LuvaBetta

I'm hoping you experienced people can relieve my mind on this. I used a "root tab" in my divided 10g tank, just one per plant although the directions called for lots more. I have two otos in now and I'm planning to put two bettas in, one per side, but the water has turned muddy brown.

How do plant fertilizers affect the fish, particularly bettas? (The otos don't seem to notice.) Is this muddy color a problem for them, or do I need a large water change? Does anyone have a favorite general, all-purpose plant additive?

armadillo

Hi LuvaBetta. I've never used ferts in a tank with bettas buuuut regarding your question about the colour of the water, I can reassure you: there is a conditionner for sale especially for bettas called Atison Betta Spa. That conditionner actually turns the colour muddy brown from the tannins, and the bettas are fine with it.

LuvaBetta

I bought some Betta Spa recently, but I'm not sure that it does anything for the plants and mine are looking kinda puny! None of the plant fertilizer/perker-uppers mention fish and that seemed like a big omission. And when I say muddy brown, I mean OPAQUE muddy brown!

I noticed the 2nd time I opened the bottle of Betta Spa there were dark specs in the liquid. Does yours have those too/ are they harmful to the fish?