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About Lynda
Expertise
I can help you with cichlids, african cichlids, betta fish. I have bred most of them, including the Discus, and Angel Fish, and Rams. I have also bred many african cichlids. I have bred bettas too...well I am a fish nut! I can help you with most diseases, and have experience in setting up a tank. I can tell you tricks on keeping your water alkaline without products. I also speak and write french. I have experience with salt water fish, but would rather not get into that field. Please when writing to me, give me detailed information. The size of your tank, your water chemistry, etc. The more I know, the more I can help you. I cannot guess at what you have, so please give me information and I will do my outmost to help you with any question you ask me. Please do not ask me questions on Goldfish, mollies, platies, and guppies. Lynda

Experience
I have worked in Petshops in the fish department...was Manager in two...and alot of my experience came from my home where I had 26 aquariums from 20 gallons to 200 gallons.

Publications
I have a MSN group but it has nothing to do with fish

Education/Credentials
I have finished high school, and went to college, in accounting

Past/Present Clients
Too many to mention

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > betta fish and filter

Fish - betta fish and filter

Expert: Lynda - 11/1/2009

Question
I bought a 5 gal starter aquarium kit and it has an aqua-tech 5-15 filter. I would like to know if it is too strong for my betta? I have not put the betta in the tank yet.

Answer
Hi Stephanie,
You will have to judge this on your own. Most bettas do not like filters, and then you must change his water completely once a week, always using a good water conditioner such as "Stress Coat" or "AquaPlus." They love to blow their bubble nest, and the water movement from a filter disturbs most bettas.
If you decide to filter your water, you must let it run for 2-3 weeks with no fish in it until your water chemistry is right. Buy a used sponge to fit your filter, and let your water run, adding water that has evaporated. A used sponge is full of good bacteria that fish need to survive. Do not rinse the sponge, just squeeze out the access water, and put it directly into your filter. Check your water in two weeks to see if your water has the right chemistry. Your ammonia level must be zero, your nitrite level must be zero, and your nitrates should be low. Once you have reached the right chemistry, then you may add a Betta. Your tank has cycled, and there is no danger for him. After this, you must change 25% of your water weekly.
If you go without a filter, then you must change all of your water every week.
Bettas also need heated tanks to be happy, and healthy. They are a tropical fish, and need 80-82 degree water. When heating a tank, you must do this very very slowly. Bring the temperature up one degree every two days. Bringing up the temperature too quickly would be deadly. When Bettas are kept in tanks below this temperature, they are cold, their lives are cut short, and they get sick.
Vary his diet, and do not overfeed him. Feed him 2-3 times daily. Two pellets, or two flakes are enough for one meal.
I hope this helps.
Lynda

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