Plants in betta fish tanks is a subject that most people do not really talk about. They would rather just add some plastic plants and be done with it.
Plants for bettas are important though because they serve more than one purpose. Firstly, they create a pretty display of color which makes any aquarium look all the more attractive. Also, they are beneficial to the fish who live there because they provide hiding places for small fishes and give them surfaces on which to graze algae.
Aquarium plants provide a fun and interesting way for your betta to explore, as well as obstacles to restrict line of sight in the event that he becomes territorial, and resting places for him to sleep at night. Some of the best plants suitable for betta fish are Java Fin, Anubias, Marimo Moss Ball, Cryptocoryne, Water Sprite, Betta Bulb, Amazon Sword Plant, Vallisneria, Pogostemon stellatus Octopus, and some kinds of floating plants.
Not only do plants provide a home for your fish, but they also make the tank look clean. This is because instead of pebbles or sand at the bottom, they provide a natural-looking surface on which debris can collect.
Things to Consider When Looking for Plants for Betta Fish
Aquatic plants are especially beneficial to bettas. Some kinds, on the other hand, maybe more difficult to maintain than others. The greatest thing you can do to avoid purchasing the incorrect one is to know what grows in aquariums and what doesn't.
Here are some more options for selecting the correct aquatic plants:
- If your plant's leaves appear waxy or glossy and have a sharp point, it's most likely a houseplant and not a good aquarium choice.
- Water plants generally droop if they are kept out of the water; they will certainly slump unless supported. If a plant is capable of standing on its own, it is probably a houseplant.
- Plants with multicolored leaves, such as green, red, or white, might be houseplants.
Do not trust vendors just because they are offering you a plant for your fish tank! Some of them aren't entirely honest when it comes to providing a plant for your aquarium.
There are numerous varieties of aquarium plants that you can buy at your local store, Here are some hearty and simple to grow ones:
Java Fern
Because of its long, thick leaves and low maintenance requirements, java fern is one of the most popular aquarium plants. This slow-growing plant comes in a variety of forms including needle leaf, trident, and Windelov (or lace) java fern.
It has a sturdy "stem" called a rhizome that produces leaves on top and roots at the bottom. Rhizome plants are unique in that they don't require any substrate or gravel to thrive; simply attach them to a rock or driftwood with super glue gel and set it wherever you wish in the aquarium.
Java ferns may also reproduce in an unusual manner. You can split the plant into two halves by cutting the rhizome in half, or your java fern's leaves might start producing little plants on their own. Wait until a plant has developed roots and is at least 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter before detaching it and resowing it elsewhere in the tank.
Tank Requirements For Java Fern
Looking after the java plants in your betta tank is going to require minimal effort on your part. Thankfully the water parameters for both your plant and betta need to be the same for them to thrive.
pH & Temperature
To begin, you'll need to ensure that the pH level in your tank is between 6.0 and 7.0 for your java fern. Betta fish require a pH of 7, therefore if you keep it at 7 or greater, both will be pleased!
The temperature is the next consideration. Java fern in your betta tank will be much easier to maintain than your betta. The ideal temperature for a betta is 78°F. However, as long as the temperature of your tank stays between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and does not vary, your betta will be just fine.
However, a java fern may survive in water as low as 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. And the most important thing to keep any aquatic life happy is to make sure the water isn't changing. They'll be delighted and healthy if you stick to the water parameters and maintain the water stable!
Lighting
The lighting is where the Java fern requires some attention. While other plants require strong light, java ferns do not. In fact, they will grow much better in a tank with fewer .light levels.
Because they normally develop in the shade of other plants or obstacles in the wild, this is why it's difficult for them to thrive under strong light. They've gotten so good at this that intense light will harm them. If your java fern begins to brown or becomes more transparent, reduce the lighting in your tank or conceal it with something.
Anubias
Another genus of rhizome plants is the Anubias species, which has a wide range of forms, sizes, and textures. The most common variants are Anubias barteri, anubias nana petite, and anubias coffeefolia.
Just like java fern they can be attached to various hardscaping and aquarium ornaments Rhizome plants can be planted into the substrate as well, but be careful not to bury the rhizome or else the plant may die.
You may also put the anubias with its plastic container inside an Easy Planter decoration. The look of your betta fish tank can be changed simply by moving the fake rock, which has a very natural appearance.
When looking for anubias, the most important thing to consider is whether or not you're buying healthy specimens. The following are signs of excellent health:
Tank Requirements For Anubias
The most parameters you need to get right are the lighting, temperature, pH, and hardiness.
pH & Temperature
The easiest parameters to measure are pH and temperature. A pH testing kit and thermometer are all that are required. The ideal water temperature for anubias and bettas is 78°F. While anubias can survive temperatures ranging from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, bettas thrive at temperatures ranging from 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The next aspect to consider is the pH. When you care for anubias, you should try to accommodate it since it can live in a wider pH difference. You should strive to keep the pH of your betta tank at 7. This will be ideal for your anubias plant because they like water with a pH of 6 - 7.5.
Water Hardness
The pH of the water will be altered by the hardness, so as long as the pH is stable and where you want it to be, the hardness will be okay.
Anubias and bettas can live in a wide range of water hardness levels. However, you should try to maintain the water hardness at 3-8KH to enable them to flourish.
Lighting
The kind of lighting you use will also have an influence on anubias in various ways. But, first and foremost, you'll be pleased to hear that anubias may survive with standard lighting. So you don't need anything too powerful. However, if you want a brighter light, you'll notice an improvement in the growth of your anubias.
You should also double-check that your lighting isn't causing problems for your betta. While an anubias plant that is growing quickly may be attractive, make sure your tank isn't too bright for your betta. If it's too bright, you might see him become stressed, which will weaken his immune system and cause harm to him.
Tank Size
Last but not least, don't put anubias in a tank that is too small. Fortunately, because anubias is a tiny plant, you don't need a huge aquarium. You may keep anubias in anything larger than 10 gallons and it will be happy.
Marimo Moss Ball
Marimo balls are one of the most popular aquarium plants! They also produce oxygen and eliminate nitrates, which is beneficial to improve water quality.
They are neither moss nor plant, but rather a type of algae. However, they can only be found in a few bodies of water throughout the world, which are located in Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, and Estonia. The circular shape of these creatures is caused by their being constantly rolled around the bottoms of lakes.
Marimo moss balls are easy to grow and maybe planted right in an aquarium that receives little sunlight. They're cheap and distinctive, so many individuals like to buy a bunch of marimo moss balls to fill their betta fish aquariums. The majority of our Marimo balls range from 1.75 to 2.25 inches in diameter.
Tank Requirements For Marimo Moss Ball
Marimo balls require minimal care because they don't require much fertilizer. They may however be kept in tap water; they will stay cleaner and longer in filtered or reverse osmosis water. It is suggested to add some ocean salt to the water if marimo balls have brown spots.
Temperature
Marimo thrives in cold water, so they prefer colder water. We recommend a temperature of no more than 76°F. The water temperature of your Marimo may cause brown spots to appear.
If you discover that the water in your home is becoming too warm during the summer, you may put your Marimo in a container filled with cold water for up to 24 hours at a time to give it a rest.
Marimo balls are wonderful for aquariums, but they can also be kept in glass jars, bottles, vases, and a variety of other containers. Because Marimo do not require air, so they may survive in closed vessels.
Your Marimo may take up to two days to sink all the way to the bottom of your tank or container. When your Marimo is floating, it's usually because there are air pockets trapped inside the balls. To release the air bubbles, gently squeeze the Marimo while holding it underwater.
Lighting
Marimo requires little light because they naturally develop at the bottom of a lake. They do not need special or high-intensity lighting since they form naturally in lakes and ponds. Marimo may photosynthesize with normal household lighting or indirect sunlight from windows. Marimos are able to live and thrive in most aquarium lights and lamps. Brown spots may appear on marimo if it is exposed to direct sunshine or high-intensity LED lights.
If your Marimo is stuck in one spot for an extended period of time, you may need to turn or rotate the ball so that all sides of it are exposed to adequate light.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria is a large genus of aquatic plants with a wide range of species. Vallisnerias are between 1 and 3 feet tall in aquariums, depending on the type. The long, grass-like strands are ideal for bettas who wish to practice their swimming technique without colliding with sharp ornaments or other fish.
Here Are Some of the Types of Vallisneria:
Once it has taken root in your aquarium, it will spread like wildfire by sending out new runners with tiny plants every few days. This plant is an excellent way to fill the rear of your aquarium and provide natural line-of-sight barriers for your territorial betta.
Tank Requirements for Vallisneria
They do prefer harder alkaline water and can even survive in slightly brackish conditions. However, it is the finest aquatic plant for really tall tanks. If you enjoy the idea of a densely planted aquarium, this one is for you.
pH : 6.5-8.5 |
Lighting: low-high, 40-200PAR |
Temperature Range: 59 – 86°F |
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne plants, or "crypts" for short, are renowned for their low-maintenance needs and ability to tolerate a wide range of light levels. Cryptocoryne Wendie is one of the most prevalent types with green, bronze, tropical, and red being some of the many colors.
Betta fish like to rest on top or below their broad, wavy-edged leaves. Cryptocoryne parva is one of the tiniest crypts with deep green, thin leaves and is utilized as a background plant most often.
Unlike most of the other types of plants on this list, cryptocorynes prefer to absorb their nourishment from the ground rather than the water column, so they thrive in media that contains nutrients such as root tab fertilizers.
They are a great addition to a betta fish tank because they can be planted with other plants and offer shelter for the Betta's fry as well as adding natural beauty to your aquarium.
Tank Requirements for Cryptocoryne
Temperature: 68°F to 83°F (20°C - 28°C) is ideal for Cryptocoryne. Whereas for betta fish, the optimal temperature range is 75°F to 80°F. So an average of around 74°F to 78°F is best for both Cryptocoryne and betta fish.
Lighting: Cryptocoryne is a beautiful, easy-to-grow plant that may be found on the island nation of Sri Lanka. The plant requires low maintenance and will thrive in both high-light and low-light environments. But they will grow more rapidly under higher levels of illumination.
A good rule of thumb for lighting is 3 watts per gallon (7.5 L) or brighter. If you notice that your Cryptocoryne is turning brown, then they might be receiving too much light.
pH: Around 6 to 7.5 is perfect for betta fish and Cryptocoryne. They cannot adapt to high pH levels, so try to keep this low in your water.
Deficiency: New leaves may occasionally turn brown or die off when a Cryptocoryne plant is going through a nutrient deficiency issue. This usually occurs when the plant has been recently purchased and isn't acclimated well. Regular fertilization with liquid fertilizer will ensure that your cryptocoryne has all the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
Amazon Sword Plant
Large aquariums may be decorated with a huge sword plant, such as an Amazon sword or a red flame sword. This popular aquarium plant is appreciated for its simple upkeep requirements and large, broad leaves that provide resting and hiding places for aquatic animals like bettas.
These plants are better suited to Betta tanks with at least 10 gallons of capacity or more. To stay properly anchored, the Amazon Sword must be planted a few inches deep into the substrate and have its roots developed several inches deep in addition to being securely fastened to the tank's decor.
Sword plants, like crypts, are another category of aquatic plants that feed primarily from their roots and need nutrient-rich substrate or frequent root tabs to thrive. When the sword plant reaches a certain size, it may begin to develop long spikes that form tiny sword plants for you to grow in other fish tanks.
Sword plants can do well in community tank water conditions. The following are acceptable levels for water for sword plant:
Aquarium pH: 6.5 – 7.5, some suggest that pH as low as 6.0 is acceptable. |
Water Temperature: 72 – 82 Degrees Fahrenheit. |
Lighting: Moderate to strong, and for between 10 – 12 hours per day |
Water Sprite
It's also known as "water lettuce," and it is your betta's best friend in the tank since it absorbs ammonia very efficiently and helps to keep your aquarium water clean. This easy-to-grow stem plant can be used as a floating plant or planted in the substrate, and it is quite adaptable since your betta fish may use it to construct bubble nests.
Its fine, lacy leaves create a thick jungle for your betta fish to explore and utilize for bubble nest construction. Water sprite does an excellent job of absorbing hazardous nitrogen compounds generated by fish waste, making it a good choice for water gardens. If it consumes all of the nutrients in the water, you should use some Easy Green fertilizer to keep it well fed.
Tank Conditions for Water Sprite
You'll need to make sure you're giving your plant the proper water parameters for it to survive after you've purchased it.
Water Sprouts are found in marshes and swamps, which means they may be found anywhere. Because of their rapid growth, they are found in water that is only moderately deep.
Water movement is slow in the wild, which compliments their delicate leaves well. They grow in areas with a lot of sunshine and use that to outgrow their rivals.
Make sure to keep your plants away from direct water flow to replicate their natural habitat in your tank. This plant is sensitive, and the direct current can cause harm.
However, in terms of water treatment, this plant is tough and will survive most situations as long as the plant is healthy. The following are acceptable levels for water:
Temperature: 68-82°F |
pH: 6.0-7.5 |
Water Hardness: KH 3-8 |
For water Sprite, a medium to high light level and a low to medium water movement is recommended.
Check your plant for signs of disease during the betta water change to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy one. The leaves should be a pleasant green color, and there should be no damage.
Betta Bulb
Bulbs are plant parts that store food during the dormant season, and they can be either annuals or perennials. A new bulb will have to be planted every year if you're growing an annual; otherwise, the same bulb will bloom each year.
When purchasing a betta bulb, you'll get all of the food included in this specialized stem loaded with nutrients that is ready to be planted and cultivated. The bulb will then grow long leaves and perhaps produce one flower if grown in ideal circumstances.
Most of the time, you'll get an Aponogeton plant, which has long, light green leaves with a rippled or wavy texture. The banana plant and dwarf aquarium lily are two other simple bulb plants. Both of these plants will send out lily pads that reach the surface, forming a network of stems for your betta to swim in between.
Aponogeton bulbs do not need much additional tank maintenance or a high-tech setup, making them one of the easier live plants for betta tanks as long as they sprout first.
Water temperatures: between 72-82° F (22.2-27.8° C).
Water pH: It should be neutral, around 6.5-75. Water current should be minimal in order to recreate their natural ecosystems.
Lighting: There is no need for special lighting, but they may flourish in higher intensities and more precise spectrums. Fertilizers and additional CO2 are also not necessary, though growth rates may increase with supplementation.
Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus
Another fantastic background plant for your betta fish tank is this unique stem plant, which can quickly fill it with verdant greenery. The ‘octopus' name comes from the fact that each node on the stem produces numerous lengthy and silky leaves that flutter like octopus legs in the water current.
As with other stem plants, it may quickly reach a great height. Simply cut the top third of the plant and re-plant it in the substrate for propagation. In no time, the cutting will generate new roots and leaves, transforming into a lovely jungle gym for your betta to enjoy.
Tank Requirements for Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus
Tank Size (minimum): 10 gallons (~40 liters) |
Lighting: Moderate |
Optimal pH: 6.5 – 7.5 |
Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. |
Optimal temperature: 75 – 82 °F (23 – 28 °С) |
Floating Plants
Floating plants, like ferns and water lettuce, are a fantastic way to improve the upper layers of their aquarium. The Amazon frogbit, red root floaters, and even floating stem plants are some of the most popular choices. Your betta may feel safe enough to create his bubble nest or take a quick nap surrounded by plant life due to the fluffy roots and dense foliage.
You must make sure that at least 50% of the water surface is free of leaves so that your betta fish can get air if necessary and there is enough space for adequate gas exchange at the surface.
Here Are Some of the Best Floating Plants With Their Tank Requirements:
FAQ:
Why Is It Important to Keep Plants With Bettas?
In general, plants are harmless to many species of fish, including bettas. Both live and fake plants may be used to enhance your betta's environment by providing places for him to explore, socialize, and hide. Stick with aquarium-specific plants. Some living plants may be harmful to fish if ingested in large quantities.
Do Betta Fish Eat Plants?
Betta fish are omnivores by definition, although plant material and algae account for a minor portion of their diet in the wild. The betta requires a high-protein diet that is primarily composed of meaty foods.
If your betta is eating the leaves of live plants in his tank, it's because he's after the algae rather than the plant itself.
Is It Possible to Use Artificial Plants Instead of Actual Ones?
Sure. But live plants are recommended because they're the better and healthier option for your betta. You can use fake plants as well if you don't have the means or space for live plants. Just make sure they look natural and don't have sharp edges harmful to bettas.
Which Are Toxic Plants for Betta Fish?
There are poisonous plants that will only harm your fish and those that aren't the greatest option for your betta tank. Marsh plants, as well as those that may dissolve in water easily, are not a good idea.
These plants might rot into the tank and that will have a toxic result to your fish which will probably die. Some of them are the following:
Peace Lily
The peace lily plants are frequently presented in a vase with betta fish. This combination isn't ideal for several reasons. However, it's also an awful plant choice since peace lilies' juice and sap include high levels of calcium oxalate crystals. Keeping your Betta in a Peace Lily vase puts them at risk of developing severe digestive issues as a result of the toxic calcium oxalate crystals, which will harm them.
Another reason Bettas perish in a Peace Lily vase is the lack of a water surface for fish to take a breath. Because just the roots of Peace Lilies are immersed in the water, whereas their stem, blossoms, and soft leaves float above.
It's tough for bettas to swim around or breathe with the fast growth of Peace Lily plants in a limited, restricted space like vases.
Pothos
The pothos plant is quite hard to eliminate and will thrive even in minimal light levels, nearly in darkness. Pothos is frequently used in fish tanks as well as hydroponic systems and bioactive terrariums. It is believed to be an excellent all-natural filtering solution for fish aquariums by aquarists.
Pothos, on the other hand, contains calcium oxalate crystals that can be harmful when ingested. If your Betta fish chomps on Pothos roots, you should be careful because Pothos has calcium oxalate crystals as well.
Hygrophila Balsamica
Hygrophila balsamica is a species of aquatic flowering plant that grows in marshes on the Indian subcontinent. It has been kept in aquariums for a long time, but it is becoming less popular among hobbyists nowadays.
If its emerging shoots are put straight into an aquarium with fish or invertebrates, they might get poisoned. This plant is hazardous to fish and invertebrates, as it emits poisonous chemicals from its roots, leaves, and stems.
However, Hygrophila balsamica will cease being poisonous after being submerged for an extended period of time. As a result, once submerged development has occurred, they may be utilized without a problem.
Water Lettuce
Water Lettuce is a beautiful, floating plant with large square leaves. These plants are visually appealing and also look great in an aquarium. People, on the other hand, keep them in their fish tanks to avoid nitrogen build-up.
However, these plants are poisonous to your Betta fish. Because Water Lettuce includes harmful calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe health and wellness concerns when consumed.
Water lettuce is not popular with the majority of Betta fish. They may, however, nibble at the plant's roots, which also contain a good amount of calcium oxalate.
Water Lettuce is an extremely quick-growing plant that quickly covers the surface of the water, reducing dissolved oxygen levels in the water. This is another reason why Water Lettuce is harmful to your Betta!
Water Hemlock
In aquariums and ponds, Hydrangea macrophylla isn't frequently used for ornamental purposes. Given that it is highly poisonous as well as fast-acting, this plant should be avoided at all costs since it will kill fish, family pets, and livestock.
Hemlock water hemlock is one of the most dangerous plants in North America, and it thrives around bodies of water throughout the country. This plant contains cicutoxin, which acts as a stimulant that damages the pet central nervous system.
The roots of the water hemlock plant are highest in cicutoxin. When damaged or sliced, the stems or roots of water hemlock release the toxin into the environment, indicating they should be avoided even to touch.
Where to Buy Live Plants for Betta Fish?
There are many places where you can buy live plants for your betta fish. You can purchase them at pet stores, online retailers, or even from other fish enthusiasts. Just be sure to do your research and find a plant that is safe for bettas to consume!
How to Set Up a Betta Tank With Live Plants?
Follow These Simple Instructions to Set Up a Live Plant Betta Tank:
Step 1: Which Live Plants Should I Choose?
It is always better to ask a trustworthy dealer. Some sophisticated plants may need extra CO2 in the water or high-voltage lighting added. You don't have to worry about these things if you choose the correct live plants. Before you head to the pet store, look at the plants there first. You shouldn't buy plants with yellow or rotting sections that are old-looking. Look for plants with healthy green, firm leaves.
Step 2:
Preparing Your Tank.
You can add plants to a brand new aquarium, but you should wait about two weeks before you add fish. During this time, the tank will become cycled and will be ready for your new addition. You can also add plants to an already established aquarium, but you should do so gradually over a period of days to avoid shocking the fish.
Place your tank in the final location it will occupy. It'll be difficult to move the tank once all of the water has been added.
Step 3: Adding Substrate and Gravel.
It is preferable that you use a planted tank substrate. This will be required for the majority of aquarium plants. Planting growth media is slid into the bottom of the aquarium half an inch thick. There are some low-maintenance plants that don't require it.
Plant growth media is used because it absorbs nutrients from the water and makes them available to the plant's roots, allowing for long-term development. Add 1.5 inches of aquarium gravel on top of the growing medium. This is utilized to keep the plants in place.
Step 4: Add Some Water.
As we said, the total water line-height will be 4 inches. This will make things simpler because it keeps the plants upright as you place them.
It's also a good idea to add water gradually, rather than all at once. The gravel/substrate should not be disturbed when adding water. By utilizing a lid for Tupperware, you may minimize the problem. Slowly pour the water onto the lid, which breaks the water's strength and restricts its effect on the gravel and substrate.
Step 5: Add Your Ornaments/hardscape Features.
Next, add the features of the tank so that you can plant around them and plan the final design.
Step 6: Preparing the Plants.
When you buy live plants, they will generally be sent to you in a pot with the roots kept in "fiber wool" or "rock wool." This should be removed. The worst part is that they will be attached to the plant's roots, which are essential for survival. So you need to be careful while removing it.
Step 7: Time to Plant.
To get started, make a space in the gravel with your finger. The gap should not go all the way to the substrate but it should be quite close. Place the roots into this opening and then cover them with gravel. The gravel serves as a support for your plant's roots and stem.
It is often preferable to put bigger plants towards the rear of the tank and little ones in front. This will look fantastic, as well as improve your viewing experience.
Step 8: You Can Attach Some Live Plants to the Hardscape.
Live plants that don't need to be planted into the gravel/substrate can be tied to the driftwood using a tiny bit of household thread. The greatest appearance is achieved by attaching the plants by the root/bottom section.
Step 9: Fill the Aquarium Up With Water
When the planting is finished, fill up the fish tank with water and turn on your filter and heater. Remember, tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals, which can be harmful to fish. So it should always be conditioned.
Before adding fish, the tank should be entirely cycled for the first time.
What Are the Benefits of Live Plants in a Betta Tank?
Live Plants Provide a Number of Benefits for Your Betta Fish, Including:
They improve water quality by absorbing pollutants and providing a natural source of oxygen.
They help to create a more natural environment, which makes the fish feel more comfortable.
They provide a hiding place for the fish, helping them to feel safe and secure.
They can help to reduce the number of algae in the tank.
They provide a natural source of food for the fish.
Final Thoughts
Adding plants to your tank may improve the look of your aquarium while also providing hiding places and opportunities for exploration for your betta fish. After going through the list of plants and understanding the options, It's now time to choose your favorite plants for the betta tank.
It might seem intimidating at first, with so many different plants to select from. Fortunately, there is a low risk in experimenting. The plants are inexpensive and may be swapped for something new if you change your mind in the future.
Plants in general, but especially real ones, offer a wide range of biological services. They also need more care. Fake plants are a straightforward solution that allows you to mix and match plants to create the look you want, but they won't assist with maintaining your tank's nutrient equilibrium.
