It’s natural for your betta to play favorites with the decor in the aquarium.
But sometimes, they get too close to the filter and end up hurt or lost.
You need to figure out why your betta likes their filter so much. Then you’ll understand how to discourage the behavior and keep them safe.
Betta fish often hang around the filter if the current is too strong. They have trouble swimming in fast-moving waters. Some betta fish use the filter as a hiding spot when overwhelmed. Conversely, a bored betta could find entertainment in the filtration system. Lack of oxygen is another culprit.
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Common Betta Behavior
Most betta fish are active and curious.
Once they settle into their environment, they will likely have their favorite spaces.
But you still want to see them swimming and exploring throughout the day. They interact with all kinds of decor.
The distinct behavior patterns of your betta are unique, of course. Like you and me, betta fish are individuals.
Some prefer to spend a lot of time in a single, comfortable spot.
Others like to weave between aquatic plants and play with their own reflection.
When your betta first enters a new tank, they will take time to adjust.
At this point, staying near the filter is typical behavior. It’s likely your betta considers it a secure hiding spot.
All the new decor, plant life, and lighting is overstimulating to some fish.
Your pets seek out little safe spaces in larger tanks as they acclimate to their new home.
Aquarium Set-Up
If your betta keeps clinging to the filter after a week or two in their new home, make some changes.
Some of the most common reasons they would stick near the filter are:
- Lack of oxygen
- Boredom
- Harsh lights
- Intense flow rate
Oxygen Deprivation
Even in something as small as a 3-gallon tank, a lack of oxygen is a serious threat.
Don’t use an unfiltered tank. Water quality plummets fast when there is no waste and air control.
Remember, betta fish fight to swim in a strong current. But sponge filters with gentle flow rates may not provide enough oxygen.
This is especially true in five-gallon tanks or larger. The more tank space available, the more oxygen you need to provide.
Air stones like these on Amazon are a great solution for this.
But all kinds of aerators are available, so find what suits your tank best.
Is getting your fish oxygen really the problem?
Look for other signs of oxygen deprivation, like gasping and staying near the water’s surface.
Playtime
An intelligent fish with little stimulation is sure to love the filter.
Imagine being put in a room without screens, books, or people. Boredom makes you find entertainment in weird places.
For your betta, the filter is sometimes a last resort for stimulation.
Add some new decor to keep them from getting too attached to the filter.
Betta fish care includes setting up plenty of plants and hiding spots.
It also means you get a 5-gallon tank, so your pet has extra swimming space.
With enough safe space and entertainment to keep your fish busy, they won’t be as interested in the filter.
Overstimulation
The most common cause of overstimulation is bright lighting.
Even if you use fake plants in the aquarium, you need a good lighting system.
But the lights don’t need to be especially bright.
It’s best if you also put them on a timer, so your betta has a consistent sleep and wake routine.
Too much exposure to light is stressful for all types of fish.
Say you have a good light setup, but your betta is still hiding all the time.
Loud music, bright flashes, and constant noise are other ways you end up with a stressed fish.
Sponge Filter for Your Betta Fish Tank
A gentle sponge filter protects your betta from a harsh flow rate.
The intake sponge filters are less likely to cause your fish swimming trouble.
Betta fish keepers know these guys are not the best swimmers. A strong filter intake can drag them to the filter and hold them there.
A sponge filter is the safest option for your betta. You’ll find our review of the best filters for bettas here.
Safety Concerns
You’re probably wondering what could happen to your betta.
There are a few key reasons you don’t want them staying near the filter:
- Jumping out
- Getting lost
- Extra food source
- Stress/health issues
These guys are notorious jumpers. They escape the tank through the top if there’s no lid.
But a lesser-known escape route is the filter.
If there is any sort of hole behind the filter, don’t doubt your betta can get out.
Even if they don’t leave the tank, your betta might hide in the filter for a long time.
Many fish keepers see their fish disappear only to find them in the filter days later.
Your betta might also find uneaten food trapped in the filter. Extra food is dangerous to them because betta fish are sensitive to digestive issues.
They also won’t get good exercise or stimulation if they stay near the filter.
Overall, staying in one small and confined space for a long time is bad for your pet’s health.
Discouraging Filter Obsessions in Aquarium Fish
Perfect your aquarium setup to make your betta less interested in the filter.
This means keeping up oxygen levels, providing extra swimming space, and having fun with the decor.
If the filter flow is too strong, use filter sponges or filter floss to adjust the flow rate.
Most importantly, pay attention to your betta’s behavior patterns.
Are they having trouble swimming? Are they gasping? Do they like other hiding spots in the tank?
Figuring out why they like the filter so much will help you solve the problem.
Water Filters: A Blessing and a Curse
It’s natural for a betta to stick near the filter when entering a new tank.
But a continued filter obsession points to oxygen deprivation, boredom, or other issues.
Your betta could get seriously hurt or sick from staying in the filter for too long.
So to discourage this behavior, improve your tank setup. Add plants, decor, and give your betta space to swim.
If you need extra advice on setting up the betta tank, read our article here.
