ivy plant with Betta fish?

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sr.07_who_loves_her_4x4

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i have a betta fish and i am wanting to put a plant in the top of his bowl. i have heard that the roots help them feel safer. i am in the process of rooting an ivy plant and was wondering if this would be a safe plant for my fish. also, do they eat off of the roots or do you still need to feed them? thank you for your help
 
I would still feed them even if they eat the roots. The roots may not be what makes them feel safe, any kind of cover (rocks, plastic plants) would have the same effect
 
NO, NO, NO!!! This concept is insane! Yes, a Betta can live like this, for a few weeks, before it dies. A Betta's normal life span, if properly cared for, is 5 years or more!
Bettas have what is called a labyrinth organ. It allows them to breathe oxygen from the atmosphere when their bowls get toxic. That is how they are able to survive in little bowls for a while. Cut off his access to the air, and he is forced to stew in his own waste. It would be like you living in a tiny bathroom where you couldn't flush the toilet.
I don't know if Ivy is safe for them or not. I know some varieties are poisonous to cats, so I wouldn't try it.
If you want to be a kind, responsible, Betta owner, get up off the $20 to get him a proper home. He needs a minimum of a 2.5 gallon tank (bigger is better), with a heater and gentle filter. Put some real or silk aquatic plants (no plastic) in the tank for him to sleep and hide in.
I suggest you go to a book store or library and get a book or two on Bettas. You have a lot to learn about proper Betta care.
Good luck!
 
A fresh cutting may ooze sap into the water which is bad but a rooted ivy cutting is fine. Just keep your new cutting in a cup of water until it has sprouted roots and you can then use it for your betta bowl.

Bettas eat insects and foods high in proteins and amino acids. They will not eat plants or roots or algae. You will have to feed your betta daily for it to do well. In Japan, they sell similar bowls with a plant and a pair of cherry shrimp which do eat algae and decaying plant roots. This may be where you got your idea that you don't have to feed a betta but it only applies to cherry shrimp.
 
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