First I must say "thankyou!" to everyone that's replied. I would have replied earlier, but my computer decided to break down…
Sylvia:
Obviously, rasboras are probably the safest fish to keep with bettas. Many barbs are nippy or too active, and the latter is also true of danios which, also, compete with gouramies, like bettas, for space in the upper water layers.
Yes, barbs are very nippy! A lesson learnt just from watching them in the LFS. Harlequin rasbora would be a good "little" fish for in there.
the kuhli and dwarf chain loach would work well with bettas
Already got one of those! The dwarf chain loaches are lovely fish!
OohFeeshy
I was thinking along the lines of a nice plakat girl?
lljdma06
I'd also make sure that your tank is at least 20g or larger to make this work. Would be a pretty tank, especially if planted with SE Asian plants (crypts, java fern, java moss, Asian ambulia, etc). Of course, now it becomes a biotope.
Yes, a biotope is exactly what I’m planning upon! ïŠ About 15/18 imperial gallons is what I’m thinking of buying, so plenty of room. My only worry is if the floor can take it!
That’s some very nice raspboras pica_nuttalli! I agree, very charming!
fishkiller_nomore:
What's commonly seen in the canals? Golden Apple snails
They sound good! Unfortunately, snails are hard to find in my local area (apart from the pesky ones that sneak in amongst the new plants and take over!) so I feel a trip up to Newcastle might be in order! ïŠ
All the plecs I’ve ever had have managed to grow to about 8/10 inches, so they’re a bit bigger than any possible tank might hold!
wuvmybetta
here are some of my favorite articles on the subject..
http
/www.siamensis.org/survey/default.asp
...scroll down to the English versions.
my favorite
http/www.siamensis.org/survey/s026e.asp
Thankyou very much for the links! Lots to think about in those.
RandomWiktor
Just a note re: chinese algae eaters. They are indeed found in the same countries as bettas, but are generally found in fast moving streams, rivers, etc. They can survive in more stagnant conditions, but it is far from ideal; if you want to see a VERY happy CAE, give him his own 20g long with plenty of fine sediment to hide under, a fast current, plenty of filtration... and a food for omnivores.
sylvia
...and don't put a betta with it!
RandomWiktor
::nods:: But of course; the differences in environmental needs are much too vast. Not to metion that bettas are nosey fish, and CAEs like to eat nosey fish...
Oh no, I definitely would not put a Chinese algae eater in there! Apart from the difference in conditions, most of the ones I’ve known of deserve to be housed on their own.
Once again, I must say thankyou! You’ve given me lots to think about, and a much firmer idea of what to aim for in my tank!
