Can You Use Decorative Sand in a Betta Aquarium?

Betta fish are known for their beauty and hardiness. Typically kept in solitary environments, they do not require a filter mechanism and are therefore ideal for bowls. As with any aquarium, you'll probably want to add a substrate to give it some flair, for which you have several options --- including sand. Take caution, however, as using sand can be a hazardous enterprise.

  1. Cautions

    • While marine sand is colorful and can add a personal touch to your betta's aquarium, it usually has grains the same size and shape as bettas' food. As a result, bettas may mistake sand for food --- especially if the food pellets fall to the bottom. Eating the sand could lead to internal problems such as ulcers or compactions.

    Safe Sand

    • Using sand is safer if you plan to feed your betta fish flake food, which it will likely not confuse with sand. However, if the sand ever becomes air trapped underneath the sand, it may float to the surface, prompting the betta to take a snap at it.

    Gravel

    • Pea-sized gravel makes an ideal substitute for sand. Its grains are too large for the bettas to eat accidentally, and it provides rough surfaces for the fish to scrape against if they ever develop itching scales. Gravel comes in as many color varieties as sand and carries the added benefit of not clogging your filter if you decide to use one.

    Preparation

    • Whether you use sand or gravel, you must rinse substrate thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt. You can rinse gravel with a spaghetti strainer, but sand requires a nylon net to hold the sand as you pass water through it by running it under a faucet. If you do decide to add sand, give it several days to settle when you first put it into the bowl or aquarium full of water, as much of it will tend to float on the surface.