want to try bettas again

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purple_fishy

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Apr 22, 2007
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Last year I bought a 2.5 gallon tank and a betta to live in it. He lasted a few months and then died mysteriously with no signs of fungal/bacterial issues and water parameters were ok using the master test kit (strips, not the drop test). I would like to try again. His tank will have a heater and a filter. I was wondering if a live plant would be feasible or even a good idea for a betta. TIA!
 
I have a betta in a 5 gallon with a sponge filter, heater, and tons of plants. He is as happy as a hog in slop!!! Don't get discouraged because of one fish...they are so enjoyable. Good luck!
 
So true, don't get down about one fish. Sometimes fish just die. Some types of fish you even expect to have some die when you get them (for example neon tetras). It is a part of owning an aquarium.
 
Betta's like to have things to lounge on, mine is always lounging on his plants, java fern or java moss are easy plants to take care of they don't need crazy lighting if you were looking for suggestions.
 
Mine has lots of plants an decor to play with (also his harem of 4 females helps). Also when you're buying find a small betta that does not have his full fins yet as betta's with full finage tend to be old!
 
I worry constantly about my neons and have never had an incident with them. My Bettas, all three, are great too. This is my first time with fish in a long time so I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
 
purple_fishy said:
Last year I bought a 2.5 gallon tank and a betta to live in it. He lasted a few months and then died mysteriously with no signs of fungal/bacterial issues and water parameters were ok using the master test kit (strips, not the drop test). I would like to try again. His tank will have a heater and a filter. I was wondering if a live plant would be feasible or even a good idea for a betta. TIA!
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Depends on the lighting, but you could try some java fern/java moss to start out with.

Make sure you cycle first and also get liquid tests (API FW Master kit is best). With the strips you are basically just guessing...
 
I have a 5 gal hex for my VT Betta with driftwood, anubias petite, java fern, and java moss. He lounges on the plants and "plays" around the driftwood. Real plants are better than fake for a betta as bettas tend to catch their fins on fake. Also make sure everything you put in with him has smooth edges so his fins don't get hung up and torn. An API liquid test kit is best and make sure you cycle the tank before you get him. While bettas are capable of living in less than ideal conditions, he will live longer and happier with a cycled tank with filter and heater. Good luck with the betta you choose!
 
I agree with all that's been said, a plant will do woonders for the betta as it will give him something to lounge on, I know that sounds funny for a fish...but they do. A 2.5 will be ok for him, I had mine in a 2.5 for 3 years and he did great all the way up. A 5 gallon will be better but if you are diligent with maintenance, a 2.5 can certainly be ok. A filter and heater is needed though, if your home environment is stable though, a heater might be ok to do without.
 
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