When I had mine (am getting another soon).. I'd kind of squish them with the top of the container because they couldn't seem to eat the pellets (too big)... didn't look like they were getting much unless i squished them and crumbled them.

I feed the betta bites because the freeze dried brine shrimp or bloodworms or whatever they were (gross).. didn't go over well, they were snubbed. Years ago I fed frozen brine shrimp.. those went over well but were MESSY... So betta bites worked.... How much and how often do you feed?

And with filters... I keep my babies in 5 gallon minimum... anything less seems cruel to me (personal opinion.. my betta was MUCH happier when I upgraded and lived longer than the smaller tanked bettas of my childhood).. do you turn them off when you feed and how long do you turn them off? when I left them on, the food would swirl right up so typically I'd turn it off....