Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

The sub forum dedicated to one of the most incredible fish in our hobby. Betta ask your questions in here!
Riven
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:14 pm

Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by Riven »

Been debating whether to switch my betta's tank to live plants or stick with fake ones. What's everyone's experience with both? My guy's in a 5-gallon with a sponge filter, and I'm worried about maintenance.
User avatar
cataly
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:17 am

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by cataly »

Live plants are way better if you can manage them. They help with water quality and give your fish more natural hiding spots. Just start with something easy like java fern or anubias.
User avatar
oceanblue9
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed May 31, 2023 1:32 am

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by oceanblue9 »

I've used both, and my betta seems way more active with live plants. Plus, they're gonna look way cooler once they grow in. Just gotta watch out for algae if your lighting's too strong.
User avatar
trailblz
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2024 2:17 am

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by trailblz »

Riven wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 7:51 am Been debating whether to switch my betta's tank to live plants or stick with fake ones. What's everyone's experience with both? My guy's in a 5-gallon with a sponge filter, and I'm worried about maintenance.
Don't stress too much about maintenance. Live plants aren't as hard as they seem, and they make the tank feel more natural. Your betta will thank you.
User avatar
morrow
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Sep 15, 2024 8:11 pm

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by morrow »

Live plants are superior for nitrate control and oxygenation. If you're concerned about maintenance, stick to low-light species like java moss or marimo balls. They require minimal care and thrive in most conditions.
User avatar
Blazer
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri May 20, 2022 3:59 pm

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by Blazer »

Fake plants are easier, but live ones are worth the effort. My betta loves swimming through the leaves, and it's way more fun to watch.
Bionic
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:27 pm

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by Bionic »

I switched to live plants last year, and my betta's colors got brighter. Might be coincidence, but I'm sticking with them.
User avatar
purrlo_9
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat May 25, 2024 9:26 pm

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by purrlo_9 »

Live plants all the way, dude. They're legit the best thing for your fish. Just grab some floaters like frogbit if you're lazy. They grow like crazy and don't need much light.
minti
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:56 pm

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by minti »

oceanblue9 wrote: Mon Jun 09, 2025 10:29 am I've used both, and my betta seems way more active with live plants. Plus, they're gonna look way cooler once they grow in. Just gotta watch out for algae if your lighting's too strong.
Yep, algae can be a pain, but it's manageable with a nerite snail or two. They're chill and won't mess with your betta.
User avatar
whetu
Posts: 110
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2022 8:38 am

Re: Live plants vs. fake plants for Bettas

Post by whetu »

Fake plants are fine if you're not into the whole live plant thing. Just make sure they're silk so they don't tear your betta's fins.
Post Reply