Safe Betta Decor

[unknown_7]

For one of my betta tanks I used to have, I put a safe aquarium decoration I had in one of my old tanks. But what I realized is that the bettas fins got ripped up a lot and it died about a couple days after, so now I don't want that to happen again. I saw no sharp edges on the tank decoration, and it had not harmed any of the fish in the tank it was in. So are there any "tests" I can do to make sure that the decorations I use are betta safe? Thank you all for all your posts and help that you are providing in advance.

 

[rich311k]

Were the plants plastic?

 

[Blazeherd2306]

Mine tore his fins on a plastic plant. Silk plants should be used instead, and IMO, they look better anyway.

 

[An t-iasg]

I agree with Rich and Blazeherd - silk plants should be used with bettas. When I used silk plants, some of them had a plastic flower and I cut that off. I used fine sandpaper to smooth the cut edge of the plastic stem. I have read that you can use pantyhose to "test" the sharpness of a decoration. If it doesn't snag the pantyhose, it shouldn't snag the betta's fins.

 

[TXFish]

I've always used silk plants with my Bettas, as well. I also use those smooth marbles as a substrate vs the coarse gravel.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Real plants are also a good alternative to fake ones. And if there is a light on the tank, chances are you will be able to grow something. Mine loves laying on the Anubias