Black Skirt Tetra Is Lonely

[SneakBetta]

I have a 6-gallon tank.
Here's the fish I have in it-
1 male betta
1 Red Wag Platy
1 Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami
1 Black Skirt Tetra

I know I have about 6.5 inches of fish in my tank right now. I also know that the "rule" is one inch of fish per gallon. Since my Black Skirt Tetra is kinda lonely and just stays at the top, could I possibly fit another Black Skirt Tetra in my tank. It doesn't seem like the fish are crowded.

 

[sandyd]

Hello, i keep my skirts in groups of 3, i would think you could fit 2 more in there, but am not positive. They like to be with others of their own kind i know. Hope this helps some, Sandy

 

[juliethegr8t]

I would say that it really depends on your tank - if you have good aeration and filtration in it, you would probably be alright. Also, is your tank mature with safe levels of nitrites, ammonia, etc? If it is, you can always try adding another fish to see what happens - just make sure to test your water and make sure nothing is getting too high. If your tank's biological filtration can handle more fish waste, it should be fine, but if it can't, levels will rise - so keep an eye on it. Since your fish is unhappy, you should definitely do something. If it were me, (and your tank is ideal), I'd add another one, and see how things go. However, if it doesn't look like it is going to work out, maybe you should give the lonely fish back to the pet store, instead of leaving him unhappy.

 

[Lipreader]

If all your fishes have plenty of swimming room, I'd say get at least one more. I have two and they are happy. If you want, since Betta doesn't mind being alone in a tank, buy a small betta tank(something that can sit at your desk or something) and put the betta in there and that way you can for sure add two more black skirt tetra in with your other one.

 

[SneakBetta]

I have a fish bowl on my desk with some water and the feeder guppies in it. My dad said I can't keep a betta in there because he thinks they need filtration.

 

[val]

Personally, I hate fish bowls. I think it is very mean and that all fish should have plenty of space, a bowl doesn't do that.

just my opinion,
Valerie

 

[juliethegr8t]

Actually, bettas have an organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface of the water, instead of needing air in their water from an exterior filter system, and this is what allows people to keep them in small, filterless containers. However, as Val said, most fish people will be aganist keeping any fish in a bowl, as this isn't ideal, and can sometimes be cruel. Fish love to swim, and it's not fun for them to have to sit in a little area all the time. It's really up to you if you are willing to keep your betta in a bowl, but just fyi - they can live in one, if you choose.

 

[SneakBetta]

My betta that I have know seems to really like the big tank and living with other fish and everything. I would feel really bad if I put him in a bowl.