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Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2024 6:38 pm
by 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?
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2024 8:00 pm
by Giggletons
larkea wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 6:38 pm
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.
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2024 8:09 pm
by larkea
Giggletons wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 8:00 pm
larkea wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 6:38 pm
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.
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:17 pm
by 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.
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:55 pm
by 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.
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2024 11:24 pm
by larkea
kingrise wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:17 pm
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.
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2024 1:08 am
by kingrise
larkea wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 6:38 pm
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.
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2024 1:53 am
by larkea
kingrise wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:17 pm
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.
Re: Do betta fish prefer strong water flow?
Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2024 2:21 am
by kingrise
larkea wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 6:38 pm
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.