Question 1

I'm a parent who doesn't really have time to take care of a fish tank for a child. I'm looking for basically zero effort. How much care does this need

Accepted Answer

Zero effort means DO NOT get a fish tank.  I spent a small fortune 1 year ago on an incredibly cool looking 10 gallon set up (it has an awesome volcano).  We've just had our 2nd Beta die.  I've done everything I knew how to do to keep that from happening...cycled the tank, water changes, plenty of space for it to swim, condition the water, etc, etc.  I guess I just can't take care of a fish!  I'd say get an artificial jellyfish lamp and call it a day.  That's what I plan on doing now.  I'm not about to attempt a 3rd fish in an aquarium.  Daughter just dug a grave and buried fish #2 today.  :o(

Question 2

Can you run the lights on a timer?  Or do the lights and pump run off of one electrical plug?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can run the lights on a timer.  The lights have a separate plug and cord from the pump.

Question 3

How soon after you set up the tank can you add your Betta?

Accepted Answer

Sorry to throw so much at you at once - lets start with cycling, every new tank whatever the size has to go through what called the Nitrogen Cycle - basically fish waste and urine that collect in a tank start to raise ammonia levels in a tank and are very bad for your fish - bacteria in your substrate and in the filter sponge ( correct me if the 3 gallon version to this tank does not have what looks likes a course black sponge housed under the section that you put in the filter cartridge that Marineland incudes with your tank.) As your tank runs bacteria grows over time ( in sponge and substrate), this bacteria converts ammonia 1st into Nitrite than into Nitrate - when you test your water and get zero nitrite and zero ammonia readings that your tank has cycled. This is very abbreviated - there are very complete guides on line - just google "cycling a fresh water tank". You can put your Betta in the tank now - because you need him pooping and urinating in the water to get your cycle going, but in order to get the cycle done faster you should add the Stability product - which is just bacteria in a liquid suspension( shake well - it should be cloudy when you add it to the tank. Once you add Sharktooth - the ammonia in the tank will begin to build up, it takes a little time, I would not add him till you have your test kit and all your additives, if he is in a bowl now - change the water, regularly - every two days ( this is just a suggestion, the bowl has no filtration...) Bettas are tough little fish but not immortal.... The issue of air - what I suggested is you get an air pump/tubing/and a small airstone - this is apart from the filtration system in the tank. The bubbles make breathing easier for your guy and move stale water from the bottom of your tank to the top. In summary, your don't have to wait a month to add Sharktooth , but have your testing ad additives 1st, and add the air stone and air pump - your fish will thank you for that and again I sound like a broken record but test your water, every two days to check on the ammonia and nitrite levels, they don't sell anything to take care of Nitrite - you can only do water changes to bring it down , but it will got down and hit zero when you tank finally cycles - the ammonia can be locked for I think two days if you use the ammo lock - read the label.  Also, I think I mentioned this if you PH is low (under 7.0) the ammonia is not said to be as toxic - you can google that as well just to be sure. I know this seems like allot but once you get into this is a breeze - really, again good luck

Question 4

The pump is set at lowest level and is still making the water flow too strong for my betta. I faced it to the glass. Any suggestions? He is hiding!

Accepted Answer

I had the exact same problem! Take off the water diverter (the triangular shaped piece where the water comes out) and then the water will trickle out of the pump instead of being shot out. This definitey worked for my Betta, who hid as well!

Product Dimensions	29.85 x 29.85 x 42.55 cm; 5.44 kg
Item model number	ML90611
Volume	1 Millilitres
Quantity	1
Batteries required	No
Batteries Included	No
Item Weight	5.44 kg

Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit with Rail Light, 5-Gallon by MarineLand

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