This beginner's guide walks you through setting up a thriving 10-gallon divided betta tank, perfect for housing two male bettas without the territorial aggression that often occurs in a single tank. We'll cover every step, from substrate selection to plant choices and essential equipment, ensuring a visually appealing and healthy environment for your finned friends. This guide emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness, making it ideal for novice aquarists looking to create a stunning and functional habitat.Learn how to select the right substrate, featuring a combination of Fluval stratum for live plants and black gravel for visual contrast. Discover our recommended plant choices, including Lililia cardinalis, Amazon sword, and Anubias, and how to strategically place decorations to create a unique and engaging environment on each side of the divider. We'll also cover essential equipment like fully cycled sponge filters and heaters, and the importance of water conditioning, ensuring a healthy and comfortable home for your bettas.
Read more: Fish Tank Dividers: A Comprehensive Review of Types and Uses
Substrate and Base Layer
For the substrate, I chose Fluval stratum, an excellent choice for live plants. Remember to rinse it thoroughly but gently using a slow stream of water to prevent damage. This ensures the stratum doesn't break down during the setup process. A thin layer of black gravel was added on top for a nice contrast and to anchor some of the plants. This adds visual depth to the tank without overpowering the plants.
Planting and Filtration
I selected a variety of plants, including Lililia cardinalis, Amazon sword, and Anubias. These offer different textures and growth patterns, creating a visually appealing environment. Each side of the divided tank received its own plants and a fully cycled sponge filter, ensuring a healthy environment for the bettas. This provides effective filtration without disturbing the peace of the inhabitants.
Decorations and Water Parameters
Several decorations were strategically placed to enhance the tank's aesthetic appeal. Anubias were attached to a decorative tree. The water was treated with a conditioner (Prime) to neutralize chlorine and chloramine. Heaters were added, necessary given the cooler temperatures, ensuring the betta's thrive in a comfortable environment.
I waited for the water to settle before carefully introducing the bettas to their new homes, allowing them to adapt gradually.
Final Touches and Conclusion
After the initial setup, I added more plants and decorations to fine-tune the aesthetics. The result is a beautifully balanced and thriving 10-gallon divided betta tank, providing a comfortable home for two bettas. Each side offers a unique look, showcasing the versatility of this setup. The overall setup is simple yet effective, perfect for beginners looking to create a stunning betta habitat.
The choice of Fluval stratum for the substrate and the inclusion of fully-cycled sponge filters demonstrate a commitment to creating a thriving environment. The addition of heaters highlights the adaptability of the setup to different climates.