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[Gemmylou]

I have just bought my very first betta. He's a beautiful red with the most adorable grumpy face. Any tips on how to give the best possible life in my tank! x

 

[blue_betta]

I have just bought my very first betta. He's a beautiful red with the most adorable grumpy face. Any tips on how to give the best possible life in my tank! x

hi and welcome, what sort of set up do you have him in just now?

 

[Gemmylou]

He's in a 30 litre tank with three guppies, two mollies and and alage eater. Theres plenty of plants and a little bridge he can hide in.

 

[blue_betta]

thats a good size of tank for him, but none of the tank makes you mention are suitable for male betta companions. ive had males betta kill mollys before, and guppies are similar in appearance to another male betta so he may attack them, or they may nip at his fins. algae eaters get increasingly aggressive as they get older, and they can grow massive aswell.

he may prove to be very laid back and be ok with the other tank mates, bt first signs of trouble, seperate him, a livebearer breeding trap is good for a temporrary home.

male betta are naturaly sollitarty and prefer to live alone. a planted 15 litre tank with a pair of ottocinclus cats to keep ontop of the alge is a more harmonius set up for a single male.

just keep an aye on the rascal

 

[Gemmylou]

Thanks for the advice. I have my eye on the algae eater, I have a home for him when he is too big, at the moment he is quite placid. The betta was originally in a tank of guppies so fingers crossed!!

 

[GSD]

Hi,
I would be very wary of the guppies, guppies will nip bettas and bettas will attack guppies mistaking them for other males.

I would also rehome the algae eater asap as they are aggressive, and will grow far too large for your tank. Its better to get rid before it gets to that stage.

Hopefully your betta will be okay for now, but keep a close eye for any signs of bullying or nipping going on, and remove him if this happens.

Laura

 

[Gemmylou]

Thanks for the advice! x

 

[jackyb07s4]

sounds such a happy scene the way you describe it.. hehe!

 

[Gemmylou]

Yes they are very happy, especially with their new gravel and friend! I'm just paranoid about having to give the algae eater away eventually. I know that they aren't everybodies favourites but I'm so fond of mine xxx