Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?

[larkea]

I've recently upgraded my betta's home to a 20-gallon tank, and I'm noticing some interesting behavior. The filter is pretty powerful, so I positioned it to one side, thinking that would create a nice low-flow area on the other side. But my betta keeps swimming over to the filter side - and what's even more surprising, he's always hovering right under the filter. I'm wondering if this is typical betta behavior - is he just trying to get some exercise or is there something else going on?

[Giggletons]

I've recently upgraded my betta's home to a 20-gallon tank, and I'm noticing some interesting behavior. The filter is pretty powerful, so I positioned it to one side, thinking that would create a nice low-flow area on the other side. But my betta keeps swimming over to the filter side - and what's even more surprising, he's always hovering right under the filter. I'm wondering if this is typical betta behavior - is he just trying to get some exercise or is there something else going on?

He's likely just playing around, but do double-check that his bubble nest isn't getting disturbed.

[larkea]

I've recently upgraded my betta's home to a 20-gallon tank, and I'm noticing some interesting behavior. The filter is pretty powerful, so I positioned it to one side, thinking that would create a nice low-flow area on the other side. But my betta keeps swimming over to the filter side - and what's even more surprising, he's always hovering right under the filter. I'm wondering if this is typical betta behavior - is he just trying to get some exercise or is there something else going on?

He's likely just playing around, but do double-check that his bubble nest isn't getting disturbed.

Just wondering, what's the impact if the nest is disturbed - I'm pretty sure it's been messed with a couple of times already.

[kingrise]

Can you adjust the flow on that filter, by any chance. I've found betta fish generally aren't too fond of strong currents - those long fins of theirs make it tough to keep up.

[Mermaidy]

I've had my fair share of accidentally destroying bubble nests while cleaning the tanks, it's a real bummer. You can try baffling the filter with a plastic water bottle if the flow's an issue, but if your betta's not fazed, then I suppose it's not worth the fuss.

[larkea]

Can you adjust the flow on that filter, by any chance. I've found betta fish generally aren't too fond of strong currents - those long fins of theirs make it tough to keep up.

I actually moved the filter to the side of the tank on purpose, that's why it's not adjustable in the middle, it's fluxx.

[kingrise]

I've recently upgraded my betta's home to a 20-gallon tank, and I'm noticing some interesting behavior. The filter is pretty powerful, so I positioned it to one side, thinking that would create a nice low-flow area on the other side. But my betta keeps swimming over to the filter side - and what's even more surprising, he's always hovering right under the filter. I'm wondering if this is typical betta behavior - is he just trying to get some exercise or is there something else going on?

I'm a bit worried about the intake, what's it look like? Don't want him getting his fins stuck in there.

[larkea]

Can you adjust the flow on that filter, by any chance. I've found betta fish generally aren't too fond of strong currents - those long fins of theirs make it tough to keep up.

The intake's got a protective cage around it, like a little grid. It's an Aqueon Quiet Flow 50 filter.

[kingrise]

I've recently upgraded my betta's home to a 20-gallon tank, and I'm noticing some interesting behavior. The filter is pretty powerful, so I positioned it to one side, thinking that would create a nice low-flow area on the other side. But my betta keeps swimming over to the filter side - and what's even more surprising, he's always hovering right under the filter. I'm wondering if this is typical betta behavior - is he just trying to get some exercise or is there something else going on?

You might want to look into getting a pre-filter sponge for that intake. It's a pretty common fix for preventing fins from getting stuck. I've seen people use the Zanyzap Pre-Filter Sponge, it's a 3 pack and seems to do the trick.