Basic Betta Care

Composed by: Rachel, Healthy Betta; Edited by: ABM

Tank Decorations:

There are many options available for decorations in a betta's tank. One of the most important things to keep in mind for decorations in a tank is to make sure everything is smooth to the touch with no rough edges. An easy way to test this is by taking a pair of pantyhose and rubbing them along all surfaces of the object or plant. If the pantyhose catch or snag anywhere, it could potentially do the same to your betta's delicate fins and should NOT be used in the tank! Also, be sure that all objects placed in the tank are aquarium safe and will not leak their toxic coating into the water. If you are unsure if something is safe for use in your betta's tank, it is probably best to avoid it.

Plants: Many people prefer silk aquarium plants for the use in betta tanks. Generally silk plants are soft and do not contain any sharp edges, compared to fake plastic plants. Be sure to use the pantyhose test and file down any sharp areas on the stems until smooth. Thoroughly wash plants and all new decorations before adding them to the tank. Silk plants are easy to clean, durable, and keep their nice appearance for a long time. Many real plants can also be used in a betta's tank if you choose to cycle the tank with a filteration system. Live plants offer benefits that fake plants cannot provide, such as giving off oxygen, absorbing toxins and harboring healthy bacteria. Two of the most popular choices for betta tanks are Java Moss and Java Ferns, as they are very easy to care for. (Java Moss can even be kept in an uncycled tank.) A downside to live plants in your betta's tank is that they are hard to clean, create waste if they decay, and they can carry parasites. Always make sure you get your live plants from a reputable source.

Note: By live plant, we are referring to a plant specifically for aquariums. This does not mean a Peace Lily that you will stick on top of the tank and have the roots in the water. This setup is unsafe for bettas for many reasons - lack of necessary oxygen at the surface, decaying plant roots, toxic carbon dioxide in the water, etc. For a more in-depth article about why Lily Vase setups are NOT ideal for bettas despite the "instructions" that come with the lily vase, please visit the Lily Vase Series.

Substrate: Colored or natural aquarium gravel, polished river rocks, glass marbles, or other items can all be used in a betta's tank as long as they are aquarium safe. Substrate should be thoroughly rinsed in hot water before adding it to the tank and during water changes.

Note: Colored aquarium gravel should only be rinsed in lukewarm/warm water to avoid the color coating from leaking off into the tank.

Hidey-Hole: Bettas appreciate having a place where they can hide and feel safe. This could be in a special aquarium decoration that is betta-safe (smooth edges) or other more creative objects such as hamster tubes, votive candleholders, small plant pots, etc. Just make sure the object is aquarium safe. This can also be achieved through a heavily planted tank if your betta is able to hide and rest between plants.