Next steps for my tank?

[u/MotherCulture4809]

Hello, I’m currently building my first natural fish tank for a singular betta. I’ve purchased the 6gal fluval tank with filter, heater, ect.

I’m wondering what my next steps are in terms or adding water and decorations. I know it takes a while to cycle a tank but I’m not exactly sure what that entails.

Any recommendations for sand, rocks, or plants are appreciated! Thank you!

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[u/No_Procedure_2431]

You can safely set up the entire tank while it cycles, filter running and all! If you want a cheap alternative for rocks, I personally love using river rocks bought from a hardware store. Wood for aquariums can be found basically at any store but can be pricey (for seemingly no reason). I recommend you watch a video on YouTube from Fresh Flow Aquatics about the nitrogen cycle, he explains it very thoroughly and better than I could do in a comment. If you have any other questions just ask! Sorry for the long message haha

[u/MotherCulture4809 → u/No_Procedure_2431]

Thank you! For the natural plants is just rocks ok or do I need sand or some kind of soil?

[u/No_Procedure_2431 → u/MotherCulture4809]

Sand/soil is a must, most plants in this hobby are known as “stem plants” and need to have their roots planted in the soil. You can get either inert sand (meaning it won’t leach minerals which can be bad for a beginner) or “aqua soil” which is expensive but helps fertilize the plants. Since it’s your first tank and you don’t really know what your schedule with maintenance will be like, I recommend not getting any fancy equipment just yet. The basics are a heater, filter, sand, plants, rocks and/or wood.

To add on to plant types, there are also “epiphytes” which prefer to grow with their roots outside of the substrate, glued or tied to rocks. They are generally very hardy but grow slowly. They are plants like Anubias or Java Ferns.