Betta Fish Tank Accessories: Must-Have Items for a Happy Fish

Decorative items that are safe for your betta to swim around and explore can help them burn off energy while adding to the aesthetic of your aquarium. Driftwood adds a natural look to your betta’s home. It’s essential to buy it from a pet store, though, as wild-picked driftwood can have bacteria that could discolour your tank water.

Plants

Plants are a must-have for any betta tank, as they look beautiful and help mimic your pet’s natural habitat. They also provide hiding places, absorb harmful nitrates and ammonia, and add oxygen to the water. Adding a few plants to your aquarium is easy, and many pet stores sell live plants specifically designed for aquariums. Artificial plants are also available in various shapes, colours, and sizes to suit your aquarium decor theme. Another great decoration to include in your betta’s tank is driftwood. This is a popular choice for aquascapes as it looks great, but be careful to pick out wood with no rough edges that could snag your pet’s fins. It is best to buy driftwood from a pet or fish store. You might find great fish deals using aggregator sites like RetailMeNot if you want to save more on fish accessories. Caves, tunnels, and leaf hammocks are other decorations that make for an excellent betta tank. These items serve several purposes: they encourage your pet to explore and offer safe hiding spots to reduce aggression and stress. Adding a few rocks to the tank is also essential, as these are found in your pet’s natural environment and help reduce aggression, which may be caused by fear or boredom.

Driftwood

A betta fish needs stimulation to keep him from getting bored; tank decorations can help. But selecting decor free from sharp edges that can injure your pet as he explores his surroundings is essential. You also need to avoid using any materials that can alter the water chemistry or quality. Buying tank decorations rather than taking them from nature is also a good idea. Natural items may contain bacteria and parasites that can discolour your aquarium and harm your fish. Many betta fish lovers enjoy using decorative driftwood in their tanks. You can find pieces resembling tangled branches or even have a gnarled surface. Often, these pieces have small crevices and hiding spots that betta fish will enjoy exploring. Be sure to purchase driftwood treated for use in an aquarium and labelled as such. It’s also a good idea not to use any driftwood you picked from outside because it could harbour bacteria or other contaminants. Another excellent tank decoration is a moss ball. These spheres are super-safe for bettas, and they can amuse the fish by swimming among them or resting inside. They can also create a lovely green backdrop for your aquarium. Some owners even incorporate lucky bamboo in their betta’s tank for a splash of color and a unique environment.

Floating Toys

Betta fish are active and curious creatures, so you want to provide them with toys that keep them engaged. Many fish toys have sharp edges that can snag a fish’s tail or fins, so you must ensure all edges are rounded before putting them in the tank. Bettas love to swim around the water’s surface, so they’ll enjoy any toy that gives them a chance to do so. One fun and safe option is a floating leaf hammock, which looks like a natural catappa leaf (Adenanthos ferox) packed with tannins to clean the aquarium, reduce bacteria, and fight fin rot. Another great toy is a ceramic log that doubles as a hiding place. It sinks to the bottom of the tank and will blend in with any natural decorations in the aquarium while looking realistic. It also has a few entrance and exit holes that your betta can use to hide, play, or explore. If you have limited space for decorations, a few moss balls can add texture and colour to your aquarium. These round moss balls aren’t plants, but they’re one of the best choices for betta tanks because of their gentle current resistance. They’re also free of rough edges that could snag your fish’s fins and tail.

Decorations

Decorative items can add to the beauty of your aquarium and can also serve as an exciting playground for your pet. However, it is essential to be careful when choosing decorations since some can have sharp edges that may snag your fish or even cut its fins. Purchasing a decoration from an aquarium store will ensure the item is safe in your tank. You can choose a simple theme or be more creative with your decorations. For example, a resin clamshell ornament is a cute way to complement an underwater-themed tank. Another great idea is a log-shaped toy that serves as a hiding place and features entrance and exit holes for your fish. You can also buy a set of moss balls that look beautiful in the tank and will entertain your fish as it explores their soft, safe surface. Many aquarium stores sell stone decorations safe for bettas, including hollow logs and other natural-looking features. These pieces can be stacked together to create a unique design for your aquarium. Other aquarium-safe decorations include sand and pebbles of different colors, floating toys, moss balls, and other ornaments. Remember to limit the number of these accessories so that your betta does not become bored or over-stimulated with too much stimulation. Boredom can lead to self-mutilation, so providing plenty of mental and physical enrichment is essential for your betta’s happiness.