How to Add a Filter to a Betta Tank With a Betta

Fish tanks are bright jewels in a home, and add color and life even in the smallest space. Betta tanks are favored by many fish owners because of the colorful, attractive bettas inside. Even though a betta tank probably only holds one fish, it will get dirty and foggy without a pump and filter system.

Things You'll Need

  • Filter
  • Pump
  • Dish
  • Fish net
  • Water treatment chemicals
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a pump and filter setup appropriate to your betta tank. Systems handle a set amount of water, so choose based on the gallon size of your tank. Bettas appreciate good water circulation, so include a pump that has the capacity to handle your tank.

    • 2

      Scoop some of the water out of your tank and into a bowl. Use the fish net to scoop your betta out of the water and transfer it into the bowl. This will be its holding tank while you're installing the pump and filter.

    • 3

      Dump the water out of the fish tank and transfer your substrate into a bowl if it needs to be cleaned. Run clean water over gravel or rock substrates to clean off any moss, algae or waste. Put the substrate back into the tank.

    • 4

      Set up your pump and filter per the directions that came with the setup. The pump will sit at the bottom of the tank, while the filter may run up the side. Do not turn either the pump or filter on yet, as they will burn out without water.

    • 5

      Put fresh water into the tank. Add water treatment chemicals (available at pet shops) per the directions, to ready the water for your betta.

    • 6

      Turn on both pump and filter. Allow them to run for at least half an hour before you put your betta back in. Follow the directions on the water treatment chemical bottles in regard to timing for the treatment.