betta experiences with small floating logs

[onixa]

I've been browsing online and was curious if anyone's had hands-on experience with either or both of these options. Some reviews mentioned they require sanding before use and may wear down quickly, but I've seen geneflakely's Bettas really take to them. The ones I've come across are from ZooMed.

Has anyone else used alternative floating devices for their Bettas?

[oceanite]

I've had a floating leaf, also by ZooMed, but that's about it.

[coralina]

My betta's a huge fan of his Zoomed Betta leaf hammock, he just loves lounging on it.

[MouthFullofFish]

My betta's experience with the Zoomed Betta leaf hammock was pretty underwhelming - he won't even give it a second glance. I actually tried it out with three of my other fish, but none of them showed any interest in it either.

On the other hand, I've had some success with fake logs that have multiple openings at the bottom of the tank. Most of my betta seem to appreciate them.

[onixa]

Thanks for the feedback, it seems I'm the only one considering the floating logs. I've got an old fighter who spends a lot of time at the bottom of the tank, although he does make an effort to come up for food. I was thinking of getting him one of these logs to see if he'd like to sit in it - a little something to make his life more comfortable. I'm actually planning on moving him to a smaller tank soon, just so he can relax and enjoy his golden years. A floating log might be a nice addition to his new setup.

[riverrun]

I've had a different experience with these floating logs - I think they're quite rough and sharp, which makes me hesitant to use them with fancy bettas. In my largest tank, I have one that works well with my wild bettas, whose fins are much more resilient. However, I also have a L/F BN in that tank, and occasionally she catches a fin on the log and rips it slightly, which tells me it could be a problem for betta fins. People suggest sanding down the edges, but I'm not convinced that would make a big difference, given the logs have little holes and indentations that can't be easily smoothed out.

That being said, I do love the idea of a floating log, but the price tag is just too steep for me. So, in my other tanks, I've found a DIY solution that works just as well. I take a piece of PVC pipe, thread some fishing line through it, and tie it off at the top. Then, I attach it to a suction cup that hangs on the side of the tank, creating an instant floating cave. To give it a more natural look, I cover the pipe with some moss. It's a great alternative that doesn't break the bank.

[onixa]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the floating logs, riverrun. I was thinking of trying to make something similar myself, so it's good to know it's worked out for you. I did consider using silicone sealant to smooth out any rough edges, but I think I'll hold off on that idea for now until I can see one of these logs in person. In the meantime, I might give your PVC pipe solution a try.

[riverrun]

If you're interested, I can take my log out of the tank and snap some photos of the rough areas that I'm concerned about - the little holes and indentations that I mentioned earlier. I can also share some pictures of my PVC pipe creations, all finished and moss-covered, so you can see how they turned out.

[onixa]

That would be great thanks riverrun, a few pics of your PVC tunnels would be really helpful. I'd also love to see a pic of the floating log if you have the chance, just to get a better idea of what I'm dealing with, no rush though.

[onixa]

I've got the materials for the DIY floating tunnel, picked up some waste pipe and brown-coloured fishing line yesterday. Also grabbed clear suction cups and a hack saw for the pipe.

riverrun said:
...plus some pics of my finished PVC floating tunnels.

Got any pics to share? Currently designing the "retirement home" for my old fighter in my head.