Filter is giving my betta a workout.

[FrEaKiNhippie13]

I have a 5 1/2 gallon tank with dividers for my bettas and i have a Top Fin 10 filter for tanks that are ten gallons or less. The problem (or maybe it isnt a problem) is that the filter is between one of the dividers, and my betta in that divider is now having to fight a small current. What can i do to lessen the current? I already put some fake plants (soon to be real plants) in the way to try and slow down the current.
Another question is how can i tell if my betta is of the giant breed? Ive never seen a giant up close, and i just bought a betta thats bigger than my biggest male. (Almost scary how big he is.) lol thanks guys any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[FrEaKiNhippie13]

Oh i also forgot, can i stop my filter every once in a while to give my betta a rest? or should just constantly be running? I only have bettas in that tank.

 

[Bangin]

I'll tell you from personal experience that bettas can become stressful when kept in fast moving water. I've had to 'rig' my filters to decrease the flow output, and this was after adjusting the filter to the lowest setting! Watch your betta closely for any signs of stress.

On a side note--While they may not be suitable for planted tanks, undergravel filters don't produce too harsh a current for bettas. Many people have problems with ugf's, myself included, but they do help with keeping a safe, stable flow of water that doesn't seem to bother bettas.

Keep up with the water changes, and consider altering the filter to suit your betta's needs. (I used an extra piece of foam in the output area)

 

[FrEaKiNhippie13]

I think ill give the foam a try, that sounds like it will solve my problem. thanks a bunch!!

 

[iloveyou]

mine like playing in it... but hm...maybe you could add some type of valve to slow down current.. my powerhead has one.. maybe you can find one for your filter?

 

[FrEaKiNhippie13]

Mine came with no valves, no turning knob, nothing, just one current strength. Because its a filter made for small tanks from 10 gallons and smaller.

My betta didnt enjoy it lol his fins got ragged, i had to take him out. lol

 

[Beta316]

I had this problem. At first my beta seemed to not like it but I gave it a day. I filled the water up higher too so that the water rom the filter is being dropped back to the tank almost evenly. It's been about 4 days since I got my tank and my betta seems fine. He likes to swim in circles with the current and swims as fast as possible. It's as if he's doing laps around the tank. It's kinda funny to watch him do that

Someone said that it causes stress. What are signs that a betta is stressed?

 

[FrEaKiNhippie13]

I dont know about the males, but when the female is stressed they get horizontal lines going down their body.

 

[noelberg]

Maybe try a sponge filter? I'm trying one now on a 10g divided tank and I'll let you know how it goes. Hanging filters can be stressful, but my guy in the 20g community is so used to it now that he nearly died when he went into the new "calm" tank. Exercise is actually good for bettas.

Anyway, floating plants are good for your problem too - I recommend riccia.