Best filter for 10g w/plants?

[Anne Dyari]

This is my first serious aquarium; all my previous bettas have been kept in little bowls and averaged 2 yr lifespans. I just recently got a beautiful blue and yellow doubletail and wanted a nice large tank, as well as trying out some aquatic plants.

Right now my betta is in a small 1L plastic container while I get the parts together for the new tank. I am now looking at filters, something with low current due to bettas preffering still water, and something I could use with plants for a 10 gallon tank.

I also am wondering if there is anything I should know spefically about filters and aquarium plants; I plan to get some anubias plants and java moss to start off, later maybe adding duckweed, a sunken log and (maybe) dwarf hairgrass.

[vilmarisv]

These are my filters of choice for bettas: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=3954
You will need an airpump.
They do zero damage to their fins which is why I love them and have a good surface area for bacteria growth.
Don't buy the one rated for 10 gallons, always go a little higer on filters. The 15 or 25 gallon one would be perfect for a ten.
I use one rated for 30 gallons in a 14 gallon tank because I like the large double sponges.
To clean these filters, I just place in the old water and squeeze once or twice.
With some filters/plants you have to worry about them being sucked up by the filter (just like the fish) but these won't give you that problem.

[Aus]

^+1. love the sponge filters. Except they're noisy if you don't reduce the flow from the pump a bit with a very cheap air-line valve. Costs about $2.00.

[gn3ranger]

another +1^

yes sponge filters are very good I got rid of my quiet flow for sponge filter and have been having no regrets what so ever.

[Anne Dyari]

Thank you! :D

[copperarabian]

In my 10g I use a 20g internal filter. I have a divided tank the filter gets it's own section. I use to use the same filter in my heavily planted 17g and had no problems with the plants.