That Fish Blog – Aquarium Advice and Information
Bettas are one of the most popular fish for aquarists of all levels and many betta-keepers chose to combine their love of fish with their love of gardening to give their fish a natural planted environment. So what are the best plants to keep with bettas? The choices are endless! We’ll discuss a few options here as well as how to choose the best plants and how to set up your display.
Before we begin, it is important to note that the plant DOES NOT feed the betta! When the trend of keep a plant on top of a betta bowl first became popular, it was a common misconception that the betta would feed on the roots of the betta and wouldn’t need to be fed…that could hardly be farther from the truth. Bettas are carnivores, meaning they eat meaty food…NOT plants. A betta seen nibbling at a plant is more likely bored, starving, or picking off tiny animals on the surface of the plant. Even if you have live plants in the tank, you still need to feed your fish.
While bettas can be kept in tanks or large bowls (preferably at least 1 gallon at the absolute bare minimum) without a filter, the lack of filter means that the water would need to be changed more frequently. Those frequent changes can actually be harmful to some plants (especially rooted or bulb plants) if they are disturbed often.
On to choosing your plants…
Aquarium Plants:
This one may seem obvious but any live aquarium plants would be safe with a betta. The key is making sure that the water parameters and lighting on the tank are suitable for the plant. You can consult a Plant Requirements Chart like ours to make sure your lighting, hardness and other parameters are suitable. If your tank doesn’t have its own lighting, consider investing in a fixture if you would like higher-light plants or stick to low-light species. These plants are all generally tropical, meaning they need water at a consistent temperature, usually about 74-78 degrees…coincidentally, the same temperature your betta will thrive at as well. You may need a heater in the tank for both the fish and plants if your tank is in a cooler location or somewhere drafty that may cause the water temperature to be inconsistent. The plants (and fish) will also thrive better with a filter and gentle water movement.
Some popular and easy choices are fast-growing stalk plants like Anacharis, Hornwort, Myrio, Ludwigia and countless others. These plants are typically sold in bunches held together with a lead weight or rubberband. This should be removed when the plant is added to the tank and the stalks planted individually or left floating for some plants. Java Fern and Anubias plants are also popular low-light choices. These plants grow from a rhizome with roots coming from it that should be planted in the substrate. They would benefit from a plant substrate rather than decorative gravel and should be disturbed as little as possible once they are planted. Mosses are also good for betta tanks as well as floating plants like Duckweed or Azolla (just make sure they are allowed in your area as some areas prohibit some floating plants as invasive species). Many tissue-culture plants are also good for bettas since they are offered at a smaller size and are snail-free.
Partially-submerged plants
Many planted betta tanks can give you the opportunity to really think outside the box…literally. Some popular “betta plants” actually do much better with part of the plant extending above the water level. The two most common of these plants are the Brazilian Sword (also known as a “Peace Lily”) and “Lucky Bamboo”. For both of these, you can either plant the plant into the substrate so the top sticks out of the water or suspend the plant towards the top of the tank. We’ll cover how to do that later.
“House plants”
This is what we get questions about the most… “Can I keep my <insert plant here> in with my betta?” Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer but we can help you find the answer. The most important thing to consider here is the moisture level of the plant. Any plant that needs dry soil – cactus, succulents, Aloe, etc. – can’t be kept in a wet environment and would make a poor choice for your betta. At best, the plant wouldn’t survive. At worse, the dying plant would pollute the water and take the betta out with it. Instead, look for plants that can handle constantly wet soil. During the spring and summer, you can look for plants sold for outdoor ponds as “bog plants” or “marginal plants”. These plants live at the edges of ponds or swamps and are used to having their roots in water. Some popular species of these plants are the Peace Lilies and Bamboo we mentioned above as well as some ivy, Philodendrons, Spider Plants, Water Clover, Sensitive Plant, Violets and many more. Many plants sold as pond plants can grows very large or need full sunlight so just make sure you consider the needs of the plant carefully before adding it to your tank. As with any plants, you may need to prune or trim the plant as it grows so it doesn’t take over the tank. Also, some fertilizers or insecticides can be harmful to the betta so choose your plant carefully.
Suspending your plants
As we mentioned above, may popular set up with plants involve suspending the plant above the level of the tank. The most common of these is the hourglass-shaped betta vase with a “Peace Lily” (the Brazilian Sword from earlier) suspended at the neck of the vase but any plants that need their leafy bits above the water level can be kept this way. There are many ways to accomplish this and depend on the size, shape and setup of your tank. Some modern, high-end tanks even have a built-in section just for a live plant above the water but even if yours doesn’t you can create your own.
If you have a vase or tank with a narrow opening, you can set the bowl containing your plant right on top….just be sure to keep a fair amount of space between the water level and top of the vase, because bettas need an open space to breathe atmospheric air. If your tank has nothing to support the plant dish, you can suspend it using supports like bamboo rods, dowels, chopsticks or a similar material that is strong enough and will keep its strength with the moisture…avoid anything that will soften or metal that may rust. You can also use clips to hold the cup onto the side of the tank as long as they are strong enough to support the plant without stressing the tank. For a few ideas, check out these photos:
For the cup itself, you can use a clean plastic cup like the one pictured here in any size suitable for your tank and the plant, or a pot made of a plant-safe material like terracotta (as long as the support system can hold it). If the dish you choose doesn’t have a hole or holes for the roots to extend 
through, cut the center out while leaving a ledge around it so you can add some stones to support the plant. With the cup we used in our example, I would cut out the black area in the center. When adding some stones to keep the plant upright, it is best to use larger pebbles or gravel so it doesn’t fall through the hole into the tank below.
Hopefully, these ideas help you with some ideas for your own new betta display. As always, feel free to let us know if you have any questions or need help making your idea a reality!
For more information on bettas and their care, please read these helpful articles in our archives:
http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatfishblog/2008/06/26/carnival-fish-part-2-the-betta/
I am having some problems with my tank. I have had this tank and set up and residents in this tank for four years but all of a sudden, I am having major outbreaks of infection. I do weekly and monthly maintenance on it but I can’t seem to beat this. I have recently torn down the whole system, bought new lines, filters and scrubbed and cleaned all the decorations. I have not returned any of the decorations to the tank and have treated it with Formalyn. I saw an improvement, but the infection is back. I don’t want to lose these fish, I have an 18inch Pacu and two 8 inch Oscars and one 10 inch Oscar. I know your question.. yes, the aquarium is plenty big enough for them all. Should I try the Malechite green? The infection starts with eye cloud and then progresses from there. Any help you could give would be appreciated.
asksts,
You are correct in assuming that my first question would have been “how big is your tank?” I would hope that your aquarium is at least 100 gallons, given the size of your fish. The first thing that I would look at is your water quality, recuring bacterial infections are often a symptom of poor water quality, caused by lack of filtration, overcrowding or some other stressful factor. Make sure that your water is Ammonia and Nitrite free, your Nitrates are low, and your pH is in an acceptable range (6.8-7.5 in this case)
Formalin, and Malachite green are excellent agents for treating parasitical problem, but are not effective against bacterial infections such as cloudy eyes or skin infections. For treating cloudy eye, and advanced infection, I usually reccomend the use of a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Jungle’s Fungus eliminator ( Nitrofurazone, Furizolidone based product)
I hope that helps,
Dave
Is an airplane plant safe for a Beta tank?
Hi Tammy, thanks for the comment.
The Airplane Plant should be fine, the roots will grow into the water, just be sure that any dead leaves are trimmed from the plant and that the plants are not too far into the water, just the tips of the roots. Good luck!
Do Betta’s thrive better in a heated home versus a cold water system?
Bettas will survive in temps from the mid 60’s to the upper 80’s, but the ideal temps are mid to upper 70’s (74-79). They will be less active in a cooler environment, and it may also effect their ability to ward off disease. A warmer climate will keep the fish happier and more active, and an active betta likes to show off those pretty fins! You may not have to supply a heat source, just keep them in a warmer room in your house and away from drafty areas like windows.
How do you recommend using Lucky Bamboo in a tank/bowl/aquarium with a Betta?
The Lucky Bamboo should really only have their roots in water, and maybe only an inch or two of their stalk, so what is your opinion on adding Lucky Bamboo? Have you seen them combined with the Betta various ways?
Thanks so much!!
Melanie
Just like with Peace lilies, Lucky bamboo can be anchored to the neck of the bowl/vase using a plastic dish and some decorative pebbles or stones. You have to be a little more creative with the hole in the plastic so the bamboo is snug. The plant will benefit from the betta water, as the organics the fish produce can provide mild fertilizer, and by doing regular water changes with aged water, you’ll be keeping the plant and the fish happy and healthy.
Please don’t advise people to add peace lillies and philodendrons to their fish bowls. They are very toxic to fish. I have seen quite a few fish die within a matter of hours when these plants were added.
We have kept bettas in displays with these plants for years without issue. The plants are not the issue in sad cases of betta demise, I believe, but the way the plants are applied to the display. The bettas do not ingest the roots. The roots of the plant are to be the only part submerged…if leaves are submerged the resulting decay of the leaves can create water issues and may cause toxicity, and if the opening to the enclosure is sealed to tightly with the plants, the betta can suffocate. We recommend these plants only because of positive experiences and the plant’s ability to thrive in the water only root environment.
is regular bamboo ok to have in a betta tank?
Lucky Bamboo is a Dracaena species that can tolerate the full water root exposure. I would say it depends on the species of bamboo. There are over a thousand species of bamboo, and they will each vary on the requirements they need to survive. You would have to research the species you have to see if it might survive.
i just wondered if it was harmful to bettas not about survival..
I do not have any at the time being and want to know what the BEST plants are for bettas. Thank you
What is the best siz tank for bettas. Thank you
Bettas can be kept in small enclosures, even less than a gallon. They cannot be housed together in a tank unless the tank is fitted with dividers so they cannot fight. I recommend a seperate enclosure of about a gallon in size for each betta you want to keep.
Bettas do not rely on plants for their well-being. I recomment live plants for their aesthetic value and thier ability to keep the environment cleaner and more healthy for fish. The plants you choose are based on what you prefer, but I recommend hornwort, java moss, or anacharis, as they are low maintenance and easy to grow.
Moss or fern?????. Any way. Thank you I may have some soon I had one one time but he passed away 🙁 he did note list one dey I do not know why. I did not luke up on how to take care of them I stell fell sorry for hem 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁
Can fish die if they get over fed?
Hello I have a new betta boy he is pink and blue and and on hes fin is white and the blue is on hes top of hes fin:) I love hem. Do I have to have gravel in ther so I can have a plant I thank I well go gete a betta bulbs????? is that OK I do note know but somone sad that they wer OK?????. Any why. Thank you
They can die if there is too much food left to pollute the tank, they will usually not eat themselves to death, but the decaying food that is leftover can create a toxic environment. I would recommend not feeding as most foods suggest, but half of the recommended feeding to reduce the food that goes to waste.
The betta does not need gravel, special bulbs or plants, these are all things that make his environment nicer to look at and maybe a little more pleasing to the fish. Live plants like java moss and hornwort do not need graavel to grow as they do not root.
If I use a live plant like an ivy in the top of the bowl with the roots in the water, does the water need to be treated to remove the chlorine or will the plant take care of this? If the plant does take the chlorine out, how long should the plant be in the water to take the chlorine out and what size plant should it be for a gallon size container?
Chlorine actually evaporates out of the water over the course of a few hours and has little or nothing to do with the plant. If you have chlorinated water, just fill a bucket or jug with water the day before you plan to use it and the chlorine should not be an issue.
It is me I got a plant and I got some smoth rocks and two snalls and it looks good. He got more coler more bule. Thank you Emmanuelle
are aloe plants ok to give to betta fish?
Thanks for your question. The aloe plant is a succulent plant not adapted to the all-aquatic environment of most betta setups. It is unlikely the plant would survive.
Is an umbrella plant safe for my betta? I got if from Petco and it says it is for fresh water, but I did not purchace it from the “Betta section”
If you bought an umbrella palm, Cyperus alternifolius, it should be safe for the betta, but may not do too well as it is a high light plant and will need full sun to thrive.
Hi
im trying to find a better way to keep my betta fish bowl cleaner. i have heard plants can help. i have a good luck plant i think.. its one of those you would by from an asian gifts store. would this be okay? and how would i get started?
Live plants can help with keeping the water a little cleaner by processing some of the nutrients, but the lucky “bamboo”, though it can be used will do a minimal job. Depending on the type of cleaning you’re looking to reduce, the addition of the plant and it’s results may be disappointing. You may still get algae growth depending on how much you feed, where the container is located, temperature, and how frequently the bowl is cleaned. If your water is cloudy you may be over feeding. The plant in any case may help a little with nitrates, and they do tend to add to the aesthetic of the set-up.
I just wanted to know if Money plants are good for my betta fishes i have a small bow.
You can use any small or bunched aquatic plant, as long as it has sufficient light and nutrients it should be fine. I am assuming by money plant you are referring to moneywort, Bacopa monieri. You’ll for many bunched plants you’ll need at least 2 watts per gallon of full spectrum light. Some plants like java moss, java fern and hornwort are a little more forgiving and can take less light and may be easier to provide for.
Thank you for that information. I appreciate not having to sign into a cite to retrieve an answer. Great help. Thanks a million!!
What about ornamental sweet potatoe vine in a betta tank?
Shouldn’t be toxic to the fish, but it will need high light and indoors they are prone to spider mites.
Would a betta be okay with Dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis) as well as Water Sprites (Ceratopteris thalictroids)?
I’ve kept them with water sprites before, they look very pretty (especially the floating type) Eleocharis should be fine too, they start out emersed , the tips may eventually grow above the surface depending on the set-up you have.
I just recently bought a betta,i boiled the decorations before i put them in the bowl, the bowl may be a bit big for the betta but i need a plant that will work for him. I live in a pretty cold climate, and my room is about 65 degrees. I don’t get alot of sun either, and plant suggestions?
Hi Lily,
If you’re looking for plants for in the bowl, try java fern, java moss, anacharis or hornwort…these are all lower light and will handle cooler temps. Only the Java Fern will need to be planted, the rest can float. Anubias could also work. If you’re looking for plants for the top of the container or to come out of the water, Brazil swords (peace lilies), philodendron cuttings, or arrowheads (syngonium) may work for you…let me know if you need any other suggestions.
Are spider plants ok to put in the tank with the Betta
Hi Robbie, Spider plants should do fine in a vase-opening application, offshoots with roots already growing can be anchored in the to p of the vase and the roots should grow into the water. Spider plants cannot be submerged though, and only the root tips should be in the water or the base of the leaves will eventually rot.
ummm hi i have a large tank roughly 10 gallons with gravel and a betta fish with abotu 2 tetras. i was wondering about the plants. my room is an okay size but i live in warm climate. high sunlight. so can i place the tank under a window? its on a stand under the window without full sun contact so it shouoldnt be a problem?
Hi Justin, as long as the tank isn’t in direct sun the temperature shouldn’t become too high. The plants may benefit from the additional light, but keep an eye on the tank as the spectrum of the light through the window may increase algae growth.
is hardy aponogeton poisonous to bettas? i have a used 10 gal. and wondering if this plant will be poisonous to the fish.
if the plant is, what ones will do good in low lighting?
also, would a single male enjoy having a tank all to himself? what fish/snails/shrimp would be great with him?
thanks for any advice!
Aquatic aponogeton should not harm the betta as long as any dead leaves are removed before they decay and pollute the water. Other good candidates include hornwort, anubias and crypts. Male bettas should be housed alone as they can be aggressive towards other fish, be nipped by other fish, and may eat small shrimp after they molt. Larger shrimp may be ook to house with bettas, but they may also attempt to catch and eat a betta depending on the type you purchase. A snail can be housed with a betta, but there has to be enough algae to sustain him.
I just clipped off a shoot from my spider plant. Is it ok to put the spider shoot into a beta tank
Should be fine, just make sure only the root tips are in the water, otherwise the crown of the plant will rot and fall apart.
I have noticed that alot of the betas in the stores have drewpy fins and stay toward the bottom of the plastic container. Are these fish diseased, tired, or just plain lazy? Is a five gallon bowl to big for a beta? I have seen little beta ” cubes” in stores, these ”cubes” have got to be only a quart of water for capacity. Is this healthy for a fish?
Bettas are pretty laid back and lazy. They tend to perk up when something stimulates them (feeding time, bright colors outside the bowl, ect) but generally their graceful fins are relaxed and they tend to hover still or lay on the floor of the bowl. You’ll hear/read ditterent things on the size tank required for bettas. They aren’t active fish and since they should be housed alone, a smaller enclosure like the cube habitats are fine. You can always use a larger enclosure, but most of the space will generally go un used unless you plan on breeding and raising fry. Most fish are ruled by the bigger tank the better mentality, but bettas and other small labyrinth fish can live long, healthy lives in well-maintained small enclosures.
Cool! Thanks! How long do betas live? and how big can the get?
I just got two betas and they are duing really well, except one of the betas has small tears in it’s fins. It also has redish spots on its fins especially it’s tail. Is my betta diseased? I know that these signs in goldfish are from a disease is this the same thing only with a beta. And if it is how do I treat it , or will it clear up on its own?
They usually live 2-4 years on average, though there are some accounts of bettas living to 8 years! They max out at about 3 inches but the fins can add about 2 more inches to the length.
Sounds like either poor water quality or damage from trauma. Something to help heal the fins would be best, maybe melafix or bettafx http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/4071/product.web might help
Thanks!
I have a betta fish in a small tank, I would like to put a one small lucky bamboo plant inside the tank. Will this harm my fish?
I’m sure the betta will enjoy it! The plant is safe for the fish, but lucky bamboo cannot be completely submerged so you’ll need a piece tall enough that the leaves will be above the water line.
he does anyone know if fish poop and left over food furtilizes plants? specificaly my lucky bamboo in my betta tank?
Everything in moderation 🙂 small amounts of waste may benefit the plants in the short term, but the negative effects of too much waste left that the plant cannot process outweigh those benefits. Better to keep the habitat clean for the fish’s sake.
ok thank you, i ussually do keep it clean 🙂 love this site
I have a beautiful dark blue and he has a white/brown spot on one of his fins. It seems to be slowing my baby “George” down. Maybe even making it hard to swim to the top to feed. I aquired a plastic plant taht goes almost to the top of the water so he can eat and breath without to much effort. I’ve done alot of reserh and can’ find what it is and how to treat. Can someone please help??? I’ve had George about 4 years and love him soooo much… 🙁
Any possibility you can take a good photo of the problem area? Send it to marinebio@thatpetplace.com and maybe we can tell you what to do.
Can I put a red apple aptenia in my beta tank?
Cindy, I am not familiar with the use of aptenia as an aquatic plant, I would not expect this species to do well in a moist or especially a submerged environment.
I just bought my betta fish, Prince Cornelius, and I was wondering how I can safely suspend just the roots of my vining philodendron cuttings safely from my half gallon cube tank. I’m hoping to upgrade to a larger tank environment once I can afford and have space for a larger one. I just dont want to hurt the plant or suffocate Cornelius. The cube tank has a lid that lifts and a window for feeding. Cornelius seems pleased with his tank but I also worry about the heat right now. I’ve got him near a window but the curtains are never drawn so he’d not in direct flight
Staci, I have seen a few ways to suspend a plant above a tank, so that the roots can dangle in the water. You can use a small clear deli cup with an x shaped hole cut in the bottom. Use some form of clip or fasten to the edge to support. You can also use a small piece of Styrofoam, or other floating material that you poke a hole in for the roots to pass through. Be carefull keep your fish in areas that have drafts or rapidly changing temperatures like windows. Use a small submersible heater to help keep things stable.
I just recently got a free betta from a quince… He was in a vase on the table and I snagged him lol. He is a real pretty burnt orange almost red, with purple as well. My boyfriend and I just bought a new tank of ten gallons with a filter system and pebbles, we just haven’t got to the plants yet. We bought betta conditioner and all, and I’m almost positive we did that right, and his color looks inhansed, but he cannot stay still! I’m not sure if it’s because he has no hiding places so he’s freaked out? Because in the small vase, he hardly moved. Orrrr is he just really happy?
Hello Cheyanneec, Sounds like a nice betta! He may just be getting used to the new environment but in that large of an open space, adding something for him to hide in would likely make him more comfortable; bettas are generally not found in or used to lots of open space. Until you get your new plants, you can try adding some temporary décor. Coffee mugs that are fully glazed or other plates and bowls that are safe for human food use would be safe to use for a short time; just make sure they are VERY clean and with no traces of any cleaners or detergents.
Thank you so much Eileen Daub! Those are wonderful ideas! I will have to use them for now, because vacation is coming up and I wanna see what I can get for him then! (:
I have to disagree with some of the advice given on this blog. Bettas can exist in less than 1 gallon of water but they need room to swim. I never keep a Betta in less than 2.5 gallons but I prefer 5 gallons. Another thing is that leaving water out for 24 hours to get rid of chlorine is not sufficient. Many towns add chloramine to their water supply so I would suggest using a dechlorinator in all tank water. Prime is an excellent product that I highly recommend. I have a small bottle and it’s lasted me for years. You only need 2-3 drops per gallon.
Just to let you know my experience level – I’ve kept fish for many years and was an administrator of a fish forum for years as well. I hope everyone’s Bettas live long and healthy lives.
Dee, thanks for your comment, and the tip about chloramine removal is a good one. We could not agree more about keeping Bettas in larger aquariums, and as was mentioned in the link to other articles in the blog post, there are a number of small desktop aquariums that are ideal for keeping Bettas in long term.
Hi, two questions, first can keeping my betta under a grow light (I have a place set up for starting plants and would help keep him warmer), or is that much light unadvised? Also, an English Ivy cutting ok to put the roots in the tank? Thank you for your expertise! Pam
Hi Pam, the lighting isn’t too big a factor with bettas but I would definitely recommend making sure it has some cover in the tank and makes sure that the light isn’t making the water too warm. I haven’t found too much info on using English Ivy with a betta and it isn’t a plant we offer but it appears that a rooted cutting would be ok but avoid using a fresh trimming. Any fresh cuts can release harmful sap into the water with your betta.
Are black oak leaves toxic for bettas? I’ve heard oak leaves can be used as an alternative to Indian Almond Leaves, but I’m not sure which oak leaves are more preferable.
Hello Susie, What is it that you are using these leaves for, and where are you getting them? If you are using them to create a blackwater environment, it seems that white oak leaves would be safer than black oak. This isn’t something that we deal with here but the consensus appears to be that black oak is more toxic than white oak. Of course, it is possible that any leaves picked up in the woods or your backyard could be dangerous due to any chemicals that could have leached into them. If you are attempting to create a blackwater environment, you could also use blackwater extracts.
I live in California, so there are a few oak trees around where I live. Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely try the extracts.
I have an aquafarm(with bata) and I was wondering if in the top I could plant chives?
Julia, I don’t know of any issues with growing chives in your aquafarm, although it is certainly not a common aquarium plant. As a precaution, I would not allow any of the plant to be ingested by your betta.
I was wondering where i could get any of these plants? I have been looking but i cant find them!
Hi Leila, These plants are all pretty common and I would expect them to be carried by most fish stores with live plants. You can find them all on our website under the Live Aquarium Plants category or through the links in this blog. Some of these plants are affected by state restrictions however and may not be available in all states. If you view the plants on our website, the states that they cannot be shipped to are listed on each item’s webpage.
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Hi I grow a lot of mint plants and I was wondering of chocolate mint is toxic for my betta fish??
Hello Lacey, I wouldn’t recommend using any plants from a garden or the wild in an aquarium since that could introduce pesticides or other chemicals into the tank. Mint is also not an aquatic plant. Some do grow around the edges of ponds or other marshy areas but aren’t fully submerged. I would recommend sticking to aquarium plants for your betta.
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I am planning on getting a beta fish for my third grade classroom. I am planning on a 2.5 gallon tank. Can I a couple of other small fish with the beta or will that be a problem?
Hi Lynette, thanks for commenting. It is *possible* that you could keep another single fish in the tank with the betta. It would work best with a divider that keeps them apart. Bettas can be aggressive and you just wouldn’t know how aggressive until you added them together. In general we recommend keeping a betta by itself. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks!
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Can an arrowhead plant be used for a betta tank?
Hello Dawn, Do you know the scientific name of the plant you are referring to as an “Arrowhead Plant”? There are several plants that go by that common name. One of the most common is Sagittaria latifolia. This is a bog plant and could be used with a betta but not fully submerged; the roots can be underwater but the leaves would need to be above water level. Another “Arrowhead Plant” is Syngonium podophyllum. This appears to be a terrestrial climbing plant and I wouldn’t recommend keeping it with a betta.
The scientific name is saggitaria latifolia.
Hi Dawn, That would be the bogplant so it would be fine with your betta but may outgrow a small tank. I would recommend keeping it above the bowl like the Brazil Sword pictured in one of our other blogs, Creating Unique Betta Bowls.
Thank you for the idea of putting the plant above the bowl . And so far this is the best website I’ve found on betta info. I’m just starting out with them cause of a trip to Walmart for dog food. So sad to see them on the shelf some pushed far back into darkness. I only have small tanks right now but I felt its better then that cup for now. Will be upgrading though. Thank you again and also thank you for answering my question so quickly,glad to see this is still active.
Thank you Dawn…good luck with your new betta! Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions or concerns!
So I have a male and female betta separate tanks of course. The problem is my females belly looks pretty fat and seems always hungry , it doesn’t seem like she has pooped yet and I’ve had her for two days. She looks happy and she is very social, meaning she comes to the front of the tank when she sees me. I’ve heard about giving a piece of pea to help keep bettas regular is that true?
Thank you!
Hello Dawn, Any food high in fiber like peas will help clear constipation or an intestinal blockage. This could be caused by overfeeding or a water quality issue. If the scales are sticking out like a pinecone however, this is a sign of a condition known as dropsy which is usually not curable. It is a symptom of organ failure due to a bacterial infection or a water quality issue.
hi, my name is christine. i am curious about a betta fish being placed in a bowl with a bamboo or ivy plant floating in water and mounting the bowl/vase onto my wall(i have cats)in my bathroom. you see, i dont have anywhere to hang plants in my bathroom since my walls are soft. and, on top of that, i dont have window in my bathroom. there is an exhaust fan that switches on and off through the day in there. so, my concern is…..trying to keep my apartment healthy without killing the fish/plants. help,me please?! can you give me a some ideas of low maintenance plant in vase/bowl with fish for purifying the air around me? help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Christine, I’m afraid I don’t understand exactly what you are asking or trying to do. Most plants that are considered “air purifying” aren’t aquatic and couldn’t be kept with a betta, and mounting a betta and a plant on a soft wall together is definitely risky and you may be better off keeping them separately. A betta doesn’t need a plant to survive and vice versa. One of the best plants to keep with bettas would be the Peace Lily, also known as the Brazilian Sword as pictured in this blog entry. Feel free to contact our Fish Room staff if you have any other questions or would like to discuss your specific situation further.
is prayer plant ok to root with beta
Hello Karen, That isn’t a plant that is found within the aquarium trade so we don’t have experience with it here but from a Google search, the plant referred to as a “Prayer Plant” isn’t an aquatic plant so I wouldn’t recommend using it with a betta.
Can I put plants that I would normally grow in my backyard in? Like letters or cat grass?
Can lettuce be put in a betta tank?
Hello Ginger, I wouldn’t recommend using any non-aquatic plants with a betta. You could use the floating plant known as Water Lettuce but I wouldn’t use terrestrial lettuce like what is used in salads. “Cat grass” is also a terrestrial plant and I wouldn’t expect it to survive submerged in a betta tank.
Thanks for taking the time to put up this faq, my girlfriend just started raring bettas and was looking on what type of plans are acceptable.
I enjoyed reading this post! Very informative for those who want to start their own acquarium =)
I have an ‘AquaFarm’ or ‘water garden’ and it came with seeds for wheatgrass and radish sprouts. however I was wondering if there are any plants that I can put in the top that don’t require harvesting and replanting a lot? these need to be harvested about every 2 weeks and I was hoping to have something in there that will help clean the water without to much replanting but the roots will be submerged and not reach into the rest of the tank? maybe lucky bamboo will work?
( specifically this tank: ehttp://www.amazon.com/Back-Roots-31000-Water-Garden/dp/B00CN52TRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460330619&sr=8-1&keywords=aquafarm)
Hello Elizabeth, I’m afraid I don’t understand what type of plant and setup you are looking to create. Perhaps a Brazilian Sword like the setup described in this blog post on Creating Unique Betta Bowls? You can contact our Fish Room staff at 717-299-5691 if you would like to discuss your ideas and vision with our staff in more detail.
Hi, I bought my betta fish today and the lady at the pet store told me that I can only use a Peace Lily for a rooting plant in his vase. She said, it was because it’s the only plant that are not toxic to them. I was hoping to be able to grow something useful, like an herb. Or something similar, like what is grown in an Aquaponics.
Hello Anonymous, I would disagree that Peace Lilies (aka Brazilian Swords) are the ONLY plant that can be used with a betta. They are by far the most common but there are many others that can be used as well as listed in this blog. I wouldn’t use an edible herb myself as it may absorb anything in the water like chemicals used in the betta food or any additives added to the water, but many plants can be safely grown with bettas.
I’ll be making my own fish food, so I don’t see a problem there 🙂 Thank you very much!
Hello, I wanted to comment about Dawn`s August 25, 2015 post. I also feel sorry for the Walmart betas.
I have called the head office to complain about the poor care of their fish but nothing has ever changed.
I bought one today, the one that looked the saddest and he is now living in a mansion and will live happily ever after. He was in such a small amount of water, the top of his fin was exposed to air for a long period of time and is damaged. When I put him in his new fishbowl, it took him about 1/2 an hour to get his bearings and start swimming around. He is fine now and looks happy but I am wondering if his fin will heal by itself? Thank you~Linda W.
Hello Linda, It may heal on its own as long as the water quality remains good and the fish is healthy. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t become infected. If you notice any cottony white growth or white film, it may need to be medicated but otherwise it will likely grow back on its own.
Are umbrella plants okay for Betta fish? TARDIS will blow bubbles out of his mouth and I’m concerned it has to do with oxygen levels in the tank. I used the de conditioner in the water as directed and he “swims” (mainly lazily floats about) like normal. Is the 1.2 gallon tank too small?
Hello Zoe, Great name for your betta. I’m not sure what plant you are referring to as “Umbrella Plant”. There are several plants that can go by that common name but most of them are terrestrial houseplants and not aquatic plants so it is difficult to say if the plant is safe for your tank and vice versa. That said, it is completely normal for bettas to blow bubbles. Male bettas especially do this to build their “bubble nests” even without females around (the photo attached here is part of the bubble nest in one of our store betta display tanks). Bettas are related to Gouramis and several other fish and can breathe air from the surface as well as through their gills so the oxygen level in the water isn’t as critical as other fish. A 1.2 gallon tank is fine for a betta, just make sure it is getting regular water changes if it isn’t filtered.
is it ok if there is no plants real or fake in the tank/bowl at the time being until I get one? thanks
Hello Mandy, Bettas will feel more secure, act more naturally and are less likely to jump out if there is some type of decor in the tank. They should be fine for a short time though while you find something appropriate for your tank but I wouldn’t recommend leaving it completely bare for a long time.
I used the water garden from backtotheroots set and I planted lavender seeds and some of them went into the water. Is that okay
Hello Puglover, I’m not familiar with the product you are referring to but I wouldn’t expect lavender seeds to be harmful to a pond. Lavender isn’t a bog or water plant so the seeds aren’t likely to grow but they shouldn’t be harmful.
Thank u
Can I put a live garden fern in a betta tank?
Or is it dangerous?
Hello Sonya, It is hard to say without knowing what plant you are referring to, but I wouldn’t recommend putting any land plants in an aquatic environment. The plants recommended here or on the Live Aquarium Plants section of our website would be more suitable choices.
Hi, firstly I just to tell you that this blog is amazing and the advice that you provide is extremely insightful and helpful.
Secondly, I wanted to ask if it was possible to put basil cuttings where the leaves aren’t submerged, in my Betta tank. The basil is mainly for decoration purposes rather than ingestion.
Thirdly, my Betta hasn’t eaten for about 3 weeks and it refuses to do so. So far I’ve only fed it Betta pellets and it was eating fine until 3 weeks ago. Could this have something to do with the temperature, as the water temp retire currently is 19 degrees C or 66 degrees F.
Thankyou so much for any advice can give me 🙂
Hello Hypnos D, Glad to hear that you are enjoying our blog! I haven’t heard of anyone successfully keeping basil with a betta. While I do see some folks online propagating basil cuttings in water, the care requirements I see for basil all seem to agree that it needs well-drained soil with lots of sunlight. As such, I wouldn’t expect it to do too well for long in the VERY (as in 100%) moist root conditions of an aquarium. Your water temperature is very low for a betta and will certainly affect its health and activity level. It would be much healthy for the fish to maintain a constant temperature of about 74-78 degrees F.
I just added an exotic angel plant with just the roots in the water of my beta fish bowl, is this plant safe for my beta?
Hello Adrienne, In trying to figure out what kind of plant you are referring to as “Exotic Angel Plant”, it looks like that is a brand name of plants rather than one particular species so I wouldn’t be able to tell you if the one you have is safe or not. I would recommend contacting this “Costa Farms” website since it looks like they produce these plants; they may be able to help you identify the one you have more specifically and help you determine if it is safe or not and if it will survive with the roots constantly in water or not.
My peace lily plant is too small to be anchored to the bottom so is it okay if I just hang it on the side of the tank?
Hello Kristin, You can suspend a Peace lily with its roots in the water and leaves above water level as long as it is still straight. If it is suspended on an angle, it will grow crooked.
Hello Kristin, You can suspend a Peace lily with its roots in the water and leaves above water level as long as it is still straight. If it is suspended on an angle, it will grow crooked.
Thank you! I also have another question, my male betta has been bloated for two weeks now but swims great still eats and is still very active I have no clue what is wrong with him. Could you help me out on this situation please?
Hello Kristin, How often do you feed it and what type of food do you use? Are the scales sticking out like a pinecone or smooth to the body? How often do you clean and change the water? If you can provide some more information, I can try to help you out with it.
I feed him 2 pellets A day I clean his tank every 4 days and no his scales aren’t sticking out they are smooth, I have feed him the inside of a cooked pea a day also I keep him as clean as possible, he just looks really bloated and I feel very bad for him I have had him almost a year, he swims fine I stopped feeding him freezes dried blood worms and I’m not sure if that helped or not.
Hi Kristin, If the scales aren’t sticking out and its acting normally otherwise, I wouldn’t be too concerned…just make sure it isn’t being overfed. Although many foods recommend several feedings a day, once a day or even every other day is usually fine. You may wish to cut back on the amount or frequently of your feedings and see if that helps.
Thank you very much!
Hi again, my Betta is finally eating again and the water temperature stays at a constant 26° Celsius. But I’m worried as the tail has begun to split and on the edges of the fin it’s discolouring into a blackish brown. Thankyou for the advice and help. 🙂 This place is amazing!!
Hello Hypnos, Are you doing water changes regularly and using a mineralized water source (ie. NOT distilled water)? If so, you can try a treatment with BettaFix or Betta Revive to help regenerate the fins and curb any disease that may be showing up. Your temperature is fine around 26C/78F.
Hi, so I’m new to taking care of betta fish and I was wondering if my tank is alright. It’s a 15 Litre Tank, but I fill it up to 12 Litres, and I was als wondering how much conditioner I should use for the tank water.
Thanks a lot in advance.
Hello Eric, The size of that tank should be fine and whatever conditioner you are using should have dosing instructions on it…always follow the recommended instructions.
My betta is inside the plant, but he still moves inside the plant, he is not stuck in the plant. Is this normal or is he hiding?
Hi Hannah, It is perfectly normal for a betta to hide in a plant or another decoration. Assuming that you don’t have it in a tank with other fish that might be harassing it, it is probably just comfortable there.
what plants can i put in in my betta/neon tetra fish tank that i can find in my backyard?
Hello Kendrique, I wouldn’t recommend taking anything from your backyard for use in an aquarium. It is impossible to tell what anything that has been outside has been exposed to (pesticides, chemicals, etc.). Some materials will also decompose over time or may affect water quality and pH. I would recommend looking through our 3-part blog series Adding A Personal Touch To Aquarium Decor for ideas on repurposing decorations.
I have a male crown tail betta and it is 10 gallon with a heater and a filter and I was wounding if I can put 5 tetras and what plants can I use to put in there
Hello Sebastian, I wouldn’t recommend adding any other fish in with a betta. Any plants suitable to the water parameters (pH and hardness) and lighting on the tank would be fine with a betta. You can visit our website for more information on specific plants, including a Plant Care Requirements chart and Beginner Plant recommendations.
Can you put ivy into a bettas home ?
Hi Lori, There isn’t too much info available on Ivy with bettas and it isn’t a plant we offer but it appears that a rooted cutting would be ok but avoid using a fresh trimming. Any fresh cuts can release harmful sap into the water with your betta. It certainly can’t be kept completely submerged and you would want only the roots in the water. I would recommend avoiding ivy and sticking with some more aquatic-friendly plants like those recommended here.
Can I have wheat grass in my beta tank?
Hello Chrysanthius, You can grow wheatgrass hydroponically on top of the betta but it cannot be completely submerged. For examples on this type of setup, you can Google “wheatgrass with betta” to see some examples that others have setup; I found two tutorials very quickly HERE and HERE.
Is aquatic mint safe for Betta fish? If so, how do I introduce the plant to the tank if it comes from a pond? I’ve read about a bleach wash to kill any parasites and such, but don’t know much, as I’ve never had live plants in a tank before. Also, can the roots be loose in the water or do they need to be grounded? Will I need a substrate?
Hello Daynah, There are two plants that some people refer to as “Aquatic Mint”: Mentha aquatica and Clinopodium brownei (which is also known as Mint Charlie, Creeping Charlie or Micromeria brownei). Mentha aquatica is a marginal bog plant and shouldn’t be completely submerged in water. Clinopodium brownei can be grown completely underwater and would be safe for your betta. You can read more about the “bleach wash” you were referring to as well as other methods on our blog article Dipping Plants to Eliminate Snails and we have a number of articles on Live Plants and Planted Aquariums in the Aquatic Article Archive on our website.
Thank you so much for your quick response! I will be reading the articles and determining which of the plants I have with more research. Thanks again!
Hi, I made a lucky bamboo arrangement, I washed all the river rocks and aquatic plant before placing in XL brandy glass. I used luke warm water from the tap to fill the bowl then added one male betta fish(Petco), and feed him a very small amount of betta flakes (Petco). He swim around for about 5 minutes and then seemed to be hiding in the bamboo stocks near the surface of the bowl. This went on for about 10 minutes until I became worried that maybe he was stuck in between the stocks, or something was wrong with him, so I took a spoon handle and nudged him from between the stocks he swim around for 5 seconds to return to the same spot, after another 10 minutes I did the same thing again with the spoon. This went on with him going into different areas of the glass doing the same, floating on his back at the surface, and lastly doing the same at the bottom of the tank. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap and woke to him in the same position at the bottom of the tank. I tapped on the glass and nudged him again with the spoon, but sadly nothing happened he had died just that quick. when I removed him from the water the water temp did seem to be on the colder side. I am not understanding what happened I made this arrangement for my BF as a healing measure since fish and planting are therapeutic and I was very disappointed with the fish dying before 24 hours I want this beautiful arrangement with the betta fish, and I would love to have a happy healthy fish that will swim around and bring joy to my BF, PLEASE HELP ME what did I do wrong?
Hello JulyDecember, It is difficult to say what happened to the fish. Cold water can definitely affect their health, and any tap water should be dechlorinated for both Chlorine and Chloramines before adding fish to the tank. Bettas aren’t very active fish and hovering near the surface or bottom of the tank isn’t unusual. You can read more about Betta care in our blog entry Carnival Fish Part 2: The Betta and on the Betta Care Guide on our website.
I have a Angel wing Begonia house plant that has been growinghalf submerged in the water and produsing beautiful under water leafs! The plant by its self is absolutely stunning but the only thing that would make it better could be to have a fish ,Betta, swimming amongst the beautiful submerged leafs is this plant toxic to the fish?
Is an angel wing Begonia plants safe for Bettas?
Hello Mrs. Cash, I haven’t heard of anyone ever keeping Begonia in an aquarium and can’t find any evidence of anyone keeping them successfully. It isn’t a plant that ever enters the aquarium trade so we don’t have any information on them. I would recommend contacting a greenhouse or nursery that specializes in Begonias to see if their care can handle being submerged. I did see in a web search that there is an American Begonia Society (http://www.begonias.org); they might be able to give you more information on them.
Is golden porthos acceptable for a beta, or will it harm the beta?
I’ve read through the comments and haven’t seen this plant mentioned. If it has been, sorry! Anyway, I grew an avocado from seed that’s about a foot and a half tall now. I’ve had it for over a year in a container with just water so I’m not worried about the plants survival. Do you know if it’d be safe to transfer to the betta bowl? Thanks for your help!
Hello Elley, That isn’t an aquarium plant but from the basic care instructions I found on a Google search, it appears that it does not do well when overwatered or if the soil stays wet for long. I wouldnt expect it to survive in or on an aquarium.
Hello Myrinne, There seem to be a lot of mixed results on that type of setup and avocados are not aquarium plants so there isn’t a lot of information on their compatibility. Some people have had success with it but others report that the betta will make the water too dirty for the avocado to survive or that the avocado roots decomposing make the water quality too poor for the betta. Since avocados are trees, they would also eventually grow far too large for the bowl. The betta would need to be fed regularly as well so the setup would have to allow you to be able to feed the fish without disturbing the plant too much, and the water would need to be changed regularly as well. Overall, it may be feasible but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Thanks for your input Eileen. Have a great day!
Can i put a spider plant (chlorophytum comosum) leaf in my bettas tank or a hosta leaf
Hello India, Spider plants should do fine in a vase-opening application, offshoots with roots already growing can be anchored in the to p of the vase and the roots should grow into the water. Spider plants cannot be submerged though, and only the root tips should be in the water or the base of the leaves will eventually rot. Hosta plants prefer moist but not wet soil and would likely not do well with their roots underwater.
i just got a betta fish and i was wondering if i can put an aloe plant with my betta will it kill it or will it be ok
Hello Jordan, The aloe plant is a succulent plant not adapted to the all-aquatic environment of most betta setups. It is unlikely the plant would survive.
hello, i was wondering if a small water lettuce could be put into a gallon bowl with a beta in it? or i’m also looking at amazon frogbit
Can I put my Betta fish in the same.bowl.as my elephant ears plant?
Hello Marchelle, It looks like one of the plants most commonly known as an “Elephant Ears Plant” is a type of Taro. These are pond and marginal plants that can grow very large. They would liekly be fine with the wet soil and environemnt as long as the leaves are out of the water but I would expect them to grow far too large for a bowl.
Hi Tori, Both Water Lettuce and Frogbit would be fine as floating plants in a bowl but they tend to grow and multiple very fast so you would likely need to harvest some out regularly. They are both considered pretty invasive plants (at least in most of the US) so make sure they are allowed in your area as well before you get any in.
My daughter is working on a project for school and trying to create a self sustaining aquatic terrarium. She got a 10 gallon aquarium, filter, heater, sand and gravel, a moss ball, 2 snails, and 5 different water plants including a Java Fern and a beautiful male beta. She also purchased 4 ghost shrimp. We put some growth tabs in the sand/gravel for the plants and 3 algea tabs to build up the algea level. Then slowly added the animals. 24 hours later we can only find 1 of the ghost shrimp. Wondering if the beta ate them? and also if we seal up the tank will the beta be okay to eat the plants and still survive or is this not going to be a doable project. She claims she did research at school, but I’m leary of losing the beta and perhaps everything else in the tank since I spent over $100 on this. Thanks
Hello P Gerking, I wouldn’t recommend completely sealing off the aquarium and the Betta would still have to be fed. Creating a truly self-sustaining ecosystem is very difficult and takes a lot of time and careful selection to make sure everything is getting fed, has enough oxygen, waste is removed, and everything generally has what it needs to survive. I wouldn’t expect a Betta to eat Ghost Shrimp unless they were very, very tiny and it was a large Betta. I was able to locate this article on creating a self-sustaining aquarium that may help you and your daughter plan your tank. You can also read our article on Aquatic Science Fair Projects for Aquarium Lovers for some other ideas on school projects that might help her plan her project.
Hi I just took home a cute little betta. She’s in her new bowl with some gravel at the bottom but she looks so lonely. I didn’t think to buy any toys or plants. I have a bamboo plant that I had in my 1st betta tank years ago. But now the plant has green algae in and around the roots. Is it safe to put in the new betta bowl? If not, can I cut a leaf off my calla lily plant and float it in the tank? Thanks for your help!
Hi Kerry, The Bamboo should be fine. I would recommend rinsing it off gently in some clean water to remove as much of the algae as possible, but it should otherwise be safe for the betta. I wouldn’t put a fresh cutting from a land plant like a Calla Lily in the tank since the sap may pollute the water a bit. You can also get creative with your decorations if you want to give it some decor. Glassware like shot glasses or wine glasses are usually safe (if its dishwasher-safe, its usually aquarium-safe) or you can use colored plastic pieces. Check out our 3-part DIY decoration series starting with Adding A Personal Touch to Aquarium Decor for ideas.
Hi Eileen,
Good afternoon, I am an owner of two Crown Tail betas. And I am wondering is it safe to place arrowhead plants in my aquariams. Both aquariums have gravel and I’m debating to include snails as well…Can you help me…
Hello D.Rod, “Arrowhead Plant” is a common name that could refer to a number of different plants so it is difficult to say without knowing what plant you actually have. Two plants seem to be the most common with this name; Syngonium podophyllum is a houseplant that wouldn’t survive in that wet of an environment and may be harmful to the fish and Sagittaria latifolia is a marginal pond plant that grows very large but should do OK with its roots submerged and leaves above water level. If you could figure out the scientific name of the plant you actually have, that would be helpful in figuring out if it would be safe.
Hello I have a betta fish ….I do not want to buy any plants but I would like my fish to be active ….hence is it okay fr me to put sm leaves which we buy fr shops fr cooking …..I was thinking of putting coriander leaves into the tank without its stemp …..I was thinking to give the coriander leaves a proper wash in water and then put it in …..but was wondering is it safe for betta ???
Hi Sara, I wouldn’t expect cilantro/coriander to be safe submerged in the aquarium. Most terrestrial plants like herbs wouldn’t survive fully submerged in water and would begin to decompose, possibly releasing toxic chemicals into the water. Bettas don’t necessarily need live plants – they don’t eat them and the wrong plants can do more harm than good to water quality – so if you don’t have access to aquarium plants, I would recommend just sticking with artificial plants and decorations. If you are looking to incorporate your favorite herbs with your betta, you can look for hydroponic aquarium kits that allow you to grow plants above the water. For example, we carry the AquaSprouts Garden at our retail store (unfortunately, it is not available for shipping).
Appreciate it for helping out, fantastic info.
Hi, I want to know what plants are acceptable to put in a Betta’s fish tank from outside our house?
Hi Ava, Without knowing what types of plants you have or even where you are located to know what your climate is, that is an incredibly difficult question to answer. Taking anything from outside and putting it in an aquarium is also always very risky because of pesticides, fertilizers, runoff and other toxins that are found outside and can harm your fish.
Hey there! I have two snails and am wondering if I put a peace lily in the bowl, if my snails will get out? Do I find a “collar” for my plant that will cover the opening of my fish bowl? Thanks!
Hi Natalie, It would depend on the type of snails you have but most will stay in the water.
I have a Rainbow colored Fantail male Betta in a 3 Gallon Halfmoon tank. I use water conditioning tablets for treating the water. I have a extra tank that I put, “Rainbow”, in with some of his old water. I dump out the rest of the old water and recycle it. By recycling it I mean, I have Basil plants and I use 2 ltr bottles that I fill with the old fish water and I shove the neck of it in the dirt (kinda like those glass watering bulbs). Anyway, it works great and all the fish scat helps fertilize the plants. The thing is, I don’t feed Rainbow very much (5 floating pellits, he won’t eat the flake’s) and when I dump his water, he has a lot of food in the bottom of the tank. I bought a bubbler that said it would help keep the tank clean. But, when I turn it on and it starts to bubble and when the bubbles reach the top of water, he heads to the bottom of the tank. I’ve done research on Bettas and they always say that they are always at the top of the tank.
Can I put one of those sucker fish you see on aquariums that clean the tank in with the Betta? They always say that you can’t put any other fish in with your Betta.
Hi Brandon, Bettas won’t normally tolerate other fish, you are correct. I wouldn’t recommend it in a tank that small. Most other aquarium fish would also need filtration and warmer water temperatures than bettas can tolerate as well as good filtration. You may have better success with a snail like a freshwater Nerite Snail to help eat the leftovers, and be sure to only feed as much as your betta will eat in a few minutes. If there are pellets left over, then that is more than the betta needs at a time. You can also use something like a turkey baster or this Betta Waste Remover to help remove the leftovers. I would also use caution if you are reusing the water into basil that you are harvesting for your own consumption; water conditioners for aquariums aren’t made for human use. I would recommend contacting the brand you are using to make sure it is safe for you.
Is an devil’s ivy plant safe for beta?
Hi Saif Khan, Devil’s Ivy (aka Golden Pothos or Epipremnum aureum) wouldn’t be a good choice with a betta. They need well-drained soil and I wouldn’t expect them to do well in the constantly-wet conditions of a Betta setup. If you like that look, try looking for a “variegated” or “domino” variant of the Brazilian Sword (aka Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum tasson)…its leaves have a similar green-and-white mix and it can be grown with its roots in the water and leaves above the surface.
I live in india so suggets me plant that i can buy from indian markets
Hi Anonymous, Unfortunately we wouldn’t be able to say what the markets in your country may have available. I would recommend checking with local fish stores or aquarium clubs for ideas.
Is a spider plant okay for betta fish? I’ve had a spider plant and my fish in an aquaponics tank for a few months now, probably since the end of Jan/ beginning of Feb. My fish loves it, but I have noticed that some of the roots turn brown, some of them have filled up with water, I touched one of them and there was a long thin root inside of it. Is this normal?
Hi Lauren, Spider plants should do fine in a vase-opening application, offshoots with roots already growing can be anchored in the to p of the vase and the roots should grow into the water. Spider plants cannot be submerged though, and only the root tips should be in the water or the base of the leaves will eventually rot.
As I read through the questions and answers I noticed that there were some inconsistencies in a general question about Betta fish. Questions like “How large or small does a betta enclosure need to be.” And then the answer given by the blog owner is generally 1 gallon or even 0.5 gallon. However later on there is a person who works with bettas regularly asking in basic form, “why are you spreading misinformation on the size of betta tanks, they need at least 2.5 but 5 gallons is the best,.” The blogger answers with I agree they should have larger aquariums. But then continues to tell people on this blog that betta can live and thrive in a 1 gallon tank. This is so wrong. Betta fish enjoy moving around, they are only “lazy” when given inproper tank size as in they have no stimulation or anything to do. When people ask you how big a tank should be answer in a proper way that does not give out misinformation. When people say they are going to get less then a gallon tell them that is not an okay environment, because it isn’t. Also you tell people that plastic plants are okay when they aren’t, not for betta fish. The betta’s fins are incredible fragile and can easily be torn by fake plastic plants. A betta male has long fins that need to be excersized in a suitable tank that is safe for them to do so.
Hello Cheyenne, I apologize if you feel the information we give is inconsistent. Although this particular article is mainly about plants for bettas and not about the tanks and setups, we do recommend larger tank size in several comments here as well as in our other blogs and care guides about Bettas. We try to provide as much unbiased information as possible but as with any hobby, personal experiences and opinions may vary.
Hello, is it okay to put ramshorn snails in with a betta fish? I’m also planning to put a moss ball in there. My betta’s name is Fushimi (Fu for short) I noticed that his fins are getting a little torn on the ends. So I took out some of the sharp looking artificial plants that he swims around. That’s why I wanted to get him some live plants. But the pack that I bought comes with snails…so i was gonna put them in another tank. I just want to know what’s right.
Thank you very much!! -Lulu
Hi Lulu, Snails are usually fine with bettas as long as the temperature and filtration is suitable. Torn or fraying betta fins are usually a sign of problems with the water quality more often than “sharp” plants so just make sure you test your water and everything is good there.
Will a spider plant kill a betta fish?
Hi Stacey, Spider Plants wouldn’t be directly harmful, no, but they cannot be submerged. Only the root tips should be in the water or the base of the leaves will eventually rot and rotting plants could cause poor water quality that would be harmful to the better.
Can you put fake plants into a betta fish tank? I just got a betta fish and in my tank I only have a castle. We got gravel and we put it in water for 2 days. Is that good?
Hi Emily, Yes, fake plants are fine! I would recommend silk over plastic since they tend to be softer but there shouldn’t be any problems with artificial plants and bettas.
Hello! Thank you for the article it helped me a lot set up my betta fish tank. I have one small question though, we just bought gravel and I don’t know if it is safe for the betta fish yet. We soaked the rocks in water for 48 hours, is it ready to put i the tank now?
Hi Sam, Aquarium gravel should just need a thorough rinse before adding to the tank. It isn’t necessary to soak gravel.
Hi I have a question. Can you float a leaf or two of a oxalis shamrock clover in a ten gallon tank for a betta fish. He seems to really like it but I took them out in case it would hurt him he is the only fish in tank and is a happy fish. He eats small blood worms and betta pellets but he seems to like the leaves. He has a filter system ect thought he might like leaves they are large have a plant growing them on cabinet. Any info would be helpful thank you
Hi Diana, That isn’t an aquatic plant so we dont have much information on it. From what I see in a quick web search, it does look like it is mildly toxic to mammals but there isnt any info for fish. It also looks like it needs a well-drained soil so it probably wouldn’t do well in constant moisture. I wouldn’t add it to a tank to be safe.
How do you recommend using Bamboo in an aquarium with a Betta?