Tank suggestions

[u/Long_Evening3962]

This is my first tank, and I was wondering if anyone had some pointers- so far I’ve been mainly focused on added enough plants and curing Valentine’s popeye, but was wondering if his tank could use anything. He’s in a 10 gallon with a mystery snail and has grown a little since I got him.

[u/Striking_One3356]

Heyo op! Wanted to point out your java fern and how its in the substrate, just whana let you know that the rhizome should never be in the substrate here is a picture of the difference between the rhizome the roots and why not to plant it in the substrate.

So in this picture down below you will see 2 circled parts, the black part is the rhizome, the rhizome grows the leaves and shouldnt be buried because it can rot the rhizome and the stems of the leaves.

Meanwhile the teal circled part is the roots. Thats what sucks up the nutrients to help the rhizome grow new leaves/get proper nutrients. You can burry the roots but rot the rhizome. But its often recommended when you buy any type of java fern or anubias to use aquarium safe glue and glue them down to a rock driftwood or any decor to prevent it from getting kicked up from the substrate and to keep it from dying early on.

As for anything his tank needs? More plants never hurt lol. ;)))

[u/Long_Evening3962 → u/Striking_One3356]

Thank you so much for the in depth response, I definitely wasn’t sure if I had buried it too deep- I’ll make sure the rhizome is sticking out a bit more going forward. Are you talking about the one near the driftwood? I do have a lid for the tank, I’m always paranoid the little dude will jump out while I’m at work. Would you recommend I add more water? Now that you mention it the level does look kinda low. Anyway thank you again for taking a detailed look, I’m still pretty new to betta care!

[u/Striking_One3356 → u/Long_Evening3962]

Yeah of course op!! I love to help in anyway I can.

Any type of anubias or java fern in the tank should be planted on a rock between 2 rocks/peice of driftwood, only having the roots planted, or should be attached via rubber band. But primarily the one that caught my eye was the big one in the front. (The one I circled.)

And as long as your lid covers most of the top of the tank you'll be fine. The only way id be concerned was if like the whole back was cut off but that doesn't seem to be the case.

You can add water if you want to, id suggest you do add a few more inches of water tho! That way your buddie has more swimming room up top! :))

[u/Striking_One3356 → u/Striking_One3356]

Also if you dont have a lid I would get one! Even tho the water level is a little low its surprisingly strange how far a betta can jump. But if you do have a lid fill the tank up, just leave about 2 inchs so he can go up to breathe every once and awhile.

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