Keeping fish tank clean

Question
We have two Bella fish in our 1.6 gallon tank with a mini pump to pump air into it. Is it because we give them too much food that the tank gets dirty pretty often? (usually within 2 to 3 days). Should we buy a filter?   Thanks Mike P.

Answer
Hi Michael;

Try feeding less and maybe adding a small filter. Or better yet, get a 5 gallon tank that has a filter and a heater. If your fish are "Bettas" they will need the heater anyway. If not now, then in the winter time.

Fish like Bettas have stomachs about the size of their eyeball. Feed only enough food in a day to equal that size.

If the "dirt" you are seeing is algae (green or brown film on surfaces) then just wipe it off. Move the tank to a less lighted area and it should slow down. If you have live plants in the tank it is best to leave it where there is a lot of light, just not in the sun. Algae is not bad it is a sign of a healthy system. To many people it looks bad though so they just wipe it off.

Here are some sites about bettas and their care;
http://www.bettatalk.com
http://www.healthybetta.com

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins