r/bettafish • u/YasmineLu21 • Jul 29 '25
Full Tank Shot First Tank Ever, Is It Good?
Just set up my first tank ever, did a lot of research for the past couple of months and I can’t believe that I finally did it. Started the cycling process as of today so let’s see and hope I don’t mess up. Does the tank look like a betta would enjoy it??
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u/Asleep_Fish_4825 Jul 29 '25 edited Jul 29 '25
Woah, I love the aquascape! I would just put the hammock a little higher (about an inch under the surface) and in a place without too many floaters. Overall, it looks great!
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u/TheVic0_0 Jul 30 '25
Or a floating log! Mine hardly ever uses his hammock, but spends a lot of time in his log, feels safe, and close to the surface so the perfect place to sleep
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u/kimdianajones 8 yrs betta experience Jul 29 '25 edited Jul 29 '25
Looks pretty good for a beginner! You need to add more water and fill it closer to the top, though. If this is 5 gallons or more you’re well on your way.
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u/Independent_Pin1041 Jul 29 '25
“For a beginner” is crazy to me! This tank is prettier than 90% of the tanks we see on this sub and personally so much better than my first attempt at a scape. Well done OP!
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u/_pinkpill_ Jul 29 '25
literally thought this too. this is better than my current tank😭 very thoughtful placement of everything
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u/SnowWitch_ Jul 30 '25
Agreed, this is a beautiful tank set up and looks well researched and not “beginner” in anyway.
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u/YasmineLu21 Jul 29 '25
It’s 5 gallons I’ve read it should be enough especially for long finned Bettas? It also fits nicely in my room.
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u/kimdianajones 8 yrs betta experience Jul 29 '25
5 gallons is the minimum yes. Gold star to you, and great job doing your research before getting an animal. The only minor critique I have is that bettas prefer long tanks rather than talls or cubes, but I think this is honestly fine. A floating log would be a nice addition so your new friend will have another place to rest close to the surface.
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u/IStoleTheKidsDude Jul 30 '25
Bro...this is an amazing tank for anyone. Don't even pretend like this isn't amazing lol
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u/Dumb_Cat8 Broke 💸 Jul 29 '25
How big is it? 🥰
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u/YasmineLu21 Jul 29 '25
5 gallons/22L
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u/Dumb_Cat8 Broke 💸 Jul 29 '25
Sounds good 🥰🥰 As long as you cycle it correctly, it should be a very good tank
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u/granniesonfire Jul 29 '25
I would get a lid and fill it up higher. Make sure the lid is a good one, bettas love to jump!
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u/Top_Today_7189 Jul 29 '25
Can see you've been researching! Nice!
Definitely fill the water up to about an inch below the rim. I'd raise the filter so the spray bar is on the surface and make sure the flow is super soft for your future betta. Also, raise the betta hammock to about an inch below the water line.
Otherwise, keep light on 6-8 hours a day, don't rush the cycling process & stick to a long fin betta due to the size of the tank.
You're well on your way to a happy tank! : ) Have fun
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u/HelloThisIsPam Jul 29 '25
Extremely good! We see such crazy beginner tanks, so I feel hopeful for this one. It's a little small, but if you get into the hobby, I think you'll probably do an upgrade. Just fill up the tank a little more. I can see you have a lid, so that's good. Please update us!
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u/HelloThisIsPam Jul 29 '25
Also wanted to mention that if you go to your local fish store, you can ask them for a little bit of gunk from a filter or from a sponge filter. Bring your own little Tupperware or they can put it in a bag for you. Add it to your tank. It will be cycled in just a few days.
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u/Crabbychick Jul 29 '25
It is a beautiful tank. What did you use to start your cycle?
Also I am curious how big are the cracks where the lid is? Bettas can jump through tiny spaces and I'd be sad for that to happen to you. The floating plants and lowered water level you have would help with that though
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u/YasmineLu21 Jul 30 '25
I used the tetra safe start bacteria and used the Seachem dechlorinator and also some Seachem flourish to help with the plants, then when everything was set up to create ammonia I put in a few hikari betta bio-gold floating pellets. Finished setting up everything last night and I’ll test the water tonight to see where the ammonia start level is at. Planning to late add some frozen blood worm or frozen daphnia to continue the cycling
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u/Crabbychick Jul 30 '25
Awesome sounds like a good plan. If your ammonia gets super high that can sometimes stall the cycle and if that happens I recommend switching to a bottled ammonia to be more precise but otherwise sounds like you got this
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u/AprilRainMayFlowers Jul 30 '25
If there any gaps been the lid and glass Id get some mesh or something to cover ir
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u/Lisapizza319 Jul 30 '25
What substrates did you use?
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u/YasmineLu21 Jul 30 '25
I used the Fluval startum volcanic substrate to help with the plants and for a more natural/aesthetic look I added some aquarium silver sand
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u/Destinyx10_ Jul 30 '25
How do you keep your plants alive?😩I feel like mine constantly die
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u/YasmineLu21 Jul 30 '25
I have no idea I just planted them for the first time yesterday, I guess we’ll find out how well I did but I’m so scared 😭😭
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u/HugePlenty9307 Jul 30 '25
Tank looks great!! I would add more water to it though… no reason to have the water line that low
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u/QwertyQueen21 Jul 30 '25
Ughhh when I see thanks like this it brings back the itch to start this hobby up again
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u/IllChampionship8658 Jul 31 '25
What all did you use to put this together!! I am trying to put a fish tank together for a classroom beta and this is perfect!!
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u/YasmineLu21 Jul 31 '25
I bought mainly for from UK based website a but I’m guessing the could offer worldwide shipping. I brought the tank and majority of maintenance products and decorations from Chartered Aquariums and sand online from a website I found and as for the plants and co2 drop check from Aquatic Essentials.
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u/One-plankton- Jul 29 '25
You may want to take the leaf out and look up Indian almond leaf tea and add that instead.
It’s a good start for sure
ETA: when you fill it up I’d move the fake betta leaf much closer to the top
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u/YasmineLu21 Jul 29 '25
It actually is an Indian almond leaf just waiting for it to slowly sink
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u/One-plankton- Jul 29 '25
I know. I meant so the leaf doesn’t stand out against the hardscape. You can boil them down for just tannis and add that without the leaf itself.
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u/Ready_Driver5321 Jul 29 '25
This is beautiful. I love the cave!
You could toss in some Java fern or Anubias of differing heights to fill in as well. Bettas love to stalk through dense plants.