If it were up to my kids weâd have every pet in the world- but Pets scare me. Whether betta fish need a filter or not depends on several factors including tank size, the level of care, tank mates, and more. Cleaning the tank weekly in my opinion is too much maintenance (soo stinky!) And remember to acclimate your betta back into the tank’s new water to prevent shock. The mechanical element of the UGF is an air pump or a powerhead, and if you choose a reliable one, the system should give you no problems. Before you make your decision on filtration, make sure you fully read and understand the pros and cons of each. It appears to be a very mild current. The sand-like substrate will inevitably get sucked up during cleanings and need to be replaced over time. Sponge filters use bubbles of air from an air pump to draw water through a sponge. I thought about a sponge filter with few anubias in the tank, but I need a new silent, hopefully, low-cost air pump to let it work and I don’t really know what to get. A second option is the hanging on the back (HOB) nano filter (middle). I have one idea (Some type of clamp on the tubing) but was wondering if you knew of any better ideas or if there was something specific to use. I have been using 2 java ferns in the corner of the flow coming from the pump and I have used three small marino balls and one big one. You could also look into a tank divider and have 2-bettas one on each side so they would each have 4.5-gallons of space. I ran to the computer and read, and read, and tried to identify his illness. Hi Bryan, I have a 1.5 gal wall mounted tank for my betta. During droughts, a wild betta may even end up in a murky puddle for a period of time with very little oxygen. So far he is doing well and almost eats his 3 pellets twice a day almost out of my finger. For heaters, make sure you get a high quality brand (i.e. An undergravel filter doesn’t have messy sponge filters or cartridges to wash or replace. I did notice the fins don’t look as full as before. near a window). Store clerk said its fine for Betta. I would really like to keep it on because I want her tank to not get grimy as fast… thanks for your input! Also thinking about a few small moss balls. The first thing to try is limiting the flow of your filter if itâs adjustable (try the lowest setting). New at this. What I wanted to know is it’s time to do a full water change. We just got our first betta fish. Most UGFs do not contain a chemical filtration element. I would. I got a 54L tank around 14 U.S. gallons, do you think a betta will be fine on it? There is some fluctuation in the area where the tank is (70-76) and am uncertain if it’s worth the risk. Would a beta thrive in her tank or should I just get her another goldfish? Anything i can do to mod this tank to make him more content or downgrade back to something that is made for bettas (they all seem so small). What size tank Krista? His goal is to create a fun, educational, and inspiring community for other betta moms and dads. Needless to say the pump was filled with crap and the bottom too so I had to empty it which meant emptying her water again. Please read the betta care page in its entirety and yes, you should have a habitat that is at a minimum 2.5-gallons with a heater, and filters are not required but do help a lot for beneficial bacteria. The filter UGF system’s filter plates are hidden beneath the substrate, and all you can see in your tank are two transparent plastic columns full of bubbles. HOB filters are easy to maintain and they donât take up viewing or ecosystem space. A flow-through setup is included that accommodates a powerhead if you want to use one with your system. Mystery Snail Shell Size: In the display tank, a Mystery Snail shell size can be about two inches in diameter. Honestly, if Petco had prepared me properly, I would have decided on not having a pet at all. I recommend 2.5-gallons as the minimum size for a betta fish habitat, and power filters only in tanks that are 3-gallons or larger because of strong current concerns. Problems arise from misinformation and from beginner caretakers who believe a bowl or other small tank is going to be less work and less expensive. Now, that’s not a problem provided that you are diligent in carrying out partial water changes every week, as well as agitating and vacuuming the substrate to remove general detritus and fish waste. How would I do that?? Hi Laura. Sponge filters are great, I would leave it in. They make it sound like the plants clean the water and all of your problems are over. I was told that they would be fine with a hiding spot, plants, substrate. 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