Ideas For A Betta Tank

[yabby]

Hi all

Just got an idea for a betta tank, was wondering if anybody with some experience could tell me whether it is possible. Basically I would like to get a small tank, ie. less than 10 litres, and use a substrate of 2-3mm gravel. I would like to carpet the substrate with Java moss, then introduce the 1 betta (or a paradise fish perhaps?) without filtration. Above the tank I would have a grow globe. I would like to know if it is possible to maintain such a large quantity of the moss with just 1 betta, and what would humanely be the smallest size tank that would be suitable with this setup. If so, would it be possible to put java moss walls on all sides of the tank except for one viewing side in addition to the carpet on the substrate??

Any advice/comments would be appreciated

Cheers

 

[doggiebag]

I think the moss idea would work. I personally would not put a betta in smaller than 15-20 litres. Mine is in 25litres and he uses all that space and is very active, he would not be so happy in a smaller tank. Others feel it may be okay.

 

[lilacamy931]

Most on here would recommend 3-5gallons for the healthy living of a betta, 10 litres works out around the 2 mark. The gravel sounds good, the java moss also sounds good though there are various methods recommended that may be better for the moss to attach to. If you get some mesh (plastic mesh from haberdashy etc) you can tie the moss to this and it will grow firmly and evenly, look good and also would mean you would not need substrate and easier cleaning. Honeythorn had a great suggestion on this using this sort of method for covering the floor and walls and generally having a moss cave, which would look really lush. You would need to keep up with water changes without a filter, though with the plants as long as they are healthy and thriving it would be a case of water testing constantly to begin with to see what length of time you can go between water changes and work a schedule from there. The extra space of a 3-5g would also be better for the moss, though it would need some lighting (low lightinh but access anyways). As to whether the betta waste would be enough to feed the moss unsure, its pretty hardy but that may be a question for the planted forum section.

 

[Honeythorn]

with just 1 betta, and what would humanely be the smallest size tank that would be suitable with this setup.

5 gallons.

 

[Forestpisces]

Plants need a filter as they need water turnover to oxygenate the tank and a fully grown betta needs 5 gallons of water for a permanent home.

Plants also need a light for photosynthesis to allow them to grow.

I don't mean to sound harsh but i don't think it's a good idea.

Sorry.

 

[Shred]

Java moss can quite easily be grown in a simple dish with an inch or so of water, or in a jar or whatever. It is a very hardy moss and doesn't need much light at all. However surviving doesn't necessarily mean growing, and lighting would be needed for the moss to grow through the mesh wall at the back.