Reddit reviews Tetra LED Aquarium Hood 16" X 8"

Whatever you do, I HIGHLY suggest real plants. Java fern, Anubias, and marimo balls are all great. No need for special substrate as the rhizomes need to be exposed to light. Just tie down to weights, decorations, or rocks. (You can use stones from outside, but make sure they are smooth, and boil them to kill any bacteria. Do not use soap or bleach to clean the rock, as the residue will kill your fish.)

5 gallon tank is recommended here. I will say I’ve kept bettas in 2.5s before and they’ve done great, but my boy seems much happier and active in the 5.5 I got him. (Only $13 at petco and the aquarium hood I got for it was $31 when I bought it, but the price went up. They rarely sell this hood in stores.) you could also go for a 5gallon tank starter kit which is usually cheaper. I just didn’t buy a kit because I already had a filter and such.

A heater/thermometer and filter are needed. Preset heaters are ok, but if you can afford an adjustable heater, that is better. Most preset heaters aren’t the best, but they’ll still keep the water from getting cold. For filters, I recommend a sponge filter that will double as a bubbler. This will clean AND aerate the water, as well as break up the film that will form at the top of the water. It will help your betta breathe much better. I have this filter and this air pump from amazon and am please with them. :)

Water treatment: you will need water conditioner to dechlorinate your tap water and make it safe for your fish. I use API Stress Coat+ and it does well. I also use Indian almond leaf “tea” to manage the pH. more info here You’ll also want something to test your water with. Many people recommend the api master test kit. I use tetra’s 6in1 test strips and they have served me well. Only thing is you want to check them before purchasing, so don’t buy online. Occasionally the nitrate pad comes brown and is faulty. Only reason I use those instead of the master test kit is I can’t find one that will test for all six things. They normally only test for four.

Well, that's reassuring, I appreciate the help. This is the hood I use. I usually leave it on for around 8-12 hours every day. All kinds of the leaves and stems have fallen off and have been getting stuck at my filter and floating on top of the water. Another issue that might be the problem is I left the weighted band on the plants, should I take that off?

This is the light/hood I have https://www.amazon.com/Tetra-LED-Aquarium-Hood-16/dp/B00BLRNAI0 Is that a decent one?

This one and I will look into the mosses. Thanks for the advice!