Stocking a fish tank with a betta

Hi there! I have a 10g tank that's been going for about 5 month now, with 1 - 1 and a half months of cycling. The tank is stocked with a female betta, 2 nerite and 3 panda corys ( I had 4 but 1 got stuck in the filter after the tip of the hob filter fell of at night). I want to add 2 more corys so the rest don't feel stress and I was wondering if I can add anything else. As a side note, the betta doesn't bother them at all. From what I was thinking, there's no other fish that I can add with a betta that doesn't require 5 ore more of that fish and I believe that would be overstocked. Maybe someone in here can help me with more info. I don't plan to add the 2 new cory with something else because I don't want to overwhelm the bacteria. This is more of a future reference.

Welcome! I wouldn't add more corydoras, a 10 gallon is too small for them. I would give away for current corydoras and get some more snails and maybe some shrimp (no guarantees the better won't eat them tho) as a general rule, bettas shouldn't be kept with other fish. @Byron can explain the hormone/stress/territorial side of this issue more in depth. Even if the betta appears fine there is usually invisible stress that can cause issues long term.
Your tank is beautiful though! Well done

I thought about shrimp but my betta is a glutton so she would 100% eat them. I never saw any aggression between her and the corys. I understand now that they are still getting stress by being in the same aquarium but there is no place where I can rehome the corys. No local fish store accepts giving fish away to them and I don't have any aquarist friend. Also, I can't buy another tank because of money issues.

Female bettas are a different issue from male bettas; males should never be in a community situation due to their aggressive nature, or they can be targeted by many smaller fish. Females I will leave for the more betta-experienced members to comment on.

As for the cories, a 10g is small space for any but the "dwarf" species. Cories need a sand substrate, so keep that in mind.

Byron said:

Female bettas are a different issue from male bettas; males should never be in a community situation due to their aggressive nature, or they can be targeted by many smaller fish. Females I will leave for the more betta-experienced members to comment on.

As for the cories, a 10g is small space for any but the "dwarf" species. Cories need a sand substrate, so keep that in mind.

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From what I saw on the internet, everybody said that it's fine to keep about 5 ore more cories with a betta in a 10g. I didn't realize that it's too small. I also choose panda cories because they grow to be a little smaller than albino cories. It's yoo late sadly to get a dwarf species .

Bicyclemaster said:

From what I saw on the internet, everybody said that it's fine to keep about 5 ore more cories with a betta in a 10g. I didn't realize that it's too small. I also choose panda cories because they grow to be a little smaller than albino cories. It's yoo late sadly to get a dwarf species .

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This illustrates a common occurrence in this hobby...what is "recommended" versus what can work. With the best interests of the fish in mind, we strive for the best situation. But sometimes we are a bit short of that. This does not mean death for the fish, but it may involve a little more care along the way.

Given the circumstances, I would definitely get a few more panda cories. You have three panda cories, so another 4 or 5 is OK. Be regulart (once weekly) with a substantial water chang (50-70%). Keep the filter cleaned (at each water change is fine). Have live plants, especially some floating species like Water Sprite, Frogbit, Water Lettuce; these are substantial and work wonders for water quality.

Sadly, pretty much anywhere people tell you that u can put bettas woth other community fish. Female bettas even more. I'm also talking about big aquarists that technically know what they are doing, so as a beginner all I could do was listen to them. Only after I put everything together in the tank I realized "hey, I should join a fish forum".

Isn't it fine if I add about 3 more cories? I don't want them to be stressed or to overwhelm the bacteria.

I already do 30-40% water changes weekly but as for floating plants, I can't put them in because of the snails.

Bicyclemaster said:

Sadly, pretty much anywhere people tell you that u can put bettas woth other community fish. Female bettas even more. I'm also talking about big aquarists that technically know what they are doing, so as a beginner all I could do was listen to them. Only after I put everything together in the tank I realized "hey, I should join a fish forum".

Isn't it fine if I add about 3 more cories? I don't want them to be stressed or to overwhelm the bacteria.

I already do 30-40% water changes weekly but as for floating plants, I can't put them in because of the snails.

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If we decide on species "x" then we need to research its needs and ensure we can provide them. With cories, as with all shoaling species of freshwater fish, there must be a group. Now, here is another topic which will have differing opinions from so-called "authorities." The more fish in the species group, the better. Minimums are usually too low, but the fish need a group to be less stressed which means healthier. I would aim for 7-8 and frankly more would be better, but your space is limited. Panda cory is a particularly social species of the cory family.

Never mind the bacteria, that is a non-issue. The floating plants is an issue though...I assume you mean snails eat the plants? If this were me, the snails would go. The floating plants will be appreciated by the cories (shade), and their effect on water quality really cannot be overstated.

The female betta may be fine, as I said, other members may have more advice.

To the general issue of differing advice. One of the unfortunate detriments to this hobby is the fact that anyone can set him/herself up as an "expert" with a web site, and spew out erroneous information. The only websites I will work from are those whose owner has a proven record of knowledge. Experience is not knowledge; research gives one knowledge. But the research must be obtained from factual science, not personal opinions.

I was thinking that the sails would leave the tank while no one is home if there is no lid on the aquarium and as far as giving them away goes, I really like having them in the tank. I sadly cannot set up another aquarium so I'll just check in as much as possible to be sure they don't escape.

I will try going for more cories but I'll introduce them in two groups because I don't want the betta to get to agresive and territorial.

I was following the knowledge of an individual with a master's certificate in aquaculture and fish health so I was thinking it would be alright. Well you live and you learn. From now on I'll only look into researched information.

Thank you so much for taking so much out of your time and help me with this info.

Bicyclemaster said:

I was following the knowledge of an individual with a master's certificate in aquaculture and fish health so I was thinking it would be alright. Well you live and you learn. From now on I'll only look into researched information.

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Which data does this refer to? I need to see it in context, it may be OK.

Bicyclemaster said:

I will try going for more cories but I'll introduce them in two groups because I don't want the betta to get to agresive and territorial.

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I would not expect any difference from the betta (female), regardless of fish numbers. And with shoaling species like cories, it is always best to introduce the entire intended number together, at the same time. Shoaling fish will settle in much faster and with fewer problems the more there are. With some species, hierarchy is established quickly and this needs the entire intended group to work--not with cories but some tetras, barbs, loaches have this issue.

Bicyclemaster said:

I was thinking that the sails would leave the tank while no one is home if there is no lid on the aquarium

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Betta really need a lid as they breathe air from the surface and the air must be moist and warm for them - this is best achieved with a lid to trap the heat and moisture.

Bicyclemaster said:

I will try going for more cories but I'll introduce them in two groups because I don't want the betta to get to agresive and territorial.

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It is better to complete the shoal in a single group. They will be less stressed so less susceptible to illness.

blah, blah, blah
Stick it in mate - see what happens.
If they fight, blow me down, take ém out
blah, blah, blah

# not recruiting

Byron said:

Which data does this refer to? I need to see it in context, it may be OK.



I would not expect any difference from the betta (female), regardless of fish numbers. And with shoaling species like cories, it is always best to introduce the entire intended number together, at the same time. Shoaling fish will settle in much faster and with fewer problems the more there are. With some species, hierarchy is established quickly and this needs the entire intended group to work--not with cories but some tetras, barbs, loaches have this issue.

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Thanks for all the help, I had one more question in mind: will it be okay if I add panda cories and albino? I mean do they still shoal no problem? From what I know they still shoal but I'd rather have more info.

woyzeck said:

blah, blah, blah
Stick it in mate - see what happens.
If they fight, blow me down, take ém out
blah, blah, blah

# not recruiting

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Sadly there is no place they can go if I have to take them out. No store around here accepts fish from hobbyists. They don't want to bother with the risk of diseases.