In The Bottom Of The Betta Tank...

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

i have large, transparent glass stones and gems i the bottom of my betta tank (still sitting, waiting for the betta and plants) and i was wondering if plants would root in it or if i would need fake plants.

 

[matty101]

I don't know myself but would surely want to know because I too have that! Will the plants even live if there is no substrate (I believe that's what it's called)? Thanks and I would hope so

 

[afishdude]

to answer both your questions, it completly depends on what type of plants your talking about. some will,and some wont. if i was you i would consitor getting rock for the substrate plants can grow and it is still somewhat easy to clean. if you have good lighting in your tank or bowl. try some Cabomba caroliniana its fast growing and is very cheap. and when it outgrows your tank (wich it will) just clip some off the bottom and replant the top and it will re-root. i have Cabomba caroliniana in my betta tank and he loves it.

 

[Sammie7]

Java moss, java fern, anubias, and hornwort are all low light plants that do not need a substrate. For the java moss, java fern, and anubias you can attach them to a piece of wood or rock and let them be. The hornwort can be left floating and is a good surface plant. However, hornwort grows incredibly fast. Sometimes I would have it grow an inch a day in my 5 gallon hex with 10 watts of fluorescent light. You could also get anacharis, which is a fast growing stem plant. It can be planted or left floating.

 

[liz2]

I only have glass pebbles. In summer I put that parrots feathers stuff in as it floats on top. Prob. already mentioned but dont know the botanical name...

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

hm okay. are fake plants okay too? i already have some plants - corkscrew val, baby tears and stargrass - but from what i'm hearing it really won't root too well.

 

[Sammie7]

Why wouldn't fake plants be ok? If you want to mix fake and real plants that's up to you. Personally, I could not go back to fake plants after switching to real plants. It's a world of difference, and no matter how good the look-a-like, fake plants just don't cut it for me any more.

 

[Glod]

If you're going with fake plants make sure they are soft silk rather than plastic which may damage the Bettas fins. If you want real plants you'll need to go with the ones advised which don't need substrate to root in. Java Fern, Java moss, Hornwort and other floating plants should all do fine in with your Betta.

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

mmk sounds good. seeing as some of the plants are dying in my other tank. one stargrass and one corkscrew val are turning a bit brown.