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I'm trying to decide what kind of ornaments and plants to put in my betta tanks, but I'm not sure what is "fin-safe" or what the bettas will like the best. Does anyone have any ideas???

it would be a good idea what the tank is. my bettas like live aunbias nana, and java moss.

like u said, you dont usually want to go with plastic plants as long fin bettas will often get damaged fins due to the plastic.

If you can run the ornament over a pair of sheer pantyhose and not get a run, chances are its finsafe.

I like blown glass paperweights, pots and urns with no drainage hole (way too many accidents with bettas trying to go through and tearing themselves up) Java fern strapped to a rock and little caves of driftwood

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

My photos link will give you an idea of what my Betta tank looks like. In the forground I have added a long large piece of small leafed nana anubias. As far as decorations you have some very good advice there. My DW was smoothed over with a file and glass paper also none of the stones have sharp edges.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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Thanks for the ideas!!! Keithgh, that is a beautifully set up tank! What kind of filter do you use?

Are the little cave ornaments a good idea if the openings are large enough? I really like the driftwood with java ferns idea. It will give the tanks a very natural look.

After the demise of all the fish in my oldest ten gallon - thanks to a nasty little worm like creature ; I cleaned the tank out good with bleach, water and declorinator; added clear flat glass marbles and two dividers, and made the tank into a home for three of my bettas. For lack of anything I deemed safe for decorations, I used small canning jars for caves; the square ones that don't roll around. Before I sat them flat (on their side) on the floor of the tank, I allowed a bit of air to collect on top. The bettas love them since they can swim into the jars (the mouths are large enough they can go in and out easily) and get a gulp of air. Also, since the jars are clear, you can see what the fish is doing.
I don't know what others will think of this set up, but it is working for me and the fish seem to enjoy it.

Its fine if they can't get wedged in there

I like the idea two tanks, but keep an eye that the air trapped in the jars doesn't go bad, because trapped air pockets have a tendancy to go 'off' and become toxic.

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Tiamet
Thank you for the comments about my Betta tank. The filter is an Eheim internal 2008. It is situated behind that thick tall DW the outlet is adjustable in direction and out put. I have the direction pointed at the log which dispurses the out put in several directions. It is also on the lower output. The high output is too strong for the Betta.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Callatya,
Thanks. I see no way for them to get stuck in the jars, but I was wondering how long the air would stay fresh. I take the jars out when I do my weeklys cleaning and water changes, then replace them. My crown tail sleeps in his jar (I would be most worried about stale air with him) and likes to hang out in it on and off during the day. The white veil tail just likes to go in and out of his, but the red veil tail does not seem to care that much about his jar at all. It goes to show you, they are not all alike personality wise.

Does anyone have experience with keeping silk plants with bettas? I've read quite a few websites that say they won't snag pantyhose. I've had a lot of trouble keeping aquatic plants alive, so I'm wondering about the alternative.

I bred with silk and plastic, silk is fine

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett