Betta Tank Size

[willowstwin]

Hello all you wonderful helpful people

I'm just wondering what size tank (minimal) is ok for a betta? Me and my mum want to buy my nephew a shrimp tank for christmas, and I was thinking he'd also love a Betta.

Problem is, he only has a small room, so would only be able to have a small tank. If we can't fit in a tank big enough for a betta then ofc I won't get one and will just have the shrimp.

I was thinking something like an 18 - 20 litre.

 

[Fishy friend2]

A 5 gallon would be great for a betta

 

[Didge007]

Make sure there's plenty of hiding areas & plants for the shrimp... My female betta had a field day & killed four in two days

 

[Dominus_XVIII]

A ten gallon is a good size for a male since they are more active, this way the betta will have alot of room and you could get multiple shrimp.

 

[Hmongol]

10 is a bit too lonely so generally a 5 gallon is most suitable for a betta (in my own opinion). If you can't afford to set up a 5 gallon that at least try to get a 2 gallon+... Anything will do except a tiny bowl. As for ghost shrimp, its really up to the betta, I'd have one where he coexisted with 4 shrimp and than another betta who tore up 3 ghost shrimp.

 

[willowstwin]

my shrimp will have plants, moss and coconut caves to hide in. So I'm sure they'll be ok. I've read of lots of people who have successfully kept bettas and shrimp together.

If not, I'll rehome the betta (unless he wants to keep it instead of the shrimp) it'll be a variety of neocaridina's and caridina (so not to cross breed). I'm thinking a few tiger shrimp and a few cherries.

Anyone had any experience of keeping male bettas with other fish? like, say, a male dwarf gourami?

 

[loraxchick]

I personally have never had a problem keeping bettas with shrimp (cherries)...or guppies...or neons...many people will say otherwise but maybe i was just lucky a dozen or more times that my boys didnt pick fights. Definately have lots of plants and hidey holes for the shrimp to feel safe or youll hardly ever see them.
as for the gourami question that is a definite no. They do not mix well and will most certainly end up in fights
all the best
cheers