16 Gallon Tank?

[LeiLana80]

Hi all! I haven't been on here in probably two years... been busy having more children!
Anyway, I recently acquired a 16 gallon aquarium. My daughter wants a betta- specifically a blue one (lol). I have a 5 gallon filtered and heated aquarium that I have used in the past for my bettas, but with this 16 gallon... is it too small to have a betta plus some other fish (like 6 tetras or something)? I know it's definitely borderline, and my gut says it's not a good idea, but I've been out of the aquarium game for a while, so I wanted to check with some experts

Thanks!

 

[Ninjouzata]

back!
 
What are the dimensions of the tank?
 
It's not too small but it really will depend on your betta's personality if you can have fish with it. You also want to make sure the other tankmates can tolerate the temperature it requires and make sure they won't nip at him/her.
 
I'd be more inclined to go with bottom dwelling fish such as cories (pygmy, hastatus, or habrosus for their small size) so that they won't be in the betta's area of the tank.
Habrosus will stay on the bottom more than the other two which like to venture into the middle a lot.
 
HERE is a lovely article on betta care if you're interested. You can also find it at the top of the page. Also be sure to cycle the tank before adding fish by following THIS which is also at the top.