Plants

[Yvette]

I noticed that a lot of people have plants in their tanks. Are they necessary?

[darkangel216]

They aren't necessary, but they do help keep water conditions better.

[Yvette]

Originally Posted by darkangel216

They aren't necessary, but they do help keep water conditions better.

How does this work?

[darkangel216]

Plants eat up the waste that fish produce, like ammonia and such. Fast growing plants like anacharis are good for when you're just starting a tank and allows you to essentially do a fish in cycle with lower risk to the fish.

[CrankyFish84]

The faster the plant grows (which will be noted on most sites that sell them), the more toxic stuff
it eats up while growing.
Not to say that slower growers aren't useful...they help as well, just less so.
However, a dying plant can create as much waste as poo or left over food, so make
sure you check the light/fertilizer requirements for them.
Floating plants such as Anarcharis grows like a weed, so does Hornwort, and they are both pretty cheap.
Slower growers that are hardy are java plant, wendtiis, amazon swords, red flame swords...
I use fertilizer now to boost growth (Flourish by Seachem), but they were healthy without it.
I have the farthest thing from a green thumb for terrestrial plants but my aquatic plants are thriving

[Yvette]

Looks like my fish are getting plants :)
I also want to get all three a five gallon tank. That should make them happy. Right now they have 2.5, which people say is fine, but I think they deserve better than that.

[wallywestisthebest333]

I'd get a Single 20 gallon Long and divide it in three or four. =] that way they'd each have either a little over 5 gallons each or they'd each have 5 gallons and you could get another boy. ;]

But that might be something more of a future plan. =] you'll want to wait till you're pretty experienced before you go after a divided tank. =]

BTW your boys are all gorgeous! <3

[CrankyFish84]

Aww you are sweet for wanting to give them more room...I'm sure they are happy in the 2.5's,
(not dissing anyone's), but you'll have more fun fixing up the 5G's & the Hawkeye brand 5G is around $25-$30 w/ a filter & light.

You could also use see through tupperwear containers which are cheaper...you'd just have to rig a light up for live plants...not sure the cost on doing that....Good luck with your bettas!