Considering Getting A Betta

[elassoma_sailor]

hi, I'm considering to get a betta.i have an 5 gallon aquarium(it an top fin aquascape aquarium kit) not being used and I would like to know if repti sand is safe to use as an substrate.the sand isnt dyed with color,it dosnt have any chemical in it neither,if the sand is safe what filter should i use for sand?and what should I do with the lighting problem since I do want live plants in the aquarium(I dont have a hood since my father could not repair the hood due to the filter issue I had when I was running the aquarium)
Oh and the reason why i have an reptie sand in their because i caught a small lizard and i kept in their on short time after getting a 10 gallon tank but the lizard never it so it become to late.

 

[llamalord305]

I'm not sure about reptile sand, but better safe than sorry! They sell play sand for sand pits for kids in home depot and lowes. A lot of people use this, and it is safe. Juat be sure to wash it beforehand so it doesnt get your tank all cloudy. 5 gallons is good for a betta, great actually.
As for the filter, you can use it with sand. For a 5 gal a Hang On Back (HOB) filter would suffice. If the current from the outflow is too strong, there are ways to fix it.

Good luck!

 

[elassoma_sailor]

ok thanks.

 

[lilacamy931]

hmmm not sure on that! I would also play safe just incase there are high calcium ratios in the sand or something else that will alter your water chemistry. Any filters are fine as long as they are not too near ground level. I have internals with mine and they are fine! Good ones are elite minis and stingrays (IMO!). As to lighting you can get Marina Hub lights extremely cheap that would attach to the top very well and provide some lighting, as far as aware they are also subermersible. This with low maintenance plants would be perfect such as limphnophila (sp!) cambomba, etc. Live plants I find are always better otherwise go for silk, not plastic as these can rip your bettas fins. Hoodwise would suggest getting creative even if a mesh cover as bettas are known jumpers and you would have to lower the water level considerably (some have jumped 2 inchs) which would hinder swimming space. Depending on tank shape and size clearseal sell cheap plastic ones that you can cut notches out to fit smoothly and allow for wires. Hopethat has helped!

 

[ellena]

Is it this one? If it is and it still have the black rim round the top, I'd get a piece of glass cut to the shape and rest it on there. Looks very nice and minimal

 

[elassoma_sailor]

Ah yes that the aquarium I have.
I like the idea,get a glass and cut the shape and placing it on the top of the aquarium.I will go with that plan and along with Marina Hub lights.