Is this tank ok for a Betta?

[kev_kb]

Hi all,

I've wanted a Betta (male) since seeing them at my LFS. When I setup my tank I didn't know much about them so I setup a 20gal community. Now I know more about the Betta I still want one, but I think its best not to go in my community tank so I'm looking for another home for him.

Had a look round my LFS today and found a cheap tank with the following measurements:

18" x 12" x 12" - 42 litre / 9 Gallon

Thats a tank without the hood so I can buy what I need. There is a hood for it but it only has room for one light. Would this be sufficient for my Betta? If so what sort of tube should I be buying?

I think a 50W heater is all I need for this tank, is that correct? I know I also need a filter but I feel comfortable buying that. My community tank was an all in one kit so I didn't need to think about this stuff before! But I think this time I can do things cheaper by buying seperately.

So for my final question, if this tank is ok for a Betta which would you recommend:

1 male Betta & suitable tank mates (suggestions gratefully accepted)
or 2 male Betta with a divider

Right, I think thats all the questions I have, sorry for asking sooo many!

 

[David]

It depends on whether you're more into bettas or other fish. Either way, thattank is more than enough for a betta. If you go for the community approach platies are great tankmates for a betta, as are cories. Basically any and all fish that are peaceful smallish bottom-dwellers, fish without long or flashy fins (no male guppies, gouramies, angels etc.) and no fin-nippers like tiger barbs and you should be fine.

 

[clutterydrawer]

sounds good the type of light isn't really important unless you're growing live plants. i'd reccomend otocinclus or small cories as tankmates.