| The natural habitat for betta fish are the warm | | | | The disadvantages of live plants are that you |
| shallow pools of water in Asia. These pools are | | | | have to take care of them just like you do for |
| typically have slow moving water. Bettas like to | | | | your fish. Decayed or dead parts must be |
| swim amongst the plants as this gives them a | | | | trimmed on a regular basis. So in addition to |
| place to hide from predators. Putting the right | | | | knowing how to care for your betta, you have to |
| plants in your betta fish tank will make your pet | | | | have some knowledge of how to care for the |
| feel more comfortable and be less stressed. Now | | | | plants. |
| you have to decide whether you want to use live | | | | Another potential problem of live plants are the |
| betta fish plants or artificial. | | | | possibility of introducing pests into your tank. For |
| Live plants can provide many benefits for your | | | | example, the plants should be checked to be sure |
| aquarium. They will provide extra oxygen, reduce | | | | there aren't any snails. |
| the carbon dioxide level, and also lower the nitrate | | | | Artificial plants are tempting to use because they |
| level in the tank. The plants should be soft and | | | | come in such a variety and the maintenance is |
| pliable to flow in the water. | | | | less. However, you have to be careful to select |
| Make sure that the plants don't crowd the | | | | artificial plants that don't have sharp edges that |
| surface of the water. Bettas breathe through a | | | | can damage the fins of bettas. You should also |
| labyrinth organ and need to be able to reach the | | | | clean the artificial plants every time you clean |
| surface in order to get enough air. | | | | your tank. |
| However, algae can become a problem if you | | | | Also, artificial plants don't have the benefits that |
| don't monitor it closely. If something starts to go | | | | are provided by live plants. There is no added |
| wrong with your tank, the problems will show up | | | | oxygenation and less control of carbon dioxide |
| first on live plants. They will start dying or | | | | and nitrates. This doesn't mean that artificial plants |
| decaying, but you can fix this problem before | | | | can't be used, you just have to decide which way |
| your betta is harmed. | | | | you want to go. |