by Marie J Kelley

Created on: July 15, 2008

Purchasing a Betta requires more responsibility than most realize. Bettas are considered a "throw-away" fish and after purchasing them in tiny containers, most new owners toss them into a fish bowl and wonder why they die two weeks later. To properly take care of a Betta, it takes time and effort to get the correct tank set-up to keep them healthy, uninjured, and healthy. One of the key ingredients to a happy home for a Betta that is often missed, are plants. Plants in fish tanks can be used to snack on, to hide, to breed or simply just to relax, but it's important to make sure the correct types of plants are chosen for a Betta.

It's important to note, that plants for Bettas do not include any flowers or bamboo in vases. A correct tank set-up for a Betta is not a vase or bowl with a plant, but at least a five gallon fish tank that is filtered and heated.

The correct plants for a Betta tank are ones that are soft, bushy and won't cause damage to the marine environment or fish. An easy one to start with is the rosanervig. In ponds and lakes it's considered invasive because it will take over and grow in almost any marine environment, but that is the exact reason it makes such a perfect aquarium plant. Soft, bushy, and quick growing, the rosanervig is a perfect plant for the first time fish owner or aquarium plant grower. It easily tolerates temperatures ranging from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and grows is soft and hard water.

Another easy plant to grow, which is perfect for a Betta tank, is called the red leaf ludwigia. If kept trimmed, this plant can grow bushy and squat. It provides any fish tank with a balance to the many green plants that are easily growable as this one has a red tinge to it. The red leaf ludwigia grows in water that is typically 75 degrees Fahrenheit to 79 degrees Fahrenheit and is slightly acidic, but like any plant, that doesn't necessarily mean it won't grow in other conditions. Again, this plant is soft so when a Betta is swimming or attempting to hide from a predator or threat, the plant won't damage their fins.

Bettas are beautiful, intelligent fish that deserve to live in an environment that is healthy. Growing plants for your Betta doesn't have to be difficult or expensive and they can even be purchased already partially grown. If you are unsure about growing and maintaining life plants, fake plants are still a good option as long as they are soft and silky. By making the tank environment healthy for your Betta you can help ensure him or her a long and wonderful, fishy life.

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