I'm def gonna add some real plants, but if you have any suggestions as to which ones how much I'll gladly tank it. Id also like suggestions for anything else needed. Also I know you're not supposed to just decorate it with fake plants and things like I have but are they harmful or just not good to be the only things there? I'll take any input.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1pvoob0
Posted by Flashy_Recording_529
6 Comments
i would be really cautious using fake decor due to sharp edges and small openings where fish get stuck. make sure to cycle the tank + real plants (anubias, java fern are great) and some driftwood can really benefit a tank. Great that you have a heater and filter! What do you plan on putting in it?
1/10
Too bright gravel, fake plants and fake decorations can be harmful.
I suggest limnophila sessiliflora as starter plant. It’s super fluffy, easy and grows fast. My betta girl loves to sleep and explore in these.
Frogbit floating plants would be great, too.
If you get dark substrate, the colors of your betta will appear more bright as it creates a contrast.
How long will you let the tank cycle before you introduce a betta?
Fill up the water level more. Also, it’s way too empty right now so good that you’re asking about plants. Easy beginner plants are anubias and java fern as well as floaters like red root floaters and salvinia! Really, you can’t do anything wrong with plants. Here’s my current Betta tank (15g):
https://preview.redd.it/8bamfvy6jf9g1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=803f8349e20586737dc8e5b390cdc6b0e531e11b
I would suggest a few things. If you want to stick with fake plants, make sure they’re silk! Plastic plants can tear up your betta’s fins. I can see you have a heater and a filter set up already- awesome!
If you want to go with real plants? I would suggest emptying out the tank and going with some kind of aquarium substrate for planting. I personally am having awesome success with my anubias and amazon swords. I’ve had the tank for two months total, planted for just over a month, and everything is growing like mad!
Also, make sure your tank is fully cycled before you add any fish! That’s super important. If you want to go with live plants, I would suggest planting up the tank and then starting the cycle, as it gives you something more to look at than just an empty box. I really enjoyed that for my first tank, and I know I’m going to do the same for the second one I’m starting to set up.
It’s nice for a snail… not for a betta fish though. They get exhausted swimming because they evolved to swim in shallow water and there are literally no places the fish can rest in this. They like to rest near the surface and on plants, I don’t see any here. Fake decor can leech plastic into your water and can tear the fins. They love hiding spots and exploring. It’s also way too bright and bettas don’t like light.
I’d say get a truck load of plants, and get betta logs for them to rest. Also i’d substitute the gravel for sand. Your fish will be stressed af in this.
You can use silk plants and other artificial items without sharp edges. But in this rather empty space a betta will not live its best life. He needs tall plants to hide in and rest in near the surface that will also make him feel enclosed and safe. A natural decor as in wood, plants, stones is more beneficial for its health and the water in the tank. An tank with only plastic items must be monitored more closely and more water changes are needed. Google low light hardy beginner plants