[AGUILAR3]

That is so cool.

Why the need for current? I think even the smallest pump/powerhead is going to create and unbelievable amount of current in that tank and will stress out your Betta almost instantly. Bettas don't like current.

You can get one of those betta heat mats/pads made for fish bowls and place it under the gravel or on the back glass and hide it with plants.

 

[AGUILAR3]

You can do small weekly water changes the first few month or so until you tank fully cycles then you can cut it back to once a month. Lucky for you, bettas have a labyrinth organ and don't need as much oxygenated water as most fish do. Water quality should still be maintained though.


Most of the set ups in this thread have zero water movement

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=363465

 

[AGUILAR3]

Google the "Nitrogen Cycle" and you'll get a good idea on how some are able to maintain tanks without filters. Key ingredient is plenty of plants.

Again, check out some of the tanks in the link I provided above. Quite a few of them are actually shrimp only bowls/tanks.

9.9 times out of 10, your betta will make a quick snack of anything that moves inside his tank...or at least attempt to. Especially shrimp.

 

[AGUILAR3]

tank is looking good.

 

[AGUILAR3]

With the Betta? Good luck. It's 50/50 chance he'll either leave it alone or attack anything that moves. I know it's possible but I've been unsuccessful with all of my males.

 

[AGUILAR3]

Wiki

What is it?

Bio-film (biofilm) is a thin film on the surface of aquarium water, caused by the build up of protein from organic waste material. It is the structure bacteria build to support themselves growing on the surface where they get access to oxygen and the material.


What does it look like?

It can be spotted by looking at the surface at an angle to a light source and you may see reflected an oil like rainbow effect. It can also be directly seen by breaking up the surface of the water with a finger or stick to make bubbles. If bubbles form and last for more than a few seconds then you've got a bio-film.


Is it dangerous?

In certain circumstances (high bioload) it can reduce the level of oxygen to the rest of the tank. It can also stop CO2 getting released from the water so CO2 levels rise and so may cause asphyxiation to the animals in the tank including the nitrifying bacteria in a filter.


Causes

It can be caused in a new aquarium where the gravel release their organic debris and it settles on the surface.
It can be caused by a male Betta, Paradise or Gourami fish when he constructs his bubble nest. He uses his own mucus to form the bubbles.
Tiny uneaten food particles or decaying plant may rise and gather at the surface.
Add too much bottled bacteria may cause this.
Unfiltered tanks or tanks with very little surface movement are more prone to this than well filtered tanks.

Removing it

Ensure an adequate water flow at the surface or provide aeration to break up the water surface. It will soon dissipate. In the immediate instance a fishnet can be used to take the film off the surface of the water.