New betta tank

[Emmy_helen]

Hi everyone,

I started a new 5 gallon betta tank and it is fish less cycling right now, but before it gets too far along in the cycle, I was wondering if I should get a different filter. The filter the 5g has right now is an Exo-Terra ReptiClear F150 I had laying around. Would that be ok for a 5g with a betta, 2 Nerite snails, and possibly some Red Cherry Shrimp or Ghost Shrimp? Or should I just get a new filter and start over? I have only had the tank running for a few days so ordering a new filter probably wouldn't be too big of a deal.

Emmy

 

[Barliman]

It's basically a water pump with a sponge inside, so that should give you your biological filtration. I'd say give it a try and monitor your ammonia-nitrite-nitrate numbers to see if it's working as it should.

 

[Emmy_helen]

Ok I will try it! Thank you for the advice!

 

[bluebetta26]

I agree that the filter should probably be fine.

Something to keep in mind with your stocking is that your betta might try to eat the shrimpies, especially the cherry shrimp. I had ghost shrimp with my male, and while I never saw him eat or chase them, I went from six shrimp to zero over a week period. I had ghosties in my guppy tank, and their numbers didn't dwindle down.

As long as you are aware there is a possibility your betta might eat the shrimp, there's no harm in trying it out. Some bettas don't bother them at all.