Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum. I've read some of the threads here about Betta and I've decided to share my Betta with the rest of the forumers. I recently bought my first Betta (not sure which type. I've uploaded a pic) three days ago. I used to have two aquariums for four years but due to tight schedule with my college, I had to keep my 20 gallon and 10 gallon tank in store last year. But I somehow got back to this hobby when I drop by a fish store and was attracted to this fierce betta. He keep flaring his gill at other male betta on other tank whenever I look up at him. The other betta wasn't fighting back though. I think he was just showing off. lol So I bought him and got him a 1 gallon tank with no filter and heater. I added a rock and a fake plant for decoration but with no sand or pebbles (easy to spot fish waste or leftover food). I change the water approximately twice every week with water conditioner. I rotationally feed him with frozen bloodworms and pallets once a day. First day, he wasn't look comfortable with his new home but after I change the water again, he seems to be settled and look very happy now. Is there anything I could do to improve his home? I took some picture of him using handphone camera. By the way, his name is Don. The fearless betta. LOL

Last edited by dean89 on Sun Jan 31, 2010 9:12 am; edited 2 times in total
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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

He is gorgeous!  Since he is zooming across the tank it's a little hard to tell what tail type he is, but he looks to me a little bit like either a half moon or delta.

His tank does look a little bare, perhaps more silk plants to fill in?  Also, can he hide inside that rock?  Many bettas like to go into places, so we give them caves or something similar for them to hide in.  A kind of refuge for some quiet time.  He may or may not use it, but at least it's there in case he does.

That's a good idea not to use gravel on the bottom, especially since you're doing 100% changes.  One less thing to have to clean.  

Thanks for the advice. I am also thinking about adding one or two silk plants based on the sizes. But will live plant suitable? As for the rock, there's no hiding place that is big enough for betta. I will try changing its position to provide that hiding place. Anyway, I will update again with the new look tank.
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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

hmm i prefer small tank with no decorations..anyway,may i know where to buy those cube small glass tank specially for betta fish?i live at ipoh,preak,malaysia.not sure this is maaysia forum or what.

Dean....live plants are wonderful if you can keep them healthy in a tank that is getting so many water changes.  Over time, plants seem to be stressed by that.  Java fern seems to do ok.

Panda, we have members from all over the world here.  Small tanks (less than a gallon) with no hiding places or plants, are stressful for your fish and will likely lead to shortened lives and increased illnesses.  Having a tank that is at least one gallon (US) and gets regular water changes, and has either a hiding place or plants so the fish feels secure, will help your fish be happier and healthier.

I've added live plant to his home and adjusted the rock to give the betta some hiding place. I tried to add gravel too but the water will turn dirty and redish after few days. But now he look happier with his better-look home! :D


He stop and start to pose whenever I took out my handphone camera! lol


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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

Looks good!  Wow, he has become even more gorgeous!  It looks like he has settled in well and his colors are brightening up.  Good job!

I've added some white gravel to make it look even better.



I accidentally used flash when taking this picture, he hide behind the plant after this snap. lol

Spot the betta?
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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

Your tank looks very nice.  I think after awhile you might not want the gravel in there, though.  Gravel does add a lot of character, but it's a pain to clean it every time you do water changes.  I think the tank looked very good without the gravel, too.

By the way, do you have a cover for it?  Bettas are notorious jumpers and I would hate to hear of him leaping out of his tank when you least expect it.

I agree with you that extra effort is needed to clean the tank with gravel but I don't have any problem cleaning them as I usually do with the cleaning routine on every Wednesday and Saturday. I think it's kind of plain on the bottom of the tank and for that I'll keep the gravel for now. I know betta can jump out of the tank but my betta is different from what I notice. I usually feed frozen bloodworm without giving it straight away into the water but I slightly put it above the surface of the water and he will jump 2 to 3 times trying to catch the bloodworm and will stop if failed. From what I see, he jump not that high, about quarter of his body out of the water. I don't know whether he will jump out of the tank when I'm not around but I'll take note about it. I might put something on top of the tank to prevent that. By the way, whenever I clean the tank, there will be some bad odor from the live plant, but from what I see, there isn't any sign of the plant dying or fade out. Could that smell come from the water or the nest bubble (betta's saliva)? I bought a plastic plant recently just in case if the live plant doesn't work for any longer.
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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

Many plants don't cope well with full water changes, especially stem plants that may not be true aquatic plants to start with.  If I had to guess you are either smelling stuff that is clinging to the gravel, or the plant is dying.  Bubble nests don't create odor and normal tank water should just have a mild, earthy smell.

Nice Betta! Do you know the name of the plant? It looks to be emergent form, meaning it was grown partially submerged or not at all and has not yet converted to aquatic form. This means it will rot and lose it's old growth as it attempts to grow new aquatic growth.
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Melt all plastic plants!

Now the live plant look dying and could cause the bad odor. I'm not sure about the name of the plant but the plant was already in a plastic pakaging when I bought it, so I assume it was not converted yet to aquatic plant? Anyway, I'll do the water change as soon as possible and change it to plastic plant. Thanks for the advice.
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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

You can keep a live plant in there, you just need one that is hardy and truly an aquatic plant.  Decaying plants definitely smell funky.

Google Anubias nana "petite" might run you a tad more to get the petite version but its worth it.  It also comes in a gold variety too.  Small piece of wood would be perfect.    Attach the A. nana to the wood and when you have to do a water change you can lift out the wood with the plant attached and replace when the tank is clean.

Anubias is VERY tolerant and I've done what I just described above without issue either.  Something to consider.

Beautiful betta by the way.  I really like the direction his home has taken.  Too many people dont consider using the lighter colored gravels.  They do wonders for well colored fish like your betta is.
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Jared & his Swamp Collies

Those that say high school are the best years of your life never held their newborn child.

This message brought to you courtesy of the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!!

I like the fact that Anubias nana is small in size, won't take a lot of space and very tolerant. Sounds perfect for his little home. But if I buy the plant, it will comes with the cotton base just like my previous plants; which is bulky. Is it possible to remove it and attach to a wood?

By the way, I've added a plastic plant to replace the faded 'non-aquatic' live plant. The plastic plant is actually quite big so I remove the big rock to allow the fish more spaces to swim around. I've also placed a thin layer of blue transparent paper to cover the top of the tank and also to give the tank some colour. I did many changes in the tank but still can't really think for the best decoration for my 18cm by 15cm by 13cm tank. Any ideas?
Anyway, here's the update of the tank.



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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

Looks nice, that is a really good color to have in there with a reddish betta.  I like how he's flaring at you in that last picture, "How dare you take my picture, you paparazzi you!"  

One note of caution, some plastic plants can cause problems with delicate betta fins.  Try rubbing a pantyhose over the leaf edges; if the pantyhose catches on it and tears, so will betta fins.  If the plastic turns out to be too sharp, you can replace it with silk ones.  There are a lot of silk plants at the fish store that look very realistic.

Good job on the tank cover; you just never know when a betta will get this sudden urge to explore the outside of his tank.

All depends on where you buy it from.  Most times just run the stuff under the faucet and gently remove the fibers.  No harm done.

And be sure you buy the petite variety of Anubias nana and not just Anubias nana.  Just like there are many different types of hosta, same with A. nana

Best of luck, I really like the tank.
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Jared & his Swamp Collies

Those that say high school are the best years of your life never held their newborn child.

This message brought to you courtesy of the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!!

Okayy..I bought the Anubias nana, not the petite ones. I was too excited to change the outlook of the tank and I bought the plant before your reply.

Nonetheless, the shop didn't sell the petite ones. I remove away the cotton and the cup. It was really tough though especially tying the plant onto the rock. I use cotton thread, just like sewing cloth. But it paid off really. It's a bit messy cause I try to use every single plant.

Might remove some later. But will normal Anubias nana be the same as the petite in terms of care, meaning will it need CO2 and easy to maintain and tolerant?

Here's the new look of the tank.



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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

I've read that the Anubias nana leaves are prone to sunlight and algae can easily spot after few days. Since I bought the plant, I've been thinking about adding some small creatures to the tank like ghost shrimps or amano shrimps but I've no experience whether it's suitable to place them with a betta and whether it will be seen as a meal to the betta. Also will they tolerate such a small tank with no filter? I don't really mind if it's not possible to add them but just want to hear from those who know better than me. Many thanks.
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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

Quote:

Might remove some later. But will normal Anubias nana be the same as the petite in terms of care, meaning will it need CO2 and easy to maintain and tolerant?

Yes its the same its just a dwarf version of it.  Care is the same.  I was just trying to keep you from getting something that was too big and you were unhappy with.  If you like the look (I think it looks good!) leave well enough alone.  The larger variety may have to be pruned back a bit to keep it reasonable in that small of a tank but its really no big deal.  Both varieties are easy, tolerant plants.  I've only seen 1 LFS in my area that carries the petite variety and thats occasionally at best.  Most times I've had to purchase it online from Aquabid or other places like that.

dean89 wrote:

I've read that the Anubias nana leaves are prone to sunlight and algae can easily spot after few days.

Is your tank receiving any direct sunlight?  Do you have a test kit?  If so what is your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate in the tank and out of the tap?  If not take a water sample to the LFS and have them test all 3 even if they want to talk you out of it.  Take a tank sample and tap sample, and post all 3 values here.  If your tank is not producing much nitrate waste (which I doubt given how often you do water changes) then you'll be fine.  If you have too much light or too much available nitrogen waste in the water then algae could use it before or faster than your plants can take it up.  As I said its probably a mute point given the frequency of your water changes.

Quote:

Since I bought the plant, I've been thinking about adding some small creatures to the tank like ghost shrimps or amano shrimps but I've no experience whether it's suitable to place them with a betta and whether it will be seen as a meal to the betta. Also will they tolerate such a small tank with no filter? I don't really mind if it's not possible to add them but just want to hear from those who know better than me. Many thanks.

Given the size tank you have Id leave it alone.  Its well stocked and you have a system thats successful.  Now if you chose to upgrade to say a 10 gallon, you could get a light (lot of options there), more and different plants and a variety of fish that would live happily with your betta.  Add a simple moss wall and have a nice colony of shrimp.  Cherry shrimp, or Amanos, or Ghosts would all be a great fit.  Add some small harmless tetra species like cardinals, or brass tetras, or neons, or Harlequins, or other schooling fish like white clouds, even a trio of Rams and really have something unique and beautiful.

Filteration, and the larger body of water compared to what you have currently gives you flexibility for stocking and design.  Its tough to get good filteration on a small body of water and many species are just not forgiving enough or have the ability to live in small nonmoving bodies of water.  The labyrinth organ that the betta has allows for them to breathe and not be dependant on the oxygen levels of your tanks water like many other species are.  This is why the betta is so popular for its elegant, colorful fins, and ease of care.

The nano tank (nano tanks are tanks usually 2-3 gallons and smaller) are pretty specific and very limiting on what you can stock with.  Just the nature of them.  

If you decided to go with a 10 gallon let us know we'll walk you through getting a proper filter and anything you need to be aware of.

Hope this helps
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Jared & his Swamp Collies

Those that say high school are the best years of your life never held their newborn child.

This message brought to you courtesy of the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!!

My LFS has the only bigger variety and they said the petite is rare in my country. I bought it because it last long regardless of the water quality.

My tank is not direct with sunlight and I doubt there will be problem with algae as I frequently changes the whole water. I don't really take notice of the nitrate, nitirte, ammonia etc as I don't have the test kit but I always add some drop of water conditioner whenever I change new tap water.

I've been thinking of upgrading to my 10 gallon tank or buying a 2-3g tank but for now, I'll stick with the current small tank as there isn't much space in my room. Also just not in the right time to upgrade due to my busy college schedule. I'll reconsider it after my exams though. Anyway, thanks for the useful advice.
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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

Your right on with what your thinking.  Just glad the tank is doing so well.
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Jared & his Swamp Collies

Those that say high school are the best years of your life never held their newborn child.

This message brought to you courtesy of the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!!

OK here's another picture update. I know it will be hard to do water changes now since I put in sand but I like the new setup than the previous ones. Very simple but nice.  

Staring at the shrimps next door. lol

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My invertebrates tank:
Flora: Anubias barteri var. nana, Fissidens fontanus, Aegagropila linnaei, Riccia fluitans, Limnobium laevigatum
Fauna: Neocaridina heteropoda, Planorbis rubrum

How are you doing water changes?  I like the sand by the way...very nice!
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Jared & his Swamp Collies

Those that say high school are the best years of your life never held their newborn child.

This message brought to you courtesy of the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!!