If you are looking to set up a tank for your betta fish then there are some basic tank requirements that you need to fulfill before putting in a betta fish. Among these requirements, the choice of the substrate for your tank is perhaps the most important one. So which is the best substrate for betta fish?
A tank substrate is ignored most of the time by betta fish owners. This can prove to be a huge mistake as substrates are quite essential for your betta fish. Substrates provide a home to beneficial bacterial groups that are necessary to maintain the habitat inside the tank for your betta fish. A substrate is also necessary for the proper growth of various aquatic plants. Thus, choosing the best substrate for betta fish is important.
Why is a Tank Substrate Necessary?
As stated earlier, tank substrate is an important part of an ideal tank setup. A substrate comes in a variety of different forms and colors from tiny pebbles to large rocks. Most people think that a substrate is only a form of decoration.
While a tank substrate looks good in a tank, it also serves other purposes for your tank. A substrate is an important component in creating a habitable environment for your fish. It provides hiding places for fish as well as enrichment for bottom-dwellers.
Tank substrate also provides a home to various bacterias that are quite helpful in making the tank more habitable for your betta fish. These bacterial colonies are required for the removal of fish waste, leftover food, and plant debris.
The growth of aquatic plants in a tank is also a necessary part of a tank setup. Proper lighting and tank substrate ensure the effective growth of such aquatic plants in your aquarium. These plants provide your betta fish with enough hiding places within the tank.
Thus, besides providing your tank with an aesthetic look, a tank substrate also fulfills other purposes. It not only houses beneficial bacterias for the habitability of your tank but also promotes the proper growth of various aquatic plants in the tank. Thus, it becomes necessary to choose the best substrate for betta fish.
Best Substrate For Betta Fish
Here are our top 3 picks for the best substrate for betta fish.
#1 Fluval Plant Stratum for Fish Tanks
Fluval Stratum is an aquarium substrate that promotes aquatic plant growth in freshwater tanks. Plant roots quickly penetrate and spread across the substrate, allowing live aquarium plants to acquire a range of essential, readily available nutrients.
The light, non-compacting, porous nature of the substrate is also helpful to nitrifying bacteria, which colonize the wide porous surface quickly and provide ideal aquarium water quality for plants. Fluval Stratum will aid in maintaining a neutral to slightly acidic pH, which is excellent for most plant species and tropical fish.
Customer Reviews
Customers who have purchased the Fluval Plant Stratum have left quite positive reviews. People have stated that it really promotes the healthy growth of aquatic plants. It also optimizes the water pH level in the tank. It is simple to set up and is certainly one of the best substrate for betta fish.
After 1 Year Usage
People who have used the Fluval Plant Stratum For Fish Tanks have stated that even though managing this substrate was quite hard during the initial stages, it became easy over time. Some people had problems with the substrate being too light. Overall, the product is the best substrate for betta fish and is highly recommended.
| PROS👍 | CONS👎 |
|---|---|
| – Mineral-rich soil | – May be hard to set up |
| – Optimizes pH level | – Is not quite showy |
| – Low priced | |
| – Promotes bacterial growth | |
| – Promotes healthy aquatic plant growth |
#2 Flourite Dark Premium Natural Substrate
Flourite Dark is stable porous clay gravel that has been specifically fracted for use in natural planted aquariums. Its look is appropriate for planted aquariums, but it may be utilized in any freshwater aquarium. It is one of the best substrate for betta fish.
Flourite Dark works best when used as a standalone substrate bed, although it may also be combined with other gravels. The pH of the water will not be affected by Flourite Dark because it is not chemically coated or processed. Flourite Dark lasts a long time in the aquarium and does not need to be replaced.
Customer Reviews
Customers who have used the Flourite Dark Premium Natural Substrate have left quite positive comments on the working of the product. It is quite easy to set up and is amazing for the growth of aquatic plants. It is an all-natural product without any added chemicals.
After 1 Year Usage
The Flourite Dard Premium Natural substrate is an all-natural product with no added chemicals. People who have used this product have claimed that the substrate is great for plantations. However, some have complained of their tank getting cloudy over time.
| PROS👍 | CONS👎 |
|---|---|
| – No added chemicals | – Has to be rinsed before use |
| – Compatible with other gravels | – May cloud the tank |
| – Perfect for planted aquariums | |
| – Not too pricey |
#3 Diamond Black Premium Gravel and Substrate for Aquariums
The Aqua Natural Diamond Black Premium Gravel provides you with all-natural quartz gravel for your tank. Natural Quartz not only looks quite good in your tank but has also been proved to aid with aquarium build-up by reducing it.
This is partially due to quartz’s large surface area, which provides additional room for tank cleaning bacteria to develop. Quartz is a stunning substrate that contrasts nicely with aquarium plants owing to its many light-reflecting facets.
The Diamond Black Premium Gravel is an all-natural product that is entirely safe for your fish. It contrasts nicely with aquatic plants. It also promotes healthy bacterial growth owing to its large surface area and quartz-based manufacturing.
Customer Reviews
Many customers who bought the product appear to be satisfied with the product. Some people, however, had problems. They stated that the substrate did not sparkle and manipulated the tank pH level. They also claim that some portions of the gravel rusted.
After 1 Year Usage
The Diamond Black Premium Gravel and Substrate for Aquariums is a quartz-based tank substrate that promotes beneficial bacterial and plant growth. However, people have claimed that the substrate did not sparkle as shown in the packaging and that it influenced the pH level of tank water.
| PROS👍 | CONS👎 |
|---|---|
| – Promotes bacterial growth | – Can change the water pH |
| – Quartz-based aquarium gravel | – May not sparkle |
| – Reduces aquarium build-up | – Comparatively expensive |
| – Aquarium safe | |
| – Promotes aquatic plant growth |
FAQs on Best Substrate For Betta Fish
What kind of substrate is best for a betta fish?
It is recommended to use gravel or sand as substrates for a betta tank. These promote healthy bacterial growth and are less likely to harm your betta fish.
Do betta fish like dark or light substrate?
A darker colored substrate is preferred as it can highlight your betta’s color correctly. There is no preference as such for your betta fish.
Can I put crystals in my betta tank?
YES. There is no issue in keeping crystals in a betta tank.
Final Thoughts
Thus, you should not choose tank substrate lightly. It is an essential part of your tank setup and promotes healthy plant and bacterial growth. Therefore, it is crucial to select the best substrate for betta fish.
