Once you have the fish tank the next step should be the fittings and “furniture” of the fish tank. After the fish tank comes the substrate. Substrate is the sand, pebbles or gravel that gets put on the bottom of the fish tank. Many fish keepers use substrates for a number of reasons other than decorating the fish tank. The gravel or substrate of a fish tank plays an important role is growing beneficial bacteria that is essential. The bacteria acts by consuming harmful nitrates and other potentially dangerous chemicals that are released by the fish.

Betta Fish are no different, and this is why a substrate should be used in a Betta tank. Other advantages of substrate is that it will help to secure ornaments and rocks in the tank. Always rinse out new substrate before adding it to the tank as there is always dirt and dust in it. You do not need large amounts of substate, the general rule is that is does not need to be deeper that 2 inches (+-5 cm).
Most Betta Fish keepers will purchase substrate that contrasts the color of their Betta fish which looks stunning as it will help to concentrate the attention on the fish.

Until next time, happy fish keeping