Filters In Betta Tanks

A couple questions. So I'm thinking of changing the internal filter in my five gallon tank (Tetra Whisper) to a HOB filter of the same brand that uses the same cartridges, so I can keep using the same filter. I'm pretty sure the the internal filter's motor is increasing the temp of the tank a little, and it takes up a lot of space and I want to give my betta, Circe, more room to swim.

If I'm using the same cartridge, will changing the filter itself disrupt the cycle too much?

Also, what are some good ways to reduce the suction on the filters so my bettas don't get stuck? My other tank of most concern has a HOB filter and the betta in that tank likes to sleep in the corner where the filter is.

 

A couple questions. So I'm thinking of changing the internal filter in my five gallon tank (Tetra Whisper) to a HOB filter of the same brand that uses the same cartridges, so I can keep using the same filter. I'm pretty sure the the internal filter's motor is increasing the temp of the tank a little, and it takes up a lot of space and I want to give my betta, Circe, more room to swim.

If I'm using the same cartridge, will changing the filter itself disrupt the cycle too much?

Also, what are some good ways to reduce the suction on the filters so my bettas don't get stuck? My other tank of most concern has a HOB filter and the betta in that tank likes to sleep in the corner where the filter is.

Welcome to fishlore!

It should'nt disrupt it to much but i'd still be careful, If you want you could even run both of them for a bit to ease it in. For the suction problem I used to have tetras get sucked in but if you get a pre filter sponge or get filter media (Coarse sponge type/floss) and wrap it around the intake. This works with me.

Hope this helps

 

The whisper HOB will be fine for your Betta, if you're really concerned you can put some foam around the intake.

You said you were worried though about the temp of the tank, Bettas like warm water, do make sure you're keeping your tank over 75F, preferably 80F. Your fish will be much happier

 

People say change your filter a DIFFERENT day then you do a water change.

 

The whisper HOB will be fine for your Betta, if you're really concerned you can put some foam around the intake.

You said you were worried though about the temp of the tank, Bettas like warm water, do make sure you're keeping your tank over 75F, preferably 80F. Your fish will be much happier

I'll try the foam!

I have a heater in the tank as well, and occasionally the temp creeps a little over 80. I want to make sure it's not too warm, especially with how warm our downstairs gets.

 

I use a filter media bag and some super glue for mine. Took ages to get the cover I wanted without getting any rough spots. I used a sponge first but it was too rough so I glued all the sides. Then I got a media bag and just cut it in half and tied it but it got clogged way too often. So I experimented with cutting and super gluing and after an hour I got something that works pretty well. It took so long because I had to keep wiping the super glue once I pressed pieces together so it wouldn't dry through it and scratch him.
I had a halfmoon previously in the tank that tore up his fins real bad because of the suction, so I am also paranoid about the intake lol