[cherryiscream]

I recently picked up a free 30-gallon tank and would like to get into aquariums, aquascaping, and having my own betta fish. I already collect terrariums, rare and difficult plants, etc, so I was thinking it would be cool to fill the tank only half-way with water and have a jungle upstairs and a planted tank downstairs. Which leads me to the question of how deep does the water need to be for a betta fish? 12 inches? Could it be less if the tank is very wide? I think my tank is 30 inches or so wide, I can measure it when I get home. I want my fish to be happy!

Edit: Here's some inspiration:
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1c/54/1d/1c541d172e74811a41155a9602ffd7c7.jpg
http://www.aquascapingworld.com/gallery/images/1/1_hans701.jpg

 

[cherryiscream]

Could it be less than 12 inches? What would be the least depth for a broad tank that a fish would still be comfortable in?

 

[cherryiscream]

Ugh it's so pretty I can't even...
http://aquatropicslife.com/uploads/3/1/7/6/3176818/8702075_orig.jpg

 

[cherryiscream]

Not a lot of progress, just been slowly collecting supplies I need... got a thermostat and water filter for fairly cheap online, got some free aquarium sand on craigslist, and just ordered some biorock for the landscaping. When the rock comes I'll see if it's enough for the space. Once I have those i'll start arranging things and when they look nice I'll start putting in plants!

I have some terrarium plants for up top (caladiums, miniature philodendrons, ferns, moss) that have been growing in regular terrariums so far. It'll probably be another month or so before I can invest in aquatic plants. I'm going to try to go without CO2 and extra light. Once the plants are stable (which might require shrimp or something??) I'll get the betta - don't want to stress him out if the ecosystem crashes in the beginning!