Gentle Filters for a tank with a Betta fish

Question
QUESTION: Hello...

My betta fish died yesterday. It was my first fish and he was the prettiest most responsive fish I have ever seen. I got him around Christmas. It was a baby betta, nearly half an inch in size when I first got him. He was very vibrant and healthy every single day until 3 days ago when he suddenly acted very weird. He didn't swim the way he usually did, his color was very dull and all the colors seemed to have vanished.

Then he started floating along the water as if he was already dead. I don't think it was bloating since I fed him the amount that someone on this site recommended for his size (2 pellets/day).

I got my water checked for everything and nothing was wrong with it. I fed it with premium betta food where the first three ingredients was a specified meat. The heat was consistent. Although I got contradicting information on that. The temperature was 76 degrees. The pet stores say that bettas live fine in 70 degrees. Online it says a minimum of 75 degrees. I don't think it was the temperature since it was never warmer than 76 degrees in the month that I had him.

I don't know where to really start with my questions. I can't believe my fish died. I named him Macro because I was really looking forward to him becoming a big adult betta. I feel silly for being so disappointed, but that fish was really great.

He was the only fish in the tank so I'm starting completely over. I would like as much information as possible to prevent this from happening, if possible.

What temperature is best to keep a baby betta (roughly 4-9 weeks old)? I also wanted to get Corydoras catfish. Which should I get first? The cory fish or the baby betta? Are baby bettas hard to raise to adulthood? Is it purely luck?

What temperature is best for cory fish? The ones I want grow to a max size of 2" and can be found at Petco. How many cory fish do you recommend me getting for a 15 gallon tank? I only want the cory fish and one baby betta, unless an adult betta would be absolutely a better choice.

I didn't cycle my tank last time. But I also didn't run my filter. Do you think I should this time before I get any fish? Is it difficult to cycle a tank? My aquarium kit included a filter for a 10 gallon tank, is that good enough for the type of fish I want? I heard that people fix their filters with a sponge so that the current is greatly reduced to make the betta happier. Do you know anything about this and how I could possibly do it?

Any information would be very much appreciated.
Thank you very much!

ANSWER: Hi Melanie
I'm sorry to hear that. Don't feel too bad. You tried all you could to keep your little Betta healthy. There may have been an internal infection or internal problem of some sort.  It's difficult to know.

I highly recommend you start over with a brand new Betta. Young Bettas usually are no problem to raise. Since you have a decent size aquarium you could easily keep cories with your Betta. The aquarium will have to cycle. I'd recommend having your tank setup with a gentle flow filter. You can alter the flow somewhat of an average power filter. You can use a filter sponge put over the intake. Which also helps prevent their fins from being sucked into. Putting extra sponges in the main filter box can also slow the return flow. You can also anchor plastic plants at the return of the filter.

You also might need a heater unless your house is kept at a reasonable temp.  Bettas actually do not need a strict consistent temperature. From 74 to 82 F is fine. Though they do like it on the warmer end.

I'd recommend selecting the healthiest Betta you can find. Add him after acclimating the fish
to your tank carefully. Then maintain the Betta as usual. With once or twice weekly partial water changes of at least 30%.
I'd wait at least 2 weeks before adding your cories. When you go to get your cories, bring a sample of tank water to have it tested to make sure it is safe to add extra fish. Make sure the levels are as follows-
Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-10 or less

The reason we wait is to give the tank extra time to cycle a bit before adding any extra fish. If you are careful, it's not difficult to cycle a tank.

With this method you should have success.
If any of your fish seem distressed a water change is definitely in order immediately.

I prefer to feed Bettas a few small meals per day versus just one large meal. Most small fish do better with several small feedings.
I'd recommend 1-2 pellets 2-3 times daily. When feeding pellets, it's best to presoak them beforehand. Dry food can be hard on their digestive systems.

And maintain the water with once or twice weekly 30% water changes. Always make sure new water is always treated with a water conditioner and the temp is equal to or very close to the old.

With these tips in mind. Your fish should thrive.

Check out this great Betta site for more info as well-
www.nippyfish.net

I really hope this helps and best of luck!
Susan~


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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the information. At the time my heater kept my water at a consistent 76 degrees, but another person on this site said I should have the water at a consistent 85-86 degrees since my betta was 7-9 weeks old. Would you agree with this? The baby bettas sold at the store are small. They might the as young as 3 or 4 weeks. Would 80 degrees be warm enough? When I get my new baby/adult betta and cory fish I plan to keep the water at a consistent 80 degrees. Does this sound good to you?

Also, do you have any recommendations for any gentle flow filters? I went to several pet stores and with the help of several different associates I came up with a small list. But since most of these people are the same who think bettas can live perfectly well in 70 degrees I would like a second opinion from someone who knows what she's talking about. Would you mind looking at these filters and letting me know if any of them would be gentle enough? I would really appreciate it.

The list is as follows. I included the sku numbers for the products in case it makes it easier. They can be found at Petco.com if you wanted to look the sku numbers up.
1. AquaClear (sku: 172855)
2. Aqueon QuietFlow (sku: 1083740)
3. Tetra Whisper 20i (sku: 933732)

Thanks in advance, Susan!

Answer
Hi there and you're very welcome!

80 degrees is just fine. I've kept bettas at warmer temps than this and slightly cooler temps with no ill effects. Warmer temperatures will help baby bettas grow faster.

Thanks for the list of the filters in question!

1. AquaClear (sku: 172855)
(The great thing about this filter is you can reduce the flow rate from the return. This is very helpful when you want to reduce the current in the tank and make it more gentle for your betta. I think this one would be a good buy)

2. Aqueon QuietFlow (sku: 1083740)
(This filter looks good as well because it has a 'semi-diffuser' in the return of the filter. This filter should produce a much more gentle current than  those power filters without the grid-like insert. Water is almost 'trickled' into the aquarium versus a straight, uninterrupted current like with average power filters. I think this filter would be equally as good (perhaps a bit better) as the Aquaclear with a reduced flowrate. I do like the Aqueon better though.)

3. Tetra Whisper 20i (sku: 933732)
(Now this filter will get the lowest rating from me. I've tried to use this type several times before in betta tanks and I must say that they are more a pain to use than anything. The flow is usually too much for a betta and it can be difficult to reduce it down. The motor doesn't particularly last as long as other filters and the suction and plastic attachments to keep the filter in place often break/fall off and then you are left with a poorly balanced filter. It also takes up a lot of room in the aquarium as well.)

I'd recommend either of the first two. ;-)

I hope this helps and best of luck!
Susan~