filter advice for a betta setup

[CaceyT]

I'm after some advice on my tank setup.
I recently switched from a power filter to a sponge filter after deciding to get a betta for my 24 litre tank.
The issue I'm facing is that the water doesn't seem to be staying as clean as I'd like - it looks fine at first glance, but when I do my water change and everything gets stirred up, I notice a lot of debris floating around.
I'm thinking of getting a new filter, but I'm hesitant because I know sponge filters are usually great for bettas.
I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong - any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.

[detroit]

Sponge filters aren't great at removing debris, if you want a super clear tank you'll need something like a hang on filter, canister filter, or internal filter.

I'd recommend a small hang on filter, about 100-150 liters per hour, it should be suitable for your tank. Just make sure to cover the intake with a sponge strainer to prevent your Betta from getting sucked in, especially if it has long fins and a big tail.

For beginners, I'd advise against getting a Betta with big fins and tails, they're more prone to fin rot. A short fin and tail canvas Betta would be a better choice.

[CaceyT]

Thanks for all the advice. Assuming I'm going to get a new filter, I'm not sure how to get the new sponge ready. I don't want to just throw it in and hope for the best. Should I just place the new sponge in the tank for a couple of weeks to let it seed, then switch over to the new filter? I'm a bit limited on space, so I don't think I can have both filters running at the same time.

[sSjey]

If you can, try to fit the sponge from the old filter into the new one using scissors - this way you'll preserve the beneficial bacteria. I personally prefer internal filters, but not the cartridge-only type. My 23-litre tank has an Eheim Picclykup filter, which has a sponge as its medium and an adjustable flow rate, making it suitable for a betta. You might be able to squeeze a significant portion of the old sponge into one of those filters.

[CaceyT]

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.

[detroit]

As sSjey suggested, cutting the sponge from the old filter to fit the new one seems like the way to go, so you don't lose all the beneficial bacteria.

[CaceyT]

I'm thinking, what if the new filter doesn't work out for some reason - I'd have messed up the sponge that fits my original sponge filter. Is there another way to get a new sponge ready to go, without using the old one? Or am I overcomplicating things?

[detroit]

If you don't want to use the old sponge, you can buy a new sponge pad - just get the smallest one you can find, unless you're planning on setting up more tanks and filters. You'll need to run the new filter for a few weeks, about 3-4 weeks, to get enough beneficial bacteria on the sponge.

By the way, most filters usually come with those filter cartridges, but I personally don't use them. They've got carbon inside which is only useful if you need to remove medication. Too much carbon isn't good for the fish, it can absorb all the minerals they need.

[CaceyT]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the advice. So I'm thinking of just running both the new and old filters together for 3-4 weeks to get the new one cycled, then I'll remove the old one - is that the best way to do it?

[detroit]

I'm after some advice on my tank setup.
I recently switched from a power filter to a sponge filter after deciding to get a betta for my 24 litre tank.
The issue I'm facing is that the water doesn't seem to be staying as clean as I'd like - it looks fine at first glance, but when I do my water change and everything gets stirred up, I notice a lot of debris floating around.
I'm thinking of getting a new filter, but I'm hesitant because I know sponge filters are usually great for bettas.
I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong - any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.

You could run the old and new filters together for up to a month and a half, just to be safe. Alternatively, you can rinse your old sponge filter in a small bucket, and then pour the water from the bucket into your new filter. This way, the new filter can collect the beneficial bacteria from the old one, which might speed up the process.