JLAquatic's 10 Gallon Betta Tank Aquascape

Greetings, all. I am going to be starting my second aquarium (thanks MTS), after the huge success of my first. It will house a new Betta, with some assorted shrimp culls and snails. So, I really want to put emphasis on the tank design itself this time. This 10 gallon aquarium has been in storage for a long time, but it has a working heater and filter already from when I had my last Betta (feels like eons). I would love all suggestions on good Betta aquascapes. Lighting suggestions would also be great, as I don't want to use the kit tank light anymore and want to grow carpeting species especially Monte Carlo and Hydrocotyle Tripartita in the tank. It will, however, be a low tech planted tank with ferts and hopefully a soil substrate this time. I am planning on picking up a few small pieces of Manzanita of Etsy and using either Ohko or Seiryu stone. I want to do a good triangle setup with this one. If you are unsure of what I am talking about with a triangle style, I mean that there is a heavy emphasis on one side of the tank by the corner of the dresser and then it tapers down to a bare and open other side. I never used soil substrate before and am still contemplating on what to pick up hardscape wise. Plants won't be a problem as I can use some from my 29 and have it spread in the new tank other than the carpeting species that I listed above. I circled the location for the new tank to go, and I know for fact this dresser can hold my 10 gallon aquarium as I have had tanks on the dresser before. Parents already gave me the green light and I am so excited to make a new slice of nature! All suggestions for the scape and lighting are greatly appreciated!
PS: Don't mind the Spiderman hanging on the wall, he just wants to be a friendly neighborhood Spiderman for all my fish.

 

If you can find a light to grow the plangs decently even when dimmed your betta will appreciate it! Or having some floaters would work, too.

 

If you can find a light to grow the plangs decently even when dimmed your betta will appreciate it! Or having some floaters would work, too.

Floaters were definitely on the "to get" list for this tank. I am thinking some Frogbit as well as a Dwarf Lily with lily pads that taper across the tank in the very back right corner. I'm sure the Betta would be in paradise if that could be done.

 

Floaters were definitely on the "to get" list for this tank. I am thinking some Frogbit as well as a Dwarf Lily with lily pads that taper across the tank in the very back right corner. I'm sure the Betta would be in paradise if that could be done.

Yeah, pretty much! Who wouldn't want to hang out near the surface in the shade

 

I’m so excited for this aquarium! I’ve kept bettas before but I couldn’t keep the alive. I know why now though!

Bettas are very personable and intelligent as far as aquarium fish go. I wish you luck with this project!

 

I’m so excited for this aquarium! I’ve kept bettas before but I couldn’t keep the alive. I know why now though!

Bettas are very personable and intelligent as far as aquarium fish go. I wish you luck with this project!

I agree with you. while my other fish are awesome, I miss having a fish that has as much personality as a Betta, which is the main reason (along with the scape) why I am setting up a dedicated 10 gallon for one. I hope whichever Betta is chosen will live a full and rewarding life with me.

 

beautiful, i like the rasboras. i want to get some for my tank. do they mess with your shrimp and snails?

 

beautiful, i like the rasboras. i want to get some for my tank. do they mess with your shrimp and snails?

Lamchops? I wouldn’t think so! My harlequin rasboras (close cousins to the lampchop) are among my most peaceful fish and never bother anyone.

I’ll let JLAquatics be the judge of this though. Usually they are laid-back peaceful fish.

 

beautiful, i like the rasboras. i want to get some for my tank. do they mess with your shrimp and snails?

I have Cherry Shrimp adults and babies in my 29 with 12 Rasboras and they do not bother one another. However, there are a few tips to increase your success rate.
1. Get a large enough group of Rasboras. Rasboras are schooling fish and love to be in groups preferably higher than 6. With less of their kind, they are more prone to stress and may attack your shrimp.
2. Make sure you have a large number of shrimp allready to increase chances of a successful colony. While I don't think there would be a problem with the two, it would be safer than sorry to have many shrimp around just incase the Rasboras decide to attack the shrimp.
3. Have lots of cover. Both species, Rasbora and shrimp love lots of cover in their tanks, especially live plants. Shrimp will be more outgoing knowing that they have a place to hide when moulting and it will be harder for Rasboras to be aggressive if there is a lot of sight breakers in the tank.
Overall, I love my Rasboras, and they are my favorite schooler at this point. I think you would feel the same way if you get some.
Getting ready to place my order on Etsy! I will be getting 10 lbs of Dragon Stone and 3 Manzanita Branches (which I can break down) to work with for my hardscape. This is the first step towards creating my Betta Aquascape! I'm so excited!

 

There has been a change in plans on the location of the new Betta tank. A friend of mine is making me a custom Epoxy Desk for my computer and new fish tank. The legs are actually made out of palette wood. Since everyone thinks Bettas are so personable, I think that having him on the desk with me while I am on my computer will be great for the both of us. I'll just have to refrain myself from feeding him too much... If you know what I mean. Here is the desk so far, my friend will finish it this weekend. That is fine though, I still have to wait for my other supplies to arrive to start the tank!



My Desktop tower will sit in the left side and the tank will sit on the right side on the top of the desk. The desk is 2 feet wide, so I should be able to fit the tank on there nicely.

 

There has been a change in plans on the location of the new Betta tank. A friend of mine is making me a custom Epoxy Desk for my computer and new fish tank. The legs are actually made out of palette wood. Since everyone thinks Bettas are so personable, I think that having him on the desk with me while I am on my computer will be great for the both of us. I'll just have to refrain myself from feeding him too much... If you know what I mean. Here is the desk so far, my friend will finish it this weekend. That is fine though, I still have to wait for my other supplies to arrive to start the tank!
View attachment 779110View attachment 779111
My Desktop tower will sit in the left side and the tank will sit on the right side on the top of the desk. The desk is 2 feet wide, so I should be able to fit the tank on there nicely.

That sound's like it will be great! My Betta tank is on the other side of the room in my office so I can see them but I always wish they would be closer lol. Can't wait to see when it's all put together!

 

That sound's like it will be great! My Betta tank is on the other side of the room in my office so I can see them but I always wish they would be closer lol. Can't wait to see when it's all put together!

I know, I have never been this excited before for a fish tank of all things! Yet again, I am a member on this forum, so that shouldn't surprise anyone...

 

*Update* 4-2-2021
Rocks and Wood from Etsy shipped. They should be here the 8th of April. Next week I am ordering the Substrate and Lighting System/lid for my 10 gallon tank.
The desk the tank will sit on got its first layer of epoxy applied today. Here is an image of the top of the desk...

 

*Update* 4-2-2021
Rocks and Wood from Etsy shipped. They should be here the 8th of April. Next week I am ordering the Substrate and Lighting System/lid for my 10 gallon tank.
The desk the tank will sit on got its first layer of epoxy applied today. Here is an image of the top of the desk...
View attachment 779703

the epoxy is beautifull

 

the epoxy is beautifull

I know, I really like it too. It is water resistant too, so it will protect the desk from water spots which I will definitely have from putting a tank on it soon.
Here is another image that was just sent. The desk will get 3 more coats of epoxy and the last coat will have a small teaspoon of bronze mica powder as an accent. I'm so excited for this desk, the tank will look amazing with it!

 

Update, here is a planner demo tank of what I am going for in terms of looks with the 10 gallon Betta Aquascape. Note that I will not have these exact peices and the result may look slightly different, but I think it is an interesting prospect none the less. This planner uses Black Lava Rock and Manzanita Driftwood, both of which will be integral parts of the scape. There are many plant types I plan to use in the tank and many of which will be tied to the driftwood such as Christmas Moss, Bolbitis, and Anubias nana Petite. There will be a large water lily in the left back corner, and will taper off in the back with some Dwarf Sag to the right. S Repens will be sprinkled here and there in the front area and I may use a stem plant such as rotala or bacopa for the left side. I will also put some Crypts to taper from the back to the front section with the S Repens. it will also have a soil base with sand cap. (sand and lava rock go together like pb and j in my opinion) . Let me know what you think of the planner so far!

 

Let me know what you think of the planner so far!
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Looks good! I particularly like how it’s uneven, but consistent nonetheless.

 

That's the whole goal here. No aquascape is supposed to be symmetrical. I am so excited to make this tank!

 

*Update* 4-5-2021
I just ordered a Finnex Planted plus light and a 9 liter bag of ADA aqua soil for my new setup. I want my plants to be in tip top shape, so I am opting for soil for the first time! I am still waiting for the order from Etsy to arrive. Once it does, I will share what I get hardscape wise!

 

*Update* 4-6-2021
Just got my Etsy order today. I am very dissapointed with it . I only got two large rocks and a few very small twigs that were completely broken during transit. However, I am not giving up on the tank that easy! I found some loose Seiryu Stone to use instead. Here is a prototype scape design I am going for with my tank. I am still waiting for the soil, so I used a demo substrate for now. Tell me what you all think about this scape design with the lil twigs!



Desk is also almost done. Here is an updated picture of that. Still has to dry for 72 hours.

 

*Update 4-9-2021*
I got my Amazon order for the Finnex light as well as the ADA soil, yay! Desk will be dropped off to me on Monday or Tuesday of next week.

I have decided on a hardscape layout for the tank. It will look something like this with only a few changes. I am getting some more Manzanita driftwood to add to the design, (free from the Etsy order mishap) and I am adding a sand area to the right front corner on top of the ADA soil for more texture. I have added some elevated areas of the soil in the middle of the design for that Hydrocotyle, which I am hoping will wrap around the Seiryu stones alongside the Spiky Moss. I am planning on planting the Pearlweed all over the left front and the right middle sections with all the stem plants mixed in the left middle area and the whole back part of the tank. Tell me what you think!

 

*Update 4-10-2021*
The rest of the wood from Etsy came today! Here is the updated hardscape now! Still waiting for plant availability, but I am really happy with the tank so far none the less!

 

*Update 4-10-2021*
The rest of the wood from Etsy came today! Here is the updated hardscape now! Still waiting for plant availability, but I am really happy with the tank so far none the less!

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That is looking pretty nice! I cant wait to see it with plants too!

 

I just photoshopped what I am planning for this tank once it is planted. In collaboration with Vishaquatics, this is what we came up with for the tank so far. Also getting that desk later today to put the tank on, yay!

 

I just photoshopped what I am planning for this tank once it is planted. In collaboration with Vishaquatics, this is what we came up with for the tank so far. Also getting that desk later today to put the tank on, yay!

It really was all just JLAquatics, they definitely have the aquascaping brain and talent!

 

It really was all just JLAquatics, they definitely have the aquascaping brain and talent!

Really looking forward to getting those plants from you! You helped me pick out some easy stem plants for the tank in question, so you were plenty of help with this endeavor.

 

It's a little crowded on the new desk which I just got, but I will work it out no matter what with the new tank. There is no going back now!

 

Big Update 4-22-2021

I have a few updates for those of you wondering. I ordered a massive plant package today from the great Vishaquatics here on Fishlore which should ship out Saturday. Here is what I am expecting for the new setup;
15 Dwarf sagittaria
3 portions Spiky moss (approximately 2"x2")
1 Handful of Hydrocotyle japan
1 Handful Pearlweed
20 Rotala h'ra
10 Pogostemon octopus
20 Bacopa monnieri
10 Bacopa caroliniana
8 Ludwigia rubin
15 Limnophila heterophylla
This will ensure the tank is densely planted from the start and will help prevent rampant algae growth!
I also got something else to aid the plants in their transition, a diy CO2 kit! That's right, I am trying CO2 for the first time. If all goes well with this, I may switch the 10g and 29g over to pressurized CO2 once I get the funds available.

 

Your other tank is a masterpiece so I'm excited to see how this one turns out

Dont be discouraged if DIY CO2 doesn't work out because it rarely does... pressurized is a whole new ball game

 

Your other tank is a masterpiece so I'm excited to see how this one turns out

Dont be discouraged if DIY CO2 doesn't work out because it rarely does... pressurized is a whole new ball game

Yeah, Vishaquatics already gave me the reminder with the diy kit. Unfortunately I already purchased everything before realizing that diy is not that effective or efficient. However, something is definitely better than nothing in my opinion and it will provide a good bridge towards buying a real co2 system down the road where all the glory is!

 

Looks like the wood is all ready to go into the new setup! It was all finally waterlogged when I came home from work today and I will update this thread again once the plants ship out for the 10 gallon.
Bonus: A few images of the 29 I created today as well, I hope you like them! This image of one of my Lambchop Rasboras is my favorite so far!

 

Looks like the wood is all ready to go into the new setup! It was all finally waterlogged when I came home from work today and I will update this thread again once the plants ship out for the 10 gallon.
Bonus: A few images of the 29 I created today as well, I hope you like them! This image of one of my Lambchop Rasboras is my favorite so far!
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I appreciate your rasboras. They are 'easy' fish but it takes a lot of care to get them to color up fully. Bravo

 

I appreciate your rasboras. They are 'easy' fish but it takes a lot of care to get them to color up fully. Bravo

I am quite shocked how well they did from the start. They were actually the very first set of fish I got for this tank after cycling with established media. When I went to the pet store to buy some Harlequin Rasboras for my setup, they had these fish labelled as Harlequin Rasboras. However, the strange thing is that these looked different than your standard Harlequin. After I bought all 12 of them there, I later realized that they were not even Harlequins at all, rather Lambchop Rasboras instead. Even though it was a mistake on my end, I do not regret it at all and they are my favorite schooling fish at this point. As you said, they are easy to take care of, provide great contrast in a planted tank, and act as dither fish for shyer species such as my Neon Tetras. What's not to love about Rasbora fish?

 

*Update 2-27-2021*
The massive plant haul will be arriving today, meaning the tank will finally get setup after all this time waiting! I will constantly update the thread when I get the plants and I setup the tank to see the development of the 10 gallon. I am so excited to finally begin soon!

 

Excited to see your next scape!

 

It's a start...

 

Looking great! I can see that the bacterial bloom has begun. Not only with the betta enjoy it but so will the bacteria!

 

DIY CO2 is working now!

Looking great! I can see that the bacterial bloom has begun. Not only with the betta enjoy it but so will the bacteria!

Thank you! Hopefully the tank will look better in a few weeks, that Pearlweed is really messy right now.

 

Tank has cleared up some in the last few hours.

 

Did it rain in Mordor? It turned green!