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I'm looking for some advice on my 5-gallon tank. I've got a few questions about plants and substrate. What are some good options for a small tank like mine?

What's your lighting setup like for that 5-gallon tank?

cipherist wrote: ↑Tue May 21, 2024 1:36 am What's your lighting setup like for that 5-gallon tank?

Normal LED light is what I'm using. For a 5-gallon tank like mine, what kind of lighting would be best?

Depending on the plants you choose, a dedicated planted aquarium light might be a good idea.

Are you referring to the Zorczon sword? In my experience, I wouldn't recommend keeping a sword in a 5-gallon tank, as it's a bit too cramped for them. I'd suggest considering Anubias, Java Fern, or Anacharis instead - all of which are great options for a smaller tank. Anacharis is actually my go-to choice; it's incredibly easy to care for. I've had great success with it in my own 5-gallon betta tank, where I've paired it with an Anubias plant.

I've had betta tanks with moss balls, they seem to like 'em, pretty low maintenance too.

I'm not convinced betta have a special affinity for them, it's more of a general consensus. They also seem to appreciate having floating plants and broad-leaved plants near the surface for cover.

Java ferns and anubias are great options for low light tanks, they tend to thrive in those conditions. Java ferns can get pretty big, but some anubias varieties can also grow quite large. However, there are now smaller anubias varieties available. I've also had good luck with java moss in small tanks, it works well and is easy to care for.

desertstream wrote: ↑Tue May 21, 2024 3:13 pm Java ferns and anubias are great options for low light tanks, they tend to thrive in those conditions. Java ferns can get pretty big, but some anubias varieties can also grow quite large. However, there are now smaller anubias varieties available. I've also had good luck with java moss in small tanks, it works well and is easy to care for.

I've had mixed results with Java Ferns in low light tanks - they seem to do best with medium to high lighting. I couldn't get mine to thrive in my 5g betta kit, the light just wasn't enough. Now it's doing great in my 29g with a brighter light.

Java moss is a great option too - if you've got a piece of driftwood, just tie a clump of moss to it with some fishing line (I find 2-5 lb test works best). Give it some time and it'll root to the wood, and you won't even notice the line.

Bettas, being anabantids, naturally inhabit surface waters. Floating plants are a must for their comfort. I'd suggest keeping the lower area simple, with dark substrate and some driftwood, or add low-light plants like moss on the wood or Anubias. The key is having those floating plants, and Water Sprite is a top choice. Other options like Water Lettuce and Frogbit work well too, as do some stem plants left to float.