3g cube build

[Reygan2]

On yet another impulse buy I picked up the Tetra LED cube kit just for the heck of it. I typically wouldn't buy anything smaller than a 5g, but this thing is surprisingly roomy. I'm thinking the LED's in it are pretty much useless for growing even low lights, and I can't find any info on them anyway. I'm tossing the filter that came with the kit and I'm trying to decide between the AZOO mignon 60 or the Finnex Pure 5 power filter. I'm also leaning towards ordering the Finnex fugeray 10" fixture. Should be a nice setup for my newly aquired betta. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time when my lfs guy got his order in. This fish is stunning!
Any feedback on the filters? Is this tank too small for a betta? It's 10.5x10x10.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I just started a cube myself. Slightly smaller at 2.1g. I think the Azoo Palm Filter is just fine. I've used it in the past and plan to use it on my new cube. It's like a miniature AC20. Anyway, with the money you save going with the Azoo palm, use the difference and get the finnex Fugeray-R. I believe with a cube as small as yours, the regular 10" Fugeray might be too strong unless you either create more distance or use window screen. The newer FugeRay-R is a clip light that allows it to be suspended some with ease.

 

[Reygan2]

I just started a cube myself. Slightly smaller at 2.1g. I think the Azoo Palm Filter is just fine. I've used it in the past and plan to use it on my new cube. It's like a miniature AC20. Anyway, with the money you save going with the Azoo palm, use the difference and get the finnex Fugeray-R. I believe with a cube as small as yours, the regular 10" Fugeray might be too strong unless you either create more distance or use window screen. The newer FugeRay-R is a clip light that allows it to be suspended some with ease.

I checked the light out and I think it will be perfect! I was concerned about too much light with the regular one and I love the look of the Fugeray-R and the way it mounts. Thanks!!!

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Cool.. Can't wait to see some pictures!

 

[Rcguerra]

I am no fish specialist, but I have been devoting a NICE chunk of time to study Bettas. If you provide filtration (slow flow), heated water, places to hide (natural plants are superior to artificial ones), I have reasons to believe this 3g cube will be fine.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Oh i didn't realize the finnex filter and azoo palm are the same price.. I just checked Amazon...lol

Anyway, i use the palm filter... Works well.

 

[Reygan2]

I am no fish specialist, but I have been devoting a NICE chunk of time to study Bettas. If you provide filtration (slow flow), heated water, places to hide (natural plants are superior to artificial ones), I have reasons to believe this 3g cube will be fine.

I agree, and this guy will have the works!

 

[Reygan2]

Oh i didn't realize the finnex filter and azoo palm are the same price.. I just checked Amazon...lol

Anyway, i use the palm filter... Works well.

I went with the AZOO and the Finnex light you suggested. ETA is tomorrow! I could use some advice on choosing the most appropriate heater for this size tank though.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I like the hydor theo 25w. It has an adjustable thermostat unlike other nano sized heaters that are pre-set.

 

[Reygan2]

I love the light and filter!!! The filter is super quiet too. It came with a pre filter that fits the intake tube. Very nice. The new heater is on the way. Right now he's at 74F, which isn't warm enough. I threw a couple of plants and pieces of dw in....now to begin the scape, such a daunting task for me . Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks for the info on the equipment Brian!

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

You're welcome.. Your tank looks nice. You have one lucky betta that doesn't have to live his life in a cup! That light looks sleek too -- I like!

 

[Reygan2]

The tank looks so much clearer today. That little filter is awesome. I ordered pack of AC 20 filter pads and cut one to fit, then added a piece of filter pad from one of my established filters and then I put a tiny bag of bio media on top. Now to figure out what type of plants this light will support. I'd really like to try something different than the typical low lights

 

[Rcguerra]

Now to figure out what type of plants this light will support. I'd really like to try something different than the typical low lights

Small leaves will look better than big ones.

Big leaves will make your betta happier than small ones, since they like to rest on them.

I don't mind compromising a little bid of the visuals to increase quality for my betta.

Either way, take a look at:

Baby tears (not dwarf for carpeting, but regular ones for background);

Jungle val (also for background)

 

[DanTheGuppyMan]

It looks awesome! Just following along here..

 

[Reygan2]

It looks awesome! Just following along here..

'

Thanks! Please feel free to jump in with advice or suggestions.

 

[Reygan2]

Small leaves will look better than big ones.

Big leaves will make your betta happier than small ones, since they like to rest on them.

I don't mind compromising a little bid of the visuals to increase quality for my betta.

Either way, take a look at:

Baby tears (not dwarf for carpeting, but regular ones for background);

Jungle val (also for background)

Yeah, I don't know about that big anubias in the back, but he loves shading under it sometimes when the light is on. The jave fern attached to the dw aren't in the best of shape. I have a hard time keeping them healthy in all my tanks. Not sure why. I like the idea of baby tears and vals. I'd like to have something low growing more towards the front.

 

[DanTheGuppyMan]

I too have some trouble with anubias and java ferns in pretty much all of my tanks lol. I always recommend dwarf sag for everything lately lol, but that is the very first thing that popped in my mind...not sure what low growing plant could go in the front would be tho. maybe dwarf hairgrass?

 

[Reygan2]

I too have some trouble with anubias and java ferns in pretty much all of my tanks lol. I always recommend dwarf sag for everything lately lol, but that is the very first thing that popped in my mind...not sure what low growing plant could go in the front would be tho. maybe dwarf hairgrass?

Oddly enough anubias does well in my setups, the only plant I've had little luck with is java fern. I can keep dwarf hairgrass alive in my tanks, but with no C02 and my lighting I get extremely slow growth. I doubt I could count on it ever carpeting.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I've been researching some foreground plants for low/med light and found that marsilea minuta to be a nice option. Hydrocotyle sp. Japan would work too.

 

[Paulm7373]

OMG how nice does that betta look!! It's quite the show betta! I love the colours on him and he is extremely lucky to have such a nice looking nano cube as his new home. I like how you have used dw in the back to form different layers and tried the idea of attaching some java fern on them. I was also going to suggest hair grass, even though it will take a while until a nice carpet forms, or maybe some riccia which I've had success with before. I have some left over steel mesh plates that you can tie the riccia on if you like. PM me and I'll be more than happy to send them to you