Well, first when i got my betta, Finn, I had put one live plant in there because i heard it helps with the cycling and overall water quality. Then the more i read about bettas i heard they love lots of things to hide in! So, I went out a bought 3-4 new live plants. After a month or so of his lush tank there was a film on the surface, which prevents air exchange and could seriously harm him, so after a week or so i was tired or scraping it off multiple times a day so i threw them away.
Now, I'm wondering weather not having live plants isn't as good for his water quality/cycling and if it could help in the healing of fin rot which I just discovered he has! (mild, and it being treated :) )
But, how do you guys keep your live plants without adding other chemicals to the water or changing the lighting?
I love the live plants but they seem to die on me! or start rotting anyway..
Tank: 2.5 gal glass tank, heated, filtered, 100% water changes once a week, but now will start with 50% water changes every 3-4 days and 100% on the weekends- After his fin rot clears up in a couple weeks.
No idea on age of betta, he was full grown when i got him and that was 3 months ago.
Uses TopFin bacteria supplement and water conditioner every water change. Fake plant in tank that isn't harmful. Constant 80 Degrees, except when doing water changes.