Live plants for a Planted 5 Gallon Betta tank?

[Jaguar]

Okay, so I am planning to upgrade my betta’s tank to a planted 5 gallon, and I was wondering what live plants/decor would be good for a 5 gallon(and the gravel is blue, if that makes a difference in what would look nice). The driftwood at my local pet store all looks to jagged for bettas, so no driftwood. A planted carpet has always intrigued me, what would be best for that?

 

[kanzekatores]

Dwarf baby tears for a carpet plant, and java moss and fern tied to rocks.

 

[GeorgeDaGreat]

I think dwarf baby tears need a planted substrate and co2 to work. I tried it without before with no success. maybe a broad leaf chain sword would be nice, however they might be too tall for a 5 gallon. someone else will have better suggestion.

 

[DaFishNerd]

For a carpet micro sword plants would be worth looking into. They are supposed to be easier to keep and will spread to make a nice carpet quickly. If you put some planting soil and mix in with your gravel it will give the carpet a better chance of rooting well and getting necessary nutrients. Carpets also require strong lighting so if your betta will get along with it you could try introducing a snail to keep algae growth at bay.

 

[Jaguar]

What about Java moss? I was thinking maybe Java moss because I have heard it is easy to keep, and does it need fertilizer? I would prefer not to have to use fertilizer. I already have a small Anubias plant with my betta right now.

And where can I find smooth rocks that won’t tear my betta’s fins? I haven’t seen any at my LFS.

 

[BRP]

As carpet Sagittaria subulata. Makes a beautiful green “lawn” and can deal with low light.

The trick is to separate one pot of plants in little plants and plant them about 1.5 inch apart from each other.

 

[Jaguar]

What is Sagittaria subulata?
Is it easy to find?

 

[BRP]

If it’s easy to find for you, unless you live in the Netherlands I don’t know. My LFS doesn’t carry it, but they will order it for me. I ordered it online too.
Btw it makes runners but doesn’t spread as crazy as for instance Vallisneria.

 

[Robinn]

And where can I find smooth rocks that won’t tear my betta’s fins? I haven’t seen any at my LFS.

I would just get some rocks from a local stream/river, just don't pick a piece right out of the water since you don't want to interrupt the ecosystem in there But yeah, free rocks, just be sure to soak in hot water and maybe some vinegar or a bleach solution before adding to the tank.

 

[Jaguar]

If it’s easy to find for you, unless you live in the Netherlands I don’t know. My LFS doesn’t carry it, but they will order it for me. I ordered it online too.
Btw it makes runners but doesn’t spread as crazy as for instance Vallisneria.

Alright, but what is it?

I would just get some rocks from a local stream/river, just don't pick a piece right out of the water since you don't want to interrupt the ecosystem in there But yeah, free rocks, just be sure to soak in hot water and maybe some vinegar or a bleach solution before adding to the tank.

I can’t believe I didn’t think of that! Thank you!

Also, how do I test if my betta would be okay with a snail? She has lived alone the whole time she has lived with me.

 

[BRP]

Alright, but what is it?

Sorry, forgot to include a picture. This is what it looks like

 

[Nappers]

Monte Carlo?

 

[Jaguar]

Sorry, forgot to include a picture. This is what it looks like

It looks nice, but I think I am going to use java moss and attach it to rocks. Does anyone think a rosette sword would be good in this tank? I saw them at my LFS and I thought they might be good.

Also, any recommended fertilizer?

 

[Robinn]

It looks nice, but I think I am going to use java moss and attach it to rocks. Does anyone think a rosette sword would be good in this tank? I saw them at my LFS and I thought they might be good.

Also, any recommended fertilizer?

Thrive or thriveC is probably gonna be your best bet. However, if that's a bit out of your price range, you can go with flourish. If you do go with any rooted plants I recommend flourish root tabs.

 

[Jaguar]

How much is thrive and how much is flourish?

 

[Robinn]

Thrive is $28 atm but it's a huge container; flourish-- depends on the size. For the same size as thrive it's $10. For root tabs You can click here:
It's $8.
You can see the current prices when you click the link over each item.

 

[Jaguar]

Okay, thanks!