The type of tank environment to create for your betta fish is essential. You need to take care of many specifications before adding a betta fish to a tank. For instance, a betta tank operates best when it is planted. Here, we will discuss why you need a planted betta tank.
When we talk about a planted betta tank, we mean live aquatic plants rather than plastic artificial plants. Plants provide a host of different benefits for the tank and your betta fish. The addition of plants not only adds to the aesthetic look of the tank but also helps in maintaining the perfect water quality for a betta fish. A sufficient amount of plantation helps reduce the level of unwanted elements like ammonia and nitrates and also makes the tank water softer and habitable for your betta fish.
Why You Should Have A Planted Betta Tank?
It is of utmost importance that you try to mimic the natural environment of the betta fish in your betta tank. The first step towards achieving this is to have a planted betta tank. Betta fish generally come from the shallow, stagnant waters of Southeast Asia, surrounded by heavy plantations.
Besides adding to the beauty and attractiveness of both the tank and the betta fish, plants also provide a whole set of other benefits. It is safe to say that a betta tank is incomplete without plants. Here are some of the benefits of having a planted betta tank.
Reduced Ammonia & Nitrate Levels
The water parameters in a tank are pretty fickle and change almost instantly. For instance, after you have fed your betta fish, there might be some leftovers left that have accumulated at the bottom of the tank. Such an excess buildup can result in an increase in the levels of unwanted elements like ammonia and nitrates.
If the levels of ammonia and nitrates are allowed to rise, then it can seriously harm your betta fish. Ammonia poisoning may prove to be fatal for your betta fish. So, how to get rid of these elements? The answer is quite simple. Get a planted betta tank. Ammonia and nitrates are food sources for plants. Thus, a planted betta tank will help you reduce the ammonia and nitrate levels in the tank.
Lowers Water pH
In the wild, the waters in which the betta fish live are slightly acidic and not hard in nature. Similarly, it would help if you kept this fact in mind while setting up a tank for your betta fish. A planted betta tank makes sure that the water pH is kept low and also aids in softening the water.
Betta fish generally likes a water pH between 6 and 7.5 and a water hardness ranging from 70 to 300 ppm. Adding plants and setting up a planted betta tank ensures that these requirements are fulfilled and maintains the habitability of the betta tank.
Provides Hiding Spots
Betta fish are born aggressors and are highly territorial in nature. Besides this, they also like to hide behind objects. By hiding, they tend to reduce their stress level. In the wild, bettas tend to hide under plant leaves and pieces of wood.
Similarly, you need to provide good hiding places for your betta fish in a tank. To ensure that your betta fish has plenty of hiding places within a tank, you should go for a planted betta tank. Plants will provide your betta fish with several spots for hiding.
Other Benefits
Besides providing the benefits mentioned above, a planted betta tank has more advantages than you think. For instance, a tank with plants looks way better than a tank with no plants. The leaves of the plants also provide a shade for your betta fish. The leaves of some plants can also host the bubble nests of the betta fish, thereby promoting breeding habits.
Before adding plants to your betta tank, you must also make sure that the tank is big enough for a betta fish. For instance, you may have a 10 gallon planted betta tank, a 5 gallon planted betta tank, or a 3 gallon planted betta tank. They are all feasible as long as they are big enough for the betta.
Plants To Add In A Planted Betta Tank
Having highlighted the importance of having a planted betta tank, let us now list some of the preferred categories of plants to add to your betta tank. Here are some of the most suitable plant choices available for you.
- Anubias Nana – They have broad leaves. Do not require much light. It is compact and easy to maintain. Can easily grow on any preferred betta tank substrate and they grow quite slowly.
- Java Ferns – They are quite easy to grow as they do not require much light. They are slow growers and reproduce quickly. They are also easy to maintain and plant.
- Java Moss – They do not need intense lighting and can grow quite easily. They also do not require a proper substrate to be planted in. However, they require maintenance as they tend to grow quickly.
- Anacharis – They have long soft leaves and require a good amount of light to grow. They act as a toxin filter and help prevent unwanted algae growth in the tank.
- Water Sprite – They grow quickly and can be left to float as they grow. They prove to be excellent hosts to bubble nests and require moderate lighting to thrive. They do, however, require maintenance.
- Duckweed – They generally grow on the water surface and that too extremely quickly. Thus, they require periodical maintenance. Provides an aesthetically natural look to the tank.
Having discussed the various types of plants, you may add to your betta tank. We may now look into the best substrate for a planted betta tank. Generally, any gravel-based or sand-based tank substrate is recommended for a betta tank. Floating plants do not need a substrate to grow.
FAQs On Planted Betta Tank
Do bettas like heavily planted tanks?
YES. Betta fish prefer slightly acidic and soft water with sufficient hiding places. A planted aquarium ensures that these requirements are adequately met.
What plants can go in a betta tank?
– Java Ferns
– Anacharis
– Java Moss
– Duckweed
– Anubias Nana
– Water Sprite
– Moss Ball
Do bettas need real plants?
YES. Bettas prefer live aquatic plants in their tank. Artificial plants are usually made of plastic with sharp edges and may damage the betta fins.
What betta tank is the best for plants?
The Penn Plax vertex for betta planted tank is considered one of the best tanks if you are looking to add plants in your betta tank. It checks all the boxes of a perfect planted betta tank.
Does a planted betta tank need a filter?
Plants can reduce the levels of ammonia and nitrate in the water. So, does planted betta tank no filter work? Even though plants act as natural filters, they are not enough. Thus, a water filter must be installed in a betta tank.
Final Thoughts
Thus, it is quite evident that a planted betta tank has a lot to offer. It ensures that the water parameters are up to the mark and brings out the beauty of the tank. Moreover, there are many plant choices for you to choose from.
