Betta Fish Tank Setup

Introduction

• Setting up a 30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft) cube tank.
• Using a cheap adjustable light that effectively grows plants.
• Introducing a Dumbo Betta fish (no specific name).

Fish Details

• Betta fish is healthy, with unique translucent and white fins.

Tank Preparation

• Substrate:
  • Use aquatic compost or soil as a base layer.
  • Aim for 1 inch coverage of soil.
  • Flatten soil with a tool, ensuring even distribution.
  • Add API root tabs for plant growth.
• Capping:
  • Use gravel and sand to cap the soil.
  • Two inches of sand/gravel as a cap to prevent soil from floating.

Hardscape

• Use small hardscape for small tanks.
• Select a piece of wood and rocks for aesthetics and structure.
• Use rounded rocks for a natural look.
• Glue hardscape components with cyanoacrylate super glue gel.
• Allow glued pieces to set for a few hours.

Planting

• Moss:
  • Use weeping moss, tied with cotton thread.
  • Trim excess moss for neat appearance.
• Plants:
  • Use Java ferns and Anubias (Petite and Bonsai) for decoration.
  • Secure smaller plants in crevices or with glue.
  • Add detail gravel around hardscape for aesthetic.
• Fill & Stem Plants:
  • Fill tank carefully to avoid disturbing substrate.
  • Add fast-growing plants like Rotundifolia and Limnophila sessiliflora.
  • Use Ludwigia palustris for red accents.
  • Add Hydrocotyle Japan for foreground texture.

Maintenance & Ecosystem

• Set up as a no-filter Walstad aquarium.
• Plants perform filtration, requiring dense planting.
• Add floating plants like red root floaters for shade.

Introduction of Inhabitants

• Betta fish added after tank setup.
• Monitor behavior with shrimps and snails; some initial interest observed but no aggression.

Important Considerations

• Water Quality Management:
  • Use dechlorinator for safe tap water.
  • Daily water changes of up to 50% for the first week.
  • Test water for ammonia and nitrites.
  • Add beneficial bacteria to aid cycling.
• Testing and Monitoring:
  • Use API master test kit or strips.
  • Plant density can replace mechanical filtration over time.

Conclusion

• Successful tank set up through strategic plant selection and maintenance.
• Encourage others to try similar setups with proper steps.
• Keep bio-load low for successful ecosystem balance.