Silk Plants for Betta Bowls

Silk Plant Design

• Not every aquarium silk plant will be ideal for inclusion in your betta bowl. Betta fish have long, delicate fins that easily tear or become damaged. Plastic plants, therefore, are unacceptable. The silk aquarium plants need to have soft edges to prevent the fish from snagging its fins. Betta also enjoy swimming through and resting among plants, so silk plants that provide cover are preferred.

Pet Store Silk Plants

• Silk aquarium plants sold at pet stores or aquarium supply companies are specifically made to be used underwater with fish swimming among the plant. Silk plants made for fish bowls will have a weighted bottom or base that can be buried in the rocks at the bottom of the bowl to keep it securely in place. The silk plants will have been manufactured to sway and move with fluidity in the water.

Craft Store Silk Plants

• As tempting as it may be to forego the expense of purchasing your silk plants for your betta bowl at a craft supply or discount store, there are several risks in doing so. Dyes and fabric treatments on these non-aquarium specific silk plants may release into the water of your betta bowl. Additionally, most silk plants from craft and discount stores contain wire or metal rods to hold the plant structure. Not only can this metal tear your betta's fins, but the metal also could rust and release harmful elements into the water.

Maintenance

• Whenever you change the water in your betta bowl, usually once a week or when it appears cloudy, you will need to clean your silk plants. Wash the silk plants with the same specially prepared water for your betta bowl instead of using tap water to avoid introducing any chemicals into the fish's environment.