitable for a betta and you can face the spray where you want it, and its very safe.

 

[Tina c]

i will certainly give live plants a go but whenever i have bought live plants for my tropical community set up they never last to long, lack of decent lighting and co2 i think, this tank has just a basic pygmy light which i presume is just for decoration so no good for plants lol
i am also thinking a sand substrate and a coconut cave which i also have. any other recomendations?
another thing where to buy the betta? i live in south london does anyone know of any breeders of bettas in london or any good lfs that sell bettas. i saw some for sale yesterday in a lfs they were only £3 each but didnt look to good but then again i wouldnt look to good if i were stuck in an unfiltered bowel lol

 

[Curiosity101]

You could get one of those clip on arc lights instead? You can get from 9W up to 18W
Ofc you'd have to get a see through lid (or a cheap bit of clear plastic! )
But if you got the 11W lamp then stuck to reasonably low demanding plants EG. Java Fern, Java Moss, Anubias you shouldn't have any problems.
Just an idea.

As for where to buy one, I think I'd always buy from a breeder if I was going to get one. But that's just cause none of the shops near me stock particularly fancy bettas.
If you find your favourite tail type and colouration etc you can phone around fish shops and ask them to order one in for you? It may cost a little more, but not as much as ordering online would.

 

[Tina c]

i have seen the arc lights and they look good but.. i have a cat and i need a hood on the tank, although cat does not take an interest at the moment i cant gaurantee he will never fancy a betta supper lol

 

[Curiosity101]

Hmmm...How about...
Cheap bit of plastic and some relatively cheap clamps...
Something like these...

I've given you a link to show you sort of what I mean.
But tbh you could just try java fern, anubias and moss with the light currently on the tank....
I got some half dead java fern a few month back and was sure it was just going to melt away (tbh I thought it was dead already).
But a couple of months later it's recovered and grown a few new leaves! So they really are hardy little plants.