Filter for a 5 gallon?

[gm72]

Looking to get my daughter a 5 gallon tank (to be stocked with one male betta). Suggestions on a small filter? The aquaclear mini perhaps? Also, do you think a pair of corys would be okay with the betta? Would make a cool little tank for my sweetie!

[jeffs99dime]

here's an idea for you-- [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
says it's for up to 5 gallon aquariums. hope that helps you out.:ezpi_wink1:

i think that they'd be okay with a betta. just keep an eye on the betta's aggression though. it's hit and miss with them. i would also just get maybe one cory. 5 gallons is not very much water. it will be even less with substrate, filter, heater and decorations which will displace the water. i would also highly recommend an airstone to get the 02 levels up

[gm72]

Helpful, yes. I wonder if anyone has experience with the filter--worth it? Also, great point about the size of the tank. Think I'll try one cory with the betta and see what I get. I have plenty of other tanks in which I could put a cory if the experiment fails!

[Drumachine09]

Glasstapper kept two sucsessfully, but like jeff said, its really hit and miss. I would go for it. Put two in, but monitor the agression levels. If all goes well, the betta wont even give them a second look, however, if he gets nippy, i would leave them in there (keeping a close eye on them) and see if he is just curious. I would suggest albino corys.

[gm72]

Any particular reason to suggest albinos other than their color? Is their temperament generally different from others? Just curious!

[Drumachine09]

They are all docile, but i have noticed "friendlier" behavior with these corys than any other corys that i have seen. My two new green severums kinda stay in this little slate cave, and one or two corys will come inside the cave and "sit" next to them. I also think they dont get quite as large, but correct me if im wrong. They also look AWESOME against a dark gravel/background.

[Incredulous_Ed]

I use the aqua tech whisper 5-15 gallon filter on my 5 gal. Works okay for me.

Some bettas are more peaceful than others and some might attck your cories thouh. It depends on the bettas personality.

[bubble_bee]

Cories are schooling fish so I would definitely put in two rather than one. When alone, schooling fish can tend to hide a lot and you won't get to see the adorable schooling behavior that cories have. You might want to also put in some plants etc. so there are some hiding places if the betta does get aggressive!

[gm72]

Going to get the setup this weekend. I think it will be an "Easter Bunny" present to my daughter. I'll maybe try with 2 corys and a betta. I have a fake half-log that I can put in there that will afford them some shelter.

[jessie]

Be careful with putting anything with the betta. My betta will not tolerate any living creature in his tank. I keep him in a 6 gallon eclipse (which by the way comes with a filter that is part of the system-it attaches to the top). I put my cory cat in there for a few weeks while treating ich in my main tank. The betta tortured and attacked the cory cat relentlessly. By the time I was able to put the cory back in my other tank, his little fins had chunks missing. Some are not as aggressive though.

[gm72]

Seems to be dependent upon the temperament of the betta. I just got the 5.5 gallon tank/hood today, will give it a try with 2 corys. If it doesn't work I can put the corys elsewhere, no worries.

[crackatinny]

I just have a 200lph hangon filter on my 5g, it does a great job, and only cost $5.

[Rue]

...has anyone mentioned the little cheap foam filters? Ideal for small tanks or for tanks with fry...

[gm72]

Rue, to what do you refer when you say the "cheap foam filters?" Not sure I understand what you mean?

[Rue]

...my bad! I meant sponge filter (sorry...spring allergies...my head's gonna explode any second)...

I used one for years in an old 5g tank I had...always had good water...

They've changed a bit in appearance over the years...still ugly though! :D

Here's a link for a quick look at them...

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[gm72]

Ah, okay Rue, got it. I use those as prefilters for my canisters.

Sorry about your allergies--no fun!