5.5G Betta Planted

[CatrinaB87]

So I haven't had a tank for close to 10 years. I used to work at Petsmart, and all of my paychecks generally went to fish tanks and paraphernalia. Recently a friend of mine and I decided to each get back into it, and to get a Betta tank. I knew I wanted live plants, got natural colored gravel, and a log decoration for him to hide in.

So I bought my tank and my plants and my stuff and set it up, and I thought I had it looking great for it just starting out! My half moon betta is swimming around happy as can be, playing peek-a-boo in his log, trying and failing miserably to eat the guppy fry that lives with him (temporarily, I'm sure.)

And then I found this page. Thanks guys. Thanks. Now I feel like my little tank is just pathetic, and rather amateur. Now I need more tanks. And more plants. And more more.

Today while I was gazing at it, I noticed snail snot under some of my mondo grass. I scraped it off and threw it away, but now I'm panicked that I will end up with snails that I don't really want. Do I need to worry? Should I treat it with chemicals? I want to at some point get an african dwarf frog, but will they actually eat the eggs and such?

Any advice is appreciated!

Anywho, here it is!

 

[Mattfinn]

Don't worry I know exactly what you mean. I like the tank maybe a small sword would look nice with some crypts too. I'm about to set up a 5gal Betta planted tank they're on my plans. If you get some real sense growth you could consider some shrimp aswell.

 

[Bluethumb]

Don't worry about what other people say. It looks great and your betta looks happy!

 

[brennae]

I think its a nice little tank. anubias would be a nice addition and is fairly cheap (they come in those tubes most times at the stores now). I'm really into nano tanks and nano fish and have several bettas so I like it. Don't be disheartened by what you see on here. I am no aquascaper at all but I still admire the scapes others share on here, with just a tad bit of envy. lol Your first tank in a long time and you should be proud of it!

 

[Mattfinn]

My only concern is your light being very central to the middle of the tank and not spreading enough light for plants.
Edit: also did you say mondo grass? It's not fully aquatic plant and will begin to rot in the tank.

 

[CatrinaB87]

Matt: it's the light that came with it, and I was thinking the same thing. In a pretty tight budget but once I get some extra money I'm planning on getting better lights. Suggestions? And yes, it is mondo grass. I've always had it fully submerged in tanks and can't remember a problem with it, but I'll keep a close eye on it! The other plants are moneywort and... The name escapes me. The petsmart I got the plants from didn't have a great selection. I need to look around other places and see what I can find!

And thanks y'all for your kind words about my little tank!

One thing though- how can I slow the current down????


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[Mattfinn]

Matt: it's the light that came with it, and I was thinking the same thing. In a pretty tight budget but once I get some extra money I'm planning on getting better lights. Suggestions? And yes, it is mondo grass. I've always had it fully submerged in tanks and can't remember a problem with it, but I'll keep a close eye on it! The other plants are moneywort and... The name escapes me. The petsmart I got the plants from didn't have a great selection. I need to look around other places and see what I can find!

And thanks y'all for your kind words about my little tank!

One thing though- how can I slow the current down????


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

I thought it maybe. If you're on a budget you can construct a diy led system. I set one up with the help of my dad (17 and unemployed ?)
I think the other plant is wisteria. All are easy low light plants. Most stores don't...I live in Australia and I rotate between two private businesses and 1 chain store and it's very similar stock between the three. One does often have nice dw and Anubias and one sells a lot of crypts.