Idk if u guys remember my last post about 2 weeks back but this is the guy who I got from the shop for free since he was weak asf and about to die….had him in a tiny bowl as like a nursing tank? and u guys insisted on getting him on a bigger tank asap…so yeah….
I didnt put any plants because I dont want to get another snail infestation.
If u guys got any suggestions it would really help… thanks!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1r0a0i4
Posted by Accomplished-Sky1883
5 Comments
I recommend live plants! It helps balance out nitrate parameters and creates a more complete environment. Plus bettas always like to explore and sleep in them.
Snail infestations usually only happen when there’s an abundance of uneaten food, otherwise you could look up how to do a soak for new plants to kill off any pests! Anubis, Java fern, any Val’s and floaters are great starters and in my experience don’t require a whole lot of maintenance.
Other then plants maybe look for a good piece of driftwood to fill in that space? Do you have a heater and filter? If not sponge filters are super easy to maintain and set up and double as a bubbler! Bettas love tannins too, if you could find some Indian almond leaves that could be a good enrichment for him.
Lots of plants
If you want plants and are scared of getting snails, get tissue culture plants. They are 100% snail free. They are smaller than what you would normally get. All my plants in my tanks are tissue culture and they are doing great.
Grab those tube plants if anyone sells them near you. Idk what country you’re in but ik US chains sell them. You can find ferns, anubias, swords, and more in those. Guaranteed snail-free, plus way easier than tissue culture plants.
You can soak most plants in a diluted hydrogen peroxide or bleach bath to remove hitchhikers. I don’t know the ratio off hand, but you can Google how to do it. Just rinse them thoroughly after.
Betta Avery very curious, inquisitive fish, and will absolutely suffer in a bare tank.
Live plants provide a LOT more benefit for the fish, the tank, and you as far as reducing some of the maintenance, but please at least get this baby from silk plants if you are truly against trying live plants again.