choosing plants for my new betta tank

[rhythmix]

I'm super excited, just got a 5 gallon tank for my little guy Sinatra. I'm really in need of some plant advice though.

Got some pics of Sinatra and his future pad:
http/imgur.com/a/6gjjv#0

[flamewing]

Welcome to the community, I see you've got an Anubias in there already - is it planted in the gravel? It'll need to be tied to a rock or piece of wood, or it'll struggle to thrive. Those broad leaves will give Sinatra a nice spot to rest, though. I've got to ask, is your new 5-gallon tank cycled?

[rhythmix]

Welcome to the community, I see you've got an Anubias in there already - is it planted in the gravel? It'll need to be tied to a rock or piece of wood, or it'll struggle to thrive. Those broad leaves will give Sinatra a nice spot to rest, though. I've got to ask, is your new 5-gallon tank cycled?

I just picked up the tank today and started the cycle, so it's still in the early stages. I'll get a piece of driftwood for the anubias soon, for now it's tied to a rock which should hold it in place. The heater I got isn't doing its job, so I need to return it and get a different one. I'm going to wait until everything is ready before moving Sinatra in.

[flamewing]

Great job on properly starting the cycle, it's a long process that requires patience, weeks actually, but it's worth it in the end.

[pixel]

Welcome to the community, I see you've got an Anubias in there already - is it planted in the gravel? It'll need to be tied to a rock or piece of wood, or it'll struggle to thrive. Those broad leaves will give Sinatra a nice spot to rest, though. I've got to ask, is your new 5-gallon tank cycled?

fluxx is that? I've got some java ferns planted and they seem to be doing alright. They're pretty hardy, good choice for a tank. Having something that goes from the bottom to the surface gives the fish a chance to anchor their nests, plus it adds some depth to the tank.

[rhythmix]

I've got a pretty sweet setup at work - I'm at a pet store, but I won't name names. Anyway, even with all the resources at my fingertips, I still love hearing what others have to say. When things slow down, my coworkers and I often flip through fish magazines, and let me tell you, there are so many different approaches out there. I've got to stay open-minded and keep learning.

I mean, I've got my own ideas about setting up a tank, but that's just it - they're my ideas. There's a whole world of knowledge out there, and I'd be crazy to ignore it.

So, here's the plan. Cycle the tank for a week, then take some water to work for testing. Pick up some more plant food while I'm at it. And, of course, grab a stronger heater - that one's a must. Then, the fun part: watching Sinatra try to get to his new home. Poor little guy's going to be dancing with excitement.

[warior85]

Plants with big leaves are great for betta tanks, Sinatra will love resting on them, just make sure they're secure so they don't cause any issues.

[flamewing]

I'm super excited, just got a 5 gallon tank for my little guy Sinatra. I'm really in need of some plant advice though.

Got some pics of Sinatra and his future pad:
http/imgur.com/a/6gjjv#0

A tank won't cycle in a week, it takes time for the filter to grow enough bacteria to handle the ammonia. Your fish might seem fine for a week, then you'll be left wondering why he's struggling. I'd recommend reading the link in my signature, it explains fishless cycling and cycling with fish, it's worth a read.

As for the heater, as long as the tank is around 26-28°C, it's fine.

[rhythmix]

I'm super excited, just got a 5 gallon tank for my little guy Sinatra. I'm really in need of some plant advice though.

Got some pics of Sinatra and his future pad:
http/imgur.com/a/6gjjv#0

I see what you're saying about the tank not cycling in a week, the filter needs time to grow enough bacteria to handle the ammonia. I was planning on testing the water after a week, not adding Sinatra just yet, I should've made that clearer.

The tank's currently at 20C after 7 hours of running, so I still have a way to go with the temperature. I did add that Nutrafin Cycle stuff it came with, but to be honest, I'm not sure how much I trust it.

[flamewing]

Most new tanks come with a starter kit, claiming to be a magic solution, but trust me, they don't quite live up to the hype. To kickstart the process, you need to introduce ammonia into your tank, essentially simulating the waste produced by fish and excess food, which in turn encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in your filter. Alternatively, you can obtain mature media from an established tank and add it to your filter, giving you a solid head start. As for fish-in cycling, I wouldn't recommend it – I've been down that road before, and it's a journey filled with frustration and worry.