Required, Recommended, And Optional List Of Equipment To Keep Bettas

[eaglesaquarium]

That is quite cool. But that does up the minimum tank size.

 
 
Most definitely...
 
Tank size is merely rarely a function of fish size.  That's why I recommend zebra danios for nothing smaller than a 50G (4 foot) tank. They are small, but highly active.

 

[Chad]

When I post my list of criteria I use people think it's a lot to go over but really it takes just a moment of thinking to work it all out.

 

[SamB]

I think that this is now a good list for anyone to read over before getting a betta - I wish I had known all this.
 
Thanks for helping me fix it up!

 

[Wildbetta]

Somethings I would like to point out.  A betta does not "require" a filter.  If a person wants to get a tank and not filter it but do 100% water changes it works great since a betta does not need the filter to breathe.  A filter is "recommended" to keep from having to do the large water changes and to lower the frequency of the water changes.  Also a light is not "required" unless you are getting live plants. It is a good idea to have a light or some form of ambient light for day/night periods but it is not "required" for someone without live plants.
 
Other than that...it looks good Sam.    

 

[FCWonderer]

I currently have a betta in a 10G with algae growing everywhere. Could I house some ottos?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yes, if there's nothing but the betta.  Some bettas are more tolerant of roommates than others though, so be mindful.

 

[FCWonderer]

Yes, if there's nothing but the betta.  Some bettas are more tolerant of roommates than others though, so be mindful.

 
So how many would you say is enough for a my 10 gal?

 

[ncguppy830]

depend on the sex you could do four males with 3 dividers or 3 females in a planted tank

 

[Man of fish]

depend on the sex you could do four males with 3 dividers or 3 females in a planted tank

He's talking about otos not bettas

 

[eaglesaquarium]

 

Yes, if there's nothing but the betta.  Some bettas are more tolerant of roommates than others though, so be mindful.

 
So how many would you say is enough for a my 10 gal?
 

 
If they are the smallest otos, 6 would work.

 

[ncguppy830]

 

depend on the sex you could do four males with 3 dividers or 3 females in a planted tank

He's talking about otos not bettas
 

ops sorry messed  that up

 

[eaglesaquarium]

We all have those issues from time to time.

 

[ncguppy830]

me more than often

 

[Wildbetta]

depend on the sex you could do four males with 3 dividers or 3 females in a planted tank

 
You always want more than 3 females in a tank if you are keeping them together undivided.  Female bettas are as aggressive or moreso than the males and when kept in groups smaller than 5 the aggression is not spread out between the females enough and it will cause unneeded stress and possible death. 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

 

depend on the sex you could do four males with 3 dividers or 3 females in a planted tank

 
You always want more than 3 females in a tank if you are keeping them together undivided.  Female bettas are as aggressive or moreso than the males and when kept in groups smaller than 5 the aggression is not spread out between the females enough and it will cause unneeded stress and possible death. 
 

 
Out of curiosity, how do male bettas live in the wild?  How do they coexist there, and can that be recreated in a (I assume) heavily planted tank?