I've used this one for a similar sized tank: https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-Gallon/dp/B0056XVF82 I prefer this type of sponge filters over ones you can put down because this is less bulky. Another advantage of this one or similar ones is that you can just clean one sponge with your maintenance and switch which one you clean weekly so there is less change of accidentally killing all your good bacteria
If you’re in the US, Petco is having their $1/gallon sale until feb 2 or 3rd! It’s for basic rectangular tanks. Most fish prefer to swim length instead of height, so I’d probably get a ten gallon from the sale (in fact, I just did).
I would recommend a sponge filter! I just got this one XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_coqCAbPNBSCAB Under $5, and you just need a relatively cheap air pump to power it, a couple feet of airline tubing, and a check valve for safety. The check valve prevents water from siphoning out of the tank and into your equipment or outlets if the pump shuts off for any reason. You just cut the tubing a couple inches outside the tank and pop in the valve. It’s got arrows on it to show you which direction to use it.
You’ll also need a lid for the tank, and a bigger heater, I would recommend 100 watts for a 10 gallon. They’re way cheaper on Amazon. And I would highly recommend setting up the new tank completely, then moving your current filter to the new tank along with the new one. Even if you have to rig it up in a silly way to get it to work on the new tank, that way your beneficial bacteria will be in the new tank, and you should be able to avoid starting your cycle over. You can remove it after a couple weeks, I’d wait a month to be sure.
If you absolutely can’t do that, run the sponge filter in your current tank for maybe 2-4 weeks, then transfer it and the fish to the new tank. That’ll give the new filter time to colonize bacteria.
You could also put whatever filter media you have now in the new tank, just lay it near the sponge filter. Cartridge, ceramic, sponge, whatever is in your filter. I feel like the first two options are more effective, but this is based on my cautious self, so someone else may know for sure.
Similar to this one off of Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_FHPFH0YAPH4MHQDC0ZA4
With a USB airpump. The majority of biological filtration is done by the plants, this is mostly just for assurance and aeration.
I realized today that my 20g long tank has a sponge filter and pump meant for a 10g. The tank was upgraded a few months ago after I lost my betta so I could add different stock. I moved the same filter over without thinking to change it since the thing is huge and only noticed when I went to reorder to set up the 10g again. The tank is planted and has 4 corys, 10 rasboras, a mystery snail, and some pest snails. I haven't had any issues with it and the water's tested well since set-up. Is it likely to be an issue in the future? This is the filter. It's been in use for about a year. I'm ordering a second pump anyway, so I'll just get a bigger one and swap, but is it worth getting a new (or second? not sure where it would fit) filter for this tank if the one I have seems to be doing its job?
For neos it's the same as for any average planted tap water tank, GH 6-9 dGH. If your tap water is too hard, it could be diluted, if too soft, reinforced.
5 gal is fine, sponge filter (I prefer like that) or Matten filter are fine because of being safe for babies, having lowest flow and shrimp could graze for microorganisms on their surfaces. Smallest HOBs (Azoo Mignon 60) could be fine too, intake should be protected by sponge, on slow flow settings.
Heater or no, depends on temperature in your room, if not too cold and it doesn't fluctuate much they could live without heater. If with it, the one that keeps temperature not higher than 76F (slightly below preset heaters) should be better. They could live with preset to 78F heater, but you could get non stopping reproduction all year long, and with each pregnancy ending with 24-26 babies it's really too much after few generations.
Soft water caridina requires cool temperature in summer, RO water with GH+ remineralizer, and pH lowering substrate.
Additionally, I should add: He lives in a 10 gallon tank which is heated (80°F) and filtered sponge filter augmented with Whisper 3i which he's had since I got him over a year ago from when he was in a smaller tank.
He typically gets 25% weekly water changes although over a month ago I was gone for about a week and a half so there was a bit of a lapse.
That works or something like this if you want to go double sponge.
thanks! , I currently have 2 filters running, the sponge filter is here: Sponge Filter Link, and my other filter is a Marineland Penguin Biowheel 75, my light is the Marineland Advanced LED Strip Light, anywhere from $60 to $100 for 18", depends on where you look
O wow! That is amazing! I hope mine looks half as good as yours lol. In response to the cuttlebone and catappa leaf in the filter, I didn't realize you could add things inside the sponge filters. I'll post a link to the kind of sponge filter I decided on. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2JDO6NECWVBL2&colid=OAA927L82TRN
Like one of these guys. The sponge itself acts as the filter, housing the beneficial bacteria to keep the tank cycled. All you need is an air pump and the actual sponge filter.
on March 1st i got and installed a new sponge filter that I'm planning on replacing the HOB filter i've had for the past 4 months, the HOB is a topfin 10 which is kind of cheap and noisy. I'm wondering how long should i keep both of them running simultaneously before i can remove the HOB so that I don't have to recycle the tank. There are 4 amano shrimp and my betta as well a bunch of plants in the tank. This is the new filter
$2.49 on amazon, I always get the knock off chinese stuff, it is all the same when there are no moving parts.
I have this in my 2.5 gallon with a tetra whisper for up to 10 gallons.
It fits perfectly on the side of a 2.5 gallon tank, with like 1 inch to move up/down.
Most LFS have the normal round ones which seem to work fine.
Edit, xinophial recommended this one
If I were you, I would purchase a sponge filter like this one. You mentioned an air stone and it will hook up to the existing pump. Rather than buying a whole new filter, it will help supplement the existing filter.
Long term, I would try to find a new home for the angelfish. They should be fine for quite a while (weeks, maybe months). Once they're gone, increase the number of cory cats to 6 or so and you'll have a nicely stocked tank. You might even have room to add something you enjoy, like a bristlenose pleco or a dwarf gourami.
In my divided tank, I have this filter with one of the intakes on each side. Then I angle the outflow into the divider to lessen the current and get water agitation on both sides. I never have the bio-film issue you see with some divided tanks, and both sides get adequate filtration. I have a 50w heater on one side, and monitor the temperature on the opposite side of the tank to ensure consistent temperature.
Buy tank separately, filters, heaters, and lights that come with tanks tend to be low quality so buy separately. I'd say go with 10 gallon for two reasons.
A 10 gallon is $15 while a 5 gallon is $13. Two dollars for 5 more gallons seems worth it to me and if petco is doing a $1 dollar per gallon sale than the 10g tank becomes $10.
You could also add other fish in the 10g like a small school of neon tetras, a couple of guppies and or mollies. A 5 gallon is too small for any other fish because most other fishes small enough to live in a 5g like space to move around so they won't be comfortable.
I buy all my supplies on amazon cause i have prime and it's cheaper, i'm a college student so cheapness is everything. This is a good cheap filter and this is a good heater i also recommend a digital thermostat cause it's easier to read the temp rather than squinting your eyes to see the tab thermostats.
like this? - https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-gallon/dp/B0056XVF82 do you think i'll have any luck finding something like that in the retail pet stores or should i just get it off of amazon?
This sub has a caresheet on it. I'm on mobile ATM but it's easy to find.
He looks ok to me. Probably just getting used to things ATM. But yeah a bigger tank is key. I have a 5.5 gal for my single Betta. It comes with a light and filter and was about $45 online from Petco (did a pick up in store) I liked the sleeker look of it as it doesn't have that dark black frame most bigger tanks have. If that doesn't bother you though a 5 or 10 gal tank are actually pretty cheap (pretty sure PetSmart has its $1/gal sale going on right now so 10g is only $10.) You also need a filter, but it can't be one with a strong flow as Bettas don't like current.
Sponge filters are actually pretty cheap. You can get them off of Amazon. XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Wjs6zbGR18BBV You need an air pump but I've heard good things about them.
Heater is also a must as Bettas are tropical fish. I keep my tank at about 80 deg F. Adjustable heater are better than ones that aren't too.
I'd also recommend silk/real plants over cheap plastic ones. They can rip the bittas fins which can get infected :( which is then even more money to get medicine to treat. I at first thought live plants seemed too expensive and intimidating but after I tried one for funzies, I'm never going back! They just look way better and actually make the water better for the fish. They can be a little expensive, especially from PetSmart. I got mine off of aquabid in a combo pack. If you decide to get live plants, make sure to get beginner plants such as Anubias, Java fern, or Java moss.
Cycling will be a problem as you are dealing/will be dealing with a fish in cycle unfortunately. Cycling is the buildup of "good" bacteria in the filter media and hard surfaces of the tank. Completely emptying the tank and cleaning the gravel and filter is actually bad for your tank! I didn't know this either at first and would be so confused when my fish would die after I cleaned the tank (this was when I was like 12 so I didn't know any better). A liquid test kit is the best option of you want to know for sure that the pH and ammonia/nitrates are at safe levels. The test strips aren't as accurate and won't last as long as a liquid kit. A test kit isn't necessary for the direct health like a heater and filter are, but it helps you get a better idea of what the water quality is so you can avoid harmful levels of these chemicals. Catching them before they build up gives you an advantage.
There are more things that I didn't cover, as the caresheet probably will. But if you have any questions I will try my best to answer them if you want. I know it sucks to have people telling you you "should have done this or that" and honestly it makes sense that people make mistakes like this since there is so much misinformation big companies put out so they can sell more stuff and make more money. I made them too but your fishy friend will be ok! He is super cute and I hope with a bigger and heated tank and lots of love that his colors will get brighter and he will be super active and happy.
Best of luck!
What are you looking for exactly?
Sponge filters are great but they will be in the tank and that may be unsightly and you will need and air pump. I like this type and have them on all my tanks:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-Gallon/dp/B0056XVF82&ved=2ahUKEwj44Mn0kerqAhUKKa0KHTOgD7AQFjAEegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw2KCpGw-R5ah7L76kwphbEA
Canister filters can be a pain to clean but you don't need to do it that often and they have the cleanest look in the tank. I used a sunsun hw-603b mini canister filter which is a small, cheaper one, and it worked great.
You said you don't like your HOB? Is it just becuase it shows above the tank?
You can get the sponge filter from amazon for about 4-5$ take the smallest one (it's usually made from plastic with two cylindric sponges on it and all black) . Then get a aquarium air pump (any pet store, ebay, amazon, anywhere really- take the cheapest or the one made for 5/10 gals tanks, should be around 10-15$). Then you only need air tubing (standard airline tubing, about 3$ on amazon). 5 ft of it should do (my air pumps are on the floor). Shorter if youre planning on putting it beside the tank. You can control the bubble flow of the filter by putting it deeper into the water for more bubbles. It makes no current, so you won't have to adjust anything. When youre doing the switch, put the media from your old filter into the water to minimize the risks of a cycle crash (for your snails more than your betta- your betta doesn't need a cycled tank- labyrinth breathing fish). I'll put a couple of links here to show you what to get exactly:
Sponge filter: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_2ia5Fb9Y18YQ3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Air pump: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0048B1M1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_Hja5FbTH3JWGG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Tubing: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0002563MM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_9ja5Fb5VVX6TA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I love sponge filters. They have low flow but are really powerful and easy to clean. I use this filter with a tetra whisper air pump. Any air pump or sponge filter rated for your tank will do.
They should pay me for how much I promote them but this type are the ones I like. They are a bit easier to clean then the others that I have used and i like that they don't take up that much space.
I've never had an issue with prefilter sponges. Removable is better just make sure you get one that fits so that you can clean it by rinsing it out in the sink and popping it back on. It helps keep the filter cleaner too. Or you can just go the sponge filter method. I use these and they are 100% safe. You need an air pump but I have 4 tanks with their own sponge filters all hooked up to one air pump. You can control the air by getting valves if the airflow is too strong but it has been a non issue for me.
What type of filter did you have? You could add a prefilter sponge to the intake and that might solve your problem. I use sponge filters in all of my betta tanks and it has been working out great. I use this one specifically.
This one https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-gallon/dp/B0056XVF82
I have gotten that exact same heater to work for me, so you are out of luck there
I use this sponge filter. I have been using it for months and my adult and baby shrimp love grazing and chilling out on it.
XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IActBb70AG50W
These are decent.
Just to make sure I have this right is this a double sponge filter? It isn't listed as such but my common sense says it is.
Is this a good sponge filter, but it says air pump in it. A bit confused since you had mentioned another air pump unless this is not what you mean: https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-gallon/dp/B0056XVF82/
Heater: https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-100106105-Adjustable-Heaters-Watt/dp/B003C5JNXK/
Edit: How many pounds of gravel do I need to add? Do I rinse it with tap water once I buy it? Any particular thermometer you think are really good?
Thx!!
But would you think a sponge filter like this would be good for a betta tank?
Aquarium salts can help with fin rot. Macaryn Two is also a good choice. Be careful with aquarium salts though. Don't dose every time you do a water change like normal medication.
Also, I second the sponge filters. You can get one for a 10g one (which I'd recommend because the more filtration, the better) for like $5 on amazon. Plus you'd need an air pump which are also relatively cheap.
I used this.
SEACHICKEN usually kept his distance from it but I guess he kinda just went to investigate. It's been in there for a few weeks.
How do I know if something like this is good enough? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CeJjzbYQ2M13S
I use this one and it's pretty fantastic, just hook it up to a silent tetra 10 gallon filter and put it in the middle of the tank.
Here:
Filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IPFP9NSPL161H&colid=2OR4WONVE1MHE $4.50
Pump to run said filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009YJ4N6/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IIEZJWN07ZG27&colid=2OR4WONVE1MHE $5.50
Control valves and backflow valve to modify flow of said filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFSSTZB/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2TXOIQV7AE9YT&colid=2OR4WONVE1MHE $6.62 (Can totally find other options/products to fill this need.)
To piggyback off of Betta fish, besides the tank you can get your filter, heater, and light for pretty cheap. Here's what I have:
Altogether it might not be the cheapest items, but they work fantastic for me and my Betta and shrimp tank. Plus it costs less to get good filters and supplies first than it is to buy a beginner set and upgrade everything over time like I did.
this is what it all looks like in my tank.
Try to get the sponge filter like this https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-gallon/dp/B0056XVF82 It creates better flow for your aquarium.
Would one like this work?
Are these the same thing as that second one? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_U4xKxbATT321Q
ok, something like this could work http://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-gallon/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1463855420&sr=8-8&keywords=sponge+filter
or this
Could work, keep in mind these are just examples and there are several brands out there that are similar in price and might have better shipping
Ikea RANARP lamp with a 14 watt daylight compact fluorescent bulb
Substrate is pool filter sand and river pebbles.
Plants include several crypts, ludwigia repens and peruenis, susswassertang, java moss, bacopa, purple cabomba, riccia flutens, duckweed, frogbit, dwarf water lettuce, and an oriental sword.
Filter is a cheap sponge filter that I modified by drilling several pieces of driftwood out. I hollowed out the bottom piece to hide the sponge intake and then ran tubing up the long piece for the outflow.
Dosing with metricide (excel substitute), and NilocG macro and micro fertilizer.
It is pushing it for a Betta as they should be in something at least 5 gallons or so. This one does not have a heater as I was trying to hide all equipment so it would not be great for a betta. I will probably just stock it with a small snail or some of the red cherry shrimp culls from my other tanks.
Ikea RANARP lamp with a 14 watt daylight compact fluorescent bulb
Substrate is pool filter sand and river pebbles.
Plants include several crypts, ludwigia repens and peruenis, susswassertang, java moss, bacopa, purple cabomba, riccia flutens, duckweed, frogbit, dwarf water lettuce, and an oriental sword.
Filter is a cheap sponge filter that I modified by drilling several pieces of driftwood out. I hollowed out the bottom piece to hide the sponge intake and then ran tubing up the long piece for the outflow.
Dosing with metricide (excel substitute), and NilocG macro and micro fertilizer.
I will probably just stock it with a small snail or some of the red cherry shrimp culls from my other tanks.
XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_PAIxwbQ1EP6QD
There are these but I would recommend two for a tank, and they do take up real estate in your tank...
Also, this one is pretty good, but I don't know how dirty your fish are going to be. I took out the stones at the bottom and put in some ceramic media from aquaclear and that seems to work very well for what I need.
Awesome!
http://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-gallon/dp/B0056XVF82
Personally this is what I would get.