In this post, we will answer the question “What are the top water plants for a betta fish bowl?”. We will also understand the plants’ needs and the conditions that they require.
What are the top water plants for a betta fish bowl?
Aquarium plants should be chosen carefully, as they will influence the well-being of your swimming friends.
It is important to know the characteristics of the different species, looking for those that fit perfectly in the environment you are caring for.
Benefits of plants
Having aquarium plants is not a matter of simple decoration. Greens bring a lot of benefits to the environment of your aquatic pets. According to experts, fish feel more comfortable when we can simulate their natural habitat.
In addition, aquarium plants also help balance substances in the water, making it healthier and more pleasant for swimmers. However, to enjoy these benefits, it is necessary to know how to choose aquarium plants. To learn more about it, just read the list below.
What do you need to know about aquarium plants?
Before starting your planted aquarium, it is good to have an introduction to the subject. A plant in an aquatic environment needs different care than those that live in the garden. That is why we have prepared a guide with everything a beginner aquarist needs to know about aquarium plants.
Substrate
The substrate is the base of the aquarium, where the plants will be fixed. It can be a fertile substrate, in which case it will provide nutrients for the plant. Inert substrates, on the other hand, serve only as a support site and generally need less care. The main types of substrate for aquariums are:
– Gravel is an inert and neutral substrate, which does not alter the chemical balance of the water. It is very common and easy to find, being suitable for those looking for an environment that is easy to care for;
– Black basalt: like gravel, black basalt is an inert substrate. Thanks to its dark colour, it creates a beautiful and interesting aspect for the aquarium;
– Worm humus: earthworm humus is a powerful fertilizer, widely used in gardening. In aquatic plants, it is also a good option, but it must be used with care. Thanks to its numerous nutrients, it can facilitate the development of algae. Therefore, it should be used by more experienced aquarists.
Lighting
Another point of attention for planted aquariums is lighting. To care for aquatic plants, it is necessary to install special lamps that provide direct and effective lighting. The power of the lamp may be lower, depending on the type of plant chosen.
CO2
If you remember from biology classes, you know that plants need CO2 to grow strong and healthy. In the case of planted aquariums, it is no different.
Extra nutrients
For the maintenance of aquarium plants, it is often necessary to use fertilizers. This type of product offers extra nutrients for greenbacks, which grow healthier. This type of supplement should be used very cautiously to prevent algae growth.
Top water plants for betta fish bowl
If you are looking for an aquatic plant for an aquarium, keep an eye on the list below. We separate 10 species, highlighting their characteristics and the ideal type of environment for their growth.
Amazonian
The Amazonian is among the most popular aquarium plants. Very resistant and easy to maintain, it does not need a fertile substrate or CO2 injection, making it perfect for beginner aquarists. It reaches 8 to 20 inches in height and is therefore suitable for larger aquariums. It has beautiful thin and long leaves, which create a charming tropical climate!
Dwarf anubia
Different types of dwarf anubias vary in characteristics such as colour and leaf shape. The common dwarf anubia, also called Anubias barteri var. nana, is the most classic among them.
It is extremely resistant and easy to care for, being known among aquarists as “the plastic plant that grows”. It reaches an average height of 7 inches and, therefore, can be created in medium-sized aquariums.
It has broad, dark green leaves that provide shelter and protection for fish. Thanks to its characteristics, it is considered one of the natural plants for a betta aquarium.
Carolinian bacopa
The Bacopa genus also comprises some types of aquarium plants. Carolinian bacopa is the most classic and easy to maintain among them. Although it does not require a fertile substrate, it does need periodic CO2 injection, which makes its maintenance a little more complex.
Even so, it is considered a kind of easy adaptation to different places! It reaches up to 25 inches, but it is possible to control its growth through pruning. It has a stem with small and fluffy leaves, resembling a charming succulent!
Carolinian cabomba
The Carolinian cabomba is a common aquarium plant often found in specialty stores. As it needs fertile substrate, CO2 injection and lots of lighting, it has slightly more complex maintenance.
Therefore, it is recommended for aquarists who are already experienced in planted aquariums. In nature, it can reach up to 30 inches in height. However, indoors we can control its growth with pruning. It has a thick stem with beautiful thin and delicate leaves.
Common elodea
Also called Egeria densa, the common elodea is a very hardy plant that will resist even the most inexperienced aquarists. In its natural habitat, it often grows in an uncontrolled way, and it is common to find it floating in rivers and lakes in South America.
When free, it can grow a lot, reaching up to 45 inches. However, in the aquarium it is possible to prune it, controlling its size. It has small leaves, resembling a fern.
Java moss
Thanks to its versatility, java moss is one of the most popular ground plants in the aquarium world. Its origin is Asian, but the species reproduces easily in Brazilian waters.
As it grows supported on logs and rocks, java moss can also be considered one of the plants for freshwater aquariums that do not need substrate. Despite being hardy and easy to grow, fixing it can be a little tricky for beginner aquarists.
You can make a mooring with a fishing line or a special glue for aquariums. The important thing is to use safe materials so as not to run the risk of altering the water balance.
Fox tail
Ceratophyllum demersum, popularly known as fox tail, is a controversial species. Some consider it one of the top low-tech aquarium plants, thanks to its strength and durability.
However, other aquarists find it difficult to create this green. That is why it is important to keep an eye on its development. If it shows signs of not adapting, remove it quickly, as its decomposition can upset the water balance.
A particularity is that the foxtail does not have roots and usually grows tangled in branches and trunks. In your aquarium, it is possible to leave it loose or tie it to stones and other decoration items, being also one of the aquarium plants that do not need substrate.
Water fern
The ease of growth, however, can be a challenge. It is necessary to always be attentive and ready to carry out pruning, as uncontrolled development can suffocate other species. Its leaves create a beautiful branching pattern, which will add charm to any room.
Conclusion
In this post, we answered the question “What are the top water plants for a betta fish bowl?”. We also understand the plants’ needs and the conditions that they require.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What are the top water plants for a betta fish bowl?
What is the best plant to put in my aquarium?
Luckily, there are a few practical options that will go a long way to helping you get your aquarium just the way you would like without too much hassle. The fern, on the other hand, has long plants that provide good cover for the fish. Dwarf anubias and Sagittaria subulataare good medium plant choices.
Can there be more than one betta in the aquarium?
To breed betta fish it is not possible to have two male betta fish in the same aquarium. Females are more friendly and easy to live with.
Why do aquatic plants favour aquarium life?
Aquatic plants are responsible for the production of oxygen, absorption of carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide or CO2) produced by fish, in addition to helping in the renewal of organic waste.
How to plant water ferns in the aquarium?
Requires regular pruning. If you plan a bottom for your aquarium, this plant is ideal if you only cut the front part, leaving the sides to grow. Average seedling size: can vary from 2 to 8 inches in height. Lighting required: Moderate to intense.
How many times a day to feed the betta?
Feeding of this species should occur three times a week, on average. As with other types of fish, feeding your betta more than necessary can be dangerous. Offer specific food for him in small, regulated portions.
References
Top 10 Betta Fish Plants for Your Aquarium – https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/top-10-betta-fish-plants-for-your-aquarium
What Are The Best Plants For Betta Fish? – https://www.bettaboxx.com/betta-care/plants/
