About to get betta for Fluval Spec V

Fluval Spec V for my office is cycled and ready, and I am planning to get betta later this week. I baffled the filter outlet by stuffing a piece of filter foam into it, and also poked a few holes into the filter hose leading to the outlet (to slow down the flow and also to help transfer heat, as I have 25W adjustable heater next to filter hose).

I've had two Amano shrimp in there for the last few weeks, and have kept it cycled by throwing them a handful of betta pellets every few days (also trying to get them to bulk up so the betta doesn't immediately think they're food).

One big question - assuming I keep my water quality high, do I have to worry about betta jumping out? I haven't yet figured out a decent method of closing off the top of the tank (the stock lid has an opening that measures about 12 inches long by 2 inches wide). I figure that is probably wide enough to jump out of if he really wants to (although I do have an LED fixture spanning the entire length that is just about 2 inches above the opening). I'd REALLY like to be able to keep the lid as is, but if I have to worry about the betta jumping out in the middle of the night and coming in and finding him dead on the floor, I guess it's not worth it.

Anyone have an opinion, or any other hints? Never had a betta before.

 

Fishes can jump out of the Spec V's middle opening, Especially a betta. I had a baby platy jump right out and into the pile of dishes (it survived). What I did was cut a piece of acrylic and placed over it. You can make it as fancy as you like, drill some holes on top and what not. It also helped with evaporation too.

What I also thought was a great idea is mesh and dab a little super glue on all four corners. That would make it pretty nice.

Hope this helps.

 

For a dollar or two you can go to your local walmart or craft store and get some plastic canvas... cut the sheets to fit and there you go!

 

For a dollar or two you can go to your local walmart or craft store and get some plastic canvas... cut the sheets to fit and there you go!

Cut to fit the small opening, or the whole top of the tank? Does the canvas impede the lighting (bear in mind I have a very strong light for the size of the tank)...

 

You can get clear plastic canvas that won't interfere with lighting enough to worry about it. Id use it for the whole top if you are lacking a cover at all or you can just use it to cover an opening that fish tend to jump out of. I have snails that will crawl out and it got annoying having to head count the snails everyday... so I just put plastic canvas over their escape route!