Ideal Home for Betta? -- Eclipse? Custom? I'm Confused!

Flashygrrl

You'll want a bigger heater (25 watts) if you go with the 5.5 gallon. They seem more accurate depending on the brand.

okiemavis

Very true- 5 watts per gallon is the general rule.

geekchicklet

Thanks.

I am still so undecided and it's driving me CRAZY!

I have read so many articles, forum posts, etc. To filter or not to filter, with a betta?....That is the question. I just can't find the right solution and I need to make a decision so I can get this ready.

I want to give him a home that can be easily kept clean if I do leave for a week. This is why I am leaning toward the filter, BUT after reading about 97937373 howtos, I have to say that I am still baffled by the process of cycling. I don't get it. I feel so idiotic but I'm a nervous wreck about it.

I also can't decide on anything -- Size, shape, filter type. It's all overwhelming. Is there a specific filter that has little current but is still productive? How hard is it to choose an appropriate filter? I'm kind of thinking I should design my own small aquarium for him, at this point. The Eclipse seems like too much current unless I can find someone to make me a custom plexiglass divider (with holes) to sort of keep the filter in its own section, allowing water but not fishie fins. The mini-bow has a UG filter and I am worried about not undertsanding how to best keep it clean. Plus, I hate the sound of those air pumps and (call me crazy but) I think Cornelius is bothered by the vibration or something.

Everyone told me how easy it was to keep a betta and I thought I had done enough research. This is the hardest time I've had caring for anything in my life! I was under the impression that you provide a big bowl, food and do about weekly cleanings. I had no idea! I want to do this right.

Flashygrrl

Don't be worried about cycling!!! It's really very easy especially when doing a fishless...you just have to monitor it and make sure it doesn't get too bad, hence the API liquid test kit (they come with like, 80+ tests worth so it's better financially to buy those than strips anyways).

As for the filter, I've never had any problems with my betta and his Whisper filter but then again he loves current. Still, I've got it turned wayyy down and you can tell that it's VERY slow. You could also consider the Red Deco one that Big Als's sells, I think it's just like the Azoo mini one, and just about everyone loves those. You could use a sponge filter if you want to, those just need to be hooked up to an airpump but they're mostly bacterial filtration and just enough mechanical...

geekchicklet

Thanks. Those look great!

Do you (or does anyone) know if a "Kritter Keeper" would be strong enough to hold a filter? I am looking for the right size and shape of container and liked those (as long as I can get one about 2.5-3 gallons).

geekchicklet

I got everything I need!

I did buy the suggested 'Nano.' It sits kind of slanted, on the tank, so I just need to find a piece of something to keep it level. Maybe a sponge? I'll figure something out.

I have stones (and about 2 days of poop) from his other bowl. Can I just put those in his new tank, to cycle? (I'm not sure, based on the articles. Those all recommend ammonia or just using fish food...or stuff from an already cycled tank.)

okiemavis

That can help cycle the tank, but you need a constant source of ammonia to cycle the tank. I'd recommend "feeding" the tank every day while you monitor the water parameters.

geekchicklet

Thank you. I had planned on that. Will the food rot away or should I feed through a straw or something to try to contain the food in one place and vaccuum out the remnants later (if any remain after cycling)? Is that a stupid question? Haha.

Also, does the temperature matter? I didn't want to buy a heater for the new tank, if not necessary. (He already has one that I can move with him.)

Flashygrrl

What size nano did you get?

geekchicklet

I got the small one -- for 3 gallons and under.

Red Sea Nano: Model 220V

Now, I'm confused. There are no real instructions. Well, there are a few lines, but they are vague.

- Add water to fill filter chamber.

What's the filter chamber? How much water?

AGGGHH!!

I did a search of the forum for "nano filter," but no luck.

(Cornelius is showing some regrowth today and hasn't nipped himself. I think he's happier because I bought him new silk plants and a floating ball toy I put in for a few minutes every few hours. He is being treated with Tetracycline in the filterless tank.)

Also -- Plants! I bought a few small ones, but (as I clearly don't understand a lot about aquatic things) they started flaking off into the water and I took them out. Are they really beneficial in a small tank? I read that they remove nitrates. I don't mind water changes. I like the way they look, but I don't want to re-introduce something that would complicate things and potentially harm my betta.