Bettas and tank set-up

Question
Hello,
I currently have one male Crown Tail Betta in a 5-gal. aquarium. It has a small filter that came with the tank (purchased at Walmart). I've never noticed my Betta acting odd or anything, but I recently read that Bettas don't like moving water, and therefore a filtering system isn't recommended.

My question is, wouldn't the water get pretty dirty without the filter?  And if I were to add additional fish (5-6 Neon Tetras, for example), wouldn't the filter almost be a necessity?

Thank you for your advice.

Answer
Hi Vicki,
Bettas are fine with filters, bettas are no different than any other fish when it comes to good water quality. The trick with using a filter with a betta is to make sure it doesn't make too much current in the tank where he has to fight to swim anywhere. I'm not sure what filter you may have but you can make most filters work with bettas. You can use several silk or plastic plants placed in front of the filter return to slow down the current and make it nicer for the betta. This usually works fine. You can usually make most filters work out fine for bettas. Just watch and make sure he isn't having to struggle against current, although a little exercise is good for bettas. Just watch yours and make sure he isn't being stressed by the current.

I really hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Karen~