tress29

Several folks mentioned bettas not liking too strong of currents in their tanks. You gave suggestions for difusing the flow, etc. What kind of filters are you using? Anyone have a favorite?

I have an undergravel filter in the 10 gallon tank at work. In the past I used a corner filter w/ air pump for the 2.5 gallon betta tanks.

Just wondering...

Theresa in Indy

agabr123

i've never used an undergravel filter personally, but i hear that they generally don't come very well recommended.

in my 2.5 gallon betta tanks i have the red sea nano art deco filter, which is awesome! it's very powerful but doesn't put out a whole lot of current, and is perfect for them.

in my 5s i have a sponge filter in one with an air pump rated for up to a 20 gallon tank, a whisper in another (which i do not like at ALL but it came with the kit), and a small HOB that i'm not sure the brand of (the company sent it to me when i called because the second whisper i had gotten as a replacement for the first one that died went out as well).

on my 10 gallons i have an aqueon filter on one, and i think an aquatech on the other, but i'll have to double check. i like the aqueon filter a lot, it's pretty quiet and powerful, i haven't had any problems with it.

on my 20 i have a biowheel (using it without the wheel actually), i had my first biowheel die on me, and the wheel on the new one doesn't spin, so i think i'm done with the penguins. from now on i'm only getting aquaclear filters or canisters if the tank is large enough!

COBettaCouple

I've found that Bettas don't mind a good filter if it's got an adjustable flow and you can use that to let them build up their swimming strength. An UGF wouldn't work for a betta as they like to sleep on the bottom of the tank quite often.

Lucy

I had an UGF for a small tank years back, and man that thing can get nasty under the plate.
Since you can't see it the bottom, you don't realize it.

uprightandlocked

I have heard that UGF can be toxic because of the reasons you mentioned, Lucy. Is this true?

Lucy

Many people use them with no problems. But if a lot of debris collects under it you could have an ammonia spike before you know it.
Also, to lift the plate and clean I had to take the gravel out.

Remember, this was many years ago and the tank was small. It's possible the larger ones aren't like this and improvements may have been made over the years.