The 10 gallon tank has gone through many changes since I upgraded betta’s habitat in July 2020. I have experimented with different types of substrates. Gravel from betta’s bowl was upgraded to sand. Currently, small decorative stones hide a soil substrate. The soil is good for the plants and shrimp. Then, I added larger stones. During cleanings, I enjoy rearranging them. I create caves and places for the fish to hide.
When cleaning the tank, I prune the plants and help them spread throughout the tank. I added an Amazon sword plant for betta to rest on. That one plant has since become two. I moved the original plant into the 20 gallon tank and kept the smaller plant in the 10 gallon. The java fern spreads like crazy and is easy to attach to decorations. A boat that was in my tank when I was in middle school has been replaced by more efficient air stones.
The habitants have changed. Currently, it is home to panda cory catfish, molly fish, ghost shrimp and gold Inca snails. The catfish are all Spooky Fish, since they are difficult to tell apart. The four male mollies that reside are Mohawk, Glitter, Sparkle and Lucky. (I keep mixing up Glitter and Sparkle). Survivor, Incognito and betta are with us no more. A Hillstream loach stayed for a short while, but was transferred to the larger aquarium.
Watching while I work
The 10 gallon aquarium sits near my desk in my in-home office. This allows me to watch the fish interact throughout the day. The mollies enjoy pestering each other all day. The snails slide across the tank, up the side of the glass, then free fall back to the bottom. The shrimp climb up plants, swim-glide across the tank and carry eggs. I have not had the pleasure of seeing any baby shrimp yet.