2.5 Gallon Tank (Aqueon Mini Bow 2.5) Tips and tricks

I have a few questions about this specific tank. Its the Aqueon minI bow 2.5 with the LED lights. I choose this tank due to its footprint, and availability (I am in college and this is the best option for my situation I think. Yes I know it is a little small). I have been doing research for the past few weeks, and will not get the fish and tank till early next year. I would of posted this to the reply of the other "2.5" thread but I felt like my questions weren't related enough. I have had a Betta before but kept it in a vase (I didn't know better).


1. If anyone has used this tank (or one of similar size) before what decorations or items or how many work? I was planning on getting a marimo ball, and was thinking about something else but was going to wait and see.

2. Either for this tank or any other acrylic tank what is the best method for cleaning algae. Aqueon does make an algae scrubber (the kind that have the scrubber in the tank, and you use the magnetic piece to move it). What is the best method that leaves the fewest scratches?

3. This is just a betta question. I know that betta males flare up when they see each other. Right behind where I will put my tank is mainly a mirror. Should I put something there to block the mirror from the tank to minimize stress?

5. Is there any tips or tricks for either this tank or another 2.5 gallon tank with bettas.

Thank you

 

3. This is just a betta question. I know that betta males flare up when they see each other. Right behind where I will put my tank is mainly a mirror. Should I put something there to block the mirror from the tank to minimize stress?

5. Is there any tips or tricks for either this tank or another 2.5 gallon tank with bettas.

Thank you

Welcome to Fish Lore!!! Nice to meet thou!

Okay, so I don't have any experience with this tank, but I can maybe help with one question or two..

How close is the mirror? You might just have to wait and see. If he starts flaring, then you could just use some poster board to cover up that area.

What other info were you looking for with bettas?

 

BornThisWayBettas the mirror is very close like one to two inches. Also this may be more confusing but ill try to explain it. My tank will be 12.5 inches tall, and the mirror doesn't start until 3 inches up. So in the bottom three inches of the tank (including substrate of glass gems/marbles and maybe polished rock) the betta will not see himself. Another way to put it, the top 9.5 inches of the tank the betta will see himself. Thank you, I hope that wasn't confusing.

 

BornThisWayBettas the mirror is very close like one to two inches. Also this may be more confusing but ill try to explain it. My tank will be 12.5 inches tall, and the mirror doesn't start until 3 inches up. So in the bottom three inches of the tank (including substrate of glass gems/marbles and maybe polished rock) the betta will not see himself. Another way to put it, the top 9.5 inches of the tank the betta will see himself. Thank you, I hope that wasn't confusing.

Don't worry, I get it! In that case, I would place a poster board over the back of the tank, to avoid him stressing out.

 

I have one and it's quite nice! Bit small but not bad. There isn't much room for decor but because it's fairly tall, floating plants are nice to have and your Betta will find places to rest in amongst the stems and leaves.

I also have a tunnel made out of course fibre basket liner with plants growing on it. The beauty of that is I could make it exactly the size I wanted. Does make the water a little tannic but I like that look, plus it's supposed to be good for the bettas

 

@Aquaphobia what live plants are you using? I have not used any live plants before, and sadly don't have a green thumb (my air plant that I brought to college died in about a month). I know marimo is very easy to keep, and I have heard things about Anubias Petite and how hardy they are. They apparently can survive just floating but I don't know where they float.

 

Well, the anubius that's tied to the coconut fibre tunnel is a really tiny variety and the floating plant is...maybe some type of Bacopa? Rotala? I honestly don't know! I guess I should probably get some pictures and ask for some ID help

I wouldn't leave Anubias to float though, it really should be anchored.

 

Thanks

 

My floating plant has been identified as Hygrophila

 

Aquaphobia I am assuming that the tank is the Aqueon MinI Bow 2.5. I just looked it up and depending on their price and availability at my local petco (or maybe pet store). From my brief research people said that you may have to prune it to keep it from getting too large. Is this true. Also if that tank is your MinI Bow 2.5 what heater is that and what is the temperature you are at?

Thanks it's nice getting advice from someone who is already using the same setup.

 

The hygrophila? Grows like a weed! You'll definitely need to keep it under control with a heavy hand on the shears

Also, I may have an older model because I think the newer ones have LED hoods whereas mine is meant to take your standard E27 light bulb base. I picked up an LED corncob style bulb though which gives lots of light.

I also don't have the filter original to this tank. I'm using an internal submersible one.

The heater is the Tetra 50w Preset Submersible. Very cheap and possibly unreliable, though I've got several and have never had a problem with any of them! Provided the tank isn't too large they maintain a steady 78F.

 

Thanks