Just Made a New Setup for My Bettas

I used to have one betta in a 5 gallon and the other in a 3 gallon, but after a lot of preparation, they are both now in a 10 gallon with a divider in between them. I used to have some fake plants in their tanks but now it's all natural with Java fern and Moss balls, and I'm thinking of either putting a snail on each side or a couple of shrimp to keep the algae and biofilm at bay. The only problem is that they can see each other through the holes of the divider and keep flaring at each other but I figured they'd probably get bored of it eventually. You can see them in the back doing it in the picture.




Does anyone have any suggestions for ways I can make it better? I'm pretty proud of my new setup (this is my first time using live plants), but I figure there's always room for improvement. I want to try and get some drift wood eventually, and hopefully the Java fern will propriate and fill the tank up with more plants.

 

Im afraid that them seeing each other is a very serious problem and they will not get "bored", rather very stressed out that will cause other issues to themselves. I would look for a new border to where they have 0 contact with each other. For plants, I do suggest floating and bushy plants. Try some moss, water wisteria, rotala, crypts, pennywort,etc . The more the plants, the better!

 

Im afraid that them seeing each other is a very serious problem and they will not get "bored", rather very stressed out that will cause other issues to themselves. I would look for a new border to where they have 0 contact with each other. For plants, I do suggest floating and bushy plants. Try some moss, water wisteria, rotala, crypts, pennywort,etc . The more the plants, the better!

Do you think putting some aquarium sponge in-between the glass and the divider might work? And, I really want some frogbit but there's none at my local pet stores. I'll probably end up buying some on Amazon though

 

Do you think putting some aquarium sponge in-between the glass and the divider might work? And, I really want some frogbit but there's none at my local pet stores. I'll probably end up buying some on Amazon though

You could try that or try blocking it as much you can with some bushy plants as well

 

Ok, thanks!

 

Is this a lifewithpets divider? I use the ones with holes and yes they see each other and flare a bit but as long as it’s only a few times a day it’s ok. Flaring in moderation is actually good for betta. And for suggestions, you will need a tank light if you want to grow plants. Unsure if you have one and it’s just not shown, but I would get one if not. NICREW makes some awesome lights for cheap. You can get a clip on for $13. That would probably be enough for low light plants.

 

Is this a lifewithpets divider? I use the ones with holes and yes they see each other and flare a bit but as long as it’s only a few times a day it’s ok. Flaring in moderation is actually good for betta. And for suggestions, you will need a tank light if you want to grow plants. Unsure if you have one and it’s just not shown, but I would get one if not. NICREW makes some awesome lights for cheap. You can get a clip on for $13. That would probably be enough for low light plants.

Yes, it is! It's seems to be doing a great job for the most part!

Right now they're doing it quite a bit but this is also the first time they've ever seen each other. It hasn't been constant so maybe that's a good sign?

There's a light on my 5 gallon tank lid and I was thinking of just using that until I can get a lid with a light in it for the new tank. I'll need it if I get snails anyways so they don't climb out. It's also right next to a window so some of the natural light might help too.

 

Yes, it is! It's seems to be doing a great job for the most part!

Right now they're doing it quite a bit but this is also the first time they've ever seen each other. It hasn't been constant so maybe that's a good sign?

There's a light on my 5 gallon tank lid and I was thinking of just using that until I can get a lid with a light in it for the new tank. I'll need it if I get snails anyways so they don't climb out. It's also right next to a window so some of the natural light might help too.

Generally don’t put tanks next to windows. It may seem like the light is good for plants but mostly it ends up resulting is algae. I would also get a lid soon, betta are jumpers. Some people have had it be ok without lids but the best way to do that is to have the top covered with floating plants.

 

Generally don’t put tanks next to windows. It may seem like the light is good for plants but mostly it ends up resulting is algae. I would also get a lid soon, betta are jumpers. Some people have had it be ok without lids but the best way to do that is to have the top covered with floating plants.

I also would just monitor the flaring for a few days. Sometimes they calm down. If they don’t you can put more plants in front of the divider or put javamoss or something in the holes.

 

Generally don’t put tanks next to windows. It may seem like the light is good for plants but mostly it ends up resulting is algae. I would also get a lid soon, betta are jumpers. Some people have had it be ok without lids but the best way to do that is to have the top covered with floating plants.

I tried to keep the water level down a couple of extra inches for that reason, but it never hurts to be extra careful.

I really only put the tank there since that was the only place I had room to put it, but if it's not good then I'll just keep the curtains closed.

I also would just monitor the flaring for a few days. Sometimes they calm down. If they don’t you can put more plants in front of the divider or put javamoss or something in the holes.

Will do! Thank you!

 

I agree with putting plants along the divider. Preferably, have a heavy concentration of planting there and then when you think you have enough, add more!

I also agree with getting a Nicrew. They are powerful for their size and adjustable for your tank. I have one on my 7 and have been growing plants that require medium or high light perfectly fine. Live plants require particular wavelengths that aren’t in standard every day LEDs, so that is why a plant-specific light or grow light is recommended.

 

I agree with putting plants along the divider. Preferably, have a heavy concentration of planting there and then when you think you have enough, add more!

I also agree with getting a Nicrew. They are powerful for their size and adjustable for your tank. I have one on my 7 and have been growing plants that require medium light perfectly fine. Live plants require particular wavelengths that aren’t in standard every day LEDs, so that is why a plant-specific light or grow light is recommended.

That makes sense! I wasn't sure if the tank light would work but since people are saying it probably won't I'll just get a plant light.

 

That makes sense! I wasn't sure if the tank light would work but since people are saying it probably won't I'll just get a plant light.

You will get better results with a plant light and expand the range of plant species you could grow. Also, the Nicrew is a great deal!

 

You need "Full Spectrum" lighting for planted tanks or your plants won't grow properly or as healthy

 

I think a good idea would be to get some type of moss, eg java moss, and using aquarium safe super glue gel stick it to the divider so that it eventually grows and blocks the holes. Its easy to grow and is easy to find.

 

I don't mean to be a downer, great tank but those bettas will be stressed in the long run.. If they are sharing water they can essentially "smell" eachother and one will take over as the dominant one and the other will be stressed from not being able to escape...