There are a number of toxic plants for Betta fish that you might want to avoid. Most of these plants are only toxic if they are ingested, but some plants can release toxic chemicals into the surrounding water.
On this page, you’ll find a list of Toxic Plants for Betta Fish, and a little further down the page, we have a selection of the best live plants for Betta fish tanks that are completely non-toxic and fish safe.
Toxic Plants for Betta Fish
Hygrophila balsamica
Hygrophila balsamica is a bog plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent. This plant is poisonous to fish and invertebrates, and in its emersed form, it will release noxious chemicals into the water from its roots, leaves, and stems.
Hygrophila balsamica will cease to be toxic once it has been submerged for a prolonged period of time. However, most aquatic plant nurseries grow their plants emersed, and it can be hard to verify how a plant was grown before you bring it home.
Luckily Hygrophila balsamica is a rare plant and it’s not commonly sold in fish stores, but you still need to be careful when purchasing plants for a Betta since it is available for sale online.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily plants are a very popular plant that’s commonly paired with Betta fish that are sold in a vase. This practice alone is questionable for a number of reasons, but it’s also a bad plant choice since the juice and sap of peace lilies contain high concentrations of calcium oxalate crystals.
Do Betta Fish Eat Peace Lily Roots
Many people are misled to believe that Betta fish will live off the roots of a peace lily when they are kept in a vase. This isn’t true since Betta fish are primarily carnivores, and they won’t survive for long eating vegetation alone. However, if they are kept in a vase without food they will start to pick at the roots of a peace lily plant for nourishment as they begin to starve.
This can expose a Betta fish to the toxic calcium oxalate crystals in a peace lily plant, which when consumed in large enough amounts can cause severe intestinal problems. That’s why it’s not a good idea to keep a Betta fish with a peace lily plant since you never know when they might nibble at the roots if they get hungry or bored.
Pothos
Pothos is a very common houseplant that many people use to remove nitrates from their fish tank. However, pothos does contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic even when ingested in small amounts.
If your Betta fish likes to nibble and eat roots then a Pothos plant might not be the safest plant for a Betta fish. However, most Betta fish leave pothos roots alone, and the amount of toxic calcium oxalate crystals in pothos roots is relatively low. Just keep an eye on your fish since pothos can still cause intestinal problems and discomfort when ingested.
Water Lettuce
Water Lettuce is a floating plant that has large pale green leaves that can reach 6-inches long. This plant contains poisonous calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to severe health consequences when ingested. Symptoms of calcium oxalate toxicity include a burning sensation that can cause erratic behavior along with inflammation of the mouth and throat.
In most cases, a Betta fish won’t be interested in eating water lettuce, but they might nibble at the roots of the plant which also contain a significant amount of calcium oxalate.
Water Lettuce is also a very fast-growing plant that will quickly spread over the water’s surface, which can lead to a reduction of the dissolved oxygen content in the water.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a semi-aquatic plant that features small, bell-shaped flowers that have a sweet fragrance. This plant is extremely toxic since it contains cardiac glycosides which can cause severe illness or death. Symptoms of cardiac glycoside toxicity include irregular pulse, dizziness, coma, and heart failure.
Lily of the Valley primarily grows outdoors near the edge of lakes, streams, or ponds. It might be tempting to bring it indoors and use it in a Betta vase, tank, or bowl as a replacement for a peace lily. However, this plant is so toxic that it’s not worth risking the health of your Betta fish or any other pets in your house.
Water Hemlock
Water Hemlock is one of the most toxic plants in North America, and it grows near bodies of water throughout the country. This plant contains cicutoxin which acts as a stimulant that damages the central nervous system. The symptoms of cicutoxin poisoning include convulsions, seizures, and death.
The highest concentrations of cicutoxin are found in the roots of the water hemlock plant. When the stems or roots of water hemlock are damaged or cut they will release the toxin into their surroundings, which means they are a risk to even handle or touch.
Water Hemlock isn’t commonly used for decorative purposes, but it can easily be found growing in the wild. This plant should be avoided at all costs since it is extremely toxic, and it will quickly kill fish, pets, and livestock.
Swamp Lily
Swamp Lily is a plant that grows in marshes and swamps, and it can be found along river banks in the southern parts of the United States. All parts of this plant are poisonous, and it can cause intestinal distress if ingested.
Best Live Plants for Betta Fish
Marimo Moss Ball
Marimo Moss Balls (Buy Online) are a great live plant for Betta fish since they are easy to care for and they don’t require much light or nutrients to grow. Moss balls are also compact, which makes them a perfect fit for a small tank, vase, or bowl. In addition, they are a fun toy since Betta fish love playing with them and rolling them around when they get bored.
Anubias
Anubias (Buy Online) is a very popular aquarium plant that’s great for beginners. You can get Anubias in a wide range of sizes that will fit in any Betta fish tank. If you have a small tank then Anubias Nana Petite is your best option since it remains small throughout its life. However, if you want to try out multiple species of Anubias then you can get a bundle of four different Anubias plants by clicking the link or image above.
Java Fern
Java Fern (Buy Online) is one of the best live plants for Betta fish since it’s very easy to grow. You can keep Java Fern in aquariums that are 10-gallons or larger, and they make good background plants since they can grow to be about a foot tall. However, if you’re looking for a dwarf variety then Java Fern “Philippine” only grows to be about 5-inches tall.
Dwarf Hairgrass
Dwarf Hairgrass (Buy Online) is a carpeting plant that’s relatively easy for a beginner to grow in their Betta tank. This plant will quickly spread and create a lush green ground cover across the substrate of your aquarium. The best way to get Dwarf Hairgrass is to purchase it as a tissue culture since this will ensure it is disease and pest free. You can buy Dwarf Hairgrass tissue culture online by clicking the image or link above.
Java Moss
Java Moss (Buy Online) is one of the most popular plants in the aquarium hobby, and it’s also extremely easy for anyone to grow. Java moss will quickly replicate itself, and it can be attached to ornaments or wood to create unique aquascape designs. Best of all it’s relatively cheap, and it’s available for sale online, and in most local fish stores.
Best Fake Plants for Betta Fish
biOrb Easy Plant Sets
biOrb Easy Plant Sets (Buy Online) are one of the best fake plants for Betta fish since they are made from silk, and they have a unique anchor ball. Silk plants are safer for Betta fish since they don’t have any sharp edges that can tear their delicate fins.
Silk Plants also look more realistic and they move naturally in the water. These biOrb Plants also won’t easily lift out of the substrate since they have a weighted anchor ball. That makes these fake plants are well suited for a Betta tank since Betta Fish are notorious for trying to move plants around with their nose.
biOrb Easy Decor Set
The biOrb Easy Decor Set (Buy Online) comes with everything you’ll need to decorate a Betta tank or bowl. This set includes an artificial maple tree, topiary balls, seashells, artificial moss balls, and pebbles.
MyLifeUNIT Artificial Seaweed Water Plants for Aquarium, Plastic Fish Tank Plant
Artificial Seaweed Water Plants (Buy Online) make it easy to fill up the background of a Betta Tank with vibrant colors. These artificial plants are made from PVC, and they come in three different colors Red, Green, and Purple. Each plant measures 2” L x 2” W x 12” H, and each package includes 10 plants.
Aquarium Plants Decoration, Artificial Plants for Fish Tank, 2 Pack (10 inches Height-Green/Red)
Smarlin Tropical Plants (Buy Online) are excellent artificial plants for Betta fish since they have large leaves that a Betta can lounge on. These plants are made of plastic and they are anchored to a weighted base, so you won’t have to worry about them getting loose and floating all over your Betta fish tank. Each plant is 10-inches tall and about 5-inches wide, and they come in packs of two in a mix of vibrant tropical colors.
CousDUoBe Betta Fish Leaf Pad
The CousDUoBe Betta Fish Leaf Pad (Buy Online) is the best fake plant for a Betta fish to rest on near the water’s surface. The larger leaf on this Betta hammock measures 2.36” x 1.77”, and the smaller leaf is 1.97” x 1.5”. Best of all, both leaves are connected to a strong suction cup that won’t slide around, or lose suction and fall.
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)