Jump to content
SaltCritters.com

Aqueon Betta Falls - thoughts for a pico?


Coelli

Recommended Posts

Please forgive my nearly complete lack of knowledge as I'm just starting to investigate nano/pico tanks and am learning along the way (I promise to learn more before jumping in). I kept freshwater fish for many years but always shied away from saltwater/reef tanks because of the cost; I'd been told that the smaller the system the more likely it was to be a disaster so it seemed like I'd need a large tank, which I don't have space for, much less the setup cost. Recently I started looking into potential small self-contained systems like PJ Reefs but the price seems fairly steep (I did check out the DIY thread and might still go that route). This forum has really got my wheels turning!

 

I just came across the Aqueon Betta Falls and got intrigued. It has 3 chambers, a total volume of 2 gallons and water flows through all 3, into the chamber below and is pumped back up to the first chamber. You'd have to add lights but it seems like it could have a lot of benefits. There's room underneath for a heater and other things you might need.

 

Here's a YouTube video that shows how it's set up:

 

Any thoughts? Thanks!!

 

 

Link to comment

Sure could be done, you're ingenuity is all that can hold you back I've seen aquariums in jars. That being said since you are relatively new I would steer far from systems like this as they will be challenging and will most likely kill livestock and will discourage you. Start with a system designed for a nano reef and learn the basics then if you feel comfortable and informed an undertaking such as this will go much more smoothly. Problems with this setup seem like more hassle than they are worth. Limited filtration chamber, and inadequate flow will probably leave this system solely for Bettas. This hobby requires funds so save up instead of rushing into em.

Link to comment

I think flow would be a problem in those tiny little containers. Male bettas are notoriously bad at swimming, which is why they suggest you turn the pump all the way down, but there are no specs as to the GPH when the pump is turned all the way up. It's a cool idea as far as the sump and filtration go, but it's not even a good design for bettas. A single one needs at least 2.5g for itself. I kind of want to get the unit for keeping supershrimp or something, though; they're dime sized tops. It might be alright if you're aiming for a ricordea/zoanthid/mushroom garden, and it'd be cool to see each container dedicated to one kind of coral, but finding a fish that will comfortably live in such a tiny area won't be an easy task, if at all possible. Or maybe you could dedicate the first container to macroalgae, and the second and third to corals, so that you can have a display refugium in there. This is all assuming the pump (or any upgrade you might make) provides enough flow.

 

There are All-In-One pico aquariums with much better filtration/flow options. A lot of the members are into Spec aquariums, and PicO Aquariums has special pricing on their 5g right now (a built in scrubber, come on). Even a regular Mr Aqua cube or rimmed aquarium with an overpowered HOB would be an awesome option.

Link to comment

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't try to keep any fish in this - just corals, perhaps a couple of small shrimp or brittle stars. From the reviews the flow was pretty high even when turned all the way down. I have a similar pump in my dogs' water bowl and I believe it's 40GPH.

 

I hesitate to get a completely open tank because we live in a hot climate and between the AC in the summer and the heater in the winter the air is dry in our house and evaporation is something I'm always fighting. I am looking at the PicO tanks now though.. :)

 

And thanks!! for the quick replies!

Link to comment

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't try to keep any fish in this - just corals, perhaps a couple of small shrimp or brittle stars. From the reviews the flow was pretty high even when turned all the way down. I have a similar pump in my dogs' water bowl and I believe it's 40GPH.

 

I hesitate to get a completely open tank because we live in a hot climate and between the AC in the summer and the heater in the winter the air is dry in our house and evaporation is something I'm always fighting. I am looking at the PicO tanks now though.. :)

 

Ooh, and without fish you wouldn't need to worry about fish illnesses.

 

I guess my only suggestions are a lid and an ATO system (check out the Smart ATO, since it's optical and shouldn't stick like switches when snails are involved? Oh, and it's low profile).

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recommended Discussions

×
×
  • Create New...