Looking for good ground-cover plant for a 5 gallon betta tank...

Hello all!

I've nearly finished cycling my 10 gallon fish tank! Woot woot!

I'm filling it up halfway (so 5 gallons), and it has a quality heater as well as a light filter that I'll put pantyhose over if need be.

I took off two 15 watt full spectrum daylights from my 55 gallon tank, and can use either one or two (they fit almost perfectly!)

So I need recommendations for
1) A ground cover plant
2) Substrate (preferably cheap, but it's only for a 10 gallon, so if it's a bit pricey, it's ok)
3) If I will need CO2 injection (and if it's safe for the betta or not)
4) Any other tips

Thanks so much!

 

So you're going to be using two 15 watt bulbs on this tank? That's a bit overkill. With that much light you might need co2. I'm sure you could get away with 1 bulb. Anubias and Naja are easy to grow.

I like sand for substrate. I know petco has some black sand for about $8 if I remember correctly.

 

Echinodorus Tenellus is a great foreground plant. It goes by the common name "pygmy chain sword". Under the right conditions it spreads like wildfire, creating a carpet across the tank bottom.

 

Echinodorus Tenellus is a great foreground plant. It goes by the common name "pygmy chain sword". Under the right conditions it spreads like wildfire, creating a carpet across the tank bottom.

Does it stick to the bottom? What kind of lighting is required? And as asked before any special items needed?

 

It's a rooted plant that will spread by sending out runners. You need moderate to high light. It appreciates root tab fertilizers. Hope this helps