Redecorating...

[feliciae]

Alright. I have a 5 gal tank that Is DYING for a makeover. I currently have around half of my snails in there, but it has ugly substrate, and a frog that is probably from the 1800's when my mom bought this tank. (sorry mom)

So I want to change it around.
I want the substrate to be sand, and I want to turn it into a betta tank for around three girls or just one boy. (still making up my mind)

SO. I need some help. I want the natural look to be going on in here, something like these: 2009 AGA Aquascaping Contest And these ones are insanely georgous, but I want to attempt. I ordered some plant tabs to help with the growing of natural plants, and I am planning on putting java moss and a java fern in there first, but I know that I will most likely need much more.
I just need some help.
I am looking at manzanita driftwood to put in there to look like branches of a tree, (which is what it is, but still) but I need some tips.
Anything would be helpful, I want to make a great tank!!
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V The tank now. *shudders*

 

[bassbonediva]

Don't put three betta girls in there. I have the exact same tank and it is WAY too small for three girls. Trust me (I've been keeping sororities for a while). Put one betta boy in there and call it good. In mine I have my halfmoon betta boy, Edward, and four ghost shrimp. Look in my thread "Edward's Meadow tank" in the Photography section to see what it looks like now.

 

[Twiggles]

These links might help you find out which plants you want to you use;

PlantGeek.net - Plant Guide
Tropica Aquarium Plants - Plants - Easy

I think I see where your idea is coming from .. java moss and fern + branchy driftwood sounds good to me, the tree look is a good one. You can use thread or fishing line to wrap around the wood in order to attach your moss and ferns. What is you lighting going to be like, are you going for a lowtech/lowight kind of tank? I see you said you are planning to use sand as a substrate, you could mix it with eco-complete or flourite if you plant to have rooted plants, but that might depend on your lighting. Floating plants might be good as well, your betta would probably appreciate it as well.