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Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 1:16 am
by furify
What's the best lighting setup for a 10-gallon betta tank? I've got a basic LED strip but worried it's too bright. They seem to hide a lot when it's on.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 2:44 am
by freshly
Yo, if your fish are hiding, that's a sign it's too intense. Bettas prefer dimmer light, like what you'd get under floating plants or a low-wattage LED. I run mine at 50% brightness for 8 hours, and my dude chills near the surface all day.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 3:30 am
by kaylornix
Agreed. I use a programmable LED with a sunrise/sunset feature. It mimics natural light cycles, and my betta's colors have improved. Just avoid direct sunlight or super bright whites—they'll wash out their vibrancy.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 5:22 am
by reefmaster
freshly wrote: ↑Wed Jun 18, 2025 2:44 am
Yo, if your fish are hiding, that's a sign it's too intense. Bettas prefer dimmer light, like what you'd get under floating plants or a low-wattage LED. I run mine at 50% brightness for 8 hours, and my dude chills near the surface all day.
Exactly this. Also, if you've got live plants, aim for 6500K color temp. It's soft enough for the fish but keeps plants healthy.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 7:12 am
by windy
Mine's in a 5-gallon with a cheap clip-on LED. No issues, but I only run it 6 hours. They don't need much. Just enough to see their food and not trip over decor.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 8:08 am
by furify
Thanks, all. Gonna dial back the brightness and add some floaters. Appreciate the tips!
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 8:41 am
by Ridgeborn
If you're gonna mess with floaters, duckweed or salvinia work great. They diffuse light naturally. Just don't let 'em take over—your betta still needs surface access.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:12 am
by sunsetfox
Seconding the sunrise/sunset feature! My guy flares less since I switched. It's like he's got a routine now. Also, red or blue LEDs at night look cool without stressing them.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 11:30 am
by crafty
I've got a 20-gallon community tank with a betta. The light's brighter for the plants, but I stacked driftwood to create shaded spots. He hangs out there when he's done showing off.
Re: Betta tank lighting requirements
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 12:36 pm
by tidesoul
Keep it simple. No fancy tech needed. My betta's in a jar with a desk lamp nearby. He's fine. Just don't blast 'em like a coral reef.