The perfect Betta Set Up

Discussion in 'Labyrinth Fish' started by KiazerG, Feb 1, 2010.

  1. KiazerG

    KiazerG Sailfin Molly

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    441
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Durban
    I've recently purchased 30cm x 30cm x 30cm tank which came with a small corner box filter for my office.

    I have a beautiful deep red veil tail Betta in my Mollie tank who seems to have reached sexual maturity and is now flaring at everything that moves.

    My questions:

    1. is this size tank okay for him?
    2. what is the ideal tank habitat for a betta... I was thinking a couple hardy plants and hornwort to help bind his bubble nest
    3. Is the box filter okay or should i rather replace with an internal filter (such as the little 11l elite internla filter)
    4. Any other tips would be appreciated, once he's settled in I would like to breed him
     
  2. Guest




  3. Donny

    Donny

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    2,279
    Likes Received:
    21
    Location:
    Churchill Estate, Parow
    1. Perfect
    2. Perfect
    3. Perfect

    :) all round perfect setup :)
     
  4. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    Messages:
    8,465
    Likes Received:
    119
    Location:
    Jhb- Fourways
    On that size tank everything is perfect... I would change the filter to a sponge filter. They not great usually, but in that size tank it would be more than adequete. The nice thing about the sponge filter is (1) it runs on air pump, so you won't need an additional airstone. (2) As it runs on the air pump, you won't need a second pump... i.e less electricity. (Air pumps use much less electricity than normal pumps) and (3) the sponge will provide algae and other nutritional food for the fry.

    Very jealous of your set up... I would LOVE a betta only set up!
     
  5. OP
    KiazerG

    KiazerG Sailfin Molly

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    441
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Durban
    Thanks Zoom and Donny for the feedback.... I have one more Q (which I know is more than likely going to be no but gonna try my luck anyway):

    5. in such a small tank could I add 3 females too or am I just pushing my luck here? If not then could one oto be okay for cleaning? I would also add spirulina wafers to add to his diet?
     
  6. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    Messages:
    8,465
    Likes Received:
    119
    Location:
    Jhb- Fourways
    If you wanting to breed them, then you can only add one. If you wanting to have it as a show piece... then 3 should be ok. I think.

    What would happen is the male would be so distracted by the number of females that he won't chase only one female... and therefore not tire out the one female. Bearing in mind that I had 4 females to 1 male in a 38litre, and the females killed the male.

    If you wanting to breed, then that's a whole new ballgame. You have to introduce the female in a certain way, and after breeding, remove her. Check out Solex69's thread on "Breeding Betta's my way."
     
  7. Donny

    Donny

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    Messages:
    2,279
    Likes Received:
    21
    Location:
    Churchill Estate, Parow
    2 females max i would think
     
  8. Dolphin

    Dolphin

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2008
    Messages:
    1,924
    Likes Received:
    145
    filter - the corner box air filter or sponge filters are not suitable for a betta tank if you intend for him to breed in that tank as those filters and airstones will agitate the waters surface thereby causing the bubblenest to break. a small internal filter is more suitable for a beta tank. The fry can be grown out in another tank which could run a sponge filter. If you plan on keeping the females with him, the tank must be heavily planted and you should have atleast 5 females in there to spread mating/spawning aggression.
     
  9. OP
    KiazerG

    KiazerG Sailfin Molly

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    441
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Durban
    Thanks guys... I think i'm going to keep it to one male in the tank as I'm looking for peace and tranquility and not gang warfare in my office lol.

    @zoom - thats a brilliant thread, was reading it when I was searching for info. I did breed one batch of bettas when I was 16 but the fry did not survive unfortunately (this was my fault as I didnt have a decent, cycled, fry tank to put them in).

    @ Dolphin - this was my concern, I thought of restricting the airflow to try and decrease water agitation but will look at the suitable internals at my lps after work.

    One thing I have noticed is the lack of decent females at Durban LPSs...they are all a drab grey-blue colour? I assume this will impact on the quality of offspring (That is if what I remember from Genetics 202 is correct lol).

    Once i've set it up I will post some pics....
     
  10. Dolphin

    Dolphin

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2008
    Messages:
    1,924
    Likes Received:
    145
    stunning highly colorfull (mixed and solid colors) females available in the usual variety as well as crown tail and halfmoon :D

    and try to get some Eheim Substrat Pro for the internal filter...the 250ml pack is more than adequate for that size tank.
     
  11. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    Messages:
    8,465
    Likes Received:
    119
    Location:
    Jhb- Fourways
    Yeah, I also struggled to get nic coloured females. I searched for over 2 months, and eventually when an LPS had stock, altho dreary in colour, I took 4. After 2 weeks in my tank they started showing a lot more colour! I'm guessing transport, LPS tanks and the like stresses the colour out!
     
  12. OP
    KiazerG

    KiazerG Sailfin Molly

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    441
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Durban
    @ Dolphin - a true businessman, respect! Will let you know if I dont find any females here in Durbs

    @Zoom - I might just take the chance and see if they come out okay.
     
  13. Vis

    Vis Gerhard

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2009
    Messages:
    6,130
    Likes Received:
    131
    Location:
    Rustenburg
    I also found that the bettas tend to colour up with some proper care. The LFS around here would get 1 descent looking female out of 40 about every 3 months.

    I guese with byuing them from a LPS you never know what the parents looked like so you might be very suprised with the offspring.

    Another thing is that they sell the females young so their colours do not show that well.

    Have to keep braking up my males nest so he can build a new one. Otherwise he gets bored and start picking on the snails.:smile1:

    Do not think I will keep one in my office. Will destract me to much.

    Can't remember if I missed it but is the tank heated?
     
  14. OP
    KiazerG

    KiazerG Sailfin Molly

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    441
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Durban
    Hi Vis

    Apologies for the late reply! The tank is heated by a 50w heater... what is the optimal temperature for these guys?? (he is currently in water sitting at 26 -28C depending on how hot it is in Durban)

    Will post that pic i promised tonight
     

Recent Posts

Loading...
Similar Threads - perfect Betta Forum Date
RSS Feed 40-Gallon Tank: Perfect Choice For Medium-Sized Fish RSS Feeds Aug 19, 2020
RSS Feed 15-Gallon Fish Tank Perfect For Beginning Aquarists RSS Feeds May 18, 2020
RSS Feed Panda Loach Care Guide: How To Create Their Perfect Home RSS Feeds Feb 8, 2020
Help setting up a perfect Zebra pleco home (L46) General Fish Discussions Sep 13, 2019
Perfect tank height for aquascaping Planted Tanks Aug 31, 2018
Underated fish species perfect for beginners Beginner Discussions Apr 7, 2018
Perfect 10 Planted Tanks May 13, 2017

Share This Page