How to Make Cheap Betta Vase Centerpieces
Many people are limited in their choice of pets because of their lifestyles or living situations. Some dwellings are pet free, some owners have allergies and some people just do not have the time or space for a large animal. A fish is a wonderful solution for someone who seeks companionship but is short on time, resources or space. A Betta, sometimes called a Siamese Fighting Fish, is a highly colorful fish that some claim can survive solitary life in a vase or container that can double as home decor. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Glass bowl or vase
- Gravel
- Water
- Betta fish
- Chlorine remover
- Betta fish food
- Plastic tray
- Peace lily plant
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Fish net
Instructions
-
Set Up
-
1
Select a glass vase or bowl that can hold 1 quart of water or more. Thoroughly rinse your vase before you begin to set it up for fish habitation.
-
2
Rinse the gravel under running water. Make sure to rinse the gravel until the water is clear. Layer the gravel on the bottom of the vase. A layer of approximately one-half to 1 inch is sufficient.
-
-
3
Remove the peace lily from its pot and rinse all dirt and debris from the roots.
-
4
Cut a hole in the middle of the plastic tray large enough to slip the lily's roots through. Make sure the hole is small enough that the plant does not slide through when the lily is placed upright in the tray. Poke additional "air holes" in the tray to allow the fish access to fresh air.
-
5
Trim the roots of the lily under running water. Place the lily in the tray, so that the roots are fed downward into the vase or bowl.
-
6
Fill the vase or bowl with water. Do not fill the vase all the way to the top, allowing some room for air within the vase so that the fish can breathe.
-
7
Add chlorine removal solution to the water. De-chlorination supplies are available at most pet supply stores or aquarium shsops.
-
8
Place the tray in the neck of the vase or bowl so that the roots of the lily are in the water. Add a small amount of rocks or gravel to the tray for a decorative effect, if desired.
-
9
Tie the ribbon around the vase or bowl to disguise the top of the water, the roots of the lily and the bottom of the tray.
Fish Care
-
10
After purchasing your Betta fish, allow him to sit in the bag or container from the pet store in a position next to the vase for approximately 15 minutes. This will allow the temperature of each to become similar and prevent shock to the fish's system.
-
11
Remove the tray with the plant, placing it to the side temporarily. Scoop some water from the vase into the container that holds the Betta. Allow the container to sit in or near the vase for another 15 minutes.
-
12
Scoop the fish from the bag and place him into the vase.
-
13
Change at least half of the water in the vase every other day to prevent a build up of waste.
-
14
Feed the Betta six times a week to once a day with a fish food specifically formulated for Betta fish.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When you choose gravel, make sure that it is the variety recommended for aquariums. You can also find a variety of marbles and decorative pebbles for the bottom of your vase at a pet supply store.
Most Bettas that are purchased are male, as male Betta fish often have more vibrant and sizable fins. Female Betta are also available and are smaller in size.
A peace lily can be substituted with any other Spathiphyllum plant.
One quart is the minimum recommended amount of space for a Betta, but the more room you can provide him, the more likely he will survive. It is not recommended to put two Betta in one bowl, and two males should never be placed in one bowl.
Make sure your Betta has enough air at the top of the vase to receive fresh air.
When placing your Betta into the vase, do not allow water from the bag to enter the vase. The water from the bag is likely contaminated with fish waste, and the chemistry is completely different from the water of the vase.
The gravel will provide a small amount of waste filtration. Unlike an aquarium, which should have a full carbon-based filtration system, the vase has very little waste control, thus the necessity to change the water frequently.
Contrary to popular advice, Betta fish cannot survive by eating the roots of the lily plant. They will eat the roots out of desperation, and should be fed a high quality fish food as recommended.
Betta fish are tropical fish and survive best in temperatures of 74 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your Betta in a warm spot, and try to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations if possible.
