Filters for Tanks

[TurquoiseDragon]

I'm wondering if I should get a filter for my 2.5 Gal tank, ideally I should be cleaning it twice a week, but don't always have the time. Would getting the Tetra Whisper 3i In Tank Filter help with that? Thanks!

[Feathers]

I have the same question.
Doing a search I have found a Pen Plax small world pump and filter or you can get just the filter also I  found a hydro mini 7.5 watt aquarium heater. These were on a petco site in the US. But Big Al's carrys both. I have 5x5x12 tanks for my male bettas. All comments appreciated.
Cathy

[crazy4bettas]

Hmmm - I'm not really sure....

Filtered does not necessarily mean cycled - and it is hard to get these smaller tanks properly cycled.  The reason we need to do such frequent water changes in the small tanks is because of the build up of ammonia and nitrites in the water (fish wastes) - a cycled tank will contain beneficial bacteria which breaks down the ammonia and nitrites to the nearly non-harmful nitrates.  

But just having a filter with no cycle still does not do that.  So the ammonia and nitrites continue to build up whether the filter is there or not.  OTOH, there are filter inserts available (for fluvals and aquaclears anyway) which help to remove the ammonia/nitrites from the water (called AmRid for the aquaclear).  Having such a filter insert in the filter should lengthen time between water changes for you.  But you would need to replace said filter insert regularly....

If you were to put a filter in, I would suggest not changing the "foam" filter inserts as this is where alot of that beneficial bacteria resides - some bacteria is at least better than none!  And if you can, I would suggest adding an ammonia/nitrite removing insert which I would probably replace at least every other week if not every week, depending on how many critters you have in the tank (ie: is there snail or anything in there for company...snails are BIG poopers)

Another question I would have, not knowing the Whisper filters much at all (I think they are similar to the aquaclear aren't they?), would be how much of a current the filter would add to such a small tank.  Long-finned males can be very stressed by even a mild to moderate current since it catches their fins and they have to struggle against it.

Just as a thought - I use a form of undergravel filter in my 5 Gallon and smaller tanks.  They are actually fishbowl undergravel filters which I attach an airline pump to run.  They come with a little foam/carbon filter thingy on them which I used a drill to open at the bottom so I can remove the filter media and replace the carbon as needed (I buy the big fluval carbon refill containers as refill). They give a nice gentle aeration and with gravel covering the base there is a place for the beneficial bacteria to grow as well as in the filter piece.  This type of thing might work better for your small tanks - if nothing else then it might extend your water change interval for you.  

[zenafish]

I use these mini sponge filters for my tanks, they're great and it's 25% water change once in a while...I love them

will post pics of them soon http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' />

[baycitybettas]

Mini Sponges are probably the safest.  In the past whenever I have heard stories aobut Bettas dying from filters, it has always been in tanks under 3 gals.  The current is just to turbulent for the large finned guys...  

Mechanical filtration is better at stiring up the water then actually removing waste anyway.  Get rid of the substrate and use a turkey baster to keep him clean.  Gravel traps gunk so if you want to avoid heavy cleaning, get rid of it.  Tank maintenance is a snap without it!  

[zenafish]

As promised...some pics:

Sponge filter
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg50/zenafish/DSC_0708.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image'>

Look in 2.5gal tank (pardon the algae) http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/tongue.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tongue.gif' />  
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg50/zenafish/DSC_0707.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image'>

The filter's not very big and it doesn't crowd the tank. Works REALLY well in breeding and fry tanks too. Rated for up to 10gal.

[TurquoiseDragon]

Thanks for all your help, I'll give your suggestions a try!