5 Easy DIY Betta Fish Toys Ideas You Can Make at Home

Betta fish get bored too. And a bored fish is a lazy, unhappy fish.

The good news? You don’t need fancy gear to fix that. Just a few simple DIY toy ideas, and your betta will be swimming with joy.

5 DIY Betta Fish Toys Ideas

1. Ping Pong Ball Toy

This one’s as easy as it gets. A plain old ping pong ball can turn into a fun little toy your betta fish will push, chase, and poke.

What You’ll Need:
– 1 clean, smooth ping pong ball
– A bowl of hot water (optional, for cleaning)

How to Do It:
Rinse the ball well. If you want to be extra careful, soak it in hot water (not boiling) for a few minutes, then let it cool. No soap, no chemicals.

Drop the ball gently into your betta tank. It should float on the surface.

How It Works:
Betta fish are nosey. They’ll come up to check it out, nudge it, or even flare at it like it’s an intruder. It gives them something to interact with—especially near the surface, where they naturally hang out.

Tips:
– Use only white or plain colored balls. No shiny paint or logos.
– Don’t leave it in all the time. Take it out after a few hours so your betta doesn’t lose interest.
– Avoid if your tank has strong current—ball might just get stuck in a corner.

That’s it. No glue, no cutting, no drama. Just bounce it in and let your betta do the rest.

2. Mirror Trick (used carefully)

This one’s not exactly a toy—but it works like one. A small mirror can fire up your betta’s natural instincts and give them a quick workout. The key is not overdoing it.

What You’ll Need:
– A small hand mirror or a pocket mirror
– Your betta tank (obviously)
– A timer or your phone

How to Do It:
Hold the mirror up to the tank so your betta can see his reflection. He’ll probably flare up, show off, and start swimming back and forth like he owns the place.

Let him do his thing for about 1–2 minutes.

Why It Works:
Bettas are territorial. When they see their own reflection, they think it’s another betta. This triggers flaring, fast swimming, and alertness—basically, a mini workout for your fish brain and body.

Important Safety Tips:
– Only do this once a day (or a few times a week).
– Never leave the mirror in the tank.
– If your betta gets too stressed or hides afterward, stop using it.

Bonus Tip:
Some people attach a mirror to a stick or tape it to the side for a hands-free trick. Just remember to remove it right after.

Think of it like a short sparring session. Keeps him sharp, but don’t turn it into a full-blown war.

If Betta piqued your interest, this article will take you even further. 7 Betta Sorority Tank Ideas That Keep the Peace

3. Floating Leaf Hammock

Betta fish love to chill near the surface. A floating leaf hammock gives them the perfect spot to rest, nap, or just stare at you judgingly.

What You’ll Need:
– A clean, soft plastic leaf (like from fake aquarium plants)
– A suction cup with a hook or clip
– Fishing line or aquarium-safe thread (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Take the plastic leaf and rinse it well. No soap.
2. Use the suction cup to attach the leaf near the top of the tank, just below the surface.
3. If needed, tie the leaf to the suction cup with fishing line to keep it in place.
4. Adjust the height so your betta can easily reach it without swimming too far up.

How It Works:
Bettas like to rest close to the surface because that’s where they breathe air. A floating leaf gives them a comfy platform to rest their belly. It’s simple but effective—and they’ll use it often if placed right.

Tips:
– Place it in a calm spot away from the filter current.
– Clean the leaf once a week to avoid slime or algae build-up.
– If your betta ignores it, try moving it slightly or changing the angle.

It’s like a tiny hammock for your fish. No sewing, no glue, just stick and go.

4. DIY Tunnel from a PVC pipe or bottle

Bettas love to explore, and a tunnel gives them the perfect hide-and-seek spot. It’s simple, cheap, and gives your fish something new to swim through.

What You’ll Need (Pick One Option):
– A short piece of PVC pipe (around 1–2 inches wide)
OR
– A clean plastic bottle (small, like a water bottle)
– Sandpaper or a nail file
– Aquarium-safe paint or sealant (optional, for decor)

How to Make It:
For PVC Pipe:

1. Cut the pipe to around 4–5 inches long.
2. Sand all the edges smooth—no sharp bits.
3. Rinse it well before putting it in the tank.

For Bottle Tunnel:

1. Cut both ends off the bottle so it’s like a hollow tube.
2. File down every edge. Seriously. One sharp edge can hurt your betta.
3. Rinse well. You can even soak it in hot water first.
4. Add small holes if you want more flow through the tunnel.

How It Works:
Place the tunnel at the bottom of your tank or lean it against a decor piece. Bettas will swim through, explore it, or rest inside. It adds variety to their space and helps reduce boredom.

Tips:
– Avoid colored or printed bottles (they can leach chemicals).
– Keep it lightweight so you can move it around every few days.
– Don’t use glue or tape. Just make sure it’s safe and smooth.

This one’s great if your betta likes to sneak around. It turns a plain tank into a mini jungle gym.

Hungry for knowledge about Betta? We’ve got you covered in this article. Betta Owners Swear By These 5 Minimalistic Betta Tank Ideas

5. Natural Plant Playground

Live plants aren’t just pretty—they’re also amazing toys for bettas. Soft leaves, twisty roots, and gentle movement all give your fish something to explore, weave through, or nap in.

What You’ll Need:
– 1 or more soft-leaved live plants
– Popular options: Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Frogbit, Water Sprite
– A small rock or driftwood piece for anchoring (if needed)

How to Set It Up:

1. Choose a plant with broad, soft leaves or bushy stems.
2. Anchor it in the substrate or tie it to driftwood or a rock with thread.
3. Place it near the front or center of the tank so your betta can reach it easily.

Why It Works:
Bettas love swimming through plants, hiding behind them, or resting on the leaves—especially near the surface. It’s natural enrichment that keeps them active and relaxed.

Tips:
– Avoid sharp or stiff plants like plastic decor. Stick to real or silk.
– Don’t overcrowd the tank—leave space to swim.
– Mix a few types to give different textures and shapes.

This one does double duty: it’s a toy and it keeps your water healthier. Plus, your tank will look way better too.