Do Betta fish need gravel or rocks in tank?

[Kim W]

What actually is the purpose of the gravel?

[Mallory]

I think the purpose is to make the tank look more attractive. I use rocks in my beta tank and some fake plants!

[g.a.p.]

i don't think so

[smiley0_1_1999]

No they don't need the rocks or gravel, just water. The gravel and rocks are mostly for us humans to look at some sort of landscape in addition to the fish.

[Katrina L]

I agree 100% with lady_crotalus. I also kept bettas in bowls back before I knew anything. They are asian fish, used to warm, shallow water, and even though they can survive in a tiny bowl with room temperature water, it's not the best environment for them. They need warmer water and more room to swim. And the quality of the water in a bowl is something to be concerned about.

Gravel and rocks aren't necessary, but they do make a tank look better. We have a Magnum filter with a vacuum hose attachment to clean the gravel. This must be done or things get nasty and fishies die.