What to do with a 1.5gal?

[bluerose]

I have a ~1.5gal left over from when I rescued a betta... not the greatest housing, but better than the little bowl he was in.

At the moment it has a few itty bitty java ferns in it, but I'm not sure how long they'll last as there's no lighting.

So, a) I need lighting, and b) I need ideas.

I'm thinking maybe shrimp? Could dwarf frogs live happily in there?

I have a heater that fits in it as well as the crappy filter it came with (would probably have to make a sponge filter, I have an air pump so that shouldn't be too hard).

 

[thominil]

For lighting, go to HD or lowes and look in the light bulb section and they should have a utility light that has the screw in socket with a detachable reflector. Get a daylight rated 14w screw in cfl bulb and that will be the lighting. I would do shrimp as it is to small for fish.

Here's the lights: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...catalogId=10053&N=5yc1vZ1xr5Zaqn9&R=100664145, or: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...catalogId=10053&N=5yc1vZ1xr5Zaqn9&R=100664506.

Here's the bulbs: 9watt: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...catalogId=10053&N=5yc1vZ1xr5Zar0o&R=100527339, or the 14watt: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...catalogId=10053&N=5yc1vZ1xr5Zar0o&R=100663849.

Hope this helps.

 

[bluerose]

Both are online only... phooey.

The tank has a lid, so I don't know if either of those would work. :/

 

[thominil]

The first one is not, I know that for a fact as I bought a few in store. Lid is not required, just helps reduce evaporation. Just tossing ideas out though lol.

 

[bluerose]

Well, upon looking to see what Foster & Smith had, it's the same price for a 18W lighting kit as it is for an Eclipse System 3.

Boy oh boy... problem is I don't need a filter as if I do shrimp there will need to be a sponge anyway.

Too much to choose from! (I knew I should have bought the Eclipse 3 instead of this tank-- at the time I was more concerned with getting the betta out of his bowl. Sigh...)

 

[thominil]

Eclipse systems ar neat and tidy but make it a pain to feed.

 

[humdedum]

A betta would appreciate that sort of home.

 

[Vikesfankevin]

Sounds like a great Beta tank. Most betas never get a filter or heater. I would get a nice beta from your LFS and don't rescue anymore for the simple fact it encourages these places to keep buying them.

 

[bluerose]

The rescue was actually from someone who didn't want him anymore and was seriously considering flushing him. Poor bugger was in rough shape when I got him and he never really recovered...

Regardless, even if I do a betta, I need light!! I do like my planted tanks although I am seriously considering a shrimp colony... although I could do that in my 8gal... have 4 amanos already.

 

[thominil]

Aquarium Lighting & LED Lights: Azoo Neo-Light at Drs. Foster and Smith This should work.

 

[Vikesfankevin]

The rescue was actually from someone who didn't want him anymore and was seriously considering flushing him. Poor bugger was in rough shape when I got him and he never really recovered...

Regardless, even if I do a betta, I need light!! I do like my planted tanks although I am seriously considering a shrimp colony... although I could do that in my 8gal... have 4 amanos already.

Oh good save then. I had a beta for a bit in a bowl but it only had a heater and nothing else. I put him in my 20 gallon and he harassed everything else. I felt so bad having to put him back in the bowl. I was almost kind of relieved when he died after a water change... If I ever do a beta again, I will do like a 5 gallon tank. Seriously betas appreciate anything you can give them because so many people treat them like crap.

 

[bluerose]

I saw the Azoo light, but isn't it just LEDs? No good for plants? or am I behind on my lighting knowledge?

 

[thominil]

Heres a complex article on lighting: http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Lighting.html I like this article because it covers just about everything on lights that you would need to know. Yes, LED's do help plants, you just need to get the right ones. Moonlights don't help.