Aquarium basics?

[Roxyluvsme13]

So, I've been wanting to do this a looong time for my bettas, but I haven't a clue in the world what to do.

I want to get a 10 gallon and divide it for 4 bettas. But.. what could I make homemade dividers of?

And what are the basic things for an aquarium? I'm really not crazy on gravel, I prefer pebbles or sand.. so.. yeah.

I'm just wondering basics of aquariums, maintaining them, and what all I would need for four bettas.

Heater, filter?

Anything you feel like adding to that, too!

Thanks.

[zippy-kat]

I'm more "salt" than "fresh" but I *really* like Tahitian Moon Sand and supposedly you can use it in both (I've only seen it in salt - but then again, I don't frequent freshwater boards).

I would assume you could cut/drill plexi glass to create false walls (walls that would block the fish but allow water to flow through all chambers).

I've always wondered about multiple males being housed in containers where they can see each other.... does it stress them out? (ie Is it healthy?) I don't know the answer to that but it might be something to consider.

My betta is housed in a 3gal acrylic tank with lights & pump/filter but no heater. (Though it's only on during the day, the light warms the water and I have about a 2 degree flux between day/night temps.)

[Alysser]

I don't know much about this type of fish, but I reccomend you should get a filter. 10 gallons is a big tank and it could be hard to mantian. Even if you were willing to do daily water changes that would stress the fish. Gravel isn't a must for any fish. My aquarium has stones. As for the divider..I don't know what you could use. The only think I could think of is buying one.

[Christmas_Hamster]

I don't feel like typing alot right now but I will point you to some articles to read up on.

Well you would need to Cycle (http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/118/) your tank.

You can use stones but gravel is easier to clean if you have a gravel vaccume. Here is a page about cleaning tanks: Clicky (http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/28/)

Dividing is easy Clicky (http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/365/). I used plexi glass and I didn't use the back wall thingy for the filter like the article suggested. I did it like how they show the plastic canvas ones but used plexi glass...if that makes sense. You will also need to slow the current down here is an easy way: Clicky (http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/347/)

You will need one 50W heater and a thermometer. Bettas need low 80's--high 70's *F.

Look around at the article here: http://www.petfish.net/kb/1/

I found it so much easier to have a divided tank as it was less work then have different bowls to clean out 100% weekly.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Okay, thanks.

And thanks for all the links, Christmas_Hamster, I'll read those tomorrow :).

[Blue Dragonfly]

Hey, check out the link to my site for pics of my tanks. I have been keeping bettas for years, so here are the basics i can name off the top of my head.

Ok you need to clean the tank once every one or two weeks. (depending on homw dirty the tank is.)

they do not need much water, as they originated from asia and live in small puddles of water.

1-2 litres each tank, or in each section is sufficient. Some bettas will die if put in a bigger tank as they are not use to it, and the water takes longer to heat up because of the surface area to volume ratio. if you are going to put them in a bigger tank, make sure to have a heater and plenty of plants (real or fake) to hide behind. You do not need a heater for a smaller tank, but plants can still look good if you can fit it in.

I am guessing you realise they should not be in contact with each other, so i wont bother going into that.

If you dont want to clean out their tanks as often, you could get a filter, it is up to you. it also depends on the size of the tank.

Males can be kept in cold water or tropical, while females should only be kept in tropical temps.

I would recommend getting a number of small tanks, or one like mine that is specically made for bettas, and sectioned off. (see my website) then you dont have to worry about heaters or filters etc.

You can you pebbles or gravel or glass stones etc, just make sure that it is safe for the fish, and has no residue on it. and no matter where you get the stones etc wash them again yourself.

I find cleaning my tanks quite easy. just get a small net and place the fish in a small cup of water while cleaning the tank. (You dont need the net if you just want to catch it with the cup, but they are fast little swimmers when they want to be. Then just wash any ornaments with an toothbrush (Just buy a cheap one) and tip the stones into a sieve and run water over in while shaking it around. give the tank a wipe. Never use cleaning products, or anything that is used for cleaning, eg dish washing brushes, as the residue from the chemicals could harm them. if you need something for stubborn dirt or grime, use brown vinegar, or white if you cant get a hold of brown and wash it out thoroughly. Then just put everything back in and add some of the water conditioner. NOT CRYSTALS. go for something like this.

www.aquariumpharm.com

umm.. i hope that helps, if you have any more questions just ask. oh and dont forget to sign my guestbook when you visit my site.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Well, see, right now they're in 1-1.5 gallons and I've been wanting to get them all in something bigger for a while, hence why I wanted the 10 gallon :).

And thanks for all of the advice!

[CathyBogart]

I've made a tank divider with Plexiglas. I got it cut at a hardware store pretty cheaply and had holes drilled in it for water flow there, then I bought some aquarium silicone and glued it in place. It worked quite nicely. :)

[Christmas_Hamster]

Males shouldn't live in coldwater temperatures it is unhealthy same with females. Gender doesn't change it. They should have atleast 1 gallon and you should clean bowls weekly unless they are under 1 gallon. Only some bettas and very few at that are scared of larger areas to swim and they will usually get used to it. I once had my betta Risteek (RIP) in a 10 gallon to him self and he loved it.

Good luck.

[Roxyluvsme13]

All of my girls and guys live in room temperature right now (and have for most of their lives) but I was definitely wanting a heater for them since this is going to be a bigger tank.

Thank you everyone for all of the info and tips.

Any clue how much plexiglass costs? :confused:

My mom is going to be so mad when I spend all of my birthday money on the fish :o.

[Christmas_Hamster]

I got a big sheet of it for about $30.00