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Penn-Plax (APON1) Aquaponic Planter and Aquarium for Betta Fish Tank Promotes Healthy Hydroponic Environment for Plants and Fish
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Return this item for free
You can return this item for any reason: no shipping charges. The item must be returned in new and unused condition.
Read the full returns policy- Go to Your Orders to start the return
- Print the return shipping label
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Penn-Plax |
Target Species | Betta |
Material | Plastic |
Special Feature | lightweight |
Product Dimensions | 5.88"L x 5.88"W x 8"H |
Item Weight | 16 ounces |
Shape | Round |
Specific Uses For Product | Indoor |
Style | Modern |
Color | Multicolor |
About this item
- BETTA TANK & HYDROPONIC PLANTER: See nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks! Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants.
- YOUR BETTA’S NEW HOME: Bettas are the most popular fish for our 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank. With that said, please decrease the water level about an inch, giving them enough space to breathe from the water’s surface. Weekly partial water changes are highly recommended.
- SUGGESTED PLANTS: Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retain water and support the root growth for any plant you choose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, allowing the runoff to enter the tank. As for feeding your fish, you’ll need to lift the black plastic top.
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 5.9" (Dia) x 8.25" (H) / Tank Interior = 4.25" (Dia) x 7" (H) / Enclosed Pot = 5.9" (Dia) x 2.25" (H)
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This Item Penn-Plax (APON1) Aquaponic Planter and Aquarium for Betta Fish Tank Promotes Healthy Hydroponic Environment for Plants and Fish | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | -32% $13.68$13.68 List: $19.99 | $20.15$20.15 | $19.99$19.99 | -23% $32.99$32.99 List: $42.99 | -10% $17.99$17.99 List: $19.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it Mar 26 - 29 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Easy to clean | 4.2 | 4.9 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
Giftable | 4.3 | 4.8 | 3.8 | — | 4.0 |
Sturdiness | — | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.9 |
Value for money | 4.3 | — | 4.2 | 4.4 | — |
Suction power | 2.9 | 3.8 | — | — | 4.0 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | premier liquidation | Outgeek Direct | Heptagram Direct | JLhome |
material | Plastic | Glass | Acrylic | Acrylic | glass, wood, bamboo |
shape | Round | Round | Round | Pot | Round |
weight | 1 pounds | 1.2 pounds | 350 grams | 1.17 pounds | — |
style | Modern | Modern | Modern | Art Deco | Modern |
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Product guides and documents
From the manufacturer
Two Sizes Available
PENN-PLAX, manufacturer & distributor of top Pet Supplies.
PENN-PLAX is a family owned business that was established in 1956 in Brooklyn, New York. Over the years, our goal remains the same: to enhance the pet ownership experience.
We specialize in creating excellent pet supplies for animals, both great and small. We're best known for producing pet products at affordable prices. Our brand is synonymous with innovation and quality, keeping your pet foremost in mind.
PENN-PLAX Aqua-Ponic Betta Tank & Hydroponic Planter – 0.5 Gallon
Promotes a Healthy Environment for Plants and Fish
PENN-PLAX presents the 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Fish Tank and Planter. Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants: as fish excrete waste in the tank, the plant atop absorbs this waste as nourishment, which in turn cleans the tank’s water.
For those more interested in growing plants hydroponically, our tanks can also be used strictly as a planter, allowing you to add your own nutrients.
- Overall Measurements = 5.9" (Dia) x 8.25" (H)
- Tank Interior Measurements = 4.25" (Dia) x 7" (H)
Take a Closer Look at the 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Betta Tank & Hydroponic Planter - Model #: APON1
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Nature's Metabolic CycleSee nature in motion through our Aqua-Ponic Tanks! Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic, and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment for fish and plants. |
Suggested PlantsMost indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed. |
Ceramic Planting MediaOur Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retains water and supports root growth for any plant you chose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, as if it’s in a pot of soil |
Your Betta’s New Home:
- Bettas are the most popular fish for our 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank. With that said, please decrease the water level about an inch, giving them enough space to breath from the water’s surface. Weekly partial water changes are highly recommended.
Suggested Plants:
- Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop. This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce. We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed. If it can be grown in an indoor hydroponic garden, it can grow atop our tanks! Please research desired plant’s toxicity and nutritional requirements before using, since fish may nibble on the roots. Please note that the plant is not a source of food for fish.
Additional Features:
- Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media, which retains water and supports root growth for any plant you chose. To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, as if it’s in a pot of soil. As for feeding your fish, you’ll need to lift the black plastic top.
Items Included:
- Plastic Tank
- Black Planting Lid
- Ceramic Planting Media
Measurements:
- Overall = 5.9" (Dia) x 8.25" (H)
- Tank Interior = 4.25" (Dia) x 7" (H)
- Enclosed Pot = 5.9" (Dia) x 2.25" (H)
Shop PENN-PLAX for All Your Pet’s Needs:
- PENN-PLAX is a manufacturer and distributor of top quality pet supplies, who specialize in creating excellent pet products for animals, both great and small.
click here | click here | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars
3,687
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4.3 out of 5 stars
3,687
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Model Number | APON1 | APON2 |
Water Capacity | 0.5 gallons | 1.4 gallons |
Overall Measurements | 5.9" (Dia) x 8.25" (H) | 7.75" (Dia) x 10.25" (H) |
Tank Interior Measurements | 4.25" (Dia) x 7" (H) | 7.75" (Dia) x 7.25" (H) |
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Product Description
PENN-PLAX presents the 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Fish Tank and Planter.
Each fish tank is made from ultra-clear plastic,
and replicates nature’s metabolic cycle by providing a healthy and symbiotic environment
for fish and plants: as fish excrete waste in the tank, the plant atop absorbs
this waste as nourishment, which in turn cleans the tank’s water.
For those more interested in growing plants hydroponically,
our tanks can also be used strictly as a planter, allowing you to add your own nutrients.
Your Betta’s New Home:
Bettas are the most popular fish for our 0.5 Gallon Aqua-Ponic Tank.
With that said, please decrease the water level about an inch,
giving them enough space to breathe from the water’s surface.
Weekly partial water changes are highly recommended.
Suggested Plants:
Most indoor house plants and kitchen herbs are suitable for planting atop.
This includes Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Lucky Bamboo, English Ivy, Mint, Watercress, Chives, or any leafy Lettuce.
We recommend using established plants instead of starting from seed.
If it can be grown in an indoor hydroponic garden, it can grow atop our tanks!
Please research desired plant’s toxicity and nutritional requirements before using,
since fish may nibble on the roots.
Please note that the plant is not a source of food for fish.
Additional Features:
Our Aqua-Ponic Tanks come with ceramic planting media,
which retain water and supports root growth for any plant you choose.
To add water into the tank, simply water the plant, allowing the run-off to flow into the tank.
As for feeding your fish, you’ll need to lift the black plastic top.
Items Included:
Plastic Tank
Black Planting Lid
Ceramic Planting Media
Measurements:
Overall = 5.9" (Dia) x 8.25" (H)
Tank Interior = 4.25" (Dia) x 7" (H)
Enclosed Pot = 5.9" (Dia) x 2.25" (H)
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 6 x 6 x 8 inches; 1 Pounds
- Item model number : APON1
- Department : Unisex-Adult
- Date First Available : July 23, 2015
- Manufacturer : Penn Plax, INC.
- ASIN : B012QGR2TC
- Country of Origin : USA
- Best Sellers Rank: #15,998 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies)
- Customer Reviews:
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Important information
Directions
Please follow included paper directions.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, appearance and ease of set up of the vivarium. For example, they mention it's a good short term tank for a betta, it looks great and is simple in design. Some appreciate the ecosystem. That said, opinions are mixed on size, ease of cleaning, and health.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the aquarium. They say the tank itself seems great, and is perfect for their betta. The tank has surpassed their expectations in terms of functionality, ease of maintenance, and functionality. The planter part worked well and the stones that came with the kit helps stabilize it. However, some customers feel the tank is a little flimsy.
"...In conclusion, this aquaponic fish tank has surpassed my expectations in terms of functionality, ease of maintenance, and providing a happy habitat..." Read more
"...Day 90 UPDATE***Both Conrad and the Bamboo are doing really good...." Read more
"...I use distilled water and add Stress Coat Plus. He's happy and thriving and that makes me happy!" Read more
"It's ok... made of cheap plastic" Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the vivarium. They mention that it looks great, has a simple design, and is clean. Some say that the tank brings charm to their dorm and shows off their betta fish very well. They also appreciate the yellow jelly balls, which blend into the water and are super soft.
"...First and foremost, Blu absolutely loves this tank. The design is not only cute but also provides a cozy and comfortable environment for him to..." Read more
"...Put a lucky bamboo in with it. Easy to clean and looks great" Read more
"...The yellow jelly balls are cool because they blend into the water and are super soft...." Read more
"Cute, didn’t like that it was somewhat thin plastic, but small Betta ok not big, water changes often, heated needed for bettas...." Read more
Customers find the vivarium easy to set up. They mention it's simple, easy to maintain, and provides a happy habitat. Customers also say it'll be fun putting the fish tank together and that the cover makes it easy to put cords for needed attachments. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...tank has surpassed my expectations in terms of functionality, ease of maintenance, and providing a happy habitat for Blu...." Read more
"...It is very easy to get his attention by lifting the plant; he knows it is feeding time, but also if I wiggle the eraser end of a pencil at him he’ll..." Read more
"...Also there was no directions on the rocks and soaking that was in English, good thing I already knew what to do...." Read more
"...I usually do about a 20% water change weekly which is very simple to do. I use distilled water and add Stress Coat Plus...." Read more
Customers like the ecosystem. They mention that their male beta fish and basil plant are thriving in the tank. They also appreciate the rocks and snail poop as excellent plant fertilizer. Customers also say that it's a great idea to use plants to keep your betta tank clean.
"...We are seeing new tap roots and new leaves slowly emerging. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this!JUNE 25, 2019 UPDATE:..." Read more
"...have had to cut the roots back of the pothos (green plant) as they grow very fast...." Read more
"...It works just as described and our little fish seems very happy. We bought the smallest betta we could find because the tank is super small...." Read more
"...Plant roots will take over, be sure the fish has room to swim or ditch the plant*..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the size of the vivarium. Some mention that it's plenty big enough, perfect for small spaces, and has plenty of room for air. Others say that it is too small for most any fish, the tank portion is too little, and the clay beads are very small.
"Great for a beta fish. Put a lucky bamboo in with it. Easy to clean and looks great" Read more
"...; I also had to switch out the bamboo 3 times because the roots were getting too big and taking up too much space...." Read more
"...They do like more room to swim around than most people lead you to believe...." Read more
"...The roots were tricky to fit through the holes, but I managed the large ones and the plant itself seems to be doing fine...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of cleaning. Some mention it's easy to keep clean, and the plant is growing on top keeps the water clean. However, others say that it'll require cleaning once per week, and that the ecosystem is not self cleaning.
"...The tank's design ensures that the cleaning process is hassle-free, which has been a significant factor in my overall satisfaction...." Read more
"Great for a beta fish. Put a lucky bamboo in with it. Easy to clean and looks great" Read more
"...I do have 2 snails in the tank to help with anlage. The ecosystem is not self cleaning and you will still need to feed the fish as well." Read more
"...The BettaSafe drops are also BambooSafe and helped remove chlorine from the water...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the health of the vivarium. Some say that the fish is very happy and healthy, while others say that it's not great for any fish.
"...Bon Jovi is happy and healthy and doing quite well. We did add a small heater last winter. We live in Michigan and it gets pretty dang chilly here!..." Read more
"...This is simply not an appropriate tank for fish to survive, rather it be lack of oxygen from the plant or no room for them to get to the surface...." Read more
"...is too small but with some time and effort he seems very happy and healthy." Read more
"...You also have to be careful on how full you have the tank, betta fish can be jumpers...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the sustainability of the vivarium. They mention that their aquatic plants died quickly, and their fish died pretty quickly. They also say that the plants wilted fast not long after being submerged.
"...My mistake. Within a day it was dead, yet it had survived for weeks in a smaller container previously...." Read more
"...While my fish seemed content enough, the lettuce plant in the top died pretty quick while the other setups have thriving lettuces in them even after..." Read more
"...Everything died but the snail, who now has babies. It needs a bubbler for an animal to live in it and that’s not really possible with this model...." Read more
"...I promise everyone that the fish does seem really happy, people stop by my desk all the time and tell me how Conrad is the most active betta fish..." Read more
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First and foremost, Blu absolutely loves this tank. The design is not only cute but also provides a cozy and comfortable environment for him to thrive. The roots of the plant on top have become Blu's favorite sleeping spot, showcasing his contentment and happiness.
One of the standout features of this aquaponic fish tank is its ease of maintenance. Cleaning the tank takes me under 10 minutes each week, allowing me to effortlessly maintain a healthy and pristine habitat for Blu. The tank's design ensures that the cleaning process is hassle-free, which has been a significant factor in my overall satisfaction.
Initially, I had concerns about the top cover affecting Blu's ability to breathe, but those worries were unfounded. The thoughtful design of the tank provides proper ventilation, allowing Blu to breathe comfortably without any issues. It's reassuring to know that Blu can enjoy his habitat without compromising his well-being.
Furthermore, the durability and quality of the tank have proven to be exceptional. Even after months of use, it remains in excellent condition, with no signs of wear or deterioration. This speaks volumes about the tank's construction and longevity.
The only dilemma I face now is wanting to purchase more of these tanks purely for their aesthetic appeal, even though I don't necessarily need more fish. The charming design of the tank adds a touch of beauty to any space, making it tempting to have multiple tanks as decorative elements.
In conclusion, this aquaponic fish tank has surpassed my expectations in terms of functionality, ease of maintenance, and providing a happy habitat for Blu. Its cute design, combined with the ability to effortlessly clean and care for Blu, has made it a highly satisfying purchase. If you're in search of an aquaponic fish tank that offers both aesthetic appeal and practicality, I highly recommend considering this product. Your fish, just like Blu, will thrive and bring joy to your space.
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023
First and foremost, Blu absolutely loves this tank. The design is not only cute but also provides a cozy and comfortable environment for him to thrive. The roots of the plant on top have become Blu's favorite sleeping spot, showcasing his contentment and happiness.
One of the standout features of this aquaponic fish tank is its ease of maintenance. Cleaning the tank takes me under 10 minutes each week, allowing me to effortlessly maintain a healthy and pristine habitat for Blu. The tank's design ensures that the cleaning process is hassle-free, which has been a significant factor in my overall satisfaction.
Initially, I had concerns about the top cover affecting Blu's ability to breathe, but those worries were unfounded. The thoughtful design of the tank provides proper ventilation, allowing Blu to breathe comfortably without any issues. It's reassuring to know that Blu can enjoy his habitat without compromising his well-being.
Furthermore, the durability and quality of the tank have proven to be exceptional. Even after months of use, it remains in excellent condition, with no signs of wear or deterioration. This speaks volumes about the tank's construction and longevity.
The only dilemma I face now is wanting to purchase more of these tanks purely for their aesthetic appeal, even though I don't necessarily need more fish. The charming design of the tank adds a touch of beauty to any space, making it tempting to have multiple tanks as decorative elements.
In conclusion, this aquaponic fish tank has surpassed my expectations in terms of functionality, ease of maintenance, and providing a happy habitat for Blu. Its cute design, combined with the ability to effortlessly clean and care for Blu, has made it a highly satisfying purchase. If you're in search of an aquaponic fish tank that offers both aesthetic appeal and practicality, I highly recommend considering this product. Your fish, just like Blu, will thrive and bring joy to your space.
* Water needs to be changed at least twice a week and treated
* Vase is approx 40 oz the pet store betta cup is 10 oz
* In the winter, the fish needs to be moved to a heated tank (78-80 degrees)
* Spring water is a safe option with 1/8 tsp of aquarium salt per 1 gallon
* Fish needs to be fed 4-5 times a week, plant roots are not enough
* Plant roots will take over, be sure the fish has room to swim or ditch the plant
* Get a round fish net, squared fish nets don’t work well with this vase
*This setup is a lot of work, you must be dedicated to make it work
My Betta’s name is Conrad and he is very happy in his new home. The picture shows the cup he was in before being moved to this larger environment. I gave the plant a week to get used to living in this vase before moving Conrad in, I wanted to make sure the plant could survive in this type of setup. I treated the tap water with Tetra’s BettaSafe drops to remove harmful stuff and make it safe for Conrad before adding him. I also purchased the Zoo Med Betta Bed Leaf Hammock that has amazing reviews both on Amazon and from pet stores alike and it fits, giving Conrad something fun to swim around, as well as something to lay on when he wants to rest.
I keep a bottle of water nearby at the same room temperature; the water in the bottle has been treated with the right dose of BettaSafe so that I can add more water to the vase as needed without having to add more drops or wait for it to reach the right temperature.
I decided to buy this item because of the negative reviews left by others who do not own this product and are basing their reviews on personal opinions. I love animals and would never do anything to harm them. I will keep updating my review on the status of Conrad.
***Day 10 UPDATE***
It has been a little over a week and Conrad (the Betta) is doing great. He is very active. I feed him Tetra BettaMin flakes twice a week (like the pet store said to do), usually on Monday and again on Thursday after cleaning the vase. I clean it using a turkey baser to suck up all the poo, roots and food left at the bottom; I do not replace the water because it doesn’t seem dirty other than the stuff at the bottom, but I pour more in from the prepared bottle I keep nearby. Throughout the day Conrad will bite and tug on the roots of the plants, I don’t think he needs the Hammock leaf because he often just swims to the top and tangles himself in the roots, using them as support while he rests. My only concern is the health of the plant, some of the leaves are dying and I am not sure if it is the plant possibly not being suited for this type of setup or if it is the BettaSafe drops that I put in the water. I have been cutting off the dead leaves as recommended by the office plant guru.
***Day 21 UPDATE***
21 days in, the fish is doing really well and is very active; he really likes the BettaMin Tropical Medley flakes I am feeding him. Although the pet store said they were feeding him only twice a week, I am not sure this was enough. I now feed him a small pinch Mon-Thur, he doesn’t get fed Fri-Sat when I am out of the office. On Mondays I still use the turkey baser to clean out the poop and stuff from the bottom. On day 18 I poured out half the water and replaced it with the bottle of water that I keep nearby at the same temp which is already treated with the BettaSafe drops. Doing this didn't seem to cause stress to the fish since the water was already at the temp he is use to and was treated.
As for the plant, it wasn’t doing too well and the leaves were all but dead, so I took it out and now just have the rocks on the top until I get another plant. Interesting thing I noticed is that these rocks float, so if they ever fall through the small holes they won’t drop to the bottom, instead they will just float near the top.
***Day 36 UPDATE***
I changed this to a four star review because really the water needs to be changed more frequently than what is said in the instructions. In fact the instructions don’t really say much about cleaning. I am changing his water once a week on Thursdays and added some marimo moss balls to also help cleanse the water. I took out the leaf hammock because it was getting in the way, but Conrad loves these moss balls. I heard some bettas ignore them, but he lays on them and roughs them up a little (see the picture, one of them is a little fuzzier than the others because he’s been playing with it). The yellow jelly balls are cool because they blend into the water and are super soft. I ordered both from Amazon and I believe the brand is called “Luffy”.
This is the most time I have ever spent on a review for an item, I have gone beyond what I normally do when providing information, yet still I am receiving “not helpful” responses. I am left to believe those are from people who are voting based on their personal opinions and not based on what is actually described in my review… either way, I love animals and my fish is happier than all his dying brothers and sisters who are still in a cup at the pet store =(
***Day 65 UPDATE***
Conrad is still a happy active fish. I too am much happier seeing this guy every day and in the 65 days that I have had him I have not called out sick once, I actually look forward to coming to work and seeing this little guy greet me for his breakfast. I am still feeding him the BettaMin flakes, treating water with BettaSafe drops and keeping Marimo Moss balls in the vase to help with cleaning. Those jelly Luffy balls I got for him shrink and slowly dissolve, I may or may not buy more of those, and he didn’t seem to notice them like he did the Marimo balls.
I now have bamboo growing in the vase. Bamboo needs the same chlorine free water that Conrad needs, so I am hoping the BettaSafe drops will be BambooSafe too. My number one priority is the safety of Conrad, so if anything seems off with this bamboo it is coming out!
***Day 90 UPDATE***
Both Conrad and the Bamboo are doing really good. The BettaSafe drops are also BambooSafe and helped remove chlorine from the water. I have been keeping a prepared bottle of Betta Revive with only half a dose of treatment, it was suggested that I add a little bit to the water during changes to prevent slime. I haven’t noticed any slime or discoloration in Conrad, I don’t know if it is because Betta Revive has prevented it or if my frequent water changes (once a week) have been preventing it. My next purchase will be a round fishnet, the squared fishnet doesn’t work well in a round vase =/
I promise everyone that the fish does seem really happy, people stop by my desk all the time and tell me how Conrad is the most active betta fish they have seen. He is always swimming around, but never in a panic or stressful manner, just peaceful with a nice flow to his tail and fins.
***Day 120 UPDATE***
Conrad and I have been cubicle buddies for four months now. He has decided he no longer likes the BettaMin flakes and now prefers the Betta Bio-Gold pellets. This is fine by me since they are not as messy and do not leave a build-up of pink like the flakes did. I realized that the bamboo roots get a little rough and actually made a small tear in Conrad’s tail. I now scrape the rough roots with my finger nail to make sure all the coarseness is removed and the roots stay smooth. I test the roots for coarseness once a week when I change the water. You can test by using a nylon sock or panty-hose... if the nylon tears when rubbed against something, then it is too rough and will tear a betta’s tail. In the picture you will notice the water looks a bit blue, that is because I am treating it with Betta Revive to help treat the small tear in his tail.
***Day 180 UPDATE***
Conrad is still a happy fish and very active, never seeming bored or lethargic. It is very easy to get his attention by lifting the plant; he knows it is feeding time, but also if I wiggle the eraser end of a pencil at him he’ll flare up and respond like a healthy betta. His fins and tail are always spread; he doesn’t hold them close to himself like he did when he was in the cup at the pet store. This vase is approximately 40oz, that’s nearly 4 times the size of the cup he was in so he has plenty of space to spread his tail and swim up and down, side to side or in circles =)
I did noticed a few tears in his fin from what I thought was the bamboo plant, so I took the plant out for a while and treated the water with less than 1/8 teaspoon of aquarium salt and did a 100% water change 3 days in a row. This was suggested by a few betta experts who I found online and seemed to stop the tearing. I'll keep a close eye on him and will update if anything changes or in the next 30-60 days.
***Day 240 UPDATE***
Conrad has started making bubble nests in his vase; he does this more when I have a plant in with roots and leaves for him to lie on. The original bamboo plant came out because the roots were getting too long and I want to make sure he has plenty of room to swim without getting tangled. I have added a smaller batch of bamboo. I am so happy he is making a nest, even my bettas at home in large tanks rarely make a nest.
Testing ammonia levels are very important, and I found that the water needs to be changed at a minimum of once a week. I highly recommend getting test strips for just ammonia; the strips which test for everything sometimes are not as accurate when measuring ammonia. You want the ammonia level at 0, even .25 is too high. I am using Kordon’s AmQuel Ammonia Remover, it also removes chlorine and chloramines. I buy a gallon of spring water and treat it; the gallon jug gives me enough to do two full water changing cycles. Walmart sells a gallon of spring water for 88 cents (in California).
***FINAL UPDATE***
In the winter I moved Conrad to a heated tank because my office became too cold for him. In the Spring when it gets warmer I may bring him back to work to put in the vase or I might just keep him in his tank since it is easier. This vase is a lot of work, I was changing the water twice a week to keep the ammonia level down; I also had to switch out the bamboo 3 times because the roots were getting too big and taking up too much space. Towards the end I didn’t have any plant, with or without a plant I still had to change the water twice a week so I am not sure how much good the plant was really doing.
I wish I could give the review 3.5; after having him in this vase for almost a year, I was getting tired of changing the water so frequently. Even when I treated the water it would still need to be changed twice a week. I will leave my review with 4 stars because I do believe this is a better life for a betta than the small cup at the pet store, and as I have said many times, the bettas at the pet store that are not adopted die in their little cup. Ultimately the 5 gallon heated tank I have now would be ideal for a betta, but this option can work for someone who is dedicated and does not mind the frequent water changes.
Thanks to those who followed my review. I promise to continue taking good care of Conrad =)
* Water needs to be changed at least twice a week and treated
* Vase is approx 40 oz the pet store betta cup is 10 oz
* In the winter, the fish needs to be moved to a heated tank (78-80 degrees)
* Spring water is a safe option with 1/8 tsp of aquarium salt per 1 gallon
* Fish needs to be fed 4-5 times a week, plant roots are not enough
* Plant roots will take over, be sure the fish has room to swim or ditch the plant
* Get a round fish net, squared fish nets don’t work well with this vase
*This setup is a lot of work, you must be dedicated to make it work
My Betta’s name is Conrad and he is very happy in his new home. The picture shows the cup he was in before being moved to this larger environment. I gave the plant a week to get used to living in this vase before moving Conrad in, I wanted to make sure the plant could survive in this type of setup. I treated the tap water with Tetra’s BettaSafe drops to remove harmful stuff and make it safe for Conrad before adding him. I also purchased the Zoo Med Betta Bed Leaf Hammock that has amazing reviews both on Amazon and from pet stores alike and it fits, giving Conrad something fun to swim around, as well as something to lay on when he wants to rest.
I keep a bottle of water nearby at the same room temperature; the water in the bottle has been treated with the right dose of BettaSafe so that I can add more water to the vase as needed without having to add more drops or wait for it to reach the right temperature.
I decided to buy this item because of the negative reviews left by others who do not own this product and are basing their reviews on personal opinions. I love animals and would never do anything to harm them. I will keep updating my review on the status of Conrad.
***Day 10 UPDATE***
It has been a little over a week and Conrad (the Betta) is doing great. He is very active. I feed him Tetra BettaMin flakes twice a week (like the pet store said to do), usually on Monday and again on Thursday after cleaning the vase. I clean it using a turkey baser to suck up all the poo, roots and food left at the bottom; I do not replace the water because it doesn’t seem dirty other than the stuff at the bottom, but I pour more in from the prepared bottle I keep nearby. Throughout the day Conrad will bite and tug on the roots of the plants, I don’t think he needs the Hammock leaf because he often just swims to the top and tangles himself in the roots, using them as support while he rests. My only concern is the health of the plant, some of the leaves are dying and I am not sure if it is the plant possibly not being suited for this type of setup or if it is the BettaSafe drops that I put in the water. I have been cutting off the dead leaves as recommended by the office plant guru.
***Day 21 UPDATE***
21 days in, the fish is doing really well and is very active; he really likes the BettaMin Tropical Medley flakes I am feeding him. Although the pet store said they were feeding him only twice a week, I am not sure this was enough. I now feed him a small pinch Mon-Thur, he doesn’t get fed Fri-Sat when I am out of the office. On Mondays I still use the turkey baser to clean out the poop and stuff from the bottom. On day 18 I poured out half the water and replaced it with the bottle of water that I keep nearby at the same temp which is already treated with the BettaSafe drops. Doing this didn't seem to cause stress to the fish since the water was already at the temp he is use to and was treated.
As for the plant, it wasn’t doing too well and the leaves were all but dead, so I took it out and now just have the rocks on the top until I get another plant. Interesting thing I noticed is that these rocks float, so if they ever fall through the small holes they won’t drop to the bottom, instead they will just float near the top.
***Day 36 UPDATE***
I changed this to a four star review because really the water needs to be changed more frequently than what is said in the instructions. In fact the instructions don’t really say much about cleaning. I am changing his water once a week on Thursdays and added some marimo moss balls to also help cleanse the water. I took out the leaf hammock because it was getting in the way, but Conrad loves these moss balls. I heard some bettas ignore them, but he lays on them and roughs them up a little (see the picture, one of them is a little fuzzier than the others because he’s been playing with it). The yellow jelly balls are cool because they blend into the water and are super soft. I ordered both from Amazon and I believe the brand is called “Luffy”.
This is the most time I have ever spent on a review for an item, I have gone beyond what I normally do when providing information, yet still I am receiving “not helpful” responses. I am left to believe those are from people who are voting based on their personal opinions and not based on what is actually described in my review… either way, I love animals and my fish is happier than all his dying brothers and sisters who are still in a cup at the pet store =(
***Day 65 UPDATE***
Conrad is still a happy active fish. I too am much happier seeing this guy every day and in the 65 days that I have had him I have not called out sick once, I actually look forward to coming to work and seeing this little guy greet me for his breakfast. I am still feeding him the BettaMin flakes, treating water with BettaSafe drops and keeping Marimo Moss balls in the vase to help with cleaning. Those jelly Luffy balls I got for him shrink and slowly dissolve, I may or may not buy more of those, and he didn’t seem to notice them like he did the Marimo balls.
I now have bamboo growing in the vase. Bamboo needs the same chlorine free water that Conrad needs, so I am hoping the BettaSafe drops will be BambooSafe too. My number one priority is the safety of Conrad, so if anything seems off with this bamboo it is coming out!
***Day 90 UPDATE***
Both Conrad and the Bamboo are doing really good. The BettaSafe drops are also BambooSafe and helped remove chlorine from the water. I have been keeping a prepared bottle of Betta Revive with only half a dose of treatment, it was suggested that I add a little bit to the water during changes to prevent slime. I haven’t noticed any slime or discoloration in Conrad, I don’t know if it is because Betta Revive has prevented it or if my frequent water changes (once a week) have been preventing it. My next purchase will be a round fishnet, the squared fishnet doesn’t work well in a round vase =/
I promise everyone that the fish does seem really happy, people stop by my desk all the time and tell me how Conrad is the most active betta fish they have seen. He is always swimming around, but never in a panic or stressful manner, just peaceful with a nice flow to his tail and fins.
***Day 120 UPDATE***
Conrad and I have been cubicle buddies for four months now. He has decided he no longer likes the BettaMin flakes and now prefers the Betta Bio-Gold pellets. This is fine by me since they are not as messy and do not leave a build-up of pink like the flakes did. I realized that the bamboo roots get a little rough and actually made a small tear in Conrad’s tail. I now scrape the rough roots with my finger nail to make sure all the coarseness is removed and the roots stay smooth. I test the roots for coarseness once a week when I change the water. You can test by using a nylon sock or panty-hose... if the nylon tears when rubbed against something, then it is too rough and will tear a betta’s tail. In the picture you will notice the water looks a bit blue, that is because I am treating it with Betta Revive to help treat the small tear in his tail.
***Day 180 UPDATE***
Conrad is still a happy fish and very active, never seeming bored or lethargic. It is very easy to get his attention by lifting the plant; he knows it is feeding time, but also if I wiggle the eraser end of a pencil at him he’ll flare up and respond like a healthy betta. His fins and tail are always spread; he doesn’t hold them close to himself like he did when he was in the cup at the pet store. This vase is approximately 40oz, that’s nearly 4 times the size of the cup he was in so he has plenty of space to spread his tail and swim up and down, side to side or in circles =)
I did noticed a few tears in his fin from what I thought was the bamboo plant, so I took the plant out for a while and treated the water with less than 1/8 teaspoon of aquarium salt and did a 100% water change 3 days in a row. This was suggested by a few betta experts who I found online and seemed to stop the tearing. I'll keep a close eye on him and will update if anything changes or in the next 30-60 days.
***Day 240 UPDATE***
Conrad has started making bubble nests in his vase; he does this more when I have a plant in with roots and leaves for him to lie on. The original bamboo plant came out because the roots were getting too long and I want to make sure he has plenty of room to swim without getting tangled. I have added a smaller batch of bamboo. I am so happy he is making a nest, even my bettas at home in large tanks rarely make a nest.
Testing ammonia levels are very important, and I found that the water needs to be changed at a minimum of once a week. I highly recommend getting test strips for just ammonia; the strips which test for everything sometimes are not as accurate when measuring ammonia. You want the ammonia level at 0, even .25 is too high. I am using Kordon’s AmQuel Ammonia Remover, it also removes chlorine and chloramines. I buy a gallon of spring water and treat it; the gallon jug gives me enough to do two full water changing cycles. Walmart sells a gallon of spring water for 88 cents (in California).
***FINAL UPDATE***
In the winter I moved Conrad to a heated tank because my office became too cold for him. In the Spring when it gets warmer I may bring him back to work to put in the vase or I might just keep him in his tank since it is easier. This vase is a lot of work, I was changing the water twice a week to keep the ammonia level down; I also had to switch out the bamboo 3 times because the roots were getting too big and taking up too much space. Towards the end I didn’t have any plant, with or without a plant I still had to change the water twice a week so I am not sure how much good the plant was really doing.
I wish I could give the review 3.5; after having him in this vase for almost a year, I was getting tired of changing the water so frequently. Even when I treated the water it would still need to be changed twice a week. I will leave my review with 4 stars because I do believe this is a better life for a betta than the small cup at the pet store, and as I have said many times, the bettas at the pet store that are not adopted die in their little cup. Ultimately the 5 gallon heated tank I have now would be ideal for a betta, but this option can work for someone who is dedicated and does not mind the frequent water changes.
Thanks to those who followed my review. I promise to continue taking good care of Conrad =)
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
Feed the fish as the betta won't eat the plant roots. The roots of the house plant grew so much. Be careful to remove all the dirt from the houseplant before plating it. i did not do it and i end up with dirt at the bottom of the tank
Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 2019
Feed the fish as the betta won't eat the plant roots. The roots of the house plant grew so much. Be careful to remove all the dirt from the houseplant before plating it. i did not do it and i end up with dirt at the bottom of the tank
I do have a warning however: the plant must have its roots in the tank water, and preparing the plant for that job is fiddley because there is a narrow grid to pull the roots through. It is also easy while you are changing the water to lift the plant roots out of the grid by mistake and damage its roots.
I think the plant holder needs re-designing. There should be a way to fix the plant in place.