Fluval Chi

[LadyDragon]

I keep the majority of mine in 1gal LONG tanks with plenty of decorations, as well as Java moss and Elodia (for water quality reasons: I saw an experiment run with Java moss where it maintained "safe water peramaters" in tiny cups. The experiment had a control group with NO java moss and the water was dangerous after 3 days... The cups with the moss was still safe after 2 weeks the water was still in "safe" peramaters... Presumably because it eats the nitrates/nitrites) but ever since I saw that, I am ALL about the java moss! It is also great for fry and live food.

I keep colonies of Scuds (kind of like Mini FW shrimp) and they manage to do well with the Bettas, eventhough the Bettas eat them, just because they reproduce so fast and hide in the Java moss. The Bettas love "hunting" them, but never seem to get all of them, because they have the moss to hide in.

It's great for Fry also, for the same reasons.


BLINKY:
I've heard of it working in a very cluttered 10 gal. I think the formula was "3 decorations per fish" (so that each fish could do "their own territories" and have plenty of cover to hide in should they get bullied) and a minimum of 5 girls so that the aggression gets spread out and they can't (hopefully) get too fixated on picking on the least dominant fish

 

[Man of fish]

Could I put a school of neons with the betta? If I can't I'll probably just do the betta and 5 ghost shrimp or switch everything up and do a black moor goldfish and neons.

 

[Man of fish]

I think I might go with the fluval chi just for it's looks. Not sure

 

[pablothebetta]

Could I put a school of neons with the betta? If I can't I'll probably just do the betta and 5 ghost shrimp or switch everything up and do a black moor goldfish and neons.

You can't keep goldfish, bettas + neons together. Goldies are coldwater, bettas and neons are tropical. Goldfish also grow very large and often do best in ponds rather than tanks due to this. Neons are hit-and-miss with bettas due to their small size (I've had one that got along, one that didn't myself). Also, please don't go for a chi if you can help it. While I believe you can now buy lids for them (a must for bettas as they can jump) the tanks are very expensive for what they are. While they are more "stylish" than other tanks, they aren't as practical. I've heard bad things about the filters and lights too. While a regular rectangular tank may not be as stylish, they are far more practical and much better for your fish. I once looked into a Chi myself, and actually nearly bought one, but when I saw a 'proper' rectangular 28L (7.4 US gallon) for the same price or less next to it, it was a no-brainer.

As for shrimp, do try ghost shrimp. Some bettas get along, some don't, it's trial and error IMO. Mine is fine with cherry shrimp, but they are pretty small little guys and I can see how they can be at risk from a hungry betta fish. I would say to try ghosts and also look into amano shrimp as well.

In a tank the size you seem to be looking at though, you aren't really going to get much in terms of tankmates that aren't fish or shrimp. In a 30L, you may be able to try a couple of endlers, but I personally wouldn't reccommend it. I'd say it was shrimp or snails in under 30L. If you went for around 40L, you would be able to have a small group of pygmy cories with him in there or maybe a small group of micro-rasbora or endlers.

 

[Man of fish]

It's around 26 liters but I read some reviews here in the US on it and it said the filtration works perfect it works really well the lights not the best but still good and I can buy in a petstore here a "brand new" one (someone took it home then returned it. He only got 1/2 his money back because it was open but unused.) so it's only $30. I was going to do goldfish,neons and ghosts but I see neons aren't compatible with goldys. I'll see what I fancy more. A black moor and some ghosts of a betta and some ghosts. If he's good with the ghosts I may try a group of neons. But overall I like the chi. I just really think hey $30 bucks cuz some guy opened it it's worth buying. If the filters bad I'll just pick up a $10 HOB from my LFS.

 

[papuzka]

I have a fluval chi, and it really is a fine tank, I wouldn't exchange it It needs more water changes (evaporation) than my other tank with a lid and some regular scrubbing on the edges (residue from hard water) but it's worth it
I'm also growing live plants under the light provided.

 

[shasm]

I have a betta in a 20 gallon with ghost shrimp and have no troubles. But might be the size of the tank that makes the difference.

 

[Man of fish]

You never know you just never know.

When I was at my LFS I saw the black moor goldys and they were little cuties. I may get the chi for them then get the hex as well for a betta(and I may get a 10 gallon so I can get neons to)

 

[Essjay]

What no-one has mentioned yet is that you can't keep any type of goldfish in a 26 litre tank. They need 70 litres minimum (20 gallons) for just one. If you want to know about the requirements of goldfish, check out the cold water fish section.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/43980-gold-fish-in-tanks/

If you really want small tanks like the chi or the hex, you have to think about small fish, not fish like black moors that grow to several inches long.

 

[Man of fish]

I dont agree with alot of the information said in that post but that's just IMO. Back on topic now.

 

[Cazgar]

A Chi is definitely not suitable for Black Moors or any goldfish.
Properly looked after in the right size tank they can grow very big

 

[Man of fish]

Ok then I won't get the chi for goldfish I'll get a bigger goldfish tank.

Back on topic could I do a betta and 5 neons in there?

 

[Cazgar]

I don't have Bettas but I know they need to come to the surface for air.
The Chi is a tall narrow tank so I think it wouldn't be suitable for a Betta imrp

 

[Man of fish]

It's dimensions are 10x10x12 so it's only a bit taller than it Is wide.

 

[Cazgar]

Might be ok then, but you would need a lid as the basic one doesn't come with one