Deciding whether to incorporate betta fish tank substrate and gravel into your aquarium or tank is a choice that requires considering several factors. Substrate can offer a natural-looking environment and even enhance the quality of the tank, depending on your objectives. Some potential advantages to incorporating betta fish tank substrate and gravel include:
You won't have trouble finding the right betta fish tank substrate and gravel while shopping at Chewy. Choose from different sizes, colors, and textures to find what makes your betta fish most happy.
Technically speaking, betta fish do not need substrate in their tank. However, if you have plants or decorations that need anchoring, or you enjoy the aesthetic appeal of substrate at the bottom of your tank, betta fish tank substrate and gravel can serve these visual and practical purposes.
Because betta fish have delicate fins and skin, the best betta fish tank substrate and gravel include those that have smooth edges or are soft. Something else to consider when making a substrate choice is how easy you can clean it. Smoother substrate is easier to clean and will not cause the betta fish potential damage, like coarse rocks. Only use substrate made for aquariums.
Because some gravel can be abrasive to a betta fish's skin, sand may be preferred for betta tank substrate. Which you choose can depend on your tank setup, your preference, and your equipment. For example, sand can't be used with an under gravel filter, but smooth gravel could be used in that case. Sand may be easier to clean, depending on your equipment, and for some people it offers a more natural look.
The amount of betta fish tank substrate and gravel you need in your tank depends on the size of your tank. The general recommendation is to have a substrate depth of 1–2 inches. Typically speaking, this could equate to about 1–1.5 pounds of substrate for every gallon of tank capacity. The actual amount needed can vary depending on your setup and the substrate.