Working on a new 20g long set up for a betta. I own many fish ( this will be tank number 3) but never owned a betta. Im really excited to get one! I'm hoping to do a school of either Harlequin rasboras or ember tetra along with the betta. Still gathering some supplies while the tank is cycling (heater, more plants, etc. ) but any advice or criticism is welcomed. I'm trying to get as close to a bettas natural habitat as possible but avoiding blackwater. Specific plants? Floaters? Other suggestions on tank mates? Anything?
https://i.redd.it/bo33aji9hzcg1.jpeg
Posted by Spike3788
3 Comments
It looks great, I’d just say a lot more hides and foliage! I’m super new to the plant game, but I currently have Java fern and anubias in my tank that seem to be doing well. For floaters i hear good things about red root floaters and water spangle. In regard to care bettas need a lot of protein and don’t digest plant matter well – fluval betta bug bites seem to be well liked amongst the hobby and is what I feed. Also some floating logs or betta hammocks would be great as they like to rest near the surface. Just try to avoid the leaf hammocks with wire in them because the metal rusts over time. Even just a tall plant will be good for them to rest. Though my guy prefers to sleep on the floor anyways 🤣.
Some bettas natural habitats are puddles so think of it like a pampered betta habitat. They like dark water so tannins from wood and almond leaves will help with that. Also lots of hides and plants. Floaters would be good. They are awesome at keeping parameters stable. Just make sure nothing too tough is in there. Bettas rub up against everything. I e also found the sweet spot temperature is 78-79 degrees.
Bettas love betta logs, it a great place for them to rest and stay close to the surface since they can breathe from the surface of the water.
For the floaters I like frogbit or water lettuce personally as they can handle a little bit of current.
Houseplants like monstera and pothos do great with just the roots submerged and also create areas where the betta can rest.
It’s important to have rest areas close to the surface. I would also pick a plakat betta (short fin) rather than a long fin one since they sometimes struggle in big tanks.