Betta Advice

[Jeanne]

I have been reading all these messages because I am considering getting a betta. They sound quite interesting...I have been told they can be put in a community tank. What do you think? I have a 75 gallon tank (newish, but cycled) with: 2 shrimp, 2 plecos, 4 small angels, 5 blue emperor tetras, one kissing gourami. I want to set up a nice community tank....looking for some color. I have 2 tiger barbs and 2 green barbs that I think I am going to take back to the pet shop...I didn't realize they were so nippy.

Thanks for any advice

 

[gadazobe]

Are you considering a male betta - if so you might have trouble with the angels. Bettas don't particularly like other fish with flowing fins - they look on them as competition. (They like to think they're the best looking fish in the tank ) As with all fish, it's a matter of luck. My male betta in the community tank finished off a male swordtail and a male dwarf gourami and now that it's mainly a female tank, he's very happy He lives with platties, sailfin mollies (the male is much bigger than the betta, so he leaves it alone) corries, clowns, a couple of gobi dragons and a large plec. Bettas can be nasty, and there's no telling what one will do with your selection. If you get a "nice" one, you won't have any problems, on the other hand, get a "nasty" one and he can do a lot of damage. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

 

[Jeanne]

Thanks...that was a great information. I think I will wait a little and get him his own tank for my desk. What size would be too small?

 

[gadazobe]

JMO, but the bigger the better. I'm not a fan of keeping bettas in tiny little tanks or vases. A single betta would be fine in a 5 gallon. IMO that's the smallest you can keep one in. I know lots of people keep them in tiny little vases and bottles, but that's not for me.

 

[CraZ4fiSHieS]

Ummm I dunno if your interested, but Im very partial to female bettas! I have heard they can be as agressive as males at times, but for the most part in my experience they are a lot more docile. Just thought Id suggest 'em to ya!