Easy Planted Betta Fish Tank Ideas for Kids 

Welcome to the world of aquarium fanatics! These planted Betta fish tank Ideas are perfect for your kids to learn about how an ecosystem thrives.

Imagine a tiny, beautiful world right in your room where a colorful fish swims and plays among your plants! 

This beginner-friendly blog post makes creating a planted aquarium for a Betta fish a fun experience. 

Aquariums are great activities for both younger and older kids, who can benefit from sensory experiences while learning about responsibility. 

The ease of setup is fun, and enjoying the calming effects of an aquatic environment is therapeutic.

Creating a planted aquarium tank is not as difficult as it may seem. It’s actually very easy when you have the correct substrate and tools!

Let’s start creating a betta dream home with these simple planted Betta aquarium ideas for kids to enjoy. 

A five- to ten-gallon tank is highly recommended for happy bettas, offering relaxing fun to watch. (No bowls for bettas!)

Why a Planted Betta Fish Tank is Super Cool for Your Kids (and Your Betta!)

Creating a happy home for your betta fish is an excellent way to bond with your family, and your kids will love it. 

Bettas are very social creatures who enjoy socializing with you. They also love hiding and exploring in plants – it’s like their natural jungle home!

Plants help them feel safe and less stressed, and look amazing! 

While many people use artificial plants, there is a huge possibility that you’re betta can nip their fins and tails on these artificial plastic plants. 

Not only is this painful, but your betta’s life could potentially be shortened by the hazardous plants that scrape their bodies, fins, and tails. 

This is the reason why opting for real plants not only helps your betta fish thrive, but it also makes your tank look much better. 

Real plants make your tank look like a beautiful piece of art.

Therefore, it’s much more interesting than plastic plants!

Did you know that real aquatic plants help keep water clean? 

Plants are like natural filters, sucking up bad stuff and making oxygen. Another bonus is that it provides oxygen for your betta fish.

Lastly, it’s a Calming Activity for you and your kids.

Watching fish swim and plants sway can be a truly relaxing experience, helping you to focus and unwind. (Sensory benefit!)

Getting Started: Your Betta’s New Home (Super Simple Setup)

Tank Size

Start with at least a 5-gallon tank for one Betta (bigger is even better!). My Betta fish, Chiquito (Chee-kee-toe, which means little one in Spanish), lives in a beautiful 10-gallon planted aquarium tank.

He is a male Tangerine koi Betta fish, and his colors are absolutely stunning.

He loves to swim around and explore his beautiful home! These Betta fish tank ideas are easy and fun to create in your tank.

Some people have the misconception (which makes me upset) that bettas can live in a tiny bowl and be content. 

Betta fish originate from Southeast Asia and are known as the Siamese fighting fish. 

They are also found in Thailand, where they thrive in beautiful, large, and vast shallow freshwater areas within communities.

Common Misconceptions of Betta Fish and Housing

When you go to the store and see betta fish in a little cup, that is not their natural habitat. 

That is used to keep them separated from each other temporarily, since they are known to fight to the death when put together.

Stores used this as a logistically cost-effective way to display the fish and sell them. 

These little cups serve as temporary homes, not meant to be permanent.

People believe that they are kept perfectly in that cup and are kept there when they take them home. No!!

There should be a sign that reads, “Please put your Betta fish in a 5 to 10-gallon tank, do not keep in this tiny cup,” on display at every store.

It is always essential to conduct thorough research when acquiring a new pet, ensuring you can provide them with the happiest life possible.

Please don’t put your Betta fish in a small bowl with rocks and fake decorations and call it their home. 

Also, avoid placing them in your vase with your bamboo plant, as your fish will have limited swimming space.

Lastly, a bigger tank is easier to care for and will ensure your betta fish has a long, happy, and healthy life.

Basic Gear You’ll Need for Awesome Betta Fish Tank Ideas

• Tank: A five-gallon tank is a great starting point, providing ample swimming room for beginners. For more experienced users who enjoy heavily planted tanks, a ten-gallon tank is ideal.

• Filter: A gentle “sponge filter” is best for Bettas. You can also use a filter that allows you to adjust the flow to a low setting so the water current isn’t so strong. Betta fish are not the strongest swimmers.

• Heater: Keeps the water warm and cozy for your Betta. The ideal temperature they are used to is 78-80 degrees.

• Water Testing Kit: A water testing kit is ideal for checking your Betta’s pH levels (soil levels) in their water. Testing the water once a week will ensure your Bettas’ health.

• Betta Conditioner and Betta Water: Only half a water change is necessary for your Betta. You can use Betta water or condition the new water separately for 10 minutes, then add it to your Betta’s tank with biweekly or weekly water changes.

• Plant Growth Liquid or Root Tabs: Plant growth liquid or root tabs help keep your Betta’s planted aquarium healthy and thriving. Add once a week to see your underwater garden flourish.

• Aquarium Salt: Aquarium salt is used to balance and purify the water for your Betta, enabling them to breathe more easily underwater. Another bonus is that it naturally heals your Betta if it is sick or not thriving.

• Light: A simple LED light for your plants to grow. You can opt for one that changes colors to give your planted tank a beautiful glow in the evenings. I have one that automatically turns on and off. It changes the lighting to match the lighting outside for a more natural approach.

• Substrate (Bottom Stuff): Special “plant soil” or “aquarium gravel” that plants love. Some people use sand, but I have found it unsuccessful as a substrate for caring for live plants.

• Where to put your tank: Pick a spot away from direct sunlight and busy areas. I have mine in the kitchen by a shared window that looks out into the living room. This provides a beautiful view while I cook and enjoy dinner with my family.

Easy-Peasy Plants for Your Betta Tank (Beginner-Friendly Choices)

Plants You Can’t Kill (Almost!):

• Anubias: Attach to rocks or wood, a super-easy process.
• Java Fern: Also attaches to rocks or wood, very forgiving. I also like to place mine directly in the substrate at various spots.
• Amazon swords: These are beautiful and low-maintenance. They have tall and short varieties and are bright green!
• Water Spangle, Salvinia Minima: Similar to frogbit but very tiny, these are the ones I use and that are pictured above. They multiply quickly and provide shade for your cute Betta.
• Moss Pebble Balls: These charming, green spheres add a unique visual interest to your tank.
• Java Moss: Great for covering things, Bettas love to hide in it.
• Hornwort: This beautiful plant provides a nice shady spot for your Betta to rest inside.
• Floating Plants (like Frogbit): They float on top, give shade, and are fun to watch.
• Dwarf Hair Grass: This beautiful plant will make the bottom of your tank look like the lush hills of Ireland. It will appear as underwater grass!
• Almond Leaves: Indian almond leaves are beneficial for your Betta fish because the tannins will darken the aquarium water. It gives the water a tan hue like the water the Betta’s are naturally used to.

Why These Plants Are Great and Betta Fish Tank Ideas!

They don’t need fancy lights or food, and they’re safe for your Betta’s delicate fins.

These aquatic plants are great ideas for a betta fish tank. It’s also a bonus that they add a unique touch, allowing for simple aquascaping.

Check out these fun betta fish tank ideas and creative themes below!

• Fun “Jungle Look” Theme: Fill it with lots of plants and some cool driftwood.
• The “Hidden Cave” Theme: Use rocks or a small ceramic cave for your Betta to explore, surrounded by plants. (the design Anthony chose)
• The “Open Space” Design: Leave some clear swimming room, but have dense plant areas for hiding.
• Adding Decorations: Smooth rocks and small pieces of driftwood (make sure they’re aquarium-safe). Also, incorporate an artificial floating log for your Betta to rest in.

Encourage drawing out ideas first!

Your Job: Keeping Your Betta & Plants Happy (Easy Care Steps)

• Feeding Your Betta: Just a tiny bit of food once or twice a day – don’t overfeed! 
• Water Changes: Change about 25% of the water every week or two (with adult help).
• Plant Care: Trim plants if they get too big (like giving them a haircut!).
• Watching Your Tank: Look for happy fish and growing plants!

Sensory Fun: Planted Betta Fish Tank Ideas

• Visual Calm: These stunning Betta fish tank ideas offer a serene underwater experience. Watching your Betta swim and plants sway is super peaceful and can help you feel calm.
• Observing Nature: See how plants grow, how your fish interacts with its environment. It’s like having a mini-nature show!
• Gentle Interaction: Instead of tapping the glass, simply sway a finger in the direction of your Betta to get their attention. They love to follow their humans and love to see you come into the room. You can also feed them using a skewer stick (dull side not sharp) and treat them with frozen bloodworms. Watch as your Betta nips the bloodworms from the skewer stick!
• Responsibility & Connection: Caring for a living creature can be very rewarding and build a special bond.

Things to Remember for Success with Betta Fish Tank Ideas

• Always ask an adult for help with setup and big changes.
• Never put more than one Betta in the same tank.
• Don’t use soap to clean the tank!
• Be patient – setting up a tank takes a little time.
• A healthy diet will help your Betta live a long, healthy life.
• Offer pellets instead of flakes, live food, or frozen food to give them a variety of food.

Conclusion

These Betta fish tank ideas are fun, and your Betta fish will love you for it. Betta fish are friendly pets and social creatures.

Have fun and enjoy the rewards and therapeutic benefits of a planted tank for your Betta.

Your child will love to see an underwater paradise come alive before their eyes.

Give your Betta the best home ever and enjoy your new, calming mini-world.

What’s your favorite plant for a Betta tank? 

Share your ideas using my links below! I would love to see your betta fish tank ideas paradise.

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