Betta tank help.

[Andyvette]

My wife is allowed to have a small vase on her desk if she wants to at work. She has been asking for a betta fish. She can't have an aquarium there (with filter, lights, etc), so I was curious if there was a way I could use a vase without it being inhumane.

Here is what I am thinking-

A Vase
A Substrate (which kind would be best for them? Sand ok?)
A live plant if I could (would one work here... maybe hornwort? Those things won't die if I try to killem ).
A buddy or 2 (A couple ghost shrimp and a snail?)

Other than that, all they need is betta food right? And I will have her do weekly 50% water changes? Help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Andy

Edited to say: Is there a kit I can buy that already has this stuff? Thanks again!
Edited- Is there a small

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I do not recommend putting any fish in an unfiltered tank. Could she get one of those compact tanks that have the lights and filter built into the hood?

 

[Andyvette]

I do not recommend putting any fish in an unfiltered tank. Could she get one of those compact tanks that have the lights and filter built into the hood?

I think. It would have to be small though. Do you have a link for an example?

I wouldnt mind doing a small (3 gallon) one with a small filter. We are in TX, so I doubt we would need a heater. So one of those little ones with a built in light/filter might do perfect. In addition to that, the substrate being sand would probly not work, correct?
I'm thinking small marbles like the "typical" betta tank?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Sand substrate would be fine. I used to have one of these for my betta. Although, you can find them ALOT cheaper at Wal-Mart or maybe even try your lfs. The online listing shows $45 but I got mine for $20 at Wal-Mart.

 

[Andyvette]

Sand substrate would be fine. I used to have one of these for my betta. Although, you can find them ALOT cheaper at Wal-Mart or maybe even try your lfs. The online listing shows $45 but I got mine for $20 at Wal-Mart.

I think I am going to use my current 6 gallon tank I have now. It has a 25watt heater, a light, a small whisper filter (ok, I guess), and a coral life digital thermometer. That shouldn't be bad....

Now for stocking-
1 Betta
2 Cordys?
2-4 Ghost Shrimp?

Does that sound good enough, or could I add another somethin somethin?

Lastly, what live plant would work in there. The light is pathetic. Maybe 2 watts.

 

[czcz]

Cryptocoryne sp. would be good low-light plants to try. Then its like a little Asian tank. Do you know what kind of bulb it is and the actual wattage rating?

 

[severum mama]

I put a small piece of driftwood with a java fern attached into my 5 gallon hex betta tank. He really likes hiding in the leaves. BTW I also have a sand substrate in there, so I don't see why you couldn't do the same. It's a nice little tank.