[tooawaketosleep]

I'm looking to set up my tank into a dense, tannin filled betta paradise. It will for sure have pothos hanging in the water, and I'm considering some java ferns, some ludwigia, and maybe some java moss or merimo moss, and I like the look of subwassertang (though I'm still doing reading on it's care and needs).

How many of y'all use co2 injection? Is it highly recommended? What do your systems look like? What plant friendly lamps do you use? Also, if I have liquid fertilizer and a potting soil/dirted substrate, do I still need to use root tabs?

 

[JackTheCaptain]

Hi, just a note about the marimo algae, they prefer their environment quite a bit cooler than betta do

 

[tooawaketosleep]

Hi, just a note about the marimo algae, they prefer their environment quite a bit cooler than betta do

Oh do they? That's good to know, then probably not merimo for this then

 

[TropicalFlow3]

Marimo Moss Ball care and Temperature Marimo moss ball requires the minimum of sunlight for its survival. The preferred water temperature varies from 60-degree Fahrenheit to 80-degrees Fahrenheit. If you kept your water at 78 degrees it should be okay IMO

 

[YogisMom]

Hi! How big is the tank and is this your first planted tank? For the plants you’ve listed so far, I see no need in using CO2. If you are new to planted tanks, I recommend starting low/med tech and not jumping into CO2.

I’d love to give some recommendations on lights but it depends on your tank size? I can also help you out with substrate options - maybe you could tell me the potting soil you plan to use?

Root tabs are necessary for heavy root feeders when using an inert substrate such as gravel or sand. On the other hand, if you plan to use an active soil substrate such as ADA Amazonia or my favorite, AquarioNeo, you will not need root tabs for at least a year. For potting soil, it depends on what it is composed of and what nutrients it retains and leeches into the water column.

The biggest factors in any successful planted tank is lighting (time and duration) and a balance nutrients. And of course a diligent maintenance routine with healthy stable water conditions and parameters.

 

[tooawaketosleep]

Hi! How big is the tank and is this your first planted tank? For the plants you’ve listed so far, I see no need in using CO2. If you are new to planted tanks, I recommend starting low/med tech and not jumping into CO2.

I’d love to give some recommendations on lights but it depends on your tank size? I can also help you out with substrate options - maybe you could tell me the potting soil you plan to use?

Root tabs are necessary for heavy root feeders when using an inert substrate such as gravel or sand. On the other hand, if you plan to use an active soil substrate such as ADA Amazonia or my favorite, AquarioNeo, you will not need root tabs for at least a year. For potting soil, it depends on what it is composed of and what nutrients it retains and leeches into the water column.

The biggest factors in any successful planted tank is lighting (time and duration) and a balance nutrients. And of course a diligent maintenance routine with healthy stable water conditions and parameters.

It's a 29 gallon tall, like 30x12x18 1/2

 

[YogisMom]

Awesome! So you’re looking to do a betta paradise Blackwater-ish environment? For these tanks, I’d recommend low light plants for sure, especially with your pothos as natural light cover. You may find difficulty growing stem plants like the Ludwigia depending on if you leave a high light area open for them for 10+ hours a day. So definitely take note of your plant needs regarding their tolerance to a high tannin soft water environment. Most plants do fine and better in softer water but not all.

If you don’t mind spending a few bucks, I love the Fluval Nano 3.0. I think that it would work perfect for this tank. It has lots of bells and whistles (app, full control over light intensity and color spectrum for the duration of your entire photoperiod) and it sells anywhere from $90-120. I only keep nano tanks 10’s and 7’s and have these lights on all of them currently, so you could research this light if you’re willing to spend the $. They have a larger model as well that may be more appropriate for a 29 tall, but I think given the environment your are looking to create, this will be more than enough oomph.

Twinstar makes great lights too. I had a B-Line on a new tank I set up and used it for about a month before switching to the Fluval and it worked wonderfully. This light is more affordable - around $45 - but its simple - no app or spectrum/time control). You could check out their other lights to see if this model or another might work for your tank too.

Like I mentioned before, your pothos will provide quite a bit of shade, you’ll want to make sure your stems (like the Ludwigia) aren’t planted directly beneath it. I’d position them in your high light area. But Java Ferns and mosses can grow just about anywhere with minimal lighting requirements.

So, for lights, I see great success with other planted tankers and my own tanks with both Twinstar and Fluval 3.0’s. It really just depends on how fancy you want to get.

I definitely see no need for CO2 in the environment you are looking to create.

 

[YogisMom]

Here’s the Fluval light. I linked from AC because you can download the manual if you want to check out the specs. They make a 22 watt too, but I think this is more than enough.

Fluval Plant 3.0 NANO LED Light | Aquarium Lighting for Planted Tanks

Get efficient lighting for nano fish tanks with live aquarium plants. Program a 24-hour light cycle with gradual sunrise and sunset using your smartphone.

www.aquariumcoop.com

Here’s the 22 watt

Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Planted Aquarium Lighting, 22 Watts, 15-24 Inches https://a.co/d/0lni4yh

Here’s the Twinstar I like. It works awesome for an affordable light. It’ll go on the planted tank I’m building now. Simple but effective. They have tons of models though and I know Twinstar is a favorite for many.

I thought you might like this! Hurry, because it might sell out quick! Twinstar LED - B Line Aquarium Light Fixture

I hope this helps! If you have any specific questions feel free. This is a passion of mine and I love hearing of betta owners building a beautiful natural environment for them. Tannins are awesome! I use them in all of my tanks. I’m excited to see your progress so id love to see updates as you go along!

Take care and have fun!

 

[tooawaketosleep]

Awesome! So you’re looking to do a betta paradise Blackwater-ish environment? For these tanks, I’d recommend low light plants for sure, especially with your pothos as natural light cover. You may find difficulty growing stem plants like the Ludwigia depending on if you leave a high light area open for them for 10+ hours a day. So definitely take note of your plant needs regarding their tolerance to a high tannin soft water environment. Most plants do fine and better in softer water but not all.

If you don’t mind spending a few bucks, I love the Fluval Nano 3.0. I think that it would work perfect for this tank. It has lots of bells and whistles (app, full control over light intensity and color spectrum for the duration of your entire photoperiod) and it sells anywhere from $90-120. I only keep nano tanks 10’s and 7’s and have these lights on all of them currently, so you could research this light if you’re willing to spend the $. They have a larger model as well that may be more appropriate for a 29 tall, but I think given the environment your are looking to create, this will be more than enough oomph.

Twinstar makes great lights too. I had a B-Line on a new tank I set up and used it for about a month before switching to the Fluval and it worked wonderfully. This light is more affordable - around $45 - but its simple - no app or spectrum/time control). You could check out their other lights to see if this model or another might work for your tank too.

Like I mentioned before, your pothos will provide quite a bit of shade, you’ll want to make sure your stems (like the Ludwigia) aren’t planted directly beneath it. I’d position them in your high light area. But Java Ferns and mosses can grow just about anywhere with minimal lighting requirements.

So, for lights, I see great success with other planted tankers and my own tanks with both Twinstar and Fluval 3.0’s. It really just depends on how fancy you want to get.

I definitely see no need for CO2 in the environment you are looking to create.

Honestly I may just have the java ferns and mosses. I've had success with the ferns before and that may be more than enough for what I'm planning to do, especially with the pothos.

 

[YogisMom]

Honestly I may just have the java ferns and mosses. I've had success with the ferns before and that may be more than enough for what I'm planning to do, especially with the pothos.

Java ferns are super easy and gorgeous! Mosses are fun too and you can do so much with them. Plus your betta will love both. I’m actually starting a new tank now and am considering adding a Pothos. If you get a chance and feel like sharing, I’d love to see your tank after you set it up. 🙏😀

 

[tooawaketosleep]

Java ferns are super easy and gorgeous! Mosses are fun too and you can do so much with them. Plus your betta will love both. I’m actually starting a new tank now and am considering adding a Pothos. If you get a chance and feel like sharing, I’d love to see your tank after you set it up. 🙏😀

Here's the pothos! The one on the right is one I've been growing in a glass vase; the one on the left is one I started today. I have a whole journal where I'm detailing my tank's progress (just gloss over the emotional entries lmao). My hubs has a 3d printer so I'm going to ask him to make a few things for the tank. A basket for the pothos and a diffuser for the sponge filter bubbles at the top, to help limit some of that movement.

I'm not sure that I can link to the journal, but it's just under my profile as "My Betta Journal" if you're interested. (I feel like I'm making like an old timey explorer's journal, just digital lmao)