Newbie Planted Betta Tank - Guidance Needed

[d2mini]

Hi all, first post here.

My background is saltwater tanks (and simple freshwater back when I was a kid) but I've never done a planted tank before. I want to set up a small planted nano for a male Betta (probably half moon) and was hoping I could get some guidance, whether it be direct suggestions or links to do more research.

All I have so far is the tank. I just ordered a Cadlights 4g Freshwater tank. The rest is up to you guys! I know I want a dark substrate, i want plants, probably some larger stone and/or driftwood, and/or a cool little buddha statue or something for the betta to hang out in. I'm looking for a good combo of a natural look and a comfortable home for the Betta. With saltwater I'm used to creating a tiny self contained ecosystem that pretty much takes care of itself (not including testing, dosing, etc) and looking for something similar here, which is one reason I want to go planted.

For substrate I was looking at the CaribSea Eco-Complete, just based on the reviews I've found. For plants, i have no freakin clue where to start. I guess I want something mossy/short for the foreground, some taller stuff for the back and maybe something to float on the top for the Betta? I like those intense bright greens and would probably like to get some other color in there too like reds.

I would also appreciate any additional tips for initial setup and cycling. I assume the sticky in the general forum is pretty up to date? Anything different or specific to Bettas that I need to worry about?

Are there any other lifeforms I can add with the Betta in this size tank?

TIA!!!

[cinnamonbear]

From my experience with them, the bigger their tail, the more likely they are to tail-bite. So you definitely need to keep an eye out for that, espeically if your getting a HM. They also do best in warm water so 78F or higher is probably best.

I have my male in a 5 gallon with some hornwort, guppy grass and water lettuce. Bettas like to sleep in/on plants so something with a broad leaf would probably be appreciated. A floating plant like water lettuce might be nice, males like to find something to build their nests around.

[zoragen]

With that small of a tank & the possible aggressiveness of a betta about the only thing I'd put in the tank would be a snail like a zebra nerite.

Many of the anubias have large enough leaves for a betta to hang out on.

Post pics when you have it set up.

I love betta's!

[d2mini]

Thanks! Good stuff!!! That helps a lot.

And oh yes.... there will be pics.

[d2mini]

Any recommendations for online plant shopping other than liveaquaria?

And with the carabsea eco complete i mentioned above... coarse grain ok, or do i need the fine grain?

[d2mini]

bump

[GreenBliss]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Any recommendations for online plant shopping other than liveaquaria?

And with the carabsea eco complete i mentioned above... coarse grain ok, or do i need the fine grain?

Have you read about different plants? Low light/High light? You can probably find most of the plants you want in the For Sale/Trade or WTB/ROAK section of this board. They have a lot of great plants from members. If you have an idea of plants you want, go check those sections. If you can't find anything you want for sale, post a WTB thread and someone will help you out.

I think any Eco Complete will be fine.

[d2mini]

Thanks for the info!
Didn't think about the for sale forum.

What intensity would this light be considered?
http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=227
It says it's a triple band led system with 136 par at 6".

[Green_Flash]

ADA aquasoil maybe? They have ones that resemble the Amazon, SE Asia, Africa etc;

plants; ferns, mosses, anubias, bucephlandra are also cool.

floating plants; red root floaters, frogbit, water lettuce

[d2mini]

Cool! I didn't know about the ADA soil.
Ordered a bag and going to pick up in person. Been wanting to see their shop.

[Green_Flash]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Cool! I didn't know about the ADA soil.
Ordered a bag and going to pick up in person. Been wanting to see their shop.

Sure thing, be careful at ADG, you might end up swapping your 200g reef for a 180-P.

[d2mini]

What do you think are good plants for a 4g nano and betta?
I'm thinking a riccia/dwarf baby tear for ground cover, but not sure what to do with the rest. Something taller for background. Maybe something floating for mr betta?

[binbin9]

I'd stick with low light plants like moss, ferns, and anubias some water lettuce will be appreciated by the betta since they like to blow bubbles under neath floating debris. Get some indian almond leaves for sure to help with the ph in the water.

http://plantgeek.net/

this site will guide you on low light plants and others too. Don't get any plants that are demanding or else they will melt and rot your tank

[zoragen]

So where are the pics?

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by zoragen

So where are the pics?

I'm glad you asked!
I started a proper build thread last night.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=231946