Could I Add Some White Clouds

[littlelk]

I have one male betta in a ~6 gall bowl with a penn plax smallworld filter (aeration on very low) and a 25W thermostat heater.

I was wondering if it would be possible to add a small shoal of whit cloud mountain minnows or is the bowl too small for that?

 

[RandomWiktor]

Sounds a tad small to me, just going by the inch per gallon rule. I'd say no less than 10g if you want bettas in with other fish anyways, as they're quite territorial, and to get the degree of planting you'd need to stave off potential problems, the bowl's space would be further reduced. Also, I believe WCMM's would do better in somehting with a greater surface area for oxygen than a bowl, which is generally a poor choice for just about anything but bettas.

 

[Gill]

WCMM are one of the toughest little fish, and get on great with fighters.

 

[littlelk]

hmm... two conflicting views.

The bowl diameter where the water surface is is about 10.5 inches which is about 86 sq inches if that is any help

 

[lisie]

I agree that it's too small. WCMMs may be tough, but I think they need more room to swiml around (from what I remember they need to be in a group and are quite active), and overstocking will affect the water quality which is important for the betta. Maybe you could get some shrimp (provided your betta doesn't eat them) or an apple snail instead?

 

[RandomWiktor]

Gill said they'd get along well, not that the tank size was ideal (or sufficient). Trust me on this one - bettas are really the only fish who can safely be kept in bowls. Unless you want to degrade your water quality or force the White Clouds to live in less than ideal conditions, it would be preferable to select an invertebrate you like, or consider getting a tank for the minnows and betta.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

but this bowl is 6 gallons. id say if it is well planted and only well planted you could add a small shoal (4-5) of WCMMs.

 

[ezrock]

and, the person also said it was with a filter too. not sure myself if its a good idea to add the WCMM, but if you do, its probably best to turn that filter up. imo, bettas dont mind movement from filtration. I have a plakat girl in a net within a 10 gallon and she's right across from where the filter outflow is and shes always in great condition, very often being barred up too!

-Ian

 

[RandomWiktor]

but this bowl is 6 gallons. id say if it is well planted and only well planted you could add a small shoal (4-5) of WCMMs.

Again, as fishkiller no more said, the issue is bowl. Most fish require a greater surface area for oxygen exchange than a bowl can offer, and prefer longer swimming distances than a bowl can offer.

 

[scubadoo]

but this bowl is 6 gallons. id say if it is well planted and only well planted you could add a small shoal (4-5) of WCMMs.

Please listen to the advice from the others on this post.
Some members here post loads (in very short periods) - which may make you think they know something, but a high post count doesn't equal knowledge.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yeah I'd say no as well, personally I don't advise putting any other fish in with betta's..... a few shrimp or snails maybe if he's peaceful but that's quite a big if. If you really want WCMM get yourself a tank that's about 10g minimum and have them in that. Or better still a 20g community for them and some friends.

 

[jollysue]

 

[littlelk]

well there seems some quite conflicting views, not just here but elsewhere. From that I take that even if it isn't a definate no, it is definately risky, and I'd rather not risk it so I guess it's no WCMM for me.
I'm not a fan of shrimp (I find them creepy) and to be honest I don't much see the point of snails, are there any other options?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Here's a link to a good pinned topic about acceptable tankmates