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OK can some one translate all that please.

I am doing a little reading and seem to come up with several different questions that is why I am posting all these with a different headings as not to confuse members as I am geting more confused as I read more.

If it is a peaty bottom will it not make the tank dark?

Also a soft bottom what can I use then?

Does this mean a total coverage of small very low plants?

How do I go about making a peaty bottom if I have to go that way?

Keith

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Should I place these Questions in the "Too Hard Basket" ?

Keith

Last edited by keithgh at 09-Mar-2005 22:15

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?
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Not at all. You want this tank to be well planted and you've read about people using peat in the lower substrate. Right?

It isn't really needed. This day and age with modern ferts and substrates like eco-complete, and fluorite have made that hassle slip away.

And yes it will darken your tank water.

I am not familiar with any benefit to using peat with bettas. I know commercial Thia breeders use almond leafs before during and after spawning.

But for regular betta keeping they are not needed.

Odd phrasing Keith, but I'll have a shot.

YES a peat substrate will make the tank look like tea.

Why do you want a 'soft' bottom?

There is no reason that you *need* a peat bottom with fancy bettas (ie. not wild caught) because they are generally grown up in hard higher pH water.

If you want one, that is a different kettle of fish, but maintenance-wise, you are probably best off using dark rocks and putting peat in the filter, or just using dried indian almond leaves or oak leaves to add for tannin-making natural stuff.




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

Callatya

I am possibly a research nut especially if it is new to me.

I just read that info and it had me puzzled.

I got to thinking seeing they live in basically stinking muddy rice paddy fields. The soft bottom would protect all their fins.

For a soft bottom I intend to do a very full low creeping Sag ( I think it is called that)

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

The ones in the rice paddies are designed for it, short fins, brown colouring (unless displaying) and good swimming ability.

If you tried to put your average pet shop betta in a rice paddy, it wouldn't know what to do with itself.

There is a point though, horribly sharp rocks are probably a bad idea.

Snaffle some of Mrs H's pantyhose and run them over your decor *lightly* and see if they snag. If so, it may well have the potential to damage betta fins (and you owe Mrs H new pantyhose)
I wouldn't worry about the wood, it softens underwater, so the roughness will be dulled down.

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

Callatya
The Panty hose reminds me of when I was completing my Cabinet Making schooling I made a Reproduction piece of fiurniture. My mother used to run a pair of Panty Hose over it to make sure I had no sharp edges before I french polished it

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