Orchids & Betta Fish? Idea, need input.

[bnaz]

Hi! Newbie with an idea, here. So here's what I'm thinking about doing...could you read through and tell me if I'll have any problems or if this is a good/bad idea? I'm thinking about getting a 5 gallon fish tank, lining the base with some decorative marble stones, filling it with 3 inches of water, and putting a betta fish in there. Pretty basic fish tank. Then (and here's where the orchid part comes into play!) I was going to put two (or maybe just one) mini Phal. orchids into the tank. Each plant would be potted in a bark medium in a clear cup with proper drainage. Each cup would be set within a square plant bowl (similar to the one pictured) lined on the bottom with stones. So essentially, each orchid would have its own little housing and drainage system. Each of these orchid's bowls would be set into the tank. The level of the water would be low enough that it does not reach overtop of the level of the plants' bowls and flood them, but also deep enough for the betta to be happy. (Bettas live in lower levels of water in the wild, so I do think this would be suitable--the area around the orchid pot would offer plenty of swim space.) Does this make sense? I was thinking it would be a unique/interesting way to give my orchids better levels of humidity while also indulging in my love of bettas. Plus, both bettas and orchids have a reputation of being hardy, tougher than the rest of their peers, so I was thinking it'd be a great compilation display.

Would it be best to close the tank lid, or might I get away with leaving it open? Would this promote a happier environment for my orchid then simply sitting on its humidity tray by my window?

[Gage]

I like this idea! As long as your Phals are getting enough light and air circulation. And you may want to just have 1 beta in your tank. Do it! Post pics for all of us!

[JacksonvilleExoticOrchids]

I like your idea! I think itd be gorgeous! Post some pics for us if you do it, id love to see it!

[bnaz]

Well, I made a good bit of progress today, I think. Here's "the Orchquarium" so far (I came up with the name, haha) ... what do you think?



There's about three inches of water at the bottom. You can see that it does not come up over the lip of the orchids' bowls, so they're not sitting in water. The orchid on the left (my pretty little noID) is more closely finished as far as potting goes; I still need to put some stones (and maybe get a new bowl) for my little one on the right. I also need to get stones for the bottom of the tank itself. And, of course, pick out a betta fish!





In the pic above you can see a little better how I have the orchid set up in its base. There's a thin bit of water in its bowl, just below the level of the pink stones. Opinions/thoughts on the Orchquarium so far? Do you like the look of the opaque bowl or the clearer bowl better? I was thinking about trying glass ones, but I'm not sure.

Also, do you think I should set up some artificial lighting? I don't know if my plants are getting enough sun. This set up is about 5-6 feet from a west-facing window, and about 10 feet from a south-east facing window.

[Dima]

Good idea, indeed. If you do a search for "paludarium" on the internet, you'll find a bunch of DIY setups that work on a similar idea. It's definitely doable. You will need to make sure the water quality and air circulation are adequate. AFAIK the tank must be covered, otherwise all sorts of nasty pathogens get in and have a party. Regarding the betta (a.k.a Siamese fighting fish) - yes, it really comes from Thailand originally, and yes, it can live in shallow water. Quite a few small / miniature Phal species come from Thailand originally as well: cornu-cervi, parishii, lowii, and so on, so you can even try to reproduce the habitat! Your phals in the picture may be a bit too big for the setup though . But yes, definitely a good idea. Good luck, and let us know how it goes! Oh, and before I forget, if it's close to the window you'll have a hell of a problem with the algal growth in the wet part of your setup. You'll have to make sure the water quality is good, and that the fertilizer for the phals doesn't get into it.

[kavanaru]

interesting idea... however, what bothers me is the interpretation of shallow waters... yes, Bettas live in shallow waters in Thailand, e.g. rice fields.... however, 3 inches (7.5 cm) is way too shallow... even for a Betta.... it does not mean it will not survive in it... yes, most probably it will the same way you would survive in a 5 sqm jail.... raise the water to 5 cm at leat... that would also help you to have a better control of the water quality... be reminded that the water should be replaced and the tank should be plean on a regular basis. specially, as no water plants and no filter would be installed (based on the pics!)... Bettas are not very demanding on water quality to survive, but neglecting this point will lead to a high probability of your fish getting fungi and bacterial infections....

just my opinion!

[Fernando]

Hi,
I have Bettas myself and you must remember that they love to jump and - unlike other fish - they squeeze into every little place exploring it (once I fished a Betta I thought lost out of my filter system - he could not move a lot but survived, half in the air....)
You must control regularly that your fish is not visiting the orchid.

Fer

[MothSlippers]

As another betta owner... your fish could very easily jump in the pot and meet an untimely death. It's actually a thing when breeding them to provide a floating leaf, and some will jump on it to avoid their suitor. Their streamlining seems to function nearly as well aeronautically as aquanautically, and they do get frisky.

[calypsoB]

Have you thought about putting them into leca or something like that? They might look nice in clear pots with that in. Also have you checked out the sister site to this one? It has some great ideas for creating terrariums with live animals/fish in them. I agree with other who say that a beta might thrive better with the extra water. Mine also used to jump-right out of the tank once! I like the idea though!
PS there is a list of plants around which thrive in this type of enviro too!

[Call_Me_Bob]

thats pretty cool! if you did a riparium sort of thing and use riparium planters with LECA it would be like they were in S/H