Best Floating Plants for Betta Fish

In the wild, Bettas (Betta splendens) live in rice paddies and other shallow, stagnant water where they feed on aquatic insects. To replicate their natural environment in captivity, it is important to provide some form of cover for them to hide in. This can be accomplished by adding floating plants to the tank.

Many people wonder if bettas prefer having live plants or artificial plants in their tanks. The answer is that they like both. However, if you only have room for one type of plant in your tank, it is best to go with live plants. This is because Bettas will nibble on the leaves of artificial plants, which can damage them over time.

Best Floating Plants for Betta Fish

1. Leptochilus Pteropus Low Light Freshwater Aquarium Plant

Introducing a unique way to add life and beauty to your aquarium with the Java Fern Bare Root, also the best floating plants for betta fish. Your tank will look lush with its vibrant green leaves that can grow up to 8 inches in length. The coolest part is that you will not have to worry about maintenance.

Because Java Fern is suitable for any beginner aquarist, this hardy, low-maintenance aquatic plant will add a lush and vibrant look to any aquarium just as little care is required. Most freshwater tanks will easily accommodate it since it doesn’t require much light or fertilizers. Plus, it grows relatively slowly, so you won’t have to worry about pruning too often.

Unlike other plants, Java Fern Bare Roots can be planted directly into substrates, gravel, or even driftwood. This will provide a natural look for your Betta’s home.

Benefits

• It is very easy to care for Leptochilus Pteropus because it does not require much maintenance.
• Since it doesn’t require intense lighting, it’s suitable for freshwater tanks with lower light levels.
• The fast-growing and quickly-filled aquariums provide cover and shelter for betta fish and invertebrates.
• Bright green leaves and delicate stems add aesthetic appeal to an aquarium.

Drawbacks

• The fragile leaves are easily damaged by strong currents or aggressive fish species, resulting in an unattractive appearance over time.
• This plant’s roots may become tangled and overcrowded when planted too close together.

2. Mini Amazon Frogbit with Water Spangles Combo for Aquarium Betta Fish

Your betta aquarium will become a lush, tropical paradise with this Mini Amazon Frogbit and Water Spangles Combo! This eye-catching combination of floating aquatic plants is a great way to increase oxygen levels in the betta fish tank while providing a surface film of organic matter that helps keep your betta fish healthy. Its leaves provide protection from predators, and its roots act as natural filters. Plus, it’s an ideal spawning medium for livebearers!

Most consumers are happy with the ease of care and the way the root system works characteristics. These floating plants do more than just look beautiful; they help clean the water and are an excellent cover for shy or timid Betta fish tanks. This combo contains a mini Amazon Frogbit and Water Spangles, both of which are appropriate plants for aquariums housing Betta fish. Especially the Frogbit provides natural shade and hiding spaces, while the Water Spangles add oxygen to the water column and help filter organic pollutants like nitrates.

Benefits

• This combo helps to maintain a clean and healthy environment for Betta Fish.
• In addition to improving water quality, they can absorb harmful nutrients.
• Frogbits are known to grow quickly, which helps to keep up with a Betta fish’s active lifestyle.
• Both plants offer an aesthetically pleasing look to the aquarium that can also help reduce stress for the fish.
• Easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance.

Drawbacks

• Over time, the foliage of these plants can impair visibility, making it difficult for you to see your Betta fish in your aquarium.

3. Water Spangles for Beginners Floating Aquarium Plants

Salvinia Minima, also known as Water Spangles, is suitable for hiding Betta fish among its foliage. They require minimal light and maintenance and don’t need regular pruning or trimming as some aquatic plants do. It is essential to monitor their growth if they are left unchecked, since Water Spangles can spread rapidly. These low-maintenance plants provide a unique look to any aquarium and have several benefits that make them an excellent choice for beginners. Besides being hardy, they are easy to maintain, and they can help keep the water clean.

A fascinating fact about this plant is that it thrives best at water temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). This plant offers shade, which helps them feel secure when exploring their home. In particular, its small root system allows it to quickly spread across the tank’s surface, creating a floating carpet of foliage.

It is necessary to use special lighting for aquatic plants in indoor aquariums, and they do not need substrate to grow, so you do not need to purchase substrate. Please note that if you intend to keep this plant in an aquarium, try to avoid strong water movements.

Benefits

• It comes with a 100% alive-on-arrival (AOA) guarantee
• Fish and other aquatic organisms find shade among these floating plants.
• Add oxygen to the water and provide hiding places for betta fish.
• Easy to breed, allowing you to create multiple specimens from just one plant.

Drawbacks

• Not a suitable option for below 35 or above 85 temperature
• Try to avoid strong water movements

4. Aquatic Arts Java Moss Live Plant for Aquarium

Taxiphyllum Barbieri, also known as Java moss or Bogor moss. It is an aquatic plant with small, bright green leaves and a species of moss that grows easily in any aquarium. You will be happy to know that Java Moss has several advantages for Betta fish. Particularly, this type of water plant helps to oxygenate the water and reduces nitrate levels in an aquarium, which makes it more suitable for Betta fish to thrive and replicate natural Betta environments.

These java moss provide natural hiding spaces, enrichment, and stress relief for Betta fish. Most consumers appreciate that there is enough moss to make a 5 by 5 inch or larger mat that covers 25 square inches. The interesting part is that it does not need special or high-intensity lighting and is suitable for keeping in any freshwater aquarium.

Benefits

• Java Moss can thrive in a range of water conditions and temperatures.
• It does not need special or high-intensity lighting
• The plant looks stunning when fully grown and can be used to decorate aquariums in a unique way.
• These are natural oxygenators and can help keep the water clean and clear.
• Popular amongst aquarists due to its adaptability, toughness, low maintenance, and low light requirements.

Drawbacks

• There is also a risk of algae growth if Java Moss is not monitored closely or regularly maintained with water changes and cleaning of any fallen leaves and debris. This may occur during the growing season.

5. Hornwort Coontail Betta Fish Tank Plants Aquarium

Last but not least, Hornwort Coontail is one of the most popular aquarium plants. These aquatic plants not only create a striking backdrop for your Betta fish tank, but they also provide essential nutrients to encourage healthy water conditions. The key advantage of Hornworts is that they are a fast-growing floating plant that absorbs nitrates from the water column to help keep the water clean and clear.

Hornwort Coontails are rooted plants with feathery leaves that add visual interest and shelter to aquariums as well as provide hiding spots for shy fish like bettas. Lastly, Hornwort Coontail can be used for spawning grounds as the foliage keeps eggs safe until they hatch. We are satisfied with its beautiful color and quality.

Benefits

• Hornwort and Coontail plants are low-maintenance plants that contribute to a healthy aquarium environment.
• These plants shade the Betta fish and help reduce the water’s temperature.
• These plants can also help to absorb toxins from the water, making it safer for Betta fish to live in.

Drawbacks

• If these plants are not pruned regularly, they may begin to take over the entire space.

Tips for Growing Floating Plants

There is no doubt that floating plants add a sense of natural beauty to your Betta fish tank and increase oxygen levels as well. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also provide a safe hiding place for timid fish. Here are some tips for growing these amazing aquatic plants:

• It is important to position the tank near a window or an aquarium light so that the floating plants get enough sunlight.
• As a second precaution, make sure the tank is not overcrowded. Even though wide varieties can grow close together, a large number of plants can negatively affect water quality.
• A third tip is to keep an eye on pH levels. Floating plants prefer slightly acidic water with a pH level of 6-7.
• Finally, floating plants obtain nutrients from the water column rather than from the soil, so they need to be fertilized regularly to grow successfully.

Do Betta Fish Like Floating Plants?

A floating plant for betta fish is like a mobile home for fish. It provides a safe and comfortable place for them to live and allows them to explore their surroundings.

Many people keep betta fish in small containers with plants as decorations. However, there is a much better way to keep these fish.

A floating plant can be attached to the top of the container so the betta can see and swim around it. The plant also serves as a hiding place for the fish when it is scared or lonely.

The floating Plant for Bettas is a specialized plant designed to provide a safe and comfortable home for betta fish.

The plant’s roots will reach down into the water to extract nutrients and water, while the leaves and branches will create a refuge for the fish.

A floating plant for betta fish should be made of glass or plastic, with a small number of live plants (i.e. java ferns) included giving the fish something to nibble on. The plant should be positioned so that the water level is halfway up the plant. This will help keep the plant moist and provide an area for the fish to hide.

Best Floating Plants for Betta Fish Tank and Bowl

Many different types of plants can be used as floating plants for betta fish. Some popular choices include java fern, Peace lilies, Java Fern, Amazon Sword, and Water Lilies. and water lettuce. These plants float in the water and provide plenty of hiding places for your fish.

They also provide shade from the sun, which is beneficial for betta fish that can get over-heated quickly.

–Java Fern is a great choice for a beginner because it is easy to care for and will not require much water maintenance.

–Amazon Sword is another popular choice because it can grow quite large and provides plenty of hiding places for your betta fish.

-Water Lilies are also a good option because they supply oxygen and help keep the water clarity high.

Why Floating Plants is Important for Betta Fish Aquarium

A floating plant can be a great addition to any fish tank. They provide plenty of shade, oxygen, and water movement which can be beneficial to betta fish. Here are some advantages of having a floating plant in your tank:

-They provide shade for the fish.

-They help to create an oxygen-rich environment for the fish.

-They help to keep the water moving which is beneficial for betta fish.

Disadvantages of Floating Plant in Betta Fish Tank

A floating plant is a great way to add personality and interest to your betta fish tank, but there are some disadvantages to using one.

-Floating plants require regular water changes, and they can be difficult to keep clean.

-Additionally, betta fish may not be as fond of swimming around in a pool of water with a floating plant in it.

Final Word

In conclusion, a floating plant is an excellent addition to any tank housing a betta fish. Not only is it visually pleasing, but the plants provide numerous benefits such as oxygenation, filtration, and hiding spots for the fish.

References

1. Young, Tracy, and Jane Bone. “A better life for betta fish.” Every Child 27.2 (2021): 8-10. Song, Marcus. Caring for Betta Fish. Lulu. com, 2006.