2.5 gallon betta tank

[DanW0007]

Right now I have a betta in a half gallon tank and I'm pretty bored with it. I saw a 2.5 gallon tank the other day and it seemed to be the perfect size for him (and my shelf). I noticed it came with a versatop and striplight. Then I started wondering if I could create a nice planted tank for him.

I'm guessing the striplight it comes with doesn't put off many watts, so does anyone have any ideas as to what I could do? The striplight is a thin 12 inches, and comes with a standard fluorescent bulb.

Assuming this is even possible, anyone have any suggestions for what types of plants?

 

[hashbaz]

Java moss is easy to grow, does not need a lot of light, stays small, and seems like a favorite of bettas.

 

[lmw80]

Anacharis also grows well in low lighting - I used to have some in my 2.5 betta tank. The good thing with anacharis is that you could plant some and leave some floating - your betta should love that.

 

[TankGirl]

You could plant crypts and java moss/fern in there. Tiny planted tanks are very cool, and very beneficial to the fish.

 

[czcz]

I've got anacharis, java moss, and hornwort growing well in a low/sunlight lit 2.5g. My tank (link) isn't well aquascaped or anything, but maybe it will give you some ideas.

 

[TankGirl]

Your example is better, czcz, since it is the same as the tank size in question, but here's a pic of my 5gal, which I consider a tiny tank, and while the growth is not overwhelming (what a pain if it was!) it is very satisfactory.

 

[czcz]

Your example is better, TG, because its AWESOME

 

[TankGirl]

Thanks czcz - I hope it will inspire people to plant small tanks, since plenty of people assume you can't.

 

[DanW0007]

Wow, thanks everybody. Lots of good info. Those tanks look great, hopefully mine will be something like that.

One last question. I work at a pet store, so I can get mostly everything I need there, except the only substrate we carry is regular gravel. Is the special dirt type mix that much better for planted tanks or can I just go with gravel and have just as much growth?

 

[TankGirl]

Regular gravel is fine, or even sand. If you plant crypts they are heavy root feeders so it will help to use a root tab like the one by Seachem.