Hi guys! I set my tank up today, as I plan to get a betta after it’s cycled properly. I’ve been doing a lot of research over the last couple of weeks, and i’ve learned about parameters, tank cycling, feeding, tankmakes, etc. My test kits are coming in this weekend so I don’t have water parameters yet, but I will update when I do! I also haven’t started the cycling process yet, as I’m waiting for my Dr. Tim’s ammonia to come in.
It is a 5 gallon tank, with a heater, filter, and thermometer. There’s multiple live plants, a couple fake plants (I tested them, they’re soft enough I promise), two terracotta pots (I believe they are unglazed, when I test my parameters I will make sure they aren’t messing with them), a leaf hammock, and three rocks (granite, basalt, and fire quarts, which I have seen are safe, but if you know differently please let me know!). I made sure to block all the holes on my lid with mesh and velcro, which was a very helpful suggestion from another post on here. I also conditioned my water with API StressCoat.
The plants and gravel are both from already existing tanks (not mine, I got them off FB marketplace lol), so I figure that may help seed my tank for cycling.
I plan to get one male (or possibly female) betta, likely either a half moon or crown tail, and one nerite snail (maybe, depending on the bettas temperament lol).
If you see anything in my tank that you think I should fix/change/remove, please let me know! The last time I had a betta I was probably 6, so it’s been a while!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1j0pv44
Posted by Agreeable_Brother447
2 Comments
It’s a great start! Can’t go wrong with adding even more plants, especially since some of the ones you have now can die off. Your substrate is just rocks, I’d suggest getting root tabs for your plants.
The substrate in my tank is sand, it doesn’t have nutritional value for roots. I had a never ending ugly algae problem that fixed right up when I started using root tabs.
The tank looks great and you seem to be doing everything right, maybe some spider driftwood if you want more objects but you’re off to a great start. A floating log I’ve found to be a nice spot for my betta to rest close to the surface. I want to get another for my 2nd tank, so maybe look into that
Looking like an excellent setup! Over the years, I’ve had good luck with API StressCoat. The mesh on the hood openings is really going to work well. You’ll need to show us pics when you’ve gotten the tank inhabitants. Enjoy!