Do Betta Fish Need A Filter
The question that we get asked quite often when it comes to the care of Bettas is do Betta fish need a filter?
It does depend on several factors, but in general, yes you will need a filter in your Betta’s tank. Whether you use an internal or external filter it doesn’t really matter. We do like to recommend using an internal filter though. Read on to find out why.
What are Bettas?
Before we get into the do Betta fish need a filter question, let’s go over some general information regarding Bettas. They are an interesting species of fish that originates from Asia.
The reason they are known as Siamese fighting fish is because it was common for them to be used in fights against other male Bettas back in the day. They are also very popular in petshops today due to their vibrant colors and long flowing fins.
Do Bettas Need a Filter?
This is a common question asked by a lot of Bettafish owners. Many people believe that because these fish come from waters that are heavily polluted, they don’t need a filter in their tanks. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. In fact, for the well-being of your Betta you should definitely invest in a filter.
There are several reasons why Bettas need a filter.
One of the biggest reasons why these fish require a filter is because their water quality can be quite polluted and dirty. Siamese fighting fish originate from waters that contain very little oxygen and lots of ammonia and nitrites. Because of this, they have adapted to living in water that is very polluted.
Even though there are a lot of companies that have created Betta fish tanks with the filter already included, it doesn’t really cut down on their waste production. Bettas produce more waste than you may think and this can build up very quickly. This waste will end up clouding the water which isn’t good for the fish.
If you plan on keeping live plants in your tank, then these will need to be constantly cleaned out as well. The only way of maintaining clean and healthy water is by using a filter.
How to Choose the Right Filter for Your Tank
Choosing a filter for your Betta fish tank can be a tricky process because there are so many different types, sizes, and brands to choose from. The only way you will know what’s going to work best is by experimenting with different filters until you find the right one for your Betta. What works well for one person may not work well for another.
The first thing you will need to do is find out how many gallons your aquarium measures. Then, based on the size of the tank you have and the number of fish, choose what type of filter works best for your home.
If you plan on keeping live plants then an internal filter that hangs on the back or side of the tank is probably your best option. If you want to keep live plants and use an external filter, then make sure it has a flow rate of less than 100 gallons per hour.
A good internal filter will be easy for you to operate and maintain. An external filter might be the better choice if you don’t like messing about with the inside of the tank. However, you should know that external filters are usually noisier than internal ones.
There are other things to think about when choosing your Betta’s filter. The thing you have to remember is that if the filter system itself is too good, then it will end up cleaning out all of the beneficial bacteria in the tank which can be just as bad as not using a filter at all.
It’s best to spend some time doing your research before you actually purchase anything, because the cost of filters can vary depending on what you buy and where you buy it from. For example, if you live in an area that is prone to power outages then you should look for a filter that has a battery backup.
The Negative Effects of Not Using a Filter in Your Tank
If you are planning on keeping live plants in your tank, not using a filter is probably the worst thing that you can do. Plants need clean water to survive just as much as your Betta does. As mentioned earlier, Bettas produce more waste than other fish so this will build up very quickly.
Filters remove this waste from the tank and this is very good for the fish. However, Bettas need clean water but they don’t need a lot of it or else they’ll become uncomfortable and stressed out. This means that your filter should not be working overtime to keep up with the production of waste from your Betta’s living environment.
If you want to make sure that all of the beneficial bacteria is not removed from your tank, then you can buy a filter with a flow rate that is 4 times less than what the gallon size of your tank measures. For example, if your Betta fish tank has a 5-gallon capacity then choose a filter that has a flow rate of 1 gallon per hour.
Conclusion
So to answer the question, do Betta fish need a filter?, the simple answer is YES they do. You can’t escape it because you will end up having to buy one eventually if you plan on keeping live plants in your tank.
If you choose not to use a filter then this isn’t good for your Betta or the plants that you have placed in the tank.
Bettas are a beautiful species of fish but their environment is very delicate and needs to be taken care of properly if it’s going to stay healthy.
