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I really want to put live plants into my 5g, because my beta LOVES to hide in plants and the fake plastic 'Java Fern' and I'm just a little concerned one his scales and the rough serfaced. So I was wondering what plants would be good for him to weave in and out on the bottom of the tank, and maybe a few plants to rest on? Where can you get Java Fern, hence some of the pet stores near me don't carry it. Thanks to all who reply

Oh - and what type of light/bulb would I need to help them grow and establish?

My 5g Minibow came with a screw in incandescent bulb. If yours is the same, you can get a screw in compact fluorescent bulb. Mine is 10w. I got mine from Wal-mart in the fish dept.

With that kind of light (2wpg) you can grow many types of plants. The thing is, you want plants that will stay pretty small.

Java fern is good and low maintenance, but you need to attach it to a piece of driftwood or a rock. Also, dwarf sagittaria is a good foreground plant. For the background, I have Vallisneria americana v."Biwaensis" (Corkscrew vals) in my 5g and they are doing great and not growing too tall.

Crypts are also great. They do well in low light and don't get very big, if you choose the right ones...Crypt Wendtiis are a good choice.

You want to avoid fast growing stem plants...such as wisteria. I have it in my 5g, but it is taking over the tank. If you want something like that though, and will trim it every now and then, then it would be good.

I am sure there are others...maybe LittleFish or Nowherman is around to help. I am fairly new to the live plant world and can only give you plant suggestions from my experiences. Good luck! Your betta will love the plants.

edit: I have ordered all my plants online. No LFS near me has a good selection. I like http://www.aquaticplantdepot.com]http://www.aquaticplantdepot.com[/link]...they have good prices (especially for beginners...I liked paying less since I didn't know if I would kill them or not). I am ordering some plants from [link=http://www.floridadriftwood.com this weekend. There are many more, I have just not used them. Some websites make you use 2nd day delivery, or strongly suggest it and the shipping cost is way over priced. In my experience the plants came through the Post Office and were perfectly fine when they got to my house. It's your choice though. Just shop around.
Also, look at the plants on the website and the ones mentioned and see what you like.

Last edited by GirlieGirl8519 at 13-Jan-2006 16:45

*Kristin*

I greatly appreciate your advice - probably took you a -long- time to type that up. I will look around, and thanks agian for the sites/advice!

No problem. I needed so much help when I started plants...and still do, so I am glad to help out beginners. Good luck with your plants.:%)

*Kristin*

Yes, I was planning on putting some Java moss in there too, for my beta to rest on - He's an oddball, he is - Likes to sleep in fish nets. Anyways, i really do like your ideas and advice Do you think a LFS would special order some plants for me?