New 50 Gallon Tank For Betta Buddies - Help Me Build!

I acquired a 50 gallon tank on sale at Petsmart last weekend. I've ordered a Fluval 306 canister filter from Petsmart for $139 with their sale this week.

I'm looking at a Aqueon Pro 250 heater at Amazon.

This tank will be set up with a betta sorority and tank mates with several medium light plants. The tank lid has two standard 24" fluorescent lights. I thought I would add in some submersible LED lighting on a timer for evenings if that's possible.

What substrate should I get for bettas? Should I get a soil and a gravel? I'm interested in a black bottom.

My two male bettas Boogie and Woogie from my previous post may not make it into this tank. I was thinking of dividing them off at opposite ends. Any suggestions as I move forward? What am I missing?

Many thanks!

 

Hello!

Any particular reason you want the submerssible LEDs? Just for nighttime lighting?

As for substrate, if you aren't planning any high tech plants, I would go with what's easier for you, like gravel, but if you're like most people, and end up not liking gravel, I recommend a black substrate, like blasting sand, as they can really bring out the colors in your sorority. You could also use sand (pool filter sand is an inexpensive option) as well.

As for your other Bettas, how much are you planning to give them/divide off in your tank? You will have to keep this in mind when planning your sorority, and you'll be in the constant state of having breeding behavior unless you block their lines of sight.

This sounds like a fun build lol

 

I would divide it in three parts... If were to..
10 gallons on both ends... and some small schooling fish in the middle...
with bettas being on opposite ends and in middle some other fishes... won't pose much proble.

 

Hello!

Any particular reason you want the submerssible LEDs? Just for nighttime lighting?

As for substrate, if you aren't planning any high tech plants, I would go with what's easier for you, like gravel, but if you're like most people, and end up not liking gravel, I recommend a black substrate, like blasting sand, as they can really bring out the colors in your sorority. You could also use sand (pool filter sand is an inexpensive option) as well.

As for your other Bettas, how much are you planning to give them/divide off in your tank? You will have to keep this in mind when planning your sorority, and you'll be in the constant state of having breeding behavior unless you block their lines of sight.

This sounds like a fun build lol

Thank you KinsKicks!

Based on your advice about male bettas, I've decided to find new homes for them. I don't want any funny business in the tank, and I have been unable to find any attractive dividers, and this will ultimately make the tank smaller for the girlies. A couple of responsible neighbor kids will take them and I am buying them new desktop tanks for their new digs too!

I'm curious about the black blasting sand you mention. Would this be suitable for medium light plants, and would I use some root tabs to encourage growth in this substrate? I plan to add some suitable tank mates, some snails, shrimps, all community and peaceful schooling fish and wish to have appropriate gravel. About how much sand/gravel should I order for the 50-gallon tank?

I received the Fluval 306 filter today. So the journey begins!

Many thanks.

 

Thank you KinsKicks!

Based on your advice about male bettas, I've decided to find new homes for them. I don't want any funny business in the tank, and I have been unable to find any attractive dividers, and this will ultimately make the tank smaller for the girlies. A couple of responsible neighbor kids will take them and I am buying them new desktop tanks for their new digs too!

I'm curious about the black blasting sand you mention. Would this be suitable for medium light plants, and would I use some root tabs to encourage growth in this substrate? I plan to add some suitable tank mates, some snails, shrimps, all community and peaceful schooling fish and wish to have appropriate gravel. About how much sand/gravel should I order for the 50-gallon tank?

I received the Fluval 306 filter today. So the journey begins!

Many thanks.

Just to add to my reply about the LED lighting. I was hoping to add some moonlight lighting and highlight the color of the betta fish in the evening. My living area is accentuated with big picture windows opposite the tank in the daytime so there is a tremendous amount of filtered light coming into the area. The tank itself is about 15' away.

 

I would divide it in three parts... If were to..
10 gallons on both ends... and some small schooling fish in the middle...
with bettas being on opposite ends and in middle some other fishes... won't pose much proble.

My goal is to add a betta sorority in the middle. So it seems best to find the males a new home. I don't have room for other tanks at this time so Boogie and Woogie will get a new desktop tank with their new homes.
Thanks Manjit! ;-)

 

Ah, I see about the lights; I wasn't going to bash you are anything lol, I was just curious as I was wondering why you wanted two lights (there's nothing wrong with it of course)

Black diamond blasting sand is fine for plants (many people use it) and because you are mainly using root plants (in which root tabs are encouraged) and feed by their roots anyways, it'll do fine for growing basic plants. You can order it online or from tractor supply shops; it's a bit of a pain to clean but well worth it.

As for tankmates, be careful in your selection as well; it can really depend on who's in your sorority. Depending on the fish you get (bottom dwellers are fine as they don't usually bother bettas and vice versa), they can annoy bettas or the girls can pick on them, and you don't want any fin nippers. I prefer sororities by themselves (mine are female bettas only), but if you select a peaceful schooling species, you should be fine. It might make introduction a bit tricky as they may target your other schoolers when establishing the pecking order, but in that case, just remain vigilant and have a back up plan. In general, you'll want lots of hides for the shrimps as they are never safe if there is a lot of open space

 

My goal is to add a betta sorority in the middle. So it seems best to find the males a new home. I don't have room for other tanks at this time so Boogie and Woogie will get a new desktop tank with their new homes.
Thanks Manjit! ;-)

Ah, I see about the lights; I wasn't going to bash you are anything lol, I was just curious as I was wondering why you wanted two lights (there's nothing wrong with it of course)

Black diamond blasting sand is fine for plants (many people use it) and because you are mainly using root plants (in which root tabs are encouraged) and feed by their roots anyways, it'll do fine for growing basic plants. You can order it online or from tractor supply shops; it's a bit of a pain to clean but well worth it.

As for tankmates, be careful in your selection as well; it can really depend on who's in your sorority. Depending on the fish you get (bottom dwellers are fine as they don't usually bother bettas and vice versa), they can annoy bettas or the girls can pick on them, and you don't want any fin nippers. I prefer sororities by themselves (mine are female bettas only), but if you select a peaceful schooling species, you should be fine. It might make introduction a bit tricky as they may target your other schoolers when establishing the pecking order, but in that case, just remain vigilant and have a back up plan. In general, you'll want lots of hides for the shrimps as they are never safe if there is a lot of open space

 

KinsKick,
This is all very helpful info indeed, and I welcome it. I want to hear all opinions, not afraid to hear a contrary opinion here at all and welcome it.
I'm curious what do you think is a "bit of a pain to clean?" referring to the blasting sand. What really is the benefit of it versus a gravel? And what do bettas prefer, or do you think they really care? I'm opting for an low maintenance quiet tank thus the Fluval 306. Willing to spend a little extra with the long term aspects in mind.

(You can order it online or from tractor supply shops; it's a bit of a pain to clean but well worth it. )

While I've got you here, do you think I need an aerator of some sort for the other fish and tank mates? Any recommendations for the 50-gallon tank? I'm a fan of Amazon.

I'm getting excited, just ordered some acrylic black plaint for the back of the aquarium.

Thanks again.

 

I'm guessing colored blinking LED lights for the girlie Boogie Bettas, and a disco ball for the center of the tank for the midnight dance party, and a timer for lights out and last call at 3am! What do you think? <<LOL ;~) >>

 

Haha, sorry, should have been more specific; cleaning the sand at first is annoying; its dusty, that's all, but after that, your fine

As for it gravel, it doesn't really matter as long as you supplement with root tabs. I suggested it because you wanted a dark substrate and I haven't seen (at least personally) a dark gravel before. I have gravel in my 55 and I supplement with root tabs, and the plants do fine, but I ended up not liking the look, and want to change it, so it's more of an aesthetic thing

And yes, I would get an aerator of some sort; it helps diffuse oxygen/CO2 and creates surface agitation as well. An airstone would work just fine with a matching air pump (as they usually come separate). Any brand is fine, but of course, the better quality, the longer it will last. I use a Marineland in the 55 (not from choice, came with the tank when I was younger) and that has lasted for 8-9 years and is very quiet. I'm sure there are other options as well.

And good luck with painting! Don't forget to lay down some newspaper or something lol; people always say they would never spill...

 

Haha, sorry, should have been more specific; cleaning the sand at first is annoying; its dusty, that's all, but after that, your fine

As for it gravel, it doesn't really matter as long as you supplement with root tabs. I suggested it because you wanted a dark substrate and I haven't seen (at least personally) a dark gravel before. I have gravel in my 55 and I supplement with root tabs, and the plants do fine, but I ended up not liking the look, and want to change it, so it's more of an aesthetic thing

And yes, I would get an aerator of some sort; it helps diffuse oxygen/CO2 and creates surface agitation as well. An airstone would work just fine with a matching air pump (as they usually come separate). Any brand is fine, but of course, the better quality, the longer it will last. I use a Marineland in the 55 (not from choice, came with the tank when I was younger) and that has lasted for 8-9 years and is very quiet. I'm sure there are other options as well.

And good luck with painting! Don't forget to lay down some newspaper or something lol; people always say they would never spill...

Thank you KinsKick!

I've seen the air stones but not the matching pumps. I'll need to investigate this unless you can point me to a good combo for a 50-gallon tank.

I just started a new thread on black blasting sand since there did not appear to be a topic on that upon a search. Maybe you could add some additional comments here. Black Diamond Sand Blasting Sand?

One coat of paint went was applied to the aquarium last night. I can see that it will require probably 3 solid coats. I acquired the acrylic black paint from Amazon, super cheap at less than $5 for a 16 oz supply, more than enough for a 50-gallon tank.

Thanks very much for all your help.

 

Sounds like it's going to be amazing. One thing to consider, though, is how sturdy that buffet is- if that's where you going to put it. You're looking at over 400 pounds of water there, 24/7. If it's furniture that's been built in the last 40 years and has splayed legs held on with shallow screws you may run into trouble.

 

Thank you KinsKick!

I've seen the air stones but not the matching pumps. I'll need to investigate this unless you can point me to a good combo for a 50-gallon tank.

I just started a new thread on black blasting sand since there did not appear to be a topic on that upon a search. Maybe you could add some additional comments here. Black Diamond Sand Blasting Sand?

One coat of paint went was applied to the aquarium last night. I can see that it will require probably 3 solid coats. I acquired the acrylic black paint from Amazon, super cheap at less than $5 for a 16 oz supply, more than enough for a 50-gallon tank.

Thanks very much for all your help.

The air pumps and air stones are usually sold separately; the air pump have an "output tube" where you can fit the tubing of whatever airstone you want to use with it

And I'll skeddaddle on over, and see if I can be of any help

 

A friend off mine recently did a very beautiful painting on glass... It was a buke of roses... I am thinking to ask her... If she can do that for my aquarium... why don't u try that

 

Sounds like it's going to be amazing. One thing to consider, though, is how sturdy that buffet is- if that's where you going to put it. You're looking at over 400 pounds of water there, 24/7. If it's furniture that's been built in the last 40 years and has splayed legs held on with shallow screws you may run into trouble.

HI California L33,
Thank you for noticing this!
I was wondering this too. This dresser is a vintage circa 1940s Henredon dovetail. (Photos attached) The only screws are in the cross beams inside under the drawers. It's so **** heavy. Do you think I might need to shore it up somehow in the middle underneath along the perimeter frame? I've got it situated against a wall that is considered a load bearing wall. The aquarium will be flush against wall as much as possible since I have a Fluval cannister filter. I appreciate your thoughts.

 

A friend off mine recently did a very beautiful painting on glass... It was a buke of roses... I am thinking to ask her... If she can do that for my aquarium... why don't u try that

That sounds very interesting and unique. I'd surely love to see some pictures of that. What a most creative idea!

 

That sounds very interesting and unique. I'd surely love to see some pictures of that. What a most creative idea!

I don't have pictures of that at this moment... but I will send you some picture of glass painting hope u will get a brief idea

 

 

u just have to be creative about what colours and design u want...
you can pay some artist to get it done

 

HI California L33,
Thank you for noticing this!
I was wondering this too. This dresser is a vintage circa 1940s Henredon dovetail. (Photos attached) The only screws are in the cross beams inside under the drawers. It's so heavy. Do you think I might need to shore it up somehow in the middle underneath along the perimeter frame? I've got it situated against a wall that is considered a load bearing wall. The aquarium will be flush against wall as much as possible since I have a Fluval cannister filter. I appreciate your thoughts.

It's a tough call. 1940s American furniture is pretty heavy duty, and it doesn't have the splayed legs I was worried about. On the other hand it wasn't made as an aquarium stand. My guess, and it's only a guess, is that you'll be OK. If you have 4 sizeable men you can get to sit on it and listen for creaks and look for sags that might give you an idea. I figure 4 big guys will weigh in at 800 lbs. or so, and be dynamic, so double the static load you'd be asking it to carry. But in the end it has to be your call. They do make some nice looking aquarium stands these days, and while it would be an expense, it would be a one time expense. I'm a little leery because I just had a cabinet fail after carrying a couple of hundred pounds of weight (not an aquarium) for a few years- clearly more than it was designed for, but it looked fairly heavy duty and had mortise and tenon construction.

 

Thank you. I'll definitely investigate this further.