Peace lily alternative for a betta?

Question

Hi,

I pretty much have the setup shown here: http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_in_a_vase.htm

My betta has been happy and healthy in the bowl for over a year now, and I follow the directions on this page to the letter...he has plenty of space, gets fed regularly, etc.

My question is: are there any plants I can put in the top of the bowl instead of the peace lily I initially bought? The peace lily works great but is getting really old and needs to be replaced but naturally a new one is IMPOSSIBLE to find. Any alternatives?

Gee, answerers, if you’d taken the time to look at the bottom of the page you’d have seen all the little “buts” that make it a good environment. That’s the list I’m referring to. The bowl is 3 gallons, I keep up with water changes, and there aren’t any other fish in it, so he’s fine. He has plenty of air and breathes quite easily, thanks much; the plant doesn’t take up the entire top. Quite frankly, I find it surprising that only one person was able to even answer partially; the rest of you didn't even come CLOSE to being helpful.

Answer 1

Water lettuce can be used in a betta tank. If kept trim and not allowed to set runners, still allows your fish to surface for air when needed.

I would discourage any LARGE plant that would take up the entire surface of the water or roots that would crowd the bowl.

Answer 2

It will be ok as long as there's at least 1/4 of the surface that isn't covered. Bettas need access to oxygen. But they do like surface plants to make their bubble nests under. I would also suggest getting a 5 gallon tank, so you could have another bottom plant with big leaves that the betta can rest on. I assume you have a heater and hopefully some filtration? Just because they are in tiny bowls at the petstore doesn't mean that's how they should live. They save money and space having them in small bowls.

Answer 3

You do realize that the setup on that site is there to DISCOURAGE people from doing it not to show how. Bettas need more swimming room and as already mentioned, need surface area to breathe as they get their air from the surface. At the least, take the flower out and if possible, get a larger, filtered tank.

Answer 4

I wouldn't suggest any plant for the top of the tank. That is to say I would sugges that you put no plant there. The betta will be even better off without the plant blocking the surface of the water.

MM

Answer 5

You should feed your betta live bloodworms or other live food found at your local fish store, just ask the manager. Also you need to replace the water no later than once a month.

So you can keep him like that, but you just need to feed him and replace water regularly or he will die eventually and not of old age.