Confused With the Many Options? How To Choose the Right Fish Tank Filter

ByFrancis Lang-Mosby

Collecting a breed of fishes and growing them inside the comforts of your own home can be fulfilling for most fish enthusiasts. It is not just a relaxing hobby but it can also add up to the attraction of your home.

For beginners, it is important that you understand the basic things about fish care, their maintenance and more importantly, the upkeep for their fish tank.

Aquariums will serve as your pet's habitat from now on. That is why it is very important to keep it clean and healthy at all times. How to do this?

Fish tank filters are a number one necessity in keeping your fishes alive. Without it, the aquarium your fishes will inevitably die of suffocation. These are mechanisms that help maintain the cleanliness of your aquarium.

There are tons of aquarium filters that are being sold in the local pet stores. What is important is that you choose the one that blends harmoniously with the creatures and decors inside your aquarium. What to keep in mind when looking for fish tank filters?

1. Consider the Size of Your Aquarium

In most cases, the bigger the aquarium, the bigger fish tank filters you need to keep the water from clouding. This can be theoretically true most of the time. However, sometimes, to save up space inside the fish tank, two small filters can do the job. Small external fish tank filters that are five or six foot long can be installed. This can actually do practically the same amount of work as the bigger ones.

2. What are the types of fishes are you keeping?

There are some fishes that tend to be messier than others. Take for example the Oscars. They eat a lot more food compared to the Discus. This makes them produce more waste in the tank. It is also important to understand the diet of the fishes that you intend to keep. Remember, the bigger the fish, the bigger the fish tank filters that you need.

3. Aquarium plants can also contribute in contaminating the water

Fish tanks are definitely more attractive with plant decors. In order to keep both your plants alive and maintain the water's cleanliness at the same time, you have to choose a well-run undergravel filter. These types of fish tank filters are more conducive to the healthy growth of your plants. It can serve both your fish and plants altogether.

4. How much are you willing to spend on fish tank filters?

A limited budget can put a strain in aquarium shopping. Keeping fishes is indeed an expensive hobby. If you are on a tight budget, you may be better off in going for the old-fashioned sponge filter and air pump. These may be old-school, but they are still dependable. Another option is to purchase an undergravel filter with two powerheads. This can be used for larger aquariums.

Whatever filter it is that you may deem to choose, it is still your primary responsibility to keep the water clean at all times. There is only so much that a water filter can do. Maintaining an aquarium may take a lot of effort. However, at the end of the day, if those colorful fishes can relax you, then go for it.

Francis Mosby breeds fish as a hobby. He takes care of several seawater and fresh water fish at home. He enjoys diving rather than fishing, and he makes sure that the fish he keeps are happy in the environment they live in. His rule#1 is that fish should have more than enough space to swim in.

Francis writes for the blog of http://www.RosesPetSupplies.com. You can check out his articles about fish care in our blog.

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How to Choose the Right Pond Supplies for Your Koi Pond or Water Garden

Many hobbyists first get the idea to build a Koi pond of their own after seeing their first pond in person. The idea of coming home after a long hard day to hear the sounds of a beautiful flowing waterfall and the beauty of colorful Koi fish swimming in crystal clear water sounds almost too good to be true. What could be better than coming home to paradise, your own private oasis in the privacy of your own backyard? This is the very thought process many new pond owners go through when they first catch the "pond bug" and decide to begin digging a lagoon in their yard.

Any pond owner will tell you that owning a pond can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The countless hours spent relaxing in your favorite lounge chair on your back porch, doing absolutely nothing but enjoying the tranquil environment you have created can be a definite stress reliever. Purchasing some small inexpensive Koi fish at your local pet store and watching them grow over the years, perhaps teaching them to eat from the palm of your hand. These moments are the fruits of your labor, the joy that can come from building the outdoor water feature you've always dreamt of.

Unfortunately, building a pond or water garden is simple as it may appear. There is definitely more to it than simply digging a hole and filling it with water. Every pond, every water garden exists as its own ecosystem. This ecosystem must provide a healthy living environment for Koi fish, goldfish, and other pond inhabitants. The water in your pond must be constantly filtered, and care must be taken to avoid green water -- the dreaded "pea soup" syndrome common to newer ponds. The purpose of this article is to help new pond owners avoid some of the costly mistakes when constructing their own pond.

The biggest regret many pond owners have after building their first pond is they wish they had made it bigger. Koi keeping can be an addicting hobby, and it is not uncommon for many pond owners to add dozens, if not hundreds of Koi fish to their ponds. Unlike common goldfish, Koi fish are available in several different varieties and an easily exceed two feet in length within a few years if given proper care. Many koi collectors become Koi Kichi, which means "crazy for Koi." Not unlike someone who collects postage stamps or baseball cards, many Koi keepers collect Koi.

The term "Koi" is actually short for Nishikigoi, which are ornamental carp often kept as pets in outdoor ponds. Koi are incredibly hardy species and survive through a wide range of temperatures. Many new pond owners take this hardiness for granted; however, and are not exactly diligent when it comes to pond filtration and other required steps to help ensure clean, healthy pond water. This lack of effort often results in consistent parasite infestations resulting from poor water quality. Left unchecked, this commonly leads to Koi illnesses and ultimate fish death.

There are basically two different types on water features commonly found in backyards. These water features include water gardens, which are commonly filled with a variety of aquatic plants, and proper Koi ponds, which are specifically designed to provide suitable home for Japanese Koi fish. The differences between these water features are significant. Water gardens are primarily designed for plants and often feature a lot of rocks in the water to help create a more natural appearance. While many water gardens are very beautiful to look at, they are not suitable for Koi keeping.

A proper Koi pond should include several important features which require you to choose the best pond supplies possible. First and foremost, a proper Koi pond must ensure healthy clean water. Outstanding water quality can be accomplished by any number of commercially available pond filter systems on the market. It is important to understand the goal of pond filtration is to provide healthy water and this does not necessarily equate to clear water as well. Healthy water can still be green, which is a major issue for many pond owners wishing to actually view the beautiful fish swimming in their ponds.

The addition of an ultraviolet sterilizer can help achieve clear water in even the murkiest of Koi ponds. Also known as UV clarifiers, these units effectively kill green free floating algae commonly found in pond water, causing it to sink to your pond floor where it is removed by your filter. Most commercially available UV sterilizers are designed to clear your pond water within three days, and require minimal maintenance. For best results, it is recommended to replace the UV lamp in your ultraviolet clarifier once every two years.

The heart of any backyard water feature is a reliable circulation pump. Because a Koi pond is a living ecosystem unto itself, it is recommended to leave all equipment running on a continuous basis. This means the pond pump you choose must offer energy efficiency, reliability, and be properly sized for your specific needs. There are two basic categories when it comes to selecting a water circulation pump. Depending on your pond design, a pond owner can choose between a submersible pump and an external pump. Which pond pump type is best varies based on your specific needs.

External pond pumps are designed for out of pond installations. In general, external pumps are available in larger sizes than submersibles and offer superior energy savings. It is also far easier to repair most external pumps, as replacement components are readily available. External pumps are ideal for use in Koi ponds and water gardens of all sizes. If using a pressurized bead filter or if you have a waterfall more than four feet tall, an external pump is also highly recommended as these units perform far better under these conditions than to most submersible pumps.

Submersible pond pumps are also available in a variety of sizes. Since a submersible pump is designed to run while under water, it is generally easier to install a submersible pump on most water features. Many popular submersible pumps for Koi ponds feature an oil-free design, which is important because this eliminates the danger of oil leaking into your pond water, creating potentially unsafe conditions for pond life. In general, submersible pumps are ideal for most water gardens and small ponds which do not have bead filters installed.

The phrase "garbage in garbage out" definitely applies when it comes to selecting the right pond equipment for your outdoor water feature. Quality definitely counts. Quality products may cost a bit more, but usually pay for themselves over time by providing lower maintenance workload and a longer useful life. The questions addressed in this article are only a small fraction of those required to build a proper Koi pond or beautiful water garden that your entire family will enjoy for years to come.

Cal Ponds is a leading pond and water garden supply retailer committed to providing exceptional customer service. Specializing in pond filtration solutions, Cal Ponds offers free pond design assistance and discount pond and water garden products to customers worldwide. Learn more about Cal Ponds by visiting their website at http://www.calponds.com or make an appointment to visit their retail showroom in Victorville, CA by calling (760) 951-7776.

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How To Choose The Right Pressurized Bead Filter for Your Backyard Koi Pond or Water Garden

Manufacturers:

Advantage Bead Filters are manufactured by Sacramento Koi, based in Rocklin, California. The President of Sacramento Koi, Steve Walker is also the designer of the Advantage Bead Filtration System. AlphaONE Filters are manufactured by Oklahoma-based Grand Champion Technologies, commonly known as GCTek. In addition to designing the AlphaONE line of filters, Gary Cryer, President of GCTek, also designed the best-selling line of AquaBead Filters.

Maximum Pond Size:

AlphaONE Filters are available in a wide variety of sizes and are designed for Koi ponds up to 35,000 gallons. Advantage Bead Filters are available in three sizes and provide complete biological and mechanical filtration for Koi ponds up to 15,000 gallons. For ponds over 15,000 gallons, many Advantage owners choose to install multiple Advantage Bead Filters.

Pre-Filter Recommendations:

Because Advantage Bead Filters do such an amazing job at both mechanical and biological filtration, the manufacturer does not believe a pre-filter is necessary for most ponds. If you wish to add a pre-filter to your Advantage Filter, Sacramento Koi recommends the Advantage Settlement Chamber. AlphaONE Filters also function extremely well as stand-alone filters and do not generally require a pre-filter. If a pre-filter is desired; however, GCTek recommends the Vortek SS Delux.

Bio Media:

Advantage Bead Filters utilize a proprietary Advantage bio media, which is not offered with any other filter on the market. This media is not sold separately and is included with the purchase of any Advantage Bead Filter. Thanks to its unique design, Advantage bio media provides exceptional mechanical filtration and fines removal while also providing maximum surface area for beneficial bacteria growth. Advantage filter media also resists channeling. AlphaONE Filters utilize proprietary AlphaONE bio media. This unique filter is provides exceptional mechanical filtration while also providing high surface area for beneficial bacteria growth. Thanks to its unique shape, AlphaONE media produces less head resistance than comparable filter media types on the market, allowing for high flow rates.

Clear Dome Lid:

Both Advantage Bead Filters and AlphaONE Filters feature a clear dome lid, which allows the pond owner to visually see when it is time to backwash the filter.

Media Agitator:

AlphaONE Filters include a powerful 1.5HP media agitator, which aids in backwashing. The agitator included with Advantage Filters is actually 2 HP, making it the most powerful media agitator offered with any commercial bead filter system on the market today.

Head Pressure:

Advantage Bead Filters and AlphaONE Filters produce comparable levels of total dynamic head, and can be used with today's energy efficient pumps. For maximum performance, both respective manufacturers recommend their filters to be used with PerformancePro Artesian2 Pumps.

Maintenance:

To ensure optimal water quality, it is recommended that both Advantage Bead Filters and AlphaONE Filters be backwashed on a regular basis. In general, it is recommended to perform routine maintenance on a weekly basis. The actual maintenance process for both filter systems takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

Available Upgrades:

AlphaONE Filters are available in low head versions, which allow you to achieve high flow rates while using a much smaller, more energy efficient pump. The low head version of Advantage Filters, commonly known as the Advantage Pro Series, has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available - making AlphaONE LH Filters the only low head bead filter systems commercially available in the USA..

Available All-In-One Systems:

Advantage Bead Filters are available as part of the Advantage Plug and Play, these complete all-in-one filtration systems include an Advantage Bead Filter, PerformancePro Artesian2 Pumps, and high output Emperor Aquatics SMART UV Sterilizer. AlphaONE Filters are available as part of both AlphaONE Plus Systems and Mashimizu Systems. AlphaONE Systems include an AlphaONE Filter, Pentair Pump, and Zapp Pure UV Sterilizer, one of the best ultraviolet clarifiers on the market today. The word Mashimizu means "clear water" in Japan. Mashimizu Filters are are quite popular among experienced koi keepers, and include AlphaONE Filter, WunderFlo Pump, Vortek SS Delux Pre-Filter, and Zapp Pure UV Clarifier all pre-plumbed on a durable, all weather pad.

Warranty:

Both Advantage Bead Bio-Filters and AlphaONE pond filtration are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against defects. Sacramento Koi also offers an unconditional satisfaction guarantee on all Advantage Bead Filters. This means you can purchase an Advantage Filter, install it on your pond and use it for up to a year. If you are not 100% satisfied, you may return your Advantage Filter for a complete refund and the manufacturer will even absorb return shipping costs! No other filter manufacturer offers this iron clad guarantee of quality.

Shipping Cost:

Due to their dimensions and weight, most Advantage and AlphaONE systems are shipped exclusively via common carrier. Shipping cost for AlphaONE Filters is generally absorbed by dealers for AlphaONE units for orders within the contiguous USA. Due to manufacturer restrictions; however, it is not generally possible to avoid shipping costs on Advantage systems.

Will-Call Pickups:

California Ponds and Water Gardens, based in Victorville, CA is the only stocking dealer for Advantage Bead Filters in North America. Cal Ponds also maintains a stock inventory of AlphaONE Filtration systems for local customers. Will-call pickups for Advantage Filters can also be arranged at the manufacturer in Rocklin, CA.

If you have been doing research on pressurized bead filters for your Koi pond, chances are you have come to realize that two bead filters on the market stand above the rest. The Advantage Bead Filter, manufactured by Sacramento Koi, and the AlphaONE Filter by GCTek, are often regarded as the "Lamborghini and Ferrari of the pond filtration industry" by experienced pond builders worldwide. These top quality pond filtration systems are renowned for offering superior performance while requiring significantly less maintenance time than competitor pond filters. This article is intended to provide pond owners a high-level comparison of some of the key features distinguishing these filters to help them make an informed purchasing decision.

Learn more about Cal Ponds by visiting their website at http://www.calponds.com or make an appointment to visit their retail showroom in Victorville, CA by calling (760) 951-7776. Cal Ponds is a leading pond and water garden supply retailer committed to providing exceptional customer service. Specializing in pond filtration solutions, Cal Ponds offers free pond design assistance and discount pond and water garden products to customers worldwide.

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How to Choose the Right Sand for Your Aquarium

Introduction

When looking for the right sand for your aquarium, you will need to look at the different categories there are. By understanding the different categories before you buy it will save you trouble down the road.

Substrate

To begin with the stuff at the bottom of your aquarium is called substrate, whether it be sand or gravel. The term substrate is preferred because it is acted upon by the bacteria culture you need to grow in your aquarium.

Fish

The first thing you will need to do is ensure that the sand you put in your aquarium is compatible with the fish you are going to keep. For example, some fish have a natural environment of sand and when they are placed in an aquarium, would love to have the same substrate in their new home.

Some bottom feeders need it to protect their soft underbellies. Some fish will even need it to help them bury themselves in it. These fish are mainly salt-water fish such as such as sting rays, some sharks and invertebrates. Also some will need it to lay their eggs,

Types Of Sand

Basically sand can be categorized into two different categories, and of course with in each category there are subsets of different sands, usually based on the color of the sand. The two different categories are silica and calcium sand:

Silica - This is the most common type of sand in the world and is basically ground up quartz. If you select this type of sand it will not change the chemistry in your aquariums water. The different types of silica based sand you can choose from are black beauty, sandblasting, play and pool filtration sand. All have different advantages and disadvantages, so do some research before you select a particular type.Calcium - Unlike silica sand, calcium sand will actually buffer the pH in the water of your aquarium. Two types of calcium sand are crushed coral and aragonite. Unlike silica sand, calcium sand is much more expensive.

Conclusion

When choosing sand for your aquarium there are two categories to select from. Silica sand that will not affect the water and is relatively cheap or calcium sand that will buffer the water in your aquarium and is much more expensive.

You will also need to consider the type of fish you are going to put in your aquarium, the color of the sand you want, whether you need to buffer your aquarium and the expense.

J.W. Chase is an amateur Aquarist who has successfully been keeping aquariums for over 35 years. Over 75% of people who start aquariums fail in the first month for lack of knowledge. If you want more information on how to keep an aquarium, go to his web site and download a free eBook on "15 Tips On Building And Maintaining An Aquarium" at http://www.squidoo.com/homefreshwateraquariums.

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How to Choose Among Custom Fish Tanks

ByPaul De Vizard

Custom fish tanks have a wide range of options and the genuine beauty of one will liven up any house or office area. This is a great, unique way to improve a room compared to a regular fish tank. Many houses and offices are putting in new, customized aquarium tanks. There are various kinds of tanks that can be installed and used. The fortunate side of it is that these types of tanks are less expensive than one would consider. Customers can select among numerous varieties. A custom fish tank is certain to cost more than a regular aquarium since you will pay for an exceptional design that is also affordable.

There are various factors related to your custom tank install and an important one is the size. The area should provide a large amount of varying temperatures for the AC and heating and should not be installed in an area that receives a lot of sunlight exposure. The fish and plants will need light as long as it is natural light and some people may want artificial light which is still suitable.

Tanks can be made at different heights. Your preference should determine the height at which you want the tank. This is best decided by the way you would like the tank to be viewed. A significant benefit to a personalized fish tank is the chance to set it up just the way you want it with many of the great features you want to have installed.

Of course, it is important that you stock the tank after it has been installed. There is a profound range of freshwater or saltwater life to include in the tank. Finding the right location for a fish tank will usually depend on the shape. Tanks have to remain out of direct sunlight to reduce fish growth and temperature variations. Weight restrictions have to be considered, as well. Custom fish tanks are heavy because a twenty gallon tank will suit a second floor, but one that is sixty gallons should be placed on a concrete floor or it could affect the ceiling beneath the tank.

In regards to searching for custom aquariums, it may be smart to search for a few quotes first. A well-known resource involves looking for providers near you by visiting the internet. You want to choose a company that can fit your tank according to your personal preference. A tank is also not lively without tropical plants. Even if you are mindful about your budget and want to go with artificial plant life, or if you want to buy fresh fauna, many professional services will assist you in designing a tank.

Paul de Vizard is a writer on many different subjects. This includes all manner of marketing, ideas and complex theories. He also likes to learn about Hobbies that interest him. To read more on his hobbies check out his article on How to chose a Fish Tank Stand and where to find the best Fish Tank Decorations from FishTankstands.org

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7 Steps to Help You Choose a Healthy Goldfish

A lot of goldfish diseases can be completely prevented if you take the time to pick out healthy stock in the first place. However, that can be a difficult task in itself if you haven't been keeping Goldies for very long - especially if you're trying to sort through a tank that has a couple dozen Oranda Goldfish in it. There's a lot more to check than simply making sure it's swimming!

Here's a quick breakdown of what I look for before I commit to buying any type of Goldfish.

1. Examine the overall appearance of the Goldfish. When I do this I'm looking primarily at the color - is it dull? Does it appear sickly or malnourished? If the color is very pale compared to the rest of the fish the one in question is probably suffering from some kind of stress or illness. You also want to pay very close attention to the belly - a fish with a very sunken appearance to its stomach is likely carrying internal parasites. I also like to take a quick look at the shape of the body - in general, I avoid Goldfish that have a very distorted, deep body because I don't want to deal with buoyancy problems later on.

2. Observe the way the Goldfish is swimming. This should only take you a few minutes - all you are doing is watching the way the Goldfish swims in comparison to the rest of the Goldies in the tank. You should avoid purchasing a Goldfish that is bottom sitting or scratching against objects. Likewise, I don't recommend purchasing a fish that is already showing signs that is has difficulty maintaining buoyancy. For instance, avoid the ones that have an apparent tilt or occasionally stop to float on one side.

3. Examine the fins on the Goldfish and its tank mates. This is a very easy step because there really isn't a lot that you need to look for. However, the condition of the fins can tell you a lot about the health of a fish. For instance, you do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has any red streaking or white cottony growths along the edges of the fin. If the fins have a very shredded appearance or look like they are being eaten away by something do not purchase anything from that tank!

4. Examine the feces if possible. You are ideally looking for a Goldfish that has solid strands of poop, not one that has clear or very stringy poop. However, many Goldfish at the pet store are already suffering from a mild case of constipation because they are only offered flake food, so I would not be terribly concerned with a bubbly or clear strand of poo - instead, I would just fast the fish once I got it home and then offer it organic whole peas for a few days.

While you are observing the feces, make sure you also take a quick look at the vent (where the poo is coming from). You do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has a bloody or very swollen, irritated vent. The vent area of a Goldie should gently slop upwards toward the tail.

5. Look the Goldfish over to see if it is missing any scales. The scales on a Goldfish act like a layer of armor in respect to its immune system - these are the first things that any bacteria or parasite come in contact with. If the barrier is compromised in any way, like a patch of missing scales, the fish is left very vulnerable to infection and disease. Generally, a Goldie that has patches of missing scales will also show other signs of being unhealthy as well. However, occasionally I overlook a missing scale or two because it's very apparent that they are being picked on by the other fish which isn't a rare occurrence in an already overcrowded sales tank.

6. Look for any growths, lesions or fuzzy patches on all of the Goldfish in the tank. This one is pretty self-explanatory - you do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has any open wounds, ulcer-like markings, or fuzzy patches on its body/fins. You should also be on the lookout for fish that look like they have been sprinkled with salt - if any fish have this appearance do not buy anything from the tank.

7. Observe the other Goldfish in the tank. After you have taken the time to examine the Goldie you want to buy, take a couple minutes to look at all of the other fish in the tank. You ideally want to find a tank that doesn't have any dead Goldfish floating around.

However, please keep in mind that it will be almost impossible to find a tank that meets that criterion if you are shopping in a large chain pet store. The tanks at these stores are grossly overstocked which makes dead fish an inevitable reality. Instead, make sure that the other Goldfish do not have any visible external parasites, growths or signs of fish ick.

The goal of the above check list is to help you pick out a healthy Goldfish; however it is not implying that you should be rigorously examining the fish to make sure it fits show quality standards. For instance, if the fish you like has a minor flaw, like a bent fin, but otherwise appears healthy then go for it!

The health of the fish is the most important consideration. Just make sure that the new Goldfish will be compatible with your other Goldies. For more goldfish keeping tips, check out Fish Problems.com, where you'll learn about how to keep your goldfish healthy, happy and growing!

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How to Choose Plants Compatible With Betta Fish

Betta fish are a species of hardy, elegant and easy to care for freshwater fish. They have a labyrinth organ that acts as a set of lungs allowing the fish to breathe air at the surface, as well as a set of gills for filtering air through water. The aggressive males can only be kept alone; gill displays shown by them are beautiful but they are also a warning of their hostility to other males. Most betta lovers keep the male betta, whose long flowing fins and bright colors are much prettier than the short finned, mutely colored female. Females flare their fins as well, but they lack the flowing elegance of the male. Because of the solitary nature of the male betta, a great deal of creativity can go into decorating his tank. Some people will place a clear plastic divider in the middle of a tank and put a betta on each side of it. The resulting displays between the two males is quite beautiful behind the safety of the divider.

Bettas in the wild are not as beautiful as those loved by the betta collector. They resemble the females moreso than the well known males who are bred for their beautiful fins and markings. Betta fish are found in the rice paddies of Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia and do not require much room; they do not roam as other fish do. Because of this, they do can do quite well in smaller bowls in a warm room of the house.

One popular betta fish display involves an aquatic plant placed on top of the water in a display called a betta vase. This isn't without its problems because the plant could die and poison the water. Because of this, be sure the plant you are using is truly aquatic; some pet stores will try to sell terrestrial plants for the vases. When the leaves of these plants remain submerged in water, they will die and become toxic. The betta will not eat the roots of the plant as some believe, so he still must be fed, and the roots will not clean the water so the bowl still must be cleaned. Popular plants for a betta vase are the chinese evergreen, peace lilly, ludwigia, annubias nani and various types of philodendron. Great care must be excercised that the plant does not become large enough to keep the betta from being able to grab a bit of air at the surface or keep him from getting to his food; the upturned mouth of a betta makes him a surface feeder. It has been suggested that putting some straws through the plant can help the betta receive a good supply of air. Male bettas form bubble nests at the surface of the water, and will attach these nests to the floating plants. A betta vase is a beautiful display, and can be maintained with a sharp eye on the health and size of the plant, removing any dead or dying leaves promptly.

Live rooted plants are another option, but they do require a substrate at the bottom of the tank. Live plants provide oxygenation and filtration for the tank. Bettas do not require heat while some tropical aquatic plants do, so be sure to check the compatibility of your plants with your tank set up. Eelgrass is a good selection for the betta tank, as are cripts, water sprites, hygro and java ferns. Vallis, hornwort, foxtail and the amazon sword are also popular for betta tanks. These plants generally do not need excessive lighting, do well at room temperature and do not require circulated water to thrive.

While bettas can be kept at room temperature, their ideal water temperature is 75 to 85 degrees farenheit. It is at these temperatures that the true beauty of the betta can really shine. Adding a heater and mild lighting can expand your choices of plant life for the betta. Be very careful choosing a heater if you are housing a betta in a small tank, as too large a heater can overheat the water very quickly. Creeping jennies, java moss red leaf ludwigia, riccia fluitans, and banana plants are choices popular for betta tanks. Shy by nature, the betta seeks vegetation that it can hide in, around and under, so consider broad leafed plants in his tank. Multiple plants in the tank can be beneficial and creative, but always keep in mind the betta will need room to swim and get to the surface for air.

Artificial plants are a popular choice for the betta fish tank. Obviously these need no heat or light, but maintenance is required to keep algae off of them. Simply rinsing them off when you change the water is sufficient. Artificial plants are usually plastic or silk and come in an endless assortment of colors and styles. There are websites that give instructions on making artificial plants to save money and personalize the tank.Finding a plant that shows off a betta's color is a great way to add impact to his tank, and when added to a colored background and substrate, the effect can be stunning. While artificial plants cannot die and cause toxicity, they don't provide oxygen as a living plant does. Choosing a small, low powered aerator stone is a good way to ensure the betta is getting enough oxygen in his water. An artificial plant should still be chosen with the reticent nature of the betta in mind, and broad leafed plants are preferable.

You can house your betta fish with other tropical fish such a gouramis and mollies. He will do well with peaceful community fish, but keep an eye out for any bullying. Some fish species cannot resist nibbling on the betta's long fins, so plants are very important if he is in a community tank.

Plants in the tank or bowl provide many benefits to the long term health of your betta. With so many plant options, betta tanks can be created to suit any liking.

Having had fish tanks for over ten years, enjoying freshwater tropical fish, I now decided to write about my experiences on FreshwaterTropicalFish.org.

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