Not a fan of the scape but the Betta just looks super happy and lively in it. I like the how you only added one centre piece so the fish can swim around the entire bowl. People are disliking this before they even know he actual size :)
Hi Natlee, I appreciate your honesty, I’m always aiming to improve my scaping skills. You are totally right about some people misjudging the size of the bowl, I think it may look smaller on video than it does in person. Keep an eye out for my future videos; I would love to hear your feedback on my upcoming scapes.
Hi Jennifer, great question. I generally do 2 water changes a week of about 30-50%. And when I have an algae outbreak, I may perform more than that. It sounds like a lot of work, but removing and refilling 1-3 gallons during each water change is pretty quick.
Thank you, far too many betta fish are kept in tiny containers. I wanted to show that some reasonably sized bowls exist, and I hope people give their fish an upgrade after viewing the video.
I have read that Java fern and anubias do not do well in tanks without movement in the water column from a filter or airstone. Could you share whether you had any issues with those plants in this tank? I’m planning on doing a similar one for my beta. Thanks!
I'm new to the hobby. How often do you change the water and with the amount of plants you have I assume that it provides enough oxygen so you don't need anything else?
Hi Monique, great question, water changes need to be frequent in smaller tanks (like this bowl), otherwise algae will spread everywhere. And, since this bowl has no filter, frequent water changes also help oxygenate the water. This bowl setup can be somewhat high maintenance, so if you want a slightly easier setup I recommend getting a 5 gallon tank instead.
Every 3-4 days works well for water changes, and in a bowl this size changing 1 gallon is sufficient. If algae starts getting out of control you may need to increase it to every 2 days for a while.
Hi Daniel, thank you! I made an update video for this bowl where I demonstrate how to clean it, you can find it here: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
The article about the video says that you need a sponge filter and heater for the bowl. But it does not look like there is either in the video. Which is correct?
Hi Gilbert, this tank does contain a heater, it's hidden behind the wood. But, it does not contain a filter, which the article says is optional. Frequent water changes can take the place of a filter but must be performed consistently. Hope that helps!
Hi Angeline, Great question, Java fern and Anubias are my favorite plants to put in a betta fish tank. Both these plants tolerate low light and do not require gravel or substrate to grow. If you want to learn more about which aquatic plants work well in a betta tank, consider reading my article on the best plants for betta fish: zenaquaria.com/best-plants-for-betta-fish/
Even though the scape is great, was this much substrate necessary? And the rocks and driftwood, don't they take up space in the tank ? A 3 - 5 gallon bowl could easily become a 1 - 2.5 gallon with that much hardscape, aren't plants more than enough? The betta still doesn't have enough swimming space in a bowl like that, it would work fine if it was plants only
Hi Swati, yes I went a little heavy on the substrate, but I find that it helps water quality in the long term. A deeper substrate bed provides more surfaces for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. But yes, less substrate and more plants is a great option!
Hi Uzear, adding an air stone to a bowl like this is a great idea, extra aeration and water movement is very helpful. Another great option is adding a sponge filter, which is also operated using an air pump.
Hi Swaraj, cleaning this bowl is a little tricky but not terrible. Here's an update video I made on this bowl, and how I clean it: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
Hi Sultana, Great question. The time it takes for your tank/bowl to cycle will vary, depending on a variety of factors, but testing your water after 2-3 weeks should give you a better idea of whether your water is safe for fish. I find that having live plants in the tank from day one speeds up the cycling process, but results will vary so test often. Hope that helps.
Hi Laura, Good question! Most submersible filters are likely too big or too powerful for a bowl this size. I’m not aware of one small enough to fit this tank but it would be a great invention. But, a small sponge filter fits nicely in a bowl like this. While fewer water changes would be nice, in my experience, even with a filter they are necessary or you risk major algae outbreaks. Hope that helps.
Hi Nelly, glad to hear that you set up a bowl! You can find the exact heater I used in my article about this bowl aquascape, under the heading "Betta Bowl Heaters": zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
Hi Mellissa, great question! For this build, I used a mix of Eco Complete and Fluval Stratum, which are some of my favorite substrates for planted tanks. If you are interested in learning more about aquarium substrates, I wrote an article about my top picks: zenaquaria.com/best-substrate-for-planted-tanks/
Hi Rudra, I'm not sure what winters are like in India, but if temperatures drop below 21 Celsius then it's best to provide your betta fish with a heater.
Hi Melina, great question, glad you feel inspired! My update video on this bowl shows how to remove algae and keep the glass clean, you can find that video here: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
Hi Samuel, Excellent question, I typically place my substrate in a 5 gallon bucket and then hose it down repeatedly until the water looks clear. This can take some time depending on how dusty/dirty your substrate is. I mainly used Eco Complete in this setup but other substrates work well too. Here’s an article I wrote about my top picks for planted tank substrates if you want to learn more: zenaquaria.com/best-substrate-for-planted-tanks/
Hi FLPnotc, I have not sold a tank like this before, but I do wish they were more widely available. Glass tanks are heavy and tough to ship so the price would likely be kinda high. If you want to see where I got this one check out my article on this betta bowl: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
Hi Leanna, I purchased this bowl on Amazon, and it is glass, but stock tends to be limited and runs out pretty quickly. The bowl is called a CYS EXCEL (H-10 W-12). If you have trouble finding it, you can find an updated link in my blog article, under “Step 1: Find a Betta Fish Bowl”: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
I find it astonishing that this video is meant to help people. I mean how do you make a video and not say what temperature the water should be for the fish. Even if it's considered irrelevant because this video is created solely to help people setup the tank and not add the fish, or if it's assumed that people understand how to acclimatize. I mean the fish swims in water, do you think that would be a good idea to say what temperature it should be?
Hi Steven, Thanks for the feedback; this video is meant to inspire people to upgrade from tiny bowls and vases, which tend to be fatal for bettas. If you, and others, would find it helpful to go over betta fish care, like the correct temperature, I am happy to create a care video. I like to keep my videos focused on a specific topic, like tank setup, but I take your point.
@@stayzenaquaria I am quite blunt, boy am I an A Hole. Thanks for answering, your passion for bettas is just awesome. Would love to learn more and give my daughter Junie and son Vincent a better experience with our new betta Jackie :) Let's connect
No worries Steven! I appreciate your honesty. Stay tuned for more betta content in the future. Jackie is a great name for a betta fish, glad to hear that you and your family are enjoying keeping a betta. I do have an article on betta fish care (no video yet), which I will link below, and definitely reach out if you have any questions: zenaquaria.com/betta-fish-care/
Great question, I use tap water for my tanks (treated with aquarium conditioner). Distilled water has some specialized uses, but for most people tap water with aquarium conditioner is all you need to make the water safe for freshwater aquarium fish.
Thanks for the vid! Is there any technical need for substrate? Meaning is there some way that it affects the PH level or anything? I am thinking about attaching some plants to rocks/driftwood and adding surface floaters, but have not seen examples of betta environs that lack substrate, so maybe there's a reason that I'm missing - ?
Hi Articolate, Great question, some substrates do buffer the water, which means that they help keep the pH in a low but stable range. In general, if you add a buffering substrate to water with a pH of 8, it should lower that pH for a period of time. But, once the substrate is depleted of its buffering capability, the pH will likely rise again. If your water is on the softer side (below 7), the buffering should last longer. That being said, in a small tank where the water is regularly changed, there is no specific need for a buffering substrate unless you are trying to keep a specific species of tropical fish or freshwater shrimp that requires low and stable pH. Hope that helps. I would love to see a setup with only a mix rhizome plants (like java fern and anubias) and floating plants; I think that could work well for a betta bowl build!
Hi Vin, In my experience, keeping a betta fish in a 3 gallon bowl is definitely doable. I do agree that larger tanks for betta fish are generally better because they leave more room for error and water quality stays stable for longer. That being said, with frequent water changes, my personal opinion is that a 3 gallon bowl/tank is an adequate size, but only for those willing to take the extra time and attention needed to maintain excellent water conditions. A 5 gallon tank is easier to maintain and is a great size for a betta fish as well. I will be doing a video about setting one up soon, so stay tuned!
It's actually a substrate called Eco Complete. If you want to learn more about it and other substrates that I use in my aquascapes, check out my article on planted aquarium substrates here: zenaquaria.com/best-substrate-for-planted-tanks/
Hi Son Tran, that's right, I don't use a filter in this tank, but I do perform frequent water changes, which is key to controlling algae and keeping water quality high. You could use a small sponge filter in this bowl aquarium if you prefer to have a filter.
Great question, I wrote an article that details the steps I took and what products I used, including this exact bowl, you can find that here: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
Hi Yudong Chen, great idea, 5 gallon tanks make wonderful betta fish setups. I actually upgraded the betta fish in this video to a new 5 gallon, which you can see here: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html
Hi Kiri, Some aquatic plants require nutrient rich substrate to grow, but if you have rhizome type plants in your setup, like Java fern and Anubias, no particular substrate is needed as these plants are able to grow on almost any surface if given proper lighting and nutrients.
Hi Chandan, I change the water in this bowl about twice a week to keep algae growth in check. With small tanks, especially ones without a filter, frequent water changes are vital because waste and organic compounds build up quickly. As for a video about maintenance, I did an update where I perform a water change and bowl cleaning, which you can find here: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
Well if done fight bowls are perfect for a betta. You just gotta do your research about how make the bowl self sufficient. Live plants, bacteria growth, using sand inside of peabbles or rock for the substrate,etc. Bettas in my research dont do so hot in larger tanks to much swim space for their tiny fins to handle. Ive seen a betta that was 10 years old in a 3 gallon fish bowl.
Nice to hear about the 10 year old betta in a 3 gallon bowl! Completely agree about doing the research and having live plants. Lately I've been recommending 5 gallon setups for bettas because beginners often make mistakes with water quality and overfeeding, but, if done right, a 3+ gallon bowl is a great setup.
so the thing with fish bowls is that the shape causes the fishes vision to become warped and causes confusion.... I liked how you said that bowls are not ideal... keeping shrimp or snails might be better in a bowl tho....
Hi Sophia, Thanks for the info, I wasn’t able to find any research on fish vision and bowl shape, but I’d love to learn more. This bowl worked well for my betta, but I did upgrade him to a 5 gallon, which you can see here: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html. These bowls are excellent for snails and shrimp as you mentioned 👍
@@SparklingLemon430 ok.... have you heard of how fish bowl openings cannot support enough oxygen and how bubblers are requierd... also the shape allows more algea growth unless its cleaned a lot... I bet you are the type of person who dumps the whole bowl out killing any beneficial bacteria. Small spaces for fish are just not ok, you don't keep a dog in its kennel its whole life. Mabye fish vision and bowl shape are not related but bowls are still bad.. (sorry for bad spelling, I spoke spanish most of my life)
@@sophiawilliams8339 Okay, first of all, who said anything about small bowls? I certainly didnt. I have two 30L bowls set up which have been thriving for a little over a year. (Oh, spoiler alert: they have a filter and heater too.) I've been keeping fish a long time, so no, I don't just throw the whole bowl out. What a strange assumption. 😂 Don't make assumptions about people you don't know. And don't attack people when they correct your myths that you try to pass off as facts.
@@SparklingLemon430 ok... I will try to do better... im sorry for making assumptions... im used to people being dum f^cks and having spongebob decor when they say fish bowl... I am deeply sorry
I used Carib Sea’s Eco Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate for this setup. As for cleaning, I do a water change once a week (typically 30%) and I use a kitchen sponge (free of chemicals) to wipe algae off the glass. Maintenance is low but consistent water changes are key to keeping nutrient levels stable, which helps prevent algae blooms.
Hahah yes, these bowls make excellent shrimp tanks. My betta fish actually got an upgrade, which you can see in this video: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html
Hi Scupzoz, Thanks for your concern. I agree that bigger tanks are better for keeping any aquarium fish, This video is really intended to provide an easy and ethical alternative to the cups and vases that far too many people use to keep betta fish.
Of course! The plants used in this bowl setup are super hardy: 1. Alternanthera reineckii 2. Anubias barteri 3. Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) 4. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) 5. Java Moss (Vesicularia Dubyana)
@@stayzenaquaria More questions. Do U believe there is enough space to add a female companion comfortably for the? Also, do U use any blue shrimps, cherry shrimp, or snails as a clean up crew in this tank? I know its a no CO2, no ferts, and easy tank. Water changes weekly and a heater. Am I missing anything else?
Great questions! If you plan to keep a male betta in a bowl setup like this one, I would avoid keeping other fish with him, including a female betta. Betta splendens are very aggressive, especially toward their own kind. Sticking with one fish in a 3 gallon bowl also helps with maintaining water quality. Cherry shrimp and small snails are great options for a bowl like this because they do not produce much waste and will help keep the algae under control. If having more than one fish in a 3 gallon tank is a must for you, consider keeping 2-3 male Endler's livebearers (Poecilia wingei) in bowl like this. Endler’s are super colorful and have lots of personality. Whatever you choose to keep in your bowl, weekly water changes are critical to maintaining water quality, which helps prevent algae blooms and ammonia spikes. Also, before adding any fish to the bowl give it a couple weeks to cycle (when algae starts to appear the water is typically safe), otherwise that’s all! Let me know how it goes.
@@stayzenaquaria Thanks again for being so helpful and sharing such knowledge with me. I am already thinking about another bowl about the same size with a fancy guppy. Just like the betta, I believe he will have to be solo other then a clean up crew. I know tank cycles generally take about 30 days. For water changes, do U suggest spring water, distilled water, drinking water (not tap but in the store bought bottles), or RO water? How much of a water change? 10%? 30%? 50%? I know there is a point U don't want to do to much because U may disturb the pH balance.
Beautiful set up for plants but not a Betta. The bowl may hold 4 to 5 gallons but you used 60% of that space for substrate and hardscape leaving the betta with little swimming room. Betta need room to explore, a heater and a filter. No exceptions. He may look happy and healthy but we have no idea how long he's been in there. Not ethical.
Hi Connie, Thanks for your feedback, while I do believe that 3 gallons is sufficient for a betta fish to live in, I completely agree that a bigger tank generally better, especially for beginners who may be lax with water changes, and yes, this tank does have a heater. My intention was to show people that large bowls exist and could be used instead of tiny cups and half gallon bowls, which kill far too many fish. My betta actually got an upgrade to a 5 gallon, which you can see in this video: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html
This bowl holds close to 4 gallons, which is about the minimum for a betta fish. Most traditional fish bowls are much smaller, often a gallon or less, which is far too small for a betta.
@@stayzenaquaria , I agree with you. I've kept aquaria since the mid-1980's. There is this prevalent misunderstanding that if the aquarium container is round, it's bad. Cubical containers are good. Bowls are fine. What many overlook is volume. The true concerns for an aquarium are volume and surface area, regardless of shape. Water is a fluid and takes the shape of whatever contains it. Also as a fluid, water is displaced by objects. When you add substrate, decor, etc. to an aquarium, regardless whether it is a bowl or cubical, you lose actual water volume. In other words, a 5 gallon cubical aquarium does not hold 5 gallons of water. You may only have a little more than 3 gallons depending upon what is placed inside the aquarium. Surface area is affected by shape. You can have a good surface area with a cubical or round aquarium. This is especially important with labyrinth fish where some rectangular tanks are taller than they are wide. This prevalent misunderstanding among well-meaning betta keepers needs to end. Good job with the video.
Pranav Panzade i don’t think they really care if the aquarium is round as long as it’s big enough. Think about it this way, you chose between a boxed shape fish tank that holds 5 gallons or you can have a round bowl shaped 10 gallon fish tank would you choose? But any way that’s why I think bowls aren’t bad for betta fish as long as it’s big enough for the betta to thrive it will work.
Hi MA, thanks for your concern. The issue with most bowls is that they do not hold a sufficient amount of water to keep conditions stable for a fish. Think of it this way, if a fish bowl could hold 10 gallons of water, it would provide the same conditions as a 10-gallon rectangular tank because both hold the same volume of water. So, bowls are not categorically bad, but most are very small (often .5 to 1 gallon) and therefore unsuitable for aquarium fish. Hope that helps.
Hi Abigail, thanks for your concern, there is a heater in the tank (it’s hidden by the aquascape) and frequent water changes take the place of a filter. No abuse here.
Hello! Currently, I am using a small Pulaco heater purchased on Amazon, but they may be available other places as well. You can find a link to the exact heater model in my article under the heading “Betta Bowl Heaters”: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
Hi Meghan, he was sold to me as a koi betta, but he does possess some iridescent blue scales closer to his tail, which likely makes him a galaxy. Naming conventions for betta fish are kind of a mess, but if you search for “koi betta” you will find similar looking fish.
Finally a bowl that's fish friendly 😊
your betta fish is absolutely adorable
Thank you! I love watching him, he’s very active.
Not a fan of the scape but the Betta just looks super happy and lively in it. I like the how you only added one centre piece so the fish can swim around the entire bowl. People are disliking this before they even know he actual size :)
Hi Natlee,
I appreciate your honesty, I’m always aiming to improve my scaping skills. You are totally right about some people misjudging the size of the bowl, I think it may look smaller on video than it does in person. Keep an eye out for my future videos; I would love to hear your feedback on my upcoming scapes.
Just adopted a blind betta that can’t keep up in my other tanks so thanks for this!
Glad to hear that! Your betta is lucky to have you.
Hobby lobby has massive fish bowls and tons of styles!
Hi Jo, thanks for the info, I don't have one in my area but that sounds like a great potential source for massive bowls!
Send a link plz
This is probably the best looking and appropriate video of betta bowl here in CZcams. The betta even agrees, love to see more of your uploads.
Thanks Michael!! That means a lot!
Finally it is rare to find a good fish bowl
Thank you! I appreciate that.
For anyone who likes really big bowls but doesnt know where to find them, wholesale glass vases sells them online. Their biggest is 14 gallons
I find these video relaxing. Cools the head.
Thank you! Setting up a tank is relaxing for me, so I am glad that watching the set up is also relaxing.
Your beta looks so happy
Thanks Timothy, he definitely seems to enjoy himself, especially when it is feeding time!
OMG Duc Phuc , i like your cover version. Love it !
I'll interpret that as a thumbs up for the video, thanks!
Love the way it is narrated! Makes me want to get a Fish Bowl right away. Just watching calms you already! :-)
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Really enjoyed this and it was an inspiration
I am glad to hear that Lauren! If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Beautyfull for bettafish 🙏
Thank you, Herman! I appreciate that.
The only fish bowl I approve 🙇♀️
Thank you Elizacult, I appreciate that!
Great job. How's everything doing 4 months later?
Hi Anthony,
Things are going well, working on some new projects and videos, so stay tuned!
Beautiful 😍 question how often do you do a water change as you don't have filters
Hi Jennifer, great question. I generally do 2 water changes a week of about 30-50%. And when I have an algae outbreak, I may perform more than that. It sounds like a lot of work, but removing and refilling 1-3 gallons during each water change is pretty quick.
Beautiful result - simple and practical explanations
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
He is so active
Yes! He's very quick for a betta fish 😄
Good at first I was scared because it said bowl but the bowl you used was big enough
Thank you, far too many betta fish are kept in tiny containers. I wanted to show that some reasonably sized bowls exist, and I hope people give their fish an upgrade after viewing the video.
Beautiful little guy
Hi Orlando, thank you! I enjoy watching him immensely, his colors are unreal.
I have read that Java fern and anubias do not do well in tanks without movement in the water column from a filter or airstone. Could you share whether you had any issues with those plants in this tank? I’m planning on doing a similar one for my beta. Thanks!
I'm new to the hobby. How often do you change the water and with the amount of plants you have I assume that it provides enough oxygen so you don't need anything else?
Hi Monique, great question, water changes need to be frequent in smaller tanks (like this bowl), otherwise algae will spread everywhere. And, since this bowl has no filter, frequent water changes also help oxygenate the water. This bowl setup can be somewhat high maintenance, so if you want a slightly easier setup I recommend getting a 5 gallon tank instead.
So how often are the water changes? Every 3-4 days? Weekly?
Every 3-4 days works well for water changes, and in a bowl this size changing 1 gallon is sufficient. If algae starts getting out of control you may need to increase it to every 2 days for a while.
@@stayzenaquaria how do I change the water? I’m getting a betta fish soon and need to know how so I don’t kill it on accident 😅
Thanks for the video
Thank you for watching! It means a lot 😊
@@stayzenaquaria You are welcome. I also created a planted bowl..
Thanks, but what about a heater to keep the water at stable temperature?
Yes, great question Anna. This bowl aquarium actually does have a heater, it's hiding behind the wood and plants.
Would you mind sharing what heater you have? I just set up a bowl and need a heater for it.
Fish is very active...😃
Yes! Especially when it is feeding time 😄
Awesome job ! Super inspired :)
Thank you!! I appreciate that 😊
Beautiful! How you clean them?
Hi Daniel, thank you! I made an update video for this bowl where I demonstrate how to clean it, you can find it here: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
Which substrate did you use?
I have an article that talks about the equipment and materials used for this bowl aquascape, including substrate: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
The article about the video says that you need a sponge filter and heater for the bowl. But it does not look like there is either in the video. Which is correct?
Hi Gilbert, this tank does contain a heater, it's hidden behind the wood. But, it does not contain a filter, which the article says is optional. Frequent water changes can take the place of a filter but must be performed consistently. Hope that helps!
i have recently bought a betta fish and idk what plants are safe to put in his tank also is algae safe for him?!
Hi Angeline,
Great question, Java fern and Anubias are my favorite plants to put in a betta fish tank. Both these plants tolerate low light and do not require gravel or substrate to grow. If you want to learn more about which aquatic plants work well in a betta tank, consider reading my article on the best plants for betta fish: zenaquaria.com/best-plants-for-betta-fish/
So sick!
Thank you!
Even though the scape is great, was this much substrate necessary? And the rocks and driftwood, don't they take up space in the tank ? A 3 - 5 gallon bowl could easily become a 1 - 2.5 gallon with that much hardscape, aren't plants more than enough? The betta still doesn't have enough swimming space in a bowl like that, it would work fine if it was plants only
Hi Swati, yes I went a little heavy on the substrate, but I find that it helps water quality in the long term. A deeper substrate bed provides more surfaces for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. But yes, less substrate and more plants is a great option!
can we need to put air pump in this biwl
Hi Uzear, adding an air stone to a bowl like this is a great idea, extra aeration and water movement is very helpful. Another great option is adding a sponge filter, which is also operated using an air pump.
Cleaning this bowl would be a task...
Hi Swaraj, cleaning this bowl is a little tricky but not terrible. Here's an update video I made on this bowl, and how I clean it: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
How soon can we add beta to the planted bowl.. Its beautiful
Hi Sultana,
Great question. The time it takes for your tank/bowl to cycle will vary, depending on a variety of factors, but testing your water after 2-3 weeks should give you a better idea of whether your water is safe for fish. I find that having live plants in the tank from day one speeds up the cycling process, but results will vary so test often. Hope that helps.
Can you actually have a filter? Maybe a fully submersible one? I’d love a bowl but don’t want to do such frequent water changes
Hi Laura,
Good question! Most submersible filters are likely too big or too powerful for a bowl this size. I’m not aware of one small enough to fit this tank but it would be a great invention. But, a small sponge filter fits nicely in a bowl like this. While fewer water changes would be nice, in my experience, even with a filter they are necessary or you risk major algae outbreaks. Hope that helps.
Maybe, a sponge filter could fit in the middle. It could work pretty well! :)
Sponge filters are great! Highly recommend them.
@@stayzenaquaria Thank you! I have never owned a sponge filter before. Do you think they will work for a relocation tank for Zebra Danios tho?
Yes! A sponge filter would be excellent for a tank with zebra danios. Give one a try and let me know what you think. 👍
no need to cover the bowl? won't he jump out?
Did you add something to the water to make if fish safe?
I use tap water in my tanks so I use an aquarium water conditioner every time I perform a water change.
Would you mind sharing what heater you used? I just set up a bowl and need a heater for it.
Hi Nelly, glad to hear that you set up a bowl! You can find the exact heater I used in my article about this bowl aquascape, under the heading "Betta Bowl Heaters": zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
What kind of sub street do I use? Is that just potting soil?
Hi Mellissa, great question! For this build, I used a mix of Eco Complete and Fluval Stratum, which are some of my favorite substrates for planted tanks. If you are interested in learning more about aquarium substrates, I wrote an article about my top picks: zenaquaria.com/best-substrate-for-planted-tanks/
How to keep it in winter in india
Hi Rudra, I'm not sure what winters are like in India, but if temperatures drop below 21 Celsius then it's best to provide your betta fish with a heater.
I want to make a tank like this.. how do you maintain/clean it ?
Hi Melina, great question, glad you feel inspired! My update video on this bowl shows how to remove algae and keep the glass clean, you can find that video here: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
@@stayzenaquaria awesome, thanks!
So for pre washing the dirt do i just clean it with water and what kind of substrate.
Hi Samuel,
Excellent question, I typically place my substrate in a 5 gallon bucket and then hose it down repeatedly until the water looks clear. This can take some time depending on how dusty/dirty your substrate is. I mainly used Eco Complete in this setup but other substrates work well too. Here’s an article I wrote about my top picks for planted tank substrates if you want to learn more: zenaquaria.com/best-substrate-for-planted-tanks/
Do you end up selling these tanks? how much would you sell them for?
Hi FLPnotc, I have not sold a tank like this before, but I do wish they were more widely available. Glass tanks are heavy and tough to ship so the price would likely be kinda high. If you want to see where I got this one check out my article on this betta bowl: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
Where did you get the 4 gallon bowl? Can you provide a link? And is it glass or plastic?
Hi Leanna,
I purchased this bowl on Amazon, and it is glass, but stock tends to be limited and runs out pretty quickly. The bowl is called a CYS EXCEL (H-10 W-12). If you have trouble finding it, you can find an updated link in my blog article, under “Step 1: Find a Betta Fish Bowl”: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
After how lpng we must change the plants and water plz telll
Hi! I have an update video that might answer your questions, you can find it here: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
@@stayzenaquaria thanks
I find it astonishing that this video is meant to help people. I mean how do you make a video and not say what temperature the water should be for the fish. Even if it's considered irrelevant because this video is created solely to help people setup the tank and not add the fish, or if it's assumed that people understand how to acclimatize. I mean the fish swims in water, do you think that would be a good idea to say what temperature it should be?
Hi Steven,
Thanks for the feedback; this video is meant to inspire people to upgrade from tiny bowls and vases, which tend to be fatal for bettas. If you, and others, would find it helpful to go over betta fish care, like the correct temperature, I am happy to create a care video. I like to keep my videos focused on a specific topic, like tank setup, but I take your point.
@@stayzenaquaria I am quite blunt, boy am I an A Hole. Thanks for answering, your passion for bettas is just awesome. Would love to learn more and give my daughter Junie and son Vincent a better experience with our new betta Jackie :) Let's connect
No worries Steven! I appreciate your honesty. Stay tuned for more betta content in the future. Jackie is a great name for a betta fish, glad to hear that you and your family are enjoying keeping a betta. I do have an article on betta fish care (no video yet), which I will link below, and definitely reach out if you have any questions: zenaquaria.com/betta-fish-care/
Did u use distilled water? I’m new to this
Great question, I use tap water for my tanks (treated with aquarium conditioner). Distilled water has some specialized uses, but for most people tap water with aquarium conditioner is all you need to make the water safe for freshwater aquarium fish.
How large is the bowl?
Hi Hannah,
The bowl is 12 x 12 x 10 inches, which means it holds over 3 gallons of water. Hope that helps!
@@stayzenaquaria Thanks.
Thanks for the vid! Is there any technical need for substrate? Meaning is there some way that it affects the PH level or anything? I am thinking about attaching some plants to rocks/driftwood and adding surface floaters, but have not seen examples of betta environs that lack substrate, so maybe there's a reason that I'm missing - ?
Hi Articolate,
Great question, some substrates do buffer the water, which means that they help keep the pH in a low but stable range. In general, if you add a buffering substrate to water with a pH of 8, it should lower that pH for a period of time. But, once the substrate is depleted of its buffering capability, the pH will likely rise again. If your water is on the softer side (below 7), the buffering should last longer. That being said, in a small tank where the water is regularly changed, there is no specific need for a buffering substrate unless you are trying to keep a specific species of tropical fish or freshwater shrimp that requires low and stable pH. Hope that helps. I would love to see a setup with only a mix rhizome plants (like java fern and anubias) and floating plants; I think that could work well for a betta bowl build!
@@stayzenaquaria thanks! I don't know how to heart this, but it was a great answer 😊
I have a 3 gallon bowl for my betta and people say he needs a tank. Should I buy a tank?
Hi Vin,
In my experience, keeping a betta fish in a 3 gallon bowl is definitely doable. I do agree that larger tanks for betta fish are generally better because they leave more room for error and water quality stays stable for longer. That being said, with frequent water changes, my personal opinion is that a 3 gallon bowl/tank is an adequate size, but only for those willing to take the extra time and attention needed to maintain excellent water conditions. A 5 gallon tank is easier to maintain and is a great size for a betta fish as well. I will be doing a video about setting one up soon, so stay tuned!
Thank you so much for the advice 😀
is that soil ?
It's actually a substrate called Eco Complete. If you want to learn more about it and other substrates that I use in my aquascapes, check out my article on planted aquarium substrates here: zenaquaria.com/best-substrate-for-planted-tanks/
Can we keep shrimps in it?
Yes! It makes a great tank for shrimp.
No filtration?
Hi Son Tran, that's right, I don't use a filter in this tank, but I do perform frequent water changes, which is key to controlling algae and keeping water quality high. You could use a small sponge filter in this bowl aquarium if you prefer to have a filter.
Where did you buy that fish bowl
Great question, I wrote an article that details the steps I took and what products I used, including this exact bowl, you can find that here: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
Betta seeing another Betta: my day is ruined and my disappointment is immeasurable
😂
I have a one gallon but IM GOIN TO GET A FIVE GALLON
Hi Yudong Chen, great idea, 5 gallon tanks make wonderful betta fish setups. I actually upgraded the betta fish in this video to a new 5 gallon, which you can see here: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html
Can I use anything as a substrate?
Hi Kiri,
Some aquatic plants require nutrient rich substrate to grow, but if you have rhizome type plants in your setup, like Java fern and Anubias, no particular substrate is needed as these plants are able to grow on almost any surface if given proper lighting and nutrients.
How often do u change the water and how do u change the water please make video of it.
Hi Chandan,
I change the water in this bowl about twice a week to keep algae growth in check. With small tanks, especially ones without a filter, frequent water changes are vital because waste and organic compounds build up quickly. As for a video about maintenance, I did an update where I perform a water change and bowl cleaning, which you can find here: czcams.com/video/HWkhQO-ADJ0/video.html
Is this cycled?
Yes, I always recommend cycling your tanks before adding fish or any other aquatic creatures.
Well if done fight bowls are perfect for a betta. You just gotta do your research about how make the bowl self sufficient. Live plants, bacteria growth, using sand inside of peabbles or rock for the substrate,etc. Bettas in my research dont do so hot in larger tanks to much swim space for their tiny fins to handle. Ive seen a betta that was 10 years old in a 3 gallon fish bowl.
Nice to hear about the 10 year old betta in a 3 gallon bowl! Completely agree about doing the research and having live plants. Lately I've been recommending 5 gallon setups for bettas because beginners often make mistakes with water quality and overfeeding, but, if done right, a 3+ gallon bowl is a great setup.
What was the last tiny plants you added?
Great question, and good catch! I believe it was some Hydrocotyle tripartita.
@@stayzenaquaria Thanks
Where did you buy your driftwood?
I bought it online, but check your local pet store.
so the thing with fish bowls is that the shape causes the fishes vision to become warped and causes confusion.... I liked how you said that bowls are not ideal... keeping shrimp or snails might be better in a bowl tho....
Hi Sophia,
Thanks for the info, I wasn’t able to find any research on fish vision and bowl shape, but I’d love to learn more. This bowl worked well for my betta, but I did upgrade him to a 5 gallon, which you can see here: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html. These bowls are excellent for snails and shrimp as you mentioned 👍
That's actually a myth and there has never been any evidence to support it
@@SparklingLemon430 ok.... have you heard of how fish bowl openings cannot support enough oxygen and how bubblers are requierd... also the shape allows more algea growth unless its cleaned a lot... I bet you are the type of person who dumps the whole bowl out killing any beneficial bacteria. Small spaces for fish are just not ok, you don't keep a dog in its kennel its whole life. Mabye fish vision and bowl shape are not related but bowls are still bad.. (sorry for bad spelling, I spoke spanish most of my life)
@@sophiawilliams8339 Okay, first of all, who said anything about small bowls? I certainly didnt. I have two 30L bowls set up which have been thriving for a little over a year. (Oh, spoiler alert: they have a filter and heater too.) I've been keeping fish a long time, so no, I don't just throw the whole bowl out. What a strange assumption. 😂 Don't make assumptions about people you don't know. And don't attack people when they correct your myths that you try to pass off as facts.
@@SparklingLemon430 ok... I will try to do better... im sorry for making assumptions... im used to people being dum f^cks and having spongebob decor when they say fish bowl... I am deeply sorry
Decors too big. Less water space. 😑😒
How do you clean it and what kind of substrate is that
I used Carib Sea’s Eco Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate for this setup. As for cleaning, I do a water change once a week (typically 30%) and I use a kitchen sponge (free of chemicals) to wipe algae off the glass. Maintenance is low but consistent water changes are key to keeping nutrient levels stable, which helps prevent algae blooms.
nice…
For a SHRIMP!
Hahah yes, these bowls make excellent shrimp tanks. My betta fish actually got an upgrade, which you can see in this video: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html
You don’t need a filter.
Correct, frequent water changes can take the place of a filter.
Betta fish needs bigger aqvarium
Hi Scupzoz,
Thanks for your concern. I agree that bigger tanks are better for keeping any aquarium fish, This video is really intended to provide an easy and ethical alternative to the cups and vases that far too many people use to keep betta fish.
Oh plant names. Please!
Of course! The plants used in this bowl setup are super hardy:
1. Alternanthera reineckii
2. Anubias barteri
3. Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)
4. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
5. Java Moss (Vesicularia Dubyana)
Ahh! Thank U SO much!
This is for sure my inspiration video. For sure.
@@stayzenaquaria More questions.
Do U believe there is enough space to add a female companion comfortably for the?
Also, do U use any blue shrimps, cherry shrimp, or snails as a clean up crew in this tank?
I know its a no CO2, no ferts, and easy tank. Water changes weekly and a heater. Am I missing anything else?
Great questions! If you plan to keep a male betta in a bowl setup like this one, I would avoid keeping other fish with him, including a female betta. Betta splendens are very aggressive, especially toward their own kind. Sticking with one fish in a 3 gallon bowl also helps with maintaining water quality. Cherry shrimp and small snails are great options for a bowl like this because they do not produce much waste and will help keep the algae under control. If having more than one fish in a 3 gallon tank is a must for you, consider keeping 2-3 male Endler's livebearers (Poecilia wingei) in bowl like this. Endler’s are super colorful and have lots of personality. Whatever you choose to keep in your bowl, weekly water changes are critical to maintaining water quality, which helps prevent algae blooms and ammonia spikes. Also, before adding any fish to the bowl give it a couple weeks to cycle (when algae starts to appear the water is typically safe), otherwise that’s all! Let me know how it goes.
@@stayzenaquaria Thanks again for being so helpful and sharing such knowledge with me. I am already thinking about another bowl about the same size with a fancy guppy. Just like the betta, I believe he will have to be solo other then a clean up crew.
I know tank cycles generally take about 30 days.
For water changes, do U suggest spring water, distilled water, drinking water (not tap but in the store bought bottles), or RO water?
How much of a water change? 10%? 30%? 50%? I know there is a point U don't want to do to much because U may disturb the pH balance.
Beautiful set up for plants but not a Betta. The bowl may hold 4 to 5 gallons but you used 60% of that space for substrate and hardscape leaving the betta with little swimming room. Betta need room to explore, a heater and a filter. No exceptions. He may look happy and healthy but we have no idea how long he's been in there. Not ethical.
Hi Connie,
Thanks for your feedback, while I do believe that 3 gallons is sufficient for a betta fish to live in, I completely agree that a bigger tank generally better, especially for beginners who may be lax with water changes, and yes, this tank does have a heater. My intention was to show people that large bowls exist and could be used instead of tiny cups and half gallon bowls, which kill far too many fish. My betta actually got an upgrade to a 5 gallon, which you can see in this video: czcams.com/video/mSh3dKVfmy8/video.html
Still your betta need more space I guess
Any bowl is not suitable for betta
This bowl holds close to 4 gallons, which is about the minimum for a betta fish. Most traditional fish bowls are much smaller, often a gallon or less, which is far too small for a betta.
@@stayzenaquaria , I agree with you. I've kept aquaria since the mid-1980's. There is this prevalent misunderstanding that if the aquarium container is round, it's bad. Cubical containers are good. Bowls are fine. What many overlook is volume.
The true concerns for an aquarium are volume and surface area, regardless of shape. Water is a fluid and takes the shape of whatever contains it. Also as a fluid, water is displaced by objects. When you add substrate, decor, etc. to an aquarium, regardless whether it is a bowl or cubical, you lose actual water volume. In other words, a 5 gallon cubical aquarium does not hold 5 gallons of water. You may only have a little more than 3 gallons depending upon what is placed inside the aquarium.
Surface area is affected by shape. You can have a good surface area with a cubical or round aquarium. This is especially important with labyrinth fish where some rectangular tanks are taller than they are wide.
This prevalent misunderstanding among well-meaning betta keepers needs to end. Good job with the video.
@@keith161 Your explanation about tank shapes, volume, and surface area is right on point, thank you!
Pranav Panzade i don’t think they really care if the aquarium is round as long as it’s big enough. Think about it this way, you chose between a boxed shape fish tank that holds 5 gallons or you can have a round bowl shaped 10 gallon fish tank would you choose? But any way that’s why I think bowls aren’t bad for betta fish as long as it’s big enough for the betta to thrive it will work.
@@keith161 that is a great explanation.
It’s a bad idea to keep any fish in a bowl.
Hi MA, thanks for your concern. The issue with most bowls is that they do not hold a sufficient amount of water to keep conditions stable for a fish. Think of it this way, if a fish bowl could hold 10 gallons of water, it would provide the same conditions as a 10-gallon rectangular tank because both hold the same volume of water. So, bowls are not categorically bad, but most are very small (often .5 to 1 gallon) and therefore unsuitable for aquarium fish. Hope that helps.
Bad idea
Thanks for the feedback 👍
This is abuse a betta needs a heater and a filter
Hi Abigail, thanks for your concern, there is a heater in the tank (it’s hidden by the aquascape) and frequent water changes take the place of a filter. No abuse here.
For the heater it depend if an owner live in a tropical country.
🙄 the plants help keep the water clean this is not abuse the fish is clearly happy and thriving.
great video, thank you, i did find inspiration to make one as well.. also could you please tell me the name of the song? thank you.
Glad to hear that! I believe it part of a track called Out of Body Experience by Mind of God Sounds.
which heater do you use in this bowl?
Hello! Currently, I am using a small Pulaco heater purchased on Amazon, but they may be available other places as well. You can find a link to the exact heater model in my article under the heading “Betta Bowl Heaters”: zenaquaria.com/planted-betta-bowl/
What variety of Betta is that?
Hi Meghan, he was sold to me as a koi betta, but he does possess some iridescent blue scales closer to his tail, which likely makes him a galaxy. Naming conventions for betta fish are kind of a mess, but if you search for “koi betta” you will find similar looking fish.