JaneAustenAddict

So I noticed that when I place a betta in my 5g tank with a whisper filter 10i, even on the lowest setting, it is just too powerful for the fish. The 10i is the filter that came with the tank. I have a whisper 3i and I was wondering if using the smaller, less powerful filter would be okay? It says the 3i is for 1-3 gallon tanks, but I am really not sure what elese to do. I really wanted to rescue another betta, but I don't want to have any problems like in the past.

The betta I have now is in a 10g with a whisper 10i and he is doing fine. When he was in the 5g with the whisper 10i, even on the lowest setting, he was getting either tossed all over the tank or nearly sucked up the filter. I actually ended up having to leave the filter off for two days while I set up the 10g tank for him.

He is not sick, he is very active. Always swimming around checking out the plants and decorations and flaring at my dogs whenever they stop to check him out. I know the problem is because the bettas from the pet stores are poor swimmers.

So, does the fact that the filter says it is for 1-3 gals mean it will not work in the 5g? I was kinda hoping that since it will only be one fish it would be okay.

harpua2002

I think it would be fine. Be sure to transfer some media from your larger Whisper to the smaller one when you get it going and add the betta, and you shouldn't have issues with cycling.

fishtroy

It sounds like it should be okay.
I love him flaring at your dogs! That is hilarious, he is going to take on a canine!
My Aeolus used to track my hermit crabs. I would let them excerise near where his tank was and he would follow them right up against the glass the whole way along as they walked past. Then he would look at me with an expression that said 'That is one funky looking fighter fish!'

Shawnie

I agree it will be fine..bettas arent messy fish...and anytime you have a too powerful filter, you can use filter floss over the intake with an elastic and hang a nice chunk of it out of the outtake so it barely touches the water..that way the surface agitation wont be too powerful either

Red1313

I find that sponge or air driven filters are my preference when it comes to my betta babies. But the advice above for HOB's works well to.

peacemaker92

Have you tried covering the intake with a filter sponge? It should lessen the flow.

AmyGSmith

I had the same problem until I found the Duetto DJ50. It has adjustable water flow and an aerator. I put it on the lowest setting my Neptune could handle, then after a couple of weeks, adjusted it up ever so slightly a little at a time until I could get better water flow (thus better filtration). It slowly helped him gain stronger swimming abilities. It's awesome for Bettas!