armadillo

Hi guys. Am continuing my betta research, and came across this really cool thing. This guy said you should put a small marble in the tank, as apparently, they really like pushing it around! As am no betta owner, I figured it might be a nice idea for those of you who haven't tried yet. Do let me know if it works, hey.

Eskielvr

I suppose one marble wouldn't hurt anything, but I no longer keep marbles in any tank as the main substrate as they chip against each other and release glass shards and sharp edges.

Oh, the Bettas are probably rolling it around because they can see their reflection and possibly trying to attack to attack it.

COBettaCouple

I heard about that too, but none of our bettas showed an interest in the marbles.. it's up to their personalities, like ping pong balls. We've been fortunate with our flat marbles substrata to not have broken ones, but are still planning to switch the tanks over to small smooth river rocks (2 lb for $1 at the dollar store). At first we'll put them over the marbles for 3-4 weeks, then take the marbles out.

armadillo

I keep a bunch in my molly fry tank, as they like to hid in it. I'll keep an eye out for any chipping. Thanks for the warning.

That would be a shame, but definitely a possibility.

armadillo

And ping pong balls worked for you, BettaCouple?

COBettaCouple

no, none of our bettas had much interest in them. i guess they're just not into sports like marbles and ping-pong.

armadillo

Shame

poefox

You can get plastic ones. It depends on the betta--as usual. Rusty loved his plastic marbles, he would sit and stare at them, now and then push at them and stuff. He would fly into a wild rage when the catfish who shared his tank would come over to poke for food, he would chase them round and round the tank, flaring wildly.

armadillo

Huh, so he seemed to definitely like it loads. Great stuff!