Needing advice from Betta experts

I have a 2ft running with 4 corries that is filtered with a AquaClear 20 (rated for a 18l-78l tank filtering 378l/h). I am very happy with the filter and the system is running beautifully.
I have been thinking about adding a ram to the tank as the "show piece".

Yesterday while visiting my LFS for some supplies I noticed the most amazing looking crown Betta (I'll try to get pics when I get a good camera). Dark body with light fin ends. I was stunned. I promptly paid the owner and asked her to keep it for me on reserve while I make sure that my tank perameters are correct (I've never had a Betta before).
As it turns out my tank is perfect for the beaut but my question is whether the AquaClear's flow would be too strong for the Betta? The filter has a flow control lever that can reduce the flow down to a 3rd (manufacturer's claim) of it's capacity. I would rather not reduce it unless necessary. Any advice would be appreciated
T.I.A.

 

In a smaller tank, the flow always get's high, because of the size of the tank. I would suggest you turn the flow down a little, because betta's don't like high flowing tanks, and tend to look for area's where there is little movments.

My Betta LOVES playing in the flow for my pump for short periods of time, but he then retreats to the rest of the tank where there is no flow.

I would also advice you do some good research on the Betta's... as they are usually very incompatible with other fish. They are pretty poor tankmates with any fin-tippers (guppies, tetra's) and then with other territorial fish, like Rams. Again, this can't be catagorically stated, as I break all the rules, rather successfully. I have a school of Pristella tetras (17+) with my betta, Guppies, and 3 Bolivian Rams... and so far no problem. But my tank is fairl heavily planted, providing ample hiding spots for the fish.

 

I would say a most definately too strong! Bettas like virtually no current, and in that size tank, to keep bettas happy, you would not need much more than a sponge filter!

Even at the lowest setting on that pump, it may be too strong, but you would probably find it would just about be ok, and the betta would stay down the other end of the tank where the current is less?

I guess it depends on what you want to keep? If you really want the Betta then you need to provide an environment suitable for it, and place fish in that are also happy in those conditions.

Otherwise, you may need to get another tank for the Betta if the fish you already have are not happy with these conditions?

Hope that helps?
Regards
G!

 

Glad to see Big G promoting MTS!

 

Hehehe! Always!

G!

 

MTS is deffinately not a problem for me, I've gone from starting with a 2ft to now having 2 x 3ft, the 2ft and a 1ft quarantine. I have bought 3 x 4ft from Laure (should get them most likely next week).

Just to clarify, I only want to keep the Betta and the corries in the tank, I might add a female (or 2) later. The tank is fairly well planted and I want to keep the bio load as low as possible. Would a corner bubble filter be enough if I dont want to go with the AquaClear?