Which kinds of decorations are safe and which could be a problem?

I finally bought Dory a new, 5-gallon hex tank, 25-watt heater, gravel, and water conditioner, and I'm probably going to set up his new tank tomorrow or Saturday. I also, in excitement, bought some tank decorations for him, but now I'm reading that certain ones can damage his fins.

Which kinds of decorations are safe and which could be a problem?

Thanks,
Whitney

 

do the nylon test. if you can rubb them against nylon and it doesn't tear than the decorations are fine.


But if you don't have any just feel all the corners with your hand, if it is sharp or jagged than it's not for your betta.

 

Does this mean most plastic plants are okay? I can't imagine them puncturing fabric, and Dory currently resides with one now. I just want to be sure, since Dory already has a bit of fin rot and I sure don't want to infuriate it!

 

Most are fine as long as they have rounded tips on them and not pointy ones. Also, you may just want to look over them because sometimes even the rounded ones have little pieces stinking out from when the manufacturer made them. I use the fabris ones because I feel better using those, over the plastic, It all depends on the fish owner. Natalie

 

it is preferable that the plants are not stiff.

 

I've also heard some gravel can be problematic. I just got the walmart kind, is that going to be okay?

 

It will probably be okay, a lot of people use it. If however you see your pet getting shredding on his fins he may have to go to the epoxy coated gravel that is smoother. Try to pick up a piece and rub it in your hands to see how smooth it feels. That will tell you if it is too sharp for a bunch of fragile fins.

Rose