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How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 7:57 pm
by fin_frenzy8
I'm setting up a 5-gallon tank for my betta and wanna make sure I do it right. What's the best substrate and filter combo? Also, how often should I do water changes?
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 9:19 pm
by fungielle
For a 5-gallon, I'd recommend a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate to protect their delicate fins. A sponge filter is ideal since it's gentle and provides good biofiltration. Water changes should be 20-30% weekly, but test params to be sure.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 10:06 pm
by bloomr
fungielle wrote: ↑Mon Jun 23, 2025 9:19 pm
For a 5-gallon, I'd recommend a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate to protect their delicate fins. A sponge filter is ideal since it's gentle and provides good biofiltration. Water changes should be 20-30% weekly, but test params to be sure.
Yep, sponge filters are the way to go. I use a small one from XYZ brand, and my betta loves the gentle flow. Also, don't skip the heater—78-80°F is perfect.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 10:27 pm
by kindlyact
I've had success with planted tanks using Fluval Stratum. It's a bit pricier but great for live plants if you're into that. Just make sure to rinse it well before adding.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 11:04 pm
by stormy4
Honestly, I just used plain ol' gravel and my dude's been chillin' for months. But yeah, def get a heater. Bettas are tropical fish, not ice cubes.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2025 11:56 pm
by seabuzz
How about lighting? I've got a basic LED but not sure if it's enough for plants.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 1:47 am
by fungielle
seabuzz wrote: ↑Mon Jun 23, 2025 11:56 pm
How about lighting? I've got a basic LED but not sure if it's enough for plants.
Most basic LEDs work for low-light plants like anubias or java fern. If you're going for high-light plants, you might need an upgrade, but for a betta tank, low-light is usually fine.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 3:15 am
by fin_frenzy8
Thanks for the tips, everyone! Gonna grab a sponge filter and some sand this weekend.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 4:31 am
by barkdale
Don't forget to cycle the tank before adding your fish. It's a pain to wait, but it's worth it to avoid ammonia spikes.
Re: How to set up a 5-gallon Betta tank
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 4:47 am
by helix
Cycling is key. I messed up my first tank by rushing it, and my betta got sick. Had to do fish-in cycling, which was sketchy.