As the name already indicates, a floating plant refers to a natural or artificial flora that stays afloat when dropped into the water. In aquariums, floating plants can be an excellent addition apart from other underwater animals, as they can serve multiple purposes.
That said, not all floating plants are designed to live in harmony with a betta. In case you want to see what the best floating plant for betta is, let’s keep scrolling and see what the best options are!
5 Best Floating Plants For Betta Fish
Water sprite
Water sprites – also known as betta fish playgrounds – are a wonderful choice for your tank. With their dark green stems and light green leaves, water sprites provide a soothing shade to the underwater environment. They also help filter the light and keep your bettas shielded from too much exposure.
That said, water sprites grow rather quickly and can be a problem if left untrimmed. Make sure to remove the leaves and get rid of the stem base regularly for the ecosystem to remain balanced.
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Water spangles
Water spangles stand out with their rounded leaves, all connected to one cluster. When fully grown, they can have as many as 12 leaves, providing ample hiding place for bettas.
Water spangles are also useful when it comes to filtering and cleaning the water, as they can suck out excess nutrients and control algae growth. Still, you may have to feed these plants extra fertilizers for them to reach their full potential.
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Duckweed
Duckweed is famous for its quick spread, which grows to cover the entire area of your tank’s surface within weeks. Not only does it provide coverage for bettas from light, but it also acts as a plant-based food for fish, making it a rather convenient floating plant.
On the other hand, duckweed’s growth is difficult to get rid of, which can be a problem unless you cut and trim it once every two to three days.
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Hornwort
Another type of floating plant that can take in excess nitrates, toxins, organic debris, and fish waste in your aquarium is hornwort. Besides, its leaves create the perfect shady habitat where bettas feel at home.
With a high tolerance level of water conditions, hornwort does not require much to grow and expand. Therefore, it is always the go-to option for newbies.
Unfortunately, hornwort sheds leaves frequently and these leaves have to be collected. If left untouched, they will decay quickly and may pollute your tank.
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Amazon frogbit
If you are looking for a plant that does not take over the water surface while still having flat, sturdy leaves, nothing beats Amazon frogbit. This type of floating plant is useful in blocking out the lights, as its leaves are wide and hard.
But still, Amazon frogbit comes with extremely lengthy roots. To prevent them from messing with your tank’s filters, you must keep the plants stuck to the side.
Advantages Of Floating Plants In Your Aquarium
They release oxygen into the water
Natural floating plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen directly into the water. As they keep this process ongoing, bettas are offered an unlimited source of oxygen for breathing and detoxing purposes.
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They clean the aquarium
Some floating plants feed on excess nutrients and control the growth of algae inside the tank. The microorganisms present in floating plants are also capable of filtering ammonia and nitrate levels in the water, thus minimizing contamination.
Rest assured that your bettas will benefit from such a clean, fresh environment.
They offer protection from excess light
Bettas cannot thrive when there is too much light. They prefer dark, dimly lit water bodies where they can roam around freely. Thus, floating plants in an aquarium help with offering enough shade for your bettas.
They can be used as food
Bettas – alongside several other species – have a knack for plant-based food. This is when floating plants come in handy. While they cannot replace real food, these leaves and roots are a substitute that keeps your bettas satisfied.
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They beautify the tank
Imagine how dull and boring your aquarium would be without some specks of green! When it comes to increasing the overall look of your tank, floating plants are an economical yet highly efficient solution.
Give them a few weeks, and your floating plants will turn the aquarium into a small underwater jungle, with leaves spreading and roots hanging all over the place.
Live Plants & Fake Plants: Which Is Better?
Live floating plants are a better option if you want more than just shading and covering purposes. These natural items will ensure the production of oxygen and the removal of harmful toxins inside the aquarium.
Furthermore, live plants nurture the underwater habitat, creating a homelike feeling for bettas, and can even become an alternative source of food when needed.
Their main disadvantages are how live plants need to be taken care of regularly since these plants can cover the water surface. Furthermore, not all floating plants are compatible with your tank, as some require specific lighting conditions.
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On the other hand, fake plants call for no maintenance, do not cost much in the long run, and are super easy to use. Feel free to pluck them out of your tank for cleaning and rearranging, then put them back inside once the job is done.
Another merit of fake plants is that they look new and fresh all the time, which is a big plus for anyone without green fingers.
But still, fake plants can harm small bettas as their leaves tend to have sharp edges.
Conclusion
Now that you know which the best floating plants for betta are, it is time to add some to your aquarium. Check out the pros and cons of each plant before making your final decision, and do not forget to tell us more about your choice in the comment section below!
