I assume it's something like this guy? I had a brief issue when mine was barely producing bubbles. I ended up taking apart every single piece I could take apart, giving it a good rinse inside and out, and then reconstructing it. I don't actually remember finding any particular clog, but it worked like new! Double check your air pump and make sure that all the lines are properly connected, too.
Nah I'm good, this seems like a gamble with a sketchy newly built website, a decent company would've put a little more effort into a business name than "4aquarium" the site is nothing but generic ebay/no-name products...
As someone mentioned below it was "free" but had $5.50 shipping...
Here is the same product for $3.92 plus free shipping on Amazon.
It has this high quality about us section..."The 4aquarium.com shop was created to help people to get a aquarium stuff easiest way."
Not sure if we are allowed to link to Amazon, but I have two of these in my tank and I am liking them a lot.
If your room is cold and chosen kind of shrimp requires higher temperature, any heater should work well, as long as it fits back chamber (length).
You will have to protect intake with a piece of coarse filter foam (replacement sponge for AquaClear filter) behind intake.
If sponge filter, T-shaped from Amazon, they allow to break bubbles at the top and redirect flow.
Air pumps could be weak and quiet (with piezoelectric insides instead of a pump) or more powerful and louder. Whisper 10 was quietest (but not quiet) from regular sized air pumps.
This one. It needs to get hooked up to an air pump.
Edited to add: When you clean these, just take the sponge off and give it a shake or squeeze in dirty tank water when you are doing a water change. I only do it if they are covered in poo and only do one side per water change.
If they are getting blown around, you can either baffle your filter with a sponge or filter floss or switch to something like a sponge filter . I use this one for my half-moons.
I use these in all of my 5 gallon tanks for my half-moon bettas: double sponge filter
They have held up well and don't blow the fish around. I have them hooked up to a 4-way air pump. Right now, one is further baffled by a bit of filter floss to keep my newest guy with swim bladder issues from getting tipped over.
This kind of sponge filter is good, air pump fed filters have slowest adjustable flow. You will have to squeeze it well in old tank water, removed at the time of cleaning, from time to time to keep it clean.
Drawback: noise, and you will need air pump, check valve, double air valve and some flexible air tubing. I know about available in Northern America only, from cheaper kinds, Whisper 10 is relatively quiet, followed y more expensive aPump and Eheim air pump. YouTube shows the ways to make it more quiet, in DIY way.
Next, is Azoo Mignon 60 or Deep Blue Biomaxx, not much place for filter media. Or Marina S10 with some slowing flow baffle, like a bag of biomedia in overlow, or a piece of sponge or filter floss. Customizable DIY filter media for it is shown on youtube too.
From my humble experience, betta would appreciate cleaner tank and water, with clean filter media, while shrimp could live with Matten filter (it's more expensive too). You can see all of them by doing image search for these terms.
I personally would try sticking an air stone under the egg sack, the bubbles popping on the surface is usually enough to keep them nice and moist. Though I've only hatched one batch like this, and was not interested in hatching multiple. And also I didn't have to place an air stone under the egg sack...
The egg sack was laid at the output of my filter, which is an air/sponge filter. Amazon link. That black circle at the top is an air exit, and air bubbles are constantly pouring out of it. I just angled that towards the egg clutch, and next thing I knew I had babies in my tank.
In theory, this should work with a simple airstone being placed under the egg sack, but the air bubbles would be less concentrated so I'd keep an eye on it. I may have gotten lucky with a 100% hands-free hatch lol.
Internal sponge filter for low current with good biological filtration.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/
It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be, currently running a cycled HOB while I wait for this one to cycle, I'll pull the HOB when it's time to add the betta.
How big is the dual sponge filter? I use one of these in my 10 gallon. On the amazon page, it's rated for 20 gallons and would be good enough as the only filter in the tank. They're nice because you can rinse one of the sponges during a water change and not the other, as to not risk killing off all beneficial bacteria in the sponges.
If you bought the smaller version of the sponge filter, the version with only one suction cup, then I might consider using bother filters. Some will say it may be enough for a 10 gallon but I'm just personally a little iffy on that. It ddefinitely doesn't hurt to use both filters anyway. "Over filtration" isn't a bad thing to do.
it really depends, if they have nice tanks that fit within your budget then that's fine. A brand new tank has it's advantages (no scratches and you don't have to clean it). You can also get some really good sponge filters on amazon (like this one), you still need to get an airpump and some tubing but overall it's a good and cheap filter.
What kind of fish is it? If money's an issue it doesn't have to be too complicated. If you've got a petco near you they have periodic sales where you can get a tank up to 50 gallons for a dollar a gallon. You can also get tanks cheap on craigslist. And while power filters can be kind of expensive, even just a basic sponge filter (like this) will be a huge improvement. I've got one of those and a corner filter (this one) on my ten gallon, running off a single air pump, and the plants and animals both are actually happier than the ones in my 20 gallon with multiple hob filters.
Here is the same product for $3.92 plus free shipping on Amazon.
Always research something before buying, that "originally $9.95" is bs, as are all the original prices on that site....a site that was registered 2 weeks ago.
Plus this website is getting posted by some sketchy reddit user that uses multiple accounts to spam his youtube channel all day.
https://www.reddit.com/user/BestBeating
https://www.reddit.com/user/LunacyChillout
https://www.reddit.com/user/FalseLunacy
ITS A TRAP - or at least it seems like a gamble with a sketchy newly built website (registered 2 weeks ago), a decent company would've put a little more effort into a business name than "4aquarium" the site is nothing but generic ebay/no-name products...their facebook is like 2 days old...
As someone mentioned below it was "free" but had $5.50 shipping...
Here is the same product for $3.92 plus free shipping on Amazon.
It has this high quality about us section..."The 4aquarium.com shop was created to help people to get a aquarium stuff easiest way."
Plus this website is getting posted by some sketchy reddit user that uses multiple accounts to spam his youtube channel all day.
https://www.reddit.com/user/BestBeating
https://www.reddit.com/user/LunacyChillout
https://www.reddit.com/user/FalseLunacy
ITS A TRAP - or at least it seems like a gamble with a sketchy newly built website (registered 2 weeks ago), a decent company would've put a little more effort into a business name than "4aquarium" the site is nothing but generic ebay/no-name products...their facebook is like 2 days old...
As someone mentioned below it was "free" but had $5.50 shipping...
Here is the same product for $3.92 plus free shipping on Amazon. Or here for $2.68 plus free shipping on aliexpress...
It has this high quality about us section..."The 4aquarium.com shop was created to help people to get a aquarium stuff easiest way."
Plus this website is getting posted by some sketchy reddit user that uses multiple accounts to spam his youtube channel all day.
https://www.reddit.com/user/BestBeating
https://www.reddit.com/user/LunacyChillout
https://www.reddit.com/user/FalseLunacy
See Jarrariums and Nano Tank subreddits, they are specific for small planted tanks.
See parameters of available to you tap water, test or find water analysis for your city online, TDS, GH, KH, pH, NO3. If your water is too soft, it could need reinforcement with remineralizer, if too hard, dilution with distilled water.
Or, if you can afford it, you can create artificial water for the kind of shrimp you like, by using distilled water and remineralizer. Water parameters for two main kinds of dwarf shrimp, neocaridina and soft water caridina, are here. The last one requires active pH lowering substrate and cooler temperature, especially in the summer.
How to set shrimp tank: as any other planted tank, but it should be shrimp centred, preferably without fertilizers. No rooted plants that require root tablets. Mosses, anubias, java ferns and floating water lettuce do not require them or anything else, safest for the shrimp.
Variety of shrimp could be seen at ShrimpFever, pay attention to the size and water parameters.
Dwarf shrimp reproduces fast, each pregnancy results 24-26 babies.
Sponge filter is good (I like T-shaped from Amazon). But small HOB power filter as Azoo Mignon 60 or Deep Blue Biomaxx also could be used, intake protector (sponge or mesh) is necessary for babies.
Tank should be cycled before adding shrimp, read about cycling aquarium.
Good set of articles is here. Role of GH and their sensitivity to drastic changes is here.
One color for one tank, unless you can get only males.
Thanks for the response!
Unfortunately, he had passed overnight, so it seems like he was in pretty bad shape.
The filter I have is a sponge filter (link here). I have not cleaned it yet other than to remove the flakes from the top of it, since I've had it for about 6 weeks. But I was under the impression that these don't have to be replaced. Do correct me if I am wrong though.
I am now wondering what I can do to prevent this from happening again. I really did enjoy having him around, despite not having him for long. I made a post in the weekly help post as well with a bit more details.
I have a 10G with some tetras, amano shrimpo and two snail. I plan on switching to a smaller filter (this one) and I put in my tank about 2 weeks ago? It's just floating in the water.
Meanwhile, I currently have this filter: https://www.amazon.com/XY-2822-Double-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium/dp/B005VAFGKI
How long should I wait till I can switch the new filter for old sponge filter? The reason I am changing is because I think I'll be fine with the new sponge filter as it's smaller.
Try one of these. They are all in one doing filters. I keep 1 in my big tank and I use them in all my small ones. I don't know why I don't hear more about these.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VAFGKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FS-DFbK28MR08
I've been doing 1gal water changes every 2-3 days, I didn't want to get rid of ALL of the ammonia because I've been led to believe that that deprives the biofilter of food and makes it take longer to cycle. I did not clean the biological filter, I have 1 of these , and one of These. Neither of them have ever touched tap water
I really need some help cycling my first tank! It's 10 gallons, planted, and has a [large sponge filter](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I have been cycling it for close to three weeks now, and my reading for today was about 0-.2 ppm ammonia, 3 ppm nitrite, and 80 ppm nitrate, [here](https://imgur.com/a/DEhuSzn) is my water test result. I know the nitrite and nitrate are way too high, but I am not sure what to do. Maybe my filter isn't enough? Maybe I need to wait more? What level can I add my betta at? Do I continue to add ammonia even thought the nitrite and nitrate are so high? Please help!! I can answer any more questions and add pictures or information that helps, I'm just very lost. I just want Roberto to be happy
The same, 2 of T-shaped sponge filters, like this, in opposite ends of the tank. Or MattenFilter, here is how it works.
My 5 gal and below tanks have not closely fit covers, plenty of space to leave if they were capable of it. But no problems, no neocaridinas or caridinas left their tanks.
Instead of cardboard you could use either: craft mesh, or flexible clear kitchen board, or stiff clear document folder from dollar store and cut it to a size.
Any built in filter, coming with kits I have ever seen, is not better that separately bought filter, chosen by you, suiting your kind of inhabitants. T-shaped sponge filter for shrimp or betta, or smallest HOB, like this or Azoo Mignon 60, it has to have sponge intake protector for shrimp babies.
Temperature, IMHE, is 73-78F, they grew and reproduced well. But official recommendations are lower.
This is the best betta filter, and it only needs an air pump and tubing. �� https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the best betta filter imo and it only needs an air pump and some tubing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the best betta and fry filter you will ever find and it only needs an air pump and tubing. �� https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The 2 I have coming look like this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought mine in the wish app but I haven't gotten them yet, but these are nice and cheap too. ��
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These are great bio-media filters, I hear lots of people run an HOB and one of these. I ordered 2 just recently.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These are supposed to be great
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this one for my 20g quarantine/hospital tank. Gets the job done and was fairly cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VAFGKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This one is rated for 20 gallon tank but since it will not be your primary filter it should suffice.
XY-2822 Air Pump Double Sponge Water Filter for Aquarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VAFGKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aC1EzbD46WDCH
Air pump:
Tetra 77853 Whisper Air Pump, 40-Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009YF4FI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pD1EzbT3HXM4V
what sponge filter are you going to use? i have a couple completely cycled sponges in a goldfish tank. it is one of these: sponge filter
Yeah that's a bit small, I use this in my 10 gal
This one is fine. I used one from sera in my qyarantine tank, and it also worked well.
A good airpump is pretty important though, you want one that provides enough power but is still fairly quiet. Tetra whisper air pumps and Fusion air pumps are both fairly silent. You can also use one of these things to adjust the air flow.
Are you looking for a general checksheet of all the things you need, or just specific filter recommendations?
Almost all kits with integrated or hook on back filters are too strong for bettas. However, most HOB filters can be trivially altered to work with a bottle baffle or a sponge baffle. So if you don't mind a tiny bit of DIY, it's no big deal.
If you want to buy a filter that's going to work straightaway, buy an air-pump driven filter. Then you can use a valve in the air line to regulate the flow.
Sponge filters are often recommended. They seem to be hard to find at chain pet stores, but there's lots of them online. I don't know enough to recommend a specific one, but here's some examples:
If you got that route, you also need an air pump and hose. I have a tetra whisper, and it's reasonably quiet. (Not silent, but no louder than say a fridge).
I would like to second chukichi - I sort of rushed into betta ownership, and ended up spending way more money buying things twice and running back and forth to the store. So planning out what you want is a good idea.
Also, I too have had a kit from Petsmart with the TopFin 10. It's been OK - not too loud and very powerful. It does need to be baffled for a betta.
I got it as part of this kit, with the 5.5 gal tank: http://www.petsmart.com/supplies/aquariums/top-fin-led-aquarium-starter-kit-zid36-36002/cat-36-catid-300065?var_id=36-36002&_t=pfm%3Dsearch
I actually think the kit is a decent cheap beginner kit. It has a lot of small items you'll need anyway (a thermometer, a net, etc). If you want a low price, you can't beat it when it goes on sale for 25-30 clams. Nothing is particularly high quality, though. And the LED light that comes with it needs to be sealed where the cord goes into the light module, or it won't be actually waterproof.
If you want a high-quality, well-review more expensive tank, the Fluval Spec series is well regarded. However, you will still need to mod the filter!
Found a nice double sponge filter! Should i get a new air pump as well? It's the one used in the Tetra 1.5G kit, seen here.