What are the body's filters?

Sponge filters for my betta fish aquarium?

• I'm planning on getting a 5 gallon aquarium, heater and some type of filter for my betta fish. Filters scare me for some reason, because i've heard things about fish getting stuck in them or injured by them. Also, i've heard the electric filters sometimes have too strong of a current for betta fish. I've never had experience with filters so i'm basically clueless. I know that there are sponge filters, which i'm looking in to. Is there any risk that my fish will get injured by a sponge filter? If so, how can I prevent it from happening? How exactly do they work? Which one should I buy for a 5 gallon aquarium? How do you clean out sponge filters? (Sorry, I know that's a lot of questions!) I appreciate any information you're able to give me, thanks in advance :)

• Answer:

  First off, I appreciate the knowledge of too strong of a current hurting a Betta. Good job! :) No a Betta will not get hurt by a sponge filter. I've never used one but you have an air pump which causes the air to go through the filter sponge and some carbon, basically an air line pushes air into a chamber which usually is filled with carbon and the air bubbles coming up and out of the filter draw water into the carbon through the sponge. To clean out sponge filter you take off the sponge, then you take out some tank water, TANK WATER ONLY, and gently squeeze the sponge in the old tank water to wash away all the debris. Sponge filters are not very attractive and I personally don't like them. A more efficient power filter yo could use is an Aqua Clear 20. It is a power filter but it has a feature where you can adjust the flow rate. At the lowest setting it will be very comfortable for your Betta. It will also not take up tank space and be better looking. Be sure to cycle! http://www.oscarfishlover.com/helpful-articles/cycling-an-aquarium Good luck:)