New one! Help on Filters?

Hi there,

My name is Lexxi, and I'm just preparing my tank, so that in a month or two time I can get my betta splendens!
I have a 16.8 litre tank, 40cm(L)x21cm(H)x20cm(D) So it's quite a short tank. Which is where I'm having my problem. I got a JAD Super Biochemical Sponge Filter, with the tube that reaches up, however, the tube is too tall and goes out of my tank. I was told that this is to cause a current to help with filtration. Would it possible to cut it down, or remove it all together?

I have some bacterlife, tank water from the shop, and some fish food to get my fishless cycle going. Also, thanks to andy007 on reptileforums for directing me to his great site

Also, my betta is going to be on his own, so he can flourish, off to go get some substrate, looking at getting sand if possible.

To The Forum

Yep, just cut the tube down With a sponge filter and one betta, you'll only need to have it bubbling slowly.

hello and
what van said will be fine

& ! Hope you enjoy the site, lots of friendly people and good answers!

to the forum Lexxi and best of luck with setting up your tank



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Just wanted to say i know you'll love this site as i think its the best one iv found, the people on here give loadsa good information and help...they've helped me lots anyway

Hello

Hey guys, thanks for the warm welcome!

Well, my tank is all set up Just gonna wait 3 weeks before my first test. Also, when should I start adding fish flakes?

In here I have a JAD Super Biochemical Sponge Filter (removed the tube all together as it seems to be producing bubbles perfectly . I also have a very small 25w Interpet Delta Therm Heater set at 26C. I have special aquarium sand as a substrate, two small plants (unknown, guy picked them out for me at my local garden centre, said they were good for bettas, as I really didn't want to use plastic, or even silk, plants). I dechlorinated tap water and added a double dose of Bacterlife

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Looking good?

Hi
I dont really know anything about that Bacterlife stuff?? I would say to just follow what it says on the bottle or packet. As your gonna be waiting 3 weeks, you can add a small pinch of fish food each day, this will help get some ammonia developing.

Looks like you're getting there Maybe stick a background on as this helps not only the look of the tank, but makes the betta feel more secure

Good start Lexxi. Not great on plants but the one on the left looks like elodea which is usually very hardy.

Bettas love caves too so maybe you could add a coconut cave. You can either buy these for a couple of pounds or our very own Kizno has a sticky here on how to make your own

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Also moss balls look really good

Yeh, wanted to get a coconut cave, or a plant pot. Also, some kind of floating plant?
I seem to be getting addicted to bettas as I want a sorority tank too and I'm only in my first day of fishless cycle for my first tank :P Ha.
I will definitely be getting more plants, and some java moss/fern.
Also, are plants just ok in aquaria sand? I was told they would be, but I'm not sure.

Also, a background, are these the plastic/laminated kind you find, the same kind you can use for reptiles? Cause I think my tank is too short for that :P

You can use anything you want as a background. It goes outside so wont matter what its made from I've used various colours of wrapping paper and even sparkly material

I've taken to using black card for the back of my tanks... cheap and does the job well, lol

Ah ok Thanks for all the help guys, oh, btw, I'm guessing I should empty out the old water after the fishless cycle? And add new dechlorinated water?

Look at this thread, it should tell you all you need to know!
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thanks!

(Have plans for a 100L now...)

Haha welcome to Multiple Tank Syndrome and Bettaholics anon

Oh gosh, they are addictive, I want to get breeding! *reads up on everything!!*

If Carlsberg made breeding guides - Betta Breeding