Do Betta's like sand?

[tttnjfttt]

I am considering putting my betta in my 5 gal hospital tank and using sand in it instead of gravel. Any input? He has come alive since i found out food he will actually eat (this fish lived on next to nothing for 2 months, and I really want to give him somewhere bigger to live I think he has even tried to make a bubble nest that got ruined by his current filter!

For a hospital tank, I plan to get an empty 10 gal, and just put the betta's filter in when the need arises (sterilizing it before giving it back to him of course)

Any input?

 

[OohFeeshy]

I don't think it makes much difference unless the betta drags its fins along the bottom and wrecks them on sharp gravel.

 

[tttnjfttt]

My betta likes to be on the bottom of his tank. A habbit picked up when he was starving himself. However, he has never had a problem with the gravel he currently has... Is sand less abrasive than gravel? I am working on getting this guy healthier. Its amazing what eating can do for their health. I didn't intentionally starve this poor guy, just kept offering him pellets and occasionally flakes, he's just VERY finicky.

Nicole

 

[riogal_11]

If he likes to stay on the bottom, I'm sure he'd love to have sand. It is much less abrasive, and you never know that could be the little change he needs to be happier than ever...

 

[Saucy]

I'd just use glass marbles... sand is a PAIN to clean. Believe me. I had 3 african clawed frogs on it. You won't like it. Just go to Wal-mart and get about 6-8 bags of them for a buck a piece. They're way easier to clean and won't smell awful like sand does. And they aren't abrasive!

And some betta are funny because they'll flare at their reflection in the marbles!! Haha!

 

[pasific78]

might be a stupid suggestion here , but if the tank size allows, is it possible to have a mixture? half gravel & half sand??

so we'll sure know what they like by seeing where they park most of the time. )

 

[pasific78]

ignore this pls. i forgot to subscribe for email notice on earlier post .