Care Guides

[Ultimate] Black Ghost Knifefish Care Guide – All you need to know

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Black Ghost Knifefish

The Black Ghost KnifeFish, Apteronotus albifrons, is a very distinct fish from South America. Their electrosensory system, unusual color schemes, and the lack of a classic fish shape will attract everybody. Although this black ghost knife fish is a shy one, it gradually adapts to the aquarium and begins to turn showier. Can anyone buy this fantastic, weird fish and keep it? Continue reading to learn all about this notable species of freshwater aquarium fish. Article content includes this article and additional information about knife fish.

Black Ghost Knifefish Overview

Black Ghost Knife Fish (Apteronotus albifrons) is an exotic freshwater fish of the Apterolidae family originating from South America. This species is native of South America and lives in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. They use their bottom fin for movement rather than contract and move their head and tail. They are easy to feed, enjoying being fed on insect larvae such as tubifex worms and blood worms. According to its electroreception ability, a fish that appreciates a giant aquarium can send out electrical pulses to monitor its surroundings, and this also shows places of prey and hidden places. If properly kept, this type of knife fish can live for up to 10 years and reach half a meter from head to tail.Black Ghost Knifefish

Black Ghost Knife fish Life span

The typical life expectancy of the Black Ghost knifefish is around eight years under proper keeping. These spans could, in some cases, reach as long as ten years. The most important factors that influence their lifespan are overall care quality (not only before you bought your fish but after) and the rate of feeding, water conditions, type of aquarium, tank size, and genetics.

Black Ghost Knifefish Size

Black Ghost Knifefish fish usually grows from 18 to 20 inches. Ignore all the nonsense “it will grow to the size of a tank” that is read around some online forums. These fish grow very big in any tank size. As they are not small fish, they need a large aquarium suitable for their size.

Should you keep Black Ghost Knifefish?

The Black Ghost Knifefish are among the most challenging fishes. Their long anal fins and their undulating movement on the surface of the water are something you never really forget. This fish is a good option for those with big tank sizes and who want to add a bit of variety. David keeps fish from a young age and has gathered and taken care of more than 30 different species.

Potential problems

Black Ghost Knifefish have an excellent sense of changes in the water. Scaleless fish show sensitivity to medications, particularly copper-containing products. Wild-caught specimens sometimes come with parasites that infect other species in your collections. This shy fish may not eat very well when first introduced in the aquarium, leading to problems such as malnutrition. The species is susceptible to fluctuations in water conditions, so it is paramount for tank operators to maintain a perfectly stable environment. Depending on your tank’s dimensions, you can add an excellent lighting system.

Black Ghost Knifefish Care Guide

Because their skin has no scales, they are susceptible to infection. It is especially prone to ich infections, external parasites, and white spots diseases. It would be best if you quarantined any incoming fish to your tank till it is healthy. It’s also good to give them quality food when you want to fight off a parasite, thus improving the animal’s immune system. The Black Ghost Knifefish would be happy to have a balanced diet and stable water parameters. For details about caring for fish, visit this guide.

Availability of knife fish

The Black Ghost Knifefish can be purchased online in good fish stores or through specialty dealer sites. Fish around 5 inches that you see on sale are usually a wild catch. Specimens for around $10 to $20 will vary according to the size of the species and its site of origin. The fish is now widely bred in Indonesia, and the pressure on wild populations has decreased dramatically. The larger specimens are likely large captive grown imports, but smaller specimens are likely a wild catch.

General Species Summary

Apteronotis albifrons is a tropical freshwater fish that is currently growing in popularity. They get their name from the evident physical relation of these animals to knives. The title ghost originated from a local belief that ghosts of the lost inhabit the bodies of these fish. The Black Ghost Knife fish are found in several South American regions. One interesting fact about the species is that most aquarists are probably unaware that they are electric. They cannot electrocute you or anything similar, so their electrical receptors help them locate the foods they need. As they hunt primarily at night, they can usually use that knowledge quite often.

Behavior & Temperament

Black ghost knife fish are relatively active fish that likes doing their things and leaving others alone. They are used to swimming and hide in caves looking for food. Their aggressive side will also be present if they’re in contact with other fish, they can appear highly territorial, attacking anyone who comes close to their territory. But it doesn’t mean we can’t take two or three more if we have more space. They can get highly aggressive whenever they are within proximity.

Habitat

Black Ghost inhabits raging sandy-bottomed rivers migrating in flooded forests during the wettest seasons. The fish’s natural environment is rather dark and has poor vision. The Black Ghost Knifefish has developed the characteristic ability to produce low voltage electricity, forming a built-in radar system. Similarly, this novel ability is used for hunting and communication with an animal. The nocturnal fish eats worms, crustaceans, fishes, larvae, and insects. The species prefers areas of solid vegetation with lots of hiding places for hiding in the dark.

Habitat and tank conditions

The Black Ghost Knifefish is present throughout the Amazon River and its tributaries. These waters are teeming with vegetation, with plenty of crannies hiding behind. The water temperature is tropical, 24 to 28º C, the pH can range from 5 to 8, but generally, slightly acidic is ideal, as is soft water. The substrate is typically sandy, with driftwoods and rocks. As they occur in a wide geographical area, it is necessary to know the origin of your fish. These tropical freshwater habitats are home to many insects providing fish food with enough larva. A Black Ghost Knife needs a habitat that resembles its natural environment as closely as possible. It’s simple to accomplish, and it’s detailed below.

Aquarium setup

Black Ghost KnifeFish reaches 20 inches in length. A large aquarium of a minimum of 100 gallons will be needed to store these fish. Use sand or fine gravel; they are the best substrates and most closely resemble the ghost knifefish natural habitat. Keep enough plants around the edges of the tank and also include driftwood and rocks. The fish will not eat the plants but prefer to crawl among the leaves a day, as they prefer to go to a deeper place at night. These fish live inside dark, muddy conditions and like moderate to low lighting in the aquarium. They can often be found in the bottom of the tanks.

Diet and nutrition

In their natural surroundings, the fish emerges from their hiding spots to search, hunt, and eat small fish and insect larvae after the sunsets. They feed on insects, larvae, worms, snails, insects, and smaller fish throughout the night. If you want, you can introduce feeder fish into Black Ghost’s diet once he has gained enough weight to take them. Once the black ghosts settle in their aquarium home, they feel comfortable and may venture out to feed during the day. These fascinating fish will often eat their food in your hands; in this case, you must keep your hands clean and free of chemicals and fragrances. You can gradually introduce commercial feeds, such as pellets and flakes.

Water parameters

Black knife ghost fish may become sensitive to less than ideal water conditions. They are not like other hardy fishes that can withstand low water quality. This means you have to do severe tests on the aquarium water if you own any black ghost knife fish. Often they can get sick, and chances of infection in the water tank are always high. The water parameters should be kept to the perfect levels possible with the species. If a fluctuation starts, you have to do something immediately. Low-quality kits can be a lot worse than no kits at all. Assure your notes about your level are accurate.

What to include in their tank

Black ghost knife fish will often stay in the lower portion of the tank, even during meals. Use soft sand or gravel for the fragile body type in this species. The plants are the most important, so always add some, no matter what the layouts. Keep safe by leaving any concealment areas or objects with a rough surface. Use solid rock, cave, and driftwood. You do not want the fish cut and may potentially cause an infection or sickness. The fish have no preference for hiding places. The typical aquarium plants are suitable.

Black Ghost Knife Fish Tank Mates & Compatibility

There are some compatible black ghost knife fish tankmates that you can contemplate. We see that this species likes to take on its own business. All types of calm fish can have your black Ghost as tank mates, as long as the fish are not too small. Some owners got away with smaller fish like Celestial pearl danios or Green Neon Tetras, but this pairing tends only to be viable while the knife fish is still on the small side.

Tank Mates

Black Ghost Knife fish start to get aggressive if they only have a small area or lack enough hiding locations. The perfect community should be created using peaceful catfish, Angelfish, peaceful cichlids, a discus, and corydoras. Small crustacea (such as shrimp) and gastropods are not well suited as they are perfect for black ghosts. Please do not keep the knife fish with fish that are smaller; they can turn to food. Be aware of smaller sizes of fish such as Tetras, Guppies, Barbs, and Rasboras.

Keep Black Ghost Knifefish Together

It would help if you didn’t keep Black Ghost Knifefish together because their electrical inputs might get twisted. It is best to leave a single individual in the tank to avoid problems. It would be best if you also prevented other species of Knifegish (e.g., Brown Ghost) as also emitting conflicting electromagnetic signals causes both fish to stress. Besides being territorial fish among them.

Breeding

Black Ghost Knife-fish is bred in Indonesia by businesses specializing in aquarium trades. It is reported that ponds are used for breeding the fish primarily due to their mature size of up to 20 inches in length. Naturally, you will need a large aquarium to breed and raise the young fish successfully. And this is just not possible for most home hobbyists. It remains uncertain how it’s done to date, and it can not be known for sure. The species is believed to be bred in ponds in Indonesia, but the precise methodology is still unspecified.

Diseases to watch out for

There is a high skin disease risk. These fish do not have the scale armor on which other fish can rely. Investing in a good filter such as the Flaviv FX4 and UV-sanitizer will prevent these fish from having infections and diseases. If something gets cut or scratched, it can make it a higher risk of catching an infection. If you notice some difficulty or no improvement of the disease, you should try some treatment. Time is the essence to monitor the cuts you see for proper healing and if the amounts do not seem to improve.

Disease prevention

Quarantine every new fish thoroughly before adding it to your aquarium. Place fish into quarantine tanks for up to two weeks before introducing them into your main display setup. Stress can kill fish. Give your Black Ghost Knifefish the correct water parameters, an environment that closely replicates his wild habitat, and a properly balanced diet to ensure he has suitable water and food.

Different Pleco Types: Which One Is Right For Your Aquarium Tank?

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Types Of Plecos

If you are an aquarist, you know that there is nothing more enjoyable than having a well-kept aquarium. One of the most important aspects of keeping fish in your tank is choosing the right companions for them. Plecos are one type of fish that would be a good fit for any size aquarium and can provide many benefits to your aquatic environment. In this blog post, we will go over 15 different types of plecos so that you can find one perfect for your needs!

To Start – Let’s Talk Minimum Tank Size

For very small pleco species, you will need at least a 20+ gallon aquarium as minimum tank size. If you want to keep your plecos in an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons, you will need to provide extra hiding spots. You will also need the proper filtering system to match that minimum tank size.
A 30+ gallon aquarium is the minimum tank size for most juvenile and small dwarf species of plecos.
65-gallon aquariums are good for medium-sized pleco species, such as some bristle nose pleco or many common plecostomus. Some plecostomus species, however, grow exceptionally big, requiring over 95 gallons as a minimum tank size.
90+ gallon aquariums are generally considered appropriate for most adult-sized plecos. Some very large plecos can reach up to a maximum size of 24 inches long.

Common Pleco


Hypostomus plecostomus, or the common pleco, is one of the popular types of plecos (probably the most common pleco species in the world). Keep in mind that this is a very large species of plecos, growing up to 24 inches long. This is not a good type of plecos for an aquarium with less than 65 gallons of water. This type of pleco really needs its own space!

Zebra Pleco

Zebra Pleco
These are striped types of plecos that mimic the shape of a zebra (hence the name Zebra Plecos). They grow to around 4 inches. Care is fairly easy. Keep their tank in a tropical heated aquarium with non-aggressive partners. They live between 10 and 15 years, depending on the level of care. They are carnivorous plecos with a low degree of herbivory, requiring lie food and feed for carnivores to maintain good health. These species are shy at first during the day and often want comfortable hiding places to rest. After some time, they tend to become less shy and explore the whole aquarium. They look wonderful in groups and are easy to reproduce.

Sailfin Pleco

Sailfin Pleco
Sailfin plecos are grown to a maximum height of around 14 inches and can live for 20 years. They are pretty fish with a leopard-print pattern covering their body armor. They eat mostly plant food and sometimes largely animal protein. You must make sure that you provide a tank suitable for their size. Because they are big and feed all day, they both keep the tank free of algae and produce huge amounts of excrement.

Leopard Frog Pleco

Leopard Frog Pleco
Leopard frog plecos usually age 8 to 10 years. Their average length is just slightly more than 4 inches. They are omnivores with a strong herbivorous tendency, and they prefer other plant materials to algae. Thus, while great additions to the tank, they do not act as good tank cleaners.

Snowball Pleco

Snowball Pleco
There are three species commonly called Snowball pleco. Together, these three species range in size from 5 to 12 inches (the two from the genus baryancistrus are larger than the other, from the genus hypancistrus)… They derive their name from the patterns of white dots that they have. Depending on water and food quality and general care, these species live about 8 to 10 years. Depending on the species, Snowball plecos may be hungry for biofilm and plant foods, eat algae in the aquarium (baryancistrus), or nearly strictly carnivorous (hypancistrus). For these creatures to thrive, plecos must have heated tropical tanks. They should also have a nice space with hiding places and great water and food quality, as they are sensitive species.

Peppermint Pleco

Peppermint Pleco
 
There are two species, commonly called Peppermint pleco, that grows to about 7 inches and live about 10 to 12 years. One type, from ancistrus, likes to eat vegetable matter but does not prefer algae, whereas the other, from paracistrus, eats algae ferociously. They typically are peaceful communal species with tropical tankmates. The ancistrus enjoys still waters while the parancistrus prefers fast-moving water channels. They both want warm and heated tanks.

Orange Spot Pleco

Orange Spot Pleco
There are two species under this name, but one of them is quite rare. This section will cover the more common type, lda031.
This type of pleco loves to hide in trees and nibble on the soil. They are timid and like to go out in the total dark. They need to have driftwood in their food. They exhibit orange dots across their fins and body, making them rather interesting to look at. Unfortunately, orange spot plecos (especially males) show more aggressive behavior to other plecos, so it is good to keep them alone in a heated tank with other compatible tropical tankmates. Usually, they live at least for about 12+ years, and their maximum size is about 5 inches.

Royal Pleco


This species of pleco is known for its digestion of various woods. Their bodies and fins are irregularly colored, striped in black and white patterns. They weigh about 22 kilograms and last about 10 years on average. They predominantly eat algae-based foods like sinking pellets or wafers and occasionally enjoy meat-based snacks. Because of their large size, they can perform well in large heated tanks, and they do well with other fish.

Butterfly Pleco


Butterfly plecos are nocturnal and like to hide in the dark at times. Interestingly, these fish change colors very quickly; when on a dark substrate, they will turn nearly black, but they will show a pretty striped pattern during the day on lighter substrates. These fish have an extremely healthy appetite. They live on algae constantly and need supplementary food such as grilled and preserved veggies. They also sometimes like animal protein, like insect larvae. While they do not feed on wood, they like the biofilm that forms on wood. These fish produce tons of waste because of their high consumption, so a healthy filtration system is important.

Otocinclus Catfish


The Otocinclus catfish is an opportunist algae eater that will feed on other things when it does not have algae. It often stays on the tank walls, scraping away biofilm and algae. If you plan on buying one, you should have an existing mature tank. They are susceptible to water parameters while acclimating, so be careful. Once acclimated, they are quite resistant fish. Do some research before buying some other new tank mates for this catfish. In nature, they make giant shoals with more than 100 individuals, so it is good to keep them in shoals in aquaria. However, with large numbers of fish, the algae and biofilm reserves are quickly depleted, and not all otos will be able to convert to artificial feed. So be sure to plan before buying these fish!

Blue-Eyed Plecos


The blue-eyed pleco, native to Colombia, has amazing blue eyes. It likes driftwood to eat (they are voracious biofilm eaters), graze for algae, and hide during their inactive hours. Its body is covered in large, thick, gray armor plates. They can have a lot of light, depending on their conditions. They are probably the biggest plecos in the aquarist community and need rapid water for growth, as well as a massive tank…

Vampire Pleco


The vampire pleco is an interesting fish. Its eyes dilate differently with different light intensities, making it interesting to watch. Vampire plecos make the perfect addition for community tanks. The fish are mostly peaceful, and when fed in a dark place, they are calm. However, they can be aggressive and territorial, and they like to get in trouble with bigger plecos. Their environment must be very oxygenated and fast-flowing, and they have a high carnivorous tendency.

Candy Striped Pleco


Candy Striped Plecos live within the Xingu and Tapajós river basins. They thrive best with a tank heavily coated with rocks and driftwood. They are algae eaters, but that’s not all they need; they are omnivorous with a tendency toward meaty foods with animal proteins, preferring live and fresh products. They are very peaceful fish.

Are there even smaller pleco fish?

The Soromon Pleco is the smallest type of pleco known to date, reaching an overall body size of 1.2 inches. They occur at Soromoni Creek, a clearwater tributary of the upper Orinoco and in the Guiana shield area. This species has been known for some years, but commercial expeditions do not generally encounter these fish due to the geographical isolation of the regions where they live.

Gold Spot Dwarf Pleco


The gold spot dwarf pleco keeps its size small throughout its lifetime and only reaches 2 inches in maximum body size. They prefer to stay in groups, and a 10-gallon tank will hold no more than three of them. Fine gravel or sand is a suitable substrate as the fish sometimes like to bury themselves in it. This species of dwarf pleco is also very timid and does not like being around especially active and fast fish. This fish species is often mislabeled as a Pitbull pleco in fish markets, so remember this when looking for them.

Queen Arabesque Pleco


The queen arabesque pleco is a small, exotic fish that grows to just around 3.5 inches under good care. Like many other plecos in this list, this pleco likes a good deal of driftwood in its tank; it also loves to have its own cave. They have a carnivorous tendency in their diet and love to eat live food. They’re best matched with a planted environment with a moderately strong current. They are sensitive to nitrogen and low oxygen levels in the water. They take some time to adapt to a new aquarium and can get pretty shy.

Pitbull Pleco – Parotocinclus jumbo


This fish reaches about 2.5′′ at maturity and is usually a slow grower. Pitbull plecos are social and should go in groups of at least three, but if you have the necessary space, go with six or more (a 30-gallon tank is recommended for six of them). They are ravenous algae-eaters and love algae wafers. Anything with animal protein should be given very occasionally (a few times a month). They are clumsy and can break plants during feeding.

All in all, the Pleco is a great addition to your aquarium

Why is the pleco a great fish for your aquarium?

Plecos are hardy fish. They can withstand the most extreme water conditions. This makes them very easy to maintain, giving you basic filtration and some algae in return. You even do not have to know exactly how many are there in your tank. Just add food regularly and keep an eye on nitrates and the quality of the water.

Plecos are the best fish for algae eating.

They eat almost any algae in your tank; they’re not picky about food and will eat some algae that other fish will refuse, such as green spot algae.
You can keep more than several plecos in a community aquarium, but be careful with larger and more aggressive species such as the common pleco; they can grow enormous and may eat smaller fish if they are hungry enough. Only get large ones if you plan on keeping them alone or breeding them. Make sure to give a fish the space it will need as an adult at full size.
If you have a problem with algae and can’t find an effective fish to help solve it, then add an algae-eating pleco or two to your aquarium and start enjoying clear water again!

Pleco’s are also great scavenger fish

They love leftovers as much as live food, so make sure you feed them some extra food after you have fed your other fish.
If you want more than one pleco, consider buying a group of 3-4 newborns rather than just buying one adult. Some plecos are known to attack and kill their own kind if hungry enough (massive ones). It’s all about being prepared!
If you are keeping these fish, then always give them plenty of places to hide, such as rock caves, driftwood, and plants. This will make them feel much happier as they are nocturnal fish and sleep during the day. And make sure to have enough algae and biofilm for all the fish.

Give them places to hide

If you do not give them places to hide then they may attack your other fish/shrimp & snails, or even bite off their own fins out of stress – especially newly purchased ones who are still stressed from moving into a new aquarium. Always prepare your fish before adding them to your tank by placing them in a plastic bag inside the main aquarium for 15-30 minutes (depending on size), so they get used to the temperature first. Be careful not to add too many at once! This can destabilize the filtration, which leads to ammonia spikes.
They like deep substrates such as river gravel, sand, or clay balls, but it is not required as they will live quite happily in the normal aquarium gravel. Just make sure that the substrate doesn’t have any sharp points that would hurt the plecos’ mouths. Keep in mind that a deep substrate makes cleaning more difficult. Siphoning the bottom of the tank is necessary several times a week to keep it free of residues.
Try not to change the substrate you are using too frequently, as this may stress them out. If you want a different substrate, then prepare their tank by doing a large water change (50%+) before adding the new substrate, and slowly fill the tank up over a couple of days.

The bottom line is, never ever consider your pleco just another “algae eater”

Plecos are an integral part of your aquarium. You should care for them as pets and admire their beauty. Appreciate what they do for you and your other fish because without them, many tanks would be overrun with algae!

For more info, you can check out

Our link to our pleco care article is here.

Wrapping Up

Plecos are amazing fish that come in a variety of shapes and colors to suit every water tank. You can find the perfect pleco for your aquarium with this list, so go out and grab one or two today! We hope you found this blog post helpful; if there’s anything else we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[Detailed] Clown Pleco Fish Care Guide – Size, Diet, Lifespan, And More!

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[Detailed] Clown Pleco Fish Care Guide – Size, Diet, Lifespan, And More!

Clown plecos are a well-known freshwater tropical fish found in aquariums around the world. These creatures are relatively low-maintenance fish to keep, and many people find them enjoyable to watch as they wander and nibble on driftwood. In addition to requiring little maintenance, clown pleco fish enjoy being with other catfish and can live in community tanks.

This article will provide information on several important topics pertaining to clown pleco fish, including: the best tank size and diet, how many clown pleco grow each year and where they originate, what water parameters are best, and some other notes and requirements you should consider when keeping one.

Summary of Clown Pleco

Clown Pleco

Clown pleco fish (scientific name: Panaqolus maccus) are found in the Caroni and Apure basins of Venezuela (where they are found in densest population) as well as much of eastern Colombia, including most of the Orinoco basin, the headwaters of the Venezuelan Llanos, rivers of clear water rapids, and water streaming down from the Andes. Because many of these areas are adjacent to cities and other densely populated areas, these fish often encounter a high degree of turbidity due to pollution; thus, they are good at dealing with less-than-pristine water conditions. (It should be noted that while these fish are often able to survive polluted water, studies affirm the devastating effect of water pollution through the contaminants in fish mean and organs.)

While this species is widely popular and found in tanks all over the USA, Japan, and some places in Europe, it is quite rare in other locations.

Clown Pleco Coloration:

The clown pleco often has light brown or white skin tones. It has between five and twelve fascinating rings distributed along its body, some straight and some wavy. The color of these rings depends on the environment of the fish; they often appears golden yellow, but in darker backgrounds, they tend toward an orange tone. The color intensity of these rings is affected by the clown pleco’s diet, health, tank, water parameters, and age. The vibrant color of a young clown pleco fades as in gets older.

Aside from the rings, these fish are primarily gray in color. Some have brownish patches or spots on their body while others are striped, and some might even show hints of red coloring towards the tail fin area. The wide range of colors comes from population characteristics of different regions and from the crossing of different populations in aquariums, resulting in different phenotypic characteristics.

Clown Pleco Gender differences

Determining the sex of clown pleco often is a challenge, and it is impossible with very young fish. Males often have more whiskers around their mouths as well as long odontodes on both head and dorsum area. Females are bigger and rounder while males are thinner. This difference is especially noticeable when considering the width between pectoral and pelvic areas.

Clown Pleco Life span

These fish typically live six to eight years. The main factors affecting their life span are food quality and water quality; the best way to prolong your fish’s life is to take proper care of it.

Clown Pleco Natural habitat

The clown pleco is native to the waters of Venezuela and Colombia. On the Colombia side, the water is slightly hard and alkaline (somewhere around 7.2) due to the minerals that come from the Andes. On the Venezuelan side, depending on the location, the water tends to be softer and slightly acidic. In basins inhabited by the species on both sides, the pH fluctuates from about 6 to nearly 8. Some areas where clown pleco are found are heavily vegetated, where many places have nothing but rocks and wood.

Clown plecos live primarily in the watersheds of Caroni and Apure ( two main rivers). These rivers’ bottoms are littered with plant matter, rocks and, most importantly, sticks and driftwood thanks to the heavily forested areas where they flow.

Seasonal variation affects the ecosystem’s water environment. In Aquarium settings it is important to remember that these triggers are associated with the fish’s breeding cycle. The clown pleco’s life cycle is based around mating in rainy seasons and surviving through the dry seasons.

Feeding Clown Pleco

The primary factors of a clown pleco’s diet are wood and algae. Wood-eating plecos need a lot of fiber to stay healthy and thus are constantly eating. Fresh vegetables can be good for these fish.

Rather than eating large fish larvae, infants eat more algae. You can feed them three or four times a day, once at bedtime and one time at the night. The fish’s digestive tract is ideally always filled with food, so the more times you feed the fish, the better. They love feeding after dark, so it would help them if you could defrost your lamp before feeding. It is quite convenient to use wood tank ornaments that the fish can feed on.

The clown pleco is an omnivore and will eat most any live or frozen foods that are offered to it, including shrimp, worms, bloodworms, beef heart, earthworm etc. Live foods and other animal-based foods are a great complement but should not be offered as a main food. Algae wafers are great to use as a staple for their diet. Generally, they’re not too fussy about food, but it’s worth bearing in mind that they need a varied diet plan to stay healthy.

A clown pleco should be fed more than once a day with fish food for omnivorous-herbivores, no more than two or three times a week with live food or other animal-based food, and daily with fresh vegetables, preferably after lights out.

Breeding Clown Pleco

Fortunately, clown pleco breeding is easily done in small domestic and commercial aquariums. Breeding often occurs among these fish even when it is not intended or planned by the aquarist.

The temperature of the tank must be reduced temporarily by about 2° C to provide the sense of a rainy season, then heated back up to trigger breeding. This breeding tank of clown plecos must have lots of hiding places. These hiding caves may be constructed with very small entrances for entry (considering, of course, the size of the particular fish). These caves allow the male fish to imprison the female.

To breed this type of fish, you must have a mature female and male. They need to be in the same tank with at least 24″ of water surface area. The pH level should be about neutral or just slightly acidic (6.8). More importantly, the water hardness should be low (0 to 5 KH).

It is important that your clown pleco has plenty of plants, rocks, wood, or other ornaments for hiding.

Both clown pleco will try to adapt themselves to nesting place (this is called “conditioning”). The females are oviparous and lay eggs. The male will trap a female in a cave until it lays eggs then will fertilize the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about three days.

Care guide for Clown Pleco

A clown pleco’s lifetime is about six to eight years if properly fed and cared for correctly. Their temperament is calm alone or with other fish. They do not require great expenses for feeding and caretaking. The recommended tank size for a pair of clown plecos is twenty gallons, adding another ten gallons for each fish you add to the aquarium. The tanks must have a temperature of 72° F – 86° F and pH between 6.5 and 7.5. An intense water current should be maintained within the aquarium as well as a natural one for them to enjoy. This will mimic the natural environment of the clown pleco.

Clown Pleco Behavior & Temperament

The general temperaments of clown plecos are very mellow and pleasant. They like to do their own thing below the aquarium. There is only one situation where an honest and friendly temperament changes. The two or more male pleco can get aggressive with each other over territory — for example, if two males want to play with the same pieces of driftwood. If you give them the right space it might decrease the risks, but that’s no guarantee.

Clown Pleco Tank Mates

Avoiding fish with aggressive behavior and excessive size differences is a rule of thumb for clown pleco tankmates. Fish that are prone to aggression and fighting (as the flowerhorn cichlid) need their own custom plans to ensure compatibility. If you have the wrong fish in the same tank, they can become each other’s dinner. If you are keeping your clown pleco with other species, choose other fish that can swim away from it quickly should any aggression occur. This will help prevent injuries to both the clown pleco and the other fish.

It is worth mentioning that you should look for fish with similar water parameters. All in all, the clown pleco is compatible with quite a few different kinds of fish because it an easy-going fish.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but you can use it to get some ideas!

A few compatible fish for your clown pleco include:

  • Other species of plecos (although they may not be peaceful). It is best to prefer females over males, even if from another species.
  • Discus – as mentioned above, these are both easy to find and easy to keep. These would be great companions for your clown pleco, although they demand a lot of space and generally live at higher temperatures.
  • South American Dwarf Cichlids – Again, these cichlid species are generally peaceful towards other fish and nicely sized for a community aquarium. They can be quite territorial, but otherwise they are perfect tankmates.
  • Other larger bottom-dwelling catfishes – Asian Stone Catfish and Corydoras Catfish make good tank mates for your clown pleco. These fish are generally peaceful and easy to find.
  • Mollies, Platys, Guppies, Swordtails, and other livebearers – Again, these are all small fish that stay relatively small when they’re fully grown (a few inches long). The male swordtails get a little bigger than the females but not by much, so you could keep both sexes in the same tank (either alone or with like sized companions) without too many problems!

If you decide to keep a larger variety of fish with your clown pleco, it’s a good idea to do your research one species at a time. Learn about its temperament and what tankmates it can get along with before you buy or add them it to your aquarium. Also remember to check its compatibility with the physical and chemical water parameters.

Lastly, always keep in mind that some fish will just not get along with each other under any circumstances. If you have a very skittish African cichlid (for example) and a large territorial pleco then these two are likely to fight, so the best choice would be to make sure they stay separated!

Clown Pleco Tank setup

Due to the size of this fish, tank size is a crucial part of keeping it happy and healthy. Other things to consider are decorations that simulate the clown pleco’s native habitat and appropriate filtration for waste.

Tank size for Clown Plecos

The recommended capacity for a clown pleco’s tank size is ten gallons per fish. These are small fish  and do not require much space.

Filtration and aeration for Clown Plecos

Clowns, as a freshwater fish, prefer moderate rate of flow on the top floor of their tanks. No part of the aquarium should be without water flow, but that works well with this species since they like intense water flow as they hide in holes and logs.

You can use a canister or HOB filters for your pleco tank. It never hurts to put a stone into that hole to stimulate the flow of water. Clown pleco produce a large amount of waste for their size and need a robust filtration system with replaceable media that both mechanically and chemically separates waste and toxins from the water. The bottom of the bucket should have a moderate flowing supply of water. This helps prevent potentially harmful hypoxias from developing in the tank.

Aquarium plants for Clown Plecos

At times, the aquarium plants provide shade from the aquarium lights. The fish will probably not eat much of the plants, though they may nibble on it occasionally. Given the intense flow that could pull the plant root from the substrate, it is wise to avoid sensitive plants.

Clown Pleco Lighting, plants and decorations

Normally seen as nocturnal fish, clown plecos usually escape from caves or boulders at night. They sometimes snack on plants but usually are not destructive. As such it’s always good to choose between fast and low-growing plants. In terms of decor these fish need a lot of driftwood, sticks and branches to be happy as well as to have a balanced diet. Including rocks also helps develop the proper amount of edible algae that supports the growth of your plecos.

Clown Pleco Decorations

Because clown pleco is a bottom dweller, start with a soft substrate. Sharp stones or sharp substrates can hurt the fish’s whiskers and mouth. Live plants like hornworts or floating plants can provide nice covered islands for the fish. Rocks and caves provide your fish places to stay during the day as well as surfaces on which algae and biofilm can grow. Put an abundance of wood drifts. In nature these fish obtain all their nutrients in driftwood. This design is crucial to the overall health of your clown pleco.

Tank requirements for Clown Plecos

The aquarium should replicate the natural environment of the fish. Natural habitats include many dead forests roots, tree stump bark and vegetation as well as rocks. When you stimulate them, you may not be able to find clown pleco inside the tank. Sometimes the fish will eat the algae inside the tank, so you should encourage its growth around the tank. Add rocks and smooth stones (their surface permits growth of both algae and biofilm). For decorative purposes consider sturdier plants with strong leaves that are similar to Amazon swords.

Clown Pleco Common Diseases

Ich is the most popular disease in clown pleco fish. It is an external parasitic disease. The use of antibiotics may provide the best treatment for bacterial disease. Any red spots that appear on the skin on the eyes and belly indicate that your fish is infected with bacteria. Segregate infected fish into separate tanks. Before adding fish to an aquarium use a hospital tank to quarantine. Avoid any types of copper and potassium products as it is extremely harmful for fish in general. Do not use any medications that contain copper or potassium. It is always important to research symptoms to arrive at a correct diagnosis and treatment.

All in All, the Clown Pleco are a Great Fish

If you are considering adding a new fish to your aquarium but don’t want to take the time and expense of introducing another species for them to eat or compete with, consider getting a clown pleco. These low-maintenance creatures will be happy in many freshwater environments, and they enjoy the company of other types of fish. They also do well as pets that can live inside the home, given that they have access to sunlight when it is available. If you think this might be something for you, make sure to learn about these fascinating animals before taking one home!

[Updated] Top 10 Best Turtle Food (Review) in 2023

Trevor Blog, Equipment Reviews, Food (reviews), Info and Tips, Turtles (guides), Turtles (info and tips) , 2,922 Comments
[Updated] Top 10 Best Turtle Food (Review) in 2023

If you have a turtle, you want to make sure you are feeding it the best diet possible. We all know that turtles can live a long time. However, you have to make sure that you give them a healthy life.

Turtles are one of the most adorable pets to care for and keep in your tank. Not only do they add to the beauty of a room, but they are also quite entertaining to watch while swimming in their tanks. Every animal must eat to survive.

Comparison Table

The best way to do this is to feed them the best turtle food available. You have many options and by reading these reviews you can easily find the best turtle food for both you and your pet.

The best food for aquatic turtles should contain some protein but be low in carbohydrates and phosphorus, contain good ingredients and of course not soak in water.

The 10 Best Food for Your Turtle Growth

Best Turtle Food Reviews

1. Tetra Reptomin Floating Food Sticks for Aquatic Turtles

 

best turtle food

If you’re looking for new food for your aquatic turtle, Tetra’s Reptomin Floating Sticks are a great choice. In addition, this food is also ideal for frogs and salamanders.

Each time you feed your tortoise Reptomin food, you provide a precise amount of nutrients, including vitamin C and calcium, that help promote good health and vitality.

In addition to the balanced nutrition these floating sticks provide, they also help promote growth. This is due to the essential amino acids in the diet and the high-quality protein mix.

Your turtles will find this food easy to digest and you can use it for turtles of all ages.

Give this food to your pets only once or twice a day and do not give the turtles as much as they can eat in a few minutes. Otherwise, the food can spoil and make the tank dirty.

2. Royal Pet Supplies Inc Zoo Med Sun Dried Large Red Shrimp

best turtle food

Royal Pet Supplies has a shrimp feed that is perfect for aquatic turtles. This meal consists of sun dried red shrimp, and that’s it. There are no other ingredients, but you can mix it with other foods.

Ideal for large turtles or fish, this food is a great source of protein. This is especially true if your tortoise needs to gain weight. It is not intended for daily food. Use it instead as a gift or occasionally as a complement to other foods.

Also, you can use it as a supplement to your turtle’s daily feeding regimen. The shrimp in this formula are a bit large, so small turtles or fingerlings may have a hard time eating them.

If you are looking for a high quality, high protein food option for your turtle, you should definitely give this food a try.

3. Fluker’s Medley Treat for Aquatic Turtles

best turtle food

This Fluker’s treat mix is a mix of mealworms, crickets and freeze dried river shrimp. The food is not intended to be part of the complete turtle diet, but it is an excellent addition or treat for your pet.

This mix is a great way to mix up your turtle diet and is a perfect way to add variety and extra vitamins and minerals. It also gives them the fat they need.

You can give this formula to turtles of all sizes and ages. Be aware that some pieces of this food, such as crickets, may be too large for young animals.

Since these are real freeze dried insects, this treat will not cloud the water or leave a lot of gunk in the tank like pellets. Turtles definitely love this formula, and they will gobble it up when fed.

4. Fluker’s Freeze-Dried River Shrimp

best turtle food

Fluker’s Freeze Dried River Shrimp is an excellent treatment option for your aquatic turtle. These shrimp help provide additional nutrition to your turtle’s diet and provide additional protein and amino acids.

For smaller turtles, you may need to take them apart as they can be a bit large for small mouths. You can also feed these shrimp to fish or other small reptiles. This is not the only food of your turtles.

Since these are shrimp, be aware that the smell can be quite strong and they can make your tank stink if you leave them in the tank. Observe your turtle and if they don’t eat all the shrimp, remove them.

This is also a very affordable treatment option and you get a large quantity of shrimp for a cheap price. This makes them excellent value for money.

5. Zoo Med Block Aquatic Turtle

best turtle food

This is not a traditional Best turtle food, but it is ideal for those times when you want to supplement your turtles’ diet or provide them with extra calcium.

The block can be thrown directly into your turtle’s tank. Then they can eat it however they want. Contains natural ingredients and helps keep the turtle’s beak well trimmed.

It is best to use this as a supplement to your tortoise’s normal diet. But since there is food in this block, you can use it as a food source in no time, for example when you go on vacation or perhaps you run out of food.

Most turtle owners say their turtles enjoy this food and because it contains not only food but also important minerals like calcium, it is a great option to keep on hand.

6. Tetra ReptoTreat Suprema Sticks

best turtle food

Tetra’s ReptoTreat Supreme Sticks are ideal for aquatic turtles and other amphibians. The sticks are made from krill and shrimp, which are good food for turtles.

These sticks are tasty and contain natural ingredients. Color is also naturally enhanced with beta-carotene, the same ingredient that makes a carrot orange. As with other Tetra foods, you can count on the quality.

While this will not provide your tortoise with complete nutrition, it is a good way to supplement any other foods you give your tortoise. You don’t need to feed these to your tortoise every day, but a couple of times a week is a good time along with their regular food.

As with any food, if your turtle doesn’t eat it in a few minutes, remove it from the tank. Otherwise, they can make your tank too dirty.

7. Fluker Labs Turtle Medley Treats

best turtle food

As one of the most beloved brands when it comes to the needs of reptiles, amphibians, and others, many pet owners trust the Fluker brand and product because they are made from high-quality food. This jar of Turtle Medley Treats contains a combination of freeze-dried river shrimp, mealworms, and crickets, which are rich in protein.

Fluker’s Lab Turtle Medley treats are a fantastic food option for young and baby turtles. Adult tortoises don’t need a lot of protein, so I don’t recommend it for adult tortoises. The only downside to this product is that it consists solely of protein foods, which means that you can easily feed your pet too much protein. Avoid overfeeding by feeding your pet at least two to three times a week.

8. Rep-Cal Maintenance Box Turtle Food

best turtle food

Another Best turtle food that ensures your pet eats the best and most nutritious food is Rep-Cal Maintenance Turtle Food for Box Turtles. It is affordable and comes with the right nutrients to ensure your pet tortoise is strong and healthy. Unlike other brands of turtle food, Rep-Cal Turtle food can be used as a treat and as a daily food.

If you are lazy to keep changing your pet’s diet, consider this product. Provide your pet with all its nutritional needs as long as you strictly follow the manufacturer’s feeding instructions. The only drawback of this product is that it pollutes the water.

9. Hartz Wardley Reptile Sticks

best turtle food

Wardley Reptile Sticks is another floating food, an ideal food for your aquatic turtle. Each floating bar contains nutritionally balanced natural ingredients as well as vitamins for healthy peel growth.

However, this product is not ideal as a main meal, but only as a treat. So if you are looking for a tasty treat for your water turtle, consider purchasing this product. The good thing about this product is that it does not promote addiction, which means that your pet will still prefer to eat its main food.

10. Zoo Med Sun Dried Large Red Shrimp – Best Baby Turtle Food

 

best turtle food

This is another fantastic turtle food from Zoo Med. It is usually a cheese for everyone in the aquarium. This company has a high priority for your aquatic turtles because they have created such a reliable product to make the most of it when feeding your pet.
This product has great versatility as it adapts to saltwater fish, aquarium fish, turtles and many other aquatic animals that can be kept in the aquarium. This Sun Dried Large Red Shrimp from Zoo med contains a lot of protein and that is the best feature of this food. If you have a pet, you certainly know the importance of protein.
Protein helps the turtle grow faster and stronger. The protein percentage of this food is around 70%, which is a wonderful feature. Of all the Best turtle food on the market, Zoo Med’s Sun Dried Large Red Shrimp has the most protein.
Having a specific nutritional profile will help your tortoise enrich its body in better condition. So if you choose this food, you can easily raise your turtles and maintain their condition in a comfortable way.
The reviews and ratings for this product are simply amazing. People who consume this food have highly praised it. Some of them reported seeing a unique quality change in their turtles after feeding them for several weeks.

What other foods can turtles eat besides turtle foods?

The type of supplements you can feed your turtle depends on the species. Painted turtles, for example, eat earthworms, snails, tadpoles and guppies in the wild and benefit greatly from mixing their commercial food with such substances. As they grow, they enjoy some vegetables and other foods, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans.

Similarly, box turtles have a taste for food similar to painted turtles. They like to eat more strawberries, apples and melon, which you can add to your diet. As such, you can feed a turtle much more than your turtle food.

 

The Best Turtle Food Brand

At the moment, there are a couple of top brands that exist. All the products mentioned in this guide are from top brands. We could say that the top food brand of them all will be Zoo Med.

For those who have used Best turtle food before, you will always get that you get being referred to using Zoo Med. This is because the brand is good in every aspect of making sure that you get the right food for the turtle.

This is not to say that you cannot get other quality food types from other brands. Just make sure you understand what each food has to offer. The ingredients in the food always matter a lot.

 

How Often Should You Feed Pet Turtles?

When it comes to feeding pet turtles, pay close attention to young turtles. These turtles need food rich in vitamins and calcium at least three times a week. You should also feed them daily. They will be active in the morning and afternoon.

Adults, on the other hand, eat less. You can feed them daily or evenly every other day. You must ensure that you remove the food from the habitat to prevent it from rotting and contaminating the water.

Those who have box turtles may have it easier. These tortoises tend to hibernate a lot, so you won’t see them eating much. You can come up with a feeding schedule that suits your hibernation.

 

How Much Turtle Food to Feed?

Deciding how much turtle food to feed will always vary from species to species. They will always eat differently or even prefer certain foods over others. However, we’ll give you an overview to help you learn more.

If you are feeding the turtle sticks or pellets, the general rule of thumb is to feed enough in 15 to 20 minutes. This is the amount of time turtles can spend eating.

Once the turtles have finished eating, you need to remove all excess food. This helps keep the water clean and also prevents the turtle from overfeeding.

 

Conclusion

From the best turtle food list above, you can now buy the food knowing you are fit to use it for turtles every time. All the different species we reviewed have something to offer the turtle.

Rest assured that the turtles will now grow better and remain in good health at all times. The best part is that you don’t even have to spend a lot of money as most of them are affordable. Go ahead and get the right turtle food from the above list today.

Top 10 Best Aquarium Carpet Plants for Beginners (2023 Reviews)

Trevor Aquarium Plants (info and tips), Blog, Care Guides, Equipment Reviews, Info and Tips, Plants (guides) , , 5,639 Comments
Top 10 Best Aquarium Carpet Plants for Beginners (2023 Reviews)

Best Aquarium Carpet Plants: Creating a beautiful plant carpet in an aquarium can simulate expansive open fields, provide grass, cover shrimp, and generally have a unique appeal to aquarists. Choosing the right plant to create your mat can make a difference, as some are more difficult to grow and maintain than others, and they all give a slightly different look and feel to the aquatic landscape.

Aquarium mat plants are one of the most essential additions to the aquascaper toolbox.

Comparison Table

 

Over time, my interest expanded to other root-eating plants and then carpet plants. If you’ve never heard of or overlooked these plants at the pet store, you’re missing out on one of the best planting options for your freshwater aquarium.

They are used to fill in the foreground and create lush green grassy growth. When given enough light and carbon dioxide, many of these plants even create pearl-like bubbles of oxygen that fill the water column with a delicate fizzy sound.

Let’s say you just got a new tank, but you feel something else is missing and it’s not the fish. Well, having carpet plants is a great way to make sure you have a nice-looking aquarium today.

There is always a catch with these aquarium plants. Sometimes you can have trouble growing it. No beginner wants that.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best aquarium carpet plants. Even if you have a low-tech tank, you should find these plants easy to grow these days.

 

Top 10 Best Aquarium Carpet Plants for Beginners

 

Best Aquarium Carpet Plants Review

1. Java Moss

Best Aquarium Carpet Plants

This is definitely one of the most common aquarium plants you can find in the market today. People love it simply because it requires little maintenance. Â You don’t have to do much to make it grow. It’s also hard to kill, so don’t worry about diseases eradicating it easily.

For a carpet plant, it must grow faster. Well, you are in luck with this plant. It doesn’t take long to see it all over the aquarium. If you want it to look even better, you can clamp it to a rock. It should be able to crawl on the surface easily to give you a nice mat to admire in the aquarium.

Some people may use it to breed certain types of fish in the aquarium. The uses of the plant are many.

 

2. Dwarf Hairgrass

Best Aquarium Carpet Plants

There are always endless possibilities when it comes to lining your aquarium. This plant is here to do that job for you easily. If you are a beginner, this plant is the best to grow in your tank.

You don’t need much when it comes to cultivation and maintenance. You just need to do some basic maintenance and it will grow amazingly.

As part of the maintenance, make sure there are bright lighting conditions. This will help it grow faster and cover the aquarium. It will also grow well to provide great contrast on dark sand or aquarium bottoms.

As for water preferences, you will find this plant tolerates most environments without any problems. This is good because you can grow in different parts of the world and it will still thrive easily.

 

3. Sagittaria Subulata

Best Aquarium Carpet Plant

It may be referred to as SS in some articles or reviews. It’s another great plant that you can use to keep your tank looking great. It has its roots in South Africa, but has now spread around the world.

It is a fast growing plant, there is no doubt about that. You can expect long, thin green leaves that resemble grass. You will always love the way it looks once it matures.

Since it can get bigger, a little trimming is needed to keep the plant under control. Don’t worry, it will always be easy. Other than trimming, no major maintenance is required when it comes to growing this plant.

The plant is easily accessible from various stores as it is cheap and available now. You shouldn’t have any reason why your tank isn’t looking good.

 

4. Hemianthus Callitrichoides

Best Aquarium Carpet Plant

This one also has a pretty long name, so we’ll mean it has HC as its initials. HC has been around for a while and dates back to Cuba. It’s a rare plant, so don’t expect it to be found in most aquarist stores.

That could change in the future thanks to the growing popularity of the plant. People love it because it is a very fast growing carpet plant that you can use today.

It’s not just about growing fast, it’s also about growing outward. You always want to have a plant that grows out easily to form a carpet.

The HC plant also grows a few inches apart. This is good so that you can have a sturdy rug. It will look impressive once you have fully formed the rug.

 

5. Marsilea Hirsute

Best Aquarium Carpet Plant

This is another fast growing aquarium mat plant. It is popular with many aquarium owners who have tried it. One thing that stands out about this plant is that it is undemanding.

As a beginner it should be easy to grow. There are a number of online guides that can help you grow this plant. It’s also good when it comes to tolerance. You don’t have to worry about disease or water to make it grow.

Once planted, it can survive several tolerances against it. Since it also grows together a lot you should find that you end up with a clean, good looking carpet.

More people love it because it is cool. This means that it does not need a lot of CO2 and nutrients. Growing the plant will always be easy for you.

 

6. Cryptocoryne Parva

Cryptocoryne Parva is a bit unusual compared to other crypts. It has higher light requirements than its cousins, who tend to grow in the shade of the treetops that cover Sri Lanka’s slow-flowing streams.

Without adequate lighting, it does not have the energy to spread on a carpet covering the substrate. Many crypts also change color depending on the intensity of the lighting, but C. parva is still a light herbaceous green.

Like most crypts, C. parva grows quite slowly and this species rarely exceeds 4 cm. Supplemental fertilizers and CO2 are helpful, but given the plant’s slow growth rate, good lighting is much better for good health.

Considering how close to the ground it grows, Cryptocoryne parva never needs to be trimmed. Once fully established, it makes an excellent low-maintenance carpet plant for a mature aquarium with high lighting levels.

 

7. Christmas Moss

Christmas moss is not as bulletproof as Java moss, nor does it grow as fast. It also has a more compact branching growth pattern that resembles a spruce forest, hence the name. The small leaves are rounder and grow perpendicular to the stem. However, if not included, it will take on a more chaotic look, similar to Java Moss.

In water landscapes, Christmas moss can be used to thickly cover the foreground, rocks and especially driftwood. Natural-style water landscapes often use a Christmas moss crown to mimic bonsai trees.

While it doesn’t require a lot of light and nutrients, Christmas Moss does best in medium to high lighting environments. Because it sticks to hard surfaces instead of using real roots, a rich substrate is not necessary.

 

8. MONTE CARLO

Monte Carlo produces small, rounded, glossy green leaves. It establishes quickly when planted in mats and easily covers the substrate.

Monte Carlo also looks good when stretched over driftwood and cave structures. Just make sure to keep it anchored to a mat where it can get nutrients. While it is fairly new to aquarists, it is a popular mat based on appearance and usability.

 

9. WATER SHAMROCK

This is one of the most attractive carpet plants that, like the ground clover, produces four leaves per stem.

It is considered a water fern that propagates by runners as well as sporocaps. Depending on where you live, the conservation of this plant may be prohibited as it is considered an invasive species.

 

10. STAUROGYNE REPENS

This bright green plant grows to about 10 cm high. It will produce larger clumps if you cut the larger leaves in routine maintenance.

To create a carpet effect, continue to propagate cuttings and let them propagate after it reaches full height.

How to Grow Aquarium Carpet Plants?

Carpet plants are great for keeping your tank looking good. It’s the reason why a lot of people would go for them.

However, you need to know how to properly grow them if you ever want the aquarium to look good.

Start by looking for the right substrate. Some substrates may not be ideal for these plants. Research shows that it is becoming easier to grow carpet plants on fine gravel.

You can use tropical substrate or the finer powder versions of the well-known ADA Aqua floors. This is usually due to the small roots of these plants. You want them to grow easily in that soil type.

The fine gravel substrate also ensures that the plant can easily adhere to the substrate. There is no doubt that it will grow easily and smoothly. This should be good news for anyone who is a beginner and wants to try carpet plants.

Care is still an important part of growing carpet plants. For most plants, they need a certain amount of light to grow properly.

If you give most carpet plants 6 hours of light a day for several weeks, they will grow well. Without enough light, some plants would grow towards the light instead of outwards. This spoils the coveted carpet look.

Trimming is another important part of growing carpet plants. You need to make sure that the plants are trimmed properly so that they maintain the look of the carpet.

Depending on the plant, some require more maintenance than others. For this list, we have plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance, making them great for beginners.

 

Conclusion

Carpet plants are now popular. You can always expect many people to use these types of plants all over the world.

If carpet plants are well cared for, you can always hope for a great aquarium. Well, it doesn’t have to be difficult for beginners anymore. We have compiled a list of easy aquarium mat plants.

You just need to take good care of them and they will flourish. Since all of them are less demanding, you should see the opportunity to grow them in your tank today.

Best Substrate for Betta Fish | Guide, FAQs and Reviews 2023

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Betta Fish (guides), Betta Fish (info and tips), Blog, Care Guides, Equipment Reviews, Info and Tips , , 9,789 Comments
Best Substrate for Betta Fish | Guide, FAQs and Reviews 2023

The best way to ensure you give your Betta a happy home is to think about its natural habitat. Bettas live in warm and somewhat shallow waters.

In this environment, the substrate would be sludge with the roots of the plants crossed. There would also be bits of plants starting to decompose. Bettas love this kind of environment. It gives them access to the surface and gives them plenty of places to hide and find some shade.

Comparison Table

Is it possible to recreate this environment in a domestic tank? Not quite. You can’t let plants rot in the bottom of a small tank without causing a lot of problems with the water. But keeping plants, whether real or artificial, in your tank is one way to make your Betta feel more like home. Before you can add plants, make sure you are using the best substrate for betta fish Betta tank that can support them.

In this article, I’m going to give you everything you need to make the best possible decision when choosing the best substrate for betta fish.

Your substrate also contributes to the health of your aquarium and betta fish and may impose other restrictions on your aquarium setup. Do you plan to have live plants or roommates for your betta? Read on for tips on choosing the best substrate for betta fish tanks!

Top 6 Best Substrate for Your Betta and Plants

Best Betta Tank Substrate Reviews

1. GloFish Aquarium Gravel

best substrate for betta fish

If you are looking for a substrate that is not only a good home for plants, but also adds something extra to your aquarium, you should check out GloFish. Using it in a GloFish aquarium will give you the special blue light glow effect, but it will look great in any aquarium.

It is also available in a number of bold color options, including green, white, black and pink. It also comes in some great color combinations. Solid colored bags contain granules that are more uniform in size and slightly smaller than mixed bags.

This is a gravel style substrate that is great for holding plants in place. It also won’t change the pH of the water, which is great for keeping your fish healthy.

2. Marina Decorative Gravel

best substrate for betta fish

This gravel substrate from Marina is decorative and functional. It is the perfect size and weight to keep plants and decorations in place in your tank.

In addition, it has an epoxy coating, so that it has no effect on the water chemistry. This type of coating also serves as a perfect place for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

Marina gravel is available in 6 different colours: black, blue, burgundy, neon yellow, orange and purple.

If you have a fish as beautiful as a Betta, why not have a substrate that provides a beautiful backdrop to show off?

Multiple color options allow you to do just that.

3. Carib Sea ACS00832 Peace River Gravel for Aquarium

best substrate for betta fish

If you like the natural look that the Caribbean Sea creates, but prefer gravel to sand, Peace River Gravel is for you. Made in the USA, it contains no paints or dyes and is the perfect way to make your aquarium feel like a natural river environment. This substrate has a neutral pH, so it has no influence on the water balance.

This gravel has very small grains. It’s even smaller than gravel and is actually the smallest size gravel in the product we’re reviewing.

Due to its size, it helps prevent the accumulation of dirt. It is also the perfect texture to accommodate your plants and create a natural looking and natural home for your Betta.

 

4. Spectrastone Shallow Creek Regular

best substrate for betta fish

A gravel substrate that gives a natural look to betta fish.

This product can be used to provide your betta fish with a substrate small enough to prevent the ingress of debris while providing excellent circulation.

Shout-Out!: The granules are not uniform in size and provide one of the best possible textures for the floor of your betta tanks.

Each granule is coated with a layer that prevents it from decomposing and washing out minerals in the water column that would alter PH levels.

Call!: This substrate is covered in dust and needs to be cleaned several times before being placed in the beta fish tank.

There is enough product to cover the bottom of a 5 gallon betta tank, but a larger tank will require more.

5. Carib Sea Eco Complete Planted Substrate

best substrate for betta fish

A nutrient-rich soil best substrate for betta fish tanks with live plants.

This dark soil is full of live microorganisms that will help your betta tank to establish itself more quickly. Floraspore has also been added to promote root growth.

Shout-Out!: This may be one of the best all-in-one products for live plants in your betta tank.

The texture of this product is firm enough for plants to take root without compacting, a property that prevents roots from stunting. This dark earth contains no artificial dyes, as it is obtained naturally.

Bel!: Contains enough nutrients to give your betta tank an alkaline consistency, not the best trait for PH levels.

The manufacturer claims that rinsing is not necessary, which allows you to avoid a step during tank setup.

6. Panacea Products Pan Marbles

best substrate for betta fish

A pack of 110 marbles to decorate betta aquariums.

These skillet marbles can be one of the best options for betta fish keepers who don’t want to use gravel or sandbox bottom liners.

Shout-Out!: Panacea Products offers one of the best color selections for these substrates.

Made of polished glass, this product is safe for use in freshwater aquariums and will not affect the chemistry of the water column. Although the surface does not have a porous texture that promotes the growth of good bacteria, it will not scratch fish if they come into contact with it.

Bel!: Smaller bags are not the best choice for covering the bottom of a tank.

They can be easily combined with other substrates to give a varied look and texture to the bottom of your betta tank.

Does a Betta Tank Need Substrate?

Substrate is the best way to anchor plants so you can give your Betta several places to explore and hide.

It also plays a very important role in water chemistry by providing a natural place for beneficial bacteria to colonize. This helps balance the water and in turn keep your pet healthy.

If you want your pet to do well, it is essential to create the best environment and a good substrate is the foundation. Let’s take a look at some substrates your pet will love.

What is the Best Substrate for a Betta Fish?

All of our selections will make your pet very happy, but the best substrate for Betta fish is Spectrastone.

What we love about it is that it looks so natural. This pebble is the perfect size and weight to hold any plant or decoration that will make the environment that much more inviting for a Betta.

The small pebbles range from ¼ to ½ inch wide and are available in light brown, brown and gold for a truly stunning effect. Each pebble is coated with a special non-toxic coating to prevent it from disturbing the chemical balance of the water.

It helps keep the pH where it should be and provides a home for beneficial bacteria to thrive.

What Kind of Substrate for Betta?

There are many things that determine the best substrate for betta fish. One of the most important is the size of your tank.

If you have a small tank and you are using a container without a filter, you will have to change the water quite often. For 1 to 2 gallon bowls and aquariums, the water will need to be changed completely fairly regularly. So what does this have to do with the substrate?

Think about it, if you are regularly draining your fish’s aquarium water, a gravel-style substrate is better than a sand-based one. With sand, a little more disappears every time you empty it. You also have to wait a while for everything to settle before you can put your fish back in its house.

The gravel substrate is excellent with larger tanks that do not require 100% water changes. It allows everything to remain anchored without disturbing the fish habitat too much. Be careful with the use of large river rocks. Anything around ½ inch is fine, but something larger could cause problems because it can more easily trap waste and uneaten food.

Another thing to consider is whether you are going to use live plants or not. Live plants grow best in gravel substrate for several reasons. In fact, there are good and bad things about gravel and sand substrates.

How Much Substrate for Betta Tank?

The actual amount you need will depend on the size of your tank. In general, however, you are looking for the substrate to have a certain height along the bottom of the tank.

If you plan to have live plants, you should have about 2 inches of substrate. For artificial plants, 1 inch is sufficient. But remember, that means 1 to 2 inches on the bottom of the entire aquarium, corner to corner and front to back. You can also build a varied terrain if you want it to be a bit more interesting for your fish. Add a pile here, a mound there to make it feel more natural.

It is tempting to want to avoid the underground. After all, it makes cleaning the tank so much easier and less work for you. That said, it’s important to think about your pet’s well-being. For starters, a bare-bottomed tank gives you nowhere for beneficial bacteria to grow. This type of bacteria is very important for the balance of the water, especially if you are using a container that does not have a filter.

Bettas naturally thrive in areas where plant life is abundant and they love to swim and explore in the shade. Without substrate you have nowhere to add your own plants. Bettas can become stressed by their own reflection and without a substrate they can see each other wherever they swim. It also seems unnatural.

Conclusion

The only way to keep your Betta fish happy and healthy is to give them a good home. Choosing the right surface is literally and figuratively the best basis for your tank. It encourages bacterial growth, supports both real and artificial plant life, and gives your Betta a real habitat to explore. The ideal home for your Betta really starts at the bottom. From your aquarium, that is.

Top [2023] 10 Best Goldfish Food For Growth & Color – Goldfish Feeding Tips

Trevor Blog, Equipment Reviews, Food (info & tips), Food (reviews), Goldfish (care), Info and Tips, Ponds (reviews) , 3,617 Comments
Best Goldfish Food

Whether you are new to goldfish, you are probably wondering what is the best goldfish food for growth and color.

Owning a goldfish is not as easy as people want you to believe. We know you have questions. We’re here to help.

Comparison Table

Here’s everything you need to know about what goldfish eat, how to feed them, and how to find the best food for goldfish growth and color.

First, let’s take a look at what foods goldfish eat in the wild and in captivity.

If you want your goldfish to thrive, you need to feed it the right foods that will help it build a strong immune system, healthy bone structure, and good color.

There are many brands on the market, but what’s the healthy option for your fish?

We’ve looked at virtually every option available, and we hope you enjoy the results of our research.

And you know what, once you know how, what and why, it is not difficult to give your goldfish a diet that will allow them to live a long and healthy life.

Goldfish need proper care to thrive and stay healthy. Diet is especially important in developing and maintaining bright color and well-formed fins. A well-cared-for goldfish can live for ten years or more!

The quality of the food you feed your goldfish plays a critical role in keeping it active and healthy. Before we talk about nutrition and food, let’s take a step back in time to find out where goldfish come from. It’s a fascinating story!

 

What Kind of Food Does Goldfish Eat?

In the wild, goldfish eat crustaceans, plants, insects, and smaller fish. Since they eat plants and animals, you should consider their natural diet when deciding how to feed them in captivity.

How do you start looking for the Best Goldfish Food?

First, you need to understand all the ways that commercial goldfish are offered.

Captive goldfish food is typically offered in flakes, floating pellets, sinking pellets, or gel, along with greens. Other foods goldfish can eat include skinless peas, bloodworms, and brine shrimp (live, frozen, or freeze-dried).

Flakes are the most popular option, although they begin to lose their nutrients as soon as they hit the water.

Floating pellets are the easiest food to retrieve once your goldfish has had enough time to eat, although eating pellets from the surface of the water can cause your goldfish to ingest a large amount of air when eating, which can cause digestive discomfort and problems with your swim bladder.

Sinking pellets offer the most natural way for your goldfish to feed, although it is more difficult to retrieve sinking pellets without consuming, which means they are more likely to break down inside the tank, causing cloudy and dirty water. .

Gel food is the easiest for your goldfish to digest and contains a more optimal ratio of nutrients than flakes or granules.

 

Top [2022] 10 Best Goldfish Food For Growth and Color

 

Best Goldfish Food Reviews

1. TetraFin Balanced Diet Goldfish Flake Food for Optimal Health

TetraFin “Clean and Clear Water Formula” in the TetraFin Goldfish Flake Food Balanced Diet contains flakes that are easier to digest and do not leach the colors into your aquarium water, keeping the aquarium water clean.

TetraFin products also contain ProCare, a blend of immunostimulants, vitamins, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids to boost your goldfish’s resistance to stress and disease.

This scientifically developed formula is designed to provide your goldfish with all the nutrients it needs in its diet, along with vitamins, minerals and trace elements in a highly digestible formula that aims to boost your fish’s immune system.

The ingredients are a bit questionable when you think about it: fish meal, ground brown rice, dry torula yeast, oatmeal, shrimp meal, wheat gluten, soybean oil, fish oil, seaweed meal, sorbitol, lecithin, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (vitamin C), artificial colors including yellow 5, red 3 and blue 2, and ethoxyquin as a preservative.

Fishmeal, the first ingredient, is what is left of the fish after the edible parts have been removed, so you get the least nutritious part of the fish, such as bones, fins, and organs.

The second ingredient is brown rice, the fourth ingredient is oats, and the sixth ingredient is wheat gluten; fish don’t eat grains like these in the wild. These fillers probably taste great, but they’re not nutritious for a strain not made to digest grains. It also contains artificial colors.

Based on reviews, your fish will likely love this food, but it may not be the healthiest option for the long-term health and well-being of your goldfish.

2. Fluval Bug Bites Goldfish Formula for Fish

Best Goldfish Food

Fluval Bug Bites Goldfish Formula is made from up to 40% nutrient-rich black soldier fly larvae. It is the main ingredient and it is something that goldfish would eat in the wild, making it an excellent choice for your goldfish.

This product is sustainably processed in small batches for quality control and maximum freshness without fillers, artificial colors or preservatives. It is made in Canada and enriched with vitamins, amino acids and essential minerals for a balanced daily diet.

The main ingredients are: dried black soldier fly larvae, salmon, wheat, pea protein concentrate, calcium carbonate. Wheat can be a filler, but everything else looks like something goldfish eat in the wild, making this a much more natural option than TetraFin products.

People rave about this product. The only complaints seem to be how small the small grains are. For something other than the smallest fish, go for the big pellets.

3. Omega One Goldfish Small Pellets

Best Goldfish Food

Omega One Goldfish Small Granules contain real fish and shrimp as the first three ingredients (whole salmon, whole herring and whole shrimp), making the product contain healthier omega-3 and omega-6 essential oils than other products.

This should result in healthier fish with a longer lifespan. This product also specifically mentions the high levels of natural beta-carotene found in salmon skins to help improve the color of your goldfish.

There are many reports that this product makes the water in aquariums quite cloudy, and small granules are EXTREMELY small (one reviewer compared them to the size of a flea), so medium or large granules may be a better buy for everyone. but the smallest fish.

Most people get excited about how much their fish love this product.

4. API Fish Food Pellets

Best Goldfish Food

These API Sinking Granules are formulated to promote the health of your goldfish and keep the water clean and clear. Ingredients include protein, vitamins C and E, garlic and yeast, as well as fiber that aids in digestion.

The recipe is carefully balanced in nutrition and taste. Because the nutrients are easily digested, your goldfish will use up more of each pellet, creating less waste and up to 30% less ammonia. Spirulina and carotenoids have also been added to enhance the color.

This formula comes in approximately 2mm granules and sinks to the bottom of the tank where other fish can enjoy it in their tank. It shouldn’t cause any issues with the cloudiness of the water either.

5. Repashy Super Gold – Goldfish and Koi Gel Food

Best Goldfish Food

Are you looking for something different, take a look at this gel food from Repashy. It is specially formulated for easy digestion and is particularly suitable for elegant goldfish, although any species will devour it.

It is important to note that this is not normal fish food. Rather than taking a few pinches and dropping it in your tank, Repashy needs a little bit of prep. Full preparation instructions are included with the product.

This is a powder that is mixed with water, heated and then cooled to form a gel. One of the best things about it is that once prepared, you can shred, diced, or keep it. It can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for six months.

6. Blue Ridge Fish Food Pellets

Best Goldfish Food

When it comes to goldfish and koi floating food, this Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery formula is one of the best. These all-season floating pellets are ideal for a pond that has a mix of koi and goldfish of various sizes that are less than five inches long.

This recipe contains a blend of vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system and make fish more resistant to stress. They are easily softened to aid digestion and provide complete nutrition.

One of the best things about this food is that it is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The company really stands out for the quality of this product. It is made in the USA and follows strict quality guidelines. If you don’t like the results, contact them and they will refund your money.

7. Northfin Sinking Goldfish Pellets

Best Goldfish Food

Northfin goldfish pellets are used by goldfish farmers and contain a base of organic algae, whole arctic krill and omega 3 rich herring meal. All-natural formula with beneficial supplements: spirulina, garlic and even gold clay. Calcium montmorillonite.

Why we love it:

Formula without fillers, based on marine proteins

Contains spirulina for 100% natural color-enhancing properties.

Completely natural, easily digestible ingredient profile

8. Omega One Goldfish Flakes

Best Goldfish Food

Omega One Goldfish Flakes contain a high amount of marine-based protein (the best kind for goldfish) to promote good color and optimal digestibility. The ingredient profile isn’t quite as good as the above foods (wheat is in the top ingredients!), But of all the flakes available we know of, this is clearly the winner.

Why we love it:

Whole fish proteins are the first ingredients

The low-starch formula ensures better digestibility.

The best quality flakes for an affordable price

9. TETRA SUN-DRIED KRILL

Best Goldfish Food

Give your fish a break from the everyday diet with this tasty treat! Perfect for a fortnightly indulgence, this naturally color-enhancing krill is packed with protein, which plays an important role in muscle and female development, as well as growth rate.

Why we love it:

One ingredient, sun-dried whole krill, not freeze-dried (depleting nutrients)

Provides natural carotenes that enhance color.

A protein-rich treat that also provides fiber for optimal digestion.

10. New Life Spectrum small goldfish formula

Best Goldfish Food

New Life Spectrum is known for formulating high quality fish food for a variety of aquarium fish.

The Small Goldfish Formula contains krill, whole fish meal, seaweed, chlorella seaweed, scallops and a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. The beta carotene will enhance the color of your goldfish. The 1mm sinking pellet is ideal for goldfish of any size.

While pond keepers lean towards a floating pellet, New Life Spectrum Small Goldfish Formula Pellets can be fed in ponds and aquariums. Food contains no preservatives and should be kept closed and dry to maintain freshness.

Best Goldfish Feeding Tips

How Often to Feed Goldfish?

Goldfish require a lot less food than you might expect. The biggest problem most people have with their goldfish is the health issues associated with overfeeding.

You can even go on vacation for up to two weeks without feeding your goldfish, and you’ll be fine (although an automatic fish feeder can help you feel better).

Goldfish don’t have a stomach, so feeding them too much at one time can cause a lot of digestive problems. Typically, you’ll only want to feed your goldfish for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, two to three times a day. That is it.

Since they don’t have a stomach, goldfish never feel full. They are scavengers, so their instinct is to hunt for food all day long. They may act like they are starving, but since goldfish are cold blooded, they don’t need to consume extra calories to burn and keep their bodies warm.

Keeping live plants or leafy greens in a crunch of greens can provide your goldfish with something healthy to chew throughout the day, making your fish healthier, happier and less bored.

 

How Many Pellets to Feed Goldfish?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. How many pellets you need will depend on things like how often you feed your fish, whether they are fully grown or growing, and the temperature of your tank.

With the granules, you will want to soak them in a cup of aquarium water before feeding them to your fish, as the dried granules can interfere with your fish’s digestive system.

The first time you have to guess how many granules you need. Add them to the tank for the recommended 30-60 seconds per feed and see how many pellets they are eating at that time. When all pellets have been eaten in less than 60 seconds, you will know to add more pellets to the next feed. If granulate remains after 60 seconds, you will know how to feed less with the next feed.

It may take a while to determine the optimal number of pellets to feed your goldfish during each feeding, but carefully keeping track of how many pellets you feed at each meal and how quickly your goldfish takes in the pellets can give you a good idea. of the exact amount of granules you need for each shot.

 

How Many Flakes to Feed Goldfish?

Each goldfish will require a different number of flakes based on things like whether or not they are still growing, the temperature of the tank, and how often you feed them. You will need to carefully keep track of the number of flakes you feed until you have an idea of how many flakes you need per meal.

You should only feed your goldfish as much as they can eat in 60 seconds or less and only two to three times a day. If your goldfish eats all of the flakes within 60 seconds the first time you feed them, then you know you need to add more flakes on the next feeding.

If you find yourself removing a lot of flakes from the tank after 60 seconds, then you know you need to feed fewer flakes next time.

 

What is the Best Time to Feed Goldfish?

Since goldfish don’t have a stomach, you’ll want to feed them fairly consistently, 2-3 times a day, at a time when you remember to feed them at the same time every day. You may be feeding them late at night, early in the morning, and at noon.

Whatever time you choose, make sure to stick to it so your goldfish knows when to expect its next meal. Since they don’t have a stomach and are used to sniffing through garbage all the time, they are constantly hungry.

 

What to Feed a Goldfish When Out of Fish Food?

Goldfish can eat peas without the shells or skins, cooked vegetables, leafy green vegetables, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp.

If you put leafy greens in a vegetable clamp in the aquarium, you will get your goldfish something to chew if they think they are starving between meals.

 

Why is My Goldfish Not Eating?

The first thing to observe is your goldfish’s environment. Has it been a while since you cleaned the tank? Is there spoiled food in the tank? Have you filled the tank with untreated tap water? Maybe the water filter is dirty or there is a dead fish floating in the aquarium.

Any change in your goldfish’s environment can cause it to stop eating, so the first thing to do is to check your tank from top to bottom, if not clean, including the filter. It’s also worth buying some pH strips to check the water’s acidity.

If your goldfish’s environment appears to be in good condition, check the expiration date and storage information on your Best Goldfish Food. Goldish food, of course, can spoil after its expiration date, but it can spoil before that if not properly stored. For example, if it is to be stored in a cool, dry place, it can spoil food with an open window in a humid environment before its expiration date.

So your tank is clean and the Best Goldfish Food is acceptable. What now?

Fish get sick. If your goldfish has not eaten in a while and is also showing other signs of illness such as unnatural growths, white patches, raised scales, or swelling, contact your local vet for advice. Many vets may not be familiar with goldfish, so you may need to call several places for the right advice.

Goldfish are very sensitive to the transition from one environment to another. If you have recently moved your goldfish to or from a temporary container, perhaps to clean the tank, it is normal for your goldfish to respond to stress by not eating. Wait a day or two to get used to the new environment before worrying too much.

 

Conclusion

While goldfish are often depicted as children’s pet, their dietary needs are more complicated than you might expect. Reading the ingredients of any fish food you plan to buy and deciding if you want to supplement your goldfish’s diet or how you do it can be a lot of work, but goldfish can be a wonderful pet when you put in a little effort to find the best one. . food for them.

[2023 Latest] The Best RO DI System For Reef Tank, Saltwater Aquarium

Trevor Blog, Care Guides, Equipment Reviews, Marine (guides), Marine (reviews) , 3,119 Comments
[2023 Latest] The Best RO DI System For Reef Tank, Saltwater Aquarium

A reverse osmosis water system works to filter the water and remove any contaminants, so you get clean water.

RO / DI systems have an excellent reputation as an efficient way to filter water; New technological advancements have improved filtration capacity to the point of removing up to 99 percent of impurities.

comparison Table

Now you can get Best RO DI systems for reef tanks, sea water aquarium. You just have to make sure it is the best option for your aquarium model before purchasing it.

For those of us committed to reef maintenance, a reverse osmosis deionization (or RODI system) is essential for the successful maintenance of sensitive corals and corals. Many of us start with smaller tanks and buy RODI or fresh salt water from our local fish store. While this will work for a while, once you step into larger tanks, an RODI system is essential to success as it will require more water to replace the evaporated water in your display tank and will perform larger water changes. After a while, buying fresh salt water in an emergency becomes expensive and risky.

Today’s post is about raising awareness and providing options that work for a reef keeper. I will discuss what’s important to know when purchasing an RODI system and will review several RODI systems that work for aquariums. Let’s start :).

 

What is the best RO / DI system for an aquarium?

Reverse osmosis systems come in many different sizes, shapes and functions. You shouldn’t buy all of them, just the one that works well for you.

It is important that you now learn the  Best RO DI systems for reef tanks.

The filtration process and the stages

Depending on the type of RO / DI water system, it can have 4 to 6 stages of filtration. During these stages, the water is purified to remove any contaminants and ensure it is clean for the fish in your tank.

These systems often have additional filters that remove odor and improve flavor, but one that ensures all debris is removed should be sufficient for use in an aquarium.

Brand and certifications

Choosing the right brand is crucial to ensure that you always get a quality model that will do very well in a variety of aquariums. You can have only one filtration system for freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

The best brands have a reputation they want to keep. This is why you are likely to find one brand with a better reputation than the others, and it is always better to select the best product from the best brands.

In addition to buying the best brand, make sure that the filter also has the correct certifications. The most common certifications are the FDA and NSF certificates. If your filter has both approvals, you can rest assured that you have the right product.

Installation and maintenance

Once you’ve picked and bought one, you’ll need to install your reverse osmosis water system. Depending on the design, different filter systems can be difficult or easy to install. You can view different RO / DI systems to see which ones are easier to install.

Some manufacturers supply all the mounting hardware you need, while others have nothing in the box other than the product and the instructions.

It’s not just about installation, but also about system maintenance. Ideally, you want it to be easy to install new parts if something breaks. If a model is designed so that parts can be easily replaced, it will be easier to perform the necessary maintenance on that water filtration system.

Usability

You should consider how easy or difficult it would be to use the reverse osmosis system of your choice. There is no need to buy a model that takes a long time to set up or operate.

The idea is to end with the best reverse osmosis system that comes with easy to use controls. These controls allow you to operate the system and create clean water for your aquarium.

Reviews

Reviews are the best place to learn about the best RO / DI systems for your aquarium, reef tanks. In their reviews, users explain what they liked and didn’t like about the system. It is important to take the time to learn more about the RO / DI system based on reliable assessments.

Not all reviews are genuine, as some manufacturers pay reviewers to write positive reviews. Better to look for a reliable review site to read reviews.

 

The Best RO DI Systems For Saltwater Aquarium, Reef Tanks

 

RO/DI System for Aquarium Reviews

 

1. AquaFX Barracuda RO/DI Aquarium Filter

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks

This model is the best you can get for your money. Many people have used it for both fresh and salt water aquariums. You may be thinking that it will cost you a lot, but you would be surprised as it is quite affordable.

It’s not just about the attractive price, but also about the strong purification process that makes this model attractive to so many people. With quality filters in place, you can be sure that you will always deliver the best water in the end, with no impurities.

Pros

  • It has a faster outflow compared to other models.
  • It has a great debugging process.
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Appears to have a high water waste rate

 

2. Aquatic Life RO Buddie Three Stage Reverse Osmosis

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

The manufacturer offers this model in two capacities: 50 gallons per day or 100 gallons per day. You just need to choose the one that suits you best.

The three stage filtration process comes with an RO cartridge, carbon and sediment filters. They work together to make sure you don’t have to worry about metal ions or other types of contaminants.

The manufacturer is already known for producing the best aquarium products, so it’s no surprise that this model is so good. With the addition of new water filtration technology, you should end up with the best reverse osmosis filtration system available.

Benefits

  • It’s easy to install, even for someone new to the process.
  • Add additional filtration steps
  • Easy to maintain
  • It is compact in size for easy installation.

Cons

  • It is likely to leak if it is not properly adjusted

 

3. LiquaGen 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis/Deionization (RO/DI)

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

This product is designed to be ideal for multiple applications. The manufacturer claims it can be used in aquariums, labs, or anywhere else you need ultrapure water.

To facilitate installation by the user, it is pre-assembled by the manufacturer. You just need to connect it to your aquarium and turn it on.

The 5-stage filtration process must provide enough space to filter the various contaminants from the aquarium water. The quality of the water you get from this RO / DI system can also be used for cooking or even drinking. The high repellency membrane offers the opportunity to tackle common aquarium contaminants.

Benefits

  • It has a large capacity
  • Has multiple uses
  • The membrane has a high rejection percentage.

Cons

  • GPD often starts at low rates, but can improve over time.

 

4. LiquaGen Aquarium Reef Reverse Osmosis RO/DI Water Filter System

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

Those who want the best filtration system will appreciate the LiquaGen brand. It is ideal for saltwater, freshwater and reef tanks. You can also use it for other applications.

There is no need to rinse the membrane. Moreover, it is installed in just a few minutes. Hence, you don’t need to hire a professional to do it for you.

This patented permeate pump can reduce your wastewater by up to 80 percent. You can also increase the water flow up to twice that. As if that wasn’t enough, you don’t have to use electricity to make it work.

People with low water pressure can still use this system. It automatically ensures that the current is kept at the correct level.

You will like the pressure gauge. It’s easy to read. Immediately indicate when your filters need to be replaced and view the water pressure levels.

This of course means that you get the best performance from your water filter time after time. Those who care will appreciate that this product is made in the USA.

Benefits

  • BPA free
  • Long life filters
  • Leak-free connections

Cons

  • Difficult to read instructions

 

5. LiquaGen Heavy Duty & High Capacity Aquarium Reef Systems RO/DI

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

The LiquaGen Heavy-Duty Filtration System works well for a variety of things. They include laboratory tests, aquariums and drinking water.

This is a pre-assembled system, so it does not require much installation work. In fact, most people can set it up in just five minutes.

Includes a manual dump valve. Hence, it is a superior system design compared to other RO / DI options in the market. This can extend the life of your device, reduce leaks and save time.

While it is important to clean the system every few months, it is not difficult. The instructions explain everything so you don’t get confused.

This product uses a high rejection reverse osmosis membrane. That means it can remove nitrosamines and other precursors. The product is also made in the USA.

You are going to find an application for this filter system. It works well in reef aquariums, as well as in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. With the deionization process you can make sure that there is no PPM in the water.

Benefits

  • Leak-proof accessories
  • BPA free
  • High octane performance

Cons

  • You should tighten the accessories regularly
  • Challenging to change filters

 

6. SpectraPure MaxPure 180 GPD System – The Best RO/DI System

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

For those of you with larger tanks and more demanding tanks, the SpectraPure 5 Stage 180GPD MaxCap line offers the pinnacle of RODI filtration. This unit is equipped with two RO membranes with a failure rate of 99%. Those are two of the best membranes in the business. This 5-stage unit is also equipped with pressure gauges, dual TDS gauges and an improved DI resin.

The resin for this device is two-part. The first part is your Mega MaxCap DI and the last stage is the Enduro DI. Together they get DI resin that is 4 times the capacity of typical competitive mixed bed DI cartridges. This device works so efficiently that you get a 2: 1 waste rate that outperforms almost all RODI devices on this list that only produce a 3: 1 waste rate. This means that you also save quite a bit of water!

You would think a downside would be that this is not a 6 stage unit, but this RODI filter just doesn’t need it because it works so well. The only downside to this is that you have to pay for performance as it is priced higher.

Benefits

  • The membrane!
  • 4 times more effective than most DIs out there
  • 180 GPD

Cons

  • price

 

7. APEC Water Systems Ultimate RO-Hi

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

The APEC Water Systems Ultimate RO-Hi system uses 3/8 â€pipes and fittings to move more water through the system.

RO can produce up to 90 liters of reef safe water per day. The Ultimate RO-Hi system uses five stages of filtration.

The polypropylene sediment filter removes rust particles that can clog the filter and damage the reverse osmosis membrane. Two compressed activated carbon filters with blocks remove chlorine, chloramine and organic chemicals.

The RO membrane made in the USA removes heavy metals, nitrates, phosphates and other contaminants that can damage reef aquariums.

The final filtration phase traps any trace of organic chemicals with a cartridge of coconut shell activated carbon. The kit comes with a water storage tank and a lead-free tap to dispense the purified water.

Benefits

  • The larger tube allows you to fill a bucket with water faster than with other ROs.
  • Makes water changes and refills for your reef tank faster.
  • Dual activated carbon cartridges to remove pesticides, chlorine and chloramine.
  • The high-quality reverse osmosis membrane removes up to 99% of salts, pollutants, nitrates and phosphates.
  • Replacement filters are available.
  • Lifelong product support.

Cons

  • It does not have a deionization pattern.
  • No relief valve to purge the system.
  • No pressure gauge to monitor maintenance requirements.

 

8. iSpring RCC7AK — Its Alkaline Remineralization Filter is One of a Kind

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

The manufacturers of the iSpring Reverse Osmosis Filtration System have gone to great lengths to ensure that the installation process is practically a walk in the park.

In addition to the usual manual, they also link you to various online videos that guide you step by step.
I also like that they are on standby with solid and tireless support to respond quickly to your questions while you install.

They will keep in touch as long as I have this product

The components of this RO DI unit are easy to assemble and, for example, the tubes are color-coded so you know where to place them.

With everything in place, you can expect pure, super clean water for your reef tank, although this RO DI system does not include a DI cartridge. The unit does a fantastic job of filtering compounds harmful to marine invertebrates and corals as the media used in the filtration process is of quality and divided into 5 consecutive stages. For this reason, the iSpring RCC7AK, while not a complete RO DI system, is one of the best water filtration units for a reef tank.

I have not used this particular unit but I have a friend who does and manages a very successful SPS reef tank. He is absolutely certain of the effectiveness of the iSpring and recently celebrated 3 years without any aquarium accidents.

As you may know, reef tank accidents are often a result of the build-up of contaminants in aquarium water and generally occur less than a year after the contamination has started to build up.

Regardless, a unique feature of the iSpring RCC7AK is the sixth unit, the Alkaline Remineralization Filter, which allows the water to recover essential minerals lost during filtration due to harmful compounds.

For this reason, filtered water is not only good for your fish and corals, but also for you.

You will enjoy the natural taste, thanks to this sixth phase, without which the water would be quite acidic.

Benefits:

  • Easy to install, once you understand the instructions or tutorials.
  • The water is super pure and undergoes 5 stages of reverse osmosis filtration.
  • Lifelong customer service.
  • It has a remineralization phase, which only introduces safe minerals (even for reefs).
  • Includes a nickel tap and a pressurized storage tank.
  • Durable components.

Cons:

  • The filtration process can be slow at 75 GPD, although this shouldn’t bother you given the high quality of the water you end up getting for your reef tank.

9. Koolermax AR-122 6-stage RO+DI Aquarium Reef system — Pressure Gauge and a High GDP Rate

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

So far, most of the filtration systems we’ve looked at are multi-functional, meaning they can also be used to produce drinking water, etc.

However, the Koolermax AR-122 is expressly designed as the ultimate water filtration system for refreshing seawater aquariums. It is able to filter water intensively thanks to its efficient 6-stage system, including 2 DI cartridges.

This model has replaced previous models with a lot of wastewater.

This makes the ratio almost in balance.

Judging by the high water production capacity of this 120 GPD RO DI system, it will be very suitable for large reef tanks.

Additional accessories included in the package include hoses, automatic shut-off valve, built-in filters and pressure gauge that allow you to easily check the operating pressure online.
If the pressure drops to 15 PSI, this is a warning that the filters are clogged and should be replaced as soon as possible.

It is important to remember that the inlet pressure must not exceed 80 PSI, in which case you must order a separate pressure regulator.
For greater efficiency, if the inlet pressure is below 40 PSI, manufacturers also recommend providing it with a booster pump.

The components are pre-assembled and this makes the installation process easy.

This RO DI filter system is built to last and also appears to consist of high quality components.

In addition, the company provides after-sales technical support.

With all of this, I think it is again one of the best units worth getting for the pristine water quality in a reef tank.

Be aware that there have been complaints that the instruction manuals are not sufficiently compressible and they could confuse a beginner.

Benefits:

  • It is durable due to its compact and robust design.
  • It has a pressure gauge and other extras that you normally don’t get with many models of the same price.
  • There are no leakage problems.
  • 1 year warranty and assembled in the USA.
  • Especially good for this, use chloramine instead of chlorine to disinfect tap water.
  • 2 DI stages for total water purity and polishing.

Cons:

  • You can only use filters from the manufacturer (Koolermax), they are different from traditional ones. This limits your options when it comes time for a replacement.
  • The manual is quite complicated for beginners.
  • Works best with water sources that contain less than 300 TDS.

10. Home Master HydroPerfection — 9 Stages of Purification With Less Waste Water

 

Best RO DI systems for reef tanks,

This product may be the last on this list, but it’s not the least in terms of efficiency.
In fact, on this list, Home Master HydroPerfection is the best water purification system you can get for your reef tank, despite not being a full RO DI unit. It has 9 stages of water disinfection, including ultraviolet filtration, purification, and even sterilization. It is especially effective in removing excess iron from the water, which can be harmful to sensitive coral reef aquariums.
That said, this device is also great if your tap water is high in nitrates.
Wastewater is a problem with traditional RO DI systems anyway, but not when it comes to the Home Master, which reduces wastewater by 90 percent compared to others.
This is partly achieved by the permeate pump that is included in the system.
The good news is that the permeate pump does not require electricity to operate.
In addition, the flow rate is also faster, thanks to the fast flow RO kit and the larger tubes compared to traditional ones.
This means 50 percent more water flows into the tap, so that you get more water at the end of the day.
Basically, the ratio of filtered water to wastewater remains 1: 1, which is rare when it comes to cheaper RO DI filtration units.
If you are a DIY enthusiast, installing this is another fun project for you.
It is designed to be installed by you, the reef tank owner, not the plumber. You don’t need any special skills, which I really appreciate in this advanced model.
To make the job more comfortable for you, the hose is color-coded, the instructions are clear and you get live support during installation. “Live support” here means that a customer service representative assigned to you will patiently answer your questions while you install.
Home Master not only has a modern design, but is also made of high-quality materials. It is largely BPA-free plastic and the container tank is made of stainless steel.
The filters also last a long time before you eventually replace them.
Replacing them is also made easy for you as you don’t need any tools for it.
In terms of efficiency, nothing is left to chance.
The filtration process goes through 9 stages to remove 98% of contaminants including chlorine, sulfur, chloramines and fluoride.
The water is not only purified, it is also treated against pathogens.
If there are harmful microbes or viruses in the water you are about to place in your reef aquarium, Home Master is equipped with ultraviolet light to destroy them.
Unlike chlorine, this sterilization light will not affect the life of your fish and corals, nor will it leave any residue.
Unlike traditional RO DI filter systems, Home Master has replaceable canisters.
All filter cartridges will collect debris over time and if left unchanged, their effectiveness will gradually decrease.
This RO unit is a bit pricey but in my opinion it’s worth every penny and I’ve seen some very serious reef keepers use it for water changes in their aquarium systems.
Benefits:
  • 9 stages of water disinfection, resulting in ultrapure water that can be used safely in a reef aquarium with sensitive corals and invertebrates.
  • UV sterilizer also included.
  • It comes with a 5-year warranty, which is a guarantee that everything will be fine now and in the distant future.
  • Given the warranty, it is a fantastic long-term investment.
  • It is reliable and made from durable BPA-free plastic.
  • It comes with a water pressure tank to store the purified water.
  • Excellent for the removal of iron and high nitrate levels.
  • Its efficiency is unmatched as it even keeps wastewater 1: 1 purified.
  • Durability generally trumps warranty.
  • You can even replace the cans.
Cons:
  • It can be loud.
  • Relatively expensive.

conclusion

From the many options you have looked at above, you have probably learned several things about choosing the best reverse osmosis system. These systems can deliver the quality you really need if you make the right choice and buy the right model.

Comparing different models is always the best way to arrive at a system that offers the best performance. With the right RO / DI system you are ready to deal with all impure aquarium water.

[updated 2023] Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Reviews + Guide)

Trevor Aquarium Plants (info and tips), Aquarium Plants (reviews), Blog, Care Guides, Equipment Reviews, Info and Tips, Plants (guides), Plants & Substrate (reviews) , , 4,541 Comments
[updated 2023] Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Reviews + Guide)

If you’ve been in the aquarium hobby for a while, you know that all aquarium plants need a light source to grow and thrive. However, not all plants are the same in their lighting needs: some need more than others, while others not so much.

Don’t just pick any type of plant and think it will work for your aquarium. You need to do some research to learn more about Best Low Light Aquarium Plants. It is best to choose the best low light plants for your aquarium.

But with so many different types of plants, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best low-light aquarium plants to make your job easier! These plants do not require much maintenance to grow well. Below are some of the plants to consider.

Top 15 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

 

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants Reviews

 

1. Cryptocoryne Usteriana

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

 

The plant is known to grow slowly, but this is to be expected in low light conditions.

The plant comes with broad leaves so that it can absorb every possible gram of light that enters the aquarium. This always ensures that the plant can grow easily, even in low light environments.

You can also add a soil rich substrate if you want it to grow better. You are expected to see a rich dark green color on the leaves.

Who wouldn’t want such a beautiful color of the leaves in the aquarium?

2. Sagittaria Subulata

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

The plant will spread faster than other plants you have tried before. This is why many people will choose it.

With just one plant you can cover the entire aquarium in a few weeks.

The plant comes with potting soil. Be sure to transplant it with such soil.

This will help accelerate growth in the aquarium substrate. Now you can work on other projects more easily, because the plant covers the entire aquarium.

The plant grows its leaves in all different directions. This can make it difficult for some people to control their growth. You can always prune back a bit to control its spread after a while.

3. Taxiphyllum

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

If you choose this plant, you can be sure that you will get a tall creeper. The unique growing style gives your aquarium a different look than others.

Its resemblance to the Christmas tree often makes more people like it. It also looks like pine trees, which are also popular.

Because of the way the plant always climbs, you can be sure that it is always in front of the light source. This also gives your aquarium a nice green decoration.

Don’t worry even if you see the spikes. These spikes bend easily when you touch them. The same goes for fish in the aquarium. Therefore, it will not affect fish with delicate fins.

4. Microsorum Pteropus

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

This type of plant is for people who are always busy maintaining their aquarium. It is slow growing, but easy when it comes to propagation.

The best part is that it also needs little light to keep growing. Give it a few weeks and you will see that it has grown into the prettiest green looking aquarium.

The shape of the blades allows the fish to brush easily while swimming. You will also notice that the plant creates the illusion of a sloping lawn. You will find this type of plant that gives the fish more surface area to find safe roosts.

5. Cladophora Aegagropila

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

This is an interesting plant that comes in a unique shape. Expect that many people who can see this plant will also be intrigued by buying one.

The plant will form into a ball as it grows. It will often serve as a decoration for many people.

You may need to move it more often to keep it in its perfect spherical shape. You will also notice that it feels soft to many people. This feeling can be great for the fish so that the delicate fins are not injured.

The shiny nature of the plant will always attract fish to keep rubbing it. However, it may not be the best way to protect against aggressive fish.

6. Java Moss

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

The plant is often considered the most capable when it comes to withstanding harsh conditions.

The best part is that it sticks to various objects easily and still works. You can use twine or staples to connect it to other parts of the aquarium.

Even in low light, it will always grow easily to create a living wall in the aquarium. Your fish will always find a place to play or lay eggs and let them hatch quietly.

It is also crucial that you can prune the plant more often. This promotes better growth and prevents overgrowth.

7. Java Fern

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

This is one of the most common types of ferns you can find for the aquarium today.

You can get some with short leaves and some with wide leaves. You can also buy one with blades that are too thin, which will make it easier for fish to get through.

Ferns don’t need much when it comes to their maintenance. Occasional pruning is usually enough to ensure you get a plant that looks great.

The plant tends to have a lot of leaves, giving you a dense canopy in no time. This can be ideal for your fish to have adequate shelter even when they are in the aquarium.

8. Vallisneria

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

This is one of the best freshwater plants you can use for the aquarium today.

You will often find people calling it seagrass. It is the same.

Plant growth is usually easy as it will grow towards the back of the tank frame. It will easily work for most people looking for an easy to maintain plant for their aquarium.

The plant may be tall compared to the other plants in the aquarium. It can shade other plants, so make sure the other plants grow easily in low light as well.

The leaves tend to grow in clusters, which can be great as shade for fish and also as a place to hide.

9. Sagittaria

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

The plant is one of the most common species when it comes to aquatic plants. Many people love it because it is simple and easy to maintain.

You can always find more people who choose it so that they can easily maintain their green aquarium appearance.

They are characterized by an appearance similar to bright green grass. Because color always makes your aquarium look great.

The plant needs little light to continue growing, so you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Make sure you have access to any light source and it will keep the aquarium green.

10. Anubias Barteri

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

This lush green plant is a favorite among aquarists for its easy care. It can thrive in a wide range of water temperatures, can be fully or partially submerged, and is tolerant of low to moderate light conditions.

Its glossy pointed blades make it a good choice for foreground and background landscaping in your aquarium.

11. Sunset Hygro (Hygrophila polysperma “Rosanervig”)

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

Sunset hygro is a green foliage plant that is close to blooming thanks to the purple and red leaves at the top of the plant’s stem.

This fast-growing tropical freshwater plant can anchor to the substrate or float freely on your aquarium, reaching a maximum length of up to 16 inches. When Sunset Hygro is planted in the substrate, it absorbs nutrients through the roots and leaves.

Sunset hygro is native to Southeast Asia and therefore strongly prefers hot water tanks. Furthermore, this versatile plant is undemanding – it is quite tough, requires little maintenance and can handle a variety of light conditions.

12. Anubias Nana

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

Related to Anubias barteri, Anubias nana has the same spiny dark green leaves that grow in a tight formation just above the base of its tank.
Like A. barteri, A. nana is easy to care for and ideal for beginners as it can grow in most standard aquarium conditions and can withstand changes in temperature and light.
Anubias nana feeds on roots and grows best with fertilizers, especially if there isn’t a lot of organic waste falling to the bottom of your tank. You will also want to plant it in a gravel substrate rather than sand so that the roots have room to grow.

13. African Water Fern (Bolbitis heduelotii)

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

This fern is native to the Congo River basin in Africa and is suitable for medium to large tanks as it has a maximum size of 22 inches.

However, the plant grows slowly, especially in low light conditions. The African water fern also needs slightly warmer fresh water than other similar plants to thrive.

Although the African water fern is not difficult to care for, this column feeder requires more attention than simply planting it in the substrate at the bottom of your aquarium.

You will need fishing line or wire to attach the fern’s roots to a piece of driftwood or a rock. You also cannot place this plant in an aquarium with goldfish, koi or cichlids.

14. Green Hygro (Hygrophila polysperma)

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

Green hygro is known as an extremely easy-to-grow and hardy freshwater aquarium plant, although it requires quite a bit of trimming due to its rapid growth rate.

Pruning the green hygro will also make it longer, so you can use this as a way to encourage the generation of renewed leaves in areas that are starting to brown.

The plant takes root in the substrate at the bottom of your aquarium, but you can use almost any type of substrate as it gets its nutrients from the water column.

While the green hygro is compatible with almost any freshwater tank and generally not touched by herbivorous fish, it can be disturbed by goldfish or burrowing cichlids.

15. Hornwort (Ceratophylum demersum)

Best Low Light Aquarium Plants

Hornwort is a fast growing plant that can reach a maximum height of up to 3 meters, so it is best for aquarists with large tanks and lots of patience to prune.
Hornwort can also produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, so you may see other plants die after adding hornwort to your tank.

That said, the hornwort is extremely hardy and can fill a tank landscape thanks to the multiple stems raised by a single plant.

Hornwort feeds on the water column and can be anchored freely to the substrate with rhizomes or float freely on the water surface. Fortunately, hornwort can grow without problems in both cold water (60 degrees F) and tropical freshwater tanks.

Conclusion

There you have it, some of the best low light aquarium plants you can grow today. Many people who have always searched for the best plants can now easily identify them.

These plants will also grow easily so you don’t have to spend more time maintaining them. Sometimes maintenance can deter aquarists from using plants.

If you want to keep your aquarium looking its best, now you have the best way to do it.

Top 10 Best Betta Fish Tanks – [2023] Reviews & Buyers Guide

Trevor Betta Fish (guides), Betta Fish Supplies (Reviews), Blog, Equipment Reviews, Fish Tank (reviews) , , 5,156 Comments
Top 10 Best Betta Fish Tanks – [2023] Reviews & Buyers Guide

ot haveLooking for the Best Betta Fish Tanks? Known for their vibrant colors and spectacular fins, Bettas deserve a quality home.

Then you have come to the right place! Betta fish are incredibly beautiful freshwater fish. Contrary to what is seen in many pet stores, they are not best served in a small aquarium. They need their own space to thrive. With the right aquarium, you can build a very affordable, small and thriving environment for your beta fish.

Comparison Table

Not many fish are as colorful and beautiful as betta fish. Also, not many fish are as picky as they are. However, their beauty is worth it!

Understanding betta fish needs

One of the interesting features of betta fish is how easily they can become irritated when placed in the same tank with other fish. They don’t like “roommates” very much and should stay alone.

That is why it is important to find a different type of aquarium for your betta fish, as opposed to the usual tanks used for other fish. To help you choose a tank more easily, here I’ve shortlisted the Best Betta Fish Tanks on the market right now.

You need an aquarium that can meet your needs. So what kind of aquarium is that?

Fortunately, I’ve done quite a bit of research and come up with some suggestions that will keep your Betta happy and healthy.

Bettas are bright, colorful fish that are easy to care for and perfect for beginners.

What Is The Best Tank For A Betta Fish

Best Betta Fish Tanks

I have searched and reviewed a lot of aquariums for your beta fish. There are hundreds of aquariums available to purchase online. How did we decide what was best? It boiled down to the following criteria.

Size of the aquarium

Despite my research and experience in fish farming (over 25 years and still), the best aquarium size for a Betta is a 5 gallon tank. Anything smaller is too little space and is detrimental to your Betta’s long-term health. Anything larger is too much room for a single betta. Our focus in this review is the ideal aquariums for a single Betta. An aquarium kit is also preferred.

Filtration

I want a complete aquarium set. Ideally one that comes with a built-in filter unit. This makes maintenance easier.

To turn on

Ideally, I can find a lit aquarium suitable for beginner aquarium plants. Having plants in our aquarium will not only make it more comfortable for our betta, but also healthier as the plants filter our nutrients in our water. Today, LED lighting is the way to go. If the lamp is part of a lid, that is an advantage for me.

Aesthetic

You want your Betta tank to look good and n the gear showing up all over the tank. It needs to look good on a desk, cabinet or counter and have a lid to avoid evaporation problems and fish jumping out.

Price

I don’t want this Betta tank to break your bank. It has to be well priced, but at the same time it has to be cheaply priced. If it’s cheap and offers me crap I won’t include it on this list!

 

Top [2022] 10 Best Tanks for Your Betta Fish

 

Best Betta Fish Tank Reviews

1. MarineLand Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit

Best Betta Fish Tanks on Amazon

 

This aquarium kit achieves a larger profile to give your fish more room to live a healthy and happy life. It is a picture aquarium with a curved glass front. Due to the larger profile, it is amazing to grow several suggested tall aquarium plants in the first place, for example Cabomba, Rotala, Bacopa, etc.

These tall plants provide your Betta with comfortable beds close to the surface to swallow air and rest well. It is also a great idea to install a small planted aquarium for your Betta with a tall driftwood.

As also manufactured by Marineland, the filter and lighting frame for this tank is almost the same as Marineland’s previous 3-gallon Contour Glass. The sliding glass lid makes it easy to access the interior to set up and maintain the aquarium.

If you’re looking for a bigger home for your Betta, this 5 liter tank model and with its solid curved glass will give a masculine Betta plenty of room next to its other tank mates.

Benefits

  • Large size
  • More compact
  • Sturdy glass
  • LED lamps that reduce the refraction of sunlight.

Cons

  • Maintenance problem
  • Some people find LED lights a nuisance because of their brightness

2. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit

 

Unlike some betta aquariums on the market that use an aquaponics frame, the Fluval Spec is a straightforward desktop aquarium.

In fact, it is a modern looking tank that is small enough to be easily placed in small spaces, such as on a desk or a counter.

This aquarium set weighs about 11 pounds and also has a 5 gallon capacity. It is really light due to its aluminum finish. This tank is simply an easy-to-use rectangular aquarium that accompanies a remarkable complete starter unit.

It accompanies a cantilevered lighting frame with 37 LED lamps. These lights provide sufficient illumination to the fish, the design and the plants in the aquarium kit.

An efficient circulation pump with adjustable spout and filter frame is also included with the aquarium. Thanks to these two frames, the water can be continuously spotless and kept away from fish waste and dirt.

Benefits

  • Very light
  • Simple design
  • Fair price
  • Complete starter kit

Cons

  • Many reported problems with the lighting system

3. Back to the Roots Water Garden Self-Cleaning Fish Tank

 

Most people want an all-in-one habitat for their betta fish. If you are, the Back to the Roots Water Garden self-cleaning aquarium might be ideal.

It has a mini ecosystem. The top of the tank can grow organic microgreens. You can feed them directly to your betta.

This hydroponic system is also designed to use fish waste. Fertilize the plants at the top. The plants will also clean the water.

The self-cleaning feature is a lifesaver for busy families. You know you want to see a beautiful fish. However, cleaning the tank weekly (or more often) is too much.

With this tank, it does most of the hard work for you. It is important to note that you must thoroughly clean the aquarium. However, you can do it less often.

If you buy this tank first, it also comes with a coupon to buy your fish. That way you have everything you need to enjoy betta fishing. The microgreens take approximately 10 days to start producing.

You will find that this product also comes with Zym-Bac and D-Klor. Zym-Bac helps to maintain healthy nitrite and ammonia levels. D-Klor can remove chlorine from the water, which protects the fur of your fish.

Benefits

  • Grow betta foods
  • Includes commercial fish food
  • Self-cleaning tank
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Requires a heater (sold separately)
  • The filter is overcurrent
  • You have to grow the seeds

4. Tetra GloFish Aquarium Kit

[Those concerned with lighting and filtration will like this product. The Tetra GloFish Aquarium Kit has a 3i filter. This will help keep the tank clean and provide the right environment for your tropical fish.

The filter is of course very quiet and does not disturb the water so much. Your fish will appreciate the water to stay calmer. The device also does not wake you up at night.

The LED light is also useful. You can turn it on during the day and turn it off at night when your betta is sleeping. Plus, it makes it easier to show off your beautiful fish.

This aquarium is not made of glass, neither is the lid. Strong and transparent plastic is used that is resistant to breaking and cracking. There is a feed opening on the top of the lid, so you can easily drop food for the beta fish.

Since bettas take up a lot of space, this product is ideal. It’s a 3 gallon tank, so your fish will have plenty of room. You can even add decorations such as plants and pebbles to create habitat.

Benefits

  • Spacious but not too big
  • Modern and elegant appearance
  • Comes with everything you need
  • Silent filter system

Cons

  • Curved edge cover; does not adhere to the tank
  • Pretty powerful filter; potentially dangerous for small fish
  • Holes in the top part; Betta can jump

5. BiOrb Flow 30 Aquarium with LED

Knowing that betta fish require a lot of headroom, this next tank is probably ideal. The BiOrb brand understands the needs of this tropical fish. So you can find an 8 gallon and 4 gallon tank.

Because it is important to have something sturdy, the BiOrb Flow 30 Aquarium with LED is made of acrylic. This is up to 10 times stronger than glass tanks. In addition, it is 93% transparent and 50% lighter.

It has five-stage filtration. This tank will stabilize the water and provide it with oxygen. In addition, it also has mechanical, biological and chemical filtration options.

Most people don’t think about it, but the low voltage is ideal. You don’t want an aquarium that will significantly increase your electricity bill. This product uses a 12V transformer.

The built-in LED light is unobtrusive. Let your fish thrive and grow. Therefore, you can show it to people who come closer.

This product is available in black or white. The white version is almost transparent, which can be suitable for modern homes. Black is also ideal because it goes with almost any interior.

You will find that there is easy access to feed. The hole is quite large. Don’t forget to close it again so your fish don’t jump out and get hurt.

Benefits

  • Acrylic construction
  • Filtration in five stages
  • Including LED lighting

Cons

  • Must buy BiOrb filter cartridges
  • No brightness adjustments in the light

6. Penn Plax Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit

If you’re looking for something a little more aerodynamic then this might be the right tank for you. The Penn Plax Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit is small at 2.7 gallons, but still the right size for bettas. With its cube-shaped style, you can place it on a desk at work or in your home office.

This product has a curved, frameless glass design. It is exclusive to the brand and allows you to see the fish easily.

Since it is a kit you will get everything you need to start your aquarium. The aquarium is made of glass and also has a hanging water filter and thermometer. A fishing net is also included so you can easily remove the betta for cleaning.

While it is designed for shrimp and small fish, it works well for bettas. You will find that whatever marine life you choose to live in the tank will be safe and begin to thrive with proper care.

Although it has a plastic cap, it is quite sturdy. The lid is also hinged and has an opening for cleaning and feeding. Therefore, the fish cannot jump out of the tank.

Size is a concern for some. This product is only 25 cm long and 20 cm wide. In addition, the glass has a protective thickness of 1/8 inch.

Benefits

  • Big enough for a beta fish
  • Hanging filter
  • Adjustable flow knob filter
  • Compact for small spaces

Cons

  • No extra filter cartridges included
  • Filters can leak

7. Cobalt Aquatics 14012 Microvue3 30 Aquarium Kit

What betta fish tank to buy

When it comes time to buy a fish, you are probably interested in the most beautiful of them all. Bettas are amazing creatures, but they need the right tank.

The Cobalt Aquatics 14012 Microvue3 30 Aquarium Kit has everything you need. It comes with an 8 gallon water capacity. That way your fish will have plenty of space.

Although it has an LED light, it is quite small and floats above the tank. This can be great for adding warmth to the water and brightening up the space.

The lid is of course made of glass, just like the rest of the aquarium. Therefore, the light is refracted and reaches all corners of the tank. Also, fish cannot jump and hurt themselves.

You will see that this product comes with an internal filter. So you don’t have to buy separate accessories to clean the tank.

The sponge filter does not require much maintenance. All you need to do is rinse it when you normally clean the tank or change the water. This is generally once a month, but it depends on the size of your fish and other factors.

While it is ideal for betta fishing, it can also be used for other marine species. Think plants, goldfish, glow fish, shrimp and even nano reef systems.

Benefits

  • Ideal for beginners
  • Bright LED lighting
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Large internal filter; take away the beauty
  • Improper cap fit with light installed

8. Fluval Edge Aquarium With LED Light (6 Or 12 Gallon)

Best Betta Aquariums

When it comes to water architecture, the Fluval Edge is in a class of its own. It comes in two sizes: 6 and 12 gallons, it has a unique 3D cube design with 360 degree views.

The clear glass tank sits in a pedestal, creating the illusion that it is suspended in the air.

Kit includes white and blue LED bulbs. They provide beautiful underwater “daylight” and “moonlight” effects. As well as an Edge filter with Cycleguard, Nutrafin Cycle and Aquaplus water treatments.

The filter uses the 3 phases: mechanical, chemical and biological that provide your beta fish with clear and healthy water.

Filters can strip away the aesthetic qualities of your tank, but not with the Fluval Edge. It’s completely hidden from view, so it doesn’t detract from the beauty of this tank.

Benefits

  • Available in 6-12 liters
  • Its visually stunning design makes it a fantastic addition to your home or office.
  • 360 degree viewing angles
  • Due to the compact design, you do not need much space
  • Easy to configure and maintain; even if you are a beginner

Cons

  • The filter can be a bit noisy
  • LED lights are only suitable for plants with low to medium light
  • The set is small, which can make cleaning difficult.

9. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit (5 Gallons)

Best Betta Fish Tanks

If you are not a fan of glass aquariums, the Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium is a good choice.

It measures 16.6 x 11.2 x 13.2 inches and comes with a seamlessly curved front, black base frame and see-through cover.

The best feature is the tank’s trademark Tetra Whisper filter.

An excellent filter, it uses a 3 stage filtration process and is great for keeping your tank water clean. The Whisper filter does exactly what its name suggests – it hardly makes any noise!

The kit contains ultra-activated charcoal, which excellently removes odors and discoloration.

Hidden LED lighting illuminates your tank with its bright white lights. And the hinged plastic lid provides easy access to your tank for service.

However, there is an opening at the top. Your Betta should be very skilled at making the jump, but the risk is there.

Benefits

  • Tetra Whisper filter works brilliantly and is very quiet
  • 3-stage filtration process
  • Ulta activated charcoal removes odors and discoloration
  • LED lighting is easy to install and very bright.
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • The plastic cap is a bit thin.
  • Acrylic tanks scratch more easily than glass tanks

10. Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Aquarium

Offering advice on the best betta fish tanks

The 10 Gallon Aqua Culture is a classic bare tank that can be configured as desired. It is a glass tank with black plastic frames around the bottom and top.

This is ideal for those who prefer to choose their own gear rather than go with a kit.

This only gives you the tank, no hoods, lights or other equipment. You can mix and match what you think is best for your fish.

At 10 gallons, this will give you plenty of room for decorations and plants to make a betta heaven.

Benefits

  • Available in 10 gallons
  • It allows you to choose your equipment so you can mix and match
  • A lot of space

Cons

  • Beginners can find it difficult to decide on the equipment.

What are the ideal best betta fish tanks?

This question is really hard to answer. There are many answers to this question depending on you and your betta fishing credentials. How old is your betta fish? What does he or she like?

We know one thing is for sure – betta fish should be kept alone and not with other fish as they would fight and most likely kill each other. But besides that, every betta fish is different and they all like different things.

If you already have experience with your fishing it is easy to see. If you haven’t, you may have to do some testing and fail before you can choose the most comfortable tank for your fish.

Some betta fish are very energetic; they would like to have a little more space in their tank for swimming and there may be more decorations to play with and hide too. Others like to live their lives calmly; these would not require that much space.

In addition to the fish’s needs, you must also consider its tastes and desires. Would you like a small tank for our desk? If so, how small? How big? Do you mind installing cables and electronics manually, or do you want them all pre-wired to save time and effort? Do you care if the lights are one color or do you prefer the colorful multi-colored LED lighting system?

The answer to each of these questions is an important factor in the overall decision you make in selecting from our reviews of best betta fish tanks.

What temperature is best for the Betta fish tank?

Most betta fish tanks, even the one that claims to have a complete starter kit, do not include a heater. This will not be a problem if you live in a warm area throughout the year. However, it is a big concern if you live in places that have temperature changes during the winter.

Betta fish are originally tropical fish. They prefer warm water. The temperature in your tanks should never drop below 74 ° F (approximately 23.5 ° C). The ideal temperature is within the range of 78 ° F and 80 ° F (approximately 25.5 and 26.5 ° C).

Due to the demand for betta fish at high temperatures and if you live in places that have a cold winter, getting a heater for your tank is absolutely essential to keep your fish warm, healthy and happy all year long.

-> The best heaters for your Betta tanks

How to set up a Betta fish tank?

The way to set up a betta fish tank varies depending on the type of fish tank you have. Most of the time, the tank and its kit will come with a complete and clear set of instructions for everyone to follow easily.

In general, setting up a tank for betta fish is not difficult because they are often small in size.

You need to set up and assemble the tank itself. After that, you put decorations and gravel all over the tank. Depending on how you want to do that, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to hours to decorate your tank.

Then you need to carefully connect the electronic accessories, including filters and lights. As stated above, the tank does not come with a heater. However, you know that you need to get them sometimes, depending on the weather. Remember to set the most suitable temperature for the tank so that the fish can be happy.

How to take care of your beta fish

So you have a great tank for your Siamese fighting fish. Good job! Now you may be wondering how to care for a Betta fish. I am here for you! In fact, I have written an extensive guide on Betta Fish Care. In this article I discuss:

  1. History of the Siamese Fighting Fish
  2. Male and female differences
  3. The main factors in taking care of betta fish include
  4. Housing – 5 liters is ideal
  5. Filtration: 3-stage filtration
  6. Decoration: soft and smooth decoration
  7. Diet – Worms + VitaChem
  8. Tankmates: from safest to most risky
  9. Types of Betta fish
  10. Example of a complete construction of a Betta tank

Final Thoughts – Best Betta Fish Tanks

Best Betta Fish Tanks are beautiful and easy going aquarium fish that are generally placed in tight spaces. Providing your Best Betta Fish Tanks a 5 gallon aquarium with good water quality will lead to a long and healthy life for your fish and bring out its best personality.

There are a few things to consider when buying an aquarium for your betta fish, such as whether you want to keep other fish and how much space you have to accommodate an aquarium. You should also consider the shape, material (glass / plastic / acrylic), standard lighting, filtration, and aquarium hood when choosing between kits. Unfortunately, most kits don’t include heating, so make sure to pick one up at the same time!

If you have any questions about Best Betta Fish Tanks, setting up an aquarium, or if you have experience growing betta fish, feel free to leave a comment below!

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