![]() ![]() ![]() I have included the scientific names of these plants as well as the common names (where there is one) to avoid confusion. It is much better to have all the plants you need when you set up your tank rather than trying to add them piecemeal later. You may be able to buy these right off the rack or out of the tanks at your pet store, but if not, ask them to order them for you. But that’s OK! As long as you choose wisely, these shade tolerant aquatic plants will also grow more slowly, meaning you won’t have to trim your tiny tank too often! I chose the following plants, all available from Florida Aquatic Nurseries. For this reason, it is important to choose plants that will grow in fairly dim light conditions. One problem with these little tanks is that the light included is not very bright. You should avoid “fish tank gravel”, because it not only contains no nutrition, but it is also hard for the plants to grab with their roots. You can use these, but you will need to feed your plants from the very beginning, while in a nutrient rich soil based substrate, the plants can find their own nourishment for quite a while. Be aware that there are a number of commercial “planted tank substrates” available that do not provide any nutrition for your plants. I have used Fluval Stratum in this tank, but there are other good options too. Plants need nutrition, just like your fish do, and the easiest way to provide this is with a commercial, soil based substrate. Last, you will need substrate for your tank. If not, there are lots of online sources of hardscape materials. Please patronize your good independent store if you have one. The big box stores may have some, or you may have to venture further afield. ![]() Most independent aquarium stores carry a good selection of hardscape materials these days. You will also need some “hardscape” materials (rocks and or wood) to decorate your tank. Set the temperature of your heater to between 75° and 80° F. If you choose a tank that doesn’t give you this option, you can also hide a submersible heater by placing it horizontally, across the back of the tank. There is room in the Fluval Spec to put a small, submersible, adjustable, thermostatically controlled heater in the space behind the dark panel. There is no unsightly equipment showing inside the tank.īettas are warm water fish, even by tropical fish standards, and really need a heater in their tank unless your home is uncommonly warm. I like this particular tank because all the equipment is hidden in the end panel. While you could get away with a slightly smaller tank, a 5 gallon tank is large enough to be pretty stable, and gives you some room for a pretty “aquascape” (the common term for a pretty garden style aquarium) The nice thing about these all-in-one tank systems is that you get the tank, light, and filtration system all combined. The easiest way to a healthy Betta home, is to start with an “all in one” aquarium. You can find everything you need at your pet store or on line. And it’s not even hard! First tip, however… Don’t buy your Betta yet! Get his new home all set up for him FIRST and give it some time to settle in before bringing your new pet home. You can create a beautiful, small garden-home for your Betta, and have, not only a gorgeous slice of nature to sit on your desk, but also a home for your Betta that will keep him health, happy, and displaying at his best for you. The wild ancestors of our domestic Bettas come from densely vegetated, quiet bodies of water. Bettas may survive just fine in those little cups at the pet store for a week or so, as they wait for you to bring them home, but they actually have all the same needs as any other fish for a long, healthy life. ![]()
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