Betta in a bigger tank

Bear · 07-17-2006, 11:43 AM

My gf got a Betta a week ago and since then he has been kept in a small 1 gallon tank, with some large gravel and a plastic plant. So far he seems to be fine.

We are going to buy a larger tank, a flat 15 gallon (origionally for reptiles, but the store is ordering one for me with a fish tank top). All of the normal stuff is going to be bought. She is going to use an aquaclear 50 power filter, a 75 watt heater, (not sure about lighting, what do you suggest?), a medium gravel, a tetra whisper 20 airpump with a 8" airstone, a few roccks and hiding places etc.

What will mix well with this betta?

Puffer Pita · 07-17-2006, 11:54 AM

Other slow-moving, non-nippy fish or anything with flowing fins. Fish not to get are things like guppies, neons, cardinals, tiger barbs, etc.

Be careful with the tank. I would stress test it for a couple of weeks first. Tanks that are made for reptiles are not made the same as they are for fish and the seals are not as strong. Many times, they cannot deal with the pressure of the water and the seams can burst. I personally never recommend using reptile tanks for fish specifically for this reason.

Also, make sure you have a flow control valve on the air stone line. Bettas can't deal with much current, it bothers them because of their finnage.

Durbkat · 07-17-2006, 11:56 AM

The filter sounds to strong for the betta, I'd just get it a 5g with a sponge filter.

TessaAndFishies · 07-17-2006, 12:04 PM

Yea, if you get too strong of a filter for a male betta their bubble nest will probably get messed up and they will be mad or stressed out. I'd do what Durb reccomended. (By the way Durb, how WAS jerry springer?)

Bear · 07-17-2006, 12:05 PM

what do you mean a 5g with a sponge filter? And I meant the size I liked was for reptiles, the guy is ordering a fish tank that size, but to be sure I will stress test the tank (thanks for bringing it up!

) Maybe It would be a better Idea to get a less powerful air pump? If I get a less powerful filter will it still keep the water as clear?

Durbkat · 07-17-2006, 12:10 PM

Just get a 5g, trust me, I believe that bettas don't do good in anything bigger than a 10g by themselves or with a few corys with a filter that has little to no current.What I mean by a 5g with a sponge filter is to put only the betta in the 5g and put a sponge filter in it, they look similar to this http://www.aquaticeco.com/images/items/FP3_rgb.jpg .

Bear · 07-17-2006, 12:14 PM

hmm, well I wish I had known that, but this guy at the store is a friend so I kinda have to buy the tank, especially cuz its only gonna cost like $15. but would a sponge filter like that work in the 15?

Would I be able to put a couple cory's and mollies in there too?

JustOneMore20 · 07-17-2006, 12:18 PM

The 15g will be fine. I'd skip the airpump all together. The filter will provide enough aeration and adding the airpump will just stress the betta out.

Personally I'd get the Aquaclear 30 instead of the 50, only because bettas don't like alot of current. I think having a filter that is rated for double the tank size is good. No need for extra filtration.

As for lighting, I'd go with just a fluorescent fixture. You can add some low light plants if you like. Java fern, anubias, and crypts should all grow well. The betta will enjoy the plants.

As for tankmates, I'd go for a school of non-nippy tetras or rasboras. I have some harlequin rasboras in with my betta and they get along great. I've tried neons and they were too timid. I think the betta intimidated them, so I'd skip neons.

Lemon tetras or flame tetras may work, though I've never tried them. They may be a little too active for the betta though.

I think my harlies are a good combo with the betta. You could also add some ottos if you get plants and have some algae.

I'm a big fan of having bettas in bigger tanks, as long as you have the right tankmates with them. They deserve a big tank as well. Good job on giving the little guy a bigger home!

Puffer Pita · 07-17-2006, 12:34 PM

I would recommed the larger tank with HOB. If the current is too strong, you can modify it with a soda bottle. http://www.petfish.net/articles/Do-I...urrentkill.php I would not recommend it with just a sponge filter. You could forgo the air pump but if you prefer to have one, just use a flow control valve. They cost about a buck.

Bear · 07-17-2006, 12:35 PM

sorry, but what is an HOB?

Durbkat · 07-17-2006, 12:38 PM

Yes they make sponge filters for 15g tanks. Also I wouldn't put mollies in there as they are brackish fish not freshwater fish.

A HOB filter is a hang on back filter, its also known as a power filter.

Bear · 07-17-2006, 12:50 PM

thanks, Mollies are brackish...huh ok, well then

Puffer Pita · 07-17-2006, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear

thanks, Mollies are brackish...huh ok, well then

That's actually a bit misleading. Mollies are fine in freshwater as well, but benefit from the addition of salt (most people I know, including us, use 1 tablespoon per five gallons, which isn't enough to register on a hydrometer, much less be considered "brackish" water). They can also live quite long and happy lives in full saltwater.

Bear · 07-17-2006, 01:01 PM

ok..., should i add salt or just leave it fresh

Durbkat · 07-17-2006, 01:04 PM

Well then why did every mollie I got died because they were in one of my tanks which is fw?

I still wouldn't get mollies, if your still going to put it in the 15g I'd just get 5 tp 6 corys and maybe a few fish like rasbora's.

Puffer Pita · 07-17-2006, 01:11 PM

Well I couldn't tell you why they died, Durbkat. But we have some living quite happily and reproducing at an alarming rate, in freshwater. As I said, we also have some in lightly salter water which couldn't possibly be considered brackish water. And we will be taking some to full marine as well. And several people I know have them living quite happily and reproducing nicely in a reef tank. They can live in all sorts of conditions, they are quite hardy fish.

Bear, it would depend on what other fish you are keeping. That amount of salt isn't going to hurt anything really (we even have bristlenose plecos and otos living in the salted water).

Bear · 07-17-2006, 01:14 PM

ok, well i am not sure what will be kept in the tank, it is not really up to me

JustOneMore20 · 07-17-2006, 02:20 PM

Well discuss it with your g/f and make sure you research first so you will know if the fish will be comfortable in the tank. If she decides on something, let us know so we can make sure it is right for the tank. Remember that not all fish go well with bettas...and not all are fit for a 15g tank. No impulse buying this time!

Bear · 07-17-2006, 02:25 PM

haha, yes i will make sure it will all go smoothly this time

harif87 · 07-17-2006, 03:53 PM

...man your friend at the fish store is really hooking you up big time lol

07-17-2006, 11:43 AM	#1
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	Betta in a bigger tank My gf got a Betta a week ago and since then he has been kept in a small 1 gallon tank, with some large gravel and a plastic plant. So far he seems to be fine. We are going to buy a larger tank, a flat 15 gallon (origionally for reptiles, but the store is ordering one for me with a fish tank top). All of the normal stuff is going to be bought. She is going to use an aquaclear 50 power filter, a 75 watt heater, (not sure about lighting, what do you suggest?), a medium gravel, a tetra whisper 20 airpump with a 8" airstone, a few roccks and hiding places etc. What will mix well with this betta? __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 11:54 AM	#2
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,672	Other slow-moving, non-nippy fish or anything with flowing fins. Fish not to get are things like guppies, neons, cardinals, tiger barbs, etc. Be careful with the tank. I would stress test it for a couple of weeks first. Tanks that are made for reptiles are not made the same as they are for fish and the seals are not as strong. Many times, they cannot deal with the pressure of the water and the seams can burst. I personally never recommend using reptile tanks for fish specifically for this reason. Also, make sure you have a flow control valve on the air stone line. Bettas can't deal with much current, it bothers them because of their finnage. __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

07-17-2006, 12:05 PM	#5
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	what do you mean a 5g with a sponge filter? And I meant the size I liked was for reptiles, the guy is ordering a fish tank that size, but to be sure I will stress test the tank (thanks for bringing it up! ) Maybe It would be a better Idea to get a less powerful air pump? If I get a less powerful filter will it still keep the water as clear? __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 12:14 PM	#7
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	hmm, well I wish I had known that, but this guy at the store is a friend so I kinda have to buy the tank, especially cuz its only gonna cost like $15. but would a sponge filter like that work in the 15? Would I be able to put a couple cory's and mollies in there too? __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 12:34 PM	#9
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,672	I would recommed the larger tank with HOB. If the current is too strong, you can modify it with a soda bottle. http://www.petfish.net/articles/Do-I...urrentkill.php I would not recommend it with just a sponge filter. You could forgo the air pump but if you prefer to have one, just use a flow control valve. They cost about a buck. __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

Members currently in the Chat:0
	Users In Chat Room: There are several users in chat now! Don't Be Shy - click here and come on in!

07-17-2006, 11:56 AM	#3
Durbkat It's the Evil Monkey!! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kentucky Age: 17 Posts: 1,112	The filter sounds to strong for the betta, I'd just get it a 5g with a sponge filter.

07-17-2006, 12:04 PM	#4
TessaAndFishies Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 169	Yea, if you get too strong of a filter for a male betta their bubble nest will probably get messed up and they will be mad or stressed out. I'd do what Durb reccomended. (By the way Durb, how WAS jerry springer?)

07-17-2006, 12:10 PM	#6
Durbkat It's the Evil Monkey!! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kentucky Age: 17 Posts: 1,112	Just get a 5g, trust me, I believe that bettas don't do good in anything bigger than a 10g by themselves or with a few corys with a filter that has little to no current.What I mean by a 5g with a sponge filter is to put only the betta in the 5g and put a sponge filter in it, they look similar to this http://www.aquaticeco.com/images/items/FP3_rgb.jpg .

07-17-2006, 12:18 PM	#8
JustOneMore20 Banned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Birmingham, AL Age: 22 Posts: 3,654	The 15g will be fine. I'd skip the airpump all together. The filter will provide enough aeration and adding the airpump will just stress the betta out. Personally I'd get the Aquaclear 30 instead of the 50, only because bettas don't like alot of current. I think having a filter that is rated for double the tank size is good. No need for extra filtration. As for lighting, I'd go with just a fluorescent fixture. You can add some low light plants if you like. Java fern, anubias, and crypts should all grow well. The betta will enjoy the plants. As for tankmates, I'd go for a school of non-nippy tetras or rasboras. I have some harlequin rasboras in with my betta and they get along great. I've tried neons and they were too timid. I think the betta intimidated them, so I'd skip neons. Lemon tetras or flame tetras may work, though I've never tried them. They may be a little too active for the betta though. I think my harlies are a good combo with the betta. You could also add some ottos if you get plants and have some algae. I'm a big fan of having bettas in bigger tanks, as long as you have the right tankmates with them. They deserve a big tank as well. Good job on giving the little guy a bigger home!

07-17-2006, 12:35 PM	#10
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	sorry, but what is an HOB? __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 12:38 PM	#11
Durbkat It's the Evil Monkey!! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kentucky Age: 17 Posts: 1,112	Yes they make sponge filters for 15g tanks. Also I wouldn't put mollies in there as they are brackish fish not freshwater fish. A HOB filter is a hang on back filter, its also known as a power filter.

07-17-2006, 12:50 PM	#12
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	thanks, Mollies are brackish...huh ok, well then __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 01:01 PM	#14
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	ok..., should i add salt or just leave it fresh __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 01:04 PM	#15
Durbkat It's the Evil Monkey!! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kentucky Age: 17 Posts: 1,112	Well then why did every mollie I got died because they were in one of my tanks which is fw? I still wouldn't get mollies, if your still going to put it in the 15g I'd just get 5 tp 6 corys and maybe a few fish like rasbora's.

07-17-2006, 01:11 PM	#16
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,672	Well I couldn't tell you why they died, Durbkat. But we have some living quite happily and reproducing at an alarming rate, in freshwater. As I said, we also have some in lightly salter water which couldn't possibly be considered brackish water. And we will be taking some to full marine as well. And several people I know have them living quite happily and reproducing nicely in a reef tank. They can live in all sorts of conditions, they are quite hardy fish. Bear, it would depend on what other fish you are keeping. That amount of salt isn't going to hurt anything really (we even have bristlenose plecos and otos living in the salted water). __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

07-17-2006, 01:14 PM	#17
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	ok, well i am not sure what will be kept in the tank, it is not really up to me __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 02:20 PM	#18
JustOneMore20 Banned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Birmingham, AL Age: 22 Posts: 3,654	Well discuss it with your g/f and make sure you research first so you will know if the fish will be comfortable in the tank. If she decides on something, let us know so we can make sure it is right for the tank. Remember that not all fish go well with bettas...and not all are fit for a 15g tank. No impulse buying this time!

07-17-2006, 02:25 PM	#19
Bear Salty Pants Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a Big Yellow House Age: 20 Posts: 902	haha, yes i will make sure it will all go smoothly this time __________________ My Reef My Puffer Tank My Photos

07-17-2006, 03:53 PM	#20
harif87 Minor Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 21 Posts: 995	...man your friend at the fish store is really hooking you up big time lol __________________ sorry for beating you senseless "The human torch was denied a bank loan"

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode