Bettas

[Annastasia]

Hi, all!
I am setting up a 30 gallon community tank, and I was wondering if I could put a betta in there.
If I can,
How many do I need?
What other fish are they compatible with?
Do they need a higher/lower temputure?
Are they prone to any diseases?

Sorry for all the questions, but I want the betta, if I get one, to be happy!

Thanks in advance!

 

[freshwatergal]

Betta's in a community tank is a tough topic. Some people, like me, have had great success with it, and some haven't. It all really depends on the betta. You know you can't have more then one male in the tank right? (Only asking because one of your questions was "How many do I need?") However, if you went with females you could have any number of them as long as the number is 1 or no less then 4. They have a tendency of being just as mean as the males from time to time, so you want to "spread" the aggression out.

A male betta can be a wonderful centerpeice fish for any tank, just make sure you have a back-up plan (another little tank for him) in case problems arise.

As far as fish you can put with him go, just make sure they aren't fin nipping fish. I have had great success keeping betta's with all types, but I just might luck out.

HTH & Good Luck,
Tiff

 

[Annastasia]

Yeah, I know no more then 1 male.
So could I put, like, 1 male betta in with danios and tetras, but NO barbs, because they are fin-nippers. Is that right?
So I could put the betta in, but then if he is having a problem, I could put him in my 5 gallon?

Thanks for your help!

Oh, and are they prone to any certain diseases?

 

[freshwatergal]

Well, they aren't any more prone to diseases then other fish. Maybe more prone to fin and tail rot because of the long fins.

The 5 gallon would be perfect. And they should do fine with dano's and tetra's.

Good Luck
Tiff

 

[Origami Gourami]

I keep a male in my community with three ladies and haven't had any trouble so far, although they haven't been together for too long.

I think it helps if you strike lucky and get a wimpy male like me, who only flares at things in the breeding trap as he knows they can't get him!

PS Tiff, do you reckon I ought to get another female betta to boost my number up to four? I could force myself to pick another up from my lfs, but it would be a chore!!

 

[freshwatergal]

OG...it all depends on the aggression I suppose. If the ladies aren't picking on each other, then your cool. Unless of course you are looking for an "excuse" to get another lady, then YES YOU NEED ANOTHER ONE!

Anyway...I've heard that:

One female betta is fine
Two female betta's will pick on each other too much
Three fems will single one out
Four fems, the aggression is spread out more.

I am one that believes you can never have too many betta's!

Tiff

 

[Origami Gourami]

That's why I asked you!

My ladies all seem fairly content, but if you absolutely insist I get another then I must bow to your greater experience! In fact I'd better set off now, just in case...

Two ladies seem fairly docile, but one seems grumpy, could possibly develop a temper.

So pretty though...

my new ladies!

 

[Annastasia]

Okay, I will try one in my commmunity tank. I'll keep you posted!
Wait, should I get a male or a female?

Thanks!

 

[freshwatergal]

Anna--That's up to you. I personally would probably go with a male.

Tiff

 

[Dwarfs]

If you get a male (which i reccomend) do not get gouramis. I've had bettas pick on gouramis so they had to be put in solitary confinement

 

[Annastasia]

Okay, I went to the fish store and got a red,purple,blue, and white male betta.
I am going to try to take a pic of him and then post it.
I will let you know what happens!

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[iloveyou]

make sure the fish arent too bright... like a male betta... and make sure they can swim fast lol