To create a comfortable and visually appealing tank environment for betta fish, it’s essential to balance their natural habits, space requirements, and aesthetic appeal. Below is a detailed setup plan for betta fish tanks, covering basic configurations, decorative elements, equipment selection, and maintenance key points:
I. Tank Selection and Size
Recommended Sizes
Solo betta keeping: Minimum 20 liters (40cm long × 20cm wide × 25cm tall). A larger space better allows the fish to stretch its fins and reduces stress.
Community tank (proceed with caution): If housing with small, peaceful fish species, a tank of 50 liters or more is required, and the betta must have a dedicated hiding area.
Material and Shape
Ultra-clear glass tank: Offers high transparency and excellent visibility, perfect for showcasing the betta’s flowing fins and tail.
Square tanks are better than round ones: They eliminate dead water zones and make it easier to arrange the landscape and filtration system.
II. Basic Environmental Configuration
Substrate Selection
Recommended Types
Fine sand (e.g., corydoras sand, black gold sand): 1-2mm in diameter, won’t get caught in the betta’s fins and simplifies leftover food cleanup.
Aquatic plant soil: Suitable for planting aquatic plants but requires regular tank rescaping to prevent decay.
Types to Avoid
Sharp gravel and colored artificial sand (may contain toxic dyes harmful to the fish).
Placement Thickness
3-5cm, with a lower front and higher back to create a layered effect.
Water Quality Requirements
Temperature: 25-28°C (maintained by a heater), with an insulation cover needed in winter.
pH Level: 6.5-7.5 (can be adjusted to slightly acidic using Indian almond leaves).
Hardness: GH 5-15°dH, KH 3-8°dH (soft water is preferred).
Water Change Frequency: Replace 1/3 of the water weekly, using aged, temperature-matched new water that has been left to stand for at least 3 days.
III. Decorative Elements and Functional Zones
Hiding and Resting Areas
Driftwood/Crape myrtle roots: Provide natural hiding spots and soften water quality (boil first to remove tannins that discolor water).
Ceramic pots/Cichlid caves: Position openings toward the tank corners to prevent the betta from attacking its own reflection due to territorial instincts.
Combination of floating wood and aquatic plants: Such as moss trees or Java ferns attached to driftwood, adding a three-dimensional look.
Aquatic Plant Selection
Foreground Plants
Dwarf Anubias, Glossostigma elatinoides (easy to survive in low light).
Midground Plants
Java fern, Cryptocoryne (shade-tolerant, no CO₂ required).
Background Plants
Hornwort, Water sprite (absorb ammonia and purify water).
Plants to Avoid
Water swords, Amazon swords (grow too quickly and easily block visibility).
Landscape Layout
Left-Middle-Right Zoning: Driftwood + aquatic plants on the left, an open swimming path in the middle, and ceramic pots + floating rocks on the right.
Height Variation: Taller background plants, medium midground plants, and shorter foreground plants, simulating a natural river ecosystem.
IV. Equipment and Maintenance
Filtration System
Recommended Types
External canister filters (e.g., Sunsun 603B): Quiet, suitable for 20-50L tanks, and ideal for cultivating nitrifying bacteria.
Sponge filters (air-driven): Suitable for small tanks and help increase oxygen levels.
Flow Control
Circulate 3-5 times the tank volume per hour; avoid strong water flow that can damage the betta’s delicate fin membranes.
Lighting Design
LED Lights: 5000-6500K color temperature, with 6-8 hours of light daily (to simulate natural day-night cycles).
Avoid Direct Strong Light: Bettas prefer shade; excessive light can cause fading and stress.
Heating and Temperature Control
Heater: 50W adjustable model, hidden in the filter compartment or behind aquatic plants to prevent the betta from nibbling.
Thermometer: Adhesive or floating type, for real-time monitoring of temperature fluctuations.
V. Advanced Setup Techniques
Themed Landscaping
Southeast Asian Rainforest Style: Driftwood + Bucephalandra + red tree roots, paired with brown substrate.
Japanese Karesansui (Dry Landscape) Style: White fine sand + Seiryu stone + Glossostigma elatinoides, creating a zen atmosphere.
Starry Night Theme: Black substrate + fluorescent aquatic plants (requires blue LED lighting).
Background Selection
3D Background Stickers: Forest or rock patterns to enhance depth perception.
Acrylic Background Panels: Customizable designs, must be fixed with non-toxic glue.
Interactive Elements
Feeding Ring: Fixes the feeding spot to prevent leftover food from contaminating the substrate.
Mirror Toy: Place briefly once a week to stimulate the betta to display its fins (no more than 10 minutes).
VI. Maintenance and Precautions
Weekly Tasks
Replace 1/3 of the water and clean residue from filter sponges.
Use a gravel vacuum to remove fish waste from the substrate surface.
Check aquatic plant conditions and trim yellow leaves.
Monthly Tasks
Clean the canister filter (retain some old filter media to maintain bacterial colonies).
Test water parameters (ammonia and nitrite levels should be 0).
Behaviors to Avoid
Frequent Movement of Decorations: Bettas rely on a stable environment; moving decor may cause them to stop eating.
Overfeeding: Feed 1-2 times daily, with food consumed within 3 minutes.
Housing with Aggressive Fish Species: Such as tiger barbs or guppies (male bettas will nip the fins of other fish).