Betta fish, known for their high ornamental value and unique personalities, have specific preferences for the environmental setup inside their tanks. Below is an introduction to suitable tank items, divided into two categories: functional decorations and aesthetic decorations.
Functional Decorations
Hiding Spots
Clay Pots & Ceramic Jars: These items have relatively enclosed inner spaces, providing bettas with safe hiding places. When bettas feel stressed, scared, or in need of rest, they can retreat into the pots or jars to reduce external disturbances and enhance their sense of security. For example, a small clay pot with a diameter of approximately 5-8 centimeters, placed at the bottom of the tank, will often be used by bettas to dart into.
Aquatic Plants: Some flexible aquatic plants, such as hornwort and water wisteria, have long, slender, and soft leaves that sway naturally in the water. Bettas can swim and play among these plants, and also use them to avoid fights with other bettas or external threats. Additionally, aquatic plants undergo photosynthesis, releasing oxygen and improving the water quality.
Spawning & Breeding Areas
Breeding Pots: Specifically designed for betta reproduction, these pots are usually gourd-shaped, with a larger opening on one end and a smaller, relatively independent inner space on the other. During the breeding season, male bettas will select a suitable breeding pot, clean its interior, and attract female bettas to enter for spawning. These pots provide a relatively safe and stable environment for fish eggs and fry, reducing the risk of them being washed away by other fish or water currents.
Bubble Nest Building Materials: Male bettas blow bubbles to build nests for protecting fish eggs during breeding. You can place some floating plants, such as duckweed, in the tank. These plants provide support for the bubble nests, preventing them from dispersing. At the same time, duckweed also offers hiding spots for newly hatched fry.
Water Quality Regulation Items
Driftwood: When placed in the tank, driftwood releases substances like tannic acid, which lowers the water's pH level and makes the water slightly acidic—this closely matches the water conditions in bettas' native habitats. Moreover, the rough surface of driftwood easily allows beneficial microorganisms, such as nitrifying bacteria, to attach to it. This helps establish a stable nitrification system, decompose harmful substances in the water, and keep the water clean.
Coral Bone: If the local tap water is relatively soft and highly acidic, you can appropriately place some coral bone in the tank. The main component of coral bone is calcium carbonate, which slowly releases minerals like calcium ions. This increases the water's hardness and pH level, making the water closer to the slightly alkaline environment that bettas thrive in.
Aesthetic Decorations
Substrate (Tank Bottom Sand)
Color Selection: You can choose substrate colors that complement the betta's body color, such as red, black, or yellow. For instance, for brightly colored red bettas, pairing them with black substrate creates a striking contrast, highlighting the betta's beauty. For blue bettas, light blue substrate creates a harmonious and dreamy atmosphere.
Grain Size: The grain size of the substrate should be moderate, generally ranging from 2-5 millimeters. Substrate with overly small grains can easily cloud the water and is not conducive to the attachment of nitrifying bacteria. On the other hand, overly large grains make it difficult for bettas to forage and move around at the tank bottom.
Decorative Stones
Pebbles: Smooth-surfaced pebbles of various shapes are common tank decorations. They can be stacked at the bottom of the tank to create different formations, such as small hills or caves, adding a sense of depth and layering to the tank. Furthermore, pebbles do not release harmful substances and have little impact on water quality.
Rain Flower Stones (Polished Colorful Stones): Rain Flower Stones feature unique textures and colors, such as red, green, and purple, adding a touch of natural beauty to the tank. They can be placed alone or paired with other decorations to create a personalized tank landscape.
Background Panels
Artificial Aquatic Plant Background Panels: These panels are usually printed with realistic aquatic plant patterns, creating the illusion of an underwater forest. They not only beautify the tank but also provide a more natural visual environment for bettas, reducing stress caused by a monotonous environment.
3D Stereoscopic Background Panels: 3D background panels offer a stronger sense of depth and realism, simulating various natural scenes like caves or coral reefs. These panels provide bettas with more space for exploration, increasing their quality of life and enjoyment.