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Bubble nest and filter problems2007-11-24 23:10:23

First I have purchased a HOB mini filter, probably similar to the one you have on your tank. At this point, any other type of filter will be better than my UGF filter. I'm also planning to try this:

http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/347/...

Check out that above link and see what you think. Secondly, I'm going to purchase some taller, aquatic plants for the center of my Hex tank. Plants will definitely break up the flow of water on the surface. Also, a small floating type plant will give your Betta a platform to create bubble nests on. Another thing I've seen people do, on the Internet is place a curved piece of a foam cup for a bubble nest platfrom. The idea being the Betta will create bubble nest in the convex portion of the cup. HOWEVER, I do not know how safe this is for the Betta. Hey may nip at the cup and eat a piece of foam. So it would depend on your Betta's temperment (i.e. curiousity, aggressiveness, etc.). If you try this, I would closely monitor your Betta to be sure he is not eating foam!

I would not lower or raise your water level. Lowering it may increase surface disruption because the water is going to fall farther from the filter and create more splash.

The oil could be from the Betta food your using. Many Betta pellets use soy bean oil in their ingredients. If there is no ammonia or nitrates (which you wouldn't be able to see anyway) then you're in good shape. This oil shouldn't be harmful to your Betta. If it bothers you, I think someone said using a piece of kleenex to blot it from the water- which seems like a good solution. Also new tanks sometimes may have a "film" that may gather on the surface, but naturally dissipates as the tank breaks in. This is also harmless to the fish.

I know some people think lowly of Bettas and how their owners go out of the way to make them "happy". Sometimes I wonder if these people have ever owned Bettas themselves! I think a male Bettas abilitly to make bubble nest is a natural part of their life and I don't want to deprive them of that.

Hope some of my suggestions have helped! Good Luck!