Adding Sphagnum Moss to a Betta Tank

[dpinkert97]

Hello, all! I've been reading about how to set up an optimal tank for a betta fish, and came across the suggestion to add tannins to the water. My question is this: Is Sphagnum moss which is labeled as "organic" aquarium-safe? If so, how would I go about introducing the moss to the tank, and is there anything I should be careful to monitor after doing so? Thanks! (Possibly worth noting: I just did a water cycle earlier today as I have a heater in my tank, and so the water naturally evaporates slowly.)

 

[Naughts]

As it is a terrestrial plant it will rot. Try Java moss or Christmas moss which are aquatic.

 

[Naughts]

I just did a water cycle

Read up on cycling in the beginners section, I think you are confusing the term.

 

[Essjay]

I agree.

Cycling is the process of growing beneficial bacteria; what you describe is either a water change or topping up if you added water without taking any out first.

 

[dpinkert97]

Read up on cycling in the beginners section, I think you are confusing the term.

My bad. You are correct. I did a water change, and not a cycle.

 

[GaryE]

Spaghnum moss is dead, true, but it is a water altering botanical. The tannins added are minimal, taking the water to an unattractive pale yellow colour. But it will reduce the hardness of the water, and lower pH.
The main negative (I use it for fish that breed in it) is its tendency to harbour any velvet parasites that around present. They seem to love the environment it offers.

Since fancy Bettas have vulnerable unnaturally sized fins that tend to trap pathogens, I wouldn't use it. With short-finned wild Bettas, I have used it effectively.