It's this product (avoid the bio-stratum, it's too fine) which is meant to be used in aquariums/tanks. It's texture and mineral richness is perfect for rooting, you just wet it and stick some cutting in there--within a week you'll see roots starting from pretty much anything.
I used 1 bag of 8.8-Pound Fluval Stratum for my 12 gal tank.
Oh I suggested the different gravel, preferably this fluval stratum because it gives off nutrients to plants in the tank, which, your betta needs. Plants give off extra oxygen and help regulate the nitrogen cycle (less water changes!) as well as giving a place for the fish to hide and rest, I didn’t get rid of my old neon orange gravel and instead did a design on top of the fluval stratum substrate! :)
Yeah, I'm using Fluval substrate for my 10 gallon. My tank itself should be fine since I bought it new and I've never medicated it. I think it's something wrong with my tap water
Soil as bottom layer. A couple of different types of sand for the front and 2 different types of more rocky substrate in the back by the stem plants.
Here are some. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JMABYUO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I1PO4I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OTW77K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Layers, you want a substrate under the sand that can sustain the plants. If you use root tabs you'll not need this then. At least thats my understanding. .
I've seen a lot of tanks with layers and I really dig the sort of cross section of riverbed look. Sort of like this. So I'll be doing something similar.
As others have said you'll probably want to upgrade your tank size. I'm not sure where you live but if you leave near a petco I believe they are still having a dollar per gallon sale that includes 10g, 20g, and 29g tanks. Generally, getting the largest tank you can afford that will also fit in the space you wish to put it in is suggested for beginners. The larger the tank the more diluted any pollutants will be, making it a bit easier to care for. Just make sure your have a proper heater/filter for it.
As far as plants/substrate goes, plants are overall really good for your betta and kind of act as filter media, the more plants the better! Good starter plants are generally any sort of low light plants. Plants like java fern, really any sort of Anubis, amazon sword, crypt. lucens, banana plant, etc. You can buy them from a local fish store if you have one, or online. Ive personally purchased a bunch of plants from Aquarium coop and thus far they've all done very well. For substrate in my tanks I usually use Fluval's Stratum or Seachem's Flourite. If you do end up getting live plants you'll also want to add some sort of fertilizer to your water. Ive been using APIs Leaf Zone because I got it for a good price, and its been doing just fine. Although, I believe most people use Seachem Flourish. If you have plants that actually go into the substrate getting Root Tabs will help those plants a bunch.
If you have any more questions I'd be willing to help you. Just let me know ;) Also good luck!
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMABYUO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Grab a bag of this if it's available to you and watch it blow your mind.
alright, here's what I'd do:
for substrate, go with a two separate layers, the bottom layer being Fluval Stratum, for plant nutrients, and the top can be some naturally colored gravel.
for hides, you can do something like a coconut husk, a rock cave, or a hollow log as a hiding place for the fish.
If you would be willing to do live plants, I'd recommend plants such as Cryptocoryne, vallisneria, and/or Tiger Lotus, which come from the same areas as the fish you plan to get/ already have.
Finally, here are some other choices for Betta tankmates, in case you wanted other options.
These are all just recommendations ofc, and I wish you good luck on whatever you decide to do.
First of all, kudos to you for realizing they were hurting your betta. You clearly care about your baby, so here are some of my recommendations for rocks to put in your tanks.
If you’re looking for substrate (AKA gravel or something to cover the bottom of the tank) I’d recommend…
Fluval Stratum- This isn’t a gravel based substrate, but is instead similar to aqua soil. This is great for planted tanks, and also isn’t considered rough at all. If you choose to use this, I don’t recommend rinsing it first because sometimes it will break down before putting it in the tank. Instead, lower your water level, pour in your stratum, and disperse it along the bottom of your tank. To get rid of all the particles that will flor around, do a 20% water change or so afterwards, the let your filter clean out the rest.
Seachem Flourite- very similar to Fluval Stratum, see directions above.
Regular gravel- almost all types of gravel will be okay. The important thing to look for is simple, smooth pebbles (like this.)Also be careful on getting artificially colored gravel, as the paint will eventually chip off.
What substrate NOT to get.
Any painted glass stones like this. Once again, the paint will get into your water.
Anything sharp- you get the idea, I’m sure
If you’re looking for aquascaping rocks, there are a multitude of options on these sites-
Glassaqua Buceplant Aquascapeshop
Most any rocks will do from these sites, or any you can usually find online. If you get any of these, double check for ragged or rough edges and sand down appropriately before placing them into your tank. Hope this helps!
Ended up buying Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, For Fish Tanks, 8.8 lbs., https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMABYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_E8C5Z4G92072BJWAD24B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Sorry again!
Sorry about that!
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum, for Fish Tanks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMABYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_F305D5QKF3DRG57M8TM6
I used Fluval in my tank.
I don't recommend it. Plants have a tough time weaving roots through it, and over time the red clay disperses. I purchased this red clay covered gravel
But started using fluval stratum in my other planted tanks. Tissue samples and clippings root much faster in this. It is similar to the ADA Amazonia aquascaper Takashi Amano uses.
Thanks!! Ill put links up, and yes co2 injection. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMABYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_MBnZFbCGEB8MD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G91L6FV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_MDnZFbZWCS9KQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you do plants you need substrate, not just rocks, I'd recommend this substrate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMABYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_b1r1GKGo4Bcwz And this filter make sure it's the 50 gal https://www.petsmart.com/fish/filters-and-pumps/filters/fluval-aqua-clear-power-filter-16885.html
Fluval stratum planted. Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Planting Substrate, 4 kg https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JMABYUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XFJzFbJEPKDEH