betta fish and filter

Question
QUESTION: I bought a 5 gal starter aquarium kit and it has an aqua-tech 5-15 filter. I would like to know if it is too strong for my betta? I have not put the betta in the tank yet.

ANSWER: Hi Stephanie,
You will have to judge this on your own.  Most bettas do not like filters, and then you must change his water completely once a week, always using a good water conditioner such as "Stress Coat" or "AquaPlus."  They love to blow their bubble nest, and the water movement from a filter disturbs most bettas.  
If you decide to filter your water, you must let it run for 2-3 weeks with no fish in it until your water chemistry is right.  Buy a used sponge to fit your filter, and let your water run, adding water that has evaporated.  A used sponge is full of good bacteria that fish need to survive.  Do not rinse the sponge, just squeeze out the access water, and put it directly into your filter.  Check your water in two weeks to see if your water has the right chemistry.  Your ammonia level must be zero, your nitrite level must be zero, and your nitrates should be low.  Once you have reached the right chemistry, then you may add a Betta.  Your tank has cycled, and there is no danger for him.  After this, you must change 25% of your water weekly.
If you go without a filter, then you must change all of your water every week.  
Bettas also need heated tanks to be happy, and healthy.  They are a tropical fish, and need 80-82 degree water.  When heating a tank, you must do this very very slowly.  Bring the temperature up one degree every two days.  Bringing up the temperature too quickly would be deadly.  When Bettas are kept in tanks below this temperature, they are cold, their lives are cut short, and they get sick.
Vary his diet, and do not overfeed him.  Feed him 2-3 times daily.  Two pellets, or two flakes are enough for one meal.
I hope this helps.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you. I set up the tank and let it run for 48 hrs. Then I took a water sample to pet store for testing. They said water was good. When I got the betta home I checked his water from store and his ammonia was bad. So I proceeded to transfer him to tank. Now what do I do since it wasn't 2 weeks? Also I found a solution to make the current from filter less. He seems to not struggle but I can understand the part about the bubbles being disturbed. Also is the sponge just for bacteria? Or does it serve another purpose? And where do you get them?

ANSWER: Hi,
Healthy bettas are always making bubble nest.  They blow bubbles to the surface.  You will find that his bubble nest is gooey, which is another reason why a betta in a 5 gallon tank is better off without a filter, and the tank water changed completely once a week.  He is actually blowing sperm.  ( I can't find another word to describe it)  If you cycle your tank, you need to have good bacteria.  Good bacteria comes from an established tank, and used sponges are full of good bacteria, and help establish a tank.  You will find a sponge at your pet store, which is used, and therefore has good bacteria in it.  Never rinse your sponge under tap water when cleaning your filter.  Always rinse it in water from your tank so that you don't kill the good bacteria in your sponge.  A filter needs carbon, and a sponge.  A sponge is good for a very very long time, until it is old, ragged, and falling apart.  Your carbon should be changed every month.
For now, you have no choice but to make small water changes of about 10% every two days.  Keep checking your water for ammonia, and nitrites.  Once your water is right, do 25% water changes weekly.  
I don't understand how the pet store could say the water chemistry was right.  Maybe it was because you had recently put new water into your tank.  In the days to come you will see that you have ammonia.  Ammonia will break down to Nitrites, and then to Nitrates.  Buy the sponge, do the water changes, and hopefully everything will turn out okay.  
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Currently my tank is at the right temp. I did buy a heater but now I am afraid it is the wrong one. It is a Tetra submersible heater for 2-15 gallons. But it is 50 watts. And it says no adjusting necessary it automatically adjusts to 78. Is it too powerful and if it auto adjusts will it bring temp up too quickly? Do I need to buy something different?

Answer
Hello,
Usually these heaters hold the temperature well, and you should have no problem.  Personally, I prefer the ones that you can adjust.  Hagen Aqua Clear 25 watts adjustable thermostats are very good also.  There me be others on the market.  I'm sure your pet store would have them. I wouldn't worry too much since it says 2-15 gallons.  Put the thermostat in your tank, and wait 30 minutes before plugging it in.  This is so it will adjust to the temperature your betta is now in, and it should keep the water stable. Check it now and then to be sure, but I see no problem.  
Lynda