Fish For Super Low Current

I'm setting up an aquarium for a Betta and the filter that came with the tank is really, really, really low - a bit like a trickle filter.

I may end up swapping it out for another one, but are there any fish that could actually do well in that kind of flow?

TBH, I'm wondering if it may even be a little too low for a Betta! :/

 

I'm setting up an aquarium for a Betta and the filter that came with the tank is really, really, really low - a bit like a trickle filter.

I may end up swapping it out for another one, but are there any fish that could actually do well in that kind of flow?

TBH, I'm wondering if it may even be a little too low for a Betta! :/

If it's too low for betta then it is too low for everything else

 

I'm setting up an aquarium for a Betta and the filter that came with the tank is really, really, really low - a bit like a trickle filter.

I may end up swapping it out for another one, but are there any fish that could actually do well in that kind of flow?

TBH, I'm wondering if it may even be a little too low for a Betta! :/

If it's too low for betta then it is too low for everything else

 

If it's too low for betta then it is too low for everything else

Not necessarily, there are many species of fish that do not require a fast flow.
The main question is, what sized tank do you have? How many gallons/ liters?
That determines the type of fish you'll be able to have.

 

Not necessarily, there are many species of fish that do not require a fast flow.
The main question is, what sized tank do you have? How many gallons/ liters?
That determines the type of fish you'll be able to have.

Of course there is but betta especially like low flow beacuose of big fins so they can swim. It was more of a joke.
But with low flow it comes problem of water quality.

 

What size is the tank?

 

Of course there is but betta especially like low flow beacuose of big fins so they can swim. It was more of a joke.
But with low flow it comes problem of water quality.

True, but even bettas with short fins, like plakats, females, and wild bettas appreciate low to no flow. Low flow doesn't necessarily mean bad water quality, I have two no flow (no filter, airstone, surface movement, etc) tanks that are doing great, and one has a betta who I've never seen take atmospheric air. Lol, sorry I just like to find exceptions to everything.

 

True, but even bettas with short fins, like plakats, females, and wild bettas appreciate low to no flow. Low flow doesn't necessarily mean bad water quality, I have two no flow (no filter, airstone, surface movement, etc) tanks that are doing great, and one has a betta who I've never seen take atmospheric air. Lol, sorry I just like to find exceptions to everything.

I agree with everything you said. There is always exceptions but sometimes you just need to know what are you doing.

 

What size is the tank?

65 Litres.

 

I agree with everything you said. There is always exceptions but sometimes you just need to know what are you doing.

I've been keeping fish for 30 years. I'm reasonably confident I can figure out what I am doing... just asking for opinions.

 

So long as the ammonia and nitrite is being processed quickly enough and the betta doesn't seem oxygen deprived, it's not too slow!

The question is really if the tank can handle more waste and more oxygen usage. Any idea what the gph/turnover is like?

 

I've been keeping fish for 30 years. I'm reasonably confident I can figure out what I am doing... just asking for opinions.

I wasn't pointing on you just was generally speaking

 

So long as the ammonia and nitrite is being processed quickly enough and the betta doesn't seem oxygen deprived, it's not too slow!

The question is really if the tank can handle more waste and more oxygen usage. Any idea what the gph/turnover is like?

I just flicked through the booklet. Allegedly the 'max' turnover for the filter that came with it is 320L/h so that gives me approx 5x vol turnover an hour... I can't see any obvious way of adjusting the flow rate, so I am going to have to assume it is doing the max output already... but it doesn't look to me like there is that much flow. Maybe it just looks deceitfully low? It's enough that it is creating a very gentle sway for the plants I've put in there...

 

If its creating a gentle sway for your plants, its should be enough IMO.

 

That sounds pretty decent. I know you don't want bettas, but what about wild bettas?
Other than that, most fish won't be bothered with a slower current. Some tetras and most danios will be bothered, but that's about all I can think of off the bat

 

Some of the rasboras come from slow moving waters... kuhlI loaches also come into mind as well.

 

If its creating a gentle sway for your plants, its should be enough IMO.

I mean it's more like an occasional flicker...

 

I mean it's more like an occasional flicker...

Yeah. Still should be fine IMO.

 

Just be cautious not to overstock or the filter won't keep up.

 

Just be cautious not to overstock or the filter won't keep up.

It's just going to have the Betta and 5 corys. Maybe a snail if any algae starts to form.

 

And here it is (sans-Betta). I decided to switch the filter out for a venturI one (as I am not using an air stone). I aimed the flow into a corner so it doesn't blow the Betta around - and he seems fine with it so far. If he starts to struggle, I'll switch back to the trickle filter.