I have a mini bow 2.5 with betta

[jennyb]

the filter it came with leaves much to be desired, I want to replace it I found a couple choices

Rapids Mini Canister Filter
Innovative Nano Canister Filter

or

Red Sea Nano HOB

I have used the hob kind, like an aqua clear but, i know nothing about the canister kind. Keeping in mind it is for a 2.5 small aquarium, which is better?

Please help
Jennyb

 

[bassbonediva]

I think the REd Sea would be fine. I love canister filters for larger tanks because they have more options for media and can hold a lot more media. However, on a tiny tank like a 2.5gal, I think a HOB filter is just fine as you don't need to have the amount of media you do in large tanks.

 

[jennyb]

Thanks, do you think the red would keep it fresher or clean than the other?

 

[bassbonediva]

I think any of them would be fine, honestly. I just said the Red Sea because it would probably look the best of the three. The canisters on the other two are about as big as your tank and would be overkill. Also, it's really hard to adjust the output on canister filters, so if the current is too strong for your betta, he'll become stressed and will hide to get away from the current. There aren't too many places to hide in a 2.5gal tank, TBH. The HOB would be easier to modify if you needed to buffer the output.

 

[jennyb]

Thank you so very, very much, i've never used a forum before and i search high and low on the internet for info and in a matter of minutes you have helped me greatly, thank you so very much.

jennyb

 

[bassbonediva]

You're welcome. As you can tell by my sig, I do the betta thing (I currently have four males and two females).

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

Also the canister would displace much of the water. The HOB will be just fine!

Oh and ....WELCOME! *PEACE!*

 

[Thyra]

What about a sponge filter? I was just in the process of gathering DIY on them and I also got a very interesting reply for OC (Orange Cones). I have the 2.5 mini bow also and I am debating doing that. The DIY for small tanks sounded interesting.

 

[bassbonediva]

Also the canister would displace much of the water.

I'm curious what you mean by this.

 

[Newman]

canister does add to water volume so thats a plus. but I would say the stock filter is just fine, and the sponge filter or sponge bubbler is great too You can make a good DIY with that idea.
Idk if we have the same model minibow 2.5gal, but I have kept bettas in mine well. You must note though that all space in the hood must be closed off. even the narrowest opening invites your betta to go carpet surfing. I have lost my prized breeding male in that way, and I dont want the same happening to your fish. so cover up those holes in the hood

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

LOL, I don't know why I thought the OP was talking about internal filter! My bad.......LOL

 

[bassbonediva]

No worries! lol I was just confused for a minute there. I almost put "ummmm...the canister sits OUTSIDE the tank, so how is that displacing water?!" ROFL!