Newb To Bettas Here. Need Help Asap!

**Marquest** · 10-26-2007, 07:17 PM

Yesterday I bought a 1 gal. "betta cove" it comes with an undergravel filter with an airstone and hood with a light I thought not bad for 20 bucks. Plus my wife wouldnt let me leave the pet store without one. Anyway I hook everything up and add tap water with a drop of water conditioner when I plugged the filter in, it spit foam and tiny bubbles to the top of the tank and looks to be causing quite a current. This doesn't look right to me not to mention, this is kinds stupid, but when I checked to picture on the box this aquarium came in the water flow looks peaceful and the bubbles being produced are of the larger variety. When I called the pet store to ask about this the woman told me there could be too much conditioner in the water and to try a partial water change and see what happens. Well that didn't work and the tank is still pumping foamy bubbles rapidly to the top.

Is it that the filter is too large for this tank? But why do they sell it with it? Do I even need a filter? Is it ok if I take the filter out and introduce the fish now?

**MeganL3985** · 10-26-2007, 07:27 PM

I have never had water conditioner make a foam that doesn't go away. I would change the water out. Put in the water conditioner after you fill it up, let it mix for a second and then turn your filter back on and see if it does the same thing.
Also, I really dont think under gravel filters (UGF's) do a darn thing. My 2.5 gallon mini bow came with a ugf and I replaced it right away with a whisper 3i intank filter. Which I am about to replace that with either an azoo palm filter (from Dr.Fosters & Smith) or a Red Sea Deco Art Nano mini filter (Petco). They're both suited for small tanks.

For a 1 gallon, I don't think that you absolutely need to have a filter. I mean....its nice to have one. But if your willing to change the water VERY frequently (like everyday to every other day).....then I don't think it would be a problem not to have one. I dont keep a filter on my temporary one gallon bowl. (Which I have had my bettas in (at different times) for about a week or two, with no problems)

**ruecole** · 10-26-2007, 07:28 PM

Do you know what size the pump it came with is? I'm going to hazard a guess that the pump is the 5 gallon size, which would explain the current. I think it'd probably be okay (others more knowledgeable can chime in any time!), but if you're concerned you can buy a flow control valve (not sure of the exact name) for it.

Hope that helps!

Rue

**Marquest** · 10-26-2007, 07:35 PM

Thanks Ruecole and Megan for your replies. I'm pretty sure this filter is too large for a one gal. I'd hate to change out the water again since i've had it in about 24 hrs now and have 1 Betta waiting to go in. But about the flow control that could work for me because if I pinch the line just a little I can see what kind of flow I'm really looking for. Anybody have any more info on that or maybe a smaller filter. I got this whole setup from petco so i can always go back but the people who work at petco aren't the most knowledgable. I'm a herp owner and most employees have given me wrong care info on that also.

**ruecole** · 10-26-2007, 07:37 PM

Petco should have the flow control valve thingies (I think they're called gang valves?). They're relatively cheap. Something like $3-5.

BTW, are you planning to cycle your tank?

Hope that helps!

Rue

**MeganL3985** · 10-27-2007, 12:09 AM

Ohhh good call Rue...I almost forgot about those gang valves. You can also get them at walmart.

**squirt_12** · 10-27-2007, 12:52 AM

yeah i would cycle the tank....now with a 1g it wont take long...like a week maybe...i think??

**Marquest** · 10-27-2007, 02:14 PM

Last nite I returned the 1 gal and got a 2.5 gal with a whisper carbon filter that hooks on the back of the tank. Much quieter and doesn't seem to disturb the water half as much. I wasn't planning to cycle the tank I was just going to let it run about 24 hrs. Is this not sufficient enough? Whats should be the proper ph level? I bought a ph tester and was going to see where I'm at now.

**squirt_12** · 10-27-2007, 02:17 PM

well i would say around 6ph. But like i could be wrong. But mine is around 6-8 and my bettas do fine. Well i guess that 24hrs. would be fine but make sure you do weekly water changes.

good luck