Can I use a filter in my Betta’s tank?
 |
There are a few things to consider before installing a filter.
1. Tank size – if your tank is under three gallons, filters should not be installed under any circumstances. The disturbance from the current will tear your Betta’s fins and cause him undue stress.
2. Betta’s sex – females can generally tolerate air currents much better because of their small fins.
3. Type of filter – power filters and under-gravel filters should not be used in tanks under 10 gallons. Small filters with adjustable current are much better tolerated if set to the lowest current.
4. Individual Betta – if you’ve had more than one Betta, you know that Bettas tend to have very individual personalities. Some fish will thrive in filtered tanks, while others become sick. Observe your Betta very closely after the installation of the filter – look for signs of fin rot, lethargy or swim bladder problems; if you see any abnormalities, take the filter out immediately.
April 18th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Hi Tim,
I was just stopping by per usual to HI and see what was up on eBetta. Nice to see you’ve been busy writing. I gotta tell ya, I don’t really agree with yesterday’s article about using filters in a betta tank. A cycled Betta tank with an established ecosystem of nitrifying bacteria is usually superior to an uncycled one. You could certainly use a sponge filter in such a small tank. I also don’t understand why a fish would get sick in a tank with a filter. It’s not the filter that causes sickness, it’s poor water quality. If you add a filter and your fish gets sick, it’s probably because the tank is cycling not because it has a filter. Anyhow, I didn’t come by to spark a filter controversy or anything. Just thought it would be fun to share my thoughts about the subject.
I hope you don’t mind. Keep up the writing. BTW, I love the photo from “Can Betta Fish Smell”.