Here’s a comprehensive guide to setting up a betta fish tank, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal:
1. Basic Setup Principles
Tank Selection: Opt for an ultra-clear glass tank of at least 15×15×20cm. Avoid round tanks, as they can impair your betta’s vision. Attach black background paper to the tank’s back wall to enhance the vibrancy of your betta’s colors.
Substrate Options:
Bare Bottom (No Substrate): Ideal for beginners. Easy to clean and prevents leftover food from accumulating, which can degrade water quality.
Fine Sand/River Sand: If using sand, choose smooth, rounded varieties like Philippine or Nile sand (max 2cm thick). Regularly clean gaps with a siphon.
Aquatic Plant Soil: Great for growing plants. Layer at least 5cm to support a nitrification system—upper layers stay aerobic, lower layers anaerobic.
2. Recommended Aquascape Styles
Natural Biotope Style
Main Rocks: Weathered Fuji or Qinglong stones, paired with driftwood (azalea roots work best). Fill gaps with fine sand and twigs for a wild, natural look.
Plant Pairings: Attach moss (triangle moss, flame moss) to rocks/wood with aquarium-safe glue. Add floating plants like water lilies or water lettuce.
Example Layout: Create a semicircular stone enclosure at the rear left, place driftwood in the center, and accent with small rocks and Java ferns.
Pastel Minimalist Style
Use white sand as a base, smooth, colorful Yangtze River stones arranged in staggered "mountain" shapes. Add floating figurines for a playful touch.
ADA Style
Island Composition: Design a central cave to hide the filtration system. Extend wooden stumps (real wood + resin) and plant small crypts or crab-shaped in gaps.
3. Key Detail Tips
Filtration: For small tanks, recommend a hang-on-back filter (e.g., Baiyinmei BHF-0100) with ≤3W power—quiet and easily hidden behind decor.
Lighting: Use a full-spectrum LED light (13W) or spotlights (warm white). Keep lights on for 8 hours daily, avoiding direct exposure to your betta.
Decor Don’ts:
Skip sharp-edged decorations to prevent fin damage.
Avoid sea sand (traps waste) or shrimp with pincers (e.g., river shrimp).
4. Maintenance & Optimization
Water Management: Change 1/3 of the water weekly. Let new water sit for 24 hours to dechlorinate. Add almond leaves to adjust pH to 6.5–7.5.
Biological Cleaning: Introduce golden bristlenose plecos or cherry shrimp (quarantined first) to clean leftover food and algae.
Temperature Control: Keep water at 25–28°C using a mini heater (20–25W) with a thermostat.
This setup not only meets your betta’s need for hiding spaces but also creates a functional, visually pleasing aquatic environment.