Decorating a fish tank is probably one of the most fun parts in setting up a tank. Though before you go crazy there are some guidelines everyone should know before setting up and buying the decorations.

1. Make sure you fish can't get stuck. Now this'll seem silly, but it's important to all aquatic species. There shouldn't be anything in the tank that the fish can get stuck in. These are things like, too strong of a filter pump, jagged rocks, dense fake plants, etc. Unlike most fish, if a betta is stuck for too long, especially in poorly aerated water, they will drown. Luckily it's really easy to prevent things like this from happening. For plants just run your thumbs around (and through) it, if it easily parts you'll be find. For rocks and other hard structures, just make sure your fish can't wedge itself under or  around it. With things like filter pumps, heaters and the like, move your thumb around them to make sure your fish can swim around them. Or push it against the tank wall so they can't get stuck in the first place.

2. No jagged edges! I find this to be an issue. Since betta fish have such delicate and long fins (even females), it is imperative you get tank furniture that doesn't cut their fins or skin. And this can be surprisingly hard to do. As a general rule, make sure you can hold any decor before you purchase it to feel if it's sharp. Even if you're unsure about a product, I strongly advice you do not buy it. Now you can have the most sensitive skin and still your betta might cut itself (they have a natural talent for that). Before you freak out, move the decor to a spot in the tank where your fish swims less and you should be fine. If its fin is cut, it should heal within a few days if the water is clean (personally I'd like to add that they seem to heal faster in cycled water (but that could just be me)). If a scale comes lose or their skin gets damaged, they should be fine if you remove the object and keep the water clean. But it'll be in your best interest (and fish's) if you remove any decor that could have caused an infection or skin abrasions.

3. Live plants. When choosing live plants for a betta tank you don't have to worry much. They'll do fine with anything as long as the plant doesn't secrete toxins or clog the surface. Also make sure the plant(s) doesn't take up too much swimming or 'exploring' space.

4. Nothing from the ocean/ salt water tank! Do not, repeat, do not put anything from a salt water tank and or the ocean in a betta tank! After a while the salt will become embedded in the object and contaminate the water. Betta fish are freshwater fish and can not handle sea salt in their water. I have heard of ways to 'desalt' decor, but I don't know how truthful these claims are and don't want to experiment for myself. If you know anything about this topic please feel free to talk about it in the comments. (This does not include aquarium salt, which is used to treat and prevent illnesses)

5. Leave space. I've noticed in some tanks that people will overcrowd their tank with decor. It doesn't happen often but it's worth mentioning. When you buy decor for a betta tank roughly fill 50% (can be more or less) of the tank space. Take this as an example (10 gallon tank):

Space is very important to any living thing. They need the room to properly act as they would in the wild and to maintain themselves, mentally and physically. Tank furniture is just as important, so make sure to balance the two to make a perfect environment for your betta.

6. Only get fish/reptile specific decor. When choosing fish supplies, you want to make sure it is made to go in an aquarium. Do not put things such as dog bones or bird toys in the tank because it can contaminate the water possibly hurting your fish. With that being said, it's safe to put in reptile, amphibian, and aquatic invertebrate decor. If you, or anyone is unsure if a product is safe do not put it in your betta tank.

7. Things from the great outdoors. While seeing all the cool rocks and logs outside you probably can't help but want to put them in your betta tank. And this is totally fine! But there are certain things you have to do to ensure your fish's safety. When bringing in objects from outside to put in a fish tank, make sure they are natural, man-made metal is not safe. Make sure to boil it for the appropriate amount of time (to get a specific time do further research on this topic or ask a knowledgeable person. I'm not experience with boiling things for a fish tank) needed to kill any pests and bacteria that is on it. And wait for the object to cool down before putting it in your tank.

Setting up the decor

Setting up basic decorations (plastic structures, fake plants, etc.) is very simple. When you get home peel/cut off any tags on the decor and rinse it thoroughly in hot water to dislodge any dust or chemicals. Once done it is highly advised to wait for the object to cool down before placing it wherever you want in the tank.

Last Little Notes

-I've heard the ZooMed betta log is actually quite popular among fish, if any of you have one please tell me what you and your fish think! I really want to get one for my betta Sky :3

-And remember decorating a fish tank should be fun and enjoyable!

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So that was that, what did all of you think? Constructive criticism is appreciated, welcomed, and encouraged!

Request a topic to be discussed in the comments below.

And as always, happy fish keeping! 🐠🐟🐡

P.S. Picture of the betta in the chapter cover taken by peta