2 replies to this topic

[ajuniceu~]

Hello!

 

If everything goes well I should be able to get a tank by November, and the betta by late December/early January! I had a few questions and things I wanted to clarify prior to getting it though

 

Is an internal filter really that bad? I've seen people saying sponge filters are the best but I already have an internal filter, plus the tank I plan to get (Tetra 5/10 gal depending on which they have in stock) comes with an internal filter. I've also had trouble finding a good sponge filter + air pump near me.

 

Is it necessary to use a gravel vacuum every week when doing water changes, or is once a month or so good? Also, do gravel vacuums work for sand and do you need to use it for sand?

 

My aunt has a pool water test kit that tests everything that the API kit tests plus a few things more. Would it be okay to use that instead?

 

How crowded should a betta tank be? Does anyone have any current/past set ups for example?

 

Thank you so much!

 

 

[♥ChipTheHamster♥]

Hello!

 

If everything goes well I should be able to get a tank by November, and the betta by late December/early January! I had a few questions and things I wanted to clarify prior to getting it though

 

Is an internal filter really that bad? I've seen people saying sponge filters are the best but I already have an internal filter, plus the tank I plan to get (Tetra 5/10 gal depending on which they have in stock) comes with an internal filter. I've also had trouble finding a good sponge filter + air pump near me.

 

Sometimes fins can get trapped in the filter or the flow may be too strong for bettas so I'd probably look at some filters that have been known to be good with bettas, but that's just my opinion. If you can find a nice sponge filter, I'd use it just because it's pretty inexpensive and people like to recommend it for bettas. Hang on back filters are another option. 

 

Is it necessary to use a gravel vacuum every week when doing water changes, or is once a month or so good? Also, do gravel vacuums work for sand and do you need to use it for sand?

People recommend every once a week to once every two weeks. Personally, I do it once a week, but I once held it off for 3 weeks or so (not recommended though). 

 

My aunt has a pool water test kit that tests everything that the API kit tests plus a few things more. Would it be okay to use that instead?

I believe they are made for different purposes so it probably won't work but I'd wait for another opinion.

 

How crowded should a betta tank be? Does anyone have any current/past set ups for example?

Not sure, I would look up some set ups for inspiration. 

 

Thank you so much!

 

Answers are in bold.

Edited by ♥ChipTheHamster♥, 09 October 2021 - 12:10 AM.

[Robin~]

Internal/HOB filters are fine for bettas as long as you can adjust/clog the output so it’s really slow. If your betta has issues with it though you can always get a sponge separately; they’re not too expensive.

Definitely gravel vac each time; the substrate is where a lot of the poop will settle. Doesn’t have to be super thorough each time, just in the most used areas. Not sure how it works for sand though.

No experience with pool test kits so can’t comment there but I figure it’d be the same since it’s the same chemicals. Try it and if you aren’t seeing a different when you add ammonia/it should be turning to nitrite/nitrate I’d get the api kit.

I’ve seen varying levels of crowdedness, but I personally think staying slightly more crowded in some areas and more open in others is best. This allows your betta to have some space to hide and rest and some to swim freely.