Is a filter necessary?

[yuenleng]

Is a filter neccessary in a small tank of size 30x15x20cm?

[Garfield]

Hi yuenleng,

It depends on what type of fish are you going to rare. If it is a fighting-fish, then it is not necessary, as they are more hardy.

What type of fish do you intend to rare? http://petshub.com/ubb/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Garfield (edited 02-20-2001).]

[yuenleng]

Thank you for ur quick reply.

I intend to rear 4-6 neon tetras.

[Garfield]

Hi yuenleng,

Based on the number of neon tetras that you intend to keep, it will be best to have a small filter. But if you don't, it should be alright, since it is only 4 to 6 neon tetras. But do changed the water regularly, with overnight water, to get rid of the chlorine.

Good luck. http://petshub.com/ubb/cool.gif

[yuenleng]

Hi Garfield

Thanx lots! U seem like a real pro. I'll update u again. http://petshub.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by yuenleng (edited 02-22-2001).]

[jenny1623ph]

even bettas need filtration because its a living creature that excrete ammonia, poop and other hazardouz things. even if its the hardiest fish it still needs the luxury of a clean water....

[Tweezle]

I'm not sure the gallons of a 30x15x20 cm, but any fish other than a betta should have a filter. If you're only going to have a few small fish and you're not going to use a filter, it could work, but you would have to do a lot of water changes. It's better for the fish and easier on you if you get a little filter. They're not too expensive and they can save you a lot of work. :)

[Deavon]

While most people tend to not give bettas filters, they either need a filter or a bowl change every week. They can do this because bettas(and other labyrinth fish) don't produce as much ammonia as other types of fish. Most of the time they also aren't given heaters, which are also important for them to be healthy, they are sensitive to temperature changes, like any other fish.

A filter and heater for that tank will probably run you somewhere around $30, and maybe another $5 a month for filter cartrages. Your fish will be much healthier with a filter and heater, and it will be less tank cleaning and fish replacing for you. Good luck with your tetras.

-Deav

[Blue Merle]

The filtration system.. also provides oxygen. If you dont have a air pump that is pumping air constantly in the tank, I'd recommend getting one. Oh, and if you dont have a filter, with a very small tank. Plan on cleaning it often..

[Blue Merle]

And 6 tetras in a tank that size? Either way with out a filter, your ammonia level is going to be out of wack. The general rule is one inch per fish per gallon. When you over crowd fish. It means stressed out fish, and unwanted problems in your tank. And tetras DO need a heater, they are tropical.. Or else they wont live long

[Grahamandkim]

As several people have already stated, you ABSOLUTELY need a filter. I just want to stress that. Neon Tetras are one of the worst small fish you should try to keep without a filter. Notice I said "try". They wont live long, that I can guarantee. They are fragile fish, and a beginner will have trouble with them even in a filtered tank.

As far as the heater.... as long a the tank is kept in a warm room and doesnt vary in temp more than a few degrees, you dont absolutely need one. Its much better, but not as important as the filter.

Graham

[Cornflower]

Filter! Filter! Just make sure they don't get sucked up the filter.

[Tweezle]

Neons are fragile? Hahaha no one told my tetras that! :p

[Blue Merle]

Neons are fragile? Hahaha no one told my tetras that! :p

They arent fragile. They are a hardy fish..

[Grahamandkim]

Neon Tetras are fragile.... Its a fact. Ive never kept them, because of that.

Practically all Neon Tetras you buy in stores are sickly and do not live long. I mean, they do have a disease named after them. They are raised in such high numbers and not in the best conditions. Most of them carry diseases, and have very weak immune systems. You can indeed, keep them healthy by going the extra mile. If you have had Neons that have been alive more than a few months, than you just were lucky enough to get a good batch, thats all.

Graham

[e burna]

even bettas need filtration because its a living creature that excrete ammonia, poop and other hazardouz things. even if its the hardiest fish it still needs the luxury of a clean water....

I thought bettas were fine just keeping them in those little glass bowls they're sold in? I was told they don't swim around much anyway.

[e burna]

Neon Tetras are fragile.... Its a fact. Ive never kept them, because of that.

Practically all Neon Tetras you buy in stores are sickly and do not live long. I mean, they do have a disease named after them. They are raised in such high numbers and not in the best conditions. Most of them carry diseases, and have very weak immune systems. You can indeed, keep them healthy by going the extra mile. If you have had Neons that have been alive more than a few months, than you just were lucky enough to get a good batch, thats all.

Graham

I musta been lucky too then, because mine are all still good.

[shev]

neons are sensitive, bettas can breath air so can live in worse water conditions, this doesnt mean you should put this to the max. neons need at least a 10 gallon.

[Pippin]

I was told they don't swim around much anyway.
Bettas are very active fish if they are kept in half-way decent conditions. I wouldnt swim much either if I was in a half a quart of dirty water. But you will see a betta really come alive when you give him a 10 gallon filtered tank with lots to explore. I would never keep a betta in anything less than a gallon.

I've never had neons but I plan to one day. I think its all about how they were kept at wherever they were bred and at the petstore.

[cinnyandsimon]

i second what pippen said , bettas do awesome in a ten gallon with a filter , they're way more happier than their bowl dwelling counter-parts . if you give them live plants , like wisteria or water sprout , and natural gravel they really get happy . Good one pippen you got game.

[rubysoho]

you could live in a closet just as well as a betta can live in a bowl. It can be done, but there are much better off in a space much bigger, just like you'd do better living in the entire house.