In Need Of Some Inspiration For My 10L Betta Tank

[TimFok]

I've got a 10L 360 Marina tank that I want to turn into a betta specific tank (one male betta).
 
It's been sat in my living room, cycling and ready to go for nearly 5 months now. 
 
I don't know what to do with the appearance of it.
 
I have a Fluval Edge, which is heavily planted. It looks great, but to be frank it's a pain in the backside to maintain.
I had to upgrade the lighting for the plants, I constantly battle sufficient light v too much light (equally in algae spells), it's a pain to clean the glass without up rooting plants.
Don't get me wrong, I love my Fluval Edge, but I don't want another high maintenance tank! I want this one to be easy to clean, easy to maintain, and for my betta to be happy.
I've already added a heater, but don't want to go down the additional lighting route. So heavily planted is out of the equation. The tank currently has beige sand substrate, which I'm not at all precious about.
 
I'm looking for inspiration, so does anyone have any picture of there tanks to share? Specifically the Marina 360 would be great (but I know they're not hugely popular). I've browsed the journal section, but it's hard not losing hours trawling through threads trying to find the special pics
 
Thanks in advance!

 

[Paradise3]

A 10l tank is too small for a male betta unfortunately as it's only 2 gallons. This would be best set up as a planted shrimp tank

 

[Chad]

Agree about size. I feel 5 gallons is minimum.
 
I've done a sort of "zen" tank for betta before. One broad-leafed plant and a very structured rock design with the substrate about it.
To try and emulate something like this:
 

 

[Paradise3]

Agree about size. I feel 5 gallons is minimum.

 
Me too, people say 3 gallons but I don't think that would give a betta enough room as I know how active they can be Mine used to swim and patrol every area of his 8 gallon tank. 

 

[Chad]

But I always try to answer the actual question as well as give advice so my vote is zen garden.

 

[Paradise3]

But I always try to answer the actual question as well as give advice so my vote is zen garden.

 
Sorry, I meant to actually answer the question too lol. I was distracted and so missed it out. I do agree with Zen tank though as betta's look stunning in Zen tanks because the betta contrasts in a beautiful way and the Zen enhances the feisty attitude of the betta

 

[Chad]

Ordered lines meets flowing fins. Drab color meets bright color. Stillness meets movement. Ah...I want to make one now!

 

[Paradise3]

Ordered lines meets flowing fins. Drab color meets bright color. Stillness meets movement. Ah...I want to make one now!

 
You're not the only one lol. The thing is, I want to do a "Zen" sort of theme with my main tank and then re-stock it to look just right but I need money and time first I'm thinking of it though. Saving up for a bit should do it lol

 

[Chad]

Saving up is good. It allows you to really plot and plan and then execute it all at once.

 

[TimFok]

Zen is pretty cool.

That gravel looks like it could be a complete balm ache though! Anyone tried a submerged version?

 

[Chad]

I have. You can use other substrates for it. In a small tank you won't match the look 100% without using sand, but you can come close with an earthtone gravel. I have seen one small tank where the owner created an insert that was all glued in place and the only opening was for the one live plant. I'll see if I can dig up a photo, it was quite a while ago though.

 

[Paradise3]

Saving up is good. It allows you to really plot and plan and then execute it all at once.

 
There is that I need to design around my Rubber Lipped Pleco as that is one I am definitely keeping, along with my Sparklers, Shadow Cats & Gold Rams. The rest of my stock(Guppies, one remaining Threadfin, one remaining Platy, ) will probably be sold on if they don't pass on before I get chance to sort it all out.

 

[TimFok]

I have. You can use other substrates for it. In a small tank you won't match the look 100% without using sand, but you can come close with an earthtone gravel. I have seen one small tank where the owner created an insert that was all glued in place and the only opening was for the one live plant. I'll see if I can dig up a photo, it was quite a while ago though.

Picture would be good if you could find it as I don't quite know what you mean!

 

[Chad]

About the substrate or the insert?

 

[TimFok]

With the Insert, although in regards to the substrate. Do you mean that sand is the best substrate to use?