Really Concerned About My Filter

[FishySarah]

I got my betta a five- and a half gallon tank with a submersible filter. Well, he has been in the tank for a while, but I'm concerned. The flow from the filter is very powerful. it makes waves on the surface of the tank, and the plastic plants sway. I actually have to turn the filter off when I feed Leo because the current carries the food past him too fast and he can't eat.

Is this a problem? When I bought the 5.5 for him, with the heater, hood, filter, gravel, plants, stand, etc, the whole 60 dollar setup, I really really wanted him to be happy. I do a 50% water change every Saturday. Does anyone have any idea if I can order or buy an adjustable filter for such a small tank? There were links to little filters in an article on this site but they didn't work. Someone told me you can build a sponge filter, does anyone know where I can get information about that? My filter is submersible and contained, and I don't think there is any modification I can make to it. I can't tell if this current is stressing out my betta.

If I remove the filter, will he be ok with frequent water changes? I know people keep bettas in bowls with no filtration- if I do that until I can get a better filter, do I have to step up my water changes, if so, to what?

Thanks a lot. I am so glad to meet other people who care about these beautful fish enough to not stick them in tiny, unheated bowls.

 

[lisie]

A betta is fine without filtration, the only thing you'd have to change as far as water changes go is just do 100% changes instead of 50%.

One filter I really like for betta tanks is the one Whisper makes that comes with the minibow tanks. They're adjustable so that the flow is only a little trickle. I've heard a lot of people say they take the filter out though, so if you ask around on this and other betta forums, you might even be able to find someone who's be willing to give you one for free.

ETA links:

This is the one I'm talking about:
http/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/wh...3/Itemdy00.aspx

This one also looks good:
http/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F2...6/Itemdy00.aspx

 

[jollysue]

I have found it is sometimes possible to attach an artificial plant in front of the filter flow to deflect it so it slows the water movement down. Some put a plastic cup over the out flow thingy. Others use nylon stockings or sponge over the intake. I never found that to work well as they got stopped up too easily.