When making a tank setup for female bettas, is it required that there is gravel present? Do the bettas need anything other than a filter, such as a heater, light, or plant(s)? Thanks.

Plants never hurt to add...I have seen many Betta tanks with plants in them and they look really nice.
Yes you need filtration and lighting also....As far as the gravel goes I think it's more of a personal prefrence to what you like.
Tam has a beautiful sword plant in her female betta tank...You may want to find the post that she has up, I can't remeber what it is called but she has pics of her betta tanks on there....Tamthelittleblackmoor.
Hope I was of some help......Bettas aren't my strong suit, but there are many people on here that know tons about them...I am sure someone else will be able to give you some more advice.

Alright, thanks for the info.

Bettas like lots of plants in their tanks. It simulates their natural habitat Also, provide little caves or rock formations since they like to have hiding spots. Terra cotta plant pots on their sides may nice little caves

Gravel isn't necessary. I either gravel or polished river rocks in the bottoms of my betta tanks depending on the look I want.

You can either use real plants or silk plants. A light would be necessary if you are going with real plants, but if you chose silk ones, it wouldn't. Also, depending on the warmth of your house, a heater may or may not be necessary. If your room temperature stays above 70 f., I wouldn't consider it necessary.

Also, if you are setting up a tank for multiple female bettas, try to get one large enough for a group of 5. I find they get along much better in a group that size. A 10 gallon would be perfect

Hehe, Froggy and Touch got it for you. I'll just add a little, heaters are nessisary because bettas thrive in warmer waters. I've got 2 in a 5 gallon tank with plants, gravel and a hide-e vase. I don't recomend any less than 5 bettas in a 10 gallon as Touch said, bettas are like wolves and establish pecking orders. Mine are sisters so they've been together practically forever except durring shipping, I trust there ability to get along. In your case if you get them from a petstore get at least 5 and put them in at the SAME time, this way one individual does not have the chance to be in long enough to establish a territory before the others have a chance. Good luck, hope everything goes smoothly, females can be little mosters.

Thanks again for all of the information. I'm planning on getting a 10-gallon tank, and putting 5 bettas in. Would it be easier to cycle the tank before the fish are in, or while they're in?

I heartily recommend the fishless cycle. There's a great article about it here.

Good luck with your fishies!

Fishless cycle is the easiest in my opnion also Kortinee!!
TAM.....lol...sorry I beat you to that one I was waiting for you cause I know you have Betta's but I was just sittin here and thought hey I will give it a try...I am still gaining confidence about giving advice......

Hehe, no no, by all means it's fine. Everyone is welcome to post even if they're unsure about a situation, those bump the thread which is great help.

Mmm... I can't wait!



You really should try to work your mom more, I think if you begged some more she'd take you tomorrow. Its worth a try right?