Would Like To Get A Betta

[ClaireN]

Hello

I wonder if any of you can help me, I want to get a Betta, but I want to get things right from the start, I have wanted to get one for about the last 6 months first of all to go in a community tank, but did some research and found that was a no no, but now I can.

I have a 5uk gallon tank that has a heater and filter in it (we have been using it as a fry tank for Platys), but I am not sure about the filter I think it may be a bit powerful for a betta, it’s a Fluval 1+ internal filter and the flow is not adjustable, can anybody recommend a filter that is good for this size tank that I can get easily in the UK.

Also if I change the filter will I have to cycle the tank again with the new one or would a Betta be ok.

I also have an air stone in the tank at the moment just cause I like them, would I be better taking this out?

I can think of anything else to ask, if you can think of anything else I should know please let me know I want to get this right.

Claire

Oh just thought of one last question, is there anywhere in the Southampton area that people can recommend to get healthy Betta’s from.

 

[C27M]

Hey Claire,

My Betta died last night ...... but I have seen quite a difference in quality in our area.....The place in Totton has some really healthy looking and well looked after fish, but I am unsure whether they supply Betta's...it worth a phone call.

In the Fareham / Portsmouth area, Coppner Tropical within Garsons Garden Centre is supprisingly good....really nice quality with people who know what they are talking about and care...... B)

 

[ClaireN]

Hey Claire,

My Betta died last night ...... but I have seen quite a difference in quality in our area.....The place in Totton has some really healthy looking and well looked after fish, but I am unsure whether they supply Betta's...it worth a phone call.

In the Fareham / Portsmouth area, Coppner Tropical within Garsons Garden Centre is supprisingly good....really nice quality with people who know what they are talking about and care...... B)

Hi C27M

So sorry to hear about your Betta, , had you had him long, not that that makes a difference cause you get so attached to them.

Thanks for the advice on shops, will have a good look around before i buy.

 

[Bloo]

I know this might be quite a bit more pricey (than those in local shops), but have you checked out Bettaman's website KG Bettas ? They arrive by post, but the ones I've had, have always been very happy, active and heatly

On a 5 Gallon you'd have to have a filter - and yes, if you completely remove the current filter and replace with new, your tank will go through a full cycle (as the vast majority of bacteria resides in the actual filter). Unless you are able to take some of the existing filter media from the old filter and place that in the new filter - that will greatly speed up the process. I would say you would probably be best off with a corner box filter or sponge filter - these you can pick up at most lfs's for a fiver or so.

Examples of sponge and box filters

More examples of sponge filters

Or super easy to make sponge filter

 

[ClaireN]

I know this might be quite a bit more pricey (than those in local shops), but have you checked out Bettaman's website KG Bettas ? They arrive by post, but the ones I've had, have always been very happy, active and heatly

On a 5 Gallon you'd have to have a filter - and yes, if you completely remove the current filter and replace with new, your tank will go through a full cycle (as the vast majority of bacteria resides in the actual filter). Unless you are able to take some of the existing filter media from the old filter and place that in the new filter - that will greatly speed up the process. I would say you would probably be best off with a corner box filter or sponge filter - these you can pick up at most lfs's for a fiver or so.

Examples of sponge and box filters

More examples of sponge filters

Or super easy to make sponge filter

Cheers Bloozoo2

Gives me something to do over the weekend, like the idea of the box filters as i will be able to use filter media from one of the other tanks to seed it. That web site for the fish is great too, i am really leaning towards a crown tail, they are so lovely, do you know if they are harded to care for, or would i be better of with a VT.

Also is it a good idea to put salt in their tanks, i have seen it menchioned in various topics on here and if so what sort of dose.

Sorry for all the questions, but i would rather muck up in the planning stage than let a fish suffer once i have it in my care.

Claire

 

[Bloo]

I think there's little difference in keeping CT versus VT.
Personally I don't think it's a great idea to constantly have salt in their tanks unless you are medicating. I've never used it and I've never had any illness with mine (touch wood!) - apart from one girlie I had trouble with when she had some external parasites (which she came with but was too small to see at the time).

 

[SRC]

You don't really "need" a filter in a 5 gallon tank. You could just leave the heater (between 75 and 80 degrees F is a good temp for them) and take out the airstone and filter. With a 5 gallon tank, with no filter, you'd probbaly want to do a 50% water change at 2 weeks, and a 100% the 2 weeks after that.

Good Luck.








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[Mr.September15]

Get a crowntail there pretty X 1000

 

[SRC]

Crowntail are like Halfmoons..they require a little more diligent care to maintain their looks. Water changes are needed more often to maintain their finnage. Halfmoons can, and will, revert to being a delta if their water is not kept pristine, and a crowntail's rays will curl if their water is not kept extremely clean.

 

[Mr.September15]

Crowntail are like Halfmoons..they require a little more diligent care to maintain their looks. Water changes are needed more often to maintain their finnage. Halfmoons can, and will, revert to being a delta if their water is not kept pristine, and a crowntail's rays will curl if their water is not kept extremely clean.

OOOOO...The crowntail can change? how fun...But if shes looking for an easy betta get a veil tail. Its pretty common in most Fish Stores and easy to handle. Especially because I dont think they can mutate.