What is the most cost-efficient filtered 5 gal tank...?

Question

for my betta? I want to get him a better aquarium than a fish bowl :( (and i would like a filter). What can you recommend for a poor student?

Answer 1

Here's what I used for a fish tank while I was in college!

Petco has a filter especially for tanks of 10 gallons or less called the Small World  pump and filter kit by Penn Plax.  The system is a blue air pump that attaches to a turquoise filter cartridge. It costs about 20 dollars, and replacement filters come in a packs of two and cost about 10 dollars (you'll need to replace the filters about once a month). I loved this little pump.  It did a really good job filtering, plus the bubbles that come out the top aerated the water.  I used the filter for two years and never had any problems with it.

The tank I used was an acrylic bowfront (Aquatic Gardens Deluxe Plastic Aquarium With Lid), also from Petco.  The largest size is approximately 5 gallons.  I liked the colorful lid and thought to bow front design was a little fancier that a glass rectangle, plus it was cheap!  The acrylic survived the many trips up the dorm hallway to the bathroom for water changes. I'd reccommend going to the store instead of buying one online so you can choose one without scratches from packaging and traveling.

http://www.petco.com/product/12147/Penn-...

http://www.petco.com/product/12031/Aquat...

Answer 2

This is the tank I got for my betta, all you have to buy extra is the gravel ($3-5) and any decor/plants/ you want in there as well as the fish.  I love it and the filter works and my betta loves it, he likes to hide in my plants and then pop out, almost like he is playing peek-a-boo lol!  I highly recommend this tank for bettas!  http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js...  I have heard that it is $35 at wal-mart but I didn't get it there and haven't looked to see if it is there so I don't know if that is true.

Answer 3

The last time I got a tetra brand filter from petsmart it stopped working in a week. I would suggest buying a 5 gallon starter kit from petland or something. They often have hagen aquaclear filters in their kits. I have been using aquaclears for years, and they are great. Or anywhere else you can find hagen brand tanks.