Betta In Community Tank Problems

[jacobmolina5]

Hello,

I am having problems keeping my betta healthy in my 20 gallon community tank. The tank is a normal 20 gallon it had some fake plants and a log thing. In the tank I have:
3 cories (each is about an inch)
1 golden loach (3 inches)
1 dwarf neon gourami (1.5 inches)
2 African dwarf frogs (1 inch)
Like 3 small guppies (under an inch) and like 3 tiny babies.
1 bamboo shrimp (2 inches)
3ghost shrimp

I do realize this is over stocked if going by adult size, but I will move them out to another tank once any of them cause the tank to be too full. Also the gourami shows no signs of aggression it just swims around fast minding his own business. I see no signs of anything that could kill it so I am not sure hope someone can help me. Thank you

 

[McCool]

Hi! We're gonna need your tank stats, and any symptoms your betta is showing. Whats your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? How long has the tank been running?

 

[Meeresstille]

Sorry, you may not want to hear this at all, but your fish will be stunted if you wait until it looks like you need a bigger tank. Not providing the right size aquarium as they grow will result in the external body of the fish to stop growing but the organs will continue to grow to the size the fish was destined to be. This will mean a painful existence for your fish. Your golden loach (dojo or weather loach) is in that category. This fish also needs cooler water temperature than your other fish.
 
You will need to research what the minimum tank requirements are for each fish, their temperature requirement and compatibility with tankmates. If you can't provide the right environment for your fish it will be best for the fish to rehome them. 
 
Your cories need more of their own kind (at least 3 more).
Bettas and gourami are both labyrinth fish and should not be housed in the same tank.
 
Once you have created the right environment for your fish you will reduce the potential of your fish being unwell/unhappy.

 

[Ryan10]

X2 on not putting the gourami and betta together.  I was told this was alright at a lfs and the gourami ripped the bettas fins up.  The betta is still healing a year and a half later.

 

[Wildbetta]

Your stocking could very well be the reason your betta is not doing well.  There could be other reasons though so a good look at your water parameters (ammonia, nitrIte, nitrate) and your water change routine (how much and how often) is important.  Also what kind of symptoms is the betta having and a picture would be best for us to help you.