Guest Author - Jilly Florio

You don't HAVE to have gravel or any floor covering in a betta bowl or tank - some people do very well just keeping their tanks clean, though water changes and daily maintenance with an aquarium vacuum or turkey baster. If you have many bettas and small betta containers, it can be a lot easier to just do lots of 100% water changes and not worry about gravel.

However, if you have gallon or larger betta tanks, you will probably want to add to decorate with some pretty bottom cover. For bettas, it's important to select a smooth-edged gravel that will not catch delicate, flowy betta fins.

Remember that once a betta rips his fins, he is very susceptible to picking up the fungus that causes fin rot. So it is super crucial to use a smooth gravel with your betta males. This is not as crucial with short-finned plakat betta males or betta females.

A smooth gravel will have rounded edges - check for rough spots before using. You can use any size gravel, however, with bettas: gravel size is not as crucial as it might be with goldfish, who like to mouth gravel, or as with cory cats, whose barbels break off against large-sized chunks.

Lots of betta owners like to use those large, smooth glass stones from craft stores - just make sure to be diligent about cleaning up poops and uneaten foods. Cruds frequently slip under large gaps between stones, leading to unhealthy, foul water. Again, just keep things clean.

Bettas don't care what color gravel you use, either. I like to match my gravel with a theme. A stream floor theme with real rocks, real plants or natural-looking silk ones is complemented by a brownish mix of gravel. A sandy gravel can simulate the sea floor. Black gravel goes really well with a black and white theme, or with a more "day glow" decor. These are just some ideas and most people really enjoy the tank decorating aspects.

To add gravel, make sure you rinse it first under running water - keep rinsing until it runs clear and all the dust is removed. You can use either hot or cold water. Do not use soap. Then add your gravel to the tank, followed by decorations, water and dechlorinator. You can add your betta when the water reaches the temperature you normally use.

Bettas, Gravel and Fin Rot
Betta Caves and Bowl Decor
Betta Care Archives

Here is an Amazon link to a good-sized tank I've used for a betta (large enough to decorate but a nice slender profile that won't take up your entire desktop):