Are These Tank Mates Ok For A Male Betta?

[jeepgirl]

Hello I need some advice on if I should get a betta or not I read on some sights that everything I have are ok for tankmates for one male betta but I wanted some advice from anyone out there that might have experience with it. So I have a 55 gallon tank with
six zebra danios , two otto cat algae eaters, two apple snails, two ghost shrimp but I would also like to add about 8 cardinal tetra's but I didn't know if the betta would really get along with all of these and do you think this is too much for a 55 gallon?

 

[Tonym]

Danios and tetras are nippy fish and you might find that they will nip at the bettas fins. I personaly wouldnt keep a betta with those fish. I wouldnt worry about your stocking as there is plenty of room left for stock if the tank is fully cycled you could add more fish to it. Most people on this forum go with the inch per US gallon rule which is a good starting point when you first start keeping fish.

 

[mattlee]

all of those fish are very active especially the danios and bettas can be effected by this and just hide away. with a 55G tank im sure you will be adding more fish as your stocking seems very low..... you also have to be wary of a bettas fins as they will get ripped and torn by some tetras/danios etc, the same goes for fish like gourami and angel fish due to their long fins.
bettas are very hit and miss, some people keep them in comunity tanks with success and some dont it really depends on the fishes temperament. ive never been able to get away with it and get the best from the betta as they have all just sulked and hidden behind decor etc.
if you really want a betta then a small planted tank with a few shrimp is ideal and you will see your bettas personality