Betta Tank Plans

[Lizzie71]

I currently have a 34 litre (approx 8 gallon) Aquastart 320 tank (see sig). I'm planning on getting a bigger tank to be a community tank and moving the livebearers across. Once that is done, I'm thinking of putting a betta into the small tank. It's probably a bit bigger than they need, but I hope it will be OK. I'll leave the existing filter and heater in, as I'll need bigger ones for the new tank anyway.

When I do that, I'd like to keep the shrimps and/or otos in with the betta because that particular tank gets direct sunlight and is prone to algae. Ideally I'll keep both in there, to give the tank a bit more interest.

So would that make an OK home for a betta? And will it try to kill either the shrimps or the otos?

 

[Jaded12]

Any betta would be thrilled to live in an 8 gallon tank!! One word of caution, make sure the filter isnt too strong as it could rip your bettas delicate fins and cause him unneeded stress. Also I wouldn't recommend ghost shrimp with bettas, when they shed their shells and are "naked" before the new shell grows in many bettas will take advantage and have themselves a tasty snack. Though I've never had any problem keeping otos and bettas together. Maybe get a couple of snails?

 

[Snooks1!]

I've never had any problems with my ghost shrimp. They've shed and my betta couldn't have cared less. However, this is not always the case. I would try introducing 1-3 shrimp at first, and seeing how your betta reacts to them. If all goes well, then you can add more.

Good luck mate

 

[Lizzie71]

Another thought - do you think I could divide the tank for 2 bettas? Then the kids could choose one each?

 

[ibbledibble]

i'm sure that would work fine. with that size tank you could probably divide it more than once if you wanted to and still give them a reasonable amount of room.

 

[snapefish]

I think it would work just fine. hehe.

I have One betta, One otto, four pygmy cory and I did have a large amano shrimp but he became lunch. The lotus is going mad again and needs a trim but you get the idea.

Mark

 

[Lizzie71]

That's the exact same tank I have and it looks great. Thanks for showing me that! Lovely fish too.

Think the shrimps will move to the new tank for their own safety, and I'll just keep the otos with the betta, and maybe add a few plants to fill in the space.