New and looking forward to improvement

**downtownz** · 23rd Nov 2015, 20:46

Hi guys, really new to this and no matter how I think this over, I just can't seem to do up a good scape as compared to the others...

Please help me by commenting on how I can improve on this! Limited on budget though...

http://postimg.org/image/z8z1xf0wr/

Tank size: 30cm x 18cm x 24cm
Soil: H.E.L.P Advanced Soil
Flora: Anubias, MC and pygmy chain swords
Fauna: 1 x Betta
Lighting: None, I use sunlight.
CO2: None, dosing excel.
Filter: None.

**qool** · 24th Nov 2015, 08:23

Hi downtownz you might wanna consider getting at least some type of filter eg hangon filter or sponge filter. The filter can help with the betta waste and i assume likely you will add in more fishes later. Some water flow is always good because sunlight plus no water flow = asking for algae overrun. Rather then regret and ask why later, prevent it while it is still early.

**Dscheng** · 24th Nov 2015, 10:50

No filtration at all? At least get a HOF or a sponge filter.

**downtownz** · 24th Nov 2015, 14:33

Originally Posted by qool

Hi downtownz you might wanna consider getting at least some type of filter eg hangon filter or sponge filter. The filter can help with the betta waste and i assume likely you will add in more fishes later. Some water flow is always good because sunlight plus no water flow = asking for algae overrun. Rather then regret and ask why later, prevent it while it is still early.

Originally Posted by Dscheng

No filtration at all? At least get a HOF or a sponge filter.

I wanna have one but my wife does not allow those electrical devices that turns on 24/7. Scared fire. lol...

**Dscheng** · 24th Nov 2015, 14:46

Get a battery operated air pump and sponge filter. That solve your problem? Hehe.

**tetrakid** · 24th Nov 2015, 14:50

For a single Betta in your tank, it is definitely possible to do without any filtering at all.

With a bit of care, your tank can be as ecologically-balanced, healthy and attractive as any other.

It is important to do partial water change on a regular basis to maintain it in tip top condition.

**mugenpower78** · 25th Nov 2015, 15:03

Plants can act as natural filters but you need to have a large amount of them

**fireblade** · 26th Nov 2015, 08:45

your rock looks a bit on the big side, maybe can hide some part of it in the sand, add a bit more soil at the back...
for such a smal tank, the nana looks huge.

my opinion will be, the rock on the left make it stand up, remove the right rock then the rock on the behind right looks more interesting than the rock in front..
Move the pygmy chain sword to the back, and let the MC carpet the front part of the tank.

if you don't want filter , it is fine, just do a bit more water change... remember not to use bubble filter, I find that oxygen promotes algea growth...
Remember, no filter is better than wrong filter.

**downtownz** · 26th Nov 2015, 09:30

Originally Posted by Dscheng

Get a battery operated air pump and sponge filter. That solve your problem? Hehe.

In midst of doing a proposal to my wife for a HOB filter. LOL

**downtownz** · 26th Nov 2015, 09:31

Originally Posted by tetrakid

For a single Betta in your tank, it is definitely possible to do without any filtering at all.

With a bit of care, your tank can be as ecologically-balanced, healthy and attractive as any other.

It is important to do partial water change on a regular basis to maintain it in tip top condition.

I do a 20% change once a week. Should suffice right?

**downtownz** · 26th Nov 2015, 09:32

Originally Posted by mugenpower78

Plants can act as natural filters but you need to have a large amount of them

Agree. Im still slowly researching on the plants that I can have. My MC carpet doesn't look like its growing fast. Gonna try add some moss on the rocks else a moss carpet. I recently added some floaters, Salvinias, got it from an awesome bro here.

**downtownz** · 26th Nov 2015, 09:36

Originally Posted by fireblade

your rock looks a bit on the big side, maybe can hide some part of it in the sand, add a bit more soil at the back...
for such a smal tank, the nana looks huge.

my opinion will be, the rock on the left make it stand up, remove the right rock then the rock on the behind right looks more interesting than the rock in front..
Move the pygmy chain sword to the back, and let the MC carpet the front part of the tank.

if you don't want filter , it is fine, just do a bit more water change... remember not to use bubble filter, I find that oxygen promotes algea growth...
Remember, no filter is better than wrong filter.

I will be adding some moss on the rock to the rock on the rear right hand corner and also the one on second at the rear left. Still deciding which moss to use. Now that you have mentioned it, yea... I will do some rearrangements when I have time. Thanks bro!

**tetrakid** · 26th Nov 2015, 10:06

Originally Posted by downtownz

I do a 20% change once a week. Should suffice right?

Yup, if your tank's water is crystal clear and the betta is healthy and rate well, maintain the same routine. Do clean the front and sides of the tank glass at intervals to get the most out of the crystal clear water.

Believe me, well maintained and ecologically-balanced tank needs no filter, as dirt will naturally rest at the bottom, and which can be siphoned out regularly with a tiny air tube siphon. Make a siphoning tool by attaching a piece of hard air tube to a length of soft air tube. Such a tool is extremely useful.

**tetrakid** · 26th Nov 2015, 10:07

Originally Posted by downtownz

I do a 20% change once a week. Should suffice right?

Yup, if your tank's water is crystal clear and the betta is healthy and eat well, maintain the same routine. Do clean the front and sides of the tank glass at intervals to get the most out of the crystal clear water.

Believe me, a well maintained and ecologically-balanced tank needs no filter, as dirt will naturally rest at the bottom, and which can be siphoned out regularly with a tiny air tube siphon. Make a siphoning tool by attaching a piece of hard plastic air tube to a length of soft air tube. Such a tool is extremely useful.

**downtownz** · 26th Nov 2015, 11:02

Originally Posted by tetrakid

Yup, if your tank's water is crystal clear and the betta is healthy and eat well, maintain the same routine. Do clean the front and sides of the tank glass at intervals to get the most out of the crystal clear water.

Believe me, a well maintained and ecologically-balanced tank needs no filter, as dirt will naturally rest at the bottom, and which can be siphoned out regularly with a tiny air tube siphon. Make a siphoning tool by attaching a piece of hard plastic air tube to a length of soft air tube. Such a tool is extremely useful.

Haha, bro I believe you. I bought a siphon from daiso. Its good.

I have 6 mini pond snails for my algae crew. They doing a fantastic job. No nid to clean the sides. Haha.