I want to begin adding more plants to my tank. I bought a nice piece of driftwood that I plan to add, too (to attach plants to?). I'm curious to hear everyone's opinions on appropriate lighting (necessary aside from standard hood lighting?), or, no hoods? Will bettas jump out? (I've heard about this…)
I'm a beginner looking for all there is to know about providing Finn with the best, most enriched life possible.
It's my understanding that I may need to add root tabs every so often for gravel-rooting plants. I also have Seachem Flourish on hand.
Low quality photo of Finn for tax
https://i.redd.it/wkmszcu33jng1.jpeg
Posted by cashewchi1212
13 Comments
Came here to say that his color is gorgeous
Well, from what I’ve read, the amount of light you’d need depends on the plant. Anubias and java ferns for example are very low maintenance and do not need as much light and fertilizers as other plants do. They are very easy to care for, good for beginners (like me and you). You just have to make sure to not bury their roots, otherwise they’ll rot. There is also amazon swords (they are beautiful) which do require a bit more light and need a nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs to grow healthy. About the hood, I’d not risk not having one. Mine doesn’t seem like a jumper, but you never know haha you don’t want to come one day and find Finn on the floor.
Depends on the plant, but usually you’ll need a light. Always have a lid. Bettas like to pretend they don’t jump, until they jump out of the tank.
There’s always the risk of them jumping. Not worth not keeping a lid.
Fin looks great!
I find they like plants that either have big leaves like grown anubias or plants that grow fast and create “forests” of leaves for them to hide in.
Use root tabs very sparingly. They can release amonia into water column if you’re not careful or have too many for the plants to eat. And definitely make sure they stay buried.
I know it’s under kill but I only use 2 tabs for my 10 gallon.
every time I feed my betta I have to be careful because she will leap at my fingers and i’m certain she’s not paying attention to where she lands 💀 def get a lid and be mindful of their ravenous appetite
Definitely have a lid. Too many horror stories on here of people finding their bettas dried up for my liking.
I’ve never had a fish jump but a family member had a fish jump and land in the garburator fortunately it wasn’t turned on or he would have been a fish Smoothie.
Since then all my tanks have lids, no exceptions!
I would definitely go with a lid! As others have said, the light situation depends on the plant. I had to do away with my solid lid because my red root floaters were drowning from the condensation, but I found a DIY mesh like lid on Amazon and it is fantastic. My light sits above it. The plants are happy, and my guy can’t escape. Mentioning it to let you know you have options lid wise.
I wish you luck with you plants and fish! <3
I look at a lot of plant subs, and aquarium and planted tank subs. This picture with your title had me so confused for a full 5 seconds.
“Lighting for streps should be… huh? hood? wait is it under water? Beta jumping… OOOH!”
Your guy is such a beautiful flower!
I got a gro light off Amazon specific for aquarium plants. I replaced my hood with a piece of clear acrylic from a craft store.It’s meant for framed photos, and I cut it to size for my tank.
I haven’t used root tabs. I use liquid fertilizer and all my plants have been growing like weeds. I’ve had the tank since September.
Fuscia!! Goodness what a beauty
And idk wtf is wrong with me, but plants just hate me, Co2 plat food, light currrent no current lll cat seem to keep them alive 🫠
There is always the risk he can jump out without a lid. That risk is all but eliminated with a lid. I do not understand people who claim to care about fish willing to risk a fish death that is entirely preventable.
Get some floating plants prevent jumping out
At first glance I thought that was a photo of an orchid! 😆 What a gorgeous color!
There are clear lids & tank covers that allow a good light to penetrate/ nourish plants.
Mesh lids like you’d find on a reptile vivarium also work.
My classroom tank is a donated wonderfactory smart tank w the light built into the lid, which works great for basic planted tanks w jump-prone fish.
Solutions abound, is what I’m saying.