new tank for betta

Question
I want to buy my first beta, but I have read conflicting articles on fish bowls versus fish tanks. Would a tank with filtration be a better choice, & if so, what size? I have read that the eclipse w/ bio wheel is a great choice, but I have also read that the beta does not like much of a "current". Any info is appreciated!!!

Answer
Good evening Rhonda, thank you for your question.

And thank you for asking! I always love to see a person doing research ahead of purchase. Most people tend to put the cart before the horse, so to speak.

The Eclipse systems are very attractive systems. Lightweight due to being acrylic, with no visible hardware except for the intake tube and strainer on the filter. If you are trying to find the perfect tank to put on your kitchen counter or in some spot where an aquarium would otherwise not be possible to place, this is the system for you.

If you are looking to start an aquarium, then a 10 gallon tank with a betta in it is a better choice. More surface area, more water volume - make for a more stable tank. Bigger is better, for the most part. 10 gallon kits cost as much or less than an Eclipse 6 gallon kit. If all you have to spend is about $50, then go to Walmart and buy their generic 5 gallon kit - Aqua-Tech is the brand, I believe, although the manufacturer is Marineland, just like Eclipse.

I wouldn't worry about the current. It's true that bettas in community tanks with powerheads agitating the surface and bubble disks here and there don't appreciate being buffeted by the currents all the time, but the flow on any of the systems that I mentioned is relatively mild. Keeping the water level high (always topping off evaporation) cuts down on a lot of the surface agitation.

The only thing about a 10 gallon kit is, a cast-iron or cabinet stand will likely run you another $50 or so. While these are very attractive, a television stand would also work or a night table made of real wood, not particle board, would also be fine. For tanks >10 gallons, a proper aquarium stand is always recommended, but I have my 15 gallon long tank on top of a television cart, and it's doing fine.

I hope that helps! Just remember, 3 gallons is the minimum for a betta system. Filtered tanks are always best, and heaters are a *must* in any system. 5 watts per gallon is the rule of thumb, so a 50w heater in a 10 gallon tank and a 25w heater for anything smaller will do. Hydor makes a 7.5 watt heater for bowls, but I encourage you to set up a tank for the longevity, health and wellness of your betta.

Take care!
Nicole

P.S. Check out www.bettatalk.com if you haven't yet, founded by the president and founder of the L.A. Betta Society.