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got a 2 footer with a sponge filter, with 1 betta and 4 pandas and possibly getting more panda cories. I heard that the cories are e to bacterial infection if the water is unclean and not enough filtration, but then the betta doesnt like the flow... and someone also recommended i switch from the sponge filter to a box filter? i dont know what to do... i want to keep the cories and the betta both happy..
what i really want to know is that if my sponge filter is inadequate filtration for my fish i have in my tank, and also if not what would you recommend?

Simple, get a smaller tank for the betta, doesn't need to be much larger than a 1 gallon tank. And keep the 20 gallon tank filtered.

Some people have luck with bettas in filtered tanks, make sure he has a spot or two to get out of the water current and he might not sulk.

Pandas are sometimes considered less hardy by some, in which case you want more than just a sponge filter, as well regular maintence. Some live plants will of course help as well .

^_^
H2g2 2005 Don't Leave Home Without it[/font]

Last edited by Babelfish at 21-Nov-2004 05:25

Your sponge filter will be fine for the fish at the moment, but I doubt if you will be able to reach your stocking-potential with it. You could try an internal power-filter with adjustable flow-rate. You might also try an internal power-filter and place a sort of DIY adjustment of your own onto the outlet. For my tank (with a betta) I use the plactic lid off one of my nasal sprays (I have hay-fever). I cut a hole with a knife/scissors into one side, which is just too small for the outlet nozzle of the filter, and then slide it onto the end so it fits tightly. It works quite well. You might also be able to find a spray-bar attachment, especially if you use the Fluval series, as an alternative to these methods.

Otherwise, I would suggest you keep the sponge-filter you've got. If you want to add those extra few fish, you might be able to pull it off with the addition of another sponge/box filter, but only add more fish after 3-4 weeks.

It is true that your cories will need adequate filtration if they are to stay healthy, but if you keep up with the water changes, you shouldn't have many problems in your current situation.

Scott

i think it depends on the temperment of the betta whether he likes the flow of the water or not. i currently have a betta in a 33 gallon that's filtered with an ac 200 (the one that's suited up to 50 gallons...) and the current has never bothered him. on the other hand, my boyfriend had a betta in a 29 with nothing more than an underground filter, and the betta hated it. so if you have a spare filter somewhere, you can give it a try and see if your betta can handle the current or not....

Last edited by bayara at 21-Nov-2004 09:44

i would suggest getting a better filter and on the other side of the tank setup a corner with alot of plants ( real or fake ) maybe some driftwood. this will give the betta an area to be where the current wont bother him and a nice place for the cories to hide and look for food. you could also place plants and wood infront of the filters curent this would break it up and difuse it. this is what i did in my 10g tank for my betta, has a large piece of wood where the current is the worst and alot of plants around difuseing nay current. and owuldnt you know after all that i find him more often then not playing in the current lol.
bettas dont HATE current they just cant be in alot of it to long because they get tired. as long as they have a choice they can be happy in a well filterd tank.