Betta

[Fishyfishfish2010]

i really want a betta but im getting mixed replies from other fish enthusiasts and local fish stores
some are saying i cant really keep anything with them while others are saying it dont matter as long as there is no other male bettas
any input on this?

 

[Biulu]

Most of the male bettas have been bred to create a very territorial and agressive fish, so in general it is not advisable to keep them with other fish. However, (there is always a however) there are many people that keep successfully 1 betta male in their community tank or for instance in a small tank with cories or other fish that stay at the bottom. A definitive no-no is keeping a male betta with other bettas or with gouramis.

If you want to keep a male betta with other fish, be prepared to house it on its own if its' temperament turns out to be too strong for the other inhabitants.

Female bettas are also nice, come in the same colours as males, but don't have the flashy fins of course and can be kept in groups in a species only tank or in a community tank.

 

[loraxchick]

i have never had a problem with bettas in a community setting. in fact i think they make nice tankmates with peaceful species like cories or guppies. stay away from fast movers/fin nippers like tetras. the bettas fins might be targeted. they are not very fast (lazy in fact).
what size tank are you looking at for the betta in a community? we could help select appropriate tankmates. always have a backup for the betta tho, *just* in case. some are rather agressive no matter what you try. but as a whole, i think too many folks unnecessarily label battas as too agressive for communities.
all my bettas have been housed with "others" never a problem had. in fact, the bettas were TERRIBLE at guppy fry population-control.
all the best
cheers

 

[Fishyfishfish2010]

i have never had a problem with bettas in a community setting. in fact i think they make nice tankmates with peaceful species like cories or guppies. stay away from fast movers/fin nippers like tetras. the bettas fins might be targeted. they are not very fast (lazy in fact).
what size tank are you looking at for the betta in a community? we could help select appropriate tankmates. always have a backup for the betta tho, *just* in case. some are rather agressive no matter what you try. but as a whole, i think too many folks unnecessarily label battas as too agressive for communities.
all my bettas have been housed with "others" never a problem had. in fact, the bettas were TERRIBLE at guppy fry population-control.
all the best
cheers

i have a 20g and a 30g

 

[Biulu]

I would go for the 20 gallon then. As said before, cories are your safest bet for the bottom. You can easily have around 10 in that set up. Then try a species of rasboras, hengelii or harlequins. This is a shoaling fish, so should be kept in groups. I would take around 12. And then add your betta.

Good luck.