Probably A Stupid Question

[bubblesburst80]

hi, i have loved bettas for a long time and am planning on getting one in the near future. The one question i have for now is how would you cycle a filterless tank, where does the bacteria biuld up? Or is it that if i dont have a filter bi-weekly 50% water changes is enough to control levels - with dechlorinator.

thanks in advance for your help

xXx

 

[gordi]

if i were you id get a small externallly hung filter! thats what i use in my betta tank and doesnt need cleaning as much as it would without one! also keeps the water crystal clear! i would bother cycling ither! i just popped mine straight into my tank with water but de-chlorinated! had him for 4months ish now with no probs

 

[-germ-]

Urm... not too good on Betta.
But from what i've heard i think the regular water changes performed by Betta keepers keep the toxins down generally preventing a cycle from happening, well it'd obviously take place given time, but from what i've read i don't think this is intentional.
Correct me if i'm wrong, i probably am.
Personally i'd add a filter.
Nitrifying bacteria can build up anywhere in your tank, your gravel'd harbour the majority in an unfiltered tank.

 

[kewskills]

if you dont have a filter and you are going to do 50% or 100% water changes weekly then your tank will not cycle as there is no where for the bacteria to grow.
i think the reason most people dont use a filter is cost and also that bettas don't like very much water movement

 

[-germ-]

I reckon that anyone who has had a Betta tank for 3 months or so, even with 100% water changes, will actually have a cycled tank....
Interesting thought but as most don't keep liquid testers its probably impossible to find out.

 

[Lynda B]

I have a male in a 15 gallon. I had to grab his filter to use for an emergency hospital tank. While he had the filter, his readings were perfect. Without the filter, even in a 15 gallon and being the sole inhabitant, his ammonia went up to .25. Previously, I've kept all of my bettas without a filter. However, I like the ease of doing their water changes along with my larger tanks, so now all of my bettas have filters.

The comment that they do not like current in their water is true, but arguable. My females like to "ride the wave" of the filter current from the back to the front of the tank. They're not supposed to like air stones/bubblers either, but again, my silly females like to get in the middle of the bubbles and ride them to the top of the tank. Guess it's the equivalent of a betta elevator.

What size tank are you planning on having your betta in?

Filter or not, my bettas get fresh water, dechlorinator and aquarium salt (their best friend) every water change.

 

[bubblesburst80]

thanks for all your answers, they are helping me work it out.

in answer to Lynda i will be having myy betta in at the least a 3 gallon, bigger if my lfs has the right stuff

xXx