Planted tank for Bettas?

Question

Ok, so I was thinking about my 2 betta fish last night. They're both in unfiltered 2 gallon tanks. I decided that (if it was possible) I'd like to start growing real plants in their tanks. They would probably enjoy it. So my question is just this. How exactly do you grow them? I know nothing about this subject, so I need some help! If you know any good sites about this, or you have a planted tank yourself, could you please share some information with me?

Thanks! =]

Answer 1

The very best plant for your situation in my opinion is Java Moss. It grows easily in most any conditions and takes no extra care on your part.

If you are intereested in planted tanks, here's a really awesome site that will tell you pretty much everything you need to know to get started. Keeping plants is totally different from keeping fish and there is a lot to learn for a full blown planted tank.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PlantedTksSubWebIndex/AquariumGardenSubWebIndex.html

Hope that helps

MM

Answer 2

Pet stores sell plant bulbs for tanks, there is one brand that is called "Betta Bulbs". You just put them in the tanks and they grow. I will agree, though, that a filtered tank is best. I tried these bulbs in both of my unfiltered betta tanks, about 2.5 gallons each. The bulb in the first tank would not grow and continued to turn the water a yellowish color so I removed it. Of the two bulbs in the second tank, one would not grow and the other grew quite well. However, after the plant grew fairly big, the water became whitish and cloudy. I have since thrown the plant away and am doing regular water changes hoping the water will return to it's natural clear state. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I've got a hygro compact in my 2 gallon betta tank, unfiltered, and it hasn't been in there long. My betta can hide under it, and the betta bites will sit on it, so she doesn't have to pick the food from the gravel. It's just a small plant, and doesn't take up much room in such a small tank. The water hasn't turned colors, or gone abnormally cloudy or anything. The plant seems to thrive also, because of such a close light, compared to being in my 55 gallon tank. No problems yet, so I would recommend a Hygro compact, so long as you've got a good light and keep it clean.

Good luck with it!

;o)

Answer 4

i have my bettas in planted tanks, but they're filtered. plants do best in a filtered environment. the one time i tried plants in an unfiltered tank with a betta, he got gill flukes, how directly related that was i don't know, but i haven't tried it again! according to websites, a high organic content in an unfiltered environment can cause gill flukes...

plants need extra special care to thrive. they can go manky and rotten and mess up the water otherwise. only a few plants can thrive without excellent lighting, ferts or co2, they are java fern, java moss and anubias.